Best xow Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

xow is an open-source Linux userspace driver for Microsoft's Xbox One Wireless Adapter and compatible Xbox controllers. It provides controller connectivity through the USB dongle, but the project is no longer maintained and has been superseded by xone.

Developer: Medusalix Price: Free 🎯 github.com/medusalix/xow

🔓 Open Source 🐧 Linux game controllers input drivers

Top 6 xow alternatives

xone

Medusalix

💡 Pick it for maintained Linux support and better compatibility with newer Xbox controllers.

xone is an open-source Linux kernel driver for Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Adapter. It is the...

Pros

Maintained successor to xow
Supports Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers
Works with the Xbox Wireless Adapter and wired USB connections

Cons

Installation is more involved than Steam Input
Requires compatible Linux kernel support
Firmware setup can be confusing for new users

Free

Alternatives to xone → Visit site

xpadneo

atar-axis

💡 Pick it when you use Xbox controllers over Bluetooth instead of Microsoft's wireless dongle.

xpadneo is an open-source Linux driver for Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers connected over Bluetooth. It adds controller-specific mappings, rumble support,...

Pros

Strong Bluetooth support for Xbox controllers on Linux
Better mappings and rumble behavior than generic drivers
Supports newer Xbox One and Xbox Series models

Cons

Does not replace xow for the Xbox Wireless Adapter
Bluetooth pairing can require troubleshooting
Features depend on the host Bluetooth adapter and kernel

Free

Alternatives to xpadneo → Visit site

Steam Input

Valve

💡 Pick it for convenient game-specific remapping rather than low-level Xbox dongle support.

Steam Input is Valve’s controller configuration system for mapping gamepads to game controls, keyboard keys, mouse actions, and desktop commands. It is...

Pros

Free with extensive controller and game support
Offers community-created configurations
Supports advanced layers, action sets, and gyro controls

Cons

Requires Steam for its main configuration workflow
More complex to configure than Enjoyable
Desktop mappings are less focused than dedicated utilities

Free

Alternatives to Steam Input → Visit site

xboxdrv

Ingo Ruhnke

💡 Pick it for advanced Linux controller scripting and keyboard or mouse emulation.

xboxdrv is an open-source userspace driver for Xbox and compatible game controllers on Linux. It offers advanced button mapping, virtual controller creation,...