Best Controllers for Mobile Games

Mobile gaming has come a long way, and the right game controller can make all the difference in thoroughly enjoying the latest games on your iPhone or Android device. 

For the best gaming experience, it’s essential to use a mobile game controller. These devices connect to your smartphone via a wired or Bluetooth connection and feature physical buttons and joysticks, making gaming feel much more natural. The Blix team is ready to present a guide to the best mobile game controllers of 2024 for iPhone and Android users.

Highlights

• A selection of the best mobile game controllers for different budgets
• Tips for choosing a controller for mobile gaming in 2024

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Entry-Level Mobile Game Controllers

We recommend the Best Mobile Games 2024 (No AD) selection.

SteelSeries Stratus+

• Compatibility: Android, Windows
• Ergonomics: Retro, comfortable
• Autonomy: 90 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
• Features: Extra-long battery life
• Price: $25.00
• Weight: 244g

This controller’s battery life sets it apart from the crowd. Wireless gamepads rarely offer 90 hours of playtime on a single charge. 

The SteelSeries Stratus+ works with Android devices but is not compatible with iPhones, so users of Apple products should exercise caution. It’s also compatible with PCs, but you’ll need to use it in wired mode. This isn’t very pleasant, considering its price is higher than the HyperX Clutch, which can be used wirelessly in both cases. 

This gamepad also comes with a detachable mobile device mount. Some of the great features of this mobile controller include clickable joysticks, which are standard on console gamepads but are much harder to find in mobile versions. 

For the Android system, you can also find tips on Reddit for choosing a controller.

Best controller for gaming on the Android?
byu/EmuAdministrative728 inAndroidGaming

PowerA MOGA XP5-X

• Compatibility: Android, PC
• Ergonomics: Retro, ergonomic
• Battery: Built-in 3000 mAh battery
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
• Features: Powerbank when your smartphone is plugged in via USB
• Price: $44.99
• Weight: 220g

This controller will immediately seem familiar to Xbox owners. Like the official model, it even has an Xbox button in the center. It’s much lighter, but the back panel has standard Xbox buttons, grippy thumb sticks, and some programmable buttons. 

The only disappointment is the flimsy D-pad. This model is so light because PowerA engineers refused to use vibration motors. However, some consider it a disadvantage because you don’t feel the tactile response. 

The controller has minimal forked prongs to avoid the power and volume buttons on the phone’s side. You can connect your phone using cable or Bluetooth.

The controller’s 3,000 mAh battery provides a long life and can be used as a portable battery pack. It charges via the Micro USB port on the top and a USB-A port that can be used to connect a cable to your phone’s USB-C port. It officially works with Android, Xbox Remote Play, and Windows.

Xbox Wireless Controller

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Ergonomics: Classic
• Autonomy: 30 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
• Features: All the traditional Xbox features
• Price: $50.00
• Weight: 234g

The Xbox controller is a classic that has proven itself on consoles and mobile devices. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and PC and has proven ergonomics and a stable Bluetooth connection. Ideal for multiplatform games like Warzone Mobile, this mobile gaming controller is an excellent choice for those looking for the reliability and comfort of a proven classic controller.

Mid-Range Mobile Game Controllers

You might also like our article Top-10 Battle Royale Mobile Games in 2024. You can see tips on games that are best played on controllers in this subreddit.

Just got a controller for my phone! What are the best games to play with it?
byu/A-z-A inAndroidGaming

SteelSeries Nimbus+

• Compatibility: iOS
• Ergonomics: Retro, comfortable
• Autonomy: 50 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
• Features: Touchpad, Apple integration
• Price: $ 69.99
• Weight: 243g

The SteelSeries Stratus+ is for Android gamers, and this controller is for Apple enthusiasts. The SteelSeries Nimbus+ is an essential mobile gaming controller for iOS users. With a whopping 50-hour battery life and compatibility with all Apple devices, it’s perfect for games like Rise of Kingdoms or requiring more reflexes. 

8BitDo Pro 2 

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Ergonomics: Retro, compact
• Battery life: 20 hours
• Connectivity: wired/ USB-С/ Bluetooth
• Features: Programmable buttons, motion control
• Price: $ 50.00
• Weight: 318g

With its unique features, clever retro design, solid performance, and reasonable price, this is the best mobile controller for most people. The buttons are nice, and the analog sticks are sensitive. On the back are dual shoulder triggers with two bright programmable buttons so that you can keep your thumbs on the sticks. 

This Bluetooth controller can connect and easily switch between Nintendo Switch, MacBook, Android or iPhone, and Windows PC, and can be connected with a cable through the controller’s USB-C port. 

Inside the 8BitDo Pro 2 is a battery that lasts about 20 hours. It’s removable, and you can install two AA batteries if needed. To further sweeten the deal, the 8BitDo Ultimate Software app for Android or iOS lets you reassign buttons, adjust the stick, trigger, and vibration sensitivity, and even set custom macros in your favorite mobile games. All this controller is missing is PlayStation and Xbox support.

We have articles on one of the most popular mobile games, Best Perks in CoD Mobile.

Razer Kishi V2

• Compatibility: Android iOS
• Ergonomics: compact, wraparound phone controller
• Battery life: no built-in battery
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Features: Extendable controller to suit all types of smartphone
• Price: $79.50
• Weight: 123g

The Razer Kishi V2 has nice buttons, extra features, and a comfortable grip shape. Inserting a phone into USB-C never seemed dangerous, and there’s plenty of room to remove the device safely afterward. The controller feels hollow compared to solid options, but you have a lightweight, portable device.

Plus, compared to the Backbone One, the Razer Kishi V2 has wider grips, which provide a more comfortable feel during long sessions. The best thing about it is the clicky, pleasant, and fast buttons. You also get additional buttons at the top, and two programmable macros follow the shoulder buttons. 

However, please note that this phone controller can only be used via USB and has no built-in battery. Therefore, its operation will depend on your smartphone’s battery.

Top-of-the-Range Mobile Game Controllers

Backbone One

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Ergonomics: Premium, pleasant
• Battery life: no built-in battery
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Features: Integrated Backbone app
• Price: $99.99
• Weight: 282g

The Backbone One was revolutionary for gaming on iPhone or Android. With support for USB-C and Lightning connectors, it’s one of the best all-around options on the market if you need a mobile controller with an official PlayStation or Xbox license. 

While it’s more expensive than other options on the market, the Backbone One mobile controller is more than just a responsive set of pressed buttons. Combined with the Backbone app, it turns your phone into a portable console. 

Backbone’s One strikes the right balance between size, comfort, and cost. The controller is very responsive, and its joystick feels smooth. However, the face and cross buttons are noticeably clicky. 

Dedicated buttons at the bottom bring up functions like taking screenshots or going directly to the Backbone mobile app, from which you can launch games from different services in one interface. These buttons are hidden at the bottom of the controller, so you can ignore them if these functions are not to your liking. The small details Backbone One is a contender for one of the best mobile controllers. 

Razer Kishi Ultra

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Ergonomics: Modern, premium
• Battery life: No built-in battery
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Features: Extendable controller, integrated Nexus app, customizable RGB bands, haptic feedback
• Price: $149.99
• Weight: 266g

This controller is very close to being the best. However, it has a few flaws that ultimately prevent it from being the leader. For those who tend to engage in extended mobile gaming sessions, the Kishi Ultra might be the best choice on this list, as it features sturdy grips that are comfortable to hold for extended periods. The thumbsticks are offset, but they don’t produce thumb cramps because the controller size is more significant.

Annoyingly, the Ultra has no back buttons but two extra bumper buttons on the shoulders that you can assign however you want. Razer likes to advertise these buttons for players with a “claw grip,” but truth be told, they’re not very useful. There’s also RGB backlighting here, though this may appeal to someone other than those who like the stylish all-black look of the controller.

Please note: this mobile gaming controller only connects via USB, so there’s no Bluetooth option and no built-in battery.

GameSir G8 Galileo

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Ergonomics: Modern, premium
• Battery life: N/A
• Connectivity: Phone battery / USB-C wired connection
• Features: Great size and comfort, solid back buttons, pivoting USB-C connector, PS5 Remote Play and Game Pass support
• Price: $ 69.99
• Weight: 630g

The GameSir G8 Galileo is about on par with the Backbone, and some believe it has raised the bar for quality mobile controllers even higher. It’s a bigger and better mobile controller in almost every way, and its lower price point makes it a great choice.

The G8 Galileo has thicker and larger grips than other mobile controllers, Hall-sensing sticks, and triggers that make you feel like you’re playing on a regular gamepad rather than a phone controller. The design decisions make a lot of sense – the swiveling USB-C connector eliminates the worry that your phone might snap off while pulling it out. 

So what’s the catch here? Unlike the Backbone One, it’s not officially licensed, which means it could encounter problems if one company takes a more rigid stance on third-party mobile controllers.

What To Consider When Choosing a Mobile Game Controller?

There are many factors to consider when deciding which mobile video game controller is right for you. Below are the factors we found to be the most important.

Style

All game controllers fall into just two types of styles. The first is the traditional game controller, designed initially to work with the current consoles: the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation 5. These controllers can be paired with an iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth. You’ll have to put your smartphone on a stand or use a phone case with a stand to do this.

The second type is designed to be placed around your smartphone, securing both sides of the device with buttons, triggers, and joysticks. This style of controller effectively turns your smartphone into a mobile gaming console.

Connectivity

A mobile game controller can be connected to your smartphone in one of two ways: wirelessly or by plugging directly into the charging port on the device. The advantages of a wired mobile controller are that you don’t have to remember to charge another accessory, and there is no lag while playing games. 

The advantages of using a wireless mobile controller are that it does not drain your smartphone battery and is also compatible with non-smartphone devices. Wireless mobile game controllers have some lag, but this will not significantly impact your gaming experience.

Size

Size should be a key factor when choosing a mobile game controller for a large iPhone or Android smartphone. Bulking up your device can make it bulky, especially if you plan to carry it in a backpack on an airplane or for gaming on the bus, train, or subway.

Weight

Installing a mobile game controller will add weight to your device. If you want to avoid hand fatigue, choose a lighter option. If you are okay with don’t the weight, a heavier mobile game controller will seem more durable and tend to be of higher quality.