Touchscreen controls are fine for mobile gaming, but nothing beats that feeling of analog buttons and physical joysticks. Controllers offer superior feedback, and you don’t need a console to use one. With a controller connected to your phone or tablet, you’ll never return to the touchscreen again.
Update 12-06-2025:We’ve reviewed our recommendations and have replaced our pick for the best mobile controller for Android.
Razer Kishi V3
What to Look for in a Mobile Gaming Controller
There’s more to finding the right mobile gaming controller than good buttons. How do you know your pick will even work with your phone? Ideally, you want to focus on compatibility, features, and comfort—preferably in that order.
Being sure the controller is compatible is of the utmost importance. Some controllers have separate models for Android and iOS, meaning you could purchase a controller that doesn’t work for you. However, with USB-C charging becoming more standardized, it’s less likely that you’ll find a mobile controller that’s compatible with only one platform or the other.
What features should you consider? Fitting your phone is certainly important, especially if it accommodates your case. Having a headphone jack is useful; otherwise, you’ll have to switch towireless earbuds. You also want to look out for passthrough charging, which lets you charge your phone and game at the same time.
Lastly, the best mobile controllers tend to provide comfort and feedback. Look for rounded edges, clicky buttons, and textured grips. That kind of ergonomic design goes a long way if you plan on gaming regularly on your phone.
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Hall effect joysticks and triggers
GameSir app is Android-only
Turns your phone into a proper gaming device
Latency isn’t a problem due to a direct connection
The most positive aspect of theGameSir G8 Galileois its design, which resembles that of an Xbox controller rather than the Switch-like, rectangular controllers. Not that those types of controllers aren’t comfortable—the Backbone One and Razer Kishi V2 are shining examples—but the G8 feels more natural.
Speaking of the controls, GameSir G8 Galileo is rocking hall effect joysticks and triggers, eliminating drifting in the joysticks and offering superior response time in the triggers. The extra two back buttons are a welcome addition, as is the grippy texture around the handles.
Lastly, the GameSir G8 Galileo has passthrough charging and a headset jack, which lets you charge your device and continue gaming. The pivoting connector is also an ingenious design, given that it can move around to fit different phone sizes, ultimately avoiding any bending that happens over time.
GameSir G8 Galileo Mobile Gaming Controller
The GameSir G8 Galileo essentially took the best parts of a console controller and molded it to fit smartphones. It even features hall effect joysticks and triggers for unmatched responsiveness.
Up to 20 hours of battery life
Phone clip is sold separately
Textured grips to prevent slipping
Great retro design
The feeling of a full controller can’t be beaten, and you only look to our best overall controller to see its influence—but it can be expensive. The8Bitdo Pro 2is just the kind of budget-friendly controller that makes mobile gaming even more fun and lets you save some cash for more video games at the same time.
The 8Bitdo Pro 2 has quite the list of features. For starters, the Hall Effect joysticks are fantastic. Like the GameSir G8 Galileo, they are designed so that drifting isn’t an issue. It’s almost fitting that the 8Bitdo Pro 2 looks like a retro SNES controller, considering the growing list of classics that have been ported to Android and iOS.
The 8Bitdo Pro 2’s best feature is arguably its compatibility. Why stop at mobile gaming? There’s a four-way mode that lets you switch between connected devices, including PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. If it’s strictly mobile gaming, then consider grabbing the8Bitdo Pro 2 Mobile Clip, designed specifically for mounting your phone.
8Bitdo Pro 2
Not only is the 8Bitdo Pro 2 a fantastic budget pick, it’s also one of the best gaming experiences. Grab 8Bitdo’s official phone clip and that experience goes truly mobile.
Buttons have console-like quality and feedback
Thumbsticks are small
Very sturdy bridge
Choose between Xbox and PlayStation face buttons
The 2nd generation of theBackbone Oneis better than ever, so much so that it’s arguably the best option if you own an iPhone, including the iPhone 15. Having a USB-C for direct connection eliminates the worry of latency, and if you need to charge your phone, which you will, it supports passthrough charging, too.
Of course, the Backbone One’s buttons are the crowning jewels here. Both the D-pad and the buttons have the tactile feedback of a dedicated console controller, with notably large, ultra-wide triggers. It makes it incredibly easy to transition to mobile gaming if you’re familiar with consoles.
Aside from the buttons, the Backbone One’s case support has also been massively improved over the first-generation model. The trick is the magnetic adapter included with the controller, which you’ll likely use if youriPhone caseis on the bulky side. Ultimately, it means you don’t have to sacrifice the protection of yourveryexpensive phone for the sake of relaxation
Backbone One (2nd Gen)
Good-feeling buttons, large triggers, and rounded edges, the Backbone One is a comfortable experience over long hours. Backbone has also greatly improved case support, so you can game without sacrificing protection.
Compatibility with wide variety of devices
The controller feels cheap
Opens enough to support most phones with a case on
Pass-through charging
If you want a mobile controller that not only works well with Android, but is compatible with a wide variety of devices, you may’t go wrong with the standardRazer Kishi V3model. Coming in at $100, the Kishi V3 stands toe-to-toe with many other choices on our list.
Razer’s claim to fame with the Kishi V3 is case compatibility. Smartphones are only getting larger, but mobile controllers have a limit to how far you may stretch them out. If you have a big phone with an ‘XL’ in the name, there’s a good chance you need to take the case off to fit it inside the controller—if it even stretches far enough for the it in the first place.
But with the Kishi V3, you’re able to not only fit the biggest phones into the controller but also keep the case on. That makes it easier than a lot of the competition to plug in your smartphone and start playing. The Kishi V3 also has passthrough charging, so you don’t have to remove your device (or even stop playing) to charge it up.
The main problem with the Kishi V3 is that it feels cheap and plastic-y. This may be a deal-breaker for some, as you would expect high-quality materials to be used here, but it’s ultimately a minor complaint made up for by the controller’s performance.
For those looking for a more premium gaming experience, theRazer Kishi V3 Prois available with features like haptic feedback and a built-in audio port. TheKishi V3 Pro XLalso supports bigger tablets, in case that’s your main mobile gaming device. However, the high prices of these models make it hard to recommend to most Android users.
Featuring full-sized TMR thumbsticks for high-precision input and dual mouse click back buttons for faster, more efficient actions, the Razer Kishi V3 is built for gamers who demand more from their mobile setup.
FAQ
What controllers work with my mobile device?
For controllers, it’s on a case-by-case basis. Some controllers, like the GameSir G8 Galileo, support both Android and iOS. Others, like the Razer Kishi V2, have separate models configured for both operating systems.
What’s important is that you read the fine print and double-check the controller supports your operating system and version.
Can I use a PS5 controller with my phone?
Yes, on Android and iOS! To connect a PS5 controller to your phone (or tablet):
Alternatively, you can connect your PS5 controller via USB-C cable and directly connect to your phone.
Can I use an Xbox Core controller with my phone?
Yes! Just like with PS5 controllers, the Xbox Core controller is supported by Android and iOS:
As with the PS5 controller, you can go for a direct connection too, using a USB cable.
Will phone controllers also work with tablets?
It depends on the controller. What you’re looking for is a phone controller that connects wirelessly, by Bluetooth, or one that allows you to directly connect via the USB port on the tablet. The 8Bitdo Pro 2, for example, has Bluetooth and can connect to devices using a cable.
