I Tried the Best Mobile Game Controllers That Make Gaming Easy and Comfortable for Hours

The best mobile Gamepads are great tools that allow you to play compatible games for hours. Whether you’re looking for an iPhone or Android controller, we’ve tested all the top picks (that is, we’ve played plenty of games on our phones) and have opinions on each one. Spine makes the best mobile gaming controllers we’ve tried that will work for most people, but we also have solid recommendations for specific uses, like pairing with smart glasses or a tablet.

Be sure to check out our related buying guides, including the Best Cheap Phones, Best Android Phones, Best gaming controllersAnd Best MagSafe accessories.

Best mobile gaming controller

THE Spine 1 is as easy to recommend as it is to use. Insert the connector (USB-C or Lightning) into your phone and stretch the controller on its back. The buttons and triggers are clicky and responsive, and the controller is comfortable for multi-hour gaming sessions without being too bulky. It also has direct charging, a screenshot or screen record button, a mute button, and a headphone jack.

Part of what makes all Backbone controllers so great is the manufacturer’s design. software and additional features. The controller supports a number of gaming apps and services, and the companion app is fantastic (although not required). My favorite part is the list of recommended games with controller support. You can also use the app to message and chat with your friends, stream directly to Twitch, record and edit videos in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and more. Some of these features are locked behind a Backbone+ subscription, which costs $40 per year. The subscription is nice, but you don’t need it to have a great experience. The controller is also available in some limited edition styles or platform-dedicated versions like PlayStation Edition, but the differences are cosmetic.

Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna and Steam Link

Best Improved Mobile Gaming Controller

The Backbone Pro expands on all the features I loved about the Backbone One. The Pro is slightly larger, grippier, and more comfortable, and even though my hands are small, I imagine it’s easier to hold for people with larger hands. It has a quieter, more premium feel, and it still has the headphone port and pass-through charging capabilities of the One. The Pro feels as ergonomic as a console controller to me, with no drawbacks or compromises. I liked the full-size joysticks, programmable rear buttons, and Hall effect rear triggers.

The Backbone Pro also has Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can use it with your compatible phone, tablet, laptop, VR headset and smart TVs. You can connect to multiple devices simultaneously and switch between them with a single tap. If you’re serious about mobile gaming or want a comfortable controller that can switch between your devices seamlessly, I recommend the Backbone Pro. I think it’s worth buying one carrying case like thishowever, to store it.

Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna and Steam Link

Best Magnetic Mobile Game Controller

Ohsnap’s Mcon controller has a few quirks, but its overall concept is neat. The MagSafe controller attaches to the back of your iPhone or Android phone (a magnetic ring is included for Android users, although Ohsnap recommends using a MagSafe Case). Press the Eject button to pop out your phone, almost like you would an old-school T-Mobile companion, and reveal the D-pad, joystick, and buttons below. You can also remove the entire magnetic component and use the built-in kickstand to support your phone while controlling it with the device’s separate controller half. There are handles that you can lower and remove for added stability if you prefer to have a more traditional design rather than playing with a rectangular controller. The Mcon pairs with your phone via Bluetooth and has minimal latency, with recessed controllers and easy-to-press buttons.

There are a myriad of Mcon accessories that are neat, like the Key players Or Dockwhich can charge your controller (via USB-C) and stream your phone’s screen to a monitor or TV. I could see this device being particularly convenient for travel, given its compact size that allows you to slip it into your pocket, which is not the case for most of the controllers in this guide. This is also a great option if you prefer to play on your phone but not while you’re gaming. holding your phone.

As for the aforementioned quirks, keep in mind that it’s very compact: it felt heavy with my iPhone 17 connected, and I found it a little uncomfortable to use after a few hours of gaming (and my hands are small). It also has no direct charge. In practice, I don’t use this controller often, but it has some good specific use cases.

Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Steam Link, Xbox and PS Remote Play and Nvidia GeForce Now

Best Hall Effect Mobile Game Controller

If you crave that console feel but want the cradle style to hold your smartphone, try the GameSir G8 Galileo. It’s a good size, comfortable for long gaming sessions, and feels like a real Xbox controller (with a thumbstick and button layout to match). You can slide phones up to 7.28 inches tall into the mount, and the USB-C connector swivels for your convenience. Because you connect via USB-C, you don’t need to worry about Bluetooth and it feels very responsive with virtually no lag. GameSir has packed a lot into it, including Hall effect sticks and triggers, pass-through charging, a 3.5-millimeter audio jack, and two rear paddles.

All buttons are fully mappable, there is a multi-function button and you can switch between touchscreen mode, Android mode and PlayStation mode by pressing the top two buttons. The faceplates are magnetic, so it’s easy to remove them and turn off your sticks (GameSir provides one each of the small, large, and dome styles in the box). I played Grimvalor And Call of Duty: Mobile for a few hours, and other than my phone getting hot, it was a smooth experience. A rapid explosion of Cyberpunk 2077 has proven itself to be a solid controller for remote play as well. On the other hand, it is bulky, the GameSir application is flaky and there is no haptics. —Simon Hill

Officially works with Android, iPhone USB-C, PlayStation and Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link, Nvidia GeForce Now and Amazon Luna

Best mobile game controller for tablets

This slider controller is similar to the GameSir G8 Galileo in that it looks like a regular controller split in half with a holder in the middle for your phone to connect via USB-C. The reason to spend more on a Kishi Ultra is the extra space for very large phones or, better yet, a iPadMini or small Android tablet (up to 8 inches). It’s a comfortable controller with clicky microswitch buttons, a circular D-pad, and full-size offset thumbsticks (although they should be Hall effect for this price). I prefer the back paddles to the dual triggers on the shoulders, but it has a 3.5-millimeter headset and USB-C charging ports. There’s also customizable RGB lighting (via Razer’s Chroma RGB software) and decent haptics.

I found the Kishi Ultra extremely comfortable for third-person gaming, and it causes a lot less cramping than compact controllers, but that does mean it’s really bulky. Ultimately, I prefer the Backbone for its portability and the G8 for its back buttons, but the Kishi Ultra is ideal for smaller tablets, helping them compete dedicated portable game consoles. You can remap buttons and customize other elements in the Razer Nexus app and play remotely from your PC using Razer PC Remote Play software. You can also use the Kishi Ultra as a wired controller for your PC or laptop. It’s a shame that it doesn’t officially support Remote Play on PS5. —Simon Hill

Officially works with iPhone and iPad (USB-C), Android and Razer PC Remote Play

Best traditional controller

With a unique combination of features, thoughtful retro design, and solid performance, all at a reasonable price, this is the best traditional mobile controller for most people. The D-pad is too often a disappointment in phone controllers, but not here. The buttons are satisfyingly clicky and the analog sticks are responsive (be sure to get the latest version with the Hall effect sticks). I love the subtly textured back, which adds grip. There are dual shoulder triggers with two smart programmable buttons around the back so you can keep your thumbs on the sticks. This Bluetooth controller can connect to four devices, so you can easily switch between Nintendo Switch, MacBook, Android, iPhone and Windows PC, or you can connect with a cable using the controller’s USB-C port. Just make sure you have a 8Bitdo mobile clip to go with it.

The 8BitDd Pro 2 contains a rechargeable battery that lasts around 20 hours, but it is removable, allowing you to swap two AA batteries if you prefer. To further sweeten the deal, the 8Bitdo Ultimate Software app for Android Or iOS allows you to remap buttons; adjust the sensitivity of the stick, trigger and vibration; and even configure custom macros in your favorite mobile games. All this controller is missing is support for PlayStation and Xbox. —Simon Hill

Officially works with Nintendo Switch, Windows (Steam), Mac, Android and iPhone

Best Improved Traditional Controller

The latest version of Gulikit’s King Kong controller is the 3 Max. Resembling a Switch Pro controller, it’s durable, with a textured finish on the back for added grip. I found it particularly comfortable, even for long sessions. The silky-smooth joysticks and satisfyingly clickable (non-mechanical) buttons make it a joy to use, and the D-pad is decent. Just like its predecessor, it has electromagnetic Hall effect joysticks designed to combat drift. There’s also a programmable button for Auto-Pilot Gaming (APG), allowing you to record up to 10 minutes of gameplay and press the button to repeat. The vibration is strong with three modes, and there is a six-axis gyroscope to Nintendo Switch games.

Gulikit added four removable metal paddle slots on the back, and you get three pairs in the box. There’s a pluggable dongle for latency-free gaming on a Windows PC, a USB-C port for wired gaming or charging, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Gulikit KK3 Max has a 950mAh battery (slightly smaller than its predecessor) that’s good for up to 24 hours, but you’ll only get about a third of that with all the bells and whistles on. I liked to play Grimvalor on Android and Destiny: eternal on PC.

The lack of a companion app is good and bad; there is a learning curve to calibrate features and firmware updates must be manual. On the other hand, who wants another app? The controller comes with a fitted, molded, translucent carrying case with just enough room for the cable as well. —Simon Hill

Officially works with Android, iPhone, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS and SteamOS

Best mobile gaming controller for smart glasses

The battle for big TV can be a real problem for gamers, but the best smart glasses offer extensive virtual displays. Since Viture makes the best smart glasses for gamers, this partnership with 8Bitdo caught my attention. The two have previously collaborated on the Ultimate Bluetooth Controller Cbut this stand design is a big step forward, allowing you to plug in your phone via USB-C and plug your Viture glasses into a separate USB-C port. There is another USB-C port for direct charging. Gaming is a breeze with those Hall effect triggers and joysticks, and there are two back buttons and a solid D-Pad. Everything feels satisfying and responsive, with a nice clicky feel.

I found the Viture x 8Bitdo Ultimate mobile gaming controller comfortable for a long gaming session. Asphalt 9, and it worked very well with Diablo Immortalbut you might experience issues with some games. You can use 8Bitdo software to map and customize the feel, and Viture offers a game launcher called GamePal. You’ll need an Android device running Android 13 and above and with DisplayPort Alt mode (DP over USB-C) to use this controller with the Viture Glasses, but you can only use it as a mobile controller if the device supports USB-C OTG. —Simon Hill

Officially works with Android (13 or later)

More controllers we tested

Gulikit Elves 2 Pro for $40: The shape is reminiscent of old Sega controllers, but the vintage similarities end there. Gulikit has equipped this Bluetooth controller with Hall effect joysticks, nine vibration levels and six-axis gyroscopic motion control. The shoulder buttons are nice and clicky, and the 8-way floating D-pad is suitable for fighting games and platformers, although it and the four front buttons use a membrane. It’s compact, so I found it a little uncomfortable to use for long periods of time, even though I have large hands. —Simon Hill

Asus ROG Tessen for $98: My enthusiasm for a mobile controller from Asus waned pretty quickly when I started using the ROG Tessen. It features a neat foldable design, responsive controls, and direct charging. I liked the programmable rear paddles and the RGB lighting to brighten things up. But the controllers quickly felt uncomfortable and the buttons proved a bit noisy. This is also Android only and does not work with any iPhones (even USB-C iPhones). —Simon Hill

Gamesir X4 spoiler for $100: This controller has a lot going for it, including a compact design, RGB lighting, Hall effect sticks, and tactile buttons. It comes in two parts, which is great for folding it neatly, but that means you have to attach one side and then the other, and that can be finicky. It’s not a bad effort, but there are better options above. —Simon Hill

Crkd Atom Controller for $20: This tiny little controller is a gimmick, but it works. It’s cute and pocket-sized with a battery life of 10 hours. If you want to be ready to hop on the game at a moment’s notice, its keychain size might be a good solution.

8Bitdo SN30 Pro for $40: Evoking memories of the Super Nintendo, this controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS and Switch. It has built-in rumble, a solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port. —Simon Hill

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