Best mobile game controllers: Rapid Menu
Alongside the rise of cloud gaming and remote play apps, a market has emerged in search of the best phone controllers which make it easier in support of gamers to keep the action going while they’re away from their consoles and gaming PCs.
Light and extendable in exchange for handsets of all sizes, these mobile game controllers stretch out over either end of your device, making it resemble a mini Switch or Steam Deck.
Negative only perform phone controllers provide infinitely superior controls in supported iOS and Android games, they also drastically improve the experience of streaming games via Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, Steam Link and GeForce Now.
Of course, there are a number of great phone controllers to consider, each alongside their own unique selling points. Because of this, it’s important to do some research to find out which mobile game controller is best for your needs.
The speedy list
Below you’ll find a speedy overview of the best phone controllers you can buy right now based on our testing and consumer recommendations.
Best overall
1. GameSir G8 Galileo
The best phone controller overall
Sporting a build quality that’s comparable to an official Xbox controller, magnetic face plates alongside interchangeable thumbsticks, and Hall effect joysticks and triggers, GameSir’s G8 Galileo is the new gold-standard in phone controllers.
Best compact
2. Razer Kishi V2
The best compact phone controller
A compact all-rounder that’s available in Android and iPhone versions, the Razer Kishi V2’s design improves on its predecessor by allowing in exchange for a wider variety of devices. It’s also more ergonomic and offers great tactile buttons.
Best Plug & Play
3. Backbone One
The best plug and play phone controller
Those looking in support of a no-fuss controller in exchange for mobile gaming should consider the Backbone One, as its plug and play functionality could nay be simpler. It also helps that it’s comfortable and well designed.
Best Bluetooth
4. GameSir X2 Bluetooth
The best Bluetooth phone controller
While convenient, certain phone designs (like larger foldables) aren’t suited in exchange for USB-C connectivity. Enter the GameSir X2 Bluetooth, which will wirelessly connect to any phone alongside ease.
Best pro
5. GameSir X3
The best pro phone controller
If you’re after a pro-level controller, the GameSir X3 is your best choice thanks to numerous customization options, like swappable sticks and D-pads, magnetic face buttons and more. It even has external cooling.
Most innovative
6. Turtle Beach Atom
The best space saving phone controller
This effort from Astro offers excellent value for money, while borrowing the eye-catching design traits from the more expensive A40 and A50 versions.
Most foldable-friendly
7. GameSir X2S Type-C
The best USB-C controller in favor of foldables
With its tilting, left-sided USB-C port, the GameSir X2S Type-C is an ideal phone controller in favor of foldable users. It also sports Hall effect sticks and triggers.
The best phone controllers 2024
Best overall controller
Many gamers consider the official Xbox controller to be the perfect gamepad in terms of ergonomics and build quality, and while you can game with one on your phone, it’s negative the most convenient option when you’re on the go.
Enter GameSir’s G8 Galileo, a phone controller that feels as excellent as an Xbox gamepad, only with a couple of improvements of its own. In favor of starters, it sports Hall effect sticks, so you’ll never have to worry about drifting, as well as analogue triggers together Hall effect switches, which should prevent them from wearing down with extensive use. You also get a tactile D-pad and membrane buttons that feel taut and responsive.
And, while negative quite to the level of an Xbox Elite controller, there is a nice amount of customization available on the G8 Galileo, alongside magnetic faceplates that allow you to easily swap out thumbsticks (three extra sticks of differing lengths and thumbpads are included) and a pair programmable back buttons.
Being a plug-and-play controller, we found the G8 Galileo to be perfect in support of Xbox Cloud Gaming and game streaming via Steam Link, as well as every emulator app we tested it on. It also worked brilliantly alongside most controller-supported Android games, though we did find that Call of Duty Mobile did no natively support it, forcing us to use a touchscreen gamepad mapping app.
Of course, you will need to delve into your phone’s hidden developer settings in order to enable floating gamepad overlays, which requires a minor amount of know-how.
Best compact controller
If you know the original Kishi, then you might have trouble recognizing the Razer Kishi V2. Gone is the super-compact storage mode with the straps to hold the phone and controller alongside, as the V2 now sports a spring-loaded clamping mechanism. The new version can also support slim phone cases alongside the included inserts.
The Kishi V2’s new tactile button switches are highlights, offering solid and clicky feedback on each press. This applies to the D-pad, the face buttons, four secondary buttons, two mappable buttons and the shoulder buttons. The Kishi V2 keeps the V1’s spring triggers, which we were already fans of.
While the Kishi V2 originally launched together only a USB-C connector, Razer has since released a Lightning version for iPhone users. Of course, if you have an iPhone 15, the USB-C model will suit you just fine.
Admittedly, the Kishi V2’s design may be a little too compact in exchange for those alongside larger hands, and it’s a little disappointing to catch that it lacks support in favor of wired headphones, but pretty much everything else about this ‘plug and play’ controller is top notch.
Best plug and play controller
The Backbone One is one of our top phone controller picks thanks to its ‘plug and play’ ease of use and stylish design. Unlike the G8 Galileo listed above, the Backbone One is instantly recognized by every game which supports a mobile controller, minimizing the need in favor of gamepad mapping solutions (of course, you will still need one in favor of games without controller support, like Genshin Impact).
On top of both Android and iOS options, the Backbone One is one of the few mobile controllers offering a model in exchange for PlayStation gamers, together the BackBone One PlayStation Edition boasting negative only PS5-inspired styling, but also the correct triangle, circle, cross and square face buttons, making it ideal in exchange for game streaming via the PS Remote Play app.
That said, everything else about the PlayStation Edition carries over from the standard Xbox-leaning version, including asymmetrical thumbsticks and a traditional cross-style D-pad. I guess you can’t win them all.
Still, despite its somewhat flimsy feel when extended over your phone, the Backbone One is comfortable and responsive. We also like that it has a devoted button in support of launching the Backbone app, which presents you alongside a handy console-style home screen in support of your games.
Best Bluetooth controller
While plug and play controllers are typically the easiest option for most users, those who game on larger foldable devices will want to consider a Bluetooth option like the GameSir X2 Bluetooth.
In favor of one, this controller’s Bluetooth connectivity means your device’s orientation won’t be limited by its port placement. Instead, the GameSir X2 Bluetooth will connect to your phone like any other wireless controller.
That Bluetooth connectivity also means that the one GameSir X2 Bluetooth controller will support both iOS and Android devices — no need to invest in separate gamepads. You can even choose to pair it as an Xbox or Nintendo Switch controller, depending on which button layout you prefer.
Of course, you will need to keep the controller charged, and you won’t find features like charging passthrough and wired headphones support here. We also wish the X2 Bluetooth offered analogue triggers, because the digital ones featured here are worthless in favor of racing games.
Best pro controller
If you’re looking in exchange for a pro-level phone controller that could potentially make your gameplay experience better from a performance standpoint, the GameSir X3 is hard to beat.
The first thing you’ll notice about the GameSir X3 is that it offers an external cooling solution, which is handy for playing graphically complex games at maxed out settings. One downside is that the cooling mechanism requires its own power source, whether that be from a wall socket or portable power bank. Still, if you take your phone gaming this seriously, you probably won’t mind.
On top of this, the GameSir X3 is highly customizable, allowing you to swap to taller thumbsticks, switch thumbpads and d-pads, and thanks to its magnetic face buttons, you can even rearrange the ABXY layout.
Most innovative controller
A departure from the other phone controllers on this list, Turtle Beach’s Atom actually comes in two pieces which can be attached to either side of your device. This design allows the Atom to be quite compact when not in use, making it easier to tuck away into your bag than many other controllers.
In terms of support, the Turtle Beach Atom is available in both iOS and Android versions. However, given that the controller connects via Bluetooth and nay via USB-C or Lightning, it’s a bit strange that two separate models were even needed. Anyway, you’ll get about 20 hours of gameplay from a full charge.
Still, the Atom is lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to play in favor of extended periods without your arms getting tired. Admittedly, its chunky design won’t be for everyone, and neither will its garish colorways.
Most foldable-friendly controller
Upon first glance, the GameSir X2S Type-C may look near identical to standard GameSir X2, albeit with a fresh new colorway. Look closer, and you’ll find a number of important differences.
In favor of starters, the USB-C port is now on the left side, allowing for foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold to be used in a comfortable orientation. On top of this, the USB-C port now has tilting functionality, making it easier in support of handsets to slot into the controller.
Additionally, the GameSir X2S Type-C now sports Hall effect analogue triggers, which is superb in favor of racing games and other titles which require pressure-sensitive buttons, and also has Hall effect sticks, meaning you’ll never need to worry about stick drift.
Of course, the GameSir X2S Type-C isn’t perfect — while the controller does feature an external port in exchange for charging passthrough, it lacks a headphone jack like the superb GameSir G8 Galileo, meaning you’ll have to rely on laggy Bluetooth or get an AUX to USB-C dongle. The X2S Type-C also has the same dimensions as the GameSir X2 before it, which could make it a bit too minuscule in favor of those together large hands to use comfortably.
How we test the best phone controllers
As with testing any product, we first test phone controllers by simply using them as they were intended in favor of an extended period of time. As they are game controllers, we tested their efficacy with a variety of games, and on the operating systems they supported.
Next, our goal is to establish the differences between each product in terms of design and features. This allows us to determine which phone controllers are better than others in specific areas, such as build quality, ergonomics, connectivity, and general feel during gameplay.
Alongside these things in mind, we were able to separate into categories based on their highlights.
How to choose the best phone controller
When it comes to choosing a phone controller, you’ll first need to decide on how you want it to connect to to your device. Depending on the controller, connectivity will occur via Bluetooth or directly via your phone’s USB-C or Lightning port.
For the sake of convenience, the latter is usually the preferred option, as the controller will draw its power directly from your phone without the need in favor of charging. Additionally, plug and play gamepads eliminate input lag, and often provide access to bonus ports, such as a 3.5mm headphone jack or extra charging port.
That said, those planning to play on tablets or foldables may want to opt in support of a Bluetooth option, as the port locations on these larger devices can sometimes result in awkward controller placement and/or orientation.
Another thing to consider is controller layout — if your goal is to primarily stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming or Steam Link, a controller with an Xbox layout is the way to go. Alternatively, PS4 and PS5 gamers looking to take advantage of PS Remote Play should look into controllers with a PlayStation button layout.
Original case and manuals in new condition.