The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers for iPhone and Android (2026)

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The finest cell gaming controllers are glorious instruments that will let you play suitable video games for hours on finish. Whether you are searching for an iPhone or Android controller, we have examined all the highest picks (aka we have performed a bunch of video games on our telephones) and have opinions on all of them. Backbone makes the most effective cell gaming controllers we have tried that’ll work for most individuals, however we even have strong suggestions for particular makes use of, like for pairing with sensible glasses or a pill.

Make positive to take a look at our associated shopping for guides, together with the Best Cheap Phones, Best Android Phones, Best Gaming Controllers, and Best MagSafe Accessories.

Our Top Picks

Best Mobile Gaming Controller

Backbone One

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Best Upgrade Mobile Gaming Controller

Backbone Pro

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Best Magnetic Mobile Gaming Controller

ohsnap! Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller

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Best Hall-Effect Mobile Gaming Controller

GameSir G8 Galileo

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Best Mobile Gaming Controller

Yellow semi-clear video game controller with long backplate connecting each side. Left side has a joystick and directional pad. Right side has 4 buttons and a joystick.

The Backbone One is as straightforward to advocate as it’s to make use of. Slot the connector—both USB-C or Lightning—into your telephone and stretch the controller over the again. The buttons and triggers are clicky and responsive, and the controller feels snug for hours-long gaming classes with out being too cumbersome. It additionally has pass-through charging, a screenshot or display screen recording button, a mute button, and a headphone jack.

Part of what makes all Backbone controllers so nice is the producer’s software program and extra options. The controller helps quite a few gaming apps and providers, and the companion app is implausible (although not required). My favourite bit is the checklist of really useful video games with controller help. You can even use the app to message and get together chat with your mates, stream on to Twitch, report and edit movies in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and extra. Some of those options are locked behind a Backbone+ membership, which prices $40 per yr. The subscription is sweet, however you do not want it to have an excellent expertise. The controller can be accessible in some limited-edition kinds or platform-dedicated variations like PlayStation Edition, however the variations are beauty.

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

Best Upgrade Mobile Gaming Controller

  • Photograph: Louryn Strampe

  • Photograph: Louryn Strampe

The Backbone Pro expands on the entire options I liked in regards to the Backbone One. The Pro is barely chunkier, grippier, and extra snug, and though my palms are small, I can think about that is simpler to carry for folk with bigger palms. It has a quieter, extra premium really feel, and it nonetheless has the headphone port and pass-through charging capabilities of the One. The Pro feels simply as ergonomic to me as a console controller, with no drawbacks or compromises. I preferred the full-size joysticks, programmable again buttons, and Hall-effect rear triggers.

The Backbone Pro additionally has Bluetooth connectivity, which suggests you need to use it along with your telephone, pill, laptop computer, VR headset, and suitable sensible TVs. You can connect with a number of gadgets concurrently and change between them with only a faucet. If you are severe about cell gaming, otherwise you desire a snug controller that may swap between your gadgets seamlessly, I like to recommend the Backbone Pro. I feel it is price snagging a carrying case like this one, although, to retailer it.

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

Best Magnetic Mobile Gaming Controller

  • Photograph: Louryn Strampe

  • Photograph: Louryn Strampe

ohsnap!

Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller

The Mcon controller from Ohsnap has some quirks, however its normal idea is neat. The MagSafe controller attaches to the again of your iPhone or Android telephone (a magnetic ring is included for Android customers, although Ohsnap recommends utilizing a MagSafe case). Press the Eject button to come out your telephone, nearly such as you would with an old-school T-Mobile Sidekick, and reveal the D-pad, joystick, and buttons under. You can even pop off the complete magnetic part and use the built-in kickstand to prop up your telephone whereas controlling it with the separate controller half of the machine. There are hand grips you possibly can pull down and out for added stability in case you’d fairly have a extra conventional design than taking part in with an oblong controller. The Mcon pairs along with your telephone by way of Bluetooth and has minimal latency, with recessed thumbsticks and buttons that really feel satisfying to press.

There are myriad Mcon equipment which might be neat, just like the Key Cast or Dock, which may cost your controller (by way of USB-C) and solid your telephone display screen to a monitor or TV. I might see this machine particularly coming in helpful for journey, given its compact dimension which you could slip it in your pocket—which isn’t true for most of the controllers on this information. It’s additionally an excellent choice in case you’d fairly play in your telephone however not whilst you’re holding your telephone.


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