You may select between snap-on controllers that may hyperlink to your telephone through a wired connection or Bluetooth. The previous could be Apple Lightning or USB-C, so select the sort that fits your telephone. In case you are planning to reward the gaming controller, make sure you know if the recipient is rocking an iPhone or an Android.
Some Bluetooth-equipped controllers can work with iPhone and Android smartphones, although it’s best to know that almost all are finest suited to gadgets that run on Google’s cellular platform. Personally, having been a wired controller aficionado since enjoying on Sega Genesis within the Nineteen Nineties, I like to recommend a {hardware} connection — at this time’s finest controllers have it.
Design and Format
We picked gaming controllers that may rework your telephone into a conveyable gaming rig by snapping onto its sides. Such a setup is infinitely extra enjoyable than tapping and swiping on its touchscreen.
In case you are defending your telephone with a case, do not forget that a number of the finest gaming controllers may be unable to accommodate it — you’ll have to take away the case out of your telephone earlier than gaming classes. Relying on the type of your case, this could be a tedious course of. Nonetheless, after months of going by way of it, I can verify that the trouble is price it.
Relating to format, all controllers on this checklist have a full set of industry-standard ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, and bumpers. Customizable buttons are additionally out there on some gamepads. They’re helpful for adjusting them to particular titles.
Further Options
In case you are an old-school gamer like me, search for a telephone gaming controller with an onboard audio jack — a notably lacking function on at this time’s finest smartphones. The function will deal with you to a correct sonic expertise whereas gaming. After gaming classes, it’s also helpful for rocking out with wired headphones and earbuds.
A companion app is a helpful bit {that a} good controller ought to provide. Accessible on the product class’s most interesting, it can assist you to arrange your video games, customise the controller’s buttons, and even reside stream your adventures.
Lastly, I’ve excellent news in the event you prefer to recreation in your telephone utilizing your wi-fi Xbox or PlayStation controllers. There are good clips that may accommodate your telephone and the controller. The setup is bulkier, but in addition enjoyable.
This OtterBox providing is the perfect Xbox possibility — I can personally vouch for it. However, this GameSir clip is the perfect for the DualSense controller of the Sony PlayStation 5.
With the fundamentals in thoughts, discover the perfect gamepad in your telephone amongst these completely examined choices.
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1
Finest Total
Spine One Cellular Gaming Controller for iPhone
1
Finest Total
Spine One Cellular Gaming Controller for iPhone
Credit score: Stefan Vazharov
Execs
Light-weight and ergonomic design
Doubles as a wired controller
Constructed-in audio jack
Cons
Not suitable with telephone instances
The Spine One is, arms down, at this time’s finest smartphone gaming controller, because of an ergonomic design, an elaborate set of handy controls, a feature-rich companion app, and a built-in customary audio jack.
The audio jack units the accent other than all rivals on this checklist, bringing a notably lacking function to simply about any smartphone. Whereas testing the gadget, I profoundly loved linking my go-to wired headphones and earbuds.
Accessible with an Apple Lightning or an Android-friendly USB-C connector, the Spine One will preserve a rock-solid reference to an iPhone or an Android telephone. I tip my hat to the accent maker for equipping the One iPhone and Android variants with Lightning and USB-C charging inputs. Imagine it or not, these enable the product to double as a wired controller for iPad, Mac, and PC.
The controller’s companion app will enable you arrange your go-to video games, join with mates, and share your gameplay. An iPhone model of the One with a PlayStation button format can be out there.
Key Specs
Connectivity
Lightning or USB-C
Controls
ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, bumpers
Different
Commonplace audio jack, companion app
2
Runner-Up
Razer Kishi V2 Cellular Gaming Controller for iPhone
2
Runner-Up
Razer Kishi V2 Cellular Gaming Controller for iPhone
Credit score: Stefan Vazharov
Execs
Finest-in-class button tactility
Ergonomic design
Customizable buttons
Cons
No audio jack
Razer’s Kishi v2 cellular gaming controller is a sequel to a wonderful product and a formidable different to the Spine One on the identical value level.
In comparison with our high choose, the Razer gamepad provides buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks with superior tactility — hardly a shock contemplating the {hardware} maker’s observe document in making excellent gaming keyboards and mice. The product is out there for iPhone and Android smartphones.
I used to be significantly impressed by the clickiness of the buttons whereas gaming with the Kishi v2. Nevertheless, the dearth of a typical audio jack and the absence of an possibility to make use of it as a wired controller make the Kishi v2 much less versatile, if nicer to work together with, than the Spine One. That stated, the Razer providing makes up for the dearth of those options by rocking a duo of customizable buttons sitting subsequent to its triggers and bumpers.
The Razer Nexus companion app has related performance as its spine counterpart. It lets you arrange your video games, browse for brand new ones, share your gameplay, and customise the controls of the Kishi v2.
The GameSir X2 is a wonderful possibility in case you are trying to step up your cellular gameplay on a tighter funds. For lower than $50 earlier than factoring in extra offers and reductions, the snap-on accent brings an attention-grabbing design and a reliable set of buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers. Its controls additionally embrace a programmable button.
Not like its significantly pricier rivals, the GameSir X2 has swappable thumbsticks, permitting you to regulate it to your gameplay type or a particular title. Plus, it comes bundled with a high-quality storage case. One other cool bit concerning the product is that it may accommodate huge telephones with a (moderately skinny) case.
You may order the GameSir X2 for iPhone and Android gadgets, and every model rocks a Lightning or USB-C connector for passthrough charging. A Bluetooth model of the controller can be out there for individuals who are incessantly switching between an iPhone and an Android machine.
The Bluetooth-toting Turtle Seaside Atom gaming controller is a strong possibility for homeowners of big-screen Android smartphones. Its ergonomic wi-fi modules have sturdy clamps which might maintain nearly any telephone with a case on. And due to a dependable wi-fi hyperlink between them, the duo of important parts will make you cease worrying whether or not the Atom will work along with your present or future Android.
Every ergonomic module packs a high-quality thumbstick and built-in buttons, which kind a typical gaming controller format. When not in use, the 2 bits magnetically snap collectively for straightforward storage of their bundled pouch and charging.
The last-mentioned setup is critical as a result of, though every module has a built-in battery, solely the appropriate one has a USB-C enter for charging.
Turtle Seaside designed the Atom for cloud gaming, and the controller labored properly with Xbox Recreation Cross Final titles throughout my testing. The product is out there in black with contrasting teal or yellow accents and pink/black.
Key Specs
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Controls
ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, bumpers
Different
As much as 20 hours of battery life
5
Doubles as a Battery Pack
PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus Cellular Gaming Controller
5
Doubles as a Battery Pack
PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus Cellular Gaming Controller
Now 16% Off
Execs
Works as a snap-on or a wi-fi gamepad
Helpful battery pack
Doubles as a PC controller
Cons
Cumbersome
The MOGA XP7-X Plus by PowerA is a feature-rich Bluetooth controller Android customers ought to have on their radar. The versatile accent can connect to telephones through a sturdy clamp or carry out as a typical wi-fi controller. Its detachable telephone stand lets you get pleasure from a console-like expertise wherever.
One other standout function of the XP7-X Plus is its built-in wi-fi charging battery pack with a 2,000 mAh capability. It allowed me to recreation with out worrying about draining my telephone battery whereas testing the MOGA controller. Nevertheless, the additional performance makes the gamepad significantly bulkier than its rivals.
MOGA geared up the XP7-X Plus with an elaborate set of controls, together with mappable buttons for shortly adjusting it to your gameplay type. A strong 2-year guarantee covers the product.
Stefan is the senior know-how editor for , the place he’s been masking the tech {industry} and testing the most recent devices since 2015. He has greater than a decade of expertise masking client tech merchandise, particularly smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was beforehand the US editor for ; his work may also be discovered on Well-liked Mechanics and different Hearst publications.Within the uncommon moments when he’s not enjoying with a brand new gadget, Stefan likes to look at reside Premier League video games or hang around together with his cat and rabbit. He’s additionally an espresso snob.