The Greatest Smartphone Gaming Controllers for Console-Grade Gaming on the Go
[product-summary-view headline=” showheadline=”false”/>
What to Take into account
Connectivity
You may select between snap-on controllers that may hyperlink to your telephone through a wired connection or Bluetooth. The previous might be Apple Lightning or USB-C, so select the kind that fits your telephone. If you’re planning to reward the gaming controller, you’ll want to know if the recipient is rocking an iPhone or an Android.
Some Bluetooth-equipped controllers can work with iPhone and Android smartphones, although it is best to know that the majority are finest fitted to units that run on Google’s cell platform. Personally, having been a wired controller aficionado since taking part in on Sega Genesis within the Nineties, I like to recommend a {hardware} connection — at the moment’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.
If you’re defending your telephone with a case, keep in mind that a few of the finest gaming controllers could be unable to accommodate it — you’ll must take away the case out of your telephone earlier than gaming periods. Relying on the type of your case, this generally is a tedious course of. Nonetheless, after months of going via it, I can verify that the trouble is price it.
Relating to structure, all controllers on this record have a full set of industry-standard ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, and bumpers. Customizable buttons are additionally out there on some gamepads. They’re useful for adjusting them to particular titles.
Extra Options
If you’re an old-school gamer like me, search for a telephone gaming controller with an onboard audio jack — a notably lacking characteristic on at the moment’s finest smartphones. The characteristic will deal with you to a correct sonic expertise whereas gaming. After gaming periods, it’s also useful for rocking out with wired headphones and earbuds.
A companion app is a useful bit {that a} good controller ought to supply. Obtainable on the product class’s most interesting, it would help you arrange your video games, customise the controller’s buttons, and even stay stream your adventures.
Lastly, I’ve excellent news should you wish 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 choice — 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.
” />
We could earn fee from hyperlinks on this web page, however we solely suggest merchandise we again. Why Belief Us?
1
Greatest Total
Spine One Cell Gaming Controller for iPhone
1
Greatest Total
Spine One Cell Gaming Controller for iPhone
Professionals
- Light-weight and ergonomic design
- Doubles as a wired controller
- Constructed-in audio jack
Cons
- Not suitable with telephone instances
The Spine One is, palms down, at the moment’s finest smartphone gaming controller, due to an ergonomic design, an elaborate set of handy controls, a feature-rich companion app, and a built-in commonplace audio jack.
The audio jack units the accent aside from all rivals on this record, bringing a notably lacking characteristic to only about any smartphone. Whereas testing the gadget, I profoundly loved linking my go-to wired headphones and earbuds.
Obtainable with an Apple Lightning or an Android-friendly USB-C connector, the Spine One will keep 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 provide help to arrange your go-to video games, join with buddies, and share your gameplay. An iPhone model of the One with a PlayStation button structure can be out there.
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Lightning or USB-C |
|---|---|
| Controls | ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, bumpers |
| Different | Normal audio jack, companion app |
2
Runner-Up
Razer Kishi V2 Cell Gaming Controller for iPhone
2
Runner-Up
Razer Kishi V2 Cell Gaming Controller for iPhone
Professionals
- Greatest-in-class button tactility
- Ergonomic design
- Customizable buttons
Cons
- No audio jack
Razer’s Kishi v2 cell gaming controller is a sequel to a wonderful product and a formidable different to the Spine One on the similar value level.
In comparison with our high choose, the Razer gamepad gives buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks with superior tactility — hardly a shock contemplating the {hardware} maker’s observe report in making very good gaming keyboards and mice. The product is offered for iPhone and Android smartphones.
I used to be notably impressed by the clickiness of the buttons whereas gaming with the Kishi v2. Nonetheless, the shortage of a typical audio jack and the absence of an choice 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 shortage 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 spanking new ones, share your gameplay, and customise the controls of the Kishi v2.
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Lightning or USB-C |
|---|---|
| Controls | ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, bumpers, programmable buttons |
| Different | Companion app |
3
Greatest Finances
GameSir X2 Cell Gaming Controller for iPhone
3
Greatest Finances
GameSir X2 Cell Gaming Controller for iPhone
Professionals
- Suitable with some telephone instances
- Customizable buttons
- Cheap value
Cons
- No audio jack
The GameSir X2 is a superb choice if you’re trying to step up your cell gameplay on a tighter finances. 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 embody a programmable button.
In contrast to its significantly pricier opponents, 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 might probably accommodate massive telephones with a (moderately skinny) case.
You may order the GameSir X2 for iPhone and Android units, and every model rocks a Lightning or USB-C connector for passthrough charging. A Bluetooth model of the controller can be out there for many who are ceaselessly switching between an iPhone and an Android system.
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Lightning or USB-C |
|---|---|
| Controls | ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, bumpers, programmable button |
| Different | Rotating connector |
4
For Android Telephones with a Case
Turtle Seashore Atom Cell Gaming Controller
4
For Android Telephones with a Case
Turtle Seashore Atom Cell Gaming Controller
Professionals
- Can accommodate most telephones with a case
- Snap-on setup makes it straightforward to retailer
- Cool design with eye-catching coloration accents
Cons
- You may’t cost it whereas gaming
The Bluetooth-toting Turtle Seashore Atom gaming controller is a stable choice 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 because of 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 type a typical gaming controller structure. When not in use, the 2 bits magnetically snap collectively for simple storage of their bundled pouch and charging.
The last-mentioned setup is critical as a result of, although every module has a built-in battery, solely the suitable one has a USB-C enter for charging.
Turtle Seashore designed the Atom for cloud gaming, and the controller labored nicely with Xbox Recreation Cross Final titles throughout my testing. The product is offered in black with contrasting teal or yellow accents and purple/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 Cell Gaming Controller
5
Doubles as a Battery Pack
PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus Cell Gaming Controller
Professionals
- Works as a snap-on or a wi-fi gamepad
- Useful 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 characteristic 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. Nonetheless, the additional performance makes the gamepad significantly bulkier than its rivals.
MOGA outfitted the XP7-X Plus with an elaborate set of controls, together with mappable buttons for rapidly adjusting it to your gameplay type. A sturdy 2-year guarantee covers the product.
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Bluetoothj |
|---|---|
| Controls | ABXY buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, bumpers, customizable buttons |
| Different | Constructed-in wi-fi battery pack |
Senior Expertise Editor
Stefan is the senior know-how editor for , the place he’s been protecting the tech {industry} and testing the newest devices since 2015. He has greater than a decade of expertise protecting client tech merchandise, particularly smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was beforehand the US editor for ; his work can be discovered on Widespread Mechanics and different Hearst publications.Within the uncommon moments when he’s not taking part in with a brand new gadget, Stefan likes to look at stay Premier League video games or hang around together with his cat and rabbit. He’s additionally an espresso snob.
Watch Subsequent
Commercial – Proceed Studying Beneath
Commercial – Proceed Studying Beneath
