Do you want to game on the go with your smartphone or just make gaming on your smartphone easier? Then a controller might help you. This makes it much easier when you want to use cloud services like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming on your phone.
What is this article about? In this article, MeinMMO presents the best gaming controllers for Android and iOS phones. With such a controller, gaming the best MMOs on your phone becomes easier.
This is how we proceeded: We looked at lists, user reports, and customer reviews of several controllers. In addition, our MeinMMO editorial team tested some of these devices ourselves and incorporated those experiences into this list.
In this section, we present you with the currently best controllers that you can buy for your smartphone. The order is random and does not reflect a ranking.
The best mobile controllers of 2024 at a glance:
- The best mobile controller with PlayStation layout – Backbone One
- Best controller with Xbox layout – Razer Kishi V2
- Best upgrade for Android: GameSir X2 Pro
- SteelSeries Stratus Duo
- Best mobile controller for cloud – PowerA MOGA XP7-X
- Best mobile controller for 20 euros – YouFirst Pubg Mobile Controller
- Best controller for phone and PC – Xbox Controller
- Best controllers FAQ: The most important questions and answers
Last updates: 20.03.24, 21.07.23, 01.03.23, 10.09.22, 21.03.201
Buying mobile controllers: What to consider when purchasing
Before buying a controller for your mobile device, there are a few things to consider. Here are the most important points:
- Ports: Pay attention to the ports offered: Older phones are not compatible with USB-C, and iOS devices require a Lightning port.
- Ergonomics: Look at how the controller feels in your hands. If you want to game for a long time, your hands shouldn’t cramp while playing.
- Price: You can find basic mobile controllers for around 20 euros. Many additional features, high-quality materials, or extended warranties are found only in high-end models.
- Compatibility and size: Depending on how large your phone is, it may not fit in or on the controller. Often, there are controllers for both Android and iOS devices.
- Features: What do you need the most? Extra trigger buttons, an Xbox button layout, or just a stable holder for your smartphone?
- Software: Some controllers come with proprietary software, while others work directly “out of the box” without any software. With software, you can often customize the button mapping.
The best mobile controller with PlayStation layout – Backbone One
Who is the controller suitable for? Are you looking for a controller that offers the PlayStation layout because you are either used to it or want to stream your PS5 games? Then the Backbone might be a good option for you.
What the controller offers: The controller is slightly slimmer and provides very good ergonomics for both large and small hands. The phone is clamped in the center of the controller and held by the holder and USB-C connection. The Backbone offers a headphone jack and a USB-C port if you want to charge your device while gaming.
Both the symbol buttons and the upper triggers feel very good, while the rear triggers feel a bit mushy. The thumbsticks are also pleasant to maneuver.
In our test of the Backbone One on MeinMMO, we praised the controller mainly for its low weight, good ergonomics, and pleasantly tactile buttons. However, we were not fully convinced by the included software: The Backbone app is somewhat confusing and requires an account. Additionally, there is a paid subscription.
The controller is available for both Android and iOS devices. Besides the charging port, the devices do not differ significantly from each other.
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Best controller with Xbox layout – Razer Kishi V2
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a well-built controller that not only feels good in your hands but also resembles the design of the Nintendo Switch, you should take a look at the Razer Kishi. A test of the Razer Kishi can be found on MeinMMO.
What the Razer Kishi offers: With the Razer Kishi, you play on your smartphone almost like on the Nintendo Switch. The controller connects to the phone either via USB-C or Lightning. Older smartphones that do not support USB-C are, therefore, excluded from use.
If you are not using the controller, you can also fold it up compactly. The buttons provide a pleasant, clicky feedback, and the thumbsticks feel good under your thumbs.
Unfortunately, with the Kishi, you cannot use wired headphones, as the headphone jack gets blocked. Thus, you have to use Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
By the way, Razer has now released the Razer Kishi V2. Here, the multifunction buttons are programmable, and there is a dedicated button for videos and screenshots. Razer also promises compatibility with phone cases that you won’t have to take off.
What buyers say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 4.1 out of 5 stars based on over 1000 reviews. It is praised for its good build quality and decent tactile feel. Some complain about the compatibility of the controller. The Razer Kishi V2 has 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 55 ratings.
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
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Razer Kishi V2 - für Android-Mobile Gaming Controller (Universal Fit mit ausziehbarer Brücke,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
GameSir X2 Pro
Who is the controller suitable for? Are you looking for an alternative to the Razer Kishi, which offers fewer features but is still well-made and has good buttons? Then you should take a look at this controller.
What the GameSir X2 Pro offers: With the X2 Pro, the manufacturer GameSir has presented an improved version of its controller. The X2 Pro features high-quality “Hall Effect” analog triggers, Alps joysticks, and tactile triggers. Furthermore, your phone can be connected via USB-C. The analog triggers especially make the X2 Pro a better alternative than the X3, which is also from GameSir.
The build quality of the X2 Pro is excellent, and the buttons are precise, although they are a bit small.
Some phones can be charged while playing with the controller, but this does not work with all devices. Also, the GameSir X2 Pro does not support headphones.
What buyers say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 4 out of 5 stars based on over 600 reviews. It is praised for its decent build quality and pleasant feel. Some criticize the small buttons on the device.
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
SteelSeries Stratus Duo
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a precise and grippy controller that is suitable not only for PC but also well for Android smartphones, you should check out the Stratus Duo from SteelSeries. Users who primarily game on Windows PCs may find better alternatives.
What the controller offers: The controller offers official support for Fortnite, which may be very interesting for some players. Just recently, the first player won a Fortnite tournament with a controller. The build quality is also well-executed.
Unfortunately, the controller offers neither haptic (sensors) nor vibration feedback. Another annoying fact is that the proprietary smartphone mount, the SteelSeries Smartgrip, is not included and must be purchased separately for around 10 euros. So if you want to attach your smartphone to the controller, you must make this investment.
What buyers say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 4.1 out of 5 stars based on over 4000 reviews. Both quality/durability and value for money are rated with 4 out of 5 stars.
Keine Produkte gefunden.
Best mobile controller for cloud gaming – PowerA MOGA XP7-X
Who is the controller suitable for? Are you looking for a well-built controller with many additional features and the option to charge your phone while gaming? Then take a look at this controller.
What the controller offers: The controller appears to be of high quality and fits well in hand. You can either mount your mobile device using a telescopic arm between the controllers or play on the table with the included phone stand. Inside, there is a 2000 mAh power bank that charges your phone while gaming.
The controller offers you the official Xbox layout but includes additional macro buttons on the back that you can customize.
However, the model from PowerA does not offer real paddles like the DualSense Edge or Xbox Elite controller. Another disadvantage is that if your phone does not support wireless charging, the built-in power bank won’t help you. Additionally, the controller is quite expensive at over 100 euros.
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PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus Bluetooth-Controller für mobiles und Cloud-Gaming auf Android-Geräten/PCs* | Zu Amazon |
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Best mobile controller for 20 euros – YouFirst Pubg Mobile Controller
Who is the controller suitable for? Are you looking for a controller for your phone but do not want to spend more than about 20 euros? Then take a look at the controller from YouFirst.
What the YouFirst controller offers: The controller is made of plastic and weighs only 125 grams. With this controller, you clamp your phone onto the device and continue to operate the touchscreen with your fingers. This way, it is supposed to provide better ergonomics and reduce signs of fatigue.
The controller is suitable for smartphones between 4.7 and 6.5 inches and works with both iOS and Android. The controller does not offer Bluetooth or any other special functions.
What users say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 3.7 out of 5 stars based on over 800 reviews. Buyers praise the good build quality and simple operation. A few users criticize that the grips provide little hold.
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YouFirst Pubg-Controller (Pubg-Controller 6 Finger)* | Zu Amazon |
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Best controller for phone and PC – Xbox Controller
Who is the controller suitable for? If you appreciated the previous Xbox Wireless Controller, you should take a look at the new edition. This one works seamlessly with your smartphone thanks to Bluetooth. This is particularly interesting if you also use your Xbox Game Pass on your phone.
What the controller offers: The Xbox Series X|S comes with a new Xbox controller. But if you want to play cooperatively on your new next-gen console or want a different color, you may consider getting another one.
In direct comparison, especially visually, the launch controller of the Xbox Series X has changed quite a bit. We have explained in detail how good the new Xbox controller is. In addition, three changes stand out immediately. The new controller offers a new Share button and the D-pad has also been redesigned.
What buyers say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 10,000 reviews. It is praised for its good ergonomics and pleasant pressure point of the buttons.
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Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black* | Zu Amazon |
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