Best mobile game controllers for iPhone and Android 2025: top gamepads tested and reviewed

Phone gaming has evolved dramatically since the days of Doodle Jump and Flappy Bird, so you absolutely need to pick up one of the best mobile game controllers to play newer console-quality titles like Fortnite, Destiny: Rising, Call of Duty: Mobile or Zenless Zone Zero at their best in 2025.

Not only do phone controllers provide infinitely superior controls in supported games from the Google Play Store or iOS App Store / Apple Arcade, they also drastically improve the experience of streaming games on the best gaming phones on the best cloud gaming services.

Sure, you could always mount your phone to an Xbox or PlayStation controller, but this is hardly the most elegant solution — especially if you're playing on public transport.

Thankfully, there are a number of dedicated iPhone mobile controllers and Android gamepads to consider, each with 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.

Best mobile game controllers: quick list

Below you'll find a quick overview of the best mobile game controllers you can buy right now based on our testing and consumer recommendations.

Best mobile game controllers 2025

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Best overall controller

Sporting the same build quality and layout of its USB-C predecessor, the G8 Galileo, GameSir's G8 Plus is the closest thing to wrapping an Xbox Elite controller around your smartphone. Whether you have an Android or iOS device, the GameSir G8 Plus will lift your mobile gaming experience to the next level.

By size and feel, the GameSir G8 Plus is easily the most comfortable phone controller to hold, both large and sturdy enough to pass as a console controller. Once again, GameSir has wisely opted for Hall effect sticks and triggers, meaning no danger of drift or wear over time, and has brought back its wonderfully tactile D-pad and snappy membrane buttons.

Additionally, the GameSir G8 Plus has magnetic faceplates which you can lift off at any time, allowing you to swap in different thumbstick options, and also rearrange the face buttons to either the Xbox or Nintendo layout. On the rear of the device, you also get two extra buttons (which you can map in the GameSir app) and laser-etched grips.

While the G8 Galileo was a USB-C controller, it had a slight issue in that some mobile games (we're looking at you, Call of Duty Mobile) didn't support it, meaning you were forced to use less-than-ideal touchscreen mapping software.

However, as the G8 Plus is a strictly Bluetooth-only affair, the controller has paired perfectly with every game we've thrown at it (and with barely perceptible input lag, at that). As an added bonus, that Bluetooth connectivity means you can also use the G8 Plus with larger foldable phones. Right now, we think this is the best phone controller you can buy.

Best plug and play controller

Improving on its predecessor in almost every way, Backbone One (2nd Generation) is an excellent refinement of what was already one of the best phone controllers on the market.

The first thing you'll likely notice about the new Backbone One is that it now fits over more phones and cases, thanks to its implementation of swappable magnetic adapters. Sure, having to take your case off before playing wasn't the worst thing in the world, but it's one problem we're glad to see eliminated.

And while the original Backbone One's extendable bridge flexed easily with every minor twist of your hands, the Backbone One 2nd Gen is far sturdier, making it feel more premium as a result. Additionally, it also sports an improved d-pad and more tactile buttons.

Other features worth noting include dedicated buttons for recording/casting your gameplay and launching the Backbone app, a much-appreciated 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for passthrough charging.

While its thumbsticks and face buttons are a little on the small side, Backbone One (2nd Generation) does so much right that it's easy to overlook any minor quibbles. Taking into consideration that it immediately works with any mobile game which supports controllers, Backbone One (2nd Generation) is the one plug and play option we're happy to recommend without any hesitation.

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 together, as the V2 now sports a spring-loaded clamping mechanism. The new version can also support slim phone cases with 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 with 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 for those with larger hands, and it's a little disappointing to see that it lacks support for wired headphones, but pretty much everything else about this 'plug and play' controller is top notch.

Best iPhone controller

Scuf is known for its excellent third-party gamepads, and the Scuf Nomad mobile controller is the company’s first mobile controller for playing games on the best iPhones.

As expected, the Nomad borrows many features from Scuf controllers, including an ergonomic design, rear paddles, responsive thumbsticks and customizable input sensitivity. If you’re familiar with Scuf controllers, you’ll feel right at home with the Nomad.

Its symmetrical Hall-effect analog thumbsticks are nice and loose and produce a satisfying click when pressed. The thumbsticks have concave grips out of the box, but you can switch to the included convex grips if you prefer those instead.

The only downside is that you can’t charge your phone while using the Scuf Nomad since there’s no passthrough charging like on the Backbone One. That’s a bummer, but considering how most people likely aren’t gaming for hours on their phones, this might not be an issue.

Best pro controller

If you're looking 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 portable controller

Similar to Turtle Beach's Atom, the GameSir X4 Aileron is a two piece Bluetooth controller which snaps onto either side of your device, and can be magnetically snapped together when not in use for compact storage.

What sets the GameSir X4 Aileron apart, however, is its incredibly premium feel. It's console-size hall effect sticks and triggers are among the most responsive we've tested on any controller, and the RGB circles that surround the swappable thumbsticks are a very nice touch. We also love the clicky feel of the X4 Aileron's tactile face buttons.

Those looking for a controller suitable for Xbox Cloud Gaming will be pleased to know that GameSir's X4 Aileron is officially licensed for Xbox. One area of disappointment, however, is that the X4 Aileron isn't natively recognized by Call of Duty Mobile, meaning you'll need to resort to GameSir's touchscreen mapping software. That issue aside, the X4 Aileron is one of the best Android phone controllers on the market.

Most universal

For just around $50, the GameSir X5s is an incredibly affordable and versatile mobile game controller. It features Bluetooth 5.3, 2GHz wireless connectivity via a separately sold dongle, and wired connectivity through USB-C. This makes it compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as PCs, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 consoles and more.

Like the GameSir X5 Lite it has now replaced on this list, the X5s comes with Hall effect sticks and a half-width grip design (allowing for larger smartphone camera bumps and accessories like GameSir's own FX5 Thermoelectric Cooler).

Additionally, this version boasts Hall effect analog triggers with a hair trigger mode for FPS enthusiasts, providing 256 levels of sensitivity. The controller also includes Dual HD rumble motors and a 6-axis gyro for Switch games with motion control support.

On top of everything, the GameSir X5s includes a simple yet highly appreciated case in the box, along with a button clip tool that lets you switch the controller's face buttons between the Xbox and Nintendo layouts. Simply put, all of this adds up to outstanding overall value.

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 for 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.

With 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 for 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 for 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.