2024's top phone controllers

Which phone controllers are the finest in 2024? Over the last few years, the mobile gaming industry has developed to such a degree that many phone games can now compete with console games in terms of pleasure and enjoyment. It seems sense that players would want specialised controls for their mobile devices.

We have suggestions for you that will cover all the bases and allow you to elevate your gaming experience. Let's say you have one of the best gaming phones and can play anything you like on it, such as the best Android games or the best iOS games. (We meant it in a metaphorical sense, but with a better mobile controller you may be able to advance actually.)

The top phone controllers are as follows:

• GameSir X2 – best overall
• Razer Raiju – best for Android
• SteelSeries Nimbus+ – best for iPhone
• 8Bitdo Ultimate – best for Nintendo fans
• Backbone PlayStation Edition – best for PlayStation fans
• Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Hybrid – best for Xbox fans
• 8Bitdo Zero 2 – most portable
• 8Bitdo Gaming Clip – budget option

1. GameSir X2

Overall, the greatest controller for mobile phones.

Details of the GameSir X2:Advantages

• Variants to meet your needs
• Comfortable to hold
• Can charge while using it

Drawbacks

• No audiojack passthrough
• Buttons slightly stiff
• Feels slightly flimsy

We believe that the majority of our readers will find the GameSir X2 to be what they need. Its Switch-like controller configuration is both fashionable and pleasant to grip, and there are variants for both iOS and Android smartphones. It has passthrough holes for gamers, making it convenient to keep your charger plugged in while you play. However, we wish the earphone connectors were the same.It has a simple screen capture button that you can tap at any moment, which is great news if you love snapping screenshots of your games—as games writers, we do it often. Perfect for remembering your favourite moments in the greatest mobile games or for showing off your in-game creations to pals.The buttons did appear a touch stiff at first when we first began using it, so it took some getting used to. However, with little time and effort, you may quickly get used to it. In the end, we believe it does a lot of things well and does few things poorly, thus we predict that it will be the greatest choice for the majority of mobile gamers.To learn more, see our GameSir X2 Type-C review.

2. Raiju Mobile by Razer

The finest Android phone controller available.Details of the Razer Raiju Mobile:<Advantages<

• Comfortable, ergonomic design
• Reasonably priced
• Customizable back triggers

Drawbacks

• Phone mount not removable
• Slightly heavier than other phones

Do you have an obsession with Android? As it happens, this is the greatest choice for that specific platform. The Xbox controller, which we believe has one of the greatest controller designs ever, is somewhat similar to the Razer Raiju Mobile, which is also a really great controller. If you want to play for an extended period of time, this one will assist keep your hands from hurting since it is ergonomically constructed and comfy to grasp.One minor drawback to mobility is that it might be difficult to fit into various bags and cases since the phone mount isn't detachable. We're not quite sure why it was made this way, since having a removable clip would appear to be very simple, but at least you won't have to worry about it falling off while you're playing.All things considered, this phone controller is excellent. Even better, as a mobile player, you may customise the rear triggers to fit your unique requirements. It will be really helpful to be able to attach alternative tasks to these back buttons, especially with the absurdly vast array of experiences accessible on phones.

3. Nimbus Plus

SteelSeriesThe greatest iPhone phone controller. Specifications of SteelSeries Nimbus Plus:Advantages<

• Compatible with all iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS
• Comfortable design
• Responsive controllers

Drawbacks

• Doesn’t come with a charging cable
• A lot of games are incompatible

Do you love iPhones? In that case, we suggest the SteelSeries Nimbus+ as a phone controller that is appropriately high-end to go along with your high-end phone. Depending on what other gadgets you possess, you may get a lot of use out of this cosy and sensitive controller since it works with iPads, iPhones, and Apple TVs.The main source of frustration for this controller is its narrow range of compatibility. Terraria, Rayman Fiesta Run, Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing Transformed, and The Wolf Among Us are just a few of the very awesome games it may be used with. However, before placing your purchase, make sure your favourite is on the list of compatible titles on the SteelSeries website. Don't let the lack of the game on the list depress you; instead, try searching online for other people who have attempted to use the controller for that particular game.You are going to love using this controller if it is compatible with your preferred games. It fits your phone perfectly on a removable mount that you can simply remove for storage, and it feels, looks, and functions flawlessly overall.

4.

8Bitdo UltimateThe greatest mobile controller for lovers of Nintendo.Details of the 8Bitdo Ultimate controller:<Advantages<

• Comfortable, Nintendo-like design
• Loads of customization options
• Comes with a charging dock

Drawbacks

• On the pricey side
• Switch between devices can be awkward

If you've been a lifetime lover of Nintendo, you probably have a preference for a certain kind of controller. Although Nintendo controllers have changed much over time, this one still adheres to the same overall design concept, so we think fans of the franchise will recognise it.Although it is a little more expensive, it does more than enough to justify the higher price. Although you may purchase it for your phone, you may discover other applications for it as well (such as PC gaming) since it is widely compatible with various platforms (which is why it is also included in our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers). In the meanwhile, it also has a built-in charging station, which is particularly convenient in contrast to devices that don't even have a charging connection.This controller is notable for providing a tonne of customisation possibilities to users. You may customise it to precisely suit your requirements by re-mapping every button on the device. If you want to use it for a variety of games across various genres, you can even store numerous profiles and swap them out with a simple flip of a switch.Check out our evaluation of the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller ().

5. PlayStation Edition of Backbone

The greatest mobile controller for lovers of PlayStation.Specifications for Backbone PlayStation Edition:Advantages

• Official PlayStation product
• Amazing companion app

Drawbacks

• One of the more expensive options
• Some Android phones won’t fit

You should choose the Backbone PlayStation Edition if you are most comfortable with Sony's PlayStation controllers. It adheres to both sides of your phone and provides a button arrangement similar to that of Sony's console lineup. It is ideal for anybody who enjoys streaming games on their phone, such as Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, or anything else available on the PS Plush subscription programme.Despite being among the priciest controllers on our list, we firmly believe it is worthwhile. We found this to be really comfortable to grip, even during prolonged play sessions, in addition to its stunning appearance. Given that it is the result of an official partnership with Sony as well, you can be sure it will be a dependable product.A great companion app is also available for this controller. It essentially serves as a central location for you to discover new games and a hub for all your mobile gaming requirements. Regardless of whether a game is accessible for free and requires download, or if it requires a membership service, the Backbone app will provide you with the location and gameplay instructions. We like it so much in part because of how easy it is.For further details, see our Backbone PlayStation Edition review.

6. Recon Cloud Hybrid Turtle Beach

For lovers of Xbox, the greatest phone controller.specifications for the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Hybrid controller:<Advantages

• Official Xbox controller
• Ideal for Xbox Cloud Gaming
• Comfortable

Drawbacks

• Pricier
• Not so portable

Fans of Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox have their options; now, here's something for them. Many of your favourite Xbox games can be played on your phone with the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Hybrid controller, and the experience will be almost identical to playing on the console itself if you want to take advantage of Game Pass Ultimate's streaming feature.What's even more amazing is that you may be able to play Xbox games without a console thanks to this. Take a peek at our inventory of all Xbox Game Pass titles on Xbox Cloud Gaming to get a sense of what's available (which is a large selection). The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Hybrid is positioned to be the ideal controller for your phone, which can be used to play games like Psychonauts, Halo, Banjo-Kazooie, Forza, Sea of Thieves, and much more.Naturally, there's no reason why you can't use it for all of your other beloved mobile games as well. The main issue with it is that, even with the removable mount, it is not the most portable device since it functions just like a standard Xbox controller. While it's not insurmountable, there are other handheld controllers that are more convenient to carry about.For further details, see our Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Hybrid review.

7. 8Bitdo Zip 2

The phone controller that is most portable. Specifications of 8Bitdo Zero 2:Advantages

• Tiny, cute, and portable
• Really cheap

Drawbacks

• May be too small for some gamers
• Battery life could be longer

Oh no. Have a look at this adorable little baby controller. The 8Bitdo Zero 2 is the only device you need if you want something that fits into your pocket, wallet, or handbag with ease. The fact that 8Bitdo was able to create a game controller this compact and functioning is really fairly amazing.If you believe you understand how little this is, you most likely don't. Have you ever used a single Joy-Con to play a game on the Nintendo Switch? This is far smaller than that, if you thought that was little. That's very great in certain aspects, but it's also a bit awkward in others, particularly if you have big hands.This is an excellent choice for those on a budget as well since it's really affordable. Aside from that, it's a great controller that can do whatever you ask of it, so we feel awful criticising it for being so small—after all, that's sort of the purpose.

8. 8Bitdo Mobile

Game ClipThe mobile game trailer Advantages

• No need to buy a new controller
• Really cheap

Drawbacks

• Finding the right clip can be cumbersome
• You might not have any other controllers

You may be surprised to learn that a sizable number of controllers work with smartphones. In light of this, you may already own something (like an Xbox controller) that is ideal for your needs. Naturally, it's a little difficult to place your controller awkwardly on a table or desk, so you may want to simply get a clip like the 8Bitdo Gaming Clip.While there are other clips available that are tailored for usage with other devices, this one is exclusively made to be used with certified Xbox controllers. When you can use what you already own, why purchase anything new? Other than the fact that it will clearly not be very helpful for somebody who just plays games on their phone and doesn't own any other controllers, there isn't much else to say about this.

How we selected the top controllers for phones

How did we reduce the hundreds of phone controllers available to only eight recommendations? We have tried a lot of controllers since we play a lot of mobile games, so we have firsthand knowledge of what functions well and poorly. In general, we make our decisions using the following standards:

• Pricing: Everyone should have a chance to play with a phone controller, but some of the premium options are especially expensive. We’ve included choices to accommodate players on all kinds of different budgets.
• Button configuration: Everyone is going to have a certain type of controller that they find most comfortable – and most likely that’ll be based on whatever their first console was. We included options that are well-suited for players with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo backgrounds.
• Portability: Some of the controllers (mostly those that you mount your phone on top of, rather than slotting it in) are a lot less portable than others. That’s fine if you enjoy playing on your phone at home, but we wanted to cover more compact options for those who like to game on the go.
• Customization: For some gamers, having remappable buttons is excellent because of the convenience it brings. For others, it’s a matter of accessibility. As far as we’re concerned, having a lot of options for customization is a sign of a controller’s quality.
• Compatibility: If you only play on your phone and you get a controller that will only work on your phone, then that’s fine. No problem at all. But for gamers who game across multiple platforms, it’d be good to have a controller with a broader pool of compatibility, and we’ve tried to include options that’ll work with various things.

Take a look at our how we test page to learn more about how we choose what information to include in our buyer's guides. See our FAQs below if you still have any queries.

Why would someone use a mobile controller?

Similar as any other controller, basically. Even while mobile games may be played on touch screens, many players prefer the added accuracy that a dedicated controller provides, particularly when playing online games against other players who may be using consoles. They improve your gaming experience and level the playing field.

Can I use a phone controller to play every game?

Not every game. Certain mobile games are made expressly to be used with a touchscreen. But as more and more games from other platforms become playable on smartphones, a phone controller becomes more and more valuable every day.Which smartphone controller is the best?The greatest mobile controller is the Gamesir X2, in our opinion. We do this since it is a well-made, comfy piece of equipment that works well with the majority of phones. We believe that at least one of the other options on this list will appeal to you if the first one doesn't. Of course, everyone has somewhat different requirements and interests.Check out our lists of thebest portable game consoles and thebest power banks as well; mobile gamers may find them very helpful.