Best game controllers on Android in 2025
From snap-on Bluetooth controllers like the GameSir G8+ to full-size controllers like the Moga XP-Ultra, there’s a huge range of controllers designed for your phone. Add in the range of features found across these controllers, like detachable grips and programmable buttons, and you’ll find picking one a challenge, whether you’re using agaming phone, atablet powerful enough for gaming, or even one of thebest Chromebooks.
So, whether you need a controller to playour favorite controller-compatible Android gamesor one to enjoy on any platform, we’ll help you find the best one for your needs.
Our picks for the best Android gaming controllers in 2024
Fantastic value with controller with a phenomenal range of features
The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro does everything right. It’s reasonably priced and has premium features like Hall-effect joysticks and customizable triggers. It’s compatible with phone clips and wired headphones, and you can use it wired or wirelessly. If you’re looking for a versatile controller, this is the one to get.
The Gamesir T4 Cyclone Pro might not look like much, but it’s the best Android controller you may buy for good reason. At $50, it competes with established controllers like the Xbox Core, but the T4 Cyclone Pro has a few features that set it apart.
Firstly, the buttons, triggers, and joysticks are perfect. The face buttons use micro-switches with a 0.6mm actuation distance, translating to fast and responsive game actions. Hall-effect joysticks are expected but still great to see, and the programmable triggers on the rear of the controller are a nice touch we normally only see on more expensive controllers.
It’s hard to complain about this excellent controller or its welcoming price
Beyond that, you’re able to toggle the triggers between hair-trigger and analog modes in seconds, and the XYAB button layout can be switched in the software to a Nintendo-style YXAB layout if you’re playing on your Switch. It’s all incredibly intuitive.
While this controller might not be exciting, it’s the closest to perfection out of any Android controller we’ve reviewed.
The very best snap-on controller
Razer’s Kishi controllers have been a staple in the mobile controller market for years thanks to their high-quality no-nonsense designs. The Kishi Ultra ups the ante by offering a full-size controller experience that has everything you need for long gaming sessions. However, this quality comes at a high price.
The snap-on controller design of the Razer Kishi Ultra isn’t innovative, but it builds upon its predecessor, the Kishi V2, to offer one of the most comfortable mobile gaming experiences on the market. While it’s not the most portable controller, the full-size thumbsticks, non-slip grips, and a simple but effective button layout make it a fantastic companion for any controller-compatible game.
A common problem with snap-on controllers is device compatibility, but Razer circumvents this issue by including a variety of rubber wedges, meaning most of your devices will fit comfortably with some tweaking. This includes tablets and foldables with screens up to 8-inches, which we rarely see on mobile controllers.
You can slap this baby on a foldable
Razer’s mobile controllers have long been some of the highest quality on the market, and the Kishi Ultra is no different. However, this comes at a cost and when there are effective Android controllers available for a third of the price, consider the Kishi Ultra carefully before you buy.
A classic Android controller that still holds its own
The SteelSeries Stratus+ is easily one of our favorite Android gaming controllers. This is a new model, similar to the last, though the bump to USB-C support is appreciated. Whether you prefer to play cordless or with the least amount of delay possible, it is an extremely capable product for an everyday device since you can connect it to Android over Bluetooth as well as USB-C. However, it feels weighty in hand, clocking in at 244g.
The SteelSeries Stratus+ isn’t a particularly beautiful controller, but it’s been one of our favorite controllers for years for good reason. The Stratus+ is essentially the SteelSeries Stratus Duo updated with features necessary to compete with the best Android controllers, including USB-C support, an included controller clip, and a battery level check.
One of the reasons the SteelSeries Stratus+ stands out from the competition is its phone clip. Controller phone clips are unwieldy by nature, but the Stratus+ (mostly) solves this problem with a simple clip that keeps your phone secure without you needing to mess around with complicated knobs and plugs. It’s one of the easiest controllers to snap your phone into and start playing quickly.
An already great controller, now with USB-C and a phone clip
The Stratus+ can connect to your phone via USB-C or Bluetooth and lasts 90 hours on a single charge — longer than your phone. The fast-charging feature also lets you get 90 minutes of use out of a 15-minute charge.
If you want a simple pick-up-and-play controller with genuinely useful features, the Stratus+ should be your controller of choice.
An affordable snap-on controller packed with features
GameSir’s controllers are some of our favorites thanks to their successful compromise between quality and price. The GameSir G8+ is an affordable snap-on controller that offers full-size controls, albeit in a chunky package.
The GameSir G8+ is almost identical to GameSir’s Galileo controller, but with Bluetooth instead of USB-C. While this means you have to keep an eye on battery levels during use, the pairing process is one of the fastest we’ve seen on any Bluetooth controller. After connecting it to your phone for the first time, it will automatically pair when you pull the controller apart to insert your phone. It’s exactly what you want from a mobile Bluetooth controller.
However, portability is a problem
There’s a lot more about the G8+ to love beyond the seamless Bluetooth pairing. Hall-Effect joysticks, full-size grips and buttons, and compatibility with most phones and the smallest tablets make it a reliable and comfortable gaming companion. Best of all, it’s under $100, which is rare for a controller of this price and quality.
However, just like the more expensive Razer Kishi Ultra, portability is an issue. You’ll need a bag to carry it around, as well as a power bank for when the controller’s battery runs out in the middle of a gaming session.
When you want a controller that fits in your pocket
The GameSir X4 Aileron is one of the most portable Bluetooth controllers and despite battery life issues it’s a fantastic companion for gaming on the go thanks to its microswitches and magnetic connectors.
The GameSir X4 Aileron is a snap-on controller that comes in two distinct halves. While this causes problems with battery life, the portability benefits are unmatched. Not only does this pocket-sized controller offer all the same buttons and options as full-size controllers, but features like V-Touch make it one of the most versatile controllers for your phone.
V-Touch lets you use one half of the controller as button inputs, and the other for on-screen buttons. This is a fantastic way to play games that don’t perfectly support controllers, but it also adds extra versatility to those that have lots of on-screen buttons.
A reliable controller if you can get past the compromises
The X4 Aileron has Hall Effect joysticks and microswitches, which makes mashing those buttons satisfying and fun. However, as this controller retails for $100, you may want to buy something cheaper, like the Turtle Beach Atom, which is often on sale for a fraction of the price.
Innovative and portable design
The Turtle Beach Atom mobile gaming controller is a Bluetooth controller that can connect to any mobile device, including phones and tablets. While there is no way to connect the device over USB for better latency, the lack of a back holding the two sides together helps with portability (you can fold both together to fit it in a bag quickly). While the MSRP is high for a Bluetooth controller, this unit is often on sale, sweetening the deal.
If you want to play on-the-go with most Android-compatible controllers, you’ll need a bag. The Turtle Beach Atom is designed to fit in your pocket, making it the most portable controller on the list.
The Turtle Beach Atom is a snap-on controller that slots neatly together into a square when not in use. While this comes with the caveat of mandatory Bluetooth pairing, the long-lasting battery and reliable connection means this isn’t a problem unless you’re frequently switching the controller between multiple devices.
You can’t go wrong with this stellar Bluetooth controller
In addition to the nifty design, the Turtle Beach Atom offers full-size buttons and joysticks, analog triggers, and a companion app that lets you customize the controller’s dead zones and response times. It’s a basic app, but it adds enough customization to make it worth installing.
The Turtle Beach Atom’s biggest selling point is its portability, so if you hate carrying accessories around in a bag, this is the controller you should choose. But if you play game at home most of the time, we recommend something else, like the Backbone One.
When you don’t want to compromise on quality
The Backbone One is a premium controller with a price to match. While those already in Sony’s ecosystem will find its unique features useful, even those who aren’t won’t find a fault with this excellent controller. The Backbone One controller is a solid piece, but you’ll struggle to find a phone that won’t fit. It also functions as a standalone controller; just plug it into a USB port on any device and play.
The common downside to full-size Android-compatible controllers like the Gamesir T4 Cyclone Pro is that you have to use an unwieldy phone clip to play games on your phone without resorting to a stand. Therefore, Snap-on controllers are the most comfortable way to play games on your Android phone, and the Backbone One is the best.
The Backbone One is straightforward, but the focus on quality over unnecessary features serves it well. The rounded grips fit well in all hand sizes, and the controller is compatible with the largest Android phones, although foldables are off the table. Buttons are clicky and responsive, while the D-pad triggers and joysticks offer just the right amount of resistance.
Backbone’s controller is one of the best for Android, but the PlayStation Edition could use a few more buttons
While this controller is designed first and foremost for Sony’s Remote Play feature, you’re not missing out if you’ve never touched or owned a PlayStation console. In fact, the controller is actually missing features that make using the Remote Play app a little frustrating.
Overall, the Backbone One offers the best experience out of any snap-on controller for Android. While other controllers offer more features, this is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a straightforward pick-up-and-play option.
Fit this full-size controller in your pocket
The Moga XP-Ultra might cost more than every other controller on this list, but you get a lot for your money. Every aspect of this controller feels premium, from the analog triggers to the detachable mini-controller. Even the included USB-C charging cable is braided, a rarity among devices. It supports Bluetooth and wired connections and feels just at home gaming with a tablet as with your Android phone.
While the Turtle Beach Atom is the most portable Android controller, the Moga XP-Ultra is a strong competitor, boasting detachable grips that let you slide its core into your pocket. While the result is undeniably uncomfortable to hold, the portability benefits are unmatched among full-size controllers.
Even without the detachable grips, the Moga XP-Ultra is one of the highest-quality controllers we’ve reviewed, echoing the design of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers due to its weighty feel, 8-way d-pad, and button layout. However, the most significant factor you should consider is the detachable grip, because if you don’t use it, you should almost certainly opt for a more traditional, but cheaper controller.
You won’t be disappointed with this premium controller outside of its price
At the end of the day, the Moga XP-Ultra is an excellent compromise between portability and features. It offers extra buttons, a 40-hour battery life, programmable keys, and a high-quality build that should satisfy your mobile gaming needs.
One of the best wired controllers around
The Gamesir T4 Kaleid boasts face buttons with micro-switches, triggers that can toggle between analog and hair-trigger, programmable macro buttons, customizable rumble and turbo, and a staggering array of LED options. Remarkably, this is all packed into a controller that costs less than $50. The lack of Bluetooth support holds back this otherwise perfect controller.
The GameSir T4 Kaleid packs enough lighting effects to make any RGB enthusiast happy, but there’s more to this controller than a clear case and programmable LED lights. you could easily toggle the triggers between analog and hair-trigger modes, the Hall-effect joysticks are snappy and responsive, and the programmable macro switches are in the perfect location for quick presses with your ring fingers.
The T4 Kaleid doesn’t offer wireless support or phone clip compatibility, so it’s best used with an Android tablet or Chromebook. While this instantly makes it less useful than most of the other controllers in this article, the T4 Kaleid’s exceptional quality means it’s still worth considering.
A few sacrifices keep the controller from greatness
You can adjust the RGB effects through the Mode button on the controller or dive into the Windows app for an impressive amount of customization. Beyond the usual slate of features like effects and brightness settings, there’s an Audio Reactive Mode and a pick-up to wake feature.
Overall, while the T4 Kaleid struggles to be as universally compatible as other controllers, its high build quality and customizable features make it a worthwhile choice.
Pushing the limits of what a controller can do
$200 might be a lot for a gaming controller, but Turtle Beach does its best to justify the cost by packing in as many features as possible, including aim assist presets, customizable trigger depth response, social media integration, and an OLED display.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is the most expensive controller we’ve ever reviewed, but whether you think the $200 asking price is too high or not, its range of features blows other Android controllers out of the water.
The Stealth Ultra offers Hall-effect joysticks, microswitches under the face buttons and D-pad, and four programmable quick-action buttons on the back. These are all features we see on cheaper controllers, but the Stealth Ultra’s buttons and triggers are noticeably better quality than even those on the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.
Clicky keys? RGBs? Yes please
The OLED display at the top of the controller lets you customize various aspects of the Stealth Ultra and accessories, such as attached headsets. It also shows social media notifications from apps like WhatsApp. The sleek RGB strips along the sides of the grips can also be customized here.
The biggest drawback of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is its battery life; you can expect about 12 hours of gaming with the RGB lighting and OLED panel on, but about 20 hours with them off.
Level up your gaming experience
Gaming controllers enable you to play games more effectively without blocking your view of your relatively small phone display.
If you’re looking for the best overall gaming controller, you might want to look at the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro. It has an ergonomic feel and design, hall-effect joysticks, and customizable triggers. It can be used wirelessly or wired, and easily attaches to phone clips and other compatible accessories, making it a versatile and affordable controller.
If you have a larger budget and don’t mind spending up to $150, the Razer Kishi Ultra is hands down the best premium controller you can buy today for your phone or small tablet. It has all the features you expect from a full-size controller but with the ergonomic benefits of a snap-on design.
The SteelSeries Stratus+ is our controller of choice for a budget pick. This blocky controller should suit even heavy users, as it sacrifices style for a fantastic array of features, all under $40. Whether you want to game on a PC, console, or your Android device, with wired or wireless connections, the Stratus+ has you covered.
The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro offers the best value for any Android we’ve reviewed. Usually, this price point comes with compromises, but the Cyclone Pro’s build quality, face buttons, hall-effect joysticks, and customizable triggers are all perfect.
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