Specs

• Style: Grip controller
• Battery: N/A
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Connectivity: USB-C or Lightning port
• Button labels: PlayStation or Xbox
• Supported smartphones: Android, iPhone.
• Other features: Backbone app

In our experience, the best smartphone controllers are grip-style controller cases. These controllers easily slot onto your Android or iPhone, turning it into a gaming handheld with a similar form factor to a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. While there are many such devices out there, our favorite is the Backbone One.

The Backbone One is available in multiple models: one with ABXY button labels and layouts familiar to Xbox players, and another with PlayStation-style button labels. Despite the visual differences, both work with all cloud gaming apps and many native phone games. You can get both versions of The Backbone in either a USB-C model that supports Android and iPhone 15 devices or newer, or a lightning port model that works with older iPhone models. The new Gen 2 Backbone controller also supports phone cases and charging passthrough, so you can keep your phone’s battery topped off while playing. Here’s a quick list of all the various Backbone One models:

Backbone One Gen2

While the plethora of Backbone One models can be confusing, the good news is they’re all comfortable and feel like premium controllers. They also all work with Xbox remote play, Game Pass Ultimate cloud streaming, and other apps like Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, or remote play from PS5 and Steam. One of the best features is the Backbone app, which automatically recognizes and lists all of your compatible games and lets you search for new ones. Strangely, it lacks options that you would find on other apps, notably in-app button remapping, but the tradeoff is the Backbone app is actually enjoyable and worthwhile to use.

We would be remiss not to mention a few of the controller’s shortcomings—specifically, the fact that you can’t use the Backbone One as a standard controller with your PC or consoles, and it lacks features from the standard Xbox and PlayStation pads (not to mention no pro-level features). However, the high build quality, comfort, affordability, and wide range of support make it our go-to recommendation for virtually all smartphones.

Specs

• Style: Grip controller
• Battery: N/A
• Headphone jack: No
• Connectivity: USB (Android); Bluetooth (Android, iOS, PC)
• Button labels: Xbox
• Supported smartphones: Android, iOS
• Other features: Two back buttons, tabletop mode stand; integrated 2000mAh power bank for charging Android devices via USB.

Officially licensed by Xbox, the XP7-X Plus is another grip-style controller case that looks like an elongated Xbox controller. It features an extendable design similar to the Backbone One, which snugly cradles your smartphone between the handles. The conventional handle shape gives it excellent ergonomics and feels very similar to using Microsoft’s first-party pad. This makes the transition to using the XP7-X Plus as your Xbox Cloud Gaming controller seamless.

The controller’s face buttons, triggers, sticks, and D-pad all feel great, and it has a pair of programmable back triggers, which is a nice added bonus you don’t see on many grip-style options like this. It also comes with a handy removable play stand that can be used for tabletop mode.

While it’s advertised for Android, the XP7-X Plus also works with iPhone devices (and PC) via Bluetooth connection—a nice distinction from the runner-up pick for this category, the GameSir G8 Galileo, which only works on Android and iPhone 15.

Specs

• Style: Grip controller
• Battery: N/A
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Button labels: Generic (ABXY)
• Supported smartphones: Android, iPhone 15 or newer
• Other features: Two back buttons, moveable USB-C connector, hot-swappable Hall Effect thumbsticks, charging pass-through, companion app (Android-only).

The GameSir G8 Galileo is yet another grip controller for smartphones, but this one has a bigger design with a form factor more reminiscent of a normal controller, which makes it much easier to hold if you have bigger hands. Even better, the G8 Galileo is packed with awesome features, including hot-swappable anti-drift Hall Effect thumbsticks that come in three different sizes, two back buttons, and full button remapping.

It connects to your phone via a moveable USB-C port, which is a helpful feature that we wish more grips offered since it makes it easier to fit the grip to your device. It also supports pass-through charging and has a 3.5mm headphone jack. The controller itself works with Android and iPhone 15 or higher, though the G8 companion app is Android-only, and phone cases may not fit in the grip, which does limit it’s viability for some users. That said, it’s compatible with all major cloud gaming and remote play apps, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, and supports a wide range of popular smartphone games like Diablo Immortal, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Genshin Impact.

Specs

• Style: Grip controller
• Battery: N/A
• Headphone jack: No
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Button labels: Xbox (ABXY) or Nintendo (BAYX)
• Supported smartphones: Android.
• Other features: 2 remappable back buttons; Pass-through charging; 1-month Game Pass Ultimate

The GameSir X2 Pro is a grip-style controller for Android that’s officially licensed by Xbox. The X2 Pro is compatible with a variety of Android smartphones, including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support iOS devices. That said, Android users can use the X2 Pro to play pretty much everything. The controller works with most major cloud gaming services, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna, as well as remote play apps and hundreds of native mobile games like Fortnite and Diablo Immortal.

Despite giving it our « budget » pick, the X2 Pro actually features some nice extra features, including two remappable back buttons and pass-through phone charging, meaning you don’t have to stop playing to recharge your device. It even comes with a one-month free subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That’s a pretty solid package for a phone controller at this price range.

Specs

• Style: Standard controller
• Battery: Up to 22 hours
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz
• Button labels: Nintendo
• Supported smartphones: Android, iPhone
• Other features: Back buttons, Hall Effect thumbsticks, rumble, trigger and thumbstick sensitivity, up to three button mapping profiles.

The 8BitDo Ultimate is one of our favorite third-party controllers for PC and console, and we’re happy to report it’s just as great for playing on smartphones. While it looks like a high-end gamepad, and even sports a few Pro-style features like two bonus back buttons and custom button map profile switching, it’s actually an affordable option you can regularly find for lower than its normal $70 asking price.

While we still ultimately prefer grip-style pads for smartphone gaming for their form factor and simplicity, using a standard controller like the 8BitDo Ultimate does have some benefits you don’t often find on grip controllers, such as rumble support and adjustable trigger and thumbstick sensitivity. And since the 8BitDo Ultimate connects via Bluetooth, it works with virtually all smartphones or mobile devices (it also comes with a 2.4Ghz USB-C wireless dongle that works on PC and console). On the other hand, controllers like this come with a few extra considerations–namely that they have their own dedicated batteries and require an attachment clip if you want to use the controller and phone as an all-in-one device. Luckily, the 8BitDo ultimate offer up to 22 hours of battery life and comes with a charging dock and USB-C charging cable for keeping it juiced up between play sessions. As for the clip, 8BitDo offers its own first-party smartphone attachment clip that supports the 8BitDo Ultimate, 8BitDo Pro 2, and SN30 Pro.

Specs

• Style: Standard controller
• Battery: 40 hours
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth (Xbox Wireless and USB-C also available for console/PC)
• Button labels: Xbox
• Supported smartphones: Android, iPhone

The Xbox wireless controller is an excellent smartphone gaming option, especially for those who primarily play via Xbox’s remote play and cloud streaming apps, though because it wasn’t designed for gaming on a phone, you will need to buy a phone clip separately for the best experience. Still, all Game Pass games were designed with the Xbox Wireless Controller in mind, meaning it will work perfectly with every title, including those that utilize analog triggers like racing games. Plus, if you own an Xbox Series X or Series S, you already have the new Xbox Wireless Controller on hand, so all you need to pick up is a good mobile clip. The Xbox Wireless Controller can connect via Bluetooth to iOS 14.5 phones and Android phones.

Specs

• Style: Standard controller (Pro)
• Battery: Up to 40 hours
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth (USB-C and Xbox Wireless on console/PC)
• Button labels: Xbox
• Supported smartphones: Android, iPhone
• Other features: Four back paddles, swappable thumbstick and D-pad styles, more button mapping options, trigger locks.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller has the most premium feel of any controller out there with its incredible build quality, clicky home button, and excellent hand and trigger grips. It’s probably the best wireless controller around, featuring two different trigger stop positions, a number of interchangeable back paddles and parts, and adjustable analog stick tension–perhaps my favorite aspect of the controller is the included Xbox 360-size thumbsticks. The Elite Series 2 pad also features three profiles that you can save your back paddle’s mappings to, making it easy to change on the fly when you switch between games.

Unfortunately, the interchangeable thumbsticks can be easy to lose, making it a risky option for bringing with you on the go. It’s also roughly three times as expensive as the standard Xbox controller. Despite this, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is one of the best controllers I’ve ever used, and thanks to its Xbox Series X|S and PC compatibility, it’s well worth buying. It’s certainly our go-to for Pro-style controllers on Android or iOS. You may just not want to bring it with you on your commute.

Update: The Elite Series 2 controller now comes in a cheaper ($130) white model dubbed the « Core. » This edition features the same premium build without the extra accessories, including the paddles and interchangeable analog sticks. You can buy the accessories separately, either in an official components pack or from third-party manufacturers.

Specs

• Style: Standard controller
• Battery: 20 hours (or AA batteries)
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth (also USB-C for console and PC)
• Button labels: Nintendo
• Supported smartphones: Android, iPhone
• Other features: Hall Effect thumbsticks, two back buttons, remappable inputs, trigger/thumbstick sensitivity, rumble, custom profiles.

8BitDo’s Pro 2 Bluetooth controller is an evolution of the company’s SN30 Pro and Pro+ controllers. Its build is a cross between a classic SNES controller and a PlayStation DualShock controller, but despite looking like a controller from the old days, the 8BitDo Pro 2 connects seamlessly with your iPhone or Android phone to play any mobile game. It’s also a fantastic (and affordable) Switch Pro Controller alternative, letting you easily switch between playing on your phone and on your Switch while on the go.

The 8BitDo Pro 2’s accompanying software allows you to customize the button mapping to your heart’s content, while the two « pro » buttons on the back of the controller offer even more control when in the middle of a tough battle. Even better, the latest model sports anti-drift Hall Effect thumbsticks. 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controllers have earned a reputation for being top-of-the-line, and the Pro 2 is no exception. However, one downside is that the phone clip isn’t included with the 8BitDo Pro 2, so if you’re specifically buying it to play on your iPhone or Android device, you’ll have to buy that clip separately for $15. Note that while it’s compatible with Nintendo Switch and PC, you can’t use this controller on PlayStation or Xbox consoles.

As a bonus recommendation for this category, there’s the 8BitDo SN30 Pro, which is an even more streamlined version of the Pro 2. Whether the SN30 Pro’s smaller form factor suits your preferences will vary, but it’s a more affordable alternative to both the Pro 2 and 8BitDo Ultimate controllers.

Specs

• Style: Standard controller
• Battery: 6-12 hours
• Headphone jack: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Button labels: PlayStation
• Supported smartphones: Android, iPhone
• Other features: Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers when playing PS5 games.

If you already have a PS5 DualSense controller, good news–you already own the best controller for PlayStation Remote play on iOS and Android. The haptic feedback and other advanced features might not work the same as they do on the PS5, but it’s still the same DualSense controller that PS5 owners know and love. The DualSense will connect to any iOS 14.5 phone or Android phone via Bluetooth–though you’ll still have to pick up a phone clip for the best experience with cloud gaming.

The DualSense only takes seconds to connect via Bluetooth, and then you can game on your phone the same way you do on your PS5. Connecting the DualSense back to your console is a breeze as well—simply re-sync the controller with the PS5 via the charge cable when you’re done, and you’re back in business. The DualSense is now available in three colors: white, Midnight Black, and Cosmic Red.

If you’re able to splurge, the DualSense Edge pro controller is a worthy upgrade, offering pro-style features like modular, hot-swappable thumbsticks, extra programmable buttons, trigger sensitivity adjustment, and more.