The best mobile controllers will let you take your gaming sessions on the go, without the need for a pricey handheld PC purchase. Let's be honest, with remote play and cloud streaming being so effective today, there's no real need for a handheld console if you have a phone in your pocket. Not to mention, there are libraries of mobile games you can play natively, and most of them will play so much better with a bespoke controller for your phone.
If cloud gaming is your thing, connecting one of the best PC controllers to your phone can be an easy solution too, but there are too many great, portable controllers designed to cradle your phone for me not to recommend you some. If you've already done some window shopping, you might have seen the Backbone One before. That controller really kicked of a mobile controller revolution, but now that there's so much affordable competition that can offer you more, I'm not sure it's worth recommending anymore.
I review all sorts of controllers, but I have a sweet spot for the mobile controller market since I'm always keen to see how product designers can translate the experience of playing with a comfortable pro controller into a portable form factor. I've been covering this market for years now, so I know which prices are fair and which ones to avoid.
The Quick List
The GameSir G8 blends the convenience of options like the Backbone One with the great comfort and feel of today's pro controller market. There's no better option overall than this.
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro picks up where the excellent Kishi Ultra left off. It's a larger controller that emulates the experience of using a full-sized gamepad. The V3 even comes in a larger and smaller size to help cater to what you actually need.
What do lots of the options on this list forget? That mobile controllers need to be conveniently designed to take on the go. The Asus ROG Tessen isn't our favorite mobile controller, but it's uber-portable.
The Scuf Nomad takes the design of the popular Backbone One and improves it massively. Two back buttons, symmetrical sticks, and a snappier feel make this the best iPhone controller out there.
Why compromise on the feel of a full-sized controller when gaming on the go? The SteelSeries Stratus+ lets you have the comfort and familiarity of a normal gamepad with a handy clip to play on your phone.
A lot of the time, mobile controllers lack the customization that regular pro controllers have. The GameSir X3 lets you personalize the feel of your mobile gaming experience to suit you.
The best mobile controller overall
The GameSir G8 Galileo saw the bar that Backbone had clearly set for the mobile controller market and raised it in ways I didn't know it could. This is a bigger, better mobile controller in almost every way, and its cheaper price than its rivals makes it an easy pick for the top of this list.
✅ You want a mix between comfort and portability: For me, this is the best mix between a comfortable grip, while also being small enough to take on the go.
✅You need Hall sensor sticks: Be rid of stick drift with Hall Effect tech that will last you much longer.
✅ You don't want to spend too much: The G8 costs less than the Backbone, and a lot of other rivals on this list, and it offers more features than most of them.
✅ You play on PS5 or Xbox: As an added bonus, this lets you cloud stream Xbox games and remote play PS5 games - without official licensing.
❌ You don't have a USB-C phone: The USB-C connector here does limit it to certain devices, but an updated Plus model does allow you to connect via Bluetooth to another device.
❌You want the largest grip on the market: The Razer Kishi Ultra is a bit larger in its grip size.
Design & Features: The G8 Galileo has chunkier, larger grips than other mobile controllers you'll find, and sports Hall Sensor thumbsticks and triggers that make you feel like you're playing on an ordinary gamepad, not a stand-in phone controller for shorter sessions. The design choices here make so much sense, even down to the pivoting USB-C connector that removes any fear your phone could snap it off during removal.
Performance: I didn't realize that I viewed mobile controllers as a means to an end - I only really tend to use them when I'm on a journey somewhere, I have a brief moment of time to kill, or I'm at a friend's house and need to take my games on the go. The G8 Galileo is so much more comfortable and so much more enjoyable to use that I now seek it out for certain games - it's an excuse for me to cloud stream games or use PlayStation Remote Play (yes, it can do both).
The catches here, then? Well, unlike the Backbone One, it doesn't have official licensing on either side of the console war, which means it could run into problems further down the line if either company takes a harsher line on third-party mobile controllers. Elsewhere, even if its thumbsticks are immune to stick drift, they aren't quite perfect - they can be subject to friction with the stickgates and run a little hot in first-person shooters. These are hardly big issues, though - this is by far the best mobile controller money can buy right now.
The most comfortable mobile controller
If the Razer Kishi V3 Pro looks a little familiar, it's because it's an updated version of the Kishi Ultra we saw released a year before it. The Ultra model has sat in this same spot on this list since its launch, but the new version has improved certain aspects and provided two new sizes to the mix. There's one thing that definitely hasn't been improved, though, and that's the price.
✅ You have larger hands: This is one of the largest mobile controllers around, so it's well-suited to those with larger hands.
✅You want full-sized thumbsticks: If you want maximum accuracy, the thumbsticks here are going to have the most potential.
✅ You'd use the extra bumpers and back buttons: There are four extra buttons to make use of here, which is rare to find in the mobile controller market.
❌ You want portability: Since it's a larger controller and doesn't fold down any smaller, this is going to be harder to take on the go.
❌You're on a budget: This is one of the most expensive options on the list.
Design & Features: The Kishi V3 line feels like it's trying to provide the opposite experience to most mobile controllers. Backbone and all of its direct imitators have focused on sizing down the mobile controller to make it portable and practical, but Razer has assessed the battlefield, laughed at the tiny thumbsticks on offer, and done something differently. The Kishi Ultra, Kishi V3, V3 Pro, and V3 Pro XL all want to make you feel like you're using a regular-sized pro controller when playing on mobile, and girthier, longer grips and full-sized buttons absolutely capture that experience.
There are Hall sensor sticks, long triggers, Razer Sensa HD feedback, and the same clicky microswitches you can find in the brand's excellent Wolverine V3 Pro controller. I criticized the Kishi Ultra for only having additional bumper buttons and not back buttons. The V3 pro remedies that, providing both for the same cost as the older 2024 version.
Performance: If I'm honest, I think the Kishi V3 Pro feels a bit like a reskin of the Kishi Ultra. It's launched at the same price that the Kishi Ultra was at, but the catch is that the Kishi Ultra has slowly been coming down from its $149 pedestal. This newer version that doesn't improve all that much feels like an excuse to charge that sort of money again.
So, I'm sure you're asking why I'm recommending it, then. The truth is, as much Razer tax as this thing demands, it's still one of the best mobile pads out there, and now with four extra buttons, that's even harder to dispute. Hey, at least it's cheaper than the Backbone Pro and offers more functionality. Overall, I'd argue the regular Kishi V3 might be a better deal at $99, but if you want the maximum versatility, size, and all the rest of it, the V3 Pro is hard to argue with.
The most portable mobile controller
As mobile controllers have become more popular in recent years, they've also been getting larger. That's a good thing for the gaming side of things - a larger form factor usually results in more comfort and functionality. But a mobile controller also needs to be able to easily fit in a backpack, or even a pocket, so that you can take it on the go as conveniently as you do your phone. Again, offering more functionality and a foldable form factor at the same price as the Backbone One, this is an easy choice for this guide.
✅ You like to take your gaming sessions on the go: Want as portable a controller as can be? The folding features will be a big win.
✅You're a fan of back paddles: There's a difference between back buttons and back paddles, remember.
✅ You don't mind a smaller size: If a smaller controller doesn't bother you, you'll like the feel of the Tessen in your hands.
❌ You want more to grip: There isn't much to hold onto here on account of the smaller size.
❌You wouldn't use the back paddles: Besides the folding features and back paddles, there isn't a lot to write home about with this controller versus the other options on this list.
Design & Features: The Asus ROG Tessen is by far and away the most portable mobile controller we've tested recently thanks to its handy foldable design. It's much easier to carry around with you than 90% of the options on this list, and it bucks the trend of a lot of foldable technology because its hinge is sturdy and feels as though it's been built to last.
As a controller, it feels very similar to the Backbone One and Scuf Nomad. It's a fairly small mobile gamepad that has offset sticks and small face buttons, but the thing that really makes it stand out is its back paddles. These aren't the back buttons found on the GameSir G8, they're much more tactile and feel exactly like the back paddles found on the DualSense Edge and Xbox Elite Series 2.
Performance: Performance-wise, the rest of the controller is a tad disappointing. For a controller that came late to the party last year, it's a shame that Tessen hasn't improved on recent competitors. The Scuf Nomad uses symmetrical thumbsticks which results in fewer instances of thumb cramp. The Razer Kishi Ultra uses a bigger size to make things more comfortable. The Tessen doesn't do much to stand out besides its foldable design, and that could be a reason to avoid it.
That said, maybe the added convenience of folding up and taking on the go is enough for you. In that respect, there are few that can go toe-to-toe with the Asus ROG Tessen.
The best mobile controller for iPhone
Scuf's latest attempt to capture the controller market has seen it create a Backbone competitor that sports symmetrical thumbsticks, a Bluetooth connection, and two back buttons. It's such a shame that wider support for Android devices hasn't been included, but that makes it an easy recommendation for anyone rocking an Apple phone.
✅ You play on an iPhone: If you don't have an Apple phone, you're going to struggle here.
✅You want symmetrical thumbsticks: At this size, symmetrical thumbsticks can be so much more comfortable.
✅ You want more features than the Backbone offers: For the same price as the Backbone, you get a more comfortable grip and some back buttons.
❌ You don't like loose stick tension: The thumbsticks on the Nomad are very loose, which might not be what you're used to.
❌You're on a budget: There are cheaper options out there.
Design & Features: The design of the Nomad is reminiscent of the popular mobile controllers of recent years. The Backbone started this current wave of options, and this feels like an evolution of it. Symmetrical sticks are the first major step up from it though, and they help your thumbs go cramp-free despite a smaller form factor. Two back buttons also help with utility, and give the Nomad a user-friendly feeling the Backbone can't match.
A Blutetooth connection may make anyone who likes to play cloud streamed games on their mobile device some worries. Fortunately, we noticed little-to-no latency, and the ability to slot an iPhone into the Scuf Nomad without worrying about what case is protecting it is a nice quality-of-life bonus. Like the Backbone, there's an app you can use to collate your mobile gaming library, but this is totally free, and won't require more money from you to gain its best parts.
Performance: The Nomad is one of the slickest feeling mobile controllers out there, and despite its very loose stick tension, it's a great controller for taking any game on the go. The two back buttons are placed with care, and although they take a bit of pressure to actuate, we actually liked this because it prevented accidental presses. Priced at the same $100 as the Backbone, this is a competitive option, and one that outshines a lot of rivals for iPhone users.
The best gamepad mobile controller
The Steel Series Stratus+ comes with some extra features which you might not find on other mobile controllers on the market - especially at the MRSP of $70. The battery life on this controller makes it really stand out against the crowd. 90 hours of gameplay in one charge is something extremely hard to find in wireless gamepads.
✅ You need a full-sized gamepad: Don't settle for anything less than what's comfortable for you.
✅You're uninterested in the USB-C options: If you're up for the Bluetooth connection side of the equation, wire in.
✅ You want symmetrical thumbsticks: If you prefer the PlayStation layout, you'll enjoy this one.
❌ You want something super-portable: It'll fit in a backpack, but it's not quite as small as the USB-C cradle options on this list.
❌You don't like Bluetooth connections: If you're worried about all the latency, it likely won't be as bad as you fear. Still, if you care about every millisecond, there are other routes to go down.
Design & Features: The SteelSeries Stratus+ is compatible with Android but not iPhone, so Apple users beware. It is also compatible with PC but has to be used wired in order to take advantage of this. This is a little disappointing considering it comes in at a higher price point than the HyperX Clutch, which can be used wirelessly both ways. This gamepad also comes with a removable mobile clip in the box, which isn't as sturdy as the one that comes with the HyperX Clutch, but still works perfectly fine.
One of the great features on offer with this mobile controller includes clickable joysticks, which are industry standard with console gamepads but much harder to find on mobile versions. Another feature is the hall-effect triggers, a new trigger design that allows for your inputs to be picked up faster and for longer periods of time until full release.
Performance: As you might expect, this is an excellent option if you don't want to compromise down to a smaller interface when gaming on the go. With symmetrical thumbsticks and a holster to hold your phone conveniently above it, this feels like a natural transition from console gaming. Despite the different thumbstick layout, the Stratus+ has a similar feeling in the hands to an Xbox pad. An added plus is a really solid battery life that didn't need recharging for our entire testing period.
The most adjustable mobile controller
The GameSir X3 is a serious piece of kit. Packed in a luxury carry case (an additional feature that many mobile controllers lack), you'll find a range of extra accessories packaged in with this Android wraparound controller that will quickly make it a must-see.
✅ You want something to adjust according to your preferences: If you're looking to get into the nitty gritty adjustment game, this is one to consider.
✅You're confident you won't lose any of those tiny parts: You don't want the case for this one to go missing.
✅ You don't mind asymmetrical thumbsticks: If you're not usually bothered by thumb cramp when playing on a pad like this, go ahead.
❌ You prefer the feel of a full-sized gamepad: Don't want to compromise down to a smaller controller size? This won't do it for you.
❌You want full-sized thumbsticks: Even with swappable thumbsticks in play, the ones on this controller are pretty small, making it tricky to be accurate.
Design & Features: You can swap the thumbsticks, D-Pad, and face buttons here, making it one of the most customizable gamepads we've had our hands on so far. While the process of actually digging those face buttons out leaves a lot to be desired, there's no denying you've got more options here than with standard stock controllers.
The X3 is a mobile controller designed for the hardcore players - that much is obvious from the massive great fan strapped to the back of it. We did find this fan to keep our Black Shark 5 Pro slightly cooler during more intense gameplay sessions, and to its credit this did make for a far better experience during at-home play. However, you'll need to plug the controller into a separate power port to be able to utilize this feature, which does significantly detract from its portability.
Performance: Of course, this is no easy backpack buddy. The GameSir X3 is one of the chunkier wraparound controllers we've had our hands on. However, there's a comforting heft to it that makes every snap of a button or flick of a thumbstick feel precise and solid. You won't find that kind of feeling with a lighter model like the Backbone One or Razer Kishi V2.
Also tested
Best mobile controller: FAQs
Which controller is best for PUBG Mobile?
We have determined the best mobile controller for playing games like PUBG is the HyperX Clutch Wireless. This would make a great controller for PUBG as it allows for precise inputs and is comfortable to hold. If you want something a bit more bespoke for your phone, you could go for the Bacbone for either Android or iPhone.
Which mobile controller is best?
We have determined after testing that the best mobile controller is the GameSir G8 Galileo as it is the best value for money and has incredible features. More than the Razer Kishi V2 and the Backbone One, it offers comfort, support for Xbox and PlayStation, and durability thanks to Hall Sensor thumbsticks and triggers.
Is Call of Duty Mobile better with a controller?
Playing Call of Duty Mobile with a mobile controller definitely gives you the advantage vs handheld players. Being able to have precise inputs makes the game significantly easier and can allow you to reach a higher skill level. Match-making doesn't match people based on whether or not they have a gamepad.
How we test mobile controllers
Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
We test our mobile controllers by putting them through vigorous testing. Please be aware that we have not tested all of the controllers which have made it onto our buying guides. You can find information on reviews underneath each controller in the guide.
In brief, every controller that we have had our hands on is used in a series of different video games to accommodate most genres. This means that we'll test the responsiveness of the sticks, face buttons, bumpers, triggers, and any other additional features found on the unit. If a controller is wired or relies on rechargeable batteries, then the duration of the lifespan is tested, too. The same can be said for any specialist software, such as drivers, that may be included with the gamepad as well.
For more on how we test controllers at GamesRadar+ check out our full article, and for something more representative of our holistic approach to the latest gear, check out our Hardware Policy.
If you're on the lookout for other ways to play then you can take a look the best steering wheels for PC. And if you're looking for a chance to upgrade from mobile gaming then take a look at our best gaming laptops.
