The best mobile game controllers are great tools that let you play multiplayer games for hours on end. Whether you’re looking for an iPhone or an Android controller, we’ve checked out all the top options (assuming we play tons of games on our phones) and have opinions on them all. Backbone makes the best mobile game controllers we’ve tried that can work for most people, but we also have strong recommendations for specific uses, such as pairing with smart glasses or a tablet.
Be sure to check out our related buying guides, including the Best Cheap Phones, Best Android Phones, Best Game Controllers, and Best MagSafe Accessories.
Our Top Picks
Backbone Pro
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oh! Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller
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GameSir G8 Galileo
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Best Mobile Game Controller
The Backbone One is as easy to recommend as it is to use. Plug the connector—USB-C or Lightning—into your phone and extend the controller to the back. The buttons and triggers are clicky and responsive, and the controller feels comfortable for hours of gaming without being too bulky. It also has pass-through charging, a screenshot or screen recording button, a mute button, and a headphone jack.
Part of what makes all Backbone controllers great is the manufacturer’s software and additional features. The controller supports a number of gaming apps and services, and a compatible app is great (though not required). My favorite bit is the list of recommended games with controller support. You can also use the app to send messages and party chat with your friends, stream live on Twitch, record and edit videos in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and more. Some of these features are locked behind a Backbone+ membership, which costs $40 a year. Registration is great, but you don’t need it to have a great experience. The controller is also available in some limited edition styles or platform-dedicated versions like the PlayStation Edition, but the difference is subtle.
Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link
Best Mobile Game Control
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Photo: Louryn Strampe
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Photo: Louryn Strampe
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Backbone Pro expands on all the features I loved about Backbone One. The Pro is a bit chunkier, grippier, and more comfortable, and even though my hands are small, I can imagine this being easier to hold for people with larger hands. It’s quieter, louder, and still has the headphone jack and charging capabilities of the One. The Pro feels as ergonomic to me as a console controller, without the inconvenience or compromise. I liked the full-sized joysticks, programmable rear buttons, and Hall-effect rear triggers.
Backbone Pro also has Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can use it with your phone, tablet, laptop, VR headset, and compatible smart TVs. You can connect to multiple devices at once and switch between them with just a tap. If you’re serious about mobile gaming, or want a comfortable controller that can switch between your devices seamlessly, I recommend the Backbone Pro. I think it’s worth grabbing a case like this, though, just to keep it.
Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link
Magnetic Mobile Gaming Controller
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Photo: Louryn Strampe
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Photo: Louryn Strampe
oh!
Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller
The Mcon controller from Ohsnap has some drawbacks, but its general concept is neat. The MagSafe controller attaches to the back of your iPhone or Android phone (a magnetic ring is included for Android users, although Ohsnap recommends using a MagSafe case). Press the Eject button to eject your phone, almost like you would with an old-school T-Mobile Sidekick, and reveal the D-pad, joystick, and bottom buttons. You can also pop out the entire magnetic section and use the built-in kickstand to support your phone while controlling it with a separate half-device controller. There’s a hand grip that you can pull down and out for extra stability if you’d rather have a traditional design than play with a rectangular controller. The Mcon pairs with your phone via Bluetooth and has minimal latency, with recessed thumbsticks and buttons that feel satisfying to press.
There are a number of neat Mcon accessories, such as the Key Cast or Dock, which can charge your controller (via USB-C) and turn your phone’s screen onto a monitor or TV. I found this device very convenient for traveling, given its compact size that you can slip into your pocket—which is not true of most controllers in this guide. It’s also a great option if you’d like to play on your phone but not while on the go holding your phone.
