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The best mobile gaming controllers are excellent tools that allow you to play compatible games for hours on end. Whether you're looking for an iPhone or Android controller, we've tested all the top picks (aka we've played a bunch of games on our phones) and have opinions on them all. Backbone makes the best mobile gaming controllers we've tried that'll work for most people, but we also have solid recommendations for specific uses, like for pairing with smart glasses or a tablet.

Make sure to check out our related buying guides, including the Best Cheap Phones, Best Android Phones, Best Gaming Controllers, and Best MagSafe Accessories.

Our Top Picks

Best Mobile Gaming ControllerBackbone One

$100 $80 (20% off) Amazon (USB-C)

Best Upgrade Mobile Gaming ControllerBackbone Pro

$170 $140 (18% off) Best Buy

Best Magnetic Mobile Gaming Controllerohsnap! Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller

$150 Best Buy

Best Hall-Effect Mobile Gaming ControllerGameSir G8 Galileo

$80 Amazon

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- More Controllers We Tested

- What Games Can I Play With a Gaming Controller?

- Can I Connect a Game Controller to My Phone?

- Can I Remap the Controls on My Mobile Game Controller?

- What Are Hall-Effect Joysticks?

- How I Test Gaming Controllers

Best Mobile Gaming Controller

Photograph: Simon Hill

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Backbone

One

$100 $80 (20% off) Amazon (USB-C)

$80 Backbone (USB-C or Lightning)

$99 $77 (22% off) Walmart (USB-C)

$100 $59 (41% off) Amazon (Lightning)

The Backbone One is as easy to recommend as it is to use. Slot the connector—either USB-C or Lightning—into your phone and stretch the controller over the back. The buttons and triggers are clicky and responsive, and the controller feels comfortable for hours-long gaming sessions 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 so great is the manufacturer's software and additional features. The controller supports a number of gaming apps and services, and the companion app is fantastic (though not required). My favorite bit is the list of recommended games with controller support. You can also use the app to message and party chat with your friends, stream directly to 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 per year. The subscription is nice, 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 PlayStation Edition, but the differences are cosmetic.

Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link

Best Upgrade Mobile Gaming Controller

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Photograph: Simon Hill

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Backbone

Pro

$170 $140 (18% off) Best Buy

$170 $140 (18% off) Target

$140 Backbone

$170 $140 (18% off) Amazon

$170 $140 (18% off) Target (Cozy Edition)

The Backbone Pro expands on all of the features I loved about the Backbone One. The Pro is slightly chunkier, grippier, and more comfortable, and although my hands are small, I can imagine this is easier to hold for folks with larger hands. It has a quieter, more premium feel, and it still has the headphone port and pass-through charging capabilities of the One. The Pro feels just as ergonomic to me as a console controller, with no drawbacks or compromises. I liked the full-size joysticks, programmable back buttons, and Hall-effect rear triggers.

The 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 simultaneously and switch between them with just a tap. If you're serious about mobile gaming, or you want a comfortable controller that can swap between your devices seamlessly, I recommend the Backbone Pro. I think it's worth snagging a carrying case like this one, though, to store it.

Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link

Best Magnetic Mobile Gaming Controller

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

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ohsnap!

Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller

$150 Best Buy

$150 $112 (25% off) Ohsnap

The Mcon controller from Ohsnap has some quirks, 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 And

The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers for iPhone and Android (2026) | WIRED