Best Game Controllers for iPhone and Android (2026)

Best for mobile game controllers are great tools that let you play multiplayer games for hours. Whether you’re looking for an iPhone or Android controller, we’ve tested all the top options (known as having played a lot of games on our phones) and have recommendations for them all. Back makes the best mobile game controllers we’ve tested that will work for most people, but we also have some solid ideas for specific uses, like connecting to smart glasses or a tablet.

Be sure to check out our buying guides, too Best Cheap Phones, Best Android Phones, Best Game Controllersand Best MagSafe Accessories.

Best Game Controller for Phone

The Backbone One it is as easy to advise as it is to use. Open the connector – USB-C or Lightning – in your phone and extend the controller on the back. The buttons and triggers are easy and responsive, and the controller is comfortable for hours of gaming without being too bulky. It also has pass-through calling, a button to record or record the screen, a mute button, and a headphone jack.

One of the things that makes all Backbone controllers so good is the design programs and additional information. The controller supports several apps and game services, and its own app is great (though not essential). My favorite is the series of games that are recommended by the assistant guides. You can also use the app to send messages and chat with 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 a year. Signing up is great, but you don’t want to have a good experience. The controller is also available in other limited versions or versions dedicated to the platform like the PlayStation Edition, but the difference is beautiful.

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

Best Download Game Controller for Phone

Backbone Pro expands on everything I love about Backbone One. The Pro is sleek, sturdy, and comfortable, and even though my hands are small, I can imagine that this would be easier to hold for people with larger hands. It’s quieter, sounds better, and still has the headphone port and charging capabilities of the One. The Pro feels very ergonomic to me as a controller, with no obstacles or distractions. I loved all the large knobs, adjustable back buttons, and Hall-effect 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 the same time and switch between them with just one click. If you’re a serious mobile gamer, or want a comfortable controller that can switch between your devices seamlessly, I recommend the Backbone Pro. I think it’s worth snagging a carrying a load like thiseven save it.

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

Magnetic Mobile Game Controller

The Mcon controller from Ohsnap has some issues, but the overall concept is good. The MagSafe controller sticks to the back of your iPhone or Android phone (a magnetic ring is included for Android users, although Ohsnap recommends using MagSafe case). Press the Eject button to eject your phone, just like you would with an old-school T-Mobile Sidekick, revealing the D-pad, the slider, and the buttons below. You can also take out the entire magnetic field and use the standard kickstand to stand your phone and control it with half of the device. There are handles that you can pull in and out to adjust if you prefer a more traditional design than playing with a rectangular controller. The Mcons pair with your phone via Bluetooth and have low latency, with fingerprint sensors and buttons that feel good to press.

There are many Mcon tools that are good, such as Key Cast or Portwhich can charge your controller (via USB-C) and cast your phone’s screen onto a monitor or TV. I could see this device coming in handy for travel, because of its size you can fit it in your pocket – which is not true of most controllers in this book. It’s a great option if you like to play on your phone but not on the go to catch your phone.