The Best Mobile Controllers for Gaming on the Go

There are several other mobile controllers we tested that just missed out on a place above, plus a few that we are keen to test soon.

Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $100: Here is another Xbox-branded controller that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play and comes with one free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels good in-hand, has a solid phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. It also features some audio enhancements (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a handy Pro-Aim feature that reduces sensitivity on the right stick for aiming in FPS games. It’s a good upgrade pick over the PowerA controller listed above, but only if you want the extra features.

GameSir X3 for $100: On paper, this is an upgrade over the X2, with refined buttons, more options for the joysticks, and a cooling fan on the back, but I recommend the cheaper X2 Pro listed above instead, because the fan adds bulk and weight and it needs power via a dedicated USB-C port. (It has a separate USB-C port for pass-through charging of your phone.)

PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $100: This controller offers everything the XP-5 X does but you can also remove the stand in the center to slot in your phone (my Pixel 6 Pro fits nicely). It is sturdy, offers plenty of buttons (only a screenshot button is missing), and can wirelessly charge your phone. But it is expensive, has a MicroUSB port when I’d prefer USB-C, and has only a 2,000 mAh battery, so stick with the XP-5 X unless you really want that spring-loaded cradle to fit your phone in.

8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Conjuring memories of the SNES, this controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch. It has built-in rumble, a solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.

Razer Kishi V2 for $100: This popular extendable mobile controller comes in Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and work with Windows too. But we have not tested it yet.

Backbone One Android for $100: The Android version of our favorite mobile controller for the iPhone is out now, but we have not had a chance to test it yet.