Best game controllers for Android

The best game controllers for Android have the ability to completely transform your smartphone gaming into a console-like experience. They also give you a clearer view of your entire display, and keep fingerprints away since you don't have to touch the display while playing.

Many mobile games are also adding native controller support, giving savvy gamers proper controls. One reason for this is the increase in the number of controls crammed onto a touchscreen in recent years, as mobiles have become more capable of running high-end AAA experiences. The best gaming phones pair perfectly with a great controller.

As an avid mobile gamer with years of experience testing and reviewing Android controllers, I'm here to share my recommendations. If you're in the market for a new controller to enhance your mobile gaming experience, I've got you covered with the best controllers for Android, starting with the GameSir Galileo G8 Plus.

Andrew Myrick

In between figuring out ways to put retro emulators on everything, Andrew thoroughly enjoys exploring what's possible with Android tablets. He's constantly looking for new and different ways to use tablets, such as replacing his laptop or turning tablets into smart home dashboards.

At a glance

Best overall

It shouldn't be much of a secret that we're big fans of the various offerings that GameSir brings to the table. Earlier this year, the company released the G8 Galileo, marking the first time that GameSir offered a telescopic controller with Xbox-like ergonomics. While the G8 connects to your devices via USB-C, this isn't exactly ideal for foldable phones, as the phone practically hangs off the bottom of the controller.

GameSir rectified those qualms, to a certain extent, with the G8 Plus. There weren't changes made to the overall design, but the Plus model ditches the USB-C port altogether. Although this opens the door for potential latency issues, GameSir claims that the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 offers "latency below 0.026s on iOS and Android."

But that's not the entire story, as the G8 Plus can be used with basically any device that you own. This includes pairing this controller with your Nintendo Switch, which is something that is not very common amongst the best game controllers for Android.

While the versatility is definitely appreciated, there are a couple of things that you'll miss out on. Notably, the G8 Plus doesn't offer USB-C passthrough charging, nor will you find a 3.5mm headphone jack. And if you have a phone that features a rather larger camera bump, you might need to fiddle around with how the phone fits so it doesn't move around.

Best for versatility

You'll see several 8Bitdo controllers on this list, but the SNES-lookalike models aren't the most ergonomic. If you want a hybrid controller with a similar aesthetic but more modern-feeling design with proper hand grips, look closely at the 8Bitdo Pro 2.

Designed closer in line to the Xbox or DualSense controllers, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 adds "longer grips for each hand to help your hands rest easier," our reviewer explains, which makes it much more ergonomic for long gaming sessions.

It has a rechargeable and replaceable 1,000mAh battery, which is rated for up to 20 hours of battery life. Our reviewer wished that 8Bitdo sold a battery pack so you could swap it in when the other dies, but you can at least count on it lasting across an entire gaming session, or using the USB-C port to top it off in a pinch.

With the accompanying 8Bitdo app, you can map any button on the controller to something else, providing even more controls over how you play your games. This includes the two new back paddle buttons that can be remapped, which is handy for some, but the placement could end up in the way if you never plan on using them. There's a four-way toggle to switch between profiles and devices easier than before, along with the ability to use this on practically any device save for an iPhone or iPad.

Best cooling system

A major complaint that a lot of people have with Android gaming is that phones can get really hot, really fast. It may not be that big of an issue if you can ignore the heat while using a controller, but that doesn't solve the problem. Enter the Gamesir X3, which features a built-in cooling unit on the back that makes a noticeable difference with minimal sound.

Our Gamesir X3 reviewer explained why you shouldn't see the fan as a "gimmick." She found that the quiet fan "actually helps cool down whichever phone you're using to a noticeable degree," with the only downside being that you have to plug the fan into a power source besides your phone. That means that while you can use the controller on your morning commute, you're more likely to enjoy the best perk at home.

Unlike the Gamesir X2, this controller only comes with a USB-C connector instead of offering Bluetooth as well. That makes it sport a more reliable connection for less input lag, but also limits the number of phones with cases it's compatible with. Thankfully, our reviewer found you can adjust the clamp about a centimeter up or down to make more room for larger or thicker phones.

We love the buttons' tactile feedback, and were intrigued by the choice to make the buttons magnetically swappable — in order to let you change the configuration to match your favorite controller. We weren't a fan of the petite thumbsticks, but there are textured thumbstick covers in the box that can rectify the issue a bit. In general, the X3 isn't quite as comfortable to hold as the MG-X Pro, but upsides like the fan may sway you in this direction.

Best retro controller

The 8bitDo SN30 is going to scratch that nostalgic itch for the bygone SNES days.

This iconic controller layout and design are updated with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the 8BitDo SN30 Pro to work with Android, Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, and even the Nintendo Switch. Such versatility will be especially valuable if you happen to have a collection of retro games you love to revisit.

You'll appreciate the clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, and other modern touches to the classic design, says our 8BitDo SN30 Pro reviewer. He noted that the rechargeable 480mAh battery, which has an 18-hour max, has still mostly retained its longevity after over a year of use. The D-Pad avoids the mushiness of other controllers, and he hasn't experienced any stick drift.

Not so good is the lack of a dedicated power switch or button for pairing — instead, you use the Start and Select buttons, and that can result in unpairing by accident. It may feel fairly cramped for those with larger hands, and the weight of the phone on the clip may feel a little unbalanced. Still, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro remains one of our favorites, available in all the classic colors of the GameBoy Color.

Best for Xbox fans

Even though Microsoft slightly changed the current Xbox Series X controller with a new button, the classic design has remained largely unchanged for years — and with good reason. It's considered the most comfortable and popular gaming controller by most of the gamers on staff, and for most of our favorite compatible Android games, they treat the Xbox controller's button configuration as the default.

The trigger and bumpers sport a soft, textured grip to prevent slippage. The hybrid d-pad borrows from the pricier Xbox Elite Controller, though it's not interchangeable like the more expensive version. Even still, Microsoft has made it so that you can customize and map a few of the buttons to your liking, depending on which game you are playing.

Battery life is kind of a moot point with the Series X controller, however, as you will need to rely on AA batteries for power. The older Play and Charge kit is compatible with this, so you can always pick one of those up after the fact if you don't already have one. And while there is a 3.5mm headphone jack on board (like the old version), Microsoft still has opted not to include a built-in microphone, so you'll need a good headset if you plan on jumping online with your buddies.

Note that you'll want to buy a phone holder, but since Xbox is such a popular controller brand, you'll find no shortage of options. Start your search with the 8Bitdo Mobile Gaming Clip for Xbox or the PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip 2.0 for Xbox.

Best haptics

In our Razer Kishi review, we found that it hits just about every mark you could want in a game controller for Android. Razer upgraded this already amazing controller with the Razer Kishi V2, taking what it learned over the years and fan feedback into account to design a product that felt much better to use and hold.

Our Razer Kishi V2 review praises the comfortable textured grips that make this gen much easier to hold, as well as the "essentially perfect" D-Pad and the triggers with tons of travel that you'll "adore." Mounting phones is a lot easier than before thanks to the spring-loaded design, as is remapping buttons using the new Razer Nexus app.

The Kishi V2 certainly isn't perfect. The joysticks are carbon copies of the Nintendo Switch Joy-con sticks, for better or worse, and reaching certain buttons forces you to change your grip a lot. But it's still one of our favorites, and a big step up from the last model.

Best upgrade pick

Nacon created a force to be reckoned with in the MG-X Pro mobile controller, taking the best aspects of other controllers on the market and combining them with the ergonomic grips of an Xbox or PlayStation console controller. Because why fix what isn't broken? That design's been proven to work, and it works wonderfully with the Nacon MG-X Pro.

In our review, we noted that its weight distribution felt nice, a perk of clamping around your phone instead of using a phone clip. Unlike other similar models, though, the face buttons, thumbsticks, and D-pad are all naturally spaced out so your hands won't cramp, and the triggers and bumpers have an ergonomic curve that makes them easier to grip and tap. In practice, it doesn't feel like a mobile controller, which is a huge perk in our book.

With its Bluetooth connection, the MG-X Pro can also support a wider variety of phones than controllers that use USB-C connectivity. The downside is that Bluetooth can cause a slight lag compared to direct connectors; when you compare the Nacon MG-X Pro vs. GameSir X3, two of our favorite game controllers for Android, that's a point in the latter's favor. But the MG-X Pro has a solid 20 hours of battery life and more comfortable grip, putting it on top for us.

Best wired controller

For our list of the best Android controllers, we've focused mainly on two styles: Switch-style controllers that envelop your phone or controllers with built-in phone clips. But for people that want a controller that works across devices, including but not limited to Android gaming, the GameSir T4 Kaleid is an option to seriously consider.

Our GameSir T4 Kaleid review explains how its ergonomic design has "easy-to-reach buttons" with satisfying click travel and "well-positioned" triggers with plenty of tension. It has a satisfying weight (not too heavy or light), and it has certain features built into the design like a 3.5mm headphone jack and vibration motor that most of our other picks lack.

We praised the T4 for the same perks as the X3 and X2 Pro — good customization options and low latency — but with a more comfortable design. The RGB lighting is also customizable and quite cool, though occasionally distracting.

A wired-only USB-C controller, the T4 Kaleid can connect to an Android phone in a pinch, but the dangling wire isn't going to be especially user-friendly. GameSir advertises it as being a good option for Android TV, as well as PC and Switch.

Best battery life

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller isn't the first controller that comes to mind when someone thinks of playing games on their Android devices, but it does work. Bluetooth connectivity means you can use Nintendo's premium controller the same way you would any of the other myriad controllers around.

If you're someone who enjoys playing games on your Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, or if you just enjoy this particular controller and find it comfortable, grab one to enhance all your favorite Android mobile games.

The battery is very strong, lasting upwards of 40 hours on one charge. The controller uses asymmetrical sticks like an Xbox controller, so if you're used to Microsoft's controllers, you'll find this reasonably similar. The main thing is that you'll need to buy your own phone clip, but you can find one for fairly cheap on Amazon that'll convert your Switch Pro controller into an Android controller.

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How we test

When we test the best controllers for Android phones, we're putting each product through the ringer to make sure it can withstand daily use and meet all of the manufacturer's claims. After all, we're able to review devices as consumers because we are consumers, in addition to experienced testers.

This means that we're testing the controllers with a variety of smartphones, both with cases and without, and using the triggers and buttons on both simple games and console-level releases. We even break out of our regular mold to ensure that each controller will work alright with iOS devices.

We test battery life, rumble effects, and button mapping with each controller, plus we dive deep into special features like cooling fans to see if they're actually useful or just a gimmick. We'll also watch out for trigger drift and discomfort during long gameplay sessions to confirm ergonomics, and we'll even carry around each controller in a backpack to see how it holds up against regular wear-and-tear.

Needless to say, with so many options for Android controllers these days, we never take manufacturer claims at face value. If we're recommending a product, it means that it's meeting Android Central's testing standards and quality guarantee.

How to choose

The value of a Bluetooth controller for gaming will continue to grow with game streaming services like Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming, letting us do more gaming on the go. Not to mention, the rise of huge premium mobile games like Genshin Impact and some of the best Android games out there.

If you don't already have a premium Bluetooth controller like the Xbox Wireless Controller, then you're mainly going to be choosing between USB-C and Bluetooth, and between Switch-style controllers and traditional ergonomic controllers with phone clips.

The GameSir G8 Plus and Razer Kishi V2 Pro are two of our favorites with different points of focus: GameSir's is incredibly versatile, while Razer's has the perk of USB-C low-latency and passthrough charging to your phone.

If you fancy a more simple and retro throwback, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro has you covered. It's definitely one of the more novel and standout picks here, calling back to the days of the SNES while providing more modern quality-of-life features, such as a wireless connection, and rumble features.