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

The story

Your iPhone or Android phone can work overtime as a full-on gaming console with the help of these mobile controllers. Backbone makes my favorite.

From the source

Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story 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 .

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.

Who and what

Key names and topics in this story: Best Mobile Gaming Controllers, Android.

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