Android has evolved into one of the best gaming platforms out there, and it's home to many serious mobile gamers playing various first-person shooters (FPS) and other fast-paced titles. You can play almost every game with on-screen controls, but using a dedicated controller can greatly improve your overall experience. Plenty of these modern titles, such as Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile are best enjoyed with a controller. There's also an entire world of Android emulation that allows users to play games from older consoles.

If you're in the market to buy a new controller for your Android phone and are wondering which one to pick, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the best game controllers you can buy for your Android smartphone. Let's dive in!

Our favorite game controllers for Android in 2023

A render of the Razer Kishi v2 game controller in black color.
Razer Kishi V2
Best overall

Checks all the right boxes

The Razer Kishi v2 is the follow-up to the company's already-great universal controller. There are a few improvements across the board that makes it an excellent accessory for cloud gaming or emulation.

Pros
  • Programmable M2 bumpers
  • Fits more smartphones than ever
  • Low-latency input via USB-C
Cons
  • No headphone jack
  • Slightly bigger than the V1
  • Slow passthrough charging

Without a doubt, the Razer Kishi v2 is the best controller out there for Android phones. It works well with various smartphones and is very easy to set up and start gaming. Like the original Razer Kishi, the v2 model is one piece with left and right controllers that hook on the sides of your phone, allowing you to use your smartphone like a Nintendo Switch. The button layout on this controller is similar to the one you get on the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, and they're also very comfortable to use.

It also connects to your smartphone via USB-C, meaning latency should be greatly reduced compared to a regular Bluetooth controller. And through the USB-C port, you get pass-through charging to your phone since the Kishi doesn't need charging.

But there are a few caveats to buying this controller, including its relatively steep $99 price and its lack of cooling solutions. However, it's the most comfortable solution that will work with just about every phone. There's even a version now that works with iPhones. A good alternative to consider here is the Backbone One controller, which costs the same and has a similar form factor.

A render of the SteelSeries Stratus Duo game controller in black color.
SteelSeries Stratus Duo
Affordable & durable

For those on a tight budget

The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is a great controller with solid build quality, clicky buttons, support for both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, and more.

Pros
  • Solid build quality
  • Clicky and responsive buttons
  • Affordable price tag
Cons
  • Older Micro-USB port
  • Buttons are a bit hard to read

SteelSeries is one of the most popular names when it comes to gaming peripherals, and rightly so. The company has many high-quality and premium products under its belt, including some high-end game controllers for Android, too. The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is one of the best game controllers you can buy right now, standing up to the Razer Kishi, thanks to its lower price.

The SteelSeries Stratus Duo has a lot of things going for it, including excellent battery life, support for both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless (although we're more interested in Bluetooth here), and more. It also has a solid build quality and an ergonomic design that makes it very comfortable for gaming. It falls a bit short in some areas compared to the Razer Kishi V2 in that the buttons are a bit hard to read, and it comes with a Micro-USB port instead of USB-C.

A render of the Gamesir X3 game controller in white color.
Gamesir X3
Best controller with built-in cooling

The one with an RGB-equipped fan for serious gamers

GameSir X3 is a hybrid mobile game controller with a built-in cooler for your Android phone. It's bulkier than some other options out there, but it leaves a lot of room open for customization.

Pros
  • Built-in cooling
  • Adjustable USB-C connector
  • Tactile and responsive buttons
Cons
  • Bulkier than other controllers
  • Thumbsticks could've been bigger

The original version of this article had the Gamesir X2 controller as one of our top picks, but it pales in comparison to the newer Gamesir X3. It may not be the best pick due to its high price and issues with the thumbsticks, but it's an impressive controller that comes with some thoughtful extras that didn't exist on the X2.

The highlight of the Gamesir X3 controller has got to be its built-in RGB-equipped fan and heatsink assembly. It's a powerful controller for serious smartphone gamers as it can cut CPU temperatures by over 10 degrees Celsius. It's a bit on the bulkier side, but it's ergonomic, offers many customization options, and will keep your phone and hands cool. You get two styles of D-Pad, and you can also customize the height of the joysticks. This particular game controller will turn some heads, so be sure to check it out.

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Microsoft Xbox Core Controller
Best all-around controller

A simple controller that gets the job done

The Xbox Core Controller is the one that ships with the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, and it comes with all the familiar features you might expect from an Xbox controller.

Pros
  • Affordable price tag
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Tactile and responsive buttons
Cons
  • Barebones design with no extras
  • Uses AA batteries
  • Need extra clip to attach to your phone

Sometimes the best options come where you least expect them, or if you're a console gamer, it may even come from what you already have. The Xbox Core Controller might be for the Xbox, but it supports and works flawlessly with Android phones. This is the standard Xbox controller bundled with the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X. It's a surprisingly solid controller for PC gaming, and it works out of the box with Android phones, too.

The Xbox Core Controller is as barebones as an Xbox controller can get, but it includes a slightly tweaked design from the previous generation. It's fully compatible with any game that supports it, and you can even get mount clips for mounting your phone to the controller. The best thing about the Xbox Core controller is that it's readily available to purchase on the market and comes in different color options.

A render of the Razer Raiju Mobile controller in black color.
Razer Raiju Mobile
Best controller with phone mount

A pro-gaming controller with an adjustable mount

The Razer Raiju Mobile is a pro mobile gaming controller with a familiar Xbox-like layout, Bluetooth connectivity, an integrated phone dock, and more.

Pros
  • Built-in phone mount
  • Familiar Xbox layout
  • Supports both wired and Bluetooth connections
Cons
  • Mounting a phone makes the controller top-heavy
  • Mount could make it difficult to adjust volume

The Xbox Core controller works flawlessly with Android, but it doesn't have a built-in phone clip, meaning you have to set up your phone on a kickstand or buy a separate phone clip. The Razer Raiju Mobile Pro controller solves that problem by offering a built-in phone mount. The layout of the Raiju Mobile Pro is also very similar to the Xbox Core controller, so you'll feel right at home coming to this from a traditional Core controller.

The Raiju Mobile controller also offers additional buttons and a hair trigger mode for a competitive advantage. The tactile action buttons offer a satisfying click, and it has support for both wired and wireless connections. The Raiju Mobile Pro controller is also more affordable than the traditional Xbox Core controller, so it's worth considering if you want to try something other than a basic Xbox controller.

A render of the Sony DualSense controller in white color.
Sony PlayStation DualSense Controller
Best ergonomics

Looks good and has great ergonomics

Sony's new DualSesne sets a new benchmark for game controllers. Its adaptive triggers and haptics don't work on Android, but it's a great controller to hold and use.

Pros
  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • Solid design and build quality
  • Built-in mic
Cons
  • Battery life could've been better
  • A bit on the expensive side
  • Don't get PS5-exclusive features on phone

Sony's PlayStation controllers also work well with various other devices, including Android. Yes, you will miss out on some PS5-exclusive features, but there are no compatibility issues, and it works flawlessly out of the box with an Android phone. Sony's DualSense controller connects to Android phones via Bluetooth and works just like any other controller mentioned in this list.

It goes without saying that you won't experience some rich features like the adaptive triggers or the haptics, but everything else will work as intended. The PS5 DualSense controller has an amazing ergonomic and refreshed design over the older DualShock 4. It's one of the best controllers out there right now, and it's worth considering if you're a serious smartphone gamer. It also works with almost all Android games, including some of the major titles, so you'll have no issues in terms of usability as well.

A render of the 8Bitdo Zero 2 in teal color.
8Bitdo Zero 2
Best compact controller

Easy to carry, and works with all major platforms

The 8Bitdo Zero 2 is one of the most compact Bluetooth controllers out there on the market. It's available in a bunch of different colors, and it also works with a variety of other platforms, including Windows, macOS, and more.

Pros
  • Affordable price tag
  • Compact form-factor
  • Works with a variety of devices
Cons
  • Not the most premium-looking controller
  • Shape and size are not suitable for everyone

If you want a compact Bluetooth controller to pair with your Android phone, you must check out the 8Bitdo Zero 2. It's undoubtedly one of the most portable controllers, and it doesn't skimp on any essentials despite its form factor. The 8Bitdo Zero 2 is one of those controllers you can throw in your pocket before stepping out of your home. It weighs only 20 grams, so it might be one of the lightest game controllers.

One of the best things about this particular controller is that it's compatible with many other platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, and Android phones, so you'll get access to all the features. It can last for around 8 hours on a single charge, and it's available to purchase in various colors, too.

A render showing the MSI Force GC30 V2 in black color.
MSI Force GC30V2 Wireless Gaming Controller
Simple & affordable

Among the cheapest options for casual gamers

The Force GC30 V2 is an upgraded version of the original GC30 model that brings a lot of improvements. For one, it comes in an optional white color, and you also get an interchangeable D-pad, dual vibration motors, and more.

Pros
  • Affordable price tag
  • Has same layout as an Xbox controller
  • Dual connection modes
Cons
  • Only compatible with PC and Android
  • Needs extra phone clip to attach to phone

The MSI Force GC30 V2, as the name implies, is the upgraded version of the original GC30 controller that we highlighted as the most affordable pick here previously. This updated variant slots right in as the "Best affordable pick" because it's the cheapest of this lot. This once again costs a bit more than the 8Bit Zero 2, but you also get a full-sized controller with a solid button layout.

Unlike the older one, the GC30 V2 comes in both black and white colors, but it retains the same Xbox layout and build that we know and like. This new model comes with dual vibration motors, an interchangeable D-pad, and support for the dual connection. It works with both Android and PC, so be sure to check it out if you're only looking for a simple controller to get the job done.

A render of the 8BitDo Pro 2 controller in grey color.
8Bitdo Pro 2
Best for retro gaming

For those who enjoy retro games on Android

The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is one of the best controllers out there for those who want to do some retro gaming. It's available in three finishes, and they're all compatible with a lot of platforms, including Android, macOS, Windows, and more.

Pros
  • Programmable options
  • Solid build quality
  • Works with a variety of devices
Cons
  • Requires an additional phone mount

If you love playing retro games on your Android phone using an emulator, then you probably already know how annoying touch controls can be. Modern controllers sometimes won't play nice with older titles, which is where the 8BitDo Pro 2 comes in. Think of it as a Super Nintendo controller on steroids — it's wireless, features two joysticks, and is a tad bit more ergonomic. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is actually very similar to the Nintendo Switch's Pro Controller in a lot of ways, including button layout and joysticks.

If you're going to do a lot of retro gaming on your smartphone, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is probably the best game controller to get. It's not the most affordable controller in this particular list, but it offers good value for $50 and works well with various devices.

This multi-platform controller is on sale for $25.49 when you click the Coupon button on the product page.
8BitDo M30
Best for Sega retro gaming

The one with a unique layout for older Sega games

The 8BitDo M30 is just as good of an option as the Pro 2, but it features a SEGA Genesis button layout, making it ideal to play games from SEGA consoles from that era on your smartphone.

Pros
  • Classic design
  • Affordable price tag
  • Works well over Bluetooth
Cons
  • Not the best controller to play modern games

If you're planning to play some retro games that came out on Sega consoles, particularly the Sega Genesis, then the 8BitDo M30 is the one to get. This controller comes with a unique 6-button and D-pad layout that's ideal for playing older Sega console games. You don't get the same experience playing those titles on one of the modern controllers.

It's easy to set up and connects to your phone via Bluetooth. This should give you way better compatibility with your games, allowing you to play them how you're supposed to. It's also a great option for those who play Sega games through Nintendo Switch Online.

Best game controller for Android in 2023: The bottom line

We've highlighted a lot of different controllers that work well with Android phones, but the Razer Kishi V2 is the one that checks all the right boxes. It has improved a lot over its predecessor, and it now works well with more devices than ever. It's not perfect, as it lacks a headphone jack and has slow pass-through charging, but it's still better than many other options mentioned in this collection.

A render of the Razer Kishi v2 game controller in black color.
Razer Kishi V2
Editor's Choice

The Razer Kishi v2 is the follow-up to the company's already-great universal controller. There are a few improvements across the board that makes it an excellent cloud gaming or emulation controller.

The SteelSeries Stratus Duo comes close to matching the general performance and user experience of the Kishi V2, but it lacks some essentials like a USB-C port. That being said, it'll save you some money compared to the Kishi. We've also added some other options to this list, including the 8Bitdo Pro 2 for retro gamer fans, so be sure to check them out. Alternatively, you can also pair your Android phone with your existing Xbox or the Sony DualSense controller and save money if you don't want to splurge on a controller exclusively for smartphones. Note that some controllers would need a clipping mount as well, so here's a list of the best smartphone mounts for controllers.