The best mobile controllers you can buy in 2022

Do you want to gamble on the go with your smartphone or just want to make gaming on your smartphone easier? Then a controller could help you. This also makes it much easier if you want to use cloud services such as Google Stadia, GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming on your mobile phone, for example.

What is this article about? In this article, MeinMMO introduces you to the best gaming controllers for Android and iOS phones. With such a controller you have it easier if you want to play the best MMOs for mobile phones.

How much does a Handy Controller cost? You can get the cheapest controller for your cell phone from 20 euros, but you have to do without additional extras. The most expensive controller on our list is the Razer Raiju Mobile and costs € 149.00.

Which mobile games can you play with the controller? Many popular games have controller support. These include Call of Duty: Mobile, Stardew Valley, Minecraft and Fortnite. You can find an extensive list on, for example AndroidPolice.com.

Cloud services such as Google Stadia, GeForce Now or even the Xbox Game Pass usually support gamepads for mobile phones. Thanks to the controller, you can also play the MMORPG ESO on your mobile phone or tablet without any problems, as if you were sitting at the desktop PC – just with a smaller display.

This is how we proceeded: We looked at lists, testimonials and customer ratings for some controllers. We have also tested some of these devices ourselves in the MeinMMO editorial team and have incorporated these experiences into this list.

The article was published on March 21, 2021. We updated the article on January 12, 2022 and brought it up to date. We have added some links and exchanged outdated information.

Buying a mobile phone controller: You should consider this when buying

Before you buy a controller for your mobile device, you should consider a few things. We list the most important points here:

  • Connections: Pay attention to the connections offered: Older cell phones are not compatible with USB-C and iOS devices again require a Lightning connection.
  • Ergonomics: Notice how the controller is in your hands. Because if you want to gamble with it for a long time, then your hands should not cramp while playing.
  • Price: You can get your first mobile phone controller for around 20 euros. You only get many additional functions, high-quality workmanship or a long guarantee with high-quality models
  • Compatibility and size: Depending on how big your cell phone is, your smartphone may not fit in or on the controller. Often there are controllers for both Android and iOS devices.
  • Functions: What do you need most? Additional trigger buttons, an Xbox button layout or do you just want a stable holder for your smartphone?

What’s the best cell phone controller 2022?

In this section we introduce you to the currently best controllers that you can buy for your smartphone. The order is random and does not reflect a list of the best.

Best controller with Xbox layout – Razer Kishi

Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a controller that is well made and not only feels good in your hands, but also resembles the Nintendo Switch in design, then you should take a look at the Razer Kishi

MeinMMO was able to test the Razer Kishi extensively.

The Razer Kishi offers: With the Razer Kishi you can play with your smartphone almost like with the Nintendo Switch. To do this, the controller is connected to the mobile phone either via USB-C or via Lightning. Older smartphones that do not yet support USB-C are therefore excluded from use.

If you don’t use the controller, you can fold it up compactly. The buttons provide a pleasant, clicking feedback and the thumbsticks are well under the thumbs.

It is a pity that you cannot use wired headphones with the Kishi because the jack connection is blocked. So you inevitably have to play with bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Pro

  • Good workmanship
  • large range of functions
  • pleasant feel and buttons
  • small and handy
Against

  • No wired headphones can be used
  • only devices with USB-C compatible
  • Kishi is not compatible with every Android phone

What the buyers say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 4.1 out of 5 stars from more than 1000 reviews. The good workmanship and the decent feel are praised. Some complain about the compatibility of the controller.

Tip: There is a controller for both iOS and Android. You cannot use a controller with both devices at the same time.

* Affiliate links. We receive a small commission from Amazon with a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Best Premium Controller – Razer Raiju Mobile

Who is the controller suitable for? Are you looking for a high-quality controller with precise and programmable buttons that is also suitable for competitive gaming? Then you should check out the Raiju Mobile.

The Razer Raiju Mobile offers: With this controller, the mobile phone is mounted in the handle. It is up to you whether you prefer to connect your device via Bluetooth or via cable.

You can also use the in-house mobile app to configure the controller directly on your smartphone. So you can assign certain commands to the buttons or adjust the sensitivity of the thumb grips. This is especially suitable if you want to play shooters in which high precision is required.

The disadvantage is the high weight and the massive size of the controller. If you only gamble a few small Android games, then the price is too high for you. If, on the other hand, you gamble a lot on your mobile phone or use cloud services such as GeForceNow or Google Stadia, then the investment should be worthwhile.

Pro

  • Pleasant feel thanks to rubberized handles
  • good ergonomics
  • proper processing
  • very good keys (programmable)
Against

  • High weight
  • massive size
  • high price

What the buyers say: On Amazon, the controller is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars from 120 reviews. The high ergonomics, the very good keys and the ability to program the keys are praised. Above all, the price and the large size are criticized.

* Affiliate links. We receive a small commission from Amazon with a purchase. Thanks for your support!

GameSir X2

Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Razer Kishi, which offers fewer functions, is still well made and offers good buttons, then you should take a look at this controller.

The GameSir X2 offers: The GameSir controller uses rubberized handles that are pleasant to the touch. The design is similar to the design of the Nintendo Switch and is therefore comfortable to hold. The workmanship is successful and the keys are precise, even if they are a bit small.

Some cell phones can be charged with the controller at the same time while playing, but this does not work with all devices. In addition, the GameSir X2 does not support headphones.

Pro

  • Good and precise keys
  • good workmanship
  • pleasant feel
Against

  • Cumbersome installation of the firmware for the device and immature app
  • only suitable for medium-sized cell phones

What the buyers say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 4 out of 5 stars from 516 ratings. The decent workmanship and the pleasant feel are praised. Some criticize the small buttons on the device.

Tip: There is now also a 2021 version of the device. This version uses a directional pad on the left side instead of buttons. The rest is the same.

* Affiliate links. We receive a small commission from Amazon with a purchase. Thanks for your support!

SteelSeries Stratus Duo

Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a precise and handy controller that is not only suitable for the PC but also for the Android smartphone, you should take a look at the Stratus Duo from SteelSeries. Users who play mainly on the Windows PC will find better alternatives.

The controller offers: The controller offers official support for Fortnite, which should be very interesting for some players. Just some time ago, the first player had won a Fortnite tournament with a controller. The processing is also successful.

It is a pity that the controller offers neither haptic (sensors) nor vibration feedback. Another fact is also annoying: The manufacturer does not include the in-house smartphone holder, the SteelSeries Smartgrip, but has to be purchased separately for around 10 euros. So if you want to attach your smartphone to the controller, you cannot avoid this investment.

Pro

  • Good feel
  • both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth available
  • comfortable ergonomics
  • fair price
Against

  • Very sensitive triggers
  • not compatible with all games

What the buyers say: The controller is rated on Amazon with 4.1 out of 5 stars from more than 4000 reviews. In terms of quality / durability as well as the price-performance ratio, the controller is rated 4 out of 5 stars.

* Affiliate links. We receive a small commission from Amazon with a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Best mobile phone controller for 20 euros – YouFirst Pubg Mobile Controller

Who is the controller suitable for? Are you looking for a controller for your cell phone, but don’t want to spend more than 20 euros? Then take a look at the YouFirst controller.

The YouFirst controller offers: The controller is made of plastic and weighs just 125 grams. With this controller, you clamp the cell phone onto the device and continue to operate the touchscreen with your fingers. In this way, it should give you better ergonomics and reduce signs of fatigue.

The controller is suitable for smartphones between 4.7 and 6.5 inches and works with both iOS and Android. The controller does not offer Bluetooth or other special functions.

Pro

  • low price
  • easy handling
  • compatible with Android and iOS
  • good workmanship
  • Compatible with thin protective covers
Against

  • loud keys
  • Handles offer little support for hands

What the users say: The controller is rated 3.8 out of 5 stars from 631 reviews on Amazon. Buyers praise the good workmanship and ease of use. A few users criticize that the handles offer little grip.

* Affiliate links. We receive a small commission from Amazon with a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Best controller for cellphone and PC – Xbox controller

Who is the controller suitable for? Anyone who has valued the previous Xbox wireless controller should take a look at the new edition. Because thanks to Bluetooth, it also works with your smartphone without any problems. This is especially interesting if you also use your Xbox Game Pass on your mobile phone.

The controller offers: The Xbox Series X | S comes with a new Xbox controller. But if you want to play cooperatively on your new next-gen console or want a different color, you can buy another one.

In a direct comparison, a lot has changed visually on the Xbox Series X launch controller. How good the new Xbox controller is have been explained in detail at this point. In addition, three changes are immediately noticeable. The new controller offers the new share button and the control pad has also been redesigned.

Pro

  • Keys with a clear pressure point
  • high compatibility with Xbox, Windows PC and Android
  • Bluetooth and cable
  • good ergonomics
Against

  • Mediocre workmanship

What the buyers say: The controller is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon. The good ergonomics and the comfortable pressure point of the keys are praised.

* Affiliate links. We receive a small commission from Amazon with a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Other accessories for your cell phone: You are looking for additional accessories for your smartphone, then take a look here. In our special on MeinMMO we present you the best power banks for your smartphone (Android and iOS), tablet and your Nintendo Switch.

Reference-mein-mmo.de