9 Best Portable Game Controllers (2025): iPhone or Android

Other gaming consoles we’ve tested

There are several other portable consoles we’ve tested that just missed a spot above or failed to make the score.

Photo: Simon Hill

Gamesir X3 Pro for $80: This replaces the X3 and extends to embrace almost any Android phone (or iPhone 15 range) in its rubbery embrace. It feels good, with customizable handles, clickable buttons, and Hall Effect thumb sticks with different sized detachable caps in the beautiful zippered carrying case. The main feature is the massive fan on the back that is able to provide significant cooling power, which can come in handy given that smartphones can get uncomfortably warm when gaming for a long time, although I found the sound annoying, and the X3 Pro is quite nicely bulky. The customization options are welcome, but the GameSir app is a bit overwhelming and confusing. For a tighter sliding option, check out GameSir X2 Pro ($80) Or much cheaper X2s ($40). I’ve tested both and found them to be very good for the money.

Asus ROG Tessen for $90: My excitement at the prospect of an Asus mobile console waned pretty quickly when I started using the ROG Tessen. It features a sleek foldable design, responsive controls, and pass-through charging. I liked the programmable rear paddles, and there’s RGB lighting to liven it up. But the thumb sticks got uncomfortable pretty quickly, and the buttons proved a bit noisy. This is also only for Android and does not work with any iPhones (even USB-C iPhones).

Gamesir X4 Aileron for $100: This controller has a lot of features, including a compact design, RGB lighting, hall effect sticks, and tactile buttons. It comes in two parts, which is great for folding neatly, but means you have to pair one side, then the other, and it can be tricky. It’s not a bad effort, but there are better options above.

CRKD Atom controller for $20: This mini controller is very cute and very portable, with a wrist strap that you can attach to the bag. Battery life is up to ten hours with a USB-C port for recharging, though I found it sometimes powered up on its own in my pocket. It’s not large or comfortable enough for long-term use, but if you need a highly portable emergency console, it may fit the bill.

Photo: Simon Hill

Turtle Beach Atom Controller for $80: Thanks to the clever two-piece design, this controller folds up neatly, but feels insecure without a back. The clips on each side are inconvenient, especially with phones that have large camera modules. I’ve had trouble connecting, and I don’t like having the right side turned on separately (press the B button and the menu button). The right side connects wirelessly (2.4GHz), but the controller connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It was mostly fine for me, but when I played gage, The movement was inverted on the left stick. You get about 20 hours of battery life. Charging takes about two hours. If portability is your main concern, this is it maybe Worth a look.

GameSir T4 Hurricane for $40: Relatively affordable, with a grippy finish and a Hall Effect joystick, it’s a solid controller. There are a couple of programmable buttons on the back, growler motors in the handles, and a handy multi-function button. It also supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz with an optional dongle and USB-C connections. But the battery is only 860 mAh, the GameSir app is unstable, and the LED is annoyingly bright.

Nacon MG-X Pro for $54: It’s as if Nacon cut the Xbox controller in half to insert an extendable phone holder, but if you want this style of controller, the aforementioned GameSir G8 is what we’d recommend. The MG-X Pro is a little roomier, but the G8 is superior in everything else.

PowerA XP Ultra for $130: I love the idea of ​​combining a lot of options into a controller, and PowerA’s Crazy XP Ultra is certainly versatile. Works wirelessly with your Xbox, Windows PC or Android phone, delivering powerful battery life (up to 40 hours via Bluetooth or 60 hours for Xbox). But the weird little slide-out, Transformer-style controller for on-the-go gaming is too small and difficult to hold comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all good, and the clip works well to hold your phone, but the directional pad is stiff. Overall, it’s an expensive mixed bag.

Razer Kishi V2 for $100: The Razer Kishi V2 is good, but it’s slower, larger, and less polished than the Backbone One. It is an extendable mobile controller that comes in Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and work with Windows as well. But in the end, the premium Backbone software and headphone jack make it the better choice. —Lauren Strampe

Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition cloud gaming controller for $40: MFi certified gaming controller for iPhone or iPad (older Lightning port devices) features pass-through charging, direct Lightning cable connection, and 3.5mm audio port. It feels like an Xbox controller, supports Xbox Cloud Gaming or Remote Play, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. On the downside, the cable is a bit messy. the Riot PWR MFi Controller for $40 Almost identical, but without the flashy green design and colorful Xbox buttons. There’s a USB-C option too.

Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $47: Here’s another Xbox-branded console that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels good in hand, has a sturdy phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. It also has 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 over the aforementioned PowerA controller, but only if you want the extra features.

PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $100: This controller offers everything the XP-5 It’s powerful, offers plenty of buttons (only the screenshot button is missing), and can charge your phone wirelessly. But it’s pricey, has a Micro USB port when I prefer USB-C, and only has a 2,000mAh battery, so stick with the XP-5

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