Products at a Glance
How we picked
Trying to find the best Android controller for your needs can be tricky. Especially if you’re not entirely sure what to look for in a controller that’s compatible with Android devices. There are so many different types of controllers available on the market that it can often be difficult to know you’ve found the right one for your device.
So what are the features that you should prioritize when it comes to choosing the best Android controller? What kind of budget do you have in mind? What style of controller would you prefer?
You don’t have to worry. We’ve researched and reviewed all the key elements of a quality Android controller to help you. We looked at hundreds of Android controllers based on factors such as latency free gaming, accuracy, battery life, and many more.
So let’s take a look at the best Android controller!
What To Consider
Latency free gaming
The most important thing to think about when it comes to choosing the best Android controller is how much lag there is between the controller and your Android device. Ideally you won’t want any lag at all, as this can get frustrating. Not to mention affect the accuracy and overall quality of your gameplay!
You should look for an Android controller that promises latency free gaming. This will eliminate any unwanted lag, so that you can have a better gaming experience.
It’s also worth noting that to be compatible with your Android device, most of the controllers will come with Bluetooth technology. This can sometimes have a little bit of lag depending on the version of the Bluetooth technology installed. You should opt for an Android controller that comes with the latest Bluetooth technology if you can.
Battery life
Another factor that will impact your gaming experience is the battery life of your Android controller. There’s no point in opting for a cheap and cheerful Android controller if it comes with poor battery life. You’ll want to opt for a controller that will give you several hours’ worth of continuous gameplay.
It’s also best to opt for an Android controller that comes with a rechargeable battery. This will allow you to recharge the controller after each gaming session, and will be much cheaper overall than a controller which constantly needs to have batteries replaced. Some controllers will even come with an integrated power bank to help you charge your Android device during or in between gaming sessions.
Accuracy
It will be crucial to choose a controller that delivers accuracy with each game. There’s no point in buying a controller which makes your gaming experience worse! An accurate controller will be able to give you the more precise actions you need to better your score.
Take a look at what controls come with the Android controller. This should help you to better find an accurate controller that will deliver a solid performance. Does the controller come with a d-pad for more accurate input? Does it feature thumbsticks for easier maneuverability? These will all culminate in the accuracy that your controller is able to deliver.
Budget
When it comes to choosing the best Android controller for your needs you will of course need to consider your budget. It’s all well and good recommending the best Android controller that money can buy if it’s not within your budget. It’s best to first consider what budget you have to play with. This should help you to determine which is the best controller for your needs.
It will also be worth thinking about what features you want to prioritize in terms of your gameplay. This could also affect the budget that you have to spend, as you may need to opt for a slightly more expensive model to get the functionality that you’re after.
Ergonomic
You should choose an Android controller that comes with an ergonomic design. This will make it more comfortable to use during extended gaming sessions. An ergonomic design will also lessen the risk of getting repetitive strain injury or causing yourself other issues. Your chosen Android controller should be comfortable to hold and use.
Product Reviews
- Universal design
- Cloud and cell phone gaming
- Better accuracy
- Lag free gameplay
- Drains battery quickly
The Razer Kishi cell phone game controller will be the ultimate companion for your Android device. This particular controller has been designed by one of the leading manufacturers of gaming devices. Razer products have been designed for gamers, by gamers, so you can rest assured that you’re buying a quality controller. This controller also comes with universal cell phone compatibility so you can game anywhere.
What’s really great about the Razer Kishi cell phone game controller is that you can use it for both cloud and cell phone gaming. This particular controller is suitable for use with a variety of cloud gaming services. Great if you want to be able to play a variety of games with your new Android controller!
The best thing about using an Android controller over tapping the screen is that you get better accuracy. And that is exactly what the Razer Kishi has been designed to give you. It features clickable analog thumbsticks which also give you tactile feedback. So you won’t have to double guess which command you’ve asked the game to perform. The d-pad also gives you a more precise input than simply tapping on the screen.
One of the most important features of the Razer Kishi is that it gives you lag free gaming. Sometimes competitive Bluetooth Android controllers can produce unwanted lag while the connection tries to keep up with your demands. That won’t be the case with the Razer Kishi, so you can rest assured that you’ll have the accurate response you need for a better gaming experience.
Overall the Razer Kishi Android controller gives you an impressive performance for more enjoyable gaming.
- Fits up to 6.7 inch Android smartphones
- Traditional Xbox controller layout
- Shoulder buttons could be better
Nacon has really hit the nail on the head for Xbox Game Pass cloud users on Android. This best Android controller is more or less an official Xbox One controller that split and allows users to lock their smartphone in the middle.
Support screens up to 6.7 inches, there are next to zero Android handsets that aren’t compatible with the Nacon MG-X Pro Controller for Android. Whilst this is the best way to play Halo: Infinite on the go, this controller runs on Bluetooth and should serve your emulation and mobile gaming needs also.
There’s the signature Xbox ergonomic grip and handles that players are used to, although slightly more narrow in this iteration. Users will get up to 20 hours of playtime, with the charger being a handy USB-C input for the latest fast charging benefits. Users don’t have to worry about their smartphone falling out either thanks to the well-designed clamp-grip that fits any Android handset under 6.7-inches. The only issue we have is with the shoulder buttons, but they are still of greater quality compared to the competition.
- Lag free gaming
- Rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth wireless
- Ergonomic design
- Awkward center buttons
The SteelSeries Stratus Duo wireless gaming controller will be the perfect companion for your Android gaming. It will be an especially useful pick if you like to play Fortnite. This controller comes with a software free setup to make your gaming experience even easier when playing Fortnite. All you need to do is pair your Android device with the controller and you’ll be ready to play!
You won’t have to worry about whether this controller is suitable for use with your Android device. It comes with a Bluetooth wireless connection so that you can easily pair it with your Android device. You also won’t have to worry about any cables getting in the way of your gaming experience.
Where this Android controller really delivers is in its battery life. This particular Android controller comes with an impressive battery life of more than 20 hours of nonstop gaming. It also makes use of a rechargeable battery. This battery can also be charged while you’re playing. Especially handy if the battery is low during a crucial element of the game!
Another great feature of this particular Android controller is that it features an ergonomic design. This will be especially useful during extended gaming sessions as it will be more comfortable to hold.
The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is a solid choice if you’re looking for a quality Android controller.
- Cloud or cell phone gaming
- Precise controls
- Integrated power bank
- 2 mappable buttons
- Heavy
Stressful cell gaming will be a thing of the past with the PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth controller for cell phones. This is the perfect controller for your Android device to help you enjoy a smoother gaming experience. The gameplay will be much more effortless than trying to tap away on a touchscreen.
A great feature of this particular Android controller is that it can be used with both cell phone and cloud controller-enabled games. This gives you greater variety in the games you can play on your Android device. This will make it especially useful for those who like to play several different games on their cell phone rather than just the same games over and over.
What’s really unique about this particular Android controller is that it comes with an integrated power bank. So you can charge your cell phone while you’re playing your favorite games or even in between gaming sessions. This will be really handy for games that consume a lot of your Android device’s battery.
Another unique feature of this particular controller is that it comes with 2 mappable buttons. So you can easily customize your own macros for different games to give you an even better gaming experience. Perfect if you’re a keen gamer that wants to streamline the gaming process!
So if you’re looking for a good Android controller that comes with a couple of handy features such as an integrated power bank, the PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth controller will be your best option.
- Wide compatibility
- Wired and wireless technology
- Rechargeable battery
- Ergonomic design
- Sluggish L2 and R2 triggers
The GameSir T1s Bluetooth 4.0 and 2.4GHz wireless gamepad for Android is another fantastic choice if you don’t want to break the bank. This particular controller comes with a range of great features but at a competitive price. So you won’t have to sacrifice functionality just because you feel reluctant to pay for some of the higher end controllers such as the Razer Kishi or the PowerA MOGA.
This particular controller comes with a rechargeable battery. So you won’t have to worry about constantly having to replace any batteries. You’ll get an impressive 10 hours’ worth of continuous gameplay, as well as 30 days’ standby time when it has full charge. This controller will be a welcome addition to your Android gaming setup.
Another interesting feature of this particular Android controller is that it comes with dual vibrators. This can help to create a more immersive gaming experience. You’ll be able to feel every headshot, collision, explosion, and vary the vibration levels to suit your gaming needs. There’s also a foldable bracket which can hold your Android cell phone, as long as it measures between 3.5 to 6 inches.
What’s really great about this Android controller is that it features an ergonomic design. This will make long gaming sessions more comfortable. The controller has been designed to fit naturally into the shape of your hands. It also features a high quality comfortable leather texture grip to make it easier to hold.
Overall the GameSir T1s Bluetooth 4.0 and 2.4GHz wireless gamepad for Android is a fantastic budget pick that comes with a range of features to make it a solid controller.
Things to Consider
Latency free gaming
The most important thing to think about when it comes to choosing the best Android controller is how much lag there is between the controller and your Android device. Ideally you won’t want any lag at all, as this can get frustrating. Not to mention affect the accuracy and overall quality of your gameplay!
You should look for an Android controller that promises latency free gaming. This will eliminate any unwanted lag, so that you can have a better gaming experience.
It’s also worth noting that to be compatible with your Android device, most of the controllers will come with Bluetooth technology. This can sometimes have a little bit of lag depending on the version of the Bluetooth technology installed. You should opt for an Android controller that comes with the latest Bluetooth technology if you can.
Battery life
Another factor that will impact your gaming experience is the battery life of your Android controller. There’s no point in opting for a cheap and cheerful Android controller if it comes with poor battery life. You’ll want to opt for a controller that will give you several hours’ worth of continuous gameplay.
It’s also best to opt for an Android controller that comes with a rechargeable battery. This will allow you to recharge the controller after each gaming session, and will be much cheaper overall than a controller which constantly needs to have batteries replaced. Some controllers will even come with an integrated power bank to help you charge your Android device during or in between gaming sessions.
Accuracy
It will be crucial to choose a controller that delivers accuracy with each game. There’s no point in buying a controller which makes your gaming experience worse! An accurate controller will be able to give you the more precise actions you need to better your score.
Take a look at what controls come with the Android controller. This should help you to better find an accurate controller that will deliver a solid performance. Does the controller come with a d-pad for more accurate input? Does it feature thumbsticks for easier maneuverability? These will all culminate in the accuracy that your controller is able to deliver.
Budget
When it comes to choosing the best Android controller for your needs you will of course need to consider your budget. It’s all well and good recommending the best Android controller that money can buy if it’s not within your budget. It’s best to first consider what budget you have to play with. This should help you to determine which is the best controller for your needs.
It will also be worth thinking about what features you want to prioritize in terms of your gameplay. This could also affect the budget that you have to spend, as you may need to opt for a slightly more expensive model to get the functionality that you’re after.
Ergonomic
You should choose an Android controller that comes with an ergonomic design. This will make it more comfortable to use during extended gaming sessions. An ergonomic design will also lessen the risk of getting repetitive strain injury or causing yourself other issues. Your chosen Android controller should be comfortable to hold and use.
What controllers can I use for android?
You must ensure that the controller you buy is compatible with your specific Android phone. Some controllers are specifically made for iPhones and other smartphones. Also, you should ensure that your phone is up to date so it works with the specific controllers.
What games work with Android controllers?
Many of the most popular mobile games today are made with controller support in mind such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Minecraft. However, before downloading a game you should check the store page to see whether controllers are supported.
Can I use Playstation and Xbox controllers with Android?
Yes, you can and it’s simple to do. For an Xbox controller, all you have to do is press the controller pairing button and have your phone’s Bluetooth on, then both devices should pair. For PlayStation controllers press the PS and share button to activate pairing with your phone using Bluetooth.
Our Verdict
The Razer Kishi cell phone game controller easily earns our spot of top pick. This Android controller is the creme de la creme of all our picks, coming with a range of great features to give you more responsive and immersive gaming.
Next up is the GameSir T4 Pro wireless game controller for Android. This is the controller you should choose if you’re trying to stick to a budget. It also comes with a range of great features for Android gaming.
Third on our list is the SteelSeries Stratus Duo wireless gaming controller. This Android controller comes with a range of great features such as super long battery life to give you even longer gaming sessions.
The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth controller for cell phones is a great controller that comes with a range of great features such as an integrated power bank and 2 mappable buttons. This should be the choice for passionate gamers!
Last but not least is the GameSir T1s Bluetooth 4.0 and 2.4GHz wireless gamepad for Android. This particular Android controller is a fantastic budget option that comes with a range of features to make it a solid choice.
And so our guide to the best Android controller comes to an end! You should now know how to find the best Android controller for your needs so that you can focus on your game. Worrying about your gameplay getting disrupted will be a thing of the past with one of the great Android controllers that we’ve reviewed in more detail above! Have any questions for us about the best Android controller? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll be all too happy to help!