Are you playing Android games but getting sick of using the touchscreen controls or want a proper gamepad experience? Sounds like you need the best Android Gaming controllers to save the day!
There are some amazing titles on Android devices just waiting for you to discover, with many people taking to smartphones to test them out.
We all know what it’s like getting smudges on screens or trying to see the action while pressing touchscreen buttons, however. It can easily ruin your gameplay experience and mar an incredible game.
That’s where our 11 best Android gaming controllers come in.
Whether you want to turn your phone into a handheld console or get a home console experience with a premium controller setup, we’ve got the answer right here.
So, without further ado, let’s check out our top 11 picks to supercharge your Android gaming experience!
1. GuliKit KingKong Pro 2 Controller
If you’re looking for the best Android gaming controller of 2023, look no further than the GuliKit KingKong Pro 2 Controller. It’s slick, it’s smooth, and it’ll never give you any stick drift ever again.
Stick drift? What’s that when it’s at home?
Well, GuliKit use something called ‘Hall Sensor Joystick’ technology in all of their controllers, and they were the first people to start building it into all of their gamepads too. The controllers use a patented electromagnetic stick technology guaranteeing no dead zones whatsoever!
But that’s not where the amazing tech ends. Expect Motion Sense for turning and aiming, Turbo Mode to save those button-mashing digits of yours, and Smart Auto Pilot Gaming.
This thing just keeps getting better and better!
Smart Auto Pilot Gaming essentially lets the controller do the hard work for you. You can record actions in 10 minute timeframes, letting the KingKong Pro 2 take care of mundane tasks like digging, cutting, or following a preset pattern.
It’s the Android gaming robot that you just can’t live without, and it’s also one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers too!
2. Razer Kishi V2
If you’re specifically in the market for a controller for your Android phone, however, then you can’t go wrong with the Razer Kishi V2.
Give your phone the Nintendo Switch treatment with this one-piece phone-hugging USB-C controller system. Once it’s attached, you would be forgiven for forgetting that you’re actually holding your normal Android smartphone.
That is until you get a text through from your Mum telling you that she can’t work out how to turn on the air fryer you bought her for Christmas…
The fact that this setup uses USB-C connectivity means that you won’t ever experience any latency issues. It provides super smooth gameplay and also comes with something called ‘passthrough charging’.
As the Razer Kishi V2 doesn’t need any power to make it work, players can charge their phones while using the device. Now you can game even when you’re on 1% battery!
While this is undoubtedly the most comfortable phone grip option on the market, it’s only the ‘coolest’ in the terms of how good it looks. If you find that your phone is getting too hot while gaming, then scroll down and take a look at the controller in our 4th spot!
3. 8BitDo Pro 2
Next up on our list is the 8BitDo Pro 2, a sleek remote with modifiable vibration and Motion Sense that has a bit of a PS2 meets SNES vibe about it.
And hey, for us Retro Gaming fans, that’s a great mix!
If you’re looking for a controller that works with everything from Android and Raspberry Pi devices through to the Nintendo Switch, then you can’t go wrong with this 8BitDo champion. It even has a reliable Turbo Mode and macro buttons on the back grips, giving you total control.
Add in the choice of adjusting the joystick sensitivity, and you get a gamepad that really allows you to hone your playing experience. It’s comfortable in the hand and can either be charged up via USB or 2 AA batteries if you’re playing on the road!
4. GameSir X3 Type-C
One of the things I like the most about the GameSir X3 Type-C is the built-in-cooler on the back. You’ll all know hot your phone can get when playing some games, and the fan prevents any kind of thermal throttling when the going gets tough.
It’s also a great choice for gamers that like to fine tune their gaming set-up for different games too, providing multiple joysticks and button sets to give them that much-needed competitive edge.
This will only work if your phone or device has a USB-C port, so bear that in mind before buying. While it’s a bit of a bulky beast, it does come with its own protective case and it feels very sturdy in your hands, which is what you want when you’re fighting against a boss.
The last thing we want is to button mash our way through flimsy plastic, after all!
5. HyperX Clutch Wireless
The HyperX Clutch Wireless takes the 5th spot in our list of the best Android gaming controllers, promising more control than ever before while gaming.
Ditch the touchscreen controls and get your hands on a gamepad that, let’s face it, looks and feels like the Xbox Core Controller. That means many of you will already be familiar with the setup and start enjoying seamless Bluetooth connectivity with your Android devices.
You can also hook up with USB or stick in a USB-C to A cable for wired gaming!
It’s an affordable controller too, especially when you consider the fact that it comes with a detachable phone clip as standard. The only downside is that there’s no headphone support, so if you’re a keen talker while gaming, then that could be an issue.
6. Razer Raiju Mobile
Let’s keep the phone clip vibes going with the Razer Raiju Mobile gamepad, a controller known for its incredible easy-pull triggers and high build quality.
That phone mount is super smooth too, giving you 60 degree tilt while playing all your favourite mobile games. And the best part is that it doesn’t feel top heavy either as though you’re trying to game on a DJI Osmo with the power off.
It has dual Bluetooth controls too, meaning that you can connect to two different phones at once, great for sharing while playing games with a friend. Plus, players can map keys using the companion mobile app!
7. Steelseries Stratus Duo
How smart does the Steelseries Stratus Duo look?
If you’re unfamiliar with the SteelSeries name, then prepare yourself for premium quality products that will make you feel like the Don of Android gaming.
With 20+ hours of non-stop gameplay and a pricetag to rival many of the controllers in this list, it’s a great option for those of you looking to play on both Android devices and PCs/laptops thanks to its Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless adapter.
The Duo would have scored higher if it came with a USB-C port instead of a Micro USB. We’re all about fast charging these days, and the Micro USB port just makes us wince whenever we look at it.
Still, it feels incredibly durable and doesn’t cost the earth, so I guess we can put up with that port for a little while longer!
8. Microsoft Xbox Controller
Hey, you can’t go wrong with a Microsoft Xbox Controller. The Core controller for Xbox Series X/S consoles seems to work with just about everything and is already a well-known controller that many of you already own.
You just can’t beat the grip on these gamepads either. They’re my go-to choice when playing shooting games, especially when you get stuck into an all-day Fortnite battle session.
And that 30+ hour battery time is definitely going to come in handy there!
And as I said above, both this controller and the next pad in our list are probably already sitting next to your TV as I type this, making them a solid option for anyone trying to get into Android gaming on a budget.
9. PS5 Controller
The PS5 Controller takes the 9th spot in our best Android gaming controllers list.
I’m not going to lie; I love this controller. Everything from the haptic feedback to the adaptive triggers just works like a dream when playing PS5 games. And the controller is perfectly suited to playing all your favourite Android games too!
While I find the Xbox controller better for delving into shooting titles, the PS5 controller feels more comfortable for adventure epics. Sadly you won’t get any of the PS5 game features that I mentioned above, but it connects up to any device via Bluetooth with zero problems.
Plus it looks super cool too, and while the gameplay time isn’t as long as the Xbox controller on a single charge, it’s still a solid choice for anyone that already owns a PS5 who fancies leaving the touchscreen controls behind.
10. Turtle Beach Atom
Whether you’re playing on a smartphone or a tablet, the Turtle Beach Atom is a Bluetooth controller that provides an extra level of portable control at the drop of a hat.
Each of the individual pieces feel sturdy enough, but without a back piece for your phone to rest against, it does make me worry that the phone might drop out while wandering around.
One plus point to having two seperate pieces, however, is that it makes carrying them around easy as pie. Just throw them in a pocket when not in use and pull them out again when you get to your destination.
The price is quite high for a device that doesn’t offer USB-C, meaning that the only real reason you might go for this item over the Razer Kishi V2 is if the Atom was on sale.
11. PB Tails Choc
The final entry in our best Android gaming controllers list is the artistic PB Tails Choc, a quirky controller that looks a little like a Space Invaders alien!
This is definitely more of a show piece than an actual comfortable controller to use. It has all of the Motion Sense tech and vibration settings we’re used to in modern gaming controllers.
Plus, it connects up to devices really easily via both USB-C and Bluetooth, making it perfect for anyone who wants to game on Android or Windows devices.
The shoulder buttons being on one row does take a little bit of time to get used to and might be tough for some to get to grips with. Still, it’s an interesting piece and a gamepad that I couldn’t miss off this list simply because of how awesome it looks!
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
