We’ve looked at many of the Bluetooth controllers on the market of late. In this article we are uncovering the best Bluetooth gaming controllers for android, some of which are also compatible for IOS. All the controllers on this list are wireless and comes with phone holders for maximum portability.
Controllers with bracket phone holders
1. GameSir T1s Controller
The GameSir T1s gamepad is a few years old now and continues to be one of the top wireless controllers for gaming. More so now than before as it has been tested by many and is a go to for many mobile and PC gamers.
The T1s also meets the requirement having built-in phone holder which can hold a device that is between 3.5 and 6 inches wide.
GameSir came on the gaming scene in 2010. In a few short years has quickly positioned itself as one of the best names for gaming controllers and other accessories.
The build quality is reasonable. Exactly what you would expect for the asking price. Holding and playing with the T1s feels like a premium device. Very much like the original PS3 controller.
This controller is compatible with Android 4.0 or higher. It also compatible with windows PC, as well as Play Station 3. Perhaps the only downside is that it does not work with IOS or Mac devices.
Some of the notable features are:
- It has a USB rechargeable battery with about 10 to 20 hours of gameplay per charge
- Works with Android TV and VR
- Works with most mobile games that supports controllers
- Its affordable
If you are someone who prefers the feel and layout of the Xbox controller, the GameSir G4S controller may be better suited for you. It also has a built-in bracket to hold the phone while playing. The design and button layout are designed to be more like the Xbox controller.
2. SteelSeries Stratus XL
The SteelSeries Stratus XL is a console style controller with minimalistic design. One thing to note which may be a drawback or an advantage to some is that the phone holder bracket for the Stratus must be purchased separately.
SteelSeries by far makes the most functional controllers on the market. They are one of the oldest and most trusted names for gaming accessories.
While the controller and phone bracket must be bought separately, the Stratus XL is still one of the best values around. The price for the Stratus has dropped quite a bit since it was first released.
The Stratus is compatible with Android and PC.
Some key notes for the Stratus XL are
- Compatible with most android games with controller support
- X-input compatible for Xbox One and VR
- Look and feels excellent in hand
- Very responsive
To power the Stratus XL, you are provided with two AA batteries. However, if you are a serious gamer who worry about running out batteries, or don’t want to deal with the hassle of recharging AA batteries in a separate device, it may be worth it to check out the SteelSeries Stratus Duo instead.
The Stratus Duo works with the same phone holder as the Stratus XL and is powered with an internal USB rechargeable lithium battery that is good for about 10 to 20 hours of gaming per charge.
3. MOGA XP5-A Plus Controller
The MOGA XP5-A Plus by Power A is no doubt amongst the top 5 wireless gamepads currently available. Like the first two controllers on this list, it too is compatible with most mobile and PC games with controller support.
The XP5-A Plus controller is designed to feel like console controller. Its is comfortable to hold and comes with a removable mount clip which holds most phone sizes.
Notable features:
- Has an in-built USB rechargeable battery
- It has built in power bank which charges your phone while playing by drawing power from the controller’s battery.
This controller is a bit pricier than the first two controllers on this list. But it is an awesome controller though some may regard it as being overpriced.
The reason why we didn’t recommend the Moga Hero Power or Pro Power controllers (both good controllers) is because those controllers are coming of age. Support and game compatibility for those controllers are not what they used to be.
The XP5-A works for Android, PC, VR as well as the new cloud gaming services like Stadia. This is one of the best performing controllers we’ve test. The buttons have the right amount of tension and there is no noticeable lag in wireless mode.
4. BEBONCOOL DA015
This BEBONCOOL Bluetooth controller is one of the most affordable and practical options. I’ve seen this controller going for under $20. It is compatible with Android, Samsung Gear VR and the legacy iCade games for the Mac.
The controller is on the smaller end. Still comfortable in the hand however. The design is slim and compact, with integrated phone holder.
This is not a controller for hardcore gamers. But for the passive casual gamer who can overlook some minor imperfections, it is a great choice.
5. CHENGDAO V018
This one is a lesser known controller but outperforms many of the other controllers we have tested. It is compatible for both Android and IOS. The phone holder bracket is integrated and as well as the battery.
Feels like a standard PS3 controller. This is an awesome controller for those looking to play Fortnite, PUBG and other FPS games. There are no noticeable latency or dead zone.
Controllers with telescopic phone holder
6. Bounabay Wee2T Telescopic Controller
The Wee2T controller supports 3.5 to 6.4-inch-wide phones (the width of the phone as in landscape mode). It works for both Android phones and IOS. WEE 2T has a built-in gyroscope for motion enabled games.
This controller is sold by different vendors like Flydigi. Both of which are the same controller. Bounabay generally have the best deal on it, maybe you can save a few bucks.
Key notes for this controller are:
- Long battery life
- Little configuration needed
- Very responsive
Controllers with telescopic phone holders are designed to fit seamlessly with the device. Giving the impression of an all-in-on gamepad.
The keys are nicely spaced for a compact controller such as this. It is a good choice for MOBA gaming and FPS games.
7. IPEGA PG-9083S Gamepad
The IPEGA PG-9083S gamepad is the next excellent choice for wireless Bluetooth gamepads with telescopic phone holder. This controller work with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher. It is also compatible with some IOS devices.
It is very comfortable to play with. The build quality is also satisfactory. The tension and recoil on the buttons are great. Unlike some controllers where the buttons are super soft and sticky.
Telescopic controllers are great as they often support larger devices than the controllers with the standard phone holder brackets.
Key features for this controller are:
- Integrated USB rechargeable battery with decent battery life
- The holder for the controller holds both phones and tablets.
The PG-9083S has a telescopic holder that is able to house devices 5-10 inches wide. You can turn your tablet into a full-blown mobile gaming console.
8. PowerLead PG9023S
This PowerLead PG9023S which is just a rebranded Ipega 9023 is another good choice which also supports both phones and tablets. The PG9023S has ergonomic handles and button layouts that fits quite nicely.
It too holds phones and tables that are between 5 and 10 inches wide. Supports Android 6.0 or higher and some IOS devices with IOS 11 and up. The PG9023S makes playing on a wide screen tablets in both landscape and portrait possible.
The PG9023S is a well-designed gamepad both in terms of looks and functionality. Even while the telescopic holder is fully extended, the controller still feels quite sturdy.
9. PXN P30
The PXN P30 supports both Android and IOS. The telescopic holder is compatible with screens between 4 to 6 inches wide. This controller is slim and compact while also being firm and sturdy.
The battery in this controller is very good. It charges quickly and lasts between 10 to 20 hours.
This gamepad, along with the rest of the controllers on this list certainly enhances the experience of gaming on mobile phones.
10. Glap Play p/1
If you are looking for a nice controller that speak quality all-around, than you should definitely check out the Glap Play p/1 controller.
While the Glap Play p/1 controller was designed to be used for Samsung devices, its works perfectly with any android device. It is one of the most conformable and fun to play with controllers we’ve tried.
Key features for this controller are:
- Compatible with Samsung devices
- Works great with most games
- Very light and comfortable to play with
This controller is rather expensive. It is made with quality materials. The design is outstanding with a lot of attention to detail. It is just a nice controller.