The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers Under $75

In recent years, mobile gaming has gone from endless runners and simple word games to full-blown console games. Playing games like Fortnite and Call of Duty Mobile is not the same when using touchscreen controls. Luckily, there are a ton of excellent mobile controllers out there that will make the experience a lot better. Some Bluetooth controllers, like Xbox or PlayStation controllers, can connect to mobile devices, but dedicated mobile controllers typically also provide a way to hold the phone, making it much easier to game on the go.

Choosing The Best Mobile Controller Under $75

There are several key factors for choosing the perfect mobile gaming controller. Keep these in mind when buying a controller for mobile devices.

• Compatibility: As with any device, compatibility is critical, and mobile controllers are no different. Make sure that the controller is compatible with whatever platform gamers want to use, and while it is more challenging in the budget area, it is also nice to look for a controller that also works with a console or PC. With just one controller, gamers can play on their mobile device and home console.
• Game Type: Not all controllers are created equal. Finding one that fits the needs of a particular game one wants to play helps narrow the results. For gamers looking to play various games, a better way to think about it might be if a standard console controller or a controller that clips on a smartphone works better.
• Additional Features: Special features take controllers from being good to being one of the best. Not every gamer needs a controller with all the bells and whistles, but finding one that makes it easier for a specific gaming style or has programmable buttons might be worth a couple of extra dollars.

The Best Mobile Controllers Under $75

All the controllers in this guide offer excellent prices for their performance, but the HyperX Clutch Wireless gives gamers the most for their money. At just $50, this controller offers gamers a way to play on a PC wirelessly or wired, and it allows gamers to play on Android devices via Bluetooth. Plus, it comes with a phone clip!

This controller does not come with the most advanced feature set, but this is the controller for gamers who want a controller that can provide the same feeling of playing on a PC while playing games on mobile devices. The buttons, D-Pad, triggers, and joysticks are all very responsive and tactile. So, whether playing Fortnite on a PC or mobile, this controller allows gamers to make precise and accurate movements, and there is no noticeable input lag regardless of the connection type.

This Xbox-style controller is a bit smaller than some gamers might be used to, but it does help with being able to slip it into a backpack and be ready to game anywhere. Plus, the ergonomic padded grips on the side of the controller make the Clutch Wireless feel much more comfortable than a standard Xbox controller.

Made to be an excellent controller regardless of the platform gamers use it on, the SteelSeries Stratus+ is an excellent pick for any gamer wanting a fantastic mobile gaming experience. With the flip of a switch, gamers can switch the controller from 2.4 GHz mode, which is perfect for PC gaming, to Bluetooth mode, which is ideal for mobile gaming. This controller’s versatility makes it an excellent option for gamers who want one controller to game on either PC or Android. Unfortunately, this controller does not support Mac, iPhone, PS4, Xbox, or Switch.

The overall shape of the controller feels like an Xbox controller. However, the joysticks are parallel, so there is a weird feeling when using them for the first time. But after getting over that hurdle, which might not be as significant for some gamers, all the inputs feel responsive, and there is no lag to worry about for competitive gaming.

For gamers who plan to use this controller for Android gaming on the go or don’t want to have the phone too far away, there is a clip accessory that will hold most phones for just $10. It would be nice if SteelSeries included this with the controller, but at least it’s not too expensive.

8BitDo has become prolific in the third-party controller world over the last few years. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is a prime example of a controller that offers excellent gaming performance and versatile platform support, all for an incredibly affordable price. However, as with the SteelSeries Stratus+, mobile gamers will need to pick up a separate phone clip for this controller.

The Pro 2 is perfect for gamers who want a controller that can do it all while remaining comfortable. This controller is compatible with pretty much any platform, including Android, iPhone, PC, Switch, and Xbox. Unlike its predecessor, the Pro 2 can now be customized on PC, Android, and iOS devices. This was a big sticking point for many gamers with the Pro 1, and it’s always nice to see companies that listen to their audience’s complaints.

The Pro 2 uses a Nintendo button layout, which is nice for gamers playing on the Switch, but it can get kind of confusing when using it on other platforms. Luckily, there is a switch on the back of the controller to change the button layouts to different consoles. This does need to be set up through 8BitDo’s software, but once it is, switching between platforms on one controller has never been easier.

While not the newest of the Razer Kishi lineup, the first-generation Kishi is still an excellent option for gamers who are looking to stick under the $75 price tag. This is one of the few clip-style controllers that Game Rant recommends at this price point, as many other options are unreliable. For gamers who are looking for a very portable controller that offers a fantastic gaming experience, the Razer Kishi is an excellent choice.

Unlike the other controllers covered in this guide, compatibility is not just a matter of whether it supports Android. The phone’s size also matters. While most Android devices fit in the Kishi, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is just a bit too long at 16.7 cm, and most phones will need to be caseless to fit in this controller. But once the phone is settled in the controller, it feels very sturdy, and neither side feels like it will slip off, no matter how intense gaming gets.

The gaming experience feels like playing on a Switch Lite, with more robust triggers and joysticks. It is responsive and a step above playing touchscreen controls. However, how the Kishi works limits the games it is compatible with. Instead of sending button presses as separate inputs, the Kishi tricks the phone into thinking they are coming from the touchscreen controls, so if the Kishi does not support a game, there is no way to play it. If gamers typically play the games on the list of supported games, this is not a big deal, but it severely limits the available games.

Gamers who want a competitive edge in mobile gaming should look no further than the Razer Raiju Mobile. This controller is incredibly comfortable, built to last, and includes almost every feature gamers want. Plus, because it is a couple of years old, the price has fallen below that $75 price tag, making it perfect for gamers on a budget.

Unlike the Razer Kishi, the Raiju uses a typical controller input system, making it compatible with almost any mobile game with support for controllers. This controller feels right at home in competitive games, with hair-triggers to shorten travel to fire weapons and a comfortable grip for marathon gaming sessions. The hair-triggers can be turned off in racing games for more precise acceleration and braking.

The phone clip feels incredibly robust and has no problem with pretty much any Android device out there. The clip is made of metal, and the angle can be adjusted by 60 degrees to dial in the most comfortable position for gaming. If gamers don’t want to use the Bluetooth connection option, the Raiju comes with a short USB-C cable to connect to the controller via a wired connection. However, there is no noticeable performance gain from this connection over Bluetooth.

With emulators getting increasingly popular, especially on mobile devices, having a controller that feels like the original controller helps drive that nostalgic feeling home. The 8BitDo N30 is one of the best modern-day controllers that accomplishes the same feeling as the official NES controller, with modern-day creature comforts. But for gamers who still have an NES, 8BitDo makes this controller with a wireless dongle that works with the NES.

The D-pad and face buttons on the N30 are very responsive and have a nice feel to them, making platforming games a ton of fun. The added face buttons make it hard to activate that muscle memory while using an NES controller for some games. The shoulder buttons are awkward to press for gamers with smaller hands. However, most retro gamers will rarely use these buttons anyway.

Because of its size, this controller is very easy to pack up and take anywhere. The impressive battery life of 18 hours can easily get gamers through a weekend trip of gaming without needing a recharge. The only point detracting from the gaming-on-the-go ability is that this controller has no phone clip. If it had a phone clip, it would be great as a pseudo-Game Boy replacement for mobile gamers.

Gaming On The Go On A Budget

Mobile gaming appeals to many gamers because of the low entry cost, so buying an expensive controller puts that barrier back up. Luckily, many excellent mobile controllers fall under that $75 price point. It may seem like thousands of mobile controllers are under this price point on Amazon, but many of these tend to be packaged e-waste. So, sifting the unworthy from the worthy can be quite a task.

As a rule of thumb, if the model name is just “Mobile Controller” and is from a no-name brand, gamers can scroll right by that one. When searching, keep in mind the three key factors to finding the best mobile controller under $75: compatibility, game type, and special features. It will be much easier to discern the strong from the weak.

FAQ

Q: Are phone controllers worth it?

Mobile controllers are an excellent option for gamers looking to game on the go. Using a mobile controller makes playing games on a phone much more comfortable and offers more precision over touchscreen controls.

Q: Is the Backbone worth getting?

If gamers can stretch their budget a bit above $75, the Backbone is an excellent option for mobile gaming. It is fully compatible with Android and iOS devices and has an excellent build quality that easily lasts up to being tossed in a backpack and gaming on the go.