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Best gaming controller for iPhone Geeking Out 2026
Gaming on iPhone has come a LONG way since the Candy Crush days!
With titles like Resident Evil 4, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Death Stranding making their way to iPhone we are seeing titles available for iPhone 17, and iPhone 16 models and iPhone 15 Pro & Max that were previously only playable on current gen consoles.
Canadian Made
ELO Vagabond
Geeking Out Shop
From the moment you open the box, to the second you're thumbs hit the joysticks, you can see and feel the premium experience with the ELO Vagabond. This Canadian company's main product is their mobile controller, and that focus has allowed them to obsess over every small detail for an elite gaming experience. Whether you're on a smartphone or small tablet, this controller is ready to be your gaming-on-the-go companion. Many companies won't bother jumping through the hoops to get the Made For iPhone/iPad certification, but ELO has, which further shows their commitment to a quality user experience. With hall effect joysticks and triggers and customizable buttons, this is premium portable controller.
Fan Favourite
Backbone One (Gen 2)
Best for iPhone 17 (all), 16 (all) & 15 Pro/Max
For the quality feel, ease of use, and excellent software, the Backbone is an easy choice to recommend. Make sure, though, that you get the USB C version if you have iPhone 17, 16 or 15. It's available in white and black. With the included software you can easiliy connect your game's library from services like Game Pass, Steam, Luna, and more.
Best for iPhones with lightning connector
Backbone One
Best for iPhone 14 or older
Make sure to choose the right Backbone for your phone! There are Android models with USB-C, and a new iPhone USB C version. But if you have iPhone 14 or older, you're going to need the version that has the lightning connector.
Razer's best smartphone model
Razer Kishi (V3)
Best Backbone alternative
If for whatever reason you don't want a Backbone controller then Razer has an option that does a very similar job, but has better joysticks and triggers and their software is free! In June 2025, Razer introduced their updated Kishi lineup with the V3, offering three different size options. The V3 Pro is great for phones and small tablets, and the Pro XL handles full-sized tablets, but if you're just looking for mobile gaming on your smarthphone, the base Kishi V3 is the best choice.
Razer's Premium Model
Razer Kishi Ultra
Best for Apple devices
If you see yourself switching between your iPhone and your iPad Mini for gaming, then the Razer Kishi Ultra is absolutely the best pick for you. The iPad Mini can be set up as a pretty sweet device for gaming on the go. We've done a deep dive into all the reasons why the Kishi Ultra is the best pick for an iPad Mini mobile controller so if you have both an iPhone 15 model (or newer) and an iPad Mini consider the Kishi Ultra. While it's similar to the Kishi V3, you get some cool lighting effects not available on the non-Ultra models.
Works with Switch
GameSir G8 Plus
Maximize Versatility
The GameSir G8 Plus is included in our list because we really like the physical design but of all the devices we've tested it with, the software experience is the worst on iPhone. This will only be a factor if you choose to use the GameSir app to organize your gaming library. If you're happy to just launch your games from your home screen, then this is an excellent controler for gaming on the go. It can easily fit an iPad Mini and if you also own a Nintendo Switch, you can use this controller with your console too! One of the most unique factors is being able to physically rearrange the layout of the buttons to match your play style or the game you've fired up!
Backbone knock-off
LeadJoy M1C+
Best budget controller
LeadJoy makes a few different gaming accessories including a controller grip that looks very much like the design of the Backbone One. It has a dedicated capture button for screenshots and videos. It also supports attaching magnetic cooling fans if your iPhone gets toasty during a gaming session, but honestly, who has one of those? The price is a little cheaper than Backbone, so if you want to gamble a bit on quality to save a little money, this is an option.
Xbox option
PowerA MOGA Xbox
Works with Xbox Series X Controllers
If you LOVE the feel of your current Xbox controller but want to use the beautiful screen and harness the power of your iPhone 15 pro for gaming, then PowerA MOGA is a fantastic option. The key with their design compared to others is the dual adjustment dials. These allow you to get just the right distance between the screen and the controller as well as a perfect angle for the display. Plus it's a VERY inexpensive option if you want to see whether you even like hardcore gaming on iPhone before investing in something like a Backbone One.
PlayStation option
Orzero Clip On
Works with DualSense controllers
For the exact same reasons we suggested the Xbox controller clip, we also picked this one for PlayStation fans. The dual adustment dials help you precisely setup the postiion of your screen for how you like it. This model works with PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 controllers and comes in black or silver. So if you like gaming on your PlayStation controllers and want to add the phone into the mix, this is a solid choice.
But swiping on-screen controls never feels as good a a proper graming controller. Fortunately there are lots of good options to choose from
Over the past two years, I have been hands on with about one dozen different controller grips and phone clips with various controllers to try and find the best mobile gaming experience. Based on that, there's one option I recommend above all others.
Best Overall: ELO Vagabond
Straight up, the ELO Vagabond is the best choice for a mobile gaming controller. Over the past two years we've used way more than a dozen different mobile controllers for iPhone and this is the one we keep coming back to. The hardware design is rock solid. When your phone is enclosed within the Vagabond and you're gripping the controller tightly everything feels very stable.
This device is actually certified to work with Apple and that makes a huge difference. Lots of mobile controllers work great with Android but as soon you plug them into an Apple device features don't work and the experience is diminished. That's not the case with the ELO Vagabond.
And thanks to the pivoting USB C input, you can easily plug in and remove your iPhone without feeeling like you're going to snap off the connection. If you're swapping between iPhone and iPad make sure to dig into the bottom of the box your Vagabond ships in and choose the right size of (included) rubber sizing pads that work for the precise size and shape of your device.
One last note about the Vagabond. You could easily enjoy games on many mobile smartphone controllers without ever firing up the controller's software. But with the Vagabond, you should absolutely download and take advantage of the great features in the Unleashed software. The ability to customize every single button for the exact title you're playing on is great, plus the interface is beautiful for browsing your game library.
Canadian Made
ELO Vagabond
Geeking Out Shop
From the moment you open the box, to the second you're thumbs hit the joysticks, you can see and feel the premium experience with the ELO Vagabond. This Canadian company's main product is their mobile controller, and that focus has allowed them to obsess over every small detail for an elite gaming experience. Whether you're on a smartphone or small tablet, this controller is ready to be your gaming-on-the-go companion. Many companies won't bother jumping through the hoops to get the Made For iPhone/iPad certification, but ELO has, which further shows their commitment to a quality user experience. With hall effect joysticks and triggers and customizable buttons, this is premium portable controller.
Additional Options for iPhone gaming in 2026
With beautiful displays and powerful processors there's never been a better time to game on your iPhone. For all the reasons we listed above we think the ELO Vagabond is a top choice.
But if you're curious about what else is out there, good news! You have a lot of great options!
We test so many different mobile controllers here at Geeking Out we have hands-on experience with so many different models.
Here are a few additional picks you might also consider when you're shopping for a new controller for your iPhone.
Fan Favourite
Backbone One (Gen 2)
Best for iPhone 17 (all), 16 (all) & 15 Pro/Max
For the quality feel, ease of use, and excellent software, the Backbone is an easy choice to recommend. Make sure, though, that you get the USB C version if you have iPhone 17, 16 or 15. It's available in white and black. With the included software you can easiliy connect your game's library from services like Game Pass, Steam, Luna, and more.
Best for iPhones with lightning connector
Backbone One
Best for iPhone 14 or older
Make sure to choose the right Backbone for your phone! There are Android models with USB-C, and a new iPhone USB C version. But if you have iPhone 14 or older, you're going to need the version that has the lightning connector.
Razer's best smartphone model
Razer Kishi (V3)
Best Backbone alternative
If for whatever reason you don't want a Backbone controller then Razer has an option that does a very similar job, but has better joysticks and triggers and their software is free! In June 2025, Razer introduced their updated Kishi lineup with the V3, offering three different size options. The V3 Pro is great for phones and small tablets, and the Pro XL handles full-sized tablets, but if you're just looking for mobile gaming on your smarthphone, the base Kishi V3 is the best choice.
Razer's Premium Model
Razer Kishi Ultra
Best for Apple devices
If you see yourself switching between your iPhone and your iPad Mini for gaming, then the Razer Kishi Ultra is absolutely the best pick for you. The iPad Mini can be set up as a pretty sweet device for gaming on the go. We've done a deep dive into all the reasons why the Kishi Ultra is the best pick for an iPad Mini mobile controller so if you have both an iPhone 15 model (or newer) and an iPad Mini consider the Kishi Ultra. While it's similar to the Kishi V3, you get some cool lighting effects not available on the non-Ultra models.
Works with Switch
GameSir G8 Plus
Maximize Versatility
The GameSir G8 Plus is included in our list because we really like the physical design but of all the devices we've tested it with, the software experience is the worst on iPhone. This will only be a factor if you choose to use the GameSir app to organize your gaming library. If you're happy to just launch your games from your home screen, then this is an excellent controler for gaming on the go. It can easily fit an iPad Mini and if you also own a Nintendo Switch, you can use this controller with your console too! One of the most unique factors is being able to physically rearrange the layout of the buttons to match your play style or the game you've fired up!
Backbone knock-off
LeadJoy M1C+
Best budget controller
LeadJoy makes a few different gaming accessories including a controller grip that looks very much like the design of the Backbone One. It has a dedicated capture button for screenshots and videos. It also supports attaching magnetic cooling fans if your iPhone gets toasty during a gaming session, but honestly, who has one of those? The price is a little cheaper than Backbone, so if you want to gamble a bit on quality to save a little money, this is an option.
Xbox option
PowerA MOGA Xbox
Works with Xbox Series X Controllers
If you LOVE the feel of your current Xbox controller but want to use the beautiful screen and harness the power of your iPhone 15 pro for gaming, then PowerA MOGA is a fantastic option. The key with their design compared to others is the dual adjustment dials. These allow you to get just the right distance between the screen and the controller as well as a perfect angle for the display. Plus it's a VERY inexpensive option if you want to see whether you even like hardcore gaming on iPhone before investing in something like a Backbone One.
PlayStation option
Orzero Clip On
Works with DualSense controllers
For the exact same reasons we suggested the Xbox controller clip, we also picked this one for PlayStation fans. The dual adustment dials help you precisely setup the postiion of your screen for how you like it. This model works with PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 controllers and comes in black or silver. So if you like gaming on your PlayStation controllers and want to add the phone into the mix, this is a solid choice.
Bottom line
We think ELO absolutely crushes it in the smartphone gaming controller space with their Vagabond.
Most of the quality controllers in this space are around the $100 mark. But the nice thing about ELO is their software doesn't require a subscription so it's free when you buy your controller. Backbone makes a solid mobile gaming controller, but the annual membership fee is a major downside.
Overall, the comfort and quality totally justify the $100 price tag. Playing gmes like Resident Evil 4 on iPhone or Death Stranding using the ELO Vagabond on a smartphone is a pure joy!
Having said that, if you're new to gaming on iPhone and want to test the waters first, then the PowerA MOGA options are definitely the best clip-on controller mounts for iPhone. This is because you can really dial in the perfect angle for your phone because of the dual adjustment points.
And if you've never experienced gaming on iPad Mini, it is truly a delight. The ELO Vagabond is one of the few mobile controllers that works with both phones and the iPad Mini. If for some reason you're still not convinced about the Vagabond for your iPad mini then a great alternative we can recommend whole-heartedly recommend the Razer Kishi Ultra for many, many reasons.
Gaming on Mobile got a whole lot more interesting since the release of iPhone 15 Pro and Max. And with iPhone 17 and 16 models being more capable with a more advanced chip (and in the case of iPhone 17 a higher refresh rate on the screen on all models), even on the base models you can do some quality gaming. Upgrade to the Pro or Pro Max there's even more poweful gaming opportunity with better better life. Especially great if you have the massive screen of the iPhone 17 Pro Max!
With the screen quality on flagship phones having such high refersh rates and beautiful aesthetics, there's a lot of appeal to gaming on your phone. And with the right controller grip the experience can be even better.
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