Many people prefer mobile gaming over other options, but to get the most out of the experience, a handheld controller is a must. The best controllers for iPhones, much like gaming controllers for Android phones, provide better control (no pun intended) and a more tactile experience compared to your touchscreen. When you pair one of the best iPhones with a controller, you can truly up your mobile gaming experience to the next level.

The quality of game titles on your mobile device has steadily risen like Apple stock over the years. Popular titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty are no longer limited to your gaming consoles. Now, as long as you're equipped with one of the best phones available, your handheld can transform into a full-blown gaming machine. For iPhone users specifically, there are a plethora of gaming controllers to choose from. We've narrowed the options to the best eight controllers to maximize your iPhone gaming experience.

Our favorite game controllers for iPhones in 2023

If you'd rather focus on playing rather than hunting for a specific button or worrying about Bluetooth connections, the Razer Kishi V2 is your controller. It has a layout similar to controllers you might already be familiar with, like Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons, and it uses a standard ABXY button setup. The panels are small, fit snuggly in hand, and, thanks to their button placement, they won't be a strain on your digits.

The Kishi V2 doesn't need separate charging to operate, as it connects directly to the iPhone through the Lightning port. It offers pass-through charging, so you can also keep throttling the battery while playing. The pass-through feature doesn't offer the fastest charging, so your battery may not fully charge while playing, but you don't have to worry about your phone dying. Plus, because the Kishi plugs directly into your phone, you don't have to worry about Bluetooth connections or high latency.

If you're familiar with the Android model of the Razer Kishi v2, the iOS model looks and performs almost identically (the only difference is the Lightning port connector). It also has an extendable bridge that adjusts to the size of your phone while holding it securely in place, so it will fit most newer iPhone models with no problem. And if you're taking it on the go, the Kishi V2 is small and lightweight, making it easy to take anywhere. The Razer Kishi v2 doesn't have a headphone jack and is more expensive than other options, but if you want the easiest way to play games on your iPhone, this is the best choice.

The Backbone One is nearly identical to our top pick, the Razer Kishi V2, but there are small differences that push it down our list. But don't worry, this is still an excellent pick with advantages over Razer's option.

For one, it has a familiar layout, with ABXY buttons, a D-pad, and more. It also will plug directly into your iPhone through the Lightning connector, so you don't have to worry about set-up or lag while playing. You'll also get pass-through charging, although it'll be on the slower side. With the telescoping design of the unit, you can adjust its size to fit quite a few different sizes of iPhones as well. It even has a headphone jack if you want to stay wired.

Additionally, if you play PlayStation games through Remote Play, you can do so with the special PlayStation Backbone One. It features the unique DualSense button layout and matches the design of the gaming company's current-generation products.

However, it doesn't have the reprogrammable buttons the Kishi comes with. You may also need to use the included adapter to connect the Backbone One to your iPhone 13 or iPhone 14. There have also been reports it has trouble attaching around some cases. However, if none of that is an issue for you and you need what Backbone offers over Razer, this is the pick for you.

8BitDo's controllers began supporting all Apple devices, including the iPhone, in early 2023, immediately making it an option well worth considering if you don't want to spend $100 on a controller.

This controller is especially useful for playing retro games, as its design and button layout resemble a vintage controller. You'll get ABXY buttons and D-pad in the upper corner and two joysticks each near a handle. Everything feels condensed, yet there's plenty of room between buttons, so you should minimize incorrect inputs. You'll receive a noticeable click as you press the ABXY buttons, which is a helpful bit of feedback. You'll also get some handy features, like motion controls, if you use it with a Switch console.

You can remap the buttons, including the two remappable ones on the back, through customization software, but unfortunately, you cannot customize all the buttons from the controller. You'll need to run the software through an iPhone app or on a computer. It also works through Bluetooth, so you might notice some delay between your inputs and the action on the screen. It has a rechargeable battery, but it'll last 20 hours on a charge, so you should get some long gaming sessions in just fine.

Just note that to ensure compatibility between your 8BitDo Pro 2 controller and your phone, you need to have the latest firmware version downloaded for the controller and the latest version of iOS running on your iPhone.

Using the PowerA MOGA XP5-i Plus is basically like using a full-sized controller. Just attach your iPhone to the mount, and you'll be able to follow along on your phone's display like a little TV.

The MOGA XP5-i Plus resembles an Xbox controller, so you'll likely be familiar with its setup. The D-pad settles near the left handle, and the left joystick sits higher on the controller. The ABXY buttons are on the upper right, with the right joystick closer to the right handle. Its handles angle outward more than some of the others on our list, but I still found this design added to the comfort of a long game-playing session.

As you might expect with a full-size controller, its button size is ideal. It has tactile buttons, as well as extra buttons on the back that you can program for additional controls as well. Plus, the buttons offer a pleasing click for just the right level of feedback.

This controller comes with both a sturdy mount and a 3,000mAh power bank included. It's a little smaller capacity than other power banks, but you could easily carry the PowerA controller instead of a separate power bank, and it'll help keep you playing.

If gaming over Bluetooth gives you nightmares about potential lag problems, the Rotor Riot is what you're looking for. It connects to your iPhone's Lightning connector with a 2-foot cable built into the controller hardware, so it's ready to go almost immediately.

The Rotor Riot is comfortable to hold and use, as it has a traditional controller design with large handles. It has well-positioned buttons that closely resemble an Xbox controller. It also has a pass-through port, so you can charge your iPhone while playing.

The ABXY buttons are at the top of the controller above the right handle. Additionally, the Rotor Riot has fire buttons that are part of the joysticks, which is a handy feature once you become comfortable using it. However, the right-side B button is a little too close to the edge of the controller, so it's easy for your finger to slip off the edge.

The 2-foot cable seems a little long, but that allows it to accommodate some iPads. However, you can't disconnect the cable from the controller, making it a little tougher to carry. You can disconnect the mount to enhance portability, though.

If you don't want to worry about charging your controller over multiple gaming sessions, the SteelSeries Nimbus+ is what you need, offering around 50 hours of battery on a single charge.

It's also one of the most compatible across multiple Apple products. Although you no longer specifically need MFi compatibility in a game controller to ensure that it will work with your iPhone, such compatibility can make use easy. The Nimbus+ gives you MFi compatibility, which is helpful for those who want to share the controller among multiple Apple devices. The Nimbus+ not only works with your iPhone, but it also easily connects to an iPad, Mac, or AppleTV.

The controller layout is standard, with ABXY buttons at the top right and a joystick close to the right handle. The ridge surrounding the buttons gives you a reference point while you're preparing to press buttons, which I liked. The Nimbus+ has handles with a straight edge on the inside rather than rounded handles, which allows me to rest my thumbs tightly against the controller. Its overall size makes it comfortable to use, and the device doesn't weigh all that much. Part of the reason it weighs less than others on our list is that it doesn't support rumble. Then again, plenty of iOS games don't use rumble, so you might not miss this feature.

Finally, it has a built-in mount that will fit many different sizes of iPhones, but the mount doesn't fit iPads. I wish the mount were a little sturdier, which would keep the iPhone more secure while playing.

If you are investing in a controller for your Xbox console that offers more features than a base controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is a good starting point. It also offers compatibility with iOS, Mac, and Apple TV devices, giving you plenty of versatility.

The same Xbox controller you're familiar with is here, with ABXY buttons on the far right, two joysticks, and a D-pad. One nice feature of the Elite Series 2 Core is that you can pick the D-pad design you want to use. There's a standard D-pad as well as a faceted D-pad. You even can adjust the tension on the joysticks with a screwdriver. The ability to personalize the design of the Elite is a great feature for the serious gamer who demands precise control.

The Elite has an integrated rechargeable battery, so you can game for long periods of time without needing to connect. With the rubberized grips, you don't have to worry about losing your grip during extended gaming sessions, either. However, the handles on the controller are shorter than most units on our list, which some people dislike.

This controller is not cheap, as it has a higher price point than any of the other iPhone controllers on our list. It also doesn't have a built-in mount, meaning you have to balance the iPhone somewhere while playing, which can be a hassle.

The PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller has a great-looking design and excellent haptics, things you don't always find with an iPhone gaming controller. The unit is available in several different color combinations, including multiple two-toned looks, which gives it an appealing design.

The ABXY buttons on the right and the D-pad on the left are both near the top of the controller. The buttons' colors and design blend into the overall controller, giving it an interesting, almost futuristic look. The vibration feedback with the DualSense is impressive, too. It handles both subtle and violent vibrations accurately.

Compared to older versions of PlayStation wireless controllers, the DualSense is a bit bigger. This creates larger handles with textured, grippy material. You won't lose your grip during long periods of gaming. This controller has a sturdy feel all the way around, including well-built buttons and analog sticks.

This is a console controller, so you won't have mobile features like a mount. You can purchase a third-party mount to attach to the DualSense, but it'd be nice not to have to carry a mount separately when gaming on the iPhone.

The best controllers for iPhones in 2023: The bottom line

Getting a controller for your iPhone is the way to go for mobile gamers. Your control and precision are more accurate, and simply put, it makes for a better gaming experience compared to touchscreen controls. I recommend the Razer Kishi V2 above all. It's a comfortable controller that's easy to use and conveniently powered by the Lightning port, which correlates to low latency thanks to the direct connection.

If you're on the lookout for something more budget-friendly, I recommend the 8BitDo Pro 2. Akin to the Playstation 1 control, it has a familiar look and design, but with excellent newer technology. For instance, you can set multiple custom profiles so different gamers can have their controls locked and ready. And if you use it with a Switch, you can take advantage of motion controls.

For those of you who are Xbox gamers at heart, it's hard to go wrong with the Steel Series Nimbus+ or the Xbox Elite Wireless Controllers Series 2 Core. Both are almost replicates of the Xbox gaming controller (though the Nimbus+ has the D-pad above the joystick) and provide a console-like gaming experience. The Elite Series 2 Core is a little more expensive, but it is the closest thing to an Xbox console controller available for iPhone.