Android has changed portable gaming. Google’s relatively open platform has allowed everything from standard games to emulators to flourish. Though most games are optimised for touch and touch controls can’t replace a real controller. For the best possible gaming experience, you need to grab a Bluetooth controller so I’ve pulled together my recommendations for the best Bluetooth controller for 2017
After hundreds of hours of testing and research, I’ve picked the GameSir G4S as the best Bluetooth controller for Android thanks to its exceptional flexibility and build quality.
Check Price at AmazonTable of Contents
Best Bluetooth Controller For Most: GameSir G4S
Pros
- Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless and Wired Connectivity
- Comfortable and well-built
- Uses Standard Android controller support for widest compatibility
- Integrated smartphone stand
Cons
- Slightly pricier than competing controllers
- Shallow smartphone stand makes it difficult to use some phone cases
- Awkward Turbo button placement
The GameSir G4S (review) is my go-to for all my Android gaming and my pick for the best Bluetooth controller for Android.
Made by controller manufacturer GameSir, the GameSir G4S features excellent build quality in a comfortable Xbox-styled shell.
It boasts 3 different connectivity options for maximum flexibility: Bluetooth 4.0, 2.4GHz wireless and wired.
It’ll also work on Windows (as an Xbox 360 controller) as well as the PS3, letting the GameSir G4S replace several controllers.
Build quality is top notch, with nice tactile buttons and precise analog sticks.
It’s also ideal for gaming on the go, with up to 30 hour battery life and integrated smartphone stand.
That said, its smartphone holder is on the small side which makes it difficult to use some smartphone cases.
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at GearBestBest Bluetooth Controller For Portability
Moga Power Hero
Pros
- Compact, portable design
- Integrated Smartphone Stand
- Cheap
Cons
- Short Analog sticks
- Only works via Bluetooth
- Only supports Android
MOGA made one of the first Android controllers and the MOGA Power family represents their best Bluetooth controllers to date.
The MOGA Power Hero boasts a compact design that’s easy to chuck into your bag for gaming on the go. An integrated smartphone stand (supporting phones up to 3.385″ wide) and 1800mAh battery allow make this an ideal portable controller.
The MOGA is also unique in that it offers two modes: MOGA or HID. Games with native MOGA support get enhanced features though HID mode ensures compatibility with most games and emulators.
That said, it’s limited to Android via Bluetooth. This means it’s not as flexible as some of the other controllers I’ve recommended. That said, its sub-$25 price point more than makes up for this
Check Price at AmazonBest Bluetooth Controller for Android Tablets
iPega PG-9023
Pros
- Can fit tablets in landscape for portable gaming with a massive screen
- Built-in multimedia controls lets you use the controller as a media remote
- Built-in lithium battery offers 20 hours of gaming
Cons
- Controls not as nice as more “premium” Bluetooth controllers
- Can’t hold smartphone in portrait mode
- Face buttons underneath the right analog stick which takes some adjusting to
Tablet controllers are difficult to find as it’s hard to fit an entire tablet into a grip. That hasn’t stopped iPega with the iPega PG-9023.
The iPega PG-9023 is the only Bluetooth controller capable of fitting a tablet in both portrait and landscape, making it perfect for those who like large screen gaming on the go.
It’s got dual analog sticks, L2/R2 buttons and more so its suitable for most games.
One drawback is the the controls. Whilst they’re serviceable, they’re not as nice as more premium controllers like the GameSir G4S. However, if you’re looking for a Bluetooth controller that will fit your tablet, you really don’t have any many other other choice.
Check Price at GearBestOther Recommended Bluetooth Controllers
8BitDo SNES30
Pros
- Retro NES-inspired design
- Impressive compatibility including Windows, Android, PS3 and Wii
- Updateable firmware
Cons
- Awkward L2/R2 placement
- Small analog sticks
- Smartphone clip sold separately
The 8BitDo NES30 Pro (review) is a compact Bluetooth controller that packs all the buttons you’d need in a unique NES-inspired design.
The controller can be used both wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired and supports a wide variety of platforms including Android, Windows, PS3 and Wii (though some require 8BitDo’s extended firmware).
An integrated battery offers hours of gameplay, though you’ll need to pick up the 8BitDo XTander smartphone stand if you want to attach your smartphone for easy gaming on the go.
Upgradable firmware rounds out the package, with firmware updates offering improved features and support for new platforms.
That said, I didn’t find the SNES-like shape of the controller as comfortable as more modern designs and the placement of the L2/R2 buttons is a little awkward, though you get used to it over time.
Check Price at GearBest8BitDo Zero
Pros
- Tiny for easy portability
- Excellent build quality
- Cheap at around $10
Cons
- Uncomfortable for longer gaming sessions
- Limited buttons limits games that can be played
The tiny 8BitDo Zero is the definition of portable. Coming in at a miniscule 7.3×3.7cm, the SNES-inspired Bluetooth controller is easy enough to slip into the smallest of pockets.
Compatibility is excellent, though the lack of L2/R2 buttons and dual analog sticks limits it to mainly retro games but for only $10, it’s easy to overcome this Bluetooth controllers shortcomings.
Check Price at GearBestGameSir T1S
Pros
- Multiple connectivity options
- Relatively cheap
- Built-in battery offers 18 hours of gaming
Cons
- Textured design may not be to everyone’s tastes
The GameSir T1S (review) is the company’s latest Bluetooth controller that offers all the features of the GameSir G4S as a slightly lower price.
Featuring an Playstation-style design, the GameSir T1S boasts the same excellent compatability with both Android and Windows. This is in addition to Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless and wired connectivity options.
A built-in rechargeable battery and integrated smartphone also allows for gaming on the go.
My only real negative is that the leather-like texture may not be to everyone’s tastes, though it does provide excellent grip for intense gaming sessions.
Check Price at AmazonGameSir G3S
Pros
- Multiple connectivity options
- Relatively cheap
- Built-in battery offers 18 hours of gaming
Cons
- No integrated smartphone stand
- Average analog sticks
- Feels lighter than other controllers
The GameSir G3S (review) was the first controller from the company that I reviewed and it still holds up today.
Offering the same connectivity options as the GameSir G4S and T1S, the GameSir G3S is incredibly flexible.
That said, there’s no integrated smartphone stand. A clip-on stand can be picked up in a bundle or purchased separately though it’s not as intuitive as the built-in versions seen on the G4S and T1S.
Check Price at GearBestBluetooth Controller Buying Guide
What is an Bluetooth Controller?
Bluetooth controllers are wireless controllers that use the Bluetooth wireless standard to connect up to your Android smartphone or Android TV box.
Most Android devices have Bluetooth built in, making Bluetooth controllers one of the easiest ways to enhance your gaming on these devices.
However, there’s some limitations to Bluetooth, namely range and input lag.
Bluetooth devices typically have a range of around 10m. This means it’ll be fine for most situations but something to be aware of.
There’s also typically a small amount of input lag, though this only really impacts the twitch-style games.
What Features Should the Best Bluetooth Controller Have?
With so many options out there, there’s a number of core features you should look for when trying to find the best Blueooth controller for your Android device.
Excellent Build Quality
Like your smartphone, you’ll likely want to take your Bluetooth controller with you. A good Bluetooth controller will have excellent build quality to handle knocks associated with transport and won’t feel like it’ll fall apart in your hands.
Quality Controls
There’s a massive difference between a quality gamepad and a cheap one. Good quality gamepads will offer better quality controls including more responsive buttons and d-pads that don’t feel “mushy”. This makes for a much better gaming experience.
Long Battery Life
There’s nothing worse than having your controller die on you mid-game. The best Bluetooth controllers will offer over 10 hours of gaming to account for even the longest gaming sessions.
Standardised Layout
Android devices expect an Xbox styled button layout (XABY) for connected controllers. Be cautious of controllers that use different button configurations as these may not be as easy to use and may even cause issues with some games.
Wide Compatibility
The best Android controllers are those that can be used on the widest variety of games. After all, what’s the point buying a controller if you can’t use it? Bluetooth controllers that use Android’s native controller support or have seen wide adoption are best.
Other Useful Features
Other Connectivity Options
Some Bluetooth controllers can also be used wired or via 2.4GHz wireless, offering greater flexibility in connecting up your controller.
This may be important for those playing “twitch” games requiring far response times as there will be some slight input lag when using Bluetooth. Alternative connections typically reduce this lag.
Integrated Holder
Android is great for on the go gaming. Having a controller with a built-in smartphone holder makes portable gaming a breeze. Just snap in your smartphone and enjoy gaming.
Official Apps
Some controllers are bundled with supported applications that help you configure the controller or find compatible games. Whilst they’re often not needed to use the controller, they can go a long way to making the overall controller package more user friendly.
Have a favorite Bluetooth controller that I haven’t included in here? Let me know in the comments!
all of them vs f710, which is have more durablility?
I find the Logitech F710 a solid controller but find it quite heavy and not as comfortable as the Gamesir G4S or the Xbox One controller. That said, I’ve had mine for quite a few years and its always been solid.