Whether you're a PC gamer or a mobile gamer, there are some games that just play better on a controller. A mouse and keyboard might be more accurate, but are cumbersome to use with limited space or on a sofa. Touchscreen controls don't require any peripherals, but aren't accurate or pleasant to use. Bluetooth controllers hit that sweet spot between the two.
But not all Bluetooth game controllers are created equal. Some are designed specifically for Android devices, and others are true console controllers that work across all platforms, like the Xbox One controller. To help you make the decision, we've put together a list of the best Bluetooth controllers for Android and PC gaming.
Read also: Best games with Bluetooth controller support
Best Bluetooth game controllers
Editor's note: We will be updating this list of the best Bluetooth game controllers regularly as new devices launch.
1. Xbox One Bluetooth Controller
The Xbox One Bluetooth controller is fantastic all around, whether you're playing on a gaming laptop, PC, Mac, or Android device. Plus, if you're into console gaming you might already have one.
The Xbox One Bluetooth controller is a familiar and comfortable choice.
There is a reason why many other options in the rest of the list look like Xbox controllers. The design is tried and true, feeling great in the hand with excellent control sticks and responsive triggers. The d-pad on the newer Bluetooth version is much better than the original Xbox One controller, but for retro games or fighting games there might be better options.
The Xbox One Bluetooth controller takes two AA batteries, and should last about 40 hours. You can also invest in the more environmentally friendly Xbox One Play & Charge Kit, which doesn't have quite the longevity at 30 hours.
For those of you sporting phones without a headphone jack (a number growing every day), the Xbox One controller has you covered here, too. It features a 3.5mm jack right at the top of the controller. For anyone who has used a console controller in the last 15 years this controller is a familiar and comfortable choice.
2. SteelSeries Stratus XL
The SteelSeries Stratus XL has been on the market for a few years now, but don't let that fool you — for most users this is an excellent choice. The Stratus XL is without a doubt the most beautiful Bluetooth gamepad available, featuring a nice black design with orange and gray accent colors. And it feels equally great in the hand, with a nice heft to it (without being too heavy) that makes it feel very durable.
The Stratus XL is a mix between an Xbox and a Playstation controller.
The Stratus XL looks like an Xbox controller at first glance, but with a button layout that is actually a bit more similar to a Playstation controller. That includes two joysticks that are near the bottom and lined up directly across from one another, and a d-pad to the upper left. Otherwise, you get four main action buttons (A,B, X, Y) on the face, alongside three unique buttons in the center, and at the top you'll find two triggers and two shoulder buttons.
The SteelSeries Stratus XL is compatible with both PC and Android, and while we mostly tested it with Android, we can confirm it plays nicely with any PC, as we ran through Fallout 4 for a bit without any issues. When using with Android, it's equally flawless and should work in every game that supports controllers — including your favorite Android emulators.
SteelSeries claims 40+ hours of game time, and after eight to 10 hours of usage, we still haven't come close to needing to change out the AA batteries. In other words, this shouldn't be any worse than any other typical AA-powered controller like the Xbox 360 and Xbox One gamepad.
This Bluetooth game controller does not feature a built-in phone clamp, so you'll need to buy a phone stand or SteelSeries SmartGrip to game comfortably on your smartphone. This will add about $10 to the total price. That said, if you want a beautiful looking controller that feels high-quality, you can't go wrong with the SteelSeries Stratus XL.
3. SteelSeries Stratus Duo
This is the second SteelSeries controller to make our list of the best Bluetooth controllers, and it fills a slightly different niche. Unlike the Stratus XL, the SteelSeries Stratus Duo features a rechargeable battery that's rated for 20 hours of use. It's also considerably less colorful, with a sleek all-black look.
The Stratus Duo is lighter than the Stratus XL, but the battery doesn't last as long
In addition to working over a Bluetooth connection, the Stratus Duo can connect via 2.4GHz wireless on Windows and Steam. This is perfect if your desktop computer doesn't have Bluetooth — just plug in the USB wireless adapter that comes in the box.
Check out our full SteelSeries Stratus Duo review below for a more detailed look, but we found the device to be excellent for both mobile and PC gaming. The only major complaints were a lack of USB-C charging, which is an oversight in 2019, and a slightly mushy d-pad. The labeling on the buttons is also quite difficult to read due to the gray-on-black color scheme.
Read also: SteelSeries Stratus Duo review: The best premium mobile gaming controller
Like the Stratus XL, the Stratus Duo is best paired with a phone stand or SteelSeries SmartGrip when playing games on a phone. It's significantly lighter than its bigger brother at 245 grams, so it's a more portable choice for gamers on the go.
4. Beboncool Bluetooth Game Controller
This little device makes our list in the category of best Android Bluetooth controller. The Beconcool Bluetooth Game Controller features a built in telescopic holder, which makes playing mobile games a lot easier. The device sports two joysticks, a d-pad, four action buttons, start and select buttons, and shoulder triggers.
Beboncool game controller offers up to 10 hours of battery life and comes with a companion app.
It packs a 350mAh battery that promises between eight and 10 hours of use before running out of juice. When that happens, you can get the battery back to 100 percent in around three hours of charging. The device also comes with a free companion app, which shows a list of over 300 compatible games — around half of which are free.
The Beboncool controller has a simple design and comes in black with red accents. It's not the most premium-looking product on this list, but it still gets the job done. It's small and light enough for you to easily drop it in a bag, and will turn off automatically when not in use for five minutes. It's also cheap — you can get it on Amazon for just $26.
5. Razer Raiju Mobile Controller
While the Beboncool Bluetooth game controller is a great device for mobile gamers on a budget, some of you might be lusting for something a bit more premium. The Razer Raiju Mobile Controller brings all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-end Bluetooth controller and then some.
This controller is primarily designed for mobile gaming, but it's more than capable for PC gaming as well. It's made of premium materials and textured plastics that feel excellent in the hand. This is one controller you won't want to set down. Check out our full review below.
Read also: The Razer Raiju Mobile controller is amazing(ly expensive)
The layout and design of the controller is remarkably similar to that of the Xbox One, with the added feature of a built-in phone clamp. It has a rechargable battery rated for 23 hours of game time, two USB-C cables for charging or setting up a wired connection with your phone, and a hair-trigger switch to get those shots off even faster.
This is the most feature packed controller on the list, but also the most expensive.
In our testing, the controller itself performed flawlessly. The only issues we encountered were related to mobile game controller support, and even that is partly remedied with button remapping and more in Razer's dedicated mobile app. As the mobile gaming market develops, expect this to improve naturally.
These premium features aren't found on any of the other controllers on our list of the best Bluetooth controllers, but they're going to cost you. At well over $100, the Razer Raiju is twice as expensive as any other item on the list, but if you're looking for the best premium Bluetooth controller made specifically for mobile gaming, this is it.
6. 8BITDO Zero Wireless Game Controller
How would you like to own a fully functional game controller for your Android phone that's so small you can put it on your keychain? You can with the 8BITDO Zero Wireless Game Controller. This impressive device weighs just 50 grams, but includes four action buttons, a select button, a start button, a four-way d-pad, and two shoulder trigger buttons.
The battery should last for up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Since this controller has Bluetooth technology, you can use it on any gaming device with compatible hardware, such as a PC, Mac, iPhone, or iPad in addition to Android phones and tablets. It's ;73 mm wide, 35 mm tall and 13.7 mm thick, and is powered by a 180mAh rechargeable battery that is rated for up to 18 hours on a single charge. If your phone or tablet still has a micro USB port, you can charge the controller up with its included micro USB connection. It reportedly takes about an hour to charge.
While gamers with big hands could have some issues using the 8BITDO Zero Wireless Game Controller, everyone else should not have any problems playing Android or retro games with controller support with this device. Its small size is easily the best thing about it, but that's a pretty big deal. Amazon is currently selling it for around $20.
7. 8BITDO SNES30 Wireless Bluetooth Controller Dual Classic Joystick
Here's another product from the Japan-based 8BITDO that we think is pretty cool, especially if you are a long-time gamer, or just one who appreciates some history. The 8BITDO SNES30 Wireless Bluetooth Controller Dual Classic Joystick closely resembles the controller included with the classic Super Nintendo console.
This SNES30 is a solid performer with an added blast of nostalgia.
That means you should be able to play ports of these and many other retro games on PC and Android with a familiar control scheme. It includes four action buttons, a select button, a start button, a four-way d-pad, and two shoulder trigger buttons, all set in the double circle design of the original Super Nintendo gamepad. It has Bluetooth support for wirelessly connecting to your Android phone or gamepad, along with support for PC, Mac, iOS and even the Nintendo Switch console.
The controller also comes with a micro USB port for charging up its 480mAh battery. It is supposed to last up to 18 hours on a single charge. You can get this trip back in time from Amazon for only $30.
8. Bounabay Android game controller
The last model on our list of the best Bluetooth game controllers comes from Bounabay and it's specifically designed for Android devices. It turns your smartphone into something resembling a portable game console, adding controls to the left and right of the device.
It's very compact, which makes it easy to take with you on the road. Its battery comes in at 300mAh and promises to last for around 8 hours. The controller is compatible with phones measuring a maximum of 165mm from top to bottom and run Android 4.4 KitKat or higher. It won't work with iOS devices and isn't compatible with Fortnite, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
It has all the buttons you'd expect on a game controller including two joysticks, four action buttons, and a d-pad. It also comes with a tool for remapping buttons. The Bounabay Bluetooth game controller will set you back a little more than $40.
That's it for our list of the best Bluetooth game controllers on the market. We'll add more as they become available!
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