The best Bluetooth gaming controllers for Android, PC, and more!

Some games play better on a controller, whether you’re a PC or mobile gamer. While a mouse and keyboard might be more accurate, they’re usually cumbersome when there’s limited space or you’re sitting on a sofa. Bluetooth controllers hit a sweet spot, yet not all Bluetooth controllers are created equal. Some are designed specifically for Android devices, while others work across all platforms. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best Bluetooth controllers for Android, PC, and more.

The best Bluetooth game controllers

8Bitdo Pro 2

8Bitdo has been making cross-compatible Bluetooth controllers for years, and the Pro 2 is no different. Compatible with Switch, mobile devices, Steam, Raspberry Pi, macOS, and PC, this controller might become your go-to everywhere you play.

The 8Bitdo Pro 2 has a full button set, including R3 and L3 buttons, and has companion software for firmware updates and button customizations. The controller even has a couple of extra buttons in the back of the handles, which are entirely programmable. Other perks include USB-C recharging and a 1,000mAh battery for extended play sessions.

8Bitdo’s design is tried and true. It feels great in your hands with side grips, excellent control sticks, and responsive triggers. The D-pad is made to feel like a retro D-pad, like you’d find on an NES controller, so it’s ideal for retro games or fighting games. The size is also great for taking with you on the go.

Xbox Core Controller

The Xbox Core controller was introduced with the Xbox Series X and Series S. The great news is that it also works on other platforms via Bluetooth.

At first glance, it’s reminiscent of the previous Xbox controller, but small changes have the potential to make a huge difference. For starters, the D-pad is now rounded and more agile. It should offer a better response than the simple four-direction pad it replaced.

Microsoft has also revamped bumpers and triggers, adding a stippled texture for a better grip in the heat of the action. It retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, and there’s an all-new share button. After all, gaming is more connected than ever, so you have to show off your highlights.

Those looking for a more advanced experience should look at the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. It comes with customizable accessories, programmable handle buttons in the back, longer battery life, and a premium design.

Sony DualSense

Sony’s DualSense controller is built for the PlayStation 5. It keeps some of the same design cues as Sony’s past controllers, but looks more like a spaceship than anything else.

More importantly, it’s rocking an adaptive haptic trigger setup, which means you’ll feel different responses as you interact with different parts of your environment. The effect is uncanny when game developers choose to exploit it, which is obviously more limited on PC or Android than on the PS5.

The DualSense has a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as a built-in microphone for voice chat. A “create” button is present to help you share content and go live on streaming platforms. For better or worse, you won’t be able to replace AA batteries and keep playing — the controller charges exclusively via USB-C.

Sony DualShock 4

The design of the DualShock 4 harkens back to the early PlayStation days, but don’t let that fool you. It offers a headphone jack, a touchpad, and more. Sony refined its fourth-generation DualShock with sensitive triggers, and even better stick controls.

The built-in light bar is another unique feature, though it doesn’t do much outside of setting the ambiance for your gaming sessions. Some colors are harder to find than others these days, so get the DualShock 4 while you can. It’s also much more affordable than the newer DualSense controller above.

SteelSeries Stratus Duo

The SteelSeries Stratus Duo features a rechargeable battery rated for 20 hours of use. In addition to working over a Bluetooth connection, the Stratus Duo can connect via 2.4GHz wireless in Windows and Steam. If your desktop computer doesn’t have Bluetooth, this is perfect — just plug in the USB wireless adapter that comes in the box.

Check out our full review above for a more detailed look, but we found the device excellent for both mobile and PC gaming. The only significant complaints were a lack of USB-C charging, an oversight in this day and age, and a slightly mushy D-pad. The labeling on the buttons is also quite challenging to read due to the gray-on-black color scheme.

The Stratus Duo is best paired with a phone stand or SteelSeries SmartGrip when playing mobile games. There’s a Stratus XL, but the Duo is significantly lighter at 245 grams.

GameSir G8 Plus

When it comes to telescopic Bluetooth controllers, the GameSir G8 Plus is hard to beat. It has a very Nintendo Switch-like feel, with the two sides of the controller wrapping around your phone or tablet.

In our testing, it felt every bit as premium as a true console controller, with comfortable grips and hall-effect sticks. The only real downside is the software, which isn’t quite as polished as alternatives like the Backbone One ($99.99 at Amazon). If you can overlook this, it’s a great Bluetooth controller for your phone, PC, or even Nintendo Switch.

If you’re looking for a similar mobile-first controller, check out the Razer Kishi V2. It’s not Bluetooth, instead connecting directly to your phone’s USB-C port. The Razer Kishi Ultra is even more premium, with extra features and a larger telescopic arm to fit tablets, too.

8Bitdo M30

If you’re looking for a Bluetooth controller to use with Sega Genesis games, this is it. The M30 is broadly compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS, and Android, but it’s designed with Sega’s classics in mind. Thankfully, you get modern conveniences like a USB-C port and turbo mapping.

Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hands, letting you game for hours at a time without needing a break. Both the D-pad and shoulder buttons feel good and are highly responsive.

8Bitdo Zero 2

Sometimes, you don’t need the best-performing or most ergonomic controller. The 8Bitdo Zero 2’s selling point is that it’s tiny, making it ultra-portable and extremely light — it weighs just 20 grams.

It’s compatible with all the usual suspects, such as the Switch, Windows, Android, macOS, and so on. Battery life is low at 8 hours, but that’s probably enough to last a long flight or train trip. That said, it’s not super comfortable to use for long periods of time.

Buying the best Bluetooth controller

Bluetooth has become the standard for controllers. It offers a reasonable balance of reliability, latency, and power consumption without being tethered.

When picking the best Bluetooth controller for yourself, your first consideration should be the device(s) you’ll be using it with. For instance, a common controller like the Xbox Core Controller or Sony DualSense will work with both Microsoft or Sony consoles and a PC. You get all the features you need, and they’re industry standards on which other gamepads are modeled — especially the Xbox layout.

If you’re getting a Bluetooth controller for your Android phone, portability and battery life are a much bigger concern. There are some interesting form factors for mobile-focused controllers, most notably ones that sandwich your phone as if you were using a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.

Charging is another factor to consider. Some controllers have an integrated battery, and charge via USB or a dock. Others use standard AA batteries. If a product does use the AA format, it’s best to pick up some rechargeables.

Frequently asked questions