10 Best iOS Game Controllers [2021] for iPhone & iPad

After dropping from the battle bus and scoping out the perfect landing spot, you touch down and begin stockpiling weapons. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an enemy appears! You rush into the action, keen to gain the upper hand. But your touchscreen is no match for his mouse and keyboard. It’s over in seconds, all because you forgot to pick up one of the best iOS game controllers.

Sound familiar? While the iPhone is great for gaming on the go, touchscreen controls simply can’t compete with the controller or mouse. Fortunately, the best iOS game controllers level the playing field, offering enhanced accuracy and a fighting shot.

This article takes you through 10 of the best iOS controllers on the market. We also go through the benefits and technology behind the accessories themselves. Ready for a competitive edge on mobile? Let’s get started.

Zoom Out: Comparison Table of the 10 Best iOS Game Controllers

The following table provides an at-a-glance look at the top iOS game controllers on the market. For more in-depth information on each model, head to the Zoom In section below.

Image	Product	Type	Compatibility	Price
	SteelSeries Nimbus	Wireless	iPhone + iPad
	Razer Kishi	Wired	iPhone
	PXN Speedy	Wireless	iPhone + iPad
	Sony DualSense	Wireless	iPhone + iPad
	Xbox Core Controller	Wireless	iPhone + iPad
	GameSir F4 Falcon	Wireless	iPhone
	Gamevice	Wired	iPhone
	Rotor Riot	Wired	iPhone + iPad
	Backbone One	Wired	iPhone
	DELAM Mobile	Wireless	iPhone

Zoom In: A Closer Look at the 10 Best iOS Game Controllers

Now that we’ve had a glimpse of the best mobile game controllers, let’s take a closer look at each option.

Manufacturer: SteelSeries | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone & iPad | MFi Certification: Yes | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰

Ready to elevate your game? The SteelSeries Nimbus is an MFi-certified device with official Apple licensing, meaning it’s guaranteed to work alongside all your iOS products. Sync up with your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth, then jump into your favorite titles at the click of a button. 

Performance-wise, this premium controller features up to 50 hours of battery life and comes with pressure-sensitive, tactile buttons and joysticks that mimic console-level gameplay. 

To make the most of your Nimbus (and update to the latest firmware), you’ll need to download the SteelSeries Engine from the official website and update it using your computer. While this can be a hassle, it’s well worth it, as registering your Nimbus comes with up to 4 months of Apple Arcade — entirely free! 

Manufacturer: Razer | Type: Wired | Compatibility: iPhone | MFi Certification: Yes | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰💰

Razer is one of the most iconic names in the gaming industry, and the Kishi Mobile Controller lives up to the hype.

There’s no question — the Kishi is nothing short of a legendary mobile controller for modern iPhones. It features a smooth, telescoping design that resembles the Nintendo Switch, with controls on either side and your iPhone screen in the center. Once you’ve got your iPhone plugged in, it’s a simple matter of choosing your favorite game from the App Store (titles like Fortnite and Genshin Impact) or using cloud gaming services to play next-gen titles right from your phone! Since there’s no Bluetooth or wireless connection, there’s no latency or lag — just you and the game, baby.

As for ergonomics? This controller feels like it came straight from the latest console. It features comfy handheld grips, tactile buttons, clickable analog thumbsticks, an eight-way D-pad, and much more. Although you may have to save up to afford it, the Razer Kishi is an excellent choice for casual and competitive players seeking the very best accessory. 

Manufacturer: PXN | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone & iPad | MFi Certification: Yes | Style Options: 2 | Price: 💰💰

If you’re a fan of the Xbox Controller but want something designed exclusively for mobile, look no further than the PXN Speedy. The PXN features the Xbox 360’s tried-and-true form factor alongside pressure-sensitive buttons and responsive joysticks to deliver precise control at your fingertips. What’s more, its battery life is nothing short of spectacular, coming in around 20 hours thanks to a high-efficiency 550mAH li-ion battery.

As you probably expect from an Apple-exclusive device like this one, the PXN Speedy features MFi-certified components guaranteed to work with all your iProducts. Download the PXN App and give this bad boy a test drive today — as one of the best iOS controllers for iPad, you won’t regret it.

Manufacturer: Sony | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone & iPad | MFi Certification: No | Style Options: 3 | Price: 💰💰💰

Reimagined from the ground up, the DualSense Controller is the controller of the future. It features haptic feedback that physically responds to in-game actions and recoil, adaptive triggers that give off varying levels of resistance depending on your in-game actions, motion sensors, and so much more.

But did you know that you can use the revolutionary Sony DualSense with your iPhone or iPad? It’s true!

While many of its features are only available on the PS5, the DualSense is still incredibly ergonomic and delightful to use — especially if you already own a PlayStation. Simply follow this guide, and you’ll be ready to sync your DualSense with your iPhone in a matter of minutes. Now that’s next-gen gaming.

Manufacturer: Microsoft | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone & iPad | MFi Certification: No | Style Options: 2 | Price: 💰💰💰

Maybe the PlayStation and its DualSense Controller aren’t your style? Maybe you’re more of an Xbox kinda guy, with a penchant for that classic controller design adored by millions of players around the world. If that’s you, good news! The new Xbox Core Controller now supports iOS!

That’s right. iOS owners can access the new Xbox’s controller, complete with hybrid D-pad, tactile buttons, and textured grip, right from their iDevice! While this method does require a small stash of AA batteries, that’s a small price to pay for wireless connectivity, enhanced comfort, and precision controls across the entire App Store. Besides, battery life lasts up to 40 hours!

It does take a little bit of time to set up using this guide, but once you’ve got everything configured, you’re locked ‘n loaded for good. Try the Xbox Core Controller on your iPhone or iPad and feel the difference for yourself.

Manufacturer: GameSir | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone | MFi Certification: No | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰

Get into the game fast ‘n easy with the next controller on our list, a mechanical game grip from GameSir.

The F1 is an ergonomic gamepad with a telescopic pull-out lever that extends to hold phones ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 inches. Since it’s a wireless mechanical model, there’s no need to connect via Bluetooth or sync up. Simply adjust the in-game UI to match the wing-like shape of the controller, and you’re good to go. The conductive joystick offers superb control and maneuverability, and the setup works perfectly with games like Fortnite, PubG, and Mobile Legends.

The main downside to this controller is that it’s generally too small to hold phones with cases. In other words, you’ll need to manually remove your case each time you want to play — a major bummer. Fortunately, the F10 comes with a rubber-like material that hugs your phone and keeps it protected while in its grip.

You can read more about the F10 on our in-depth review page.

Manufacturer: Gamevice | Type: Wired | Compatibility: iPhone | MFi Certification: Yes | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰💰

No latency. No pairing. No power loss. That’s the Gamevice guarantee.

This wired iOS game controller boasts everything you need to play your favorite mobile titles on controller, including ABXY buttons, dual analog sticks, and quad bumpers. You simply slip your iPhone into the notches on either side (be careful when connecting the lightning port), and you’re all set to play. It’s like a Nintendo Switch, but with the functionality of your smartphone!

Unfortunately, this unique design doesn’t extend to iPads, as it’s only a few inches wide. But if you’re more of a smartphone player, this is the best iPhone game controller for the money, especially considering its MFi certification.

Manufacturer: Rotor Riot | Type: Wired | Compatibility: iPhone and iPad | MFi Certification: Yes | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰💰

Which iOS game controller features universal iOS compatibility and support for over 1,000 different games via its own specialized app? That’s right – the Rotor Riot!

This bad boy offers a wired connection for latency-free gaming that’s more precise than its wireless counterparts. Not to mention, you can charge your phone as you play, thanks to the Riot’s passthrough charging technology.

Use this full-size controller to play thousands of games via the complementary Ludu Mapp App or tap into the App Store and use it alongside controller-supporting titles like Fortnite. The Xbox-style button layout is familiar and feels excellent paired with the tactile buttons and a robust shell.

Manufacturer: Backbone | Type: Wired | Compatibility: iPhone | MFi Certification: Yes | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰💰

Next up is the Backbone One, a wired iOS gamepad with oodles of mobile-friendly features.

What can you expect from this top-notch game grip? For starters, the Backbone comes with all the core features you need from any console-quality controller, including tactile buttons, responsive triggers, and clickable thumbsticks. It also plugs directly into your iPhone’s Lightning port for low-latency gameplay that registers your actions instantly. Just slide in your device, download the Backbone App, and you have instant access to all controller-compatible games right at your fingertips.

Oh, and our favorite feature? The headphone jack makes a full return with the Backbone One, which lets you plug in your gaming headset for immersive sound and top-tier comms. Plus, thanks to passthrough charging, you can play for hours with no worry about dead batteries or dropped connections. It doesn’t get much better than that. 

Manufacturer: DELAM | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone | MFi Certification: No | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰

Seeking precision aiming and fluid movement at a great price? You need to check out the DELAM. This affordable iOS controller boasts an ergonomic boom grip combined with pinpoint trigger buttons that make mobile gaming fun ‘n easy — all for the cost of a Trenta Starbucks Frappucino. Lock your phone in place, flip the 180° triggers over top, and hop into your favorite shooter with newfound skill and confidence.

While you won’t fit your iPad in here (it supports devices 4.7 to 6.5 inches), it’s still a respectable option for iPhone users. Especially when you consider that the DELAM has been battle-tested and approved for up to 100,000 presses and enjoys a solid 4-star rating across aggregate consumer reviews!

iOS Game Controller Guide Part I: Benefits of iOS Game Controllers

Let’s peek at some of the top reasons to choose an iOS controller for casual and competitive play on mobile.

• Accurate. Whether you’re playing a shooter like Fortnite or racing games like GTA, iOS game controllers enhance your accuracy & precision.
• Easy to use. Given their familiar form factors (and portability), iOS game controllers are easy to pick up and use in your favorite mobile games.
• Responsive. The best options on our list respond to the slightest touch, with quick response times for faster input.
• Competitive. Mobile players are at a significant disadvantage on a touchscreen. But with controller support, you can stand against the pros – from your iPhone!
• Immersive. Games are all about enjoying yourself and having fun. The best iOS game controllers enhance the overall experience, providing greater immersion and excitement.

iOS Game Controller Guide Part II: Choosing the Best iOS Game Controller

There are a few things to consider when choosing your new controller.

1. Type
2. Compatibility
3. Features
4. Price

Are you a fan of wired or wireless accessories? While I personally prefer wired (I always forget to charge things), there are tons of advantages to wireless, including increased range and flexibility. Regardless of type, make sure that it works with your device, be it an iPhone, iPad, or both.

In addition, consider the importance of MFi certification. This is the official Apple Program designed to ensure safe and proper functionality from third-party accessories. While certain accessories don’t need it (like the GameSir F1), it’s still an important consideration and a guarantee of quality control.

You’ll also need to think about optional features and pricing. Take a look at things like battery life, switches, sensitivity, and app support. Then, consider your budget and find the top model within your price range.

Our Process

For this guide on the best iOS game controllers, our writers spent 6 hours researching over 25 of the most popular options from brands big and small. After comparing this data, we then read over 100 user reviews and narrowed our list down to the top 10 iOS controllers on the market. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.