10 Best iOS Game Controllers [2019] for iPhone & iPad

You board the battle bus, and the countdown begins. After scoping out the perfect landing spot, you touch down and begin stockpiling weapons. Then, an enemy appears. Locked and loaded, you rush into the action. But your touchscreen is no match for his mouse & 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 real competitive edge? Let’s get started.

Zoom In: A Closer Look at the 10 Best iOS Game Controllers of 2019

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

Our pick for the best cheap iOS game controller

Manufacturer: GameSir | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone (5.5” – 6.5”) | MFi Certification: No | Style Options: 2 | Price: 💰

Get into the game fast & easy with this simple game grip from GameSir. The F1 is an ergonomic gamepad with a telescopic boom design that holds phones ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 inches. The conductive joystick offers superb control and maneuverability, and the setup works great with games like Fortnite, PubG, and Mobile Legends.

Our pick for the best iOS gamepad

Manufacturer: DELAM | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone (4.7” – 6.5”) | MFi Certification: No | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰

Seeking precision aiming and movement at a great price? It doesn’t get much better than the DELAM Mobile. This affordable iOS controller boasts an ergonomic grip combined with pinpoint trigger buttons. Lock your phone in place, flip the 180° touch head, and hop into the match. Battle-tested and approved for up to 100,000 clicks in all your favorite titles.

Our pick for the best iPhone game controller

Manufacturer: Stoga | Type: Wireless | Compatibility: iPhone & iPad | MFi Certification: No | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰💰

No more game grips, this baby goes all the way. The STOGA Mobile supports iPhones and iPads with full wireless connectivity. Take hold of the lightweight, ergonomic grip and feel it rumble with power (aka vibrational feedback). Use the optional phone mount to secure your device to the top of the controller, load into your favorite title, and wipe out the opposition.

Our pick for the best iPad game controller

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

Knock the competition out of the stratosphere with the SteelSeries Stratus. Using Bluetooth technology, connect to your iPhone or iPad and obliterate your enemies with a familiar XYBA setup that’s sure to leave ‘em high and dry. This patent-pending design delivers portability and precision at a fraction of the cost.

Our pick for the best Bluetooth controller for iPhone

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

If you don’t mind the rather strange design, the GameSir G6 offers a lot of bang for the buck. This controller includes a dual joystick/touchscreen configuration that provides the simplicity of a gamepad with the precision of a touchscreen. Connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth 5.0 and play your favorite titles for up to 80 hours, complements of the built-in energy-saving Nordic 52832 Chip. An exceptional experience.

Our pick for the best iOS controller

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

Elevate your game with the SteelSeries Nimbus. This MFi-certified controller by popular gaming manufacturer SteelSeries will have you at the top of your game. That’s because it’s packed with premium features like 40+ hours of battery life, pressure-sensitive buttons, and four display LEDs that’ll light up your victory screen. This highly-rated option is a must-have!

Our pick for the best controller for iPhone

Manufacturer: Rotor Riot | Type: Wired | Compatibility: iPhone (iOS 7+) | MFi Certification: Yes | Style Options: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰

Which iOS game controller features universal iPhone compatibility and support for over 1,000 different apps? That’s right – the Rotor Riot! This bad boy offers a wired connection for latency-free gaming that’s more precise than most console controls. Plus, there’s no charging required, as the Riot boasts pass-through technology for limitless gaming. All on one of the best controller configurations on the market.

Our pick for the best MFi game controller

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 iOS game controller boasts everything you need to jump into your favorite titles with ease. From Fortnite to Minecraft to PubG, you can expect unrivaled precision and connectivity with exceptional controls and a telescoping grip.

Our pick for the best controller for iPad

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

If you’re a fan of the Xbox Controller, look no further. The PXN features a tried-and-true form factor that’s sure to enhance your performance. You can expect pressure-sensitive controls, a convenient travel clip, and MFi certified components. The best part? With the PXN App, you’ve got fine-tuned control over your entire gaming experience.

Our pick for the best iOS game controller

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

At the top of our list, you’ll find the Megadream Gamepad. This iOS game controller truly offers it all. You can enjoy iPhone and iPad compatibility, high-quality components, and support for today’s most popular titles (including Fortnite & Minecraft). A full charge takes about 2 hours and offers up to 30 hours of action-packed gaming.

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

Let’s peek at some of the top benefits found in iOS compatible controllers:

• Accurate. Whether you’re playing a shooter like Fortnite, or a racing game 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 and heightened speed.
• Competitive. Mobile players are at a major disadvantage on 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:

• Type
• Compatibility
• Features
• 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, beit an iPhone, iPad, or both.

In addition, consider the importance of MFi certification. This is the official Apple Program designed to ensure safe & proper functionality from third-party accessories. While certain accessories don’t need it (like the GameSir F1), it’s 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. Consider your budget and find the top model in your price range.

iOS Game Controller Guide Part III: SteelSeries Nimbus Review

Still deciding on the right controller? No worries – we’ve got your back. The SteelSeries Nimbus is regarded as one of the best iOS game controllers on the market, and we want to show you more.

That’s why we pulled the following video from AppleInsider on Youtube. They take you through a few rounds of Fortnite while using the Nimbus on both the iPad and iPhone. It doesn’t get much better than this:

Related Reading

Dig our guide on iOS game controllers? If so, you’re sure to love our other mobile gaming articles too:

• Best Android Game Controller
• Best Gaming Phones
• Best Gaming Tablets
• Best Puzzle Games for Mobile Players