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.
Contents
Zoom Out: Comparison Table of the 10 Best iOS Game Controllers
We’ve curated the top 10 best iOS game controllers and categorized them by price and features. For more in-depth information on each model, head to the Zoom In section below.
Image | Product | Type | Compatibility | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. GameSir F1 | Wireless | iPhone | 💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 2. DELAM Mobile | Wireless | iPhone | 💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 3. STOGA Mobile | Wireless | iPhone & iPad | 💰💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 4. SteelSeries Stratus | Wireless | iPhone & iPad | 💰💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 5. GameSir G6 | Wireless | iPhone | 💰💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 6. SteelSeries Nimbus | Wireless | iPhone & iPad | 💰💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 7. Rotor Riot | Wired | iPhone | 💰💰💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 8. Gamevice | Wired | iPhone | 💰💰💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 9. PXN Speedy | Wireless | iPhone & iPad | 💰💰💰 | Check Price |
![]() | 10. Megadream Gamepad | Wireless | iPhone & iPad | 💰💰💰 | Check Price |
Zoom In: A Closer Look at the 10 Best iOS Game Controllers in 2021
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Extremely affordable
✔ Simple telescopic boom design w/ stand
✔ Compatible with today’s most popular iPhones
▼ CONS
✘ Small form factor
✘ Must remove phone case
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Durable & ergonomic grip
✔ ABS, rubber, and alloy construction
✔ 180° touch head for ease and versatility
▼ CONS
✘ No iPad support
✘ No dedicated joysticks
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Optional phone mount
✔ Play wirelessly up to 20 feet away
✔ 400mAh rechargeable lithium battery
▼ CONS
✘ Requires App
✘ Difficult installation
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Bluetooth wireless tech
✔ Pressure-sensitive buttons
✔ Familiar XYBA configuration
▼ CONS
✘ Joystick QC issues
✘ Requires immediate firmware update
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Bluetooth 5.0
✔ High sensitivity & low latency
✔ Professional gaming joystick w/ 4 action buttons
▼ CONS
✘ Controller muffles speakers
✘ Unusual design may take getting used to
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!
▲ PROS
✔ Precision controls
✔ 40+ hours of battery life
✔ Wireless connectivity w/ MFi Certification
▼ CONS
✘ Requires a firm grip
✘ Not compatible with all games
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Pass-through charging
✔ Universal iPhone compatibility
✔ Works on over 1,000 different apps
▼ CONS
✘ No iPad support
✘ Must connect to your phone
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Convenient foldable design
✔ Full range of buttons & controls
✔ No latency, pairing, or power loss
▼ CONS
✘ iPhone only
✘ No R3, L3, or Select buttons
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Includes the PXN App
✔ Pressure-sensitive buttons
✔ Proprietary finish provides a consistent grip
▼ CONS
✘ High price
✘ No wired functionality
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.
▲ PROS
✔ Premium XYBA controls
✔ MFi certified, high-quality components
✔ Compatible with all your favorite games on iOS
▼ CONS
✘ No rumble feature
✘ Highest priced option
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 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:
- 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.

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