The Best Bluetooth Controllers for Your iPhone and iPad

Mobile gaming has finally matured into something serious. But if you’re using an Apple device, it can be hard to find a solid mobile gamepad that actually works. Lucky for you, we’ve tracked down the best iOS-ready mobile controllers, for everybody’s needs.

Back in February, Epic games announced gamepad compatibility for Fortnite Mobile. That’s an exciting change for any Fortnite Mobile player, but it’s also a serious landmark in mobile gaming as a whole. In less than a decade, phone games have made the leap from Doodle Jump and Flappy Bird to Minecraft and Fortnite. For the first time in the history of smartphones, dedicated game controllers are a necessity, not a novelty.

But if you’re an iOS user, the transition from touch controls to gamepads can be a little frustrating. Manufacturers tend to focus on the Android market, and they tack on iOS compatibility as an afterthought. Most gamepads that advertise “iOS compatibility” are a nightmare to use on iPhones or iPad.

So, if you’re an iOS gamer, you should try to buy a mobile gamepad that’s designed specifically for Apple devices. Thankfully, there are a variety of great iOS controllers that have the look and feel of premium console controllers. Some of them are great for on-the-go gaming, some are ultra-portable, and others are just like Xbox controllers for your iPhone.

All of these controllers work over Bluetooth, but they aren’t guaranteed to work with non-Apple devices. Android users should stick to dedicated Android gamepads, and PC gamers should avoid controllers that aren’t natively supported by

SteelSeries Nimbus iOS Gaming Controller ($50)

If you’re interested in an Xbox-styled pro gaming controller, then you should consider buying the SteelSeries Nimbus. It’s a solid, Fortnite-ready gaming controller that connects to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV via wireless Bluetooth or Lightning cable.

This controller won’t disappoint hardcore gamers. Most 3rd party controllers (especially mobile gaming controllers) have mushy buttons and awful joysticks. But the SteelSeries Nimbus is genuinely a joy to use. It’s comfortable to hold, its buttons are clicky, and its joysticks feel responsive.

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