PadLink
PadLink: A flexible cross-platform mapper with phone control and four-controller support on Pro. Ranked #11 of 29 in Controller Mapping Software by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan · paid from $2.99 · 7-day trial; best for cross-platform users needing phone controller support.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan · paid from $2.99 · 7-day trial
- Best forCross-platform users needing phone controller support
- Free planYes
- Paid from$2.99 one-time
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Offers virtual gamepad and keyboard-and-mouse output
- Pro supports up to four simultaneous controllers
Where it doesn't
- macOS virtual-gamepad mode awaits Apple driver approval
- Windows virtual-gamepad mode depends on ViGEmBus
- Standard limits users to one controller and includes advertising
Our verdict on PadLink
PadLink is a controller-compatibility and mapping application for macOS and Windows. It reads supported game controllers and presents them to games as virtual gamepad or keyboard-and-mouse input. The product is aimed at gamers with unsupported controllers, couch multiplayer setups, and people who want to use an iOS or Android phone as a wireless controller through PadLink Remote.
The freemium structure includes a free plan and a seven-day trial. Standard supports one active controller, virtual gamepad and keyboard-and-mouse modes, named keyboard-mapping profiles, analog-stick modes, and an advertising-supported Mobile Remote. The listed Pro price is $2.99 USD as a one-time charge with monthly billing shown, and Pro adds up to four active controllers, an ad-free Mobile Remote, Car Driving cockpit, a lifetime license, and future updates. The Pro trial requires no card or sign-up.
PadLink’s main advantage is coverage across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, combined with several input paths. Users can map analog sticks to a mouse, arrow keys, WASD, or off, monitor live input, and manage the application through its menu-bar agent and dashboard. Platform dependencies matter: macOS virtual-gamepad mode is awaiting Apple driver approval, while Windows virtual-gamepad mode depends on ViGEmBus. PadLink suits users who need flexible remapping or phone-based control across platforms. It is less suitable for buyers who need a confirmed macOS virtual-gamepad path or a controller mapper without external driver dependencies.
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PadLink pricing
All 2 PadLink plans and prices →
PadLink fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $2.99 one-time |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Per-app profiles | Not verified |
| Profile switching | Not verified |
| Macro support | Not verified |
| Keyboard and mouse remap | Yes |
| Virtual controller output | Yes |
| Simultaneous devices | 4 devices |
| Free trial | 7 days · no card needed |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · paid from $2.99 · 7-day trial (source) |
| Website | padlink.nimets.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to PadLink
- Steam InputA free, flexible mapping system for Steam players across Windows, macOS, and Linux.9.4
- JoyShockMapperA powerful free mapper for players who want advanced gyro and layered controller configurations.9.2
- DS4WindowsA capable free mapper for Windows users who need profiles, emulation, and advanced input controls.9.0
See all PadLink alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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