Controller Companion vs PadLink
Controller Companion
controllercompanion.com
PadLink
padlink.nimets.comSide by side
| Figure | Controller Companion | PadLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.4 (#6) | 8.1 (#11) |
| Purpose | Controller Companion lets users control a PC desktop with a game controller, including mouse, keyboard, and media controls. | PadLink turns controllers macOS does not recognize into standard gamepad or keyboard-and-mouse input for games. |
| Support | The maker's homepage directs questions to [email protected]. | The maker says it replies to email questions within one business day and handles bugs, controller requests, and feature ideas through its public GitHub community. |
Plans
Controller Companion
- Controller Companion (Steam)$2.99, paid once
- Controller Companion (Steam)$2.99, paid once
- Controller Companion (itch.io)$3, paid once
- Controller Companion (itch.io)$3, paid once
In their own words
Controller Companion
Controller Companion has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
PadLink
PadLink turns controllers that macOS does not recognize into game input, routing each as a virtual DualShock 4 or as keyboard and mouse. Different controllers can use those modes at the same time. Named profiles let users bind buttons to keys and assign analog sticks to Mouse, Arrow Keys, WASD, or off. The app reads USB HID controllers through per-device profiles, and its maker says it adds profiles over time. A companion iOS and Android app can act as a controller for a computer running PadLink on the same local network. PadLink is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. The free Standard plan supports one active controller; Pro costs 2.99 USD one-time and supports up to four, with ad-free Mobile Remote, Car Driving cockpit, and future updates. An optional Pro trial lasts 7 days, needs no card or sign-up, and supports up to two controllers. On Windows, virtual-gamepad output depends on the third-party ViGEmBus driver; keyboard-and-mouse output does not.