No. 1 of 28 ·Controller Mapping Software

PadLink

Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone

Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.6

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely4 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

PadLink is ranked #1 of 28 in controller mapping software on Freedom251. It runs on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan. A free trial is offered.

PadLink plans and pricing

All plans

Standard Free 1 active controller · virtual gamepad and keyboard + mouse modes · ad-supported Mobile Remote padlink.nimets.com · 4 Oct 2026

Pro $2.99 once one-time Up to 4 active controllers · ad-free Mobile Remote · Car Driving cockpit · lifetime license with future updates padlink.nimets.com · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on controller mapping software

Free plan: Yes
Paid from: 2.99 one-time
Supported platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Keyboard and mouse remap: Yes
Virtual controller output: Yes
Simultaneous devices: 4 devices

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The record

Purpose: PadLink turns controllers macOS does not recognize into standard gamepad or keyboard-and-mouse input for games.
Output modes: Each controller can be routed as a virtual DualShock 4 or as keyboard and mouse, including using both modes at once across controllers.
Mapping: Named keyboard-mapping profiles let users bind buttons to keys and map analog sticks to Mouse, Arrow Keys, WASD, or off.
Controller support: The app reads USB HID controllers using per-device profiles, and the maker says more profiles are added over time.
Mobile Remote: The companion iOS and Android app turns a phone into a controller for a computer running PadLink on the same local network.
Platforms: The maker lists macOS 13 or later and Windows 10/11 for desktop, and iOS 16 or later and Android 8 or later for PadLink Remote.
Trial limit: The opt-in Pro trial lasts 7 days, needs no card or sign-up, and allows up to 2 controllers at once.
Security: The maker says macOS gamepad mode uses an Apple-notarized DriverKit extension and does not require SIP changes, kernel extensions, or root access.
Privacy: Desktop input processing happens locally, and the maker says desktop apps do not require an account or include analytics, advertising, or behavioral tracking.
Privacy limits: Free-tier Remote may show ads through LevelPlay, Google AdMob, and Unity Ads, whose providers may collect device and advertising identifiers and ad interaction data.
License validation: Pro activation sends the license key, device name, and derived device identifier to Polar to validate and manage the license.
Windows driver: Windows virtual-gamepad output depends on the third-party ViGEmBus driver; keyboard-and-mouse output does not require it.
Support: 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.
Maker: PadLink is published by Nimets Technology and operated by Rath Socheat in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Controller Mapping Software in 2026#1 of 28

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Sources

padlink.nimets.com· checked 4 Oct 2026
padlink.nimets.com/privacy.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
padlink.nimets.com/terms.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
padlink.nimets.com/legal.html· checked 4 Oct 2026