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PadLink alternatives

PadLink helps when a computer does not recognize a controller. It can present each device as a virtual DualShock 4 or as keyboard-and-mouse input, including using both output modes across controllers. Named profiles map buttons and analog sticks to keys, mouse movement, arrow keys, WASD, or no output. Its companion iOS and Android app can turn a phone into a controller for a PadLink computer on the same local network. A free plan supports one active controller, while the $2.99 one-time Pro plan raises that to four, removes Mobile Remote ads, and adds Car Driving cockpit.

1. 1 A

   AntiMicroX

   Free plan LinuxWindows

   Linux and Windows desktop remapping — AntiMicroX adds Linux support, switchable mapping sets, scripts, macros, and SDL2 configuration, but has no mobile companion.

   7.4 Free plan Visit site
2. 2

   ControllerBuddy

   Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

   Flight-simulator controller profiles — ControllerBuddy focuses on flight simulators with modes, an overlay, an on-screen keyboard, and virtual joystick output.

   9.1 Free plan Visit site
3. 3 C

   ControllerMate

   Free plan Mac

   Advanced macOS and MIDI automation — ControllerMate offers programmable building blocks, MIDI routing, AppleScripts, launched applications, and virtual mouse, tablet, and joystick devices.

   7.1 Free plan Visit site
4. 4

   DS4Windows

   Free plan Windows

   Windows PlayStation controller emulation — DS4Windows targets Windows PlayStation controllers and adds Xbox or DualShock emulation, motion controls, lightbar, rumble, and touchpad mappings.

   7.1 Free plan Visit site
5. 5 G

   Gamepad Mapper

   Free plan Mac

   Mac system and application controls — Gamepad Mapper is Mac-only and adds system controls, adjustable cursor behavior, combined commands, and USB or Bluetooth mappings.

   7.0 Free plan · paid from $2.99/mo Visit site
6. 6

   InputConfig

   Free plan Mac

   Accessible macOS and MIDI mapping — InputConfig adds accessibility workflows, more than 450 presets, MIDI output, broad triggers, and no normal-use network calls on Mac.

   7.0 Free plan Visit site
7. 7 J

   JoyShockMapper

   Free plan Open source LinuxSelf-hostedWindows

   Gyro and flick-stick PC aiming — JoyShockMapper adds gyro, flick stick, tap-and-hold, chorded presses, text configuration, and virtual Xbox or DS4 output on Windows or Linux.

   8.8 Free plan Visit site
8. 8 A

   Avidemux

   Free plan Open source LinuxMacWeb+1
   9.3 Free plan Visit site
9. 9

   Keysticks

   Free plan Open source Windows
   8.4 Free plan Visit site
10. 10 C

    Controller Manager

    Free plan Linux
    7.1 Open source Visit site
11. 11

    DSTX

    Free plan Linux
    7.1 Free plan Visit site
12. 12

    JoyXoff

    Free plan Windows
    6.8 Free plan Visit site
13. 13

    OmniControl

    Free plan Windows
    6.7 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo Visit site
14. 14 P

    PowerAim

    Free plan Windows
    6.7 Free plan Visit site
15. 15 Q

    QJoyPad

    Free plan Linux
    6.7 Free plan Visit site
16. 16

    Steam Input

    Free plan APILinuxMac+1
    6.7 Free plan Visit site
17. 17 J

    Joystick Gremlin

    Free plan Windows
    6.6 Free plan Visit site
18. 18 M

    MoltenGamepad

    Free plan Linux
    6.5 Free plan Visit site
19. 19 U

    Universal Control Remapper

    Free plan Windows
    6.5 Open source Visit site
20. 20 X

    Xbox 360 Controller Emulator

    Free plan Windows
    6.5 Free plan Visit site
21. 21 R

    Recontrol

    Free plan Mac
    6.3 Free plan Visit site
22. 22 J

    JoyToKey

    Free trial Windows
    5.8 From $7.50 Visit site
23. 23 R

    reWASD

    Free trial AndroidiPhoneWindows
    5.8 From $14.99 · 7-day trial Visit site
24. 24 C

    Controller Companion

    Paid Windows
    5.6 Visit site

An alternative may fit better if you need Linux, a Mac-only workflow, flight-simulator profiles, motion aiming, or Windows-specific PlayStation emulation. PadLink supports macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, but Windows virtual-gamepad output depends on ViGEmBus. Its Pro trial lasts seven days and allows two controllers. Compare the platforms, controller families, output types, profile switching, special controls, and driver requirements. Also decide whether a free tool, a subscription, or PadLink’s one-time upgrade better matches your setup.

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