StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • Use in AI assistants
  • Contact
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.·2222 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134·support@deal.ai
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen) vs Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen)

These are the same controller with different connectors, so the choice comes down to your phone. The Lightning model fits iPhones with a Lightning port (up to the iPhone 14 line); the USB-C model fits iPhone 15 and later, most Android phones, and works with PC and consoles too. Both share the reshaped D-pad, collapsible body, pass-through charging and 3.5mm jack, and both rate 4.8 stars. Owners praise the fit and low latency; the common gripes are that the sticks are small and there is no rumble on either.

  • Choose the Backbone One Lightning if you have an iPhone with a Lightning port and want the same controller with a slightly lighter body.
  • Choose the Backbone One USB-C if you have an iPhone 15 or newer, an Android phone, or want one controller that also works with PC and consoles.

Prices

  • Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen): $25.00 at Poshmark (checked today)
  • Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen): $22.00 at Bionatura Shoes (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen) is $3.00 cheaper than the Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen) at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 12)
Backbone
Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen)

Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen)

4.8(3,532 ratings)
$25.00at PoshmarkChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Poshmark
Pros
  • Fits Lightning iPhones snugly with the included adapters
  • Lightest of the two at 4.87 oz
  • Collapses small enough for a pocket
  • Low-latency wired connection
  • 3.5mm headset jack and pass-through charging
Cons
  • Won't work with USB-C iPhones or Android
  • No rumble feedback
  • Small sticks compared with a full console pad
Backbone
Backbone One - USB-C (2nd gen)

Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen)

Backbone One - USB-C (2nd gen)

4.8(4,787 ratings)
$22.00at Bionatura ShoesChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Bionatura Shoes
Pros
  • One controller covers iPhone 15 and later, Android, PC and consoles
  • PlayStation and Xbox themed editions
  • Reshaped D-pad with good reported accuracy
  • Pass-through charging and 3.5mm jack
  • Higher rating count, same 4.8 stars
Cons
  • Slightly heavier at 5.15 oz
  • No vibration feedback
  • Needs the right adapter for a secure phone fit

What separates them

Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen)Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen)
ConnectorLightning, for older iPhonesUSB-C, for iPhone 15 and later plus most Android phones
Device supportiPhone onlyAndroid, iPhone, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Weight4.87 oz5.15 oz
D-pad and sticksReshaped D-pad, analog sticksReshaped D-pad, analog sticks
Headset jack3.5mm3.5mm
ChargingPass-through Lightning chargingPass-through USB-C charging
VibrationNoneNone
EditionsStandard blackPlayStation and Xbox editions available

Price history

$79.99$22.00
Nov 2Nov 12
  • Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen): lowest $25.00 on Nov 12 at Poshmark.
  • Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen): lowest $22.00 on Nov 10 at Bionatura Shoes.

Prices at every store

Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen)

  • PoshmarkNew

    In stock

    $25.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Poshmark
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $79.00Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • SearsNew

    Availability unknown

    $67.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Sears
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $69.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • Merchandise SquaredCheck price at Merchandise Squared

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 6 stores and price history →

Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen)

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by retailvail_2012

    $59.95Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit eBay
  • BackboneNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $79.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit Backbone
  • Bionatura ShoesNew

    Availability unknown

    $22.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Bionatura Shoes
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $79.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • backbone.comCheck price at backbone.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBackbone One - Lightning (2nd gen)Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen)
Connector typeLightningUSB-C
Weight4.87 ounces (138.0 g)5.15 oz
Height3.70 inches (93.9 mm)—
Width (Contracted)6.94 inches (176.2 mm)—
Width (Extended)10.14 inches (257.6 mm)—
Depth1.28 inches (32.6 mm)—
Headset jack3.5mm headset jack—
BatteryNo battery—
ChargingLightning port for pass-through charging—
Warranty1-year warranty—
ConnectionLow-latency connection—
Compatible OS—Android
Show all 33 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBackbone One - Lightning (2nd gen)Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen)
Compatible Systems—Android, Apple Arcade, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Connectivity Type—Wired
Port Type—USB-C
Battery Life—No charging (plug-and-play)
Battery Charging—Pass-through charging
Battery Type—01
Feedback Type—No vibration feedback
Joysticks—Yes
Power Source—Wired (via native port)

What reviewers say

Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen)

  • 4.8 / 53,532 ratings

Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen)

  • 4.8 / 54,787 ratings

Owners rate it highly and treat it as the easiest way to get real sticks and buttons on a phone. Praise centers on the plug-and-play setup, low latency and improved D-pad. Complaints are mostly about the lack of rumble and case fit.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedOwners say it snaps in and works immediately over USB-C with no pairing or charging.
  • ControlsPraisedSticks and the reshaped D-pad are described as responsive and close to console feel.
  • VibrationCriticisedReviewers note there is no rumble, which some miss in action games.
  • Phone fitMixedMagnetic adapters help, but thick cases still block the connector for some buyers.

Questions and answers

Which one works with my phone?
Match the connector. Lightning iPhones (up to iPhone 14) need the Lightning model. iPhone 15 and later and most Android phones need the USB-C model.
Is the USB-C version worth stepping up to?
If you might switch to a USB-C phone or want to use it with a PC or console, yes. It covers more devices for the same controller feel.
Do either have rumble?
No. Neither model has vibration feedback, so haptics come from the phone, not the controller.
Which feels better in the hand?
They are nearly identical. The Lightning model is about 0.3 oz lighter; the USB-C model adds themed editions but the same shape and buttons.
Can I charge my phone while playing?
Yes. Both have a pass-through port, Lightning on A and USB-C on B, so you can plug in while the phone is docked.
Do they work with cloud gaming?
Yes. Both run Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, GeForce NOW, Luna and Apple Arcade, plus Remote Play from a PlayStation or PC.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • Backbone One - Lightning (2nd gen) vs Backbone One (2023)
  • Backbone One - USB-C (2nd gen) vs Backbone One (2023)
Included Accessories
—
Magnetic adapters, Quick Start Guide
Responsiveness—Enhanced responsiveness (D-pad)
Accuracy—5.0
Latency—Low-latency connection
Button Layout—Reshaped D-pad
Controller Type—Gaming Controller
Dimensions—9.4 cm (Width)
Style—Ergonomic
Material—Plastic
Theme—PlayStation® Edition, Xbox® Edition
Analog Sticks—Yes
Buttons—Reshaped D-pad