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Find better value, more tactile controls, or free software options that match or exceed the Elgato Stream Deck's macro capabilities for streaming and productivity.
Streamers, gamers, and content creators often search for Elgato Stream Deck alternatives due to its $149 price, which may not suit everyone, limited 15 LCD keys for complex setups, occasional software bugs or profile sync issues, and a desire for additional controls like dials or wireless options. Ecosystem preferences play a role too—some prefer Razer's gaming focus or open-source flexibility—along with supply shortages during peak times. While the Stream Deck excels in simple, visual macros via its LCD buttons, alternatives offer expanded features at various price points.
Key considerations include control types (buttons vs. knobs/jogs), software ecosystem (OBS, Twitch, Adobe integration), OS compatibility (most support Windows/Mac), build quality, customization depth, and extras like wireless or portability. Prioritize tactile feedback for live adjustments or LCD screens for icons.
This guide highlights top picks: free software like Touch Portal for budgets, Loupedeck Live S ($180) for similar-priced hardware with dials, Razer Stream Controller ($270) for gamers, and premium Loupedeck CT (~$550) for pros. Budget users get software wins, streamers favor Razer/Loupedeck, and creators love TourBox.
Touch Portal is a versatile software app that converts your smartphone, tablet, or secondary monitor into an infinite stream deck via WiFi, featuring unlimited customizable pages with buttons, sliders, faders, dynamic images, and real-time feedback. With over 1,000 community plugins for OBS, Twitch chat, Spotify, Philips Hue, Voicemeeter, and Elgato cams, it supports complex logic and scripting. Major advantages over hardware like Elgato: completely free basic version, wireless freedom, scalability to hundreds of controls via pages, and no desk space used. It excels in cost savings and plugin ecosystem depth for dynamic setups. Limitations include dependency on a second device's battery/WiFi stability (minimal latency on good networks) and Pro upgrade ($12.99/year) for advanced pages/export. Perfect for beginners, casual streamers, or anyone avoiding hardware costs. Approximate price range: Free (Pro $13/year).
Key Difference: Free software solution using your phone or tablet for wireless, unlimited pages of controls at zero hardware expense.
Price: $149 cheaper
The Razer Stream Controller delivers a premium experience with 12 vibrant customizable LCD keys (each 1.25 inches), 4 multifunction rotary knobs with RGB lighting and push functionality, and a durable CNC-machined aluminum chassis. Powered by Razer Synapse 4, it integrates deeply with OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, Twitch, Discord, Spotify, and games for multi-action macros and profiles. Key advantages over the Elgato Stream Deck include the rotary knobs for intuitive volume, pan, or zoom control during streams, superior build quality, and seamless Razer hardware synergy. It stands out for balancing visual LCD feedback with tactile precision, supporting up to 75 actions per profile. Trade-offs are fewer LCD keys (12 vs. 15) and a higher cost, but the added versatility justifies it. Ideal for gamers and live streamers wanting pro-level control. Approximate price range: $260-$280.
Key Difference: Combines customizable LCD keys with rotary knobs for more versatile, tactile streaming adjustments than the button-only Elgato.
Price: $121 more expensive
The Loupedeck CT is a professional creative console boasting a jog & shuttle wheel, 12 high-precision dials, 16 customizable function buttons, mode selectors, and a central touchscreen for app-specific profiles. Deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere), DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, OBS, and Spotify via drag-and-drop The Loupedeck app. Superior to Elgato in tactile precision for scrubbing timelines, color grading, or mixing—dials feel like high-end studio gear—and supports hundreds of actions with haptic feedback. It transforms workflows for speed. Drawbacks: significantly pricier, bulky desk footprint (16x6 inches), and buttons use software labels instead of LCDs. Best for video editors, photographers, filmmakers, and pro streamers needing analog-style control. Approximate price range: $500-$550.
Key Difference: Professional jog wheel and array of dials provide unmatched tactile precision for creative editing apps beyond streaming macros.
Price: $400 more expensive
TourBox Elite packs 15 programmable buttons, a large main control knob, scroll wheel, and side wheel into a compact, ergonomic puck design with customizable LED backlighting and haptic feedback. Tailored for Adobe Premiere/After Effects/Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, Capture One, and OBS via dedicated software profiles. Advantages over Stream Deck: knob-centric navigation accelerates editing tasks like tool switching, zooming, and playback 5x faster; wireless 2.4GHz option for cable-free use; Mac/Windows optimized. It shines in creative precision where buttons fall short. Trade-offs: fewer macro buttons for pure streaming, initial setup learning curve, premium pricing. Suited for editors, designers, and VFX artists integrating streaming. Approximate price range: $360-$380.
Key Difference: Knob and wheel controls are purpose-built for speeding up content creation in apps like Premiere Pro and Photoshop.
Price: $220 more expensive
Loupedeck Live S is a compact hardware deck with 8 dynamic macro buttons, 4 infinite rotary dials, a 15mm jog wheel, and fingerprint-resistant finish, controlled via the intuitive The Link app. Compatible with OBS, Twitch, Spotify, Elgato, Voicemeeter, and light creative apps on Windows/Mac. Edges out Elgato with physical dials/jog for seamless volume, scene switching, or effects tweaking without mouse; smaller form factor; easy profile sharing. It offers better feel for live adjustments. Limitations: no per-button LCD screens (relies on app visuals), fewer total buttons. Trade-off is balanced by similar pricing and superior tactility. Great for podcasters, YouTubers, and daily streamers upgrading intuitively. Approximate price range: $170-$185.
Key Difference: Compact design with jog wheel and dials delivers tactile streaming controls at a nearly identical price point.
Price: $31 more expensive
Deckboard leverages any Android phone or tablet as a wireless macro pad over WiFi, offering customizable multi-page layouts with buttons, joysticks, sliders, dynamic GIFs/icons, and scripting support for OBS, Twitch, Spotify, Discord, and smart home devices. Free version includes core features; Pro removes ads and adds exports. Beats Elgato in portability (use on-the-go), zero cost for existing devices, and quick profile switching. Ideal for hybrid setups. Downsides: Android-exclusive, occasional WiFi hiccups, Pro at $4.99 one-time. No dedicated hardware means screen variability. Best for traveling streamers, mobile creators, or multi-device households. Approximate price range: Free (Pro $5 one-time).
Key Difference: Transforms your Android device into a portable, wireless deck with easy page navigation for travel-friendly use.
Price: $149 cheaper
Bitfocus Companion is free open-source software turning generic USB HID devices (gamepads, MIDI keyboards, macro pads) into advanced controllers with 1000+ actions for OBS, VMix, ATEM switchers, Streamlabs, CasparCG, and lights. Community modules expand to Twitch/Spotify. Outshines Elgato via hardware agnosticism—pair with $20 Alibaba pad or Arduino for dirt-cheap setups—unlimited buttons/banks, real-time feedback, and pro broadcast features. No lock-in, constant updates. Cons: requires hardware hunting/setup (not instant like Elgato), steeper config for newbies. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, OBS pros, live production teams. Approximate price range: Free (hardware $20-$100).
Key Difference: Open-source versatility works with any cheap USB controller, enabling custom pro setups without brand limitations.
Price: $149 cheaper
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Razer Stream Controller Rank #1 | — | N/A | Check price |
Touch Portal Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Loupedeck CT Rank #3 | — | N/A | Check price |
TourBox Elite Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Loupedeck Live S Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Deckboard Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Bitfocus Companion Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
