Disclosure: we make SofaDeck, which is mentioned below. Facts about other products were checked on their makers' own sites on 10 October 2026 and can change — confirm before you buy.
Macro Deck and Deckboard are two of the most popular free ways to turn a phone into a macro pad. Both are good. People go looking for alternatives when something changes under them — Macro Deck's move from version 2 to 3, or Deckboard's ads — or when they want something simpler or with voice control. Here's where each stands and what else is worth a look.
Macro Deck: where it stands now
Macro Deck is free and open source. Version 3 is the current one and is still marked beta, with builds for Windows, macOS 11+ (Apple silicon) and Linux. You connect with the Macro Deck Companion app on Android or iOS, or by opening the server's address in any browser on the same network. The project now calls Macro Deck 2 deprecated — support has ended — and its older client apps aren't offered to new users. If you're on version 2, plan the move to 3 or to another tool; tutorials written for 2 may not match what you download today.
Deckboard: what you get
Deckboard pairs a desktop app with a phone app. The free app gives you a 4×3 board with ads; a separate paid Deckboard PRO app removes the ads and allows a 5×4 grid. It's quick to set up and covers the usual streaming and productivity actions.
Alternatives side by side
| Tool | Free tier | Phone needs | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macro Deck 3 | Everything (open source) | Browser or companion app | Tinkerers who like open source |
| Deckboard | 4×3 board, ads | App | A simple deck with a small upgrade |
| Touch Portal | 4×2 grid, 2 pages | App | Plugins, states and events |
| Stream Deck Mobile | 6 keys | App | Elgato's ecosystem and plugins |
| SofaDeck (ours)Get it free on the Microsoft Store → | 12 buttons + voice, no ads | Browser — no app | Fast setup, voice, couch and desk |
Why someone might pick SofaDeck instead
- Nothing on the phone: scan a QR code and the deck opens in the browser; no app store, no account.
- Voice: hold the mic and say
open Discord
,mute
, or any button's label. - No ads, ever, and a one-time Pro ($9.99) for unlimited pages, hotkey combos and macros.
- Released builds for Windows and Mac, including the Microsoft Store, with automatic updates.
Honest limits: SofaDeck has no plugin system and no sliders or live widgets, which Macro Deck 3 offers. If those matter, Macro Deck is the better free choice.
Direct installer .exe · 3.7 MB Store version signed by Microsoft No account Local network only Signed updates SofaDeck installs on your Windows PC. Your phone is the remote — it works in the phone’s browser.One email from support@dixonappstudio.com. No list unless you tick the box. PrivacyOr on your PC, go to sofadeck.com/getMore comparisons: Touch Portal alternatives, Stream Deck alternatives and how to use your phone as a macro pad.
SofaDeck is made by Dixon App Studio LLC and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elgato, Corsair or any other company named here. Stream Deck is a trademark of Corsair Memory, Inc.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Macro Deck still supported?
Macro Deck 3 is the current version and is in beta on Windows, macOS 11+ and Linux. The project says Macro Deck 2 is deprecated: support has ended and it gets no new features or fixes. The old Macro Deck Client apps aren't offered to new users, and the legacy web client at web.macrodeck.org is no longer available.
How do I connect my phone to Macro Deck 3?
Either install the Macro Deck Companion app (Android or iOS) or open your PC's Macro Deck server address in the phone's browser on the same network. Android devices can also connect over USB.
What's the best Deckboard alternative?
If you want no ads in a free tier, Macro Deck (free, open source) or SofaDeck's free page of 12 buttons. If you want plugins, Touch Portal or Stream Deck Mobile.