Is SofaDeck better than Touch Portal?
For deep, plugin-driven panels with states and events, Touch Portal is the stronger tool. For a deck that works in a minute with no phone app, a larger free page (12 buttons against Touch Portal's 8) and a built-in voice remote, SofaDeck is the simpler choice. SofaDeck Pro is $9.99 once and isn't tied to a phone's app store.
- Install SofaDeck on your PC (free)
- Scan the QR code with your phone
- Tap
Works on iPhone & Android — no app needed. Scan the QR code on your PC with the phone's camera and the remote opens in its browser. On Android you can also add the optional Google Play app.
Disclosure: we make SofaDeck, so read this as the maker's comparison. Facts about Touch Portal were checked on their makers' own sites on 10 October 2026 and can change; confirm prices and features there before you buy. SofaDeck is not affiliated with or endorsed by Touch Portal. All trademarks belong to their owners.
Touch Portal is one of the most capable phone-deck tools available: phone and tablet apps, states, events, and a large plugin community. SofaDeck aims at something narrower: a deck that works within a minute, with no phone app, big couch-size buttons and a voice remote. Both are free to start and both are one-time upgrades, not subscriptions. Here is how they compare.
Side by side
| Touch Portal | SofaDeck | |
|---|---|---|
| On the phone | Touch Portal app (Android 5.0+, iOS 12.0+) | The phone's browser, no app needed |
| On the computer | Windows 10/11 64-bit, macOS 10.13.6+, Linux in beta | Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit); Mac: macOS 11 Big Sur or later, on Apple silicon or Intel |
| Free version | 4×2 grid, two pages | 1 page of 12 buttons |
| Paid version | Pro: one-time, bought in the phone's app store | Pro: $9.99 once, not tied to a phone store |
| Pro adds | Unlimited pages, up to 110 buttons a page, plugins, OBS control, values and events | Unlimited pages, macros, hotkey combos, custom voice phrases, game import, themes |
| Plugins | Yes, large community | No; built-in actions |
| Voice remote | Not built in | Yes, free |
| Learning curve | Steeper; very flexible logic | Short; pick actions from a list |
Touch Portal details from touch-portal.com (FAQ and Pro upgrade page), checked 10 October 2026. SofaDeck details from the features page.
Pick Touch Portal if…
- you want plugins, live states or event-driven buttons (for example a button that changes color with a value);
- you are building a large panel for a tablet and enjoy tuning it;
- you need Linux support.
Pick SofaDeck if…
- you want it working in a minute: install on the PC, scan the QR code, type the PIN;
- you'd rather not install an app on the phone, or you want several phones and tablets to share one deck;
- you want to talk to the PC:
volume 30
,open YouTube
, a button's name (see voice commands); - it's mainly a couch, HTPC or desk remote rather than a streaming control room.
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/getCan you run both?
Yes. They don't conflict. A common split is Touch Portal on a tablet beside the monitor for scenes and plugins, and SofaDeck on the phone as a media and app remote with voice. For more options see Touch Portal alternatives, Touch Portal vs Macro Deck and Stream Deck alternatives compared.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How many free buttons do Touch Portal and SofaDeck give you?
Touch Portal's FAQ describes the free version as a 4×2 (or 2×4) grid and two pages. SofaDeck's free version is one page of 12 buttons.
Does SofaDeck support plugins like Touch Portal?
No. SofaDeck has built-in actions (launchers, keys, media, volume, typing, macros in Pro) and drives OBS through hotkeys. If you rely on Touch Portal plugins or live states on buttons, stay with Touch Portal.
Do I need an app on my phone?
Touch Portal uses its phone or tablet app (Android 5.0+ or iOS 12.0+). SofaDeck opens in the phone's browser after a QR scan and PIN, so nothing is installed on the phone.
Is either one a subscription?
Neither. Touch Portal Pro is a one-time upgrade bought in the phone's app store (prices vary by country and store). SofaDeck Pro is $9.99 once.