Disclosure: we make SofaDeck, one of the tools below. We've tried to be factual about all of them. Prices and features were checked on 29 September 2026 from each vendor's own site or store listing, and can vary by region — confirm before you buy.
Elgato's Stream Deck made a whole category popular: a small box of programmable keys that switch scenes, mute microphones and launch apps. But the hardware costs real money, and most people already own a better touchscreen — their phone. That's why "Stream Deck alternative" is such a common search: people want the same one-tap control without buying another gadget.
This guide compares the main software alternatives that turn a phone or tablet into a deck for your PC. (If you're weighing hardware instead, see macro pad vs phone deck.)
The quick comparison
| Tool | Phone side | PC side | Free tier | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stream Deck Mobile (Elgato) | iOS 15+ / Android 9+ app | Stream Deck software 6.3+, Windows 10+ or macOS 10.15+ | 6 keys | Pro subscription ($2.99/mo or $24.99/yr) or $49.99 lifetime; up to 64 keys |
| Touch Portal | Android / iOS app | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes, limited | Pro upgrade $13.99 one-time (bought in the phone's app store); extra upgrades optional |
| Macro Deck | Web browser (web client, installable as a PWA) | Desktop server app | Everything — free and open source | — |
| Deckboard | Android / iOS app | Desktop app | 4×3 buttons per board, with ads | Separate PRO app: 5×4 grid, no ads |
| Unified Remote | Android / iOS app | Windows, macOS, Linux server | 18 remotes incl. mouse, keyboard, media | Full version about $4.99–$5.99 one-time per platform: 90+ remotes, custom remotes, voice |
| SofaDeck (ours) | Web browser — nothing to install | Windows 10 / 11 | 1 page of 12 buttons, media, single keys, voice | Pro $9.99 one-time: unlimited pages, macros, hotkey combos, custom voice phrases, game import |
Elgato Stream Deck Mobile
Elgato's own app turns an iPhone, iPad or Android device into Stream Deck keys. Since mid-2023 it has a free tier with six fully customizable keys, no expiry, and access to the same actions and plugins as the hardware. Stream Deck Mobile Pro raises the limit to 64 keys and adds custom layouts and backgrounds; it's sold as a $2.99 monthly or $24.99 yearly subscription or a $49.99 lifetime purchase (Elgato notes prices vary by region).
Best for: people already in the Elgato ecosystem, or who want its huge plugin library. Watch out for: it requires the Stream Deck desktop software (Windows 10+ or macOS 10.15+) and the mobile app; the free tier's six keys fill up fast. More detail in Stream Deck Mobile vs SofaDeck.
Touch Portal
Touch Portal is a long-running macro deck with desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux and phone apps for Android and iOS. It's very flexible — pages, states, events and a large community plugin scene. The free version is usable; the Pro upgrade is US$13.99, one-time, bought through the Google Play or Apple App Store, and the license is tied to that store account (it doesn't move between Android and iOS). Optional extra upgrades (multiple devices, UI customization) cost more.
Best for: tinkerers who want deep automation and plugins. Watch out for: a steeper learning curve, and an app to install and keep updated on each phone.
Macro Deck
Macro Deck is free and open source. Its web client lets you open your PC's Macro Deck address in a browser on the same network and use it as a macro pad without a native app, and it can be installed as a progressive web app. The project has moved to Macro Deck 3; its older mobile client apps aren't offered to new users, and the legacy hosted web client is scheduled to shut down at the end of 2027.
Best for: anyone who wants a capable deck for free and values open source. Watch out for: the transition between major versions means older tutorials may not match what you download.
Deckboard
Deckboard pairs a desktop app with a phone app. The free app gives you unlimited macros on a 4×3 button board with ads; a separate paid Deckboard PRO app removes ads and allows a 5×4 grid. It's simple to set up and covers the common streaming and productivity actions.
Best for: a straightforward deck with a small one-off upgrade. Watch out for: ads in the free version.
Unified Remote
Unified Remote is less a button deck and more a universal PC remote: a server on Windows, macOS or Linux and a phone app with prebuilt remotes for mouse and keyboard, media players, presentations, power and more. The free version includes 18 remotes; the Full version (about $4.99–$5.99 once, per phone platform) unlocks 90+ remotes, custom remotes, widgets and voice.
Best for: a trackpad-and-keyboard remote for a living-room PC. Watch out for: custom buttons are less central than in the deck-style apps.
SofaDeck
SofaDeck is our take: a Windows tray app that serves a button deck to your phone's browser, paired by scanning a QR code — no phone app, no account, nothing leaving your network. It adds a push-to-talk voice remote so you can say "volume down" or the name of any button. It's built for couch distance: big buttons, readable labels.
Best for: people who want the simplest setup, voice control, or a remote for a living-room or arcade PC. Watch out for: it's Windows-only, it has no plugin marketplace, and it's new — the others have years of community tutorials.
How to choose
- Already own a Stream Deck or use Elgato software? Start with Stream Deck Mobile's free six keys.
- Want plugins and deep automation? Touch Portal.
- Want free and open source? Macro Deck.
- Want a mouse/keyboard remote for the TV PC? Unified Remote.
- Want nothing on the phone, voice control, and a one-time price? SofaDeck.
When hardware is still the right call
If you stream for hours every day, physical keys have real advantages: tactile feedback you can find without looking, no battery or Wi-Fi to worry about, and your phone stays free for chat. Elgato's hardware decks, and cheaper programmable macro pads or LCD-key stream controllers, are worth a look once you know which buttons you actually press. Many people keep a phone deck anyway as a second screen of controls.
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Sources
- Elgato — Stream Deck Mobile and Corsair press release (June 2023)
- Touch Portal FAQ — Pro upgrade
- Macro Deck and its GitHub repository
- Deckboard PRO on Google Play
- Unified Remote — features
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free Stream Deck alternative?
For a free phone-based deck, Elgato's own Stream Deck Mobile gives six keys free if you already use the Stream Deck desktop software; Macro Deck is free and open source; Touch Portal and Deckboard have capable free tiers. SofaDeck's free version adds voice control and needs no phone app. The best one depends on whether you want plugins (Touch Portal, Elgato), open source (Macro Deck) or zero phone setup (SofaDeck).
Can I use my phone as a Stream Deck?
Yes. Every tool in this comparison turns a phone or tablet into a grid of buttons that trigger actions on your PC over your local network. Most need an app on the phone; Macro Deck's web client and SofaDeck run in the phone's browser instead.
Is a physical Stream Deck worth it over a phone app?
Physical keys win on feel, reliability and not tying up your phone. A phone deck wins on cost and flexibility, since you already own the screen. Many people start with a phone and buy hardware only once they know which buttons they actually use.
Is SofaDeck affiliated with Elgato?
No. SofaDeck is made by Dixon App Studio LLC and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elgato or Corsair. Stream Deck is a trademark of Corsair Memory, Inc.