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.
Mac users get the same appeal from a Stream Deck as anyone else — one button to switch scenes, launch apps, mute a call or paste a snippet — plus one Mac-specific hurdle: macOS permissions. This guide lists the realistic ways to get a deck on a Mac, from Elgato's hardware to free phone-based decks, and the settings that make any of them work.
The options
| Option | What you get | Mac side | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato Stream Deck hardware | Physical LCD keys | Stream Deck software for macOS | Hardware purchase |
| Virtual Stream Deck | On-screen keys over your desktop | Stream Deck 7.0+, macOS 13 Ventura or later | Bundled with supported Elgato/Corsair devices |
| Stream Deck Mobile | Keys on an iPhone, iPad or Android app | Stream Deck software | 6 keys free; Pro is paid |
| Touch Portal | Keys on a phone/tablet app | Touch Portal for macOS | Free tier; one-time Pro upgrade |
| Macro Deck 3 (beta) | Keys in a browser or companion app | Macro Deck for macOS 11+ (Apple silicon build) | Free, open source |
| SofaDeck (ours)Get it free on the Microsoft Store → | Keys and a voice remote in the phone's browser | Menu-bar app, macOS 11 Big Sur or later, on Apple silicon or Intel | Free; Pro $9.99 once |
For a closer look at Elgato's on-screen option see Virtual Stream Deck explained, and for its phone app see Stream Deck Mobile vs SofaDeck.
The Mac permissions every deck needs
- Accessibility — System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility. Required for any deck that presses keys, types text or sends media keys. Without it, buttons that open apps work but hotkeys silently do nothing.
- Local Network — phone-based decks talk to the Mac over Wi-Fi, so allow it when macOS asks. If you clicked "Don't Allow", turn it back on under Privacy & Security → Local Network.
- Firewall — if the macOS firewall is on, allow incoming connections for the deck app.
- Screen Recording — only for tools that show your screen; a button deck doesn't need it.
Setting up SofaDeck on a Mac
SofaDeck for Mac is a notarized universal DMG for Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Drag it to Applications and open it; it lives in the menu bar. Allow Local Network, scan the QR code with your phone and type the PIN shown on the Mac. Turn on Accessibility from SofaDeck's settings page (it has a button that opens the right screen) if you want hotkeys, typing and media keys. Opening apps, websites, volume and sleep work without it. It imports your Mac apps for launch buttons and open
commands, and Pro adds OpenEmu game-library import.
Mac-friendly buttons to start with: Cmd+Shift+4 screenshot, Ctrl+Cmd+Q lock, a Spotlight or Raycast hotkey, your meeting app's mute key, Music play/pause and volume. More ideas in Stream Deck for productivity; for remote control beyond buttons, see how to control your Mac from your iPhone.
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/getMac download and install stepsSofaDeck 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
- Elgato — Virtual Stream Deck overview
- Touch Portal — Pro upgrade FAQ
- Macro Deck
- Apple — Allow accessibility apps to access your Mac
Building your own shortcuts first? See how to change keyboard shortcuts on a Mac and Mac automation for everyday tasks.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Elgato Stream Deck work on a Mac?
Yes. Elgato's Stream Deck software runs on macOS as well as Windows, and the hardware decks, Stream Deck Mobile and Virtual Stream Deck all work through it. Check Elgato's current system requirements for your macOS version.
What's a free Stream Deck alternative for Mac?
Stream Deck Mobile's free tier (6 keys) works with the Stream Deck software on a Mac. Macro Deck 3 (beta) has a free, open-source Mac app for Apple silicon. Touch Portal has a free Mac desktop app. SofaDeck's free version runs on macOS 11 or later and needs nothing on the phone.
Why don't my deck's hotkeys work on my Mac?
macOS only lets an app press keys in other apps once you allow it under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility. Every deck app that sends keystrokes needs this, SofaDeck included. Opening apps and websites usually works without it.