best stream deck alternatives for streamers in 2025

The Elgato Stream Deck has become the default control surface for streamers. Fifteen customizable LCD buttons, seamless OBS integration, and a tidy profile. But at $150–$250 depending on the model, it's not cheap — and it's not the only game in town.

Whether you want more physical controls, prefer software on a device you already own, or need industrial-grade reliability, there are real alternatives worth your attention. We tested the top contenders across hardware and software categories to find the best stream deck alternatives for every type of streamer.1

why look beyond elgato?

Three reasons keep coming up:

1. Cost. A dedicated Stream Deck is an extra peripheral. Software alternatives run on hardware you already have — phone, tablet, or second monitor — for a fraction of the price or even free.1
2. Customization depth. Some alternatives offer unlimited button pages, macros that span multiple apps, and scripting that goes far beyond what Elgato's software supports.1
3. Physical preference. Some streamers want tactile mechanical keys they can feel without looking. Others want rotary dials for smooth audio fades. Elgato's all-LCD approach doesn't suit everyone.2

The right choice depends on your setup, your budget, and how much control you actually need.

the picks

1. loupedeck live s — best professional hardware alternative

If you want a dedicated hardware deck that improves on the Stream Deck's formula, the Loupedeck Live S is the pick. It combines six physical rotary dials with a grid of customizable LCD touch buttons — giving you tactile control for audio levels, scene transitions, and color grading alongside standard button presses.1

The dials are the killer feature. You can map them to volume faders, zoom levels, or brush sizes in editing software. The touch buttons support folders, nested menus, and dynamic icons that update based on your active application. Loupedeck's software also integrates directly with OBS, Twitch, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and dozens of other creative tools.2

It's more expensive than a Stream Deck — around $250 — but you're paying for the physical controls and deeper software integration. For streamers who also edit video or produce content, this is the most versatile hardware option.

Best for: Streamers who want tactile dials and do double duty as content creators.

2. touch portal — best software-based alternative

Touch Portal turns any Android or iOS device — phone, tablet, or even a second monitor — into a fully customizable stream deck. It's the most flexible software alternative because it works with hardware you already own.1

The free version gives you basic button grids. The Pro version ($12.99 one-time) unlocks unlimited buttons, macros, sliders, and integration with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch, Discord, and hundreds of games and apps. You can build multi-step macros — one button press that switches scenes, mutes your mic, and plays a sound effect — without writing a single line of code.1

The downside is that it's software on a touchscreen. You lose tactile feedback, and you're relying on your phone or tablet staying charged and connected. But for the price, it's the best value option by a wide margin.

Best for: Budget-conscious streamers and anyone who wants to test the waters before buying hardware.

3. bitfocus companion — best for power users and automation

Bitfocus Companion is not a consumer product — it's a professional broadcast control system that happens to work beautifully for advanced streamers. It's open-source, free, and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi.1

Companion connects to OBS, vMix, ATEM switchers, PTZ cameras, audio mixers, and virtually any network-connected broadcast gear. You can build complex automations — a single button that switches cameras, adjusts audio, triggers a graphic overlay, and posts to social media. It supports physical button panels like the Stream Deck, X-Keys, and Loupedeck as control surfaces, but the real power is in the software logic layer.1

The learning curve is steep. This is not a plug-and-play app. But if you run a multi-camera stream, produce live events, or want absolute control over every aspect of your broadcast, Companion is unmatched.

Best for: Advanced streamers, live event producers, and multi-camera setups.

4. deckboard — best budget mobile option

Deckboard is a free Android app that connects to your PC over Wi-Fi or USB and gives you a customizable button grid for OBS, Twitch, and basic system controls.1

It's simpler than Touch Portal — fewer integrations, no macros, no sliders — but it's also completely free and takes about two minutes to set up. You can create button pages for scene switching, media playback, volume control, and Twitch chat commands. The interface is clean and responsive.

The limitations are real: no iOS support, no advanced automation, and the connection can lag over Wi-Fi. But for a zero-cost entry point, Deckboard works surprisingly well for casual streamers who just need basic scene switching.1

Best for: Android users who want a free, simple stream deck on their phone.

5. x-keys xk-24 — best for industrial durability

The X-Keys XK-24 is the opposite of a sleek LCD deck. It's a 24-key mechanical keypad built like a tank — fully programmable, with keys that you can feel click under your fingers. No screens, no software fuss, just reliable physical buttons.1

Each key can be programmed with single keystrokes, multi-key macros, or application-specific commands using the included software. The keys are mechanical switches rated for millions of presses, and the unit itself is built for industrial and broadcast environments. It connects via USB and is recognized as a standard HID device — no drivers needed.

The trade-off is obvious: no dynamic labels, no visual feedback, no touchscreen. You'll need to label the keys yourself or memorize your layout. But for streamers who want absolute tactile reliability — especially in a shared or high-traffic setup — the XK-24 is built to last forever.1

Best for: Streamers who prioritize tactile feel and durability over visual feedback.

hardware vs. software: how to decide

If you have the desk space and the budget, a hardware deck like the Loupedeck Live S gives you the best tactile experience. If you're starting out or want maximum flexibility for minimal money, Touch Portal on a tablet is the smarter choice.1

which one should you buy?

• You edit video and stream: Loupedeck Live S. The dials are worth it for audio and color work.
• You want to spend under $20: Touch Portal Pro. It's the best value in this entire category.
• You run a multi-camera or live-event stream: Bitfocus Companion. Learn it once, use it everywhere.
• You just need basic scene switching on a budget: Deckboard. It's free and it works.
• You want keys you can feel blindfolded: X-Keys XK-24. Built like a tank, clicks like one too.

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