TouchDeck vs Stream Deck Mobile
Both turn an iPhone or iPad into a deck of keys. Stream Deck Mobile is a companion to Elgato's Stream Deck software, with its large plugin library and Windows support. TouchDeck is made for the Mac: it builds decks from your apps' own menus, follows the app in front, and adds dials, sliders and a jog wheel.
Side by side
| TouchDeck | Stream Deck Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs on the computer | The free TouchDeck for Mac app | Elgato's Stream Deck software (Mac or Windows) |
| Computers | Mac | Mac and Windows |
| Phones and tablets | iPhone, iPad, iPhone Duo | iPhone, iPad and Android |
| Controls | Keys, rotary dials, sliders, jog wheel | Keys (dials and a touch strip are on Stream Deck+ hardware) |
| Per-app decks | Built in: follows the app in front | Smart Profiles in the Stream Deck software |
| Decks from an app's menus | Yes, from any Mac app | Not that we could find |
| Integrations | Shortcuts, apps, links, media, macOS Shortcuts, workflows | Large plugin library |
| Connection | Local Wi-Fi, encrypted, four-digit pairing | Wi-Fi, or USB mode |
| Price | 7-day trial, then monthly or one-time Lifetime | 6 keys free; Pro by subscription or Lifetime for up to 64 keys |
What TouchDeck does differently
- Automatic app switching, built in: the deck follows the app in front on your Mac with no rules to write
- Decks from native Mac menus: pick any Mac app and TouchDeck reads the shortcuts from its menu bar and builds a deck (how it works)
- Dials, sliders and a jog wheel alongside keys, with haptic clicks on iPhone
- Local Wi-Fi only: your device talks straight to your Mac, encrypted end to end, after a four-digit pairing code
- No account: nothing to sign up for; decks back up to your own iCloud
- Layouts for each screen: iPhone, both screens of iPhone Duo, and every iPad size

When Stream Deck Mobile is the better pick
- You already use Stream Deck hardware or its plugins
- You need Windows or Android
- You want deep integrations, such as scene control in streaming software
- You want a free option and six keys are enough
- You'd rather connect over USB than Wi-Fi
Questions
Can I use Stream Deck plugins in TouchDeck?
No. TouchDeck presses shortcuts, opens apps and links, controls media, volume and brightness, and runs macOS Shortcuts and multi-step workflows.
Do I need Stream Deck hardware for either?
No. Stream Deck Mobile needs Elgato's free desktop software; TouchDeck needs the free TouchDeck for Mac app.
Which is better for a Mac-only setup?
If you work only on a Mac and want decks that follow your apps, made from their own menus, with dials and a jog wheel, TouchDeck is built for that. If you rely on Stream Deck plugins, Stream Deck Mobile fits better.
What does TouchDeck cost?
Free for 7 days, then $3.99 a month or $79.99 once for Lifetime (₹199 or ₹3,999 in India). One plan covers all your iPhones and iPads. The Mac app is free.
Related
- Use your iPad as a Stream Deck for your Mac
- A Stream Deck alternative using the iPhone or iPad you own
- Automatic shortcut discovery: buttons from any Mac app's menus
- Automatic app profiles
- A control deck for Mac productivity
- TouchDeck vs Stream Deck
- Compare TouchDeck with Stream Deck Mobile, Touch Portal, Deckboard and BetterTouchTool