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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

TouchDeckStream Deck Mobile
Needs on the computerThe free TouchDeck for Mac appElgato's Stream Deck software (Mac or Windows)
ComputersMacMac and Windows
Phones and tabletsiPhone, iPad, iPhone DuoiPhone, iPad and Android
ControlsKeys, rotary dials, sliders, jog wheelKeys (dials and a touch strip are on Stream Deck+ hardware)
Per-app decksBuilt in: follows the app in frontSmart Profiles in the Stream Deck software
Decks from an app's menusYes, from any Mac appNot that we could find
IntegrationsShortcuts, apps, links, media, macOS Shortcuts, workflowsLarge plugin library
ConnectionLocal Wi-Fi, encrypted, four-digit pairingWi-Fi, or USB mode
Price7-day trial, then monthly or one-time Lifetime6 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
TouchDeck on iPhone: keys with the icons of Mac apps, and Brightness and Volume dials

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

Stream Deck, Stream Deck Mobile and Elgato are trademarks of Corsair Memory, Inc. TouchDeck is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elgato or Corsair. Details about other apps are from their public store listings and help pages as of November 2026 and may have changed; check their sites for current features and prices.