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TouchDeck vs Stream Deck

Both give a Mac keys for shortcuts and apps. Stream Deck is dedicated hardware with physical keys and a large plugin library, and works on Windows too. TouchDeck runs on the iPhone or iPad you already own, adds dials, sliders and a jog wheel, and builds decks from your Mac apps' menus.

Try it free for 7 days Get the free Mac app

At a glance

Physical buttons

Yes

No (haptics on iPhone)

Dials and sliders

Dials on some models

Dials, sliders, jog wheel

App-specific profiles

Yes (Smart Profiles)

Yes, automatic

Decks from an app's menus

Not built in

Yes, any Mac app

Uses a device you own

No, extra hardware

Yes

Portable

Limited

Yes

Works with Windows

Yes

No, Mac only

Plugin integrations

Large library

Shortcuts and workflows

Lasts for years

Wears out, buy again

Moves to every new device

Side by side

	TouchDeck	Stream Deck (hardware)
Hardware	Uses the iPhone or iPad you own	A dedicated device with physical LCD keys
Platforms	Mac, controlled from iPhone, iPad and iPhone Duo	Mac and Windows
Controls	Keys, rotary dials, sliders and a jog wheel	Keys; some models add dials and a touch strip
Per-app decks	Switch automatically with the app in front	Supported (Smart Profiles)
Decks from an app's menus	Built in: reads any Mac app's menu shortcuts	Set up by hand or with plugins
Integrations	Shortcuts, apps, links, media, macOS Shortcuts, workflows	Large plugin ecosystem
Tactile feel	Haptic clicks on iPhone; none on iPad	Physical keys
Pricing	7-day trial, then monthly or one-time Lifetime	One-time hardware purchase
Account	None; local Wi-Fi only	Optional
Upgrading	Comes with you to every new iPhone and iPad	Keys wear with use; upgrading means new hardware

Choose TouchDeck if

You work on a Mac and already have an iPhone or iPad
You want dials, sliders or a jog wheel as well as keys
You'd like decks made from your apps' own shortcuts
You want to try it free before paying

TouchDeck on iPad: editing keys beside a jog wheel

Choose a Stream Deck if

You want physical keys you can find without looking
You use Windows
You depend on plugin integrations with specific apps
You want a device that is always on your desk

Questions

Can I use both?

Yes. They don't interfere with each other; many people keep hardware for a few must-press keys and a phone or tablet for app decks.

Is TouchDeck cheaper?

It depends how long you use it. TouchDeck has a free trial, then a monthly plan or a one-time Lifetime purchase that covers all your iPhones and iPads. Hardware is a single purchase.

Does TouchDeck work without Wi-Fi?

Your device and Mac need to be on the same local network. They don't need internet access.

Is TouchDeck affiliated with Elgato?

No. TouchDeck is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Elgato or Corsair.

Stream Deck and Elgato are trademarks of Corsair Memory, Inc. TouchDeck is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elgato or Corsair. Comparisons are based on publicly available information as of November 2026.

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