For content creators, efficiency is everything. Juggling multiple applications, switching scenes, and managing audio during a live stream or editing session can disrupt your creative flow. A dedicated control surface can eliminate these distractions, putting hundreds of commands at your fingertips. While the Elgato Stream Deck is a popular choice, the market is filled with powerful alternatives designed for different workflows and budgets.
Whether you’re a streamer, video editor, or digital artist, there’s a controller built for your specific needs. From compact keypads to full-sized consoles with dials and touchscreens, these devices can dramatically speed up your work. This roundup explores the best options available, helping you find the perfect tool to streamline your process and enhance your content creation.
Top Stream Deck Alternatives for Content Creators
- Elgato Stream Deck Neo – 8 Customizable Keys, 2 Touch Points
- SOOMFON Stream Controller with 15 LCD Macro Keys
- Elgato Stream Deck XL – 32 macro keys
- Elgato Stream Deck Pedal – 3 Macro footswitches
- Loupedeck Live – Custom Console with Buttons & Dials
- Razer Stream Controller: All-In-One Keypad
- TourBox NEO – Customizable Editing Controller
- XENCELABS Quick Keys with OLED Display
- TC HELICON GoXLR MINI-WH Broadcast Mixer
- Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Elgato Stream Deck Neo
The Elgato Stream Deck Neo is designed for enhanced efficiency, allowing you to customize and automate tasks with eight physical shortcut keys and two touch points. This setup is tailored to fit your workflows, making repetitive daily routines fast and simple. The drag-and-drop interface in the free Stream Deck app makes setup effortless, letting you manage your favorite tools even when they are off-screen.
This controller offers seamless integration with a wide array of essential applications. You can control everything from Zoom and Teams to PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. It also works with Google Suite, MS Office, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Apps, Spotify, and many more, providing broad compatibility for various content creation tasks.
SOOMFON Stream Controller
With 15 customizable LCD keys, the SOOMFON Stream Controller lets you trigger unlimited actions to control your apps, tools, and platforms effortlessly. The buttons include LCD screens that you can customize with your own image files, and a side dashboard displays real-time computer information like CPU and memory usage. This makes your live streaming, video editing, and music production more visible and controllable.
This device enables one-touch operation for launching social posts, adjusting audio, muting your microphone, and turning on lights. It’s a handy tool not only for streamers but for all creatives who need a variety of hotkeys. It is compatible with PC, Mac, and leading software like OBS Studio, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, and Spotify.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
The Elgato Stream Deck XL offers advanced live production control with its 32 fully customizable LCD keys. This extensive grid allows you to instantly trigger an unlimited number of actions with a simple tap, making it ideal for complex workflows that require quick access to many commands. It simplifies the management of your favorite tools and platforms during high-pressure live sessions.
This studio controller features powerful integrations with a vast ecosystem of software and hardware. It works seamlessly with Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, vMix, and VoiceMod. This wide compatibility ensures it can become the central control hub for your entire content creation setup.
Elgato Stream Deck Pedal
The Elgato Stream Deck Pedal provides a unique, hands-free control solution with three customizable pedals. This allows you to control apps, tools, and platforms without using your hands, freeing you up for other tasks. You can instantly trigger single or multiple actions, such as going live, muting your microphone, or toggling cameras, all with a tap of your foot.
Built for durability and customization, the pedal features interchangeable springs that let you adjust the pressure required for each press. The heavy-duty chassis ensures it can withstand frequent use, giving you the confidence to tap during intense streaming or recording sessions. It’s a versatile accessory that adds a new dimension to your studio control.
Loupedeck Live
Loupedeck Live is a custom console designed for live streaming, photo, and video editing, featuring a combination of customizable buttons, dials, and an LED touchscreen. It comes with native integrations for popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, Twitch, and the entire Adobe Creative Suite, including ready-made profiles for an easy start.
Beyond its pre-configured support, Loupedeck Live works with any software by allowing you to create custom profiles using shortcuts and macros. The powerful customization software lets you build unlimited pages of controls, assign specific actions to buttons and dials, and organize them into personalized workspaces. You can even create complex macros and upload your own icons for a fully tailored experience.
Razer Stream Controller
The Razer Stream Controller is an all-in-one keypad that lets you effortlessly manage your stream with shortcuts for multiple programs. It features 12 haptic Switchblade keys that can be bound to an infinite variety of commands and macros. You can customize their icons for easy visual navigation and even adjust the level of haptic feedback for a personalized tactile response.
Complementing the keys are six tactile analog dials, which provide convenient control over your audio levels, media, and other channels. A dynamic LCD touchscreen gives you at-a-glance information as you manage your stream, making it an intuitive and comprehensive solution for streamers who need precise control over every aspect of their broadcast.
TourBox NEO
TourBox NEO is a customizable editing controller engineered to speed up and elevate the experience for content creators in drawing, photo retouching, and video editing. Its intuitive design simplifies the creative process, making it more efficient and seamless. As a standard wired device, it requires no charging and offers stable, zero-latency performance for macOS and Windows.
This controller boasts extensive compatibility with a wide range of creative software. It supports Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Clip Studio Paint, and more. By consolidating frequent actions into a single, ergonomic device, it helps artists and editors maintain their focus and workflow momentum.
XENCELABS Quick Keys
XENCELABS Quick Keys features a built-in OLED screen that visualizes your shortcuts, allowing you to easily identify and switch between shortcut sets. This eliminates guesswork, as you can instantly see what each key does without needing any overlay software. It provides immediate clarity for your workflow.
The keypad offers 40 programmable keys across five sets, which auto-switch with your creative software. This gives you tailored access to everything from Photoshop brushes to Premiere Pro hotkeys. A multi-function rotary mini keydial offers smooth control over parameters like zoom, canvas rotation, brush size, and timeline navigation, designed for fluid workflow across photo, video, and audio editing.
TC HELICON GoXLR MINI
The TC HELICON GoXLR MINI is a “go live” desktop rig for online broadcasters that gives you instant control over your audio. It functions as a flexible and intuitive USB-based mixer for all of your audio sources, simplifying audio management during streams and recordings. This compact unit is designed to fit neatly into any setup.
At its core is an award-winning, ultra-low noise Midas mic preamp, which ensures professional broadcast quality for your microphone input. This makes it an excellent choice for streamers and podcasters who prioritize crystal-clear voice audio and need reliable, hands-on control over their sound mix without a complex setup.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is a compact version of the popular Stream Deck, offering a streamlined set of customizable LCD keys in a smaller footprint. It provides the same core functionality, allowing you to trigger actions in apps and software like OBS, Twitch, and YouTube with a single tap. Its small size makes it ideal for creators with limited desk space or those who need a portable solution.
Despite its compact design, it integrates fully with the powerful Stream Deck software, giving you access to a vast library of plugins and icons. You can automate multi-step tasks, control your media, and manage your streams efficiently. It works seamlessly with both Mac and PC, making it a versatile and accessible entry point into hardware macro controllers.
What to Look For in a Stream Deck Alternative
As a content creator, I know how much a Stream Deck can speed up a workflow, but its price and specific hardware might not be for everyone. When I started looking for the best alternatives to Stream Deck for content creators, I realized it’s not just about finding a cheaper gadget; it’s about finding the right tool that fits your specific setup and needs. The core of this search is about control and efficiency, whether that comes from a physical device, a software solution, or something that blends both.
First, consider your budget. The official Stream Deck is a premium product, but many alternatives offer similar core functionality for a fraction of the price, or even for free. Free software-based options can be a fantastic starting point if you’re just getting into macro controls. If you prefer the tactile feel of physical buttons, there are hardware options at various price points, from simple numeric keypads to more advanced, customizable controllers.
Next, think about the interface. Do you need physical buttons you can press without looking, or are you comfortable with a touchscreen on a tablet or your phone? Physical buttons are great for muscle memory during a live stream, while a touchscreen can be more dynamic, allowing for changing icons and layouts on the fly. Some solutions even let you use an old smartphone as a dedicated control surface, which is a brilliant way to repurpose old tech.
Compatibility is another huge factor. Check that the alternative you choose plays nicely with your primary software. Whether you use OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Adobe Premiere, or a combination of tools, you need a controller that can integrate with them. Look for support for APIs and plugins, as this extensibility is what makes these tools so powerful. The ability to create custom commands or integrate with services like Philips Hue for lighting control can be a game-changer.
Finally, assess the learning curve. Some alternatives are incredibly simple to set up with drag-and-drop interfaces, while others might require a bit more technical know-how to configure advanced macros. Your time is valuable, so finding a balance between power and usability is key. The goal is to save you time in the long run, not to create a new, time-consuming hobby of configuring your controller.
FAQ
Can I really use my phone as a Stream Deck alternative?
Absolutely. This is one of the most popular and cost-effective methods. Several apps, like Touch Portal and LioranBoard, turn your smartphone or tablet into a powerful control surface. You just install the app on your mobile device and a small receiver program on your computer, connect them over Wi-Fi or USB, and you can start creating buttons for all your streaming and content creation needs. It’s a fantastic way to get started without spending any money on new hardware.
Are free software alternatives as powerful as a physical Stream Deck?
In terms of raw functionality, many free software options are incredibly powerful and can sometimes do even more than a basic Stream Deck because they aren’t limited by physical button counts. They can create complex multi-action macros, conditional commands, and deeply integrated controls for a vast range of software. The main difference is the lack of physical, tactile buttons. For some creators, that tactile feedback is crucial for operating controls without looking away from the camera or screen.
What is the best hardware alternative if I want physical buttons?
If you’re after that physical button feel, a great place to start is with a simple, programmable mechanical keypad like the Elgato Stream Deck itself, but looking at other brands like the Loupedeck CT or even a generic USB numeric keypad. Many of these can be reprogrammed using software like AutoHotkey or the manufacturer’s own application to trigger the same actions as a Stream Deck. For a more advanced and customizable option, building a controller with a board like a Stream Deck Plus or X-keys panel offers a highly tailored experience.
Do these alternatives work with software other than OBS?
Yes, the vast majority do. While OBS integration is a standard feature, most reputable alternatives to Stream Deck for content creators also support a wide array of other applications. This includes video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, audio mixers like Voicemeeter, lighting systems like Philips Hue, and even social media platforms for triggering posts or playing sounds. Always check the specific software’s supported integrations list before you commit.
Is there a significant delay when using a wireless alternative like a phone app?
In my experience, the delay is usually negligible, especially when you’re on a stable Wi-Fi network. The commands are sent as simple data packets, so the lag is often imperceptible for tasks like scene switching, muting audio, or launching a video. For mission-critical actions where every millisecond counts, some apps offer a USB connection option to eliminate any potential network latency entirely. For most streaming and content creation tasks, wireless performance is more than adequate.