The Elgato Stream Deck gives Twitch and YouTube video game streamers an intuitive and easy-to-use system for sending alerts, messages, images and more while you stay focused on the latest games. With the integration of not only Elgato Game Capture software, but also programs like OBS and XSplit, you have many options for presenting your content.
However, the Elgato Stream Deck isn’t for everyone. Its high price, bulkier size, and lack of utility outside of game streaming may deter some potential buyers. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the best Elgato Stream Deck alternatives to help you get the most out of your streaming.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Advantages: Has the same functions as Stream Deck, significantly cheaper buttons and customizable functions.
The inconvenients: Only six buttons available at a time.
Compatible with: MacOS and Windows. Works with Elgato Game Capture as well as YouTube, OBS, XSplit, TipeeeStream, Twitch, and Twitter.
The full-size Elgato Stream Deck can serve streamers well if they have a ton of different preset controls to use, but for those who just need to alert their subscribers to a stream or change a few different settings, the Elgato Stream Deck Mini is a great alternative. The Stream Deck Mini has six buttons instead of the original 15 and is easier to store if you’re streaming.
Just like with the Stream Deck, the Elgato Stream Deck Mini Also supports custom folders and icons at a much lower price point than its big brother. It is seriously worth looking into. You can even reserve your feeds with intro and end clips, and a Key Creator tool lets you easily create your own icons.
Max Falcon-20 RGB Custom Programmable Mini Macropad
Advantages: Inexpensive, can swap layers with the push of a button, RGB makes it easy to find buttons.
The inconvenients: Not as intuitive as Elgato’s own devices.
Compatible with: Windows (7, 8 and 10)
The Elgato Stream Deck gives you a lot of visual information about its keys, making it easy to hit them at a glance, but if you mostly stick to a few defined key commands, it may be unnecessary. Worse, the sky-high price tag, especially if you really need a mini keyboard.
The Max Falcon-20 is a small keyboard that contains 20 keys, including a “layer switch” button that allows you to switch between sets of programmed commands on the fly. In total, you can have up to five layers of programming, and it includes built-in memory and dual Micro USB ports, so you can easily take it with you on the go. It comes with a programming app that you can use without knowing anything about coding, and its RGB function will make it easy for you to know which keys are doing what.
Touch portal
Advantages: Support OBS and XSplit, the full version has unlimited number of pages.
The inconvenients: Limited utility in free version,
Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac and PC.
You don’t necessarily need to buy a separate device to have an Elgato Stream Deck alternative. With the Touch Portal apps on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC, you can have access to a similar suite of features that you would get on the Stream Deck, and the full version of the program gives you unlimited pages and all the controls you need. need to manage your feed from your phone.
If you have friends who also use Touch Portal, you can use the import and export features to share your designs with them and easily integrate them into your own work. You can even turn on vibration on some devices, which can help you when you’re trying to multitask and lose track of your phone during a gaming session.
Better yet, the Touch portal The program supports OBS and XSplit integration, so you should be able to quickly sync your current streaming setup with your phone. An icon pack is even included, so you can customize the look of your buttons and make them easier to distinguish.
Upper bridge
Advantages: Tons of customization options.
The inconvenients: Free app registration limited to 20 minutes, only works with OBS.
Compatible with: iOS and Android alongside OBS
OBS is one of the most popular streaming programs out there, and it gives PC users the ability to stream without having to fork out extra cash. If you’re using the program and need a Stream Deck but don’t want to spend the money, the Up Deck iOS and Android app might just meet your needs.
Up Deck gives you a blank set of buttons that can be equipped with different actions and icons, allowing you to control volume, switch scenes, draw on your screen, and record game reruns from your phone or tablet. It doesn’t offer all of the community interactivity you can find on Elgato’s device, but for the price of being free, it’s well worth it.
Other features of Upper bridge include starting and stopping external processes such as playing songs or apps, showing a countdown timer, queuing multiple animations, changing the opacity of objects and a touchpad for manipulating objects from your phone.
Streamlabs remote control
Advantages: Free, very easy to install and use.
The inconvenients: Only compatible with Streamlabs OBS, limited functionality.
Compatible with: IOS and Android alongside Streamlabs OBS
For basic streamers who only require a few basic functions and don’t see the need for extras, the Streamlabs Remote is a free and easy way to get the basics out of your stream. It’s just as limited as Up Deck given that it only works with the Streamlabs version of OBS, which has a ton of limitations that more experienced and professional streamers will miss. If you are just starting to learn more about streaming and are looking for a user-friendly and affordable streaming service, Streamlabs is the perfect choice for you.
The interface is large, user-friendly, and will start your feed immediately. You will have access to all the necessary functions like going live, changing scene, changing audio source, in addition to a few others. However, if you want more innovative and complex capabilities, then the Streamlabs remote control will not live up to your expectations.
While you can upgrade to bigger and better streaming programs, this Stream Deck option doesn’t claim to be more than a stepping stone that will show you the ropes. This will help you get started in the world of streaming, and when you feel ready to move on, you won’t spend anything to get started.
Editor’s recommendations
