DeckPilot vs Loupedeck

A better alternative to Loupedeck

Loupedeck makes premium creative consoles with dials and touchscreens. Great build quality, but expensive ($179–$769) and USB-only.

Loupedeck Live ($179)Loupedeck Live S ($179)Loupedeck CT ($529)Loupedeck CT SE ($769)

Quick Answer

DeckPilot is a free Loupedeck alternative for Mac that turns your iPhone or iPad into a wireless creative control surface. Loupedeck makes premium hardware consoles ($179-$769) with physical dials and limited buttons, while DeckPilot gives you unlimited buttons, virtual sliders, and automatic app switching on hardware you already own.

By The DeckPilot Team•Last updated April 9, 2026

Feature-by-feature comparison

Feature

Loupedeck

DeckPilot

Price

$179–$769

Free*

Connection

USB-C

Wi-Fi & USB

Physical Dials

Yes (2–6)

Touch Bar Sliders

Touchscreen

Yes (CT models)

Full Device Screen

Portability

Desk Only

Your Pocket

Adobe Integration

Deep Native

Keyboard Shortcuts

Setup

Install Software

Tap to Connect

Button Count

8–20 + Dials

Unlimited

App-Aware Switching

App Profiles

Automatic

Multi-device

One Unit

iPhone + iPad

Swipe Gestures

Mission Control, minimize & more

Multi-App Launch

One tap, many apps

Window Actions

Mission Control, Expose, Show Desktop

DeckPilot wins 11 of 13 features · Loupedeck wins 1

* Free tier available forever. Pro plans start at $7.99/month.

Why choose DeckPilot over Loupedeck

Save Hundreds

Loupedeck CT costs $529+. DeckPilot Pro is $7.99/mo — use the devices you already own.

True Portability

Loupedeck lives on your desk. DeckPilot lives in your pocket — control your Mac from the couch.

Unlimited Decks

Loupedeck has limited button real estate. DeckPilot gives you unlimited pages of unlimited buttons.

Instant Updates

New features ship as software updates. No need to buy new hardware when the next model drops.

See DeckPilot in action

Pick a template. Tap the buttons. This is exactly what DeckPilot looks and feels like on your devices.

Loupedeck vs DeckPilot — FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Loupedeck and DeckPilot.

Is DeckPilot a good Loupedeck alternative for photo editing?

Yes for budget-conscious editors. DeckPilot triggers Lightroom and Photoshop keyboard shortcuts and has virtual sliders for adjustments. Loupedeck has deeper native plugins for Adobe apps but costs $179-$769.

How much can I save by using DeckPilot instead of Loupedeck?

Loupedeck Live is $179, Loupedeck CT is $529, CT SE is $769. DeckPilot is free, with an optional $7.99/mo Pro tier. You save between $179 and $769 plus avoid future hardware upgrades.

Does DeckPilot have physical dials like Loupedeck?

No physical dials, but DeckPilot includes a virtual Touch Bar with sliders and modules for volume, brightness, and custom controls. Many editors find on-screen sliders faster than reaching for physical knobs.

Can I take DeckPilot with me like a laptop accessory?

Yes. DeckPilot lives on your iPhone, so it goes wherever you go. Loupedeck is a desk accessory that needs to stay plugged in.

Does DeckPilot integrate with Adobe Lightroom and Premiere?

Yes via keyboard shortcuts and pre-built template packs for Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Loupedeck has deeper native plugin integration but costs significantly more.