DeckPilot vs Macro Deck

A better alternative to Macro Deck

Macro Deck is a free, open-source Stream Deck alternative for Windows. It turns an Android phone or tablet into a macro pad but has no native Mac server and no iOS client.

Macro Deck 2 (Free)Macro Deck Companion (Android)

Quick Answer

DeckPilot is the Mac and iPhone equivalent of Macro Deck. Macro Deck is a free open-source macro pad app for Windows that uses Android phones as the client, with no Mac server and no iOS support. DeckPilot is built natively for macOS with iPhone and iPad clients, automatic app switching, and a polished UI.

By The DeckPilot Team•Last updated April 9, 2026

Feature-by-feature comparison

Feature

Macro Deck

DeckPilot

Price

Free

Free*

Mac Server

No (Windows only)

Native macOS

iOS Client

No (Android only)

iPhone + iPad

Design Quality

Dated / Windows UI

Modern / Polished

Setup

Manual IP / Port Config

Tap to Connect

Connection

Wi-Fi (Manual)

Wi-Fi & USB (Auto)

App-Aware Switching

Manual

Automatic

Touch Bar Strip

Yes — Sliders & Modules

Plugin Ecosystem

Community Plugins

Template Packs

Active Development

Slow / Volunteer

Actively Shipping

Swipe Gestures

Mission Control, minimize & more

Multi-App Launch

One tap, many apps

MIDI Controls

Faders, knobs, XY pads

DeckPilot wins 11 of 13 features

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

Why choose DeckPilot over Macro Deck

Built for Mac

Macro Deck does not run on macOS at all. DeckPilot is a native macOS app made for Apple Silicon.

Use Your iPhone

Macro Deck only supports Android clients. DeckPilot uses the iPhone and iPad you already own.

Zero Setup Hassle

No port forwarding, no manual IPs. Tap your Mac on your iPhone and you are connected.

Polished iOS UI

DeckPilot is designed for Apple aesthetics and HIG guidelines, not ported from Windows.

See DeckPilot in action

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

Macro Deck vs DeckPilot — FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Macro Deck and DeckPilot.

Can I use Macro Deck on Mac?

No. Macro Deck does not have a Mac server. It is Windows-only on the host side and Android-only on the client side. If you are on Mac and want a free Stream Deck alternative, DeckPilot is the closest equivalent.

Is there a Macro Deck app for iPhone?

No. Macro Deck only has an Android client. DeckPilot is the iPhone and iPad alternative, with native iOS apps and tap-to-pair setup.

Is DeckPilot free like Macro Deck?

Yes. DeckPilot is free with unlimited buttons. Macro Deck is also free and open source. DeckPilot offers an optional $7.99/mo Pro tier for advanced features.

Does DeckPilot have community plugins like Macro Deck?

DeckPilot uses Template Packs (77+ pre-built layouts) instead of a community plugin marketplace. Templates cover Logic Pro, OBS, Discord, Final Cut, VS Code, Photoshop, and more.

Why is DeckPilot easier to set up than Macro Deck?

DeckPilot uses Bonjour and tap-to-pair: open the Mac app, tap your Mac on your iPhone, you are connected. Macro Deck requires manual IP address and port configuration over your local network.