DeckPilot vs Stream Deck Mobile

A better alternative to Stream Deck Mobile

Elgato's own mobile app for Stream Deck functionality. Subscription-based with limited features compared to the hardware.

Stream Deck Mobile Free (6 buttons)Stream Deck Mobile ($2.99/mo or $49.99 lifetime)

Quick Answer

DeckPilot is a free alternative to Elgato Stream Deck Mobile with unlimited buttons, native iPad optimization, automatic app-aware switching, and a virtual Touch Bar. Stream Deck Mobile costs $2.99/month or $49.99 lifetime and caps at 64 buttons even on the paid tier.

By The DeckPilot Team•Last updated April 9, 2026

Feature-by-feature comparison

Feature

Stream Deck Mobile

DeckPilot

Price

Free / $3/mo / $50

Free*

Free Tier Buttons

6 Buttons

8 Buttons

Paid Buttons

Up to 64

Unlimited

Platform

iOS + Android

iOS + iPadOS

Connection

Same Network

Wi-Fi & USB (Tap to Pair)

Touch Bar

Yes — Sliders & Modules

App-Aware Switching

Manual

Automatic

Plugin Ecosystem

Full Stream Deck Store

Growing

iPad Optimized

Yes

Mac Optimization

Cross-platform

Native macOS

Swipe Gestures

Mission Control, minimize & more

Multi-App Launch

One tap, many apps

MIDI Controls

Faders, knobs, XY pads

DeckPilot wins 10 of 13 features · Stream Deck Mobile wins 1

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

Why choose DeckPilot over Stream Deck Mobile

Unlimited Buttons

Stream Deck Mobile caps at 64 buttons on paid. DeckPilot gives you unlimited buttons across unlimited pages.

iPad Optimized

Stream Deck Mobile is a stretched phone app on iPad. DeckPilot is designed for iPad's larger canvas.

Touch Bar Strip

Get a virtual Touch Bar with sliders and modules. Stream Deck Mobile only offers buttons.

App-Aware Switching

DeckPilot automatically switches decks when you change apps. Stream Deck Mobile requires manual switching.

See DeckPilot in action

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

Stream Deck Mobile vs DeckPilot — FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Stream Deck Mobile and DeckPilot.

How is DeckPilot different from Stream Deck Mobile?

DeckPilot has unlimited buttons (Stream Deck Mobile caps at 64), automatic app-aware switching (Stream Deck Mobile is manual), a virtual Touch Bar with sliders, native iPad optimization, and is built for macOS first. Stream Deck Mobile is cross-platform and feels like a companion app to the hardware.

Is DeckPilot cheaper than Stream Deck Mobile?

Yes. DeckPilot is free with 8 buttons on the free tier (vs Stream Deck Mobile's 6). DeckPilot Pro is $7.99/mo with unlimited buttons. Stream Deck Mobile is $2.99/mo or $49.99 lifetime for up to 64 buttons.

Does DeckPilot need a Stream Deck hardware unit to work?

No. DeckPilot works entirely without Elgato hardware. Stream Deck Mobile is designed as a companion to Elgato Stream Deck and inherits limitations from that ecosystem.

Is DeckPilot optimized for iPad?

Yes. DeckPilot has a dedicated iPad layout that uses the larger canvas for bigger button grids. Stream Deck Mobile shows the same phone interface stretched on iPad.