Compare software

Boatswain vs Touch Portal: catalog facts
Boatswain	Touch Portal
Best for: Streamers and Linux users who own an Elgato Stream Deck	Best for: Streamers and creators who want a phone-based macro deck instead of dedicated hardware
Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0.	Free + paid options The app is free to download; pricing for any paid features is not stated on the homepage.
Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Brings Stream Deck support to Linux Native GNOME interface All 3 strengths for Boatswain Brings Stream Deck support to Linux Native GNOME interface Open source	Multi-action macro buttons with logic and feedback Up to 110 buttons per page and unlimited pages All 4 strengths for Touch Portal Multi-action macro buttons with logic and feedback Up to 110 buttons per page and unlimited pages Runs on old phones and tablets Desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux
Needs Elgato Stream Deck hardware Linux only	Needs both a desktop app and a mobile device Pricing details are not clear from the homepage
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: GPL-3.0-or-later	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Boatswain gitlab.gnome.org/World/boatswain Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Touch Portal touch-portal.com apps.apple.com/us/app/touch-portal/id1410172542 Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.