Compare software

Stream Deck vs Boatswain: catalog facts
Stream Deck	Boatswain
Best for: Streamers and creators who want physical shortcut keys	Best for: Streamers and Linux users who own an Elgato Stream Deck
Free The desktop software is a free download; Stream Deck hardware is sold separately.	Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0.
Windows, macOS	Linux
Configurable keys, dials and multi-step workflows Integrates with other Elgato apps All 4 strengths for Stream Deck Configurable keys, dials and multi-step workflows Integrates with other Elgato apps Plugin SDK for extending actions Mobile app can stand in for hardware	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
Mainly useful with Elgato Stream Deck hardware Closed source	Needs Elgato Stream Deck hardware Linux only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Open source
License: Freeware	License: GPL-3.0-or-later
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Stream Deck elgato.com/us/en/s/downloads Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Boatswain gitlab.gnome.org/World/boatswain Catalog checked October 1, 2026

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