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OpenDeck vs Boatswain: catalog facts
OpenDeck	Boatswain
Best for: Stream Deck owners who use Linux	Best for: Streamers and Linux users who own an Elgato Stream Deck
Free Free and open source under the GPL 3.	Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0.
Linux	Linux
Runs original Elgato Stream Deck plugins Brings Stream Deck support to Linux All 3 strengths for OpenDeck Runs original Elgato Stream Deck plugins Brings Stream Deck support to Linux Active project with a starter plugin pack	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
Requires stream controller hardware Not every Elgato plugin may work outside the official software	Needs Elgato Stream Deck hardware Linux only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0-or-later	License: GPL-3.0-or-later
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for OpenDeck github.com/nekename/OpenDeck Catalog checked October 1, 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.