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Macro Deck VS OBS Studio

Compare Macro Deck VS OBS Studio and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

Macro Deck logo Macro Deck

Use smartphone as macropad for pc

OBS Studio logo OBS Studio

Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming for Mac, Windows and Linux.
  • Macro Deck Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-30
  • OBS Studio Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-12

Macro Deck features and specs

  • Customizability
    Macro Deck allows users to create and customize their own button layouts and actions, providing a high level of personalization to fit specific user needs and workflows.
  • Cost-effective
    Macro Deck is available for free, making it an attractive option for users who need a powerful macro tool without the expense associated with commercial alternatives.
  • Plugin Support
    The platform supports plugins, enabling the integration of additional features and functionalities that extend the application's capabilities.
  • Cross-platform Compatibility
    Macro Deck can be used on multiple devices including Windows and Android, allowing for flexibility in how users interact with the software.
  • Easy Setup
    The software is relatively simple to set up, making it accessible to users who may not have advanced technical skills.

Possible disadvantages of Macro Deck

  • Limited iOS Support
    Macro Deck does not currently offer native support for iOS devices, which can be a limitation for users heavily reliant on Apple products.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its ease of use, new users might encounter a learning curve while familiarizing themselves with the wide array of functions and customization options.
  • Reliability
    As with many open-source or free applications, users may experience occasional bugs or stability issues that can affect reliability.
  • Community-driven Development
    The development and support of the software rely heavily on the community, which may result in slower updates and less immediate customer support compared to commercial options.

OBS Studio features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    OBS Studio is completely free to download and use, and its source code is openly available, allowing users to modify and contribute to the software.
  • Cross-Platform
    OBS Studio is available on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users regardless of their operating system.
  • High Customizability
    The software allows for extensive customization through scenes, sources, and various settings, enabling users to tailor their streaming or recording setup precisely to their needs.
  • Plugin Support
    OBS Studio supports a variety of plugins, allowing users to add extra functionality such as additional sources, filters, and integrations with other platforms.
  • Active Community
    The OBS community is very active, offering a wealth of tutorials, forums, and support channels where users can find assistance and share knowledge.

Possible disadvantages of OBS Studio

  • Steep Learning Curve
    While powerful, OBS Studio can be intimidating for beginners due to its myriad of options and settings, requiring a significant amount of time to learn.
  • Resource Intensive
    OBS Studio can be quite demanding on system resources, particularly CPU and GPU, which might not be ideal for users with lower-end hardware.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Users sometimes report crashes or bugs, especially when using certain third-party plugins or on less common hardware configurations.
  • Limited Built-In Features
    While highly customizable, OBS Studio itself is relatively barebones without plugins, which means users often need to seek out and install additional software for specific functionalities (e.g., advanced effects, in-depth analytics).
  • Complex Configuration for Advanced Features
    Configuring advanced features, such as setting up a green screen or integrating with third-party tools, can be complex and time-consuming.

Analysis of OBS Studio

Overall verdict

  • OBS Studio is a versatile and reliable choice for anyone looking to record or stream video content. Its strengths lie in its flexibility, community-driven enhancements, and zero cost, making it an excellent option for users across different experience levels.

Why this product is good

  • OBS Studio is widely regarded as a great software for video recording and live streaming due to its open-source nature, robust feature set, and active community support. It offers a wide range of customization options and plugins, allowing users to tailor their experience to meet their specific needs. Its compatibility with various platforms and the ability to integrate with other software tools further enhance its utility for both beginners and experienced users.

Recommended for

  • Content creators who need a reliable and customizable streaming solution
  • Gamers looking to stream gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube
  • Educators and business professionals who require screen recording and live streaming functionalities
  • Individuals who prefer open-source software with a strong community support system

Macro Deck videos

+ Add

Turn your Android phone into an Elgato Stream Deck! - Macro Deck Tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - FREE STREAM DECK ALTERNATIVE for the Elgato Stream Deck! Macro Deck Android App Review 2020

OBS Studio videos

+ Add

Open Broadcaster Software Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Macro Deck and OBS Studio)

Macro Deck

OBS Studio

Entertainment
100 100%
Entertainment
0% 0
Screen Recording
0 0%
Screen Recording
100% 100
Office & Productivity
100 100%
Office & Productivity
0% 0
Video Recording
0 0%
Video Recording
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Macro Deck and OBS Studio. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Macro Deck and OBS Studio

Macro Deck Reviews

We have no reviews of Macro Deck yet.
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OBS Studio Reviews

Reliable Screen Recorders for Clear Visual Communication
OBS Studio โ€“ Open-source powerhouse with scene layering and high-bitrate output; ideal for streamers or educators who want webcam plus slides. Setup takes patience.
Source: themarriek.wordpress.com
Finding a Screen Recorder That Wonโ€™t Give You a Headache
OBS Studio โ€” The power userโ€™s dream. Layer webcam shots over slides, stream to Twitch, or capture at 60 fps. Amazing range, but be ready to read a tutorial or two.
Source: medium.com
Practical Free Screen Recorders for Everyday Projects
Choosing the right free screen-recording tool boils down to your daily routine. If you work in short bursts and value instant sharing, ScreenRec is tough to beat. Need layered scenes or live streaming? OBS is waiting. Prefer a tiny utility for lightning-fast bug captures? ShareX has you covered. Test one or two, keep the one that feels natural, and youโ€™ll spend less time...
Source: medium.com
Comparing Free Screen Recorders for Everyday Use
OBS Studio โ€“ Powerful, open-source option that streams or records in high quality. Great for gamers or teachers who need multiple scenes (webcam plus slides). The downside: a steeper learning curve.
Source: marionfischers.wordpress.com
Top Live Video Streaming Software, Tools, and Platforms for Professional Streaming
OBS Studio is an open-source software thatโ€™s popular among both beginner and professional streamers. Itโ€™s completely free to use and offers extensive customization options, including support for multiple video sources, transitions, and custom graphics. OBS Studio is great for live streaming to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
Source: medium.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OBS Studio seems to be a lot more popular than Macro Deck. While we know about 1070 links to OBS Studio, we've tracked only 9 mentions of Macro Deck. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Macro Deck mentions (9)

  • Use Surface Pro 4 as Input Switcher
    I've looked at OBS Remote and macrodeck.org, deckboard.app, but these are all for changing scenes on the same device. I'd like something similar to a Crestron switch panel, but on my Surface Pro 4 instead. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Is making the switch from SLOBS to OBS a good idea?
    Also, if you do not have an Elgato Stream Deck, it has way more compatibility with Deckboard and MacroDeck (apps that let you use your phone as a Stream Deck). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Is it possible to use a laptop as a stream deck?
    You can use MacroDeck for that. Works over the network, you'd open it in the browser of your Laptop. Cheers! :). Source: over 3 years ago
  • Just finished my budget stream deck!
    If you'r ein the market for something fully free - as in: No cost and open source - I can also recommend https://macrodeck.org/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Open source StreamDeck alternative
    I know there are some alternative solutions that works with smartphones such as touch-portal and macrodeck but they have some things that I don't like. - Source: dev.to / over 3 years ago
View more

OBS Studio mentions (1070)

  • Ask HN: How do you teach a 7 year old visual editing on PC?
    I used https://www.shotcut.org/ to edit a few videos, it has many effects. For live streaming https://obsproject.com/ but I don't remember too much. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • A single line of code cost $8000
    FWIW, OBS is ~150 MB, not an electron app and actually open source. https://obsproject.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • A M.2 HDMI capture card
    Https://magicmusicvisuals.com/ combined with https://obsproject.com/. And possibly OBS all by itself. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • How to Set Up a Free RTMP Server with Open Source Red5
    ./red5.sh # for Linux or Mac Red5.bat # for Windows You should see console output indicating the server has started successfully, typically on `localhost:5080`. 2. To test if your RTMP server is live, open your web browser and go to `http://localhost:5080/`. You should see the Red5 landing page. ### Step 4: Configure RTMP Applications Red5 supports RTMP out of the box. You can now create and configure RTMP... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Phased Array Microphone
    You might look into OBS and/or VoiceMeeter to see how streamers selectively route audio while livestreaming/recording video/audio streams. https://obsproject.com/ https://voicemeeter.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Macro Deck and OBS Studio, you can also consider the following products

TouchPortal - Touch Portal is a companion app to control a PC or a Mac by using a deck of buttons to improve the workflow & productivity of game streamers, content creators and professionals.

Camtasia - Unleash the worldโ€™s most powerful screen recorder and video editor with everything you need to tell your story โ€” powered by AI.

Deckboard - Deckboard helps you create macros for Windows PC and launch them on your phone.

ShareX - ShareX is a free and open source program that lets you capture or record any area of your screen...

MATRIC - Control PC applications via smarthone/tablet. Especially suitable for space/flightsims.

BandiCam - Bandicam is a screen recording platform built to accommodate the needs of a wide variety of different users.

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