broadifyCG as an alternative to the Elgato StreamDeck: Flexible studio control without hardware

Controlling live streams, studios, and productions has become significantly easier in recent years. Devices like the Elgato Stream Deck have played a major role in making complex processes accessible via programmable buttons.

At the same time, requirements are changing in many setups: teams are working remotely, studios are being used by multiple people, and workflows need to become more flexible.

At this point, many people ask themselves:

Is physical hardware even necessary anymore – or is a software-based solution sufficient?

This is where broadifyCG comes in.

Two approaches to the same task: Alternative to the Elgato StreamDeck

Both the Elgato Stream Deck and broadifyCG pursue the same goal:

Simple control of processes via button.

The difference lies in the approach.

The StreamDeck relies on physical hardware with programmable buttons that sit directly on the desk and offer haptic feedback.

For many setups, this is a proven and very convenient solution.

broadifyCG, on the other hand, is a purely software-based button grid. It deliberately avoids physical buttons and instead focuses on maximum flexibility and location independence.

Software instead of hardware: The alternative to the Elgato StreamDeck

Perhaps the biggest difference becomes apparent in daily use.

While a Stream Deck is always tied to a fixed workstation, broadifyCG can be used on virtually any device, making it a true alternative to the Elgato Stream Deck. It's compatible with ATEM, vMix, and TriCaster workflows.

• iPad

• Smartphone

• Desktop (PC or Mac)

That means:

The control of a studio is no longer tied to a specific location.

Especially in modern setups – such as hybrid events, distributed teams, or flexible studio spaces – this creates a completely new workflow. A studio can also be operated in "single mode" without requiring a dedicated operator to be physically present.

Wireless and remote: Studio control from anywhere

Another crucial advantage of broadifyCG is the ability to control studios completely remotely.

Your own button grid is not tied to a specific device or room. Instead, it can be used worldwide – regardless of the physical location of the studio.

This opens up new scenarios:

• Controlling productions from the home office (ATEM, vMix, Tricaster)

• Supporting events remotely

• Access to studios across different locations

This form of flexibility is only possible to a limited extent with classic hardware.

Multiple users, one studio: Scalable collaboration

In many organizations, a studio is not used by a single person, but by several teams.

broadifyCG addresses this need with an integrated user management system. Multiple users can access the same studio, each using their own button layout.

This brings clear advantages in everyday life:

• individual workflows per user or department

• no conflicts between different setups

• Easy scaling as usage grows.

This creates a structure that is particularly useful in companies, universities, or larger production facilities.

Costs and entry

Another difference lies in the approach to the solution.

While the Stream Deck requires a hardware purchase, the button-based version from broadifyCG is free to use. This makes it particularly easy to get started – especially for teams who want to gain initial experience with studio automation.

The choice between hardware and software depends heavily on the use case. For those who value haptic feedback and work at a fixed workstation, the Stream Deck is a proven solution.

However, those who want to work flexibly, location-independently and in a scalable way benefit from a software-based approach.

When is broadifyCG the right choice?

broadifyCG is particularly well-suited for setups where flexibility and accessibility are paramount. This is often the case when:

• Studios can be used by several people

• Location-independent control is required

• mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones are used

• no additional hardware is desired

• Workflows should be easily and quickly accessible

Conclusion: Flexibility trumps hardware – when the setup demands it

The Elgato Stream Deck has had a lasting impact on how studios are managed. At the same time, it shows that requirements are evolving.

broadifyCG addresses precisely this shift and offers a modern, software-based alternative. Instead of physical buttons, the focus here is on flexibility, remote access, and multi-user structures.

Ultimately, the following applies:

Not every solution is suitable for every setup. But for many modern studio environments, moving away from hardware and towards software is a logical next step.

Try broadifyCG

If you want to control your studio flexibly, location-independently, and without additional hardware, you can test broadifyCG for free. https://app.broadify.de/pricing