QuietGlass vs OpenDeck - Open Source StreamDeck Alt
Side-by-side comparison of features, pros & cons, pricing, and community votes (2026).
🏆 QuietGlass leads with 82 upvotes
Screen privacy for your Mac, with or without AirPods
QuietGlass is a free, open-source Mac application designed to enhance screen privacy effortlessly. It offers users the ability to blur or hide specific areas of their screen, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes. Unique features include integration with AirPods for look-away privacy and camera-based alerts that detect when someone else is in view, prompting you to take action or automatically blurring the screen. Built with native Swift code and optimized for macOS 14+, QuietGlass provides smooth performance and seamless privacy controls, including focus mode for active window clarity and owner recognition to ensure only you can disable protections. Its compatibility with notch controls makes it well-suited for modern MacBooks, offering a comprehensive privacy solution for professionals, remote workers, and anyone concerned about screen security.
Pros
- Open-source and free, offering transparency and community support
- Advanced privacy features like camera-based face detection and owner recognition
- Native Swift implementation ensures smooth performance on macOS 14+
- Supports specific areas and window focus modes for tailored privacy
- Integrates with AirPods for look-away privacy when needed
Cons
- Limited to macOS 14+ and Mac hardware, reducing compatibility with older systems
- Features may require some configuration for optimal use
- Currently lacks extensive user documentation or community resources
Best for
- • Securing sensitive work data during video calls or screen sharing
- • Protecting confidential information when working in public or shared spaces
- • Automatically blurring private windows or text during screen recordings
- • Using AirPods to discreetly look away from the screen during meetings
Pricing: Pricing not verified
Control your stream, apps, and workflows - open source
OpenDeck is an open-source, customizable control deck designed as a versatile alternative to the popular Elgato Stream Deck. It caters to streamers, content creators, developers, and productivity enthusiasts who seek a powerful, hardware-free solution for managing workflows, automations, and multimedia controls. Built on a flexible platform, OpenDeck allows users to create personalized profiles, macros, and shortcuts, making complex tasks quick and accessible. Its open plugin marketplace encourages community-driven development, enabling users to extend and share functionalities easily. By leveraging open-source technology, OpenDeck offers an affordable, customizable, and expandable control solution that adapts to diverse needs, from streaming setups to productivity automation.
Pros
- Open source and free, reducing cost barriers
- Highly customizable with profiles, macros, and plugins
- Community-driven with an open plugin marketplace
- No hardware required, works directly on desktop
- Suitable for a wide range of workflows and use cases
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for setup and customization
- Less polished than proprietary hardware solutions
- Limited official support compared to commercial products
Best for
- • Controlling live streaming software and scenes
- • Automating workflows for productivity tools
- • Creating shortcuts for complex multi-step tasks
- • Managing multimedia controls and volume levels
Pricing: OpenDeck is free and open source, making it accessible to anyone. Users may incur costs related to hardware if they choose to integrate physical components, but the core software itself is free.