Razer Synapse vs Elgato Wave Link

Razer Synapse9.3Visit Elgato Wave Link8.4Visit

Higher score Razer Synapse #1 in Gaming Peripheral Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Razer Synapse

vs

Elgato Wave Link #5 in Gaming Peripheral Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Elgato

• Razer Synapse fits best

  Razer-device ecosystems and game-linked lighting

• Elgato Wave Link fits best

  Streamers needing advanced audio routing

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Razer Synapse 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Elgato Wave Link 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.4
Ranking	#1 in Gaming Peripheral Software	#5 in Gaming Peripheral Software
Best for	Razer-device ecosystems and game-linked lighting	Streamers needing advanced audio routing
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS
Integrations	4 integrations	4 integrations
Features Razer Synapse 0/3 · Elgato Wave Link 0/3
Macro support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Button remapping	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Lighting control	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Desktop platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Profile storage	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported device types	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Remaps controls, creates macros, and switches device profiles Synchronizes Chroma lighting across compatible devices and partner hardware Supports game-linked effects, addressable LEDs, and browser customization	Five independent output mixes with a visual routing matrix Supports VST3 and Audio Unit effects plus AI Voice Focus Stream Deck controls for volume, muting, effects, and mixes
Cons	Its main feature set is centered on compatible Razer devices Partner and game lighting depends on Chroma compatibility Profile migration is tied to Synapse 3 settings	Independent output mixes are limited to five Inputs top out at eight software and four hardware channels Windows and macOS use different plugin formats
Our verdict	Razer Synapse is desktop and web software for configuring compatible Razer gaming hardware. It is aimed at players who want one place to remap buttons and controls, create macros, adjust performance settings, manage profiles, and control… Read the review →	Elgato Wave Link is free audio mixing and routing software for streamers, podcasters, gamers, and other creators. It works with microphones and audio interfaces recognized by Windows or macOS, including non-Elgato devices. Sources are… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Razer Synapse — where it wins

  • Remaps controls, creates macros, and switches device profiles
  • Synchronizes Chroma lighting across compatible devices and partner hardware
  • Supports game-linked effects, addressable LEDs, and browser customization

  Where it doesn't

  • Its main feature set is centered on compatible Razer devices
  • Partner and game lighting depends on Chroma compatibility
  • Profile migration is tied to Synapse 3 settings

• Elgato Wave Link — where it wins

  • Five independent output mixes with a visual routing matrix
  • Supports VST3 and Audio Unit effects plus AI Voice Focus
  • Stream Deck controls for volume, muting, effects, and mixes

  Where it doesn't

  • Independent output mixes are limited to five
  • Inputs top out at eight software and four hardware channels
  • Windows and macOS use different plugin formats

• Razer Synapse9.3/10 · Free plan

  A free control hub for remapping, macros, profiles, and Chroma lighting across Razer devices.

  Visit Razer SynapseFull verdict →
• Elgato Wave Link8.4/10 · Free plan

  A free, flexible mixer for streamers who need layered routing and effect control.

  Visit ElgatoFull verdict →