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Elgato Prompter Review 2026: What Is It and Who Is It Really For?

Utkarsh Jaiswal
Utkarsh Jaiswal
Copywriter, Content Writer

If you have ever opened your camera to record a simple update- a new offer, a weekly tip, a quick listing walkthrough. 

You know the hard part is not reading the script. 

It is doing it again tomorrow and next week, without turning the video into a two-hour project.

That is why this comparison matters. Video works, but only when you can actually ship it. 

The thing is…

82% of marketers say video marketing has given them a good ROI. The catch is that ROI usually comes from consistency, not from a single “perfect” video.

We’ve already compared the best 5 teleprompter apps in 2026 for iOS, Android, and desktop. But today we’re diving into the Elgato and BIGVU teleprompter.

The Elgato teleprompter is a physical device you set up with a camera and connect to a computer. BIGVU is a teleprompter app on mobile or web, your AI-marketing co-pilot, so you can record and publish without extra gear. 

So the real question is simple. 

Do you only need help reading your lines? Or do you need a smoother way to record and post without getting stuck in editing?

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Table of Contents:

    Quick answer-

    Choose the Elgato teleprompter (also called the Elgato prompter) if you want a dedicated, on-camera setup or in your studio. 

    Like a DSLR or webcam on a tripod, the prompter is mounted in front, and then you run your script through Elgato’s Camera Hub on your computer. 

    It’s great for live streamers like gamers and webinar hosts who film at a desk and need to watch chat, notes, or multiple screens while staying on script.

    Choose BIGVU if you want to go from recording to publishing the video in a single tab. 

    For example, you write a 60-second script, record it on your phone, add captions, clean it up, and then share it right away. 

    It is built for people who publish often and do not want a multi-tool workflow.

    BIGVU Teleprompter Vs. Elgato Teleprompter

    What’s The Basic Difference Between Them?

    BIGVU Teleprompter

    Think of the BIGVU teleprompter as a friendly assistant for every step of creating a video. It’s part of a larger workflow – write your script, record, polish, and publish your video, all in one app. 

    No fancy studio or complicated setup needed. BIGVU is perfect for you if you want great results with just a smartphone. 

    And it’s more than a teleprompter; it’s like your AI marketing co-pilot that helps you look natural while handling all the other aspects of video creation.

    Mobile Teleprompter with built-in effects

    Elgato Teleprompter

    Elgato’s teleprompter is a traditional setup, basically a mini screen that sits in front of your camera lens. It mirrors your script so you can keep eye contact while reading your lines – perfect for a home or studio setup. 

    It’s perfect when your only main goal is reading your script smoothly while recording. And you’ve team to handle all other processes.

    For instance, if you’re a YouTuber using a DSLR camera, Elgato’s prompter lets you deliver your lines confidently.

    Set up and learning curve

    BIGVU – Quick and Simple Setup: 

    BIGVU is built for speed and ease. You can start creating videos almost instantly with minimal setup. 

    All you need is your smartphone or computer, no big gear or studio space required. This means you can film anywhere inspiration strikes, whether it’s your living room or a remote beach, without worrying about setting up lights or microphones. 

    It’s beginner-friendly. So even if you have zero knowledge, the app guides you step-by-step, so you’re not overwhelmed by technical settings. 

    Just open BIGVU and hit record.

    Elgato – Gear-First Approach: 

    In contrast, getting started with an Elgato setup tends to be more gear-first

    It’s great if you already enjoy a studio-style workflow and have dedicated equipment. You might set up a camera, microphone, lighting, and even a teleprompter device before you begin. 

    This approach offers more control over every detail of your video, from lighting to audio quality, which seasoned creators might love. 

    However, keep in mind that it requires a longer setup and a steeper learning curve. There are more steps before you even hit “record.” 

    If you thrive on tweaking gear and fine-tuning settings, Elgato’s workflow can be rewarding.

    But for many creators, all those extra steps can feel like a barrier when you simply want to create content quickly and easily.

    Use Cases: Which One is Best for Whom?

    Elgato Teleprompter – Best for Gear-Loving Studio Creators

    If you have a fixed studio or desk setup with good gear, this teleprompter fits right in. 

    It’s ideal for live streams or long videos where reading a script is your main challenge. It keeps you on track while you look natural on camera. 

    If you love using hardware and want a true studio feel, the Elgato delivers that. 

    One streamer shared that since they started using the Elgato in every Zoom meeting, they “wonder how [they] ever lived without it.”

  • Because you can mirror your chat onto the glass, it allows you to engage with your audience without constantly looking away to a side monitor. It keeps the "vibe" of the stream much more personal.
  • BIGVU – Best for Quick & Polished Videos 

    BIGVU is an AI Marketing Copilot for video marketers, influencers, and small teams who need polished videos fast. 

    It’s beginner-friendly with a guided, repeatable process, so even first-timers can create solid videos consistently. If your growth relies on showing up on camera regularly rather than perfecting every video, BIGVU is your go-to. 

    It streamlines scripting, recording, and editing so you can focus on your message.

    As one reviewer put it, BIGVU gave them teleprompter-level results “without the expense and lack of portability of such equipment.”

    BIGVU is best for creators and small to mid-sized businesses, such as-

    • Realtors- Realtors thrive by using video to showcase their expertise and listings. This includes polished listing tour videos, brief market update clips, neighborhood explainer tours, and even quick video follow-up messages for leads.
    • Mortgage Advisors: Mortgage brokers and loan officers can leverage video to demystify financing for their audience. Many share regular interest rate update videos (breaking down the latest news in plain terms) and produce short FAQ clips answering common mortgage questions.

    In both industries and many more similar to them, the principle is the same: maintaining a polished personal brand through consistent video content keeps you top-of-mind with your audience. 

    Strengths and Weaknesses of BIGVU and Elgato Teleprompter

    Where Elgato Prompter shines

    • Strong prompting experience for a dedicated camera setup: The Elgato Prompter excels at teleprompting if you have a camera. One reviewer said it "has transformed the way I’m able to present a video script to a camera". It’s especially helpful for live streamers who want to read Twitch chat or comments while still looking straight into the camera.
    • Feels “studio-ready” for creators who want that workflow: This hardware feels like a professional studio teleprompter. It gives a high-quality, broadcast vibe that can boost your confidence on camera.

    Where Elgato can fall short

    • Prompting is only one step: Elgato is just a teleprompter. After recording, you’ll still need separate tools for editing, captions, and publishing your video. It’s expensive, bigger, bulky, and not portable.

    Where BIGVU shines

    • AI Marketing Co-Pilot without Juggling Between Apps: BIGVU takes you from script to final video all in one app. One user shared, "I used to have to go from app to app... I do it all with BIGVU now".

    • Consistent videos without deep editing skills: BIGVU’s templates and auto-captions help keep every video on-brand. You can create lots of videos without needing professional editing expertise.

    Where BIGVU may not be the perfect fit

    • If you are professional streamer: If your goal is not to record videos, but to stream them while reading comments- Elgato is for you.

    The Difference: Where BIGVU Stands Out?

    After you hit record, using regular tools can feel like a lot of work. BIGVU makes it all smoother. Let’s break it down:

    Writing the Script: Doing it alone usually means staring at your screen, unsure where to begin. BIGVU’s AI Scriptwriter gives you a ready-to-use script (in your brand voice) in seconds. No confusion. Just a clear plan so you can start filming right away.

    Recording with Confidence: Usually, you either try to memorize lines or keep checking notes. With BIGVU’s mobile teleprompter (both iOS and Android), your script scrolls on the screen while you record, so you keep eye contact and sound natural. 

    If you don’t love being on camera, you can use BIGVU’s AI Twin Avatar to record your videos.

    Fixing Mistakes: If you mess up a line, you'd normally re-record or spend hours editing. With BIGVU, just pause, redo the part, and cut the mistake. 

    The AI video editor makes your final video look clean, even with retakes.

    Editing & Finishing: Regular editing takes time. BIGVU auto-adds captions, lets you trim, and even adds music or visuals, all in one place. You don’t need other software.

    Publishing Consistently: With old-school tools, you’re stuck uploading videos everywhere manually. BIGVU lets you post to all your social media with one click. Less hassle means more videos, more often.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Elgato teleprompter worth it for short-form creators?

    It can be, if you already film at a desk with a camera setup, and you mainly need help reading lines. If you want a faster script to post flow, BIGVU usually fits short-form better.

    What do people mean when they say Elgato prompter?

    They mean the Elgato teleprompter, the physical screen that sits in front of your camera so you can read your script while keeping eye contact.

    Which is easier for beginners who hate editing?

    BIGVU. You record with the teleprompter, then clean it up, add captions, and publish in the same place.

    Which option helps you post more consistently without hiring help?

    BIGVU. It cuts steps after you record, so it’s easier to publish often and stay top-of-mind.

    Does the Elgato Prompter work with an iPad or iPhone?

    No. This is one of the most common misconceptions. The Elgato Prompter is a dedicated USB-C monitor that requires a Mac or PC running the Elgato Camera Hub software. If you want to use your mobile device as the prompter screen, a software-based solution like BIGVU is the way to go.

    Can I use the Elgato Prompter for Zoom or Microsoft Teams?

    Yes! This is actually one of its standout features. Because it acts as a second monitor, you can drag your Zoom or Teams window onto the prompter screen. This allows you to look directly at the camera while still seeing the faces of the people you're talking to, making meetings feel much more natural.

    What is "Voice Sync," and does it actually work?

    Voice Sync is an Elgato feature that uses your microphone to "listen" to you and scroll the text only as you speak. While it has improved with updates in late 2025, it requires a decent PC (specifically an NVIDIA RTX 2060 or better for Windows) to run smoothly. Many users still prefer manual scrolling via a Stream Deck or pedal for 100% reliability.

    Is the Elgato Prompter compatible with all cameras?

    Mostly, but there are exceptions. It comes with several adapter rings for DSLR and Mirrorless lenses. However, if your camera is exceptionally heavy or lacks a standard 1/4" tripod mount, you may need additional mounting hardware. For webcams like the Logitech Brio or Elgato Facecam, it includes a universal shroud.

    Does the prompter screen affect my video quality?

    The screen uses a beam-splitter glass. While high-quality, it can slightly reduce the light hitting your lens (usually by about 1 stop). In 2026, most creators compensate for this by slightly increasing their studio lighting or adjusting their camera's ISO. Keeping the prompter brightness at a medium level also helps prevent "ghosting" or glare in the footage.

    Can I use the Elgato Prompter without the Camera Hub software?

    Since the prompter is essentially a small monitor, it will display whatever you drag onto it. However, to use the specific teleprompter features (scrolling text, font adjustments, and Twitch chat integration), you must use the Elgato Camera Hub software.

    Conclusion

    At the end of the day, the goal is not to read a script perfectly. 

    It’s to create polished videos and show up often enough that people start to recognize you, trust you, and remember you.

    The Elgato teleprompter can be a great fit if you love a desk or studio setup and you already have your editing process handled. BIGVU makes more sense when you want the full flow. Script, record, clean up, add captions, and publish. Without turning every video into a project.

    Consistency wins. The best tool is the one that helps you show up regularly, stay top-of-mind, and win more business.

    Try BIGVU for free now.