Best Stream Decks for Streamers

Elgato Stream Decks compared: the 15-key MK.2, the Stream Deck + with dials, the 32-key XL, and the budget Neo and Mini, plus which size fits your stream.

5 picks · Published

  • Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
  • Elgato Stream Deck +
  • Elgato Stream Deck XL
  • Elgato Stream Deck Neo

Top picks at a glance

Compare specs

Best Stream Decks for Streamers: spec comparison
Product#1Elgato Stream Deck MK.2Best overall#2Elgato Stream Deck +Best for audio control#3Elgato Stream Deck XLBest for power users#4Elgato Stream Deck NeoBest budget Stream Deck#5Elgato Stream Deck MiniBest compact pick
Price$$$$$$$$$$
Keys15 LCD keys8 LCD keys32 LCD keys8 LCD keys6 LCD keys
ExtrasSwappable faceplate4 dials and touch stripDetachable stand2 touch page buttonsNone
Best forMost streamersMixing audio liveComplex streams and video editingFirst Stream DeckSmall desks and simple streams
BuyCheck pricefor Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (opens in a new tab)Check pricefor Elgato Stream Deck + (opens in a new tab)Check pricefor Elgato Stream Deck XL (opens in a new tab)Check pricefor Elgato Stream Deck Neo (opens in a new tab)Check pricefor Elgato Stream Deck Mini (opens in a new tab)

The picks in detail

#1
Best overall

ElgatoElgato Stream Deck MK.2

$$

The standard 15-key Stream Deck: one tap to switch scenes, mute your mic, play sounds, post to chat or launch apps.

Pros

  • 15 customizable LCD keys
  • Huge plugin library
  • Works with OBS, Twitch, Discord and more

Cons

  • Overkill if you only need a few buttons
Keys
15 LCD keys
Extras
Swappable faceplate
Best for
Most streamers
#2
Best for audio control

ElgatoElgato Stream Deck +

$$$

Eight keys plus four dials and a touch strip, so you can turn mic, game and music volume up and down by feel.

Pros

  • Dials for volume and fine control
  • Touch strip shows levels
  • Great for audio mixing on stream

Cons

  • Fewer keys than the MK.2
  • Pricier
Keys
8 LCD keys
Extras
4 dials and touch strip
Best for
Mixing audio live
#3
Best for power users

ElgatoElgato Stream Deck XL

$$$

32 keys for streamers and editors who want every scene, sound and shortcut one tap away.

Pros

  • 32 keys, fewer folders
  • Great for complex streams and editing
  • Same software and plugins

Cons

  • Big and expensive
Keys
32 LCD keys
Extras
Detachable stand
Best for
Complex streams and video editing
#4
Best budget Stream Deck

ElgatoElgato Stream Deck Neo

$

Eight keys plus two touch buttons for paging, at the lowest price for real Stream Deck software.

Pros

  • Lowest-priced Stream Deck
  • Same software and plugins
  • Clock and info display

Cons

  • Only 8 keys
Keys
8 LCD keys
Extras
2 touch page buttons
Best for
First Stream Deck
#5
Best compact pick

ElgatoElgato Stream Deck Mini

$

Six keys in a tiny footprint for the handful of actions you use most: scenes, mute, and BRB.

Pros

  • Tiny footprint
  • Cheap
  • Same software

Cons

  • Only 6 keys
Keys
6 LCD keys
Extras
None
Best for
Small desks and simple streams

What a Stream Deck does

Each key is a tiny screen you program in Elgato’s software. One tap can switch OBS scenes, mute your mic, start a clip, run an ad, fire a sound effect, or open apps and websites. Multi-actions chain several steps on one key, like switching to a BRB scene and muting your mic at once.

Which size?

  • 6 to 8 keys (Mini, Neo): scene switching, mute, and a couple of sounds.
  • 15 keys (MK.2): the sweet spot for most streamers.
  • Dials (Stream Deck +): if you mix mic, game and music volume live.
  • 32 keys (XL): complex streams, or video editing shortcuts.

It’s also handy off-stream: editing shortcuts, smart lights, and app launchers.

Build out your stream setup

See our streaming microphones, webcams, mic arms and gaming desk accessories.