Best Stream Decks
Updated How we research
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a studio controller with 15 macro keys, the standard size for streaming and podcast shortcuts.
Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller with LCD Keys, Dials and Touch Strip
The Elgato Stream Deck + is a studio controller with LCD keys, dials and a touch strip, speeding up live stream and podcast control.
A stream deck puts your whole production on a grid of programmable buttons, so switching scenes, muting your mic, or firing a sound effect takes a single tap instead of a frantic hunt through menus. For live streamers and podcasters running the show solo, that tactile control keeps you focused on the content while the technical side runs smoothly under your fingertips. In this guide we compare hardware button pads of various sizes, models with LCD keys and dials, and software-based options that run on a spare phone or tablet. We look at how many actions each supports, how deep the app integrations go, and how intuitive the setup is for creators who would rather perform than program. Whether you want a compact pad for a few key shortcuts or a full control surface, we help you find a deck that streamlines your workflow.
The short version
We compared 8 picks. Our scores range from 7.3 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Elgato Stream Deck Neo, 8 Customizable Keys, 2 Touch Points. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.2/10.
- Solid build:Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller with LCD Keys, Dials and Touch Strip. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Elgato Stream Deck XL Advanced Studio Controller, 32 Keys. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
- 1.Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys8.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 2.Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller with LCD Keys, Dials and Touch Strip8.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 3.Elgato Stream Deck XL Advanced Studio Controller, 32 Keys8.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 4.Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 White Studio Controller, 15 Keys8.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 5.Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (15 Key Layout) Controller for Creating Live Content8.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 6.Elgato Stream Deck Neo, 8 Customizable Keys, 2 Touch Points8.2/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 7.Elgato Stream Deck Pedal, 3 Hands-Free Macro Footswitches7.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 8.HALCONTORNO Stream Dock, Mirabox Steamdeck for PC Mac, Programmable Macro Keyboard (N3E with 3 Knobs)7.3/10See on AmazonCheck price
#1The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a studio controller with 15 macro keys, the standard size for streaming and podcast shortcuts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 15 Macro Keys cover most scene, audio and recording shortcuts
- + Detachable stand and cable make placement flexible
- + Huge plugin support for OBS, audio apps and more
- - Serious users may run out of keys and need folders
- - Relies on software, so it cannot work standalone
#2The Elgato Stream Deck + is a studio controller with LCD keys, dials and a touch strip, speeding up live stream and podcast control.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + LCD keys show custom icons, so shortcuts are easy to find mid-show
- + Dials and touch strip handle volume and fine adjustments smoothly
- + Huge plugin ecosystem integrates with streaming and editing software
- - Needs a computer running Elgato software to do anything useful
- - Pricier than basic key-only decks if you do not need the dials
#3Elgato's Stream Deck XL is an advanced studio controller with 32 keys for complex streaming and podcast workflows.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 32 Keys give room for scenes, sounds, mute and recording shortcuts
- + LCD keys show custom icons so every action is easy to spot
- + Folders and profiles let heavy users organize many macros
- - Large size and price are overkill for simple solo podcasts
- - Needs Elgato software running on a computer to work
#4The white Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 studio controller has 15 keys, matching light-themed streaming setups.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + White finish matches bright desks and white Elgato gear
- + 15 Keys give plenty of shortcuts for podcasts and streams
- + Customizable LCD icons keep controls clear during shows
- - White finish can show fingerprints and smudges
- - Same features as the black version, often at a higher price
#5This Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 in the 15 key layout is a controller for creating live content with one-tap actions.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 15 Key Layout balances desk size with enough shortcuts
- + One-tap actions start recordings, play sounds and switch scenes
- + Integrates with major streaming and podcast tools
- - Listing is similar to other MK.2 versions, so compare prices
- - Computer software is required for all functions
#6The Elgato Stream Deck Neo has 8 customizable keys and 2 touch points, a compact, affordable entry into stream decks.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 8 Customizable Keys cover essentials like mute, record and scenes
- + 2 Touch Points flip between pages to access more actions
- + Lower price makes it a good first stream deck for podcasters
- - Fewer keys than larger models for complex workflows
- - Touch points are less intuitive than extra physical keys
#7Elgato's Stream Deck Pedal has 3 hands-free macro footswitches, triggering actions while your hands stay busy.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3 Hands-Free footswitches trigger actions without touching the desk
- + Great for push-to-talk, mute or cough buttons on podcasts
- + Frees hands for instruments, controllers or note-taking
- - Only three actions, so it complements rather than replaces a deck
- - Takes practice to use without triggering accidentally
#8HALCONTORNO's Mirabox Stream Dock N3E is a programmable macro keyboard with 3 knobs for PC and Mac streaming.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3 Knobs allow volume and fine adjustments alongside macro keys
- + Works with PC and Mac for streaming and podcast shortcuts
- + Lower-cost alternative to name-brand stream decks
- - Software and plugin support are less mature than Elgato
- - Lesser-known brand with limited documentation
Before you buy: trade-offs we flagged
No pick is perfect. These are the main compromises we noted for the top products in this guide, so you can check they will not matter for you.
- Serious users may run out of keys and need folders (Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15...)
- Needs a computer running Elgato software to do anything useful (Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio...)
- Large size and price are overkill for simple solo podcasts (Elgato Stream Deck XL Advanced Studio...)
- White finish can show fingerprints and smudges (Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 White Studio...)
- Listing is similar to other MK.2 versions, so compare prices (Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (15 Key Layout)...)
- Fewer keys than larger models for complex workflows (Elgato Stream Deck Neo, 8 Customizable Keys,...)
Frequently asked questions
›What is the best choice among stream decks?
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys is our top overall pick. The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a studio controller with 15 macro keys, the standard size for streaming and podcast shortcuts. It earns our score of 8.6/10, based on fit for the job, features, build and value.
›What is a good budget option?
Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller with LCD Keys, Dials and Touch Strip is the strongest low-cost pick in this guide. The Elgato Stream Deck + is a studio controller with LCD keys, dials and a touch strip, speeding up live stream and podcast control.
›How much should I expect to spend?
Picks in this guide span See on Amazon price bands (roughly: $ = under $30, $$ = $30 to $100, $$$ = over $100). We never display exact prices because they change constantly, so the buttons above always show Amazon's current price.
›How were these products chosen?
We shortlist products that fit the job this guide solves and compare their published specifications, such as size, capacity, materials and what is included. Each pick gets an editorial score out of 10 for fit, features, build and value, and we write the pros and cons from those details. Our score is not an Amazon customer rating. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never affects the ranking.
Podcast Gear Hub independently selects every product; we may earn a commission from links above.
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