Buying Guide
The Best Stream Deck Controllers
From the Stream Deck Mini to the Stream Deck +: four streaming devices ranked on connection and key figure, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A stream controller puts scene changes, mutes and macros on physical keys. Every pick is a stream controller, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: type, what it does and connection come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Elgato Stream Deck Mini (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Elgato Stream Deck Neo
Eight LCD keys.
Best for: Buyers who want eight LCD keys.
Our take Check price for Elgato Stream Deck Neo (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
15 customizable LCD keys.
Best for: Buyers who want 15 customizable LCD keys.
Our take Check price for Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Elgato Stream Deck +
The top of this price range, adding four dials.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Elgato Stream Deck + (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Elgato Stream Deck Mini (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight LCD keys. | Buyers who want eight LCD keys. | Check price for Elgato Stream Deck Neo (opens in a new tab) |
| 15 customizable LCD keys. | Buyers who want 15 customizable LCD keys. | Check price for Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding four dials. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Elgato Stream Deck + (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Elgato Stream Deck Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Stream Deck Mini has six LCD keys in the smallest footprint.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
Six LCD keys trigger shortcuts, scenes or app actions with one press. It works with OBS, Zoom, Teams and Office apps through the free Stream Deck software. One key can run several actions in sequence with precise timing.
Each LCD key shows an icon, so you can see what it does before you press it. No other pick in this guide offers a 6 keys key figure; compare the Stream Deck MK.2, which has a 15 LCD keys key figure. It also offers the lowest price tier among Stream Decks.
It needs Elgato's Stream Deck software on Windows or macOS. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Stream Deck Neo the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Stream controller
- What it does: Physical keys for scenes and actions
- Connection: USB
- Key figure: 6 keys
Pros
- Six LCD keys
- Compact footprint
- The lowest price tier among Stream Decks
- 6 keys key figure, the only one here
Also Consider2 of 4
Elgato Stream Deck Neo on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Stream Deck Neo has eight LCD keys and two touch points for switching pages.
Best for
- Buyers who want eight LCD keys.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Stream Deck Mini, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
An info bar shows time or status. Eight LCD keys and two touch buttons cover the essentials, and actions are set up by drag and drop. It works with streaming apps and office software alike.
It also controls smart lights, plugs and audio from a single button, and works with Zoom, Teams and Office apps. An info bar between the keys shows the time or a page indicator, and two touch points flip between pages. It needs Elgato's Stream Deck software on Windows or macOS. When we checked, only the Stream Deck Mini cost less, and the Stream Deck MK.2 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Stream controller
- What it does: Physical keys for scenes and actions
- Connection: USB
- Key figure: 8 keys, 2 touch points
Pros
- Eight LCD keys
- Two touch points for page switching
- Small info bar
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Stream Deck MK.2 gives you 15 LCD keys for scenes, audio and app actions.
Best for
- Buyers who want 15 customizable LCD keys.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Stream Deck Mini cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its stand detaches. Its 15 LCD keys show what each action does and confirm when it runs. Plugins cover OBS, Twitch, YouTube and Elgato gear.
Hotkey actions suit editing, music production and photography as well as streaming. Plugins cover Spotify, Discord and Philips Hue. One key can trigger several actions at once, such as posting to social media and muting the mic.
You also get plugins for OBS and other apps. It needs Elgato's Stream Deck software on Windows or macOS. When we checked, only the Stream Deck Neo and cheaper picks cost less, and the Stream Deck + cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Stream controller
- What it does: Physical keys for scenes and actions
- Connection: USB
- Key figure: 15 LCD keys
Pros
- 15 customizable LCD keys
- Detachable stand
- Plugins for OBS and other apps
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
Elgato Stream Deck + on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Stream Deck + adds four dials and a touch strip to eight keys.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Stream Deck Mini, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The dials suit audio mixing. Four dials and a touch strip sit under eight LCD keys, which makes it an audio mixer as well as a shortcut pad. Smart profiles switch layouts when you change apps.
Multi Actions trigger several steps at once, and the app store offers plugins, icons and royalty-free music. Plugins cover Wave Link and OBS. It needs Elgato's Stream Deck software on Windows or macOS.
It makes the most sense for spending more for the fullest feature set, since it offers the top of this price range, adding four dials. Only the Stream Deck MK.2 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Stream controller
- What it does: Keys and dials for audio and scenes
- Connection: USB
- Key figure: 8 keys, 4 dials, touch strip
Pros
- Four dials
- Touch strip
- Eight LCD keys
- The top of this price range, adding four dials
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
How We Chose These Stream Deck Controllers
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Role
- We grouped each item by what it does in a streaming setup.
- Setup needs
- We checked what else each item needs to work.
- Key figures
- We noted resolution, key counts, reach and brightness where listed.
- Connection
- We recorded HDMI, USB and mounting details.
What to Look for in a Stream Deck Controller
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Do you need a capture card
Streaming a PC game from the same PC needs no capture card. A capture card is for consoles, a second PC or a camera.
Audio first
Viewers forgive a soft image sooner than bad audio. A decent mic on an arm is often the best first upgrade.
USB bandwidth
Capture cards and 4K cameras use a lot of USB bandwidth. Give them their own port rather than a shared hub.
Passthrough for consoles
Passthrough lets you play on your TV or monitor without capture delay. Check the refresh rate and HDR support it passes through.
Light your face
A key light lets any webcam run a faster shutter and cleaner image. Mount it off to one side of the camera.
Stream controls
A Stream Deck puts scene changes, mute and alerts on physical keys. The number of keys decides how much fits on one page.
How to Choose a Stream Deck Controller
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Stream Deck Mini | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want eight LCD keys | Stream Deck Neo | Eight LCD keys |
| Buyers who want 15 customizable LCD keys | Stream Deck MK.2 | 15 customizable LCD keys |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Stream Deck + | The top of this price range, adding four dials |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Streaming gear | Type | What it does | Connection | Key figure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stream Deck Mini | Stream controller | Physical keys for scenes and actions | USB | 6 keys |
| Stream Deck Neo | Stream controller | Physical keys for scenes and actions | USB | 8 keys, 2 touch points |
| Stream Deck MK.2 | Stream controller | Physical keys for scenes and actions | USB | 15 LCD keys |
| Stream Deck + | Stream controller | Keys and dials for audio and scenes | USB | 8 keys, 4 dials, touch strip |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Streaming gear |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Stream Deck Mini |
| About $50 to $100 | Stream Deck Neo |
| About $100 to $150 | Stream Deck MK.2 |
| About $150 to $250 | Stream Deck + |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
That was the Stream Deck Mini at our last check; if you can stretch, the Stream Deck Neo is the next step up and the Stream Deck + the priciest.
Do I need HDR capture?
Only if you record HDR footage. Most live streams are SDR.
Does this gear work with OBS?
Capture cards and cameras appear as sources in OBS; Stream Deck has OBS integration.
How many lights do I need?
One key light makes the biggest difference. A second light or backlight adds separation.
What should I buy first for streaming?
Usually a microphone, then lighting, then a better camera. Controllers and capture cards depend on your setup.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Stream Deck Mini, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Stream Deck Neo for eight LCD keys, the Stream Deck MK.2 for 15 customizable LCD keys and the Stream Deck + for the top of this price range, adding four dials if those matter more to you.
Start with a small key count; plugins and folders stretch it further.