Buying Guide
The Best Streaming Gear for a PC
Streaming from one PC needs no capture card. These six improve control, camera, light and mic placement.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
When you stream the PC you play on, the software does the capture. The gear that helps most is a controller for scenes and audio, better light and a mic that sits close.
We compared controls, connections and mounting from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Controller
Elgato Stream Deck +
Four dials, a touch strip and eight keys.
Best for: Mixing audio live
Our take Check price for Elgato Stream Deck + (opens in a new tab)
Best Camera Upgrade
Elgato Cam Link 4K
Clean HDMI camera capture at 1080p60 or 4K30.
Best for: Using a mirrorless camera
Our take Check price for Elgato Cam Link 4K (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact Light
Logitech Litra Glow Streaming Light
TrueSoft light with a monitor mount.
Best for: Small desks
Our take Check price for Logitech Litra Glow Streaming Light (opens in a new tab)
Best Mic Arm
RODE PSA1+ Professional Boom Arm
Spring damping for mics up to 1.2kg.
Best for: Heavy XLR mics
Our take Check price for RODE PSA1+ Professional Boom Arm (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Profile Arm
FIFINE BM88 Low-Profile Mic Arm
Stays below eye line.
Best for: Keeping the mic off camera
Our take Check price for FIFINE BM88 Low-Profile Mic Arm (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Controller
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Six LCD keys at the lowest Stream Deck price tier.
Best for: First controller
Our take Check price for Elgato Stream Deck Mini (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Controller1 of 6
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
- Mixing audio live
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 shares a USB connection with the Litra Glow and Stream Deck Mini; the BM88 arm goes with a desk clamp 0.8-2.4in connection.
It needs Elgato's Stream Deck software on Windows or macOS. At our last price check it topped the group, with the PSA1+ the nearest cheaper option.
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
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
Best Camera Upgrade2 of 6
Elgato Cam Link 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Elgato's Cam Link 4K turns a camera with clean HDMI output into a webcam at 1080p60 or 4K30.
Best for
- Using a mirrorless camera
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Stream Deck Mini was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is dongle-sized. It works with camcorders, action cams and iPhones, and low latency keeps video and audio in sync. An iPad with USB-C can serve as a field monitor.
No other pick in this guide offers a 1080p60 or 4K30 key figure; compare the BM88 arm, which has a 29in reach key figure. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. It was priced above the Litra Glow and below the PSA1+ at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Camera capture
- What it does: Turns a camera into a webcam
- Connection: HDMI in, USB out
- Key figure: 1080p60 or 4K30
Pros
- Support for cameras with clean HDMI output
- 1080p60 or 4K capture
- Dongle-sized body
- 1080p60 or 4K30 key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
Best Compact Light3 of 6
Logitech Litra Glow Streaming Light on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's Litra Glow is a small USB key light with diffused TrueSoft output and a monitor mount.
Best for
- Small desks
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Stream Deck Mini, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
G HUB sets brightness and color temperature. Its frameless diffuser spreads soft light without harsh shadows, and TrueSoft full-spectrum LEDs keep skin tones natural. It runs from USB.
Like the Stream Deck + and Stream Deck Mini, it has a USB connection, while the PSA1+ uses a desk clamp up to 70mm connection. You get a TrueSoft light key figure here, which sets it apart from the Stream Deck Mini and its a 6 keys key figure. Check its mounting method against your monitor or desk. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper BM88 arm and the pricier Cam Link 4K, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Key light
- What it does: Front light for your face
- Connection: USB
- Key figure: TrueSoft light
Pros
- TrueSoft diffused light
- Three-way monitor mount
- G HUB brightness and temperature control
- TrueSoft light key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
Best Mic Arm4 of 6
RODE PSA1+ Professional Boom Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RODE's PSA1+ is a spring-damped arm for mics from 0.25 to 1.2kg.
Best for
- Heavy XLR mics
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Stream Deck Mini cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It clamps to desks up to 70mm thick. It is the only pick here with a desk clamp up to 70mm connection; the Stream Deck + has a USB connection instead. A mics 0.25-1.2kg key figure is unique to it among these picks, while the Litra Glow uses a TrueSoft light key figure.
Check the desk edge thickness against the clamp range, and the mic's weight and thread. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Cam Link 4K and the Stream Deck +, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Mic arm
- What it does: Holds a mic near your mouth
- Connection: Desk clamp up to 70mm
- Key figure: Mics 0.25-1.2kg
Pros
- Spring damping
- Support for mics from 0.25 to 1.2kg
- Clamp for desks up to 70mm
- Mics 0.25-1.2kg key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
Best Low-Profile Arm5 of 6
FIFINE BM88 Low-Profile Mic Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FIFINE's BM88 is a low-profile arm that keeps a mic below your eye line and out of camera.
Best for
- Keeping the mic off camera
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Stream Deck Mini was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It clamps to desks 0.8 to 2.4in thick. It extends to 29 inches and tilts through 220 degrees, and hidden cable channels keep the mic cord tidy. You get a desk clamp 0.8-2.4in connection here, which sets it apart from the Stream Deck Mini and its a USB connection.
It is the only pick here with a 29in reach key figure; the Cam Link 4K has a 1080p60 or 4K30 key figure instead. It also offers 1/4, 3/8 and 5/8in threads. Check the desk edge thickness against the clamp range, and the mic's weight and thread. When we checked, only the Stream Deck Mini cost less, and the Litra Glow cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Mic arm
- What it does: Holds a mic near your mouth
- Connection: Desk clamp 0.8-2.4in
- Key figure: 29in reach
Pros
- Low-profile design that stays below eye line
- 1/4, 3/8 and 5/8in threads
- Clamp for desks 0.8 to 2.4in thick
- 29in reach key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Stream Deck Mini at the time of writing
Best Budget Controller6 of 6
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
- First controller
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. It shares a USB connection with the Stream Deck + and Litra Glow; the BM88 arm goes with a desk clamp 0.8-2.4in connection. It is the only pick here with a 6 keys key figure; the Cam Link 4K has a 1080p60 or 4K30 key figure instead.
It also comes with the lowest price tier among Stream Decks. It needs Elgato's Stream Deck software on Windows or macOS. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the BM88 arm was closest.
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
How We Chose
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.
- Connection
- We recorded HDMI, USB and mounting details.
- Key figures
- We noted resolution, key counts, reach and brightness where listed.
What to Look for in a Streaming Gear for PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Streaming Gear for PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing audio live | Stream Deck + | Four dials, a touch strip and eight keys |
| Using a mirrorless camera | Cam Link 4K | Clean HDMI camera capture at 1080p60 or 4K30 |
| Small desks | Litra Glow | TrueSoft light with a monitor mount |
| Heavy XLR mics | PSA1+ | Spring damping for mics up to 1.2kg |
| Keeping the mic off camera | BM88 arm | Stays below eye line |
| First controller | Stream Deck Mini | Six LCD keys at the lowest Stream Deck price tier |
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 + | Stream controller | Keys and dials for audio and scenes | USB | 8 keys, 4 dials, touch strip |
| Cam Link 4K | Camera capture | Turns a camera into a webcam | HDMI in, USB out | 1080p60 or 4K30 |
| Litra Glow | Key light | Front light for your face | USB | TrueSoft light |
| PSA1+ | Mic arm | Holds a mic near your mouth | Desk clamp up to 70mm | Mics 0.25-1.2kg |
| BM88 arm | Mic arm | Holds a mic near your mouth | Desk clamp 0.8-2.4in | 29in reach |
| Stream Deck Mini | Stream controller | Physical keys for scenes and actions | USB | 6 keys |
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 | BM88 arm, Litra Glow, Cam Link 4K |
| About $100 to $150 | PSA1+ |
| About $150 to $250 | Stream Deck + |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one PC enough to game and stream?
For most games, yes, especially with hardware encoding on a modern GPU.
What should I buy first for streaming?
Usually a microphone, then lighting, then a better camera. Controllers and capture cards depend on your setup.
Can I stream a console without a capture card?
Consoles can stream directly to some platforms, but a capture card lets you add overlays and a camera on the PC.
Does this gear work with OBS?
Capture cards and cameras appear as sources in OBS; Stream Deck has OBS integration.
Do I need HDR capture?
Only if you record HDR footage. Most live streams are SDR.
How many lights do I need?
One key light makes the biggest difference. A second light or backlight adds separation.
Bottom Line
The Stream Deck + is the pick for audio and scene control. The Cam Link 4K turns a camera into a webcam, the Litra Glow is the simple light, the PSA1+ and BM88 place the mic, and the Stream Deck Mini is the budget controller.