Our Top Picks
Elgato Stream Deck XL Advanced Studio Controller32 Keys1.34 x 7.17 x 4.41 inches0.9 poundsCheck on Amazon
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 with 15 LCD keys is the best stream deck for most beginners: it is the sweet spot between a handful of buttons that feels limiting and a giant surface that feels intimidating. A stream deck is a USB control surface whose keys can launch apps, switch scenes, post chat messages, mute microphones or fire off multi-step macros with a single press. If you also want physical volume knobs, step up to the Stream Deck +, and if your hands are busy on a keyboard or instrument, the Pedal handles hands-free jobs. The six picks below cover every beginner scenario.
Quick List
- Stream Deck MK.2 – best for a first controller that does everything a new streamer needs
- Stream Deck + – best for streamers who want real dials for audio levels
- Stream Deck + XL – best for a single all-in-one control surface that you will not outgrow
- Stream Deck XL – best for creators who run many scenes, sounds and apps
- Stream Deck MK.2 White – best for light-colored or minimalist desk setups
- Stream Deck Pedal – best for hands-free triggers while typing, drawing or playing
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| want one safe starter with a 15-key grid and no regrets | Stream Deck MK.2 |
| keep adjusting game, music and chat volume mid-stream | Stream Deck + |
| want maximum keys plus dials and a touch strip in a single device | Stream Deck + XL |
| run elaborate scene changes, soundboards and app launchers | Stream Deck XL |
| have a white or pastel desk and want the controller to match | Stream Deck MK.2 White |
| need to trigger actions with your foot while your hands stay busy | Stream Deck Pedal |
Most beginners should resist the urge to buy the largest model on day one. Fifteen keys comfortably hold a scene switcher, mute buttons, a few social actions and a folder or two, and software folders let you stack more pages behind each key. Buy dials only if audio mixing is a real part of your routine, and add the Pedal later as a companion rather than a replacement.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – Best for a first controller
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The MK.2 is the reference point for the whole Stream Deck family, and it is the one we would point a new streamer, podcaster or office worker toward first. Its listing describes a 15-key studio controller that can trigger actions in OBS, Twitch and YouTube, with visual feedback and a library of plugins. Each key is a small LCD, so the icon on the button can change to show whether a microphone is muted or a scene is live. That feedback matters more than it sounds when you are juggling a conversation, a game and a chat window.
Who should skip it: anyone who already knows they need dials or more than twenty actions within the first month. Everyone else gets a controller they can learn in an evening and keep using for years, since new plugins and profiles keep arriving through the software rather than through hardware changes. A good first project is a three-scene layout with a mute key, which you can build in minutes.
- 15 customizable LCD keys in a 3 by 5 grid
- Works with the free Stream Deck software, which uses drag-and-drop actions
- Supports multi-action macros and folders so one key can open another page of keys
- Listing highlights integrations with streaming and social platforms
- Connects over USB to a Windows or Mac computer; confirm cable and stand details on the listing
Pros
- Right size for learning without clutter
- Large plugin ecosystem and strong community profiles
Cons
- No dials, so volume changes mean pressing keys repeatedly
- Fifteen keys fill up quickly once you add soundboards
Compared with the Stream Deck XL, the MK.2 gives up half of the keys but takes far less desk space, which is the right trade for anyone still figuring out which actions they will actually use.
2. Elgato Stream Deck + – Best for dial-based audio control
The Stream Deck + is the model to choose when your first instinct is to reach for a knob. It pairs LCD keys with four dials and a touch strip, and the listing notes that it works with the Wave Link mixing software, which means each dial can steer a separate audio channel such as game, chat, music or microphone. For a beginner who has already discovered that balancing audio is the hardest part of streaming, this is the more useful device than a bigger key grid.
Setup idea: assign the four dials to game, chat, music and microphone, then use the touch strip to see which channel each one controls. Press a dial to mute that channel instantly. Keep the eight keys for scenes and a clip marker. This split keeps frequent adjustments on knobs and one-shot actions on keys, which feels natural after a single session.
- 8 LCD keys arranged in two rows
- 4 push-and-turn dials that can map to volume, brightness, scrolling or custom actions
- Touch strip display that shows labels and responds to taps and swipes
- Multi-actions and smart profiles that switch layouts based on the active app
- Unlocks deeper integration with Wave Link, according to the listing
Pros
- Smooth analog-feeling control for audio and lighting
- Compact body with surprising versatility
Cons
- Only eight keys, so key-heavy workflows need folders
- Dials are less useful if you never mix audio
Next to the MK.2, the Stream Deck + trades seven keys for dials and a touch strip, so it suits mixers and editors better than macro collectors.
3. Elgato Stream Deck + XL – Best for one control surface that grows with you
The Stream Deck + XL is the largest and most capable control platform in this list. The listing describes 36 customizable macro keys, six multifunction dials and a touch strip display, which effectively merges the key count of an XL with the dial and strip features of the Stream Deck +. Elgato's technical sheet lists a wide touch strip, a USB-C connection and software support for current Windows and macOS releases. It is more than most beginners need on day one, but it is the pick if you already know you will produce regularly and do not want to upgrade again.
Who should skip it: beginners with a small desk or a laptop-only setup, because the footprint and the number of options are significant. If you only stream occasionally, the smaller models give you the same software with less to manage. If you edit video or mix music as well as stream, the extra dials and keys earn their space quickly.
- 36 customizable LCD macro keys
- Six multifunction dials
- Wide touch strip display for labels and gestures
- Hundreds of plugins and integrations through the Stream Deck app
- Large footprint, so measure your desk before ordering
Pros
- Keys, dials and strip in a single device
- Room for multiple scene, audio and lighting layouts
Cons
- Overkill for light use and demanding on desk space
- Many options can overwhelm a complete newcomer
Compared with the smaller Stream Deck +, the + XL multiplies keys and dials, so choose it only when you have a long list of actions already waiting to be assigned.
4. Elgato Stream Deck XL – Best for many scenes and shortcuts
The Stream Deck XL is the key-count champion among the non-dial models. Its listing calls it an advanced studio controller with 32 keys, which is more than double the MK.2. Beginners who run multi-camera shows, long soundboards or a lot of app launchers will appreciate seeing everything at once, with no need to dig through folders. Because it is an earlier design, check the listing for stand and connection details, but the core software experience is the same as the rest of the family.
Setup idea: dedicate one block of keys to a soundboard, another to scenes and a third to app launchers for your editing and chat tools. Because all 32 keys are visible at once, you rarely need folders, which makes live use faster and reduces mistakes when you are under pressure.
- 32 customizable LCD keys in a wide 4 by 8 layout
- Instant triggers for unlimited actions via folders and profiles
- Powerful integrations with streaming and productivity tools
- Visual feedback on every key
- No dials or touch strip
Pros
- Plenty of keys with no page switching
- Great for creators with large soundboards
Cons
- Wide body takes up serious desk width
- No dials for audio control
Against the + XL, this model is the simpler, key-only alternative, which makes sense when you prefer pressing to turning.
5. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 White – Best for bright desk setups
The MK.2 White is functionally the same 15-key controller as the black MK.2, but with a white finish. Its listing mirrors the standard model: studio controller, 15 keys, triggers for OBS, Twitch and YouTube, visual feedback and hundreds of plugins. The practical reason to choose it is aesthetics. If your desk, keyboard and lighting lean white, pastel or minimalist, a black slab can look out of place, and a matching color keeps the setup tidy without any loss of capability.
Good to know: a white device shows the icons on its LCD keys exactly like the black one, so the choice has no effect on how readable your layout is. If your desk is dark, the black version will blend in better, and you can save the white one for a bright setup or a streaming backdrop where the controller sits on camera.
- 15 LCD keys in a 3 by 5 grid
- White finish aimed at light-colored setups
- Same Stream Deck software and plugin library as the standard MK.2
- Supports multi-actions, folders and profiles
- Confirm faceplate and accessory compatibility on the listing
Pros
- Identical features to the black MK.2
- Looks great against light desks and white keyboards
Cons
- Offers no feature advantage over the black version
- Light surfaces show smudges more readily
The only meaningful difference from the standard MK.2 is color, so pick whichever fits your desk and spend the rest of your attention on your profiles.
6. Elgato Stream Deck Pedal – Best for hands-free triggers
The Stream Deck Pedal is not a replacement for a key controller, and the best beginner use is as an add-on. Its listing describes three hands-free macro footswitches with interchangeable springs and a heavy-duty chassis. Musicians can start a backing track without lifting a hand, illustrators can undo or switch brushes, and streamers can mute a microphone while both hands are on a keyboard. It also runs through the same Stream Deck software, so you set it up the same way as any other model.
Setup idea: map the left pedal to push-to-talk or microphone mute, the middle to a marker or clip, and the right to a scene change. Choose the spring tension that feels natural when your shoe is on, since interchangeable springs let you fine-tune how much force each press needs. Keep the pedal in a consistent spot so your foot finds it without looking.
- 3 programmable footswitches
- Interchangeable springs to adjust the pedal feel
- Heavy-duty chassis designed to stay put under a foot
- Works with the same actions as other Stream Deck models
- No screens or visual feedback on the pedals themselves
Pros
- Frees up your hands for typing, drawing or playing
- Durable build with adjustable resistance
Cons
- Only three actions without folders or profiles
- Not useful if you work with your feet tucked under a chair
Pair it with the MK.2 rather than treating it as an alternative, since the MK.2 shows you what each action does while the Pedal covers the moments when your hands are occupied.
Specs Compared
| Model | Keys | Dials | Touch strip | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stream Deck MK.2 | 15 LCD keys | None | No | Starter macro controller |
| Stream Deck + | 8 LCD keys | 4 | Yes | Audio mixing and lighting |
| Stream Deck + XL | 36 LCD keys | 6 | Yes (wide) | All-in-one control surface |
| Stream Deck XL | 32 LCD keys | None | No | Large macro and scene grid |
| Stream Deck MK.2 White | 15 LCD keys | None | No | Starter controller in white |
| Stream Deck Pedal | 3 footswitches | None | No | Hands-free triggers |
How We Chose These
We started from the product listings and manufacturer specification pages for every model, then compared key count, dials, touch strip, form factor and software support. For beginners we weighted three things most heavily: how quickly a person can get a useful layout running, how easily the device can grow as needs change, and whether the physical size suits a normal desk. We also looked at how the vendor describes plugin support and platform compatibility. Where a listing did not state a detail, such as stand design, we flagged it so you can confirm it on the product page instead of guessing.
What to Look For
Key count and layout
Count the actions you actually perform in a normal session, not the actions you might someday want. A typical new streamer uses three or four scene changes, a microphone mute, a game-audio mute, a clip or marker action, and a few chat or social shortcuts. That is about ten keys, which is why fifteen fits comfortably. The rule of thumb is to buy roughly one and a half times the number of keys you can list today. If your count is under twelve, the MK.2 is enough. If it is between twenty and thirty, a 32-key model saves page flipping. Folders extend any device, but every folder adds one extra press to reach an action, and that delay matters in the middle of a live show.
Dials and touch strips
Dials solve a problem keys cannot: continuous adjustment. Volume, microphone gain, light brightness, timeline scrubbing and zoom are all smoother with a knob than with repeated key presses. A touch strip adds labels and swipe gestures, and it can display what each dial is currently controlling. If you only need on and off actions, dials add cost and desk space without much benefit. If you mix audio from several sources at once, they are worth having. Remember that a dial has a push function too, so each dial can double as a mute button or profile switcher.
Software and compatibility
Every model in this guide is driven by the free Stream Deck application. It supports multi-actions, which chain several steps into one press, as well as profiles that switch automatically when you change the active application. Check the operating system requirements on the product page, because newer devices may require recent Windows or macOS releases. Plugins cover popular streaming platforms, chat tools, music apps, smart lights and productivity software. A good beginner approach is to install the app first, browse the available actions, and sketch your layout on paper before you buy.
Connection, cable and power
Stream Deck controllers connect over USB and draw their power from the computer, so there is no separate power brick to hide. The larger models draw more current than the compact ones, which is a reason to plug them directly into a port on the PC rather than into a cheap unpowered hub. Elgato lists the + XL as a USB-C device with a cable of roughly 150 cm, which is long enough for most desks but worth checking if your computer sits on the floor or behind a monitor. If you travel with a laptop, remember that a controller uses one port, so a small powered hub may be the difference between a tidy workstation and a tangle of adapters.
Building your first layout
Start with a clear structure instead of dragging every action onto the grid. Dedicate the top row to scene changes, the middle row to audio, and the bottom row to chat, clips and social actions. Use the same positions across profiles so muscle memory carries over from one app to another. Give each key a clear icon or short label, because visual feedback is the entire advantage of an LCD key. Keep one key as a back or home button inside folders so you never get lost. After a week of real use, delete the keys you never press and promote the ones you press constantly to the first page.
Keep an eye on your desk layout as well. A controller that sits within easy reach of your off hand, angled slightly toward you, is quicker to use than one pushed far to the side. Label the physical position of important keys in your mind: top-left for scenes, bottom row for emergencies such as a mute. If you present, teach or stream, a consistent layout across all your profiles means you can press the right key without looking away from your camera or audience.
Worked example
Suppose you stream three evenings a week. You switch between a gameplay scene, a chat scene and a starting-soon screen, mute your mic, mute game audio and drop a marker. That is six actions, plus an end-stream macro. The MK.2 covers it with keys to spare. If you add a music player and a set of lighting scenes, a Stream Deck + lets you handle the volume with dials and keep the keys for scenes. Only when you pass thirty regular actions does an XL-class device start to pay off.
Questions
Is a stream deck only for streamers?
No. People use these controllers for video editing shortcuts, spreadsheet macros, photo editing, music production, smart home scenes and meeting controls. Any task you repeat many times a day can become a single key press.
Do I need technical skills to set one up?
No coding is required. The software uses drag-and-drop actions, and you can import ready-made profiles from the community. Most beginners have a working layout within an hour.
Is 15 keys enough for a beginner?
For most people it is. Folders let one key open another page of keys, so the effective number of actions is much higher than the number printed on the box. If you find yourself living in folders, that is the signal to upgrade.
Do the dials on the Stream Deck + replace a hardware mixer?
They cover many of the same jobs when paired with compatible audio software, but a hardware mixer remains better for XLR microphones and complex routing. Treat the dials as a convenient software control surface.
Can I use more than one stream deck at the same time?
Yes, the software supports multiple devices connected to one computer, and each can have its own profile. A common combination is a key controller plus a Pedal.
Does the white model work differently from the black one?
No. The listing describes the same 15-key studio controller, so the difference is the finish, not the features. Choose by what looks best on your desk.
Update History
- October 21, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer product and specification pages for Elgato Stream Deck models, including the Stream Deck + XL technical specifications
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for each product
