7 Best Elgato Stream Decks for Shortcuts in 2026

If you rely on shortcuts for streaming, editing, or workflow management, finding the right Elgato Stream Deck can make a real difference in efficiency. With options ranging from compact mini versions to expansive XL models packed with dozens of customizable keys, each offers unique features—like multi-action scripting, plugin integration, and high-resolution displays—that boost productivity. Curious about which model fits your setup best? Let’s explore the top choices for 2026 and see what makes them stand out.

Elgato Stream Deck Mini for Windows and Mac

If you want to make your work easier on both Windows and Mac, the Elgato Stream Deck Mini is a good choice. It has six buttons with screens that you can change. You can set each button to do a specific task, like opening an app or running a shortcut. It works with macOS 10.15+ and Windows 10. You can use it with apps like Zoom, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Spotify, or streaming apps like OBS and Twitch. The small size (84 x 60 x 58 mm) means it doesn’t take up much space. Setting it up is simple—just drag and drop. Many users have rated it 4.8 out of 5 stars, showing it is popular and useful.

This device is great for people who make content, stream, or work on a computer. It helps you do things faster and easier.

Pros:

• Easy to set up with simple drag-and-drop software
• Small size fits on any desk or on the go
• Works with many apps for streaming, making videos, or productivity

Cons:

• Only has six buttons, so it may not be enough if you need many shortcuts
• No extra screen or display, only the buttons
• Needs to be plugged into a USB port, which may limit how portable it is

Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller with Macro Keys

The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller with Macro Keys is a great tool for creators and pros who want to easily control their setup. It has 15 LCD keys that you can customize. You can assign any action to these keys, like opening apps or running multi-step tasks. This makes your work more flexible and faster.

The device works with both Mac and PC. It also supports many plugins, such as OBS, Twitch, and Philips Hue. These plugins help with live streaming and managing different devices. When you press a key, a visual message appears confirming your command. This helps you know everything is working right.

Whether you’re editing videos, streaming live, or managing sound, this controller helps you do tasks quicker and more smoothly. It feels like having a helper nearby.

Who should get this? Creators, streamers, and anyone who wants quick, easy control over their media and workflows.

Pros:

• Customizable with 15 LCD keys
• Supports many plugins like OBS and Twitch
• Visual feedback confirms actions

Cons:

• Takes some time to learn how to set up
• Might be expensive for casual users
• Only has 15 keys, so some complex jobs might need more devices

This controller makes your work easier and more fun.

Elgato Stream Deck+ Studio Controller for Creators

The Elgato Stream Deck+ Studio Controller is a popular choice for creators. It is a simple and easy-to-use control device. It has many features that help you manage your work easily. The device has touchscreen LCD keys, a touch strip, and multifunction dials. You can control sound, video, and lights with just a touch. It makes switching between tasks quick and smooth.

This controller is fully customizable. You can set it up the way you like. It works with both Mac and PC. You can connect it to apps like OBS for streaming, Twitch for gaming, and Spotify for music. The size is small, just over 5 inches, so it fits well on your desk or studio. The simple software makes it easy to make changes and start using it fast.

This device is great for anyone who makes videos, streams live, or plays games. It helps you control many things at once without losing focus. It makes your work easier and keeps things organized.

Good Points:

• You can customize the LCD keys, touch strip, and dials.
• It works with many popular apps like OBS, Twitch, and Spotify.
• The size is small and sleek, easy to fit in your workspace.

Not-So-Good Points:

• You need a USB connection and a battery to power it.
• It might take some time to learn all the features if you’re new.
• It costs more than basic control devices.

The Elgato Stream Deck+ is a good tool for creators who want a flexible and simple way to control their work. It helps you stay organized and work faster.

Elgato Stream Deck Neo – Customizable Keys & Workflow Control

If you want to make your work easier and faster, the Elgato Stream Deck Neo is a good option. It has eight small screens known as LCD keys. It also has two touch points you can press. You can set up these keys to control apps, smart devices, or workflows easily. Just drag and drop your favorite actions, and you’re ready. It works with apps like Zoom, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and Spotify.

The device is small, about 4.2 by 1 inches. It fits nicely on your desk without taking up much space. Even though it is small, it is powerful. It can help you do repetitive tasks faster and manage many apps at once. Plus, it is eco-friendly, so it’s good for the environment.

This device is best for content creators, workers, and anyone who uses many apps at the same time. It makes controlling your workflow simple and quick.

Pros:

• Easy to customize with drag-and-drop setup.
• Works with many popular apps like Zoom, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and Spotify.
• Small and light, takes up little space on your desk.

Cons:

• Has only eight LCD keys and two touch points. This may not be enough for very advanced tasks.
• Connects with a USB-C cable, so it might not work with older computers.
• Might take some time to learn how to set it up.

The Elgato Stream Deck Neo makes controlling your apps easier. It is small, simple, and helps you be more productive.

Elgato Stream Deck+ Studio Controller for Workflow Automation

Are you tired of wasting time on editing, retouching, or audio mixing? The Elgato Stream Deck+ Studio Controller can help you do things faster and easier. It has 8 LCD keys that you can customize. These keys give you quick access to your favorite shortcuts. There are also four multifunction dials with push buttons. Think of them as tuning knobs for your editing or audio work. The device has a 4.2-inch touch strip. This touch strip makes it simple to switch between different panels and tools.

This controller works well with popular software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and DaVinci Resolve. It supports plugins, icon packs, and even royalty-free music. The device is small and lightweight, weighing just a pound. It fits nicely into a studio space without adding clutter.

Best for: Video editors, graphic designers, and music producers who want faster workflows with easy-to-use controls.

Pros:

• Fully customizable with LCD keys, dials, and touch strip
• Works with many professional editing and design programs
• Compact and light for easy use in a studio

Cons:

• Needs to connect with a USB port, sometimes an extra port may be needed
• Works only with Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.15 and newer
• Costs more than basic shortcut controllers

If you want to make your work faster, the Elgato Stream Deck+ can be a helpful tool. It makes it easy to control your software and stay organized.

Elgato Stream Deck XL Studio Controller with 32 Keys

If you love live streaming or making videos, the Elgato Stream Deck XL is a great tool. It has 32 small screens called LCD keys. These keys are easy to change so you can customize them for your tasks. With this device, you can switch scenes, start videos, control lights, or even send tweets—all just with one press.

The bright screens help you see what’s active at a quick glance. You always know what’s on or off. The Stream Deck XL works with both Mac and Windows computers. It connects via USB 3.0, which means it needs a fast port.

You can set up the keys to work with many apps like OBS, Twitch, and YouTube. This makes it easy to control many parts of your stream or video without switching between different screens or devices.

This control hub is very useful for content creators and streamers. It helps keep everything organized and speeds up your workflow. Just keep in mind, it costs more than a basic keyboard. Also, it needs a USB 3.0 port, so older computers might not work with it. And if you’re new to programmable devices, it might take some time to learn how to use all the options.

Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 White Studio Controller

The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 White Studio Controller is a great tool for people who make videos, stream, or work with many apps at once. It has 15 small LCD keys you can customize. With a tap, you can control apps like OBS, Twitch, or Spotify. This makes handling complicated tasks much easier.

The buttons show visual feedback. That means you see a little icon or message confirming your command. You know right away if you pressed the right button. This helps prevent mistakes and makes your work smoother.

The device works with both Mac and PC computers. Whether you stream games, edit videos, or turn on smart lights, it fits your needs. You can change and set up the buttons easily. This makes the Stream Deck MK.2 a flexible tool for streamers, musicians, or anyone using many apps.

Best For: People creating content or streaming who want simple, quick control over their apps.

Pros:

• Customizable LCD keys for your specific needs
• Works with popular streaming and smart home apps
• Visual feedback confirms commands

Cons:

• It can cost more than some casual users want
• Has only 15 keys, which might not be enough for very busy workflows
• Takes time to set up and customize

This device helps you stay organized and saves time. It’s a handy, easy-to-use tool for anyone who needs quick control over their apps.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Elgato Stream Decks for Shortcuts

When choosing an Elgato Stream Deck, you’ll want to consider key customization options that let you tailor shortcuts exactly how you need them, whether it’s with icons or multi-action scripts. Compatibility with your favorite apps is vital, especially if you’re juggling streaming, editing, or gaming tools—nothing kills the vibe like a deck that doesn’t play nice. Finally, think about the number of keys, build quality, and size to guarantee it fits your workflow comfortably without turning your desk into a cluttered control center.

Key Customization Options

Key customization options are very important when choosing an Elgato Stream Deck. If you use shortcuts for games, streaming, or work, these options help a lot. The device has LCD keys you can change. You can add colorful icons and labels to help you find commands quickly. You can put many actions or macros on one key. This makes repeating tasks faster and easier. The software for setup is simple. It uses drag-and-drop, so even if you are new, you can figure it out easily. Some models also let you save different profiles. You can switch between profiles fast, like for streaming, editing, or smart home control. You can also add plugins to expand what the device can do. This helps you set up the system exactly how you want it.

Compatibility With Apps

Matching your Stream Deck to the apps you use is very important. Each device works with different software. First, check if it supports your operating system. For example, macOS 10.15 or newer, or Windows 10 64-bit. Then, see if it works well with your favorite apps. These can be streaming tools, work apps, or creative programs.

Look for devices that have many plugins or built-in actions. These help you control the apps better and save time. It’s also helpful if the device can do custom actions or macros. This means you can set up many-step tasks easily.

Finally, make sure the device gets regular updates. These keep it compatible with new app versions. Compatibility is more than just a checkmark. It helps you use your shortcuts smoothly and work better.

Number of Keys

More keys on your Elgato Stream Deck mean more shortcuts. That makes it easier to do many tasks quickly. If you have a model with 32 keys, you can set up lots of commands. This helps if you do complicated work or switch between tools often.

Smaller devices, like the 6-key Mini, are easy to carry. But they have fewer keys. That makes them good for lighter setups. With fewer keys, you might need to switch between commands more often.

The number of keys changes what you can do. More keys let you customize more functions and use many apps at once. If you plan to grow your setup later or use many tools, choose a model with 15 to 32 keys. It gives you more control and makes your work faster. More keys mean a bigger shortcut list and less hassle. Your workspace gets easier to use.

Workflow Integration

When choosing an Elgato Stream Deck, think about how well it works with the tools you already use. You want it to connect easily with your main apps, whether you’re streaming, editing, or chatting. Check if it works with Windows or Mac. You need it to support your computer without problems. Look for features like customizable plugins and SDK support. This lets you create shortcuts that fit your work perfectly. Make sure it has enough keys for what you do. If you have lots of shortcuts, you don’t want to run out of space. Visual feedback and multi-action triggers can also help. They make your workflow smoother during busy moments. In the end, pick a Stream Deck that helps your work flow easily and keeps your setup running without trouble.

Build Quality and Size

Choosing the right Elgato Stream Deck is about more than just features. It’s also about build quality and size. You want a device that is strong and can handle lots of presses. Most models have high-quality LCD keys that last a long time and stay clear. Size is important too. Small models with six keys fit well on crowded desks. Larger models with up to 32 keys give more options for shortcuts. Heavier models, like the XL, feel steady and won’t slide around when used a lot. But they are less easy to take with you if you want a mobile setup. Think about how the size and weight will fit into your workspace. Consider how easy it is to mount or carry the device daily.

Price and Value

Price and value are important when choosing an Elgato Stream Deck. Different models have many options. Think about if the price matches the features you need. For example, a small 6-key model costs less but might have fewer functions. A bigger 32-key version costs more but offers more buttons and features.

Compare what you get with the cost. Some models let you customize buttons with icons or set up multiple actions. Check if the device works well with software like OBS or Twitch. Also, consider extra costs, like accessories or bundles.

Buying a more expensive model can be better for long-term use. It may last longer, have more keys, and include advanced options. Don’t forget to look at warranty coverage and customer support. These can help your device last through many streaming sessions.

FAQs

Are Elgato Stream Decks Compatible With Non-Streaming Software?

Yes, you can use Elgato Stream Decks with non-streaming software. They work through customizable profiles and integrations, allowing you to assign shortcuts, macros, and commands for various applications beyond streaming, enhancing your productivity and workflow.

Can I Customize Key Functions Across Different Applications?

Yes, you can customize key functions across different applications with an Elgato Stream Deck. You simply assign specific shortcuts or macros to individual keys, allowing seamless switching and control while working across various software programs.

Do All Stream Deck Models Support Multi-Language Setups?

Not all Elgato Stream Deck models support multi-language setups, but most recent ones do. You can customize language preferences through the software, allowing you to switch languages easily and personalize your experience based on your language requirements.

How Durable Are the Keys With Frequent Use?

The keys on Elgato Stream Decks are highly durable, designed for frequent use. You can press them numerous times without worrying about wear and tear, ensuring consistent performance over long periods of intense streaming sessions.

Is Power Source Required for All Models?

You don’t need a power source for most Elgato Stream Deck models, as they draw power from your computer via USB. However, some larger or specialized versions may require an external power source for peak performance.

Last update on 2026-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.   Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!