The Elgato Stream Deck is a fantastic piece of kit that can help you automate tasks on your computer. It's primarily designed for streamers on platforms like Twitch, but you can also use it to improve your productivity, control your smart home, get stock alerts, and more.
If you're thinking of buying the Elgato Stream Deck, you might be wondering which model to buy. We're going to compare the Stream Deck Mini, Stream Deck, Stream Deck MK.2, Stream Deck XL, and Stream Deck Mobile to see which is best for you.
Understanding the Elgato Stream Deck Software
Before we compare the different models of the Elgato Stream Deck, it's important to understand that the software these decks use is identical. No matter which Stream Deck you buy, you'll download the same free software, available for Windows and Mac.
Whether you plan to use your Stream Deck to power your Twitch streams, help automate tasks to speed up your work, or as a media control center, you can do all of that from every Stream Deck model.
While some models have different stands or cables, the primary difference between them is how many physical keys they have. As such, consider your application for a Stream Deck and how much physical desk space you have.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
- LCD keys: 6
- Dimensions: 84 x 60 x 58 mm
- Weight: 160g
- Cable: Integrated USB 2.0
As the name suggests, the Stream Deck Mini is the smallest in the Elgato line-up. The small form factor makes it perfect if you have limited desk space. It doesn't come with a stand, so it can slip around slightly on some desk surfaces, but this is easily resolved with a bit of DIY.
Although it only has six customizable LCD keys, you're not limited to this number of actions. That's because you can use pages and folders within the Stream Deck software, creating an endless number of virtual keys. The only downside is it'll take you more physical button pushes to find them compared to the larger Stream Decks.
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Apart from that, the Mini runs the same software as any other Stream Deck, so you're not getting a watered-down experience. It's the perfect entry point into the Stream Deck and is perfect for any beginner streamer.
Elgato Stream Deck
- LCD keys: 15
- Dimensions: 118 x 84 x 21 mm
- Weight: 190g
- Cable: Integrated USB 2.0
If you want to take your streaming to the next level, the Elgato Stream Deck is for you. It has 15 keys, which is more than enough to program easy access to stream controls, audience engagement, sound effects, and more.
Though the $150 price tag means it's not exactly an entry-level device, it's excellent at what it does. You get satisfying physical and visual responses to your button presses, access to the powerful Stream Deck software, and it's effortless to set up and use.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
- LCD keys: 15
- Dimensions: 118 x 84 x 25 mm
- Weight: 145g
- Cable: Detachable USB 2.0
The Stream Deck MK.2 is the latest release from Elgato and is the newest version of its flagship Stream Deck. It functions the same as that one, but comes with some new features: a stronger stand, a USB-C port with included detachable cable, and swappable face plates.
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If you already have a Stream Deck, there's no point upgrading to this model. However, if you're new to the Elgato series, the MK.2 is the one to go for, especially if you want the ability to theme it to match your desk color scheme.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
- LCD keys: 32
- Dimensions: 182 x 112 x 34 mm
- Weight: 410g
- Cable: Detachable USB 3.0
The Stream Deck XL is the largest deck you can buy, with 32 customizable keys. It comes with a detachable magnetic stand, which is great to help keep the deck in one place on your desk, and USB-C to USB-A cable.
Since it retails at $250, the XL is really only targeted at enthusiast streamers who need quick access to such a large number of keys on a single page.
If you have a smaller Stream Deck currently and think you could benefit from more keys, the XL is of course an excellent choice—the hardware and software remain unchanged—but for most people, the standard Deck or Mini will suffice.
Elgato Stream Deck Mobile
This one is different from everything else on this list because it's not a physical product, it's a mobile app available for Android and iOS. You can get a free 30-day trial, after which it costs $2.99/month or $25/year.
Of course, you're not getting the Elgato hardware here, so you do miss the satisfying button pushing that comes with those products. But you trade that for the convenience that mobile has, as you can take your Stream Deck wherever you go. That's perfect if you're a streamer who has multiple setups; although if that applies, you probably already have a more advanced solution in place anyway.
That said, it also means it's not another piece of kit that has to sit on your desk, since chances are your mobile is already on it. It easily links through to the Stream Deck software on your desktop.
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Which Stream Deck Should You Buy?
If you've decided you want an Elgato Stream Deck, the ultimate question is how many keys you want. While some models have different stands or cables, there's one software for all of them. You can use the same tools, plugins, and icons, regardless of which deck you purchase.
You might want to try Stream Deck Mobile for 30 days to see if it fits well in your workflow. If it does, consider upgrading to the Mini or standard Stream Deck. The XL is best placed only for power users.
