10 Best Stream Deck 2026 in the United States

The Elgato Stream Deck + XLR combines a customizable stream deck with an integrated audio mixer designed especially for podcasters and streamers who use professional XLR microphones. It features 8 LCD buttons, a touch strip, and dials, offering tactile control and clear visual feedback for managing audio, video, lighting, and other streaming functions all in one place. The build is compact and weighs under a pound, making it fairly portable while still feeling sturdy and premium.

One of its standout strengths is the built-in XLR dock, allowing you to plug in any XLR microphone directly with up to 75 dB gain and 48V phantom power for condenser mics. This lets you achieve studio-quality sound without needing extra equipment, which is a great convenience. Its USB-C connection ensures reliable power and data transfer. Customization is a strong point thanks to the Stream Deck app and access to a wide range of plugins and integrations, including popular streaming software like OBS, Twitch, and YouTube, plus other tools like Spotify and Philips Hue lighting controls. This makes it easy to set up personalized commands and workflows.

The number of physical buttons is relatively modest compared to some other stream decks, which might feel limiting for users who need more dedicated controls. Also, while it is portable, the additional size and weight from the XLR audio dock mean it’s bulkier than basic stream decks, so it may not be the best fit if you need something ultra-compact for travel. This product is ideal for content creators who want seamless audio integration with their stream deck controls and value high sound quality and software flexibility. If your focus is purely on button-heavy command setups or ultra-portability, you might find other stream decks better suited. But for combining audio and stream control in one neat device, it offers a powerful and user-friendly experience.

The Elgato Stream Deck XL is designed for streamers and content creators who require quick access to multiple functions during live broadcasts. With 32 customizable LCD keys, users can effortlessly trigger actions across a range of applications like OBS, Twitch, and YouTube, which makes it particularly beneficial for those heavily involved in online streaming or multimedia production. The ability to customize each key and receive visual feedback ensures that you know when your commands are executed, which adds to the control and efficiency during live sessions.

Its build quality is solid, providing a professional feel that matches its pricing. However, for those who may need a more portable solution, its size might be a drawback; it’s not as compact as some other models on the market, and carrying it around could be cumbersome for mobile streamers. The USB connectivity is straightforward, but it does require a USB port, which might be a consideration for users with limited ports on their devices.

Integration with a wide range of software is one of its standout features, allowing users to streamline workflows easily. Beginners might find the initial setup process slightly overwhelming due to the sheer number of options available. Despite this, the user-friendly interface makes navigation fairly easy once you get the hang of it. While it excels in functionality and customizability, potential buyers should weigh the size and learning curve against their specific needs. This device is perfect for serious content creators looking to enhance their production quality, but casual users may find it more than they require.

The Elgato Stream Deck + is designed as a creative tool that fits well for video editors, designers, and music producers who want to speed up their workflow. It offers 8 customizable LCD buttons plus 4 dials, making it easy to launch shortcuts or adjust settings like volume and timeline scrub. The addition of a touch strip further helps smooth navigation across tools and workspace pages.

This setup is especially well integrated with popular Adobe apps like Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and After Effects, which is ideal if you use those programs regularly. The build feels solid and studio-ready, with a compact size that won't take up much desk space, though at just over 1 pound it's more suited for stationary use than portability on the go. Connectivity is flexible with USB-C and USB-A options.

On the downside, 8 buttons might feel limiting if you want many shortcuts at once, and this model is focused on editing and production rather than general streaming tasks. For someone mainly aiming to automate stream controls or gaming overlays, a different Stream Deck might be a better fit. However, if your focus is post-production or creative workflow automation, this device offers a stylish, efficient way to customize your workspace and save time.