Elgato Stream Deck + vs Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Elgato Stream Deck + (#3) vs Elgato Stream Deck Mini (#5, best budget): in our Stream Decks scoring the Elgato Stream Deck + totals 8.6/10 and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini 7.6/10, the Elgato Stream Deck + leading on Button Count and Build Quality and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini on Value.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.
TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Elgato Stream Deck + | Elgato Stream Deck Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials | 6 LCD keys (3x2) |
| Touch Strip | 108 x 14mm LCD | — |
| Connection | USB 2.0 (USB-C) | USB 2.0 (integrated cable) |
| Dimensions | 140 x 138 x 110mm | 84 x 60 x 58mm |
| Weight | 465g | 160g |
| Compatibility | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ |
| Key Resolution | — | 72x72 pixels |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our stream decks scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Elgato Stream Deck + and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini made our Top 5 Stream Decks, at #3 and #5 (best budget). The only Stream Deck with analog control. 4 precision rotary dials paired with 8 LCD keys and a touch strip make it indispensable for audio mixing, video editing, and music production. No other device in this category offers tactile dial-based parameter adjustment. The gateway to the Elgato ecosystem at just $60. Six LCD keys with Key Logic (tap, double-tap, hold) effectively triples functionality. Full access to the same plugin library as the $250 XL. Most users upgrade eventually, but it's the perfect way to start.
We score stream decks on Button Count (30%), Software (30%), Build Quality (20%), Customization (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Elgato Stream Deck + totals 8.6 out of 10 and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini 7.6. The widest gap is Button Count, where the Elgato Stream Deck + scores 7 against 5 for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini: controls available. Build Quality also separates them: 9 for the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 7 for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Keys: 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 6 LCD keys (3x2) on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini; Connection: USB 2.0 (USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus USB 2.0 (integrated cable) on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini; Dimensions: 140 x 138 x 110mm on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 84 x 60 x 58mm on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini; Weight: 465g on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 160g on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. They match on Compatibility.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Elgato Stream Deck + for 4 smooth rotary dials with push function and LCD touch strip for swipe-based navigation; the most common complaint is only 8 LCD keys vs MK.2's 15. Owners praise the Elgato Stream Deck Mini for cheapest entry to the full Elgato ecosystem at $60 and key Logic (tap, double-tap, hold) triples functionality; the most common complaint is only 6 keys limits simultaneous shortcuts.
Elgato Stream Deck +
- 4 smooth rotary dials with push function
- LCD touch strip for swipe-based navigation
- Smart Profiles auto-switch per application
- Same plugin ecosystem as other Stream Decks
- Only 8 LCD keys vs MK.2's 15
- Larger physical footprint
- Touch strip can feel less responsive
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
- Cheapest entry to the full Elgato ecosystem at $60
- Key Logic (tap, double-tap, hold) triples functionality
- Ultra-compact footprint fits any desk
- Full software and plugin access
- Only 6 keys limits simultaneous shortcuts
- Non-detachable USB 2.0 cable
- No adjustable stand, fixed angle only
Which should you buy?
The Elgato Stream Deck + is the better fit for audio engineers needing tactile dial control and video editors in Premiere, DaVinci, or Final Cut; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Button Count and Build Quality. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is the better fit for budget newcomers testing the ecosystem and secondary controller alongside a larger deck, and the stronger choice if Value matters more to you than the overall score. The Elgato Stream Deck + is a poor fit for users who primarily need maximum button count; the Elgato Stream Deck Mini is a poor fit for full-time streamers needing extensive control.
Choose the Elgato Stream Deck + if
- Audio engineers needing tactile dial control
- Video editors in Premiere, DaVinci, or Final Cut
- Streamers needing real-time audio mixing
Skip it if
- Users who primarily need maximum button count
- Budget buyers under $150
Choose the Elgato Stream Deck Mini if
- Budget newcomers testing the ecosystem
- Secondary controller alongside a larger deck
- Users with very limited desk space
Skip it if
- Full-time streamers needing extensive control
- Users wanting detachable cable or adjustable stand
Common questions
Is the Elgato Stream Deck + better than the Elgato Stream Deck Mini?
In our Stream Decks ranking the Elgato Stream Deck + scores higher overall, 8.6 to 7.6, with the biggest advantage in Button Count. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is stronger on Value, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
What is the main difference between the Elgato Stream Deck + and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini?
The headline spec difference is Keys: 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 6 LCD keys (3x2) on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. In use, the gap that matters most is Button Count (7 vs 5 in our scoring): controls available.