Elgato Stream Deck + vs Elgato Stream Deck Neo
Elgato Stream Deck + (#3) vs Elgato Stream Deck Neo (#4): in our Stream Decks scoring the Elgato Stream Deck + totals 8.6/10 and the Elgato Stream Deck Neo 8/10, the Elgato Stream Deck + leading on Button Count and Build Quality and the Elgato Stream Deck Neo on Value.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Elgato Stream Deck + | Elgato Stream Deck Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $89 |
| Keys | 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials | 8 LCD keys + 2 touch points |
| Touch Strip | 108 x 14mm LCD | — |
| Connection | USB 2.0 (USB-C) | USB 2.0 (non-detachable USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 140 x 138 x 110mm | 107 x 78 x 26mm |
| Weight | 465g | 210g |
| Compatibility | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ | Windows 10+ / macOS 12+ |
| Info Bar | — | Customizable status display |
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 Neo made our Top 5 Stream Decks, at #3 and #4. 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 smartest entry-level Stream Deck. Touch-point navigation preserves all 8 keys for actual shortcuts, the info bar adds utility, and the foldable stand makes it travel-friendly. A thoughtful upgrade over the Mini at $100.
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 Neo 8. The widest gap is Button Count, where the Elgato Stream Deck + scores 7 against 6 for the Elgato Stream Deck Neo — controls available. Build Quality also separates them: 9 for the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 8 for the Elgato Stream Deck Neo. The Elgato Stream Deck Neo 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 8 LCD keys + 2 touch points on the Elgato Stream Deck Neo; Connection — USB 2.0 (USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus USB 2.0 (non-detachable USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck Neo; Dimensions — 140 x 138 x 110mm on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 107 x 78 x 26mm on the Elgato Stream Deck Neo; Weight — 465g on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 210g on the Elgato Stream Deck Neo; Compatibility — Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus Windows 10+ / macOS 12+ on the Elgato Stream Deck Neo.
Pricing as of April 1, 2026: $159 for the Elgato Stream Deck + and $89 for the Elgato Stream Deck Neo, a $70 difference in the Elgato Stream Deck Neo's favor. 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 Neo for 2 touch points for navigation — no keys wasted and customizable info bar for date/time/status; the most common complaint is only 8 keys per page.
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 Neo
- 2 touch points for navigation — no keys wasted
- Customizable info bar for date/time/status
- Foldable stand for travel
- Full Elgato plugin ecosystem access
- Only 8 keys per page
- Non-detachable USB-C cable
- No nested sub-pages
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 Neo is the better fit for beginners new to the Stream Deck ecosystem and mobile or travel setups, and the stronger choice if Value matters more to you than the overall score. If the $70 saving matters more than Button Count, the Elgato Stream Deck Neo is the better value. The Elgato Stream Deck + is a poor fit for users who primarily need maximum button count; the Elgato Stream Deck Neo is a poor fit for serious streamers needing 15+ keys.
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 Neo if
- Beginners new to the Stream Deck ecosystem
- Mobile or travel setups
- Office workers automating Zoom and Teams
Skip it if
- Serious streamers needing 15+ keys
- Users wanting detachable cable
Common questions
Is the Elgato Stream Deck + better than the Elgato Stream Deck Neo?
In our Stream Decks ranking the Elgato Stream Deck + scores higher overall, 8.6 to 8, with the biggest advantage in Button Count. The Elgato Stream Deck Neo is stronger on Value, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the Elgato Stream Deck + cost than the Elgato Stream Deck Neo?
$70 more as of April 1, 2026: $159 for the Elgato Stream Deck + against $89 for the Elgato Stream Deck Neo. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure. What the extra buys is mostly Button Count — 7 versus 6 in our scoring.
What is the main difference between the Elgato Stream Deck + and the Elgato Stream Deck Neo?
The headline spec difference is Keys: 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials on the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 8 LCD keys + 2 touch points on the Elgato Stream Deck Neo. In use, the gap that matters most is Button Count (7 vs 6 in our scoring): controls available.