Elgato Stream Deck XL vs Elgato Stream Deck +
Elgato Stream Deck XL (#2, best premium) vs Elgato Stream Deck + (#3): in our Stream Decks scoring the Elgato Stream Deck XL totals 9.1/10 and the Elgato Stream Deck + 8.6/10, the Elgato Stream Deck XL leading on Button Count and the Elgato Stream Deck + on Customization and Value.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Elgato Stream Deck XL | Elgato Stream Deck + | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $159 |
| Keys | 32 LCD keys (8x4) | 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials |
| Key Resolution | 72x72 pixels | — |
| Connection | USB 3.0 (detachable USB-C) | USB 2.0 (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 182 x 112 x 34mm | 140 x 138 x 110mm |
| Weight | 410g (without stand) | 465g |
| Compatibility | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ |
| Touch Strip | — | 108 x 14mm LCD |
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 XL and the Elgato Stream Deck + made our Top 5 Stream Decks, at #2 (best premium) and #3. For power users who refuse to page-navigate. 32 LCD keys in an 8x4 grid means every action is visible and accessible simultaneously. Professional broadcasters and flight sim enthusiasts swear by the XL for complex multi-camera and multi-app workflows. 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.
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 XL totals 9.1 out of 10 and the Elgato Stream Deck + 8.6. The widest gap is Button Count, where the Elgato Stream Deck XL scores 10 against 7 for the Elgato Stream Deck + — controls available. Customization also separates them: 10 for the Elgato Stream Deck + versus 8 for the Elgato Stream Deck XL. The Elgato Stream Deck + claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Keys — 32 LCD keys (8x4) on the Elgato Stream Deck XL versus 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials on the Elgato Stream Deck +; Connection — USB 3.0 (detachable USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck XL versus USB 2.0 (USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck +; Dimensions — 182 x 112 x 34mm on the Elgato Stream Deck XL versus 140 x 138 x 110mm on the Elgato Stream Deck +; Weight — 410g (without stand) on the Elgato Stream Deck XL versus 465g on the Elgato Stream Deck +. They match on Compatibility.
Pricing as of April 1, 2026: $250 for the Elgato Stream Deck XL and $159 for the Elgato Stream Deck +, a $91 difference in the Elgato Stream Deck +'s favor. Owners praise the Elgato Stream Deck XL for 32 LCD keys eliminate constant page navigation and USB 3.0 with braided USB-C cable; the most common complaint is most expensive Stream Deck at $250. 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.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
- 32 LCD keys eliminate constant page navigation
- USB 3.0 with braided USB-C cable
- 20+ saved profiles for different workflows
- Highest-rated in the Elgato lineup
- Most expensive Stream Deck at $250
- Substantial desk footprint
- Overkill for casual streamers
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
Which should you buy?
The Elgato Stream Deck XL is the better fit for professional broadcasters and full-time creators and flight sim and racing sim enthusiasts — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Button Count. The Elgato Stream Deck + is the better fit for audio engineers needing tactile dial control and video editors in Premiere, DaVinci, or Final Cut, and the stronger choice if Customization and Value matter more to you than the overall score. If the $91 saving matters more than Button Count, the Elgato Stream Deck + is the better value. The Elgato Stream Deck XL is a poor fit for casual streamers with limited desk space; the Elgato Stream Deck + is a poor fit for users who primarily need maximum button count.
Choose the Elgato Stream Deck XL if
- Professional broadcasters and full-time creators
- Flight sim and racing sim enthusiasts
- Multi-camera productions needing 30+ actions
Skip it if
- Casual streamers with limited desk space
- Budget shoppers
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
Common questions
Is the Elgato Stream Deck XL better than the Elgato Stream Deck +?
In our Stream Decks ranking the Elgato Stream Deck XL scores higher overall, 9.1 to 8.6, with the biggest advantage in Button Count. The Elgato Stream Deck + is stronger on Customization and Value, so it is the better pick if those matter most to you.
How much more does the Elgato Stream Deck XL cost than the Elgato Stream Deck +?
$91 more as of April 1, 2026: $250 for the Elgato Stream Deck XL against $159 for the Elgato Stream Deck +. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure. What the extra buys is mostly Button Count — 10 versus 7 in our scoring.
What is the main difference between the Elgato Stream Deck XL and the Elgato Stream Deck +?
The headline spec difference is Keys: 32 LCD keys (8x4) on the Elgato Stream Deck XL versus 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials on the Elgato Stream Deck +. In use, the gap that matters most is Button Count (10 vs 7 in our scoring): controls available.