Top Stream Deck Alternatives and Upgrades for Creators
The Elgato Stream Deck Plus stands out as the top pick for most creators due to its combination of tactile buttons, infinite rotary dials, and broad software integration. It offers a significant upgrade over the standard Stream Deck, but its higher price and lack of a touchscreen may give some users pause.
Macro pads have evolved from simple shortcut keys to powerful control surfaces that can transform your workflow. Whether you are a streamer, video editor, or productivity enthusiast, the right device can save you hours each week.
In this roundup, we look at seven of the best stream deck macro pads available on Amazon. We focused on real products that are currently sold, analyzing their specifications, user feedback, and overall value.
Our top picks
Elgato Stream Deck Plus
The Stream Deck Plus combines eight LCD keys with four haptic dials and a touchstrip. It offers seamless integration with OBS, Twitch, and hundreds of apps. Owners report that the dials are excellent for adjusting audio levels or scrubbing timelines. The main drawback is the higher cost compared to the standard Stream Deck.
Pros
- Touchstrip adds intuitive control
- Haptic dials provide precise adjustments
- Wide software integration
Cons
- Expensive
- No touchscreen display
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
The MK.2 is the classic Stream Deck with 15 customizable LCD keys. It has a removable faceplate for personalization. Users appreciate its simplicity and reliability. It lacks dials but offers more keys than the Plus. The software is user-friendly and regularly updated.
Pros
- More keys at a lower price
- Interchangeable faceplates
- Rock-solid performance
Cons
- No dials or touchstrip
- Faceplate can be difficult to remove
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
The Stream Deck Mini features 6 LCD keys in a compact form that fits in a pocket. It is perfect for those who need a few essential shortcuts on the go. Owners say it is great for controlling OBS while traveling. However, the small size limits the number of actions you can assign.
Pros
- Ultra-portable design
- Ideal for travel
- Same software as larger models
Cons
- Limited keys
- Easy to misplace
Loupedeck CT
The Loupedeck CT is a versatile console with 15 buttons, 6 dials, and a touchscreen. It is designed for photo and video editing, but works with many apps. Users highlight the customizable touchscreen and robust software. The learning curve is steep, and the price is high.
Pros
- Touchscreen adds flexibility
- Great for Adobe apps
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Complex setup
Elgato Stream Deck Pedal
The Stream Deck Pedal is a foot-operated macro pad with three pedals. It is ideal for streamers who need to mute or switch scenes without using hands. Owners report it is responsive and well-built. It requires some practice to use effectively, and it lacks visual feedback.
Pros
- Hands-free operation
- Durable construction
- Easy to program
Cons
- No visual feedback
- May be overkill for some
MaxxStick 15
The MaxxStick 15 offers 15 programmable keys with customizable icons at a fraction of the cost of the Stream Deck. It works with open-source software and is compatible with Windows and Mac. Users note that the software is less polished, and the build feels less premium.
Pros
- Affordable
- Large community support
- Mechanical keys
Cons
- Software can be buggy
- Plastic build
Sixo MX
The Sixo MX is a 6-key macro pad with hot-swappable mechanical switches and per-key RGB lighting. It is fully programmable using VIA software. Enthusiasts love the customization options, but it lacks an LCD screen and requires separate software for advanced functions.
Pros
- Mechanical switches feel great
- Fully customizable
- RGB lighting
Cons
- No display
- Limited to 6 keys
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Keys | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elgato Stream Deck Plus | 8 LCD keys | Best Overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | 15 LCD keys | Best Value | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Elgato Stream Deck Mini | 6 LCD keys | Best Portable | 8.6 | Check price |
| 4 | Loupedeck CT | 15 keys | Best for Creative Pros | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | Elgato Stream Deck Pedal | 3 pedals | Best for Hands-Free Control | 8.3 | Check price |
| 6 | MaxxStick 15 | 15 keys | Best Budget Alternative | 8.0 | Check price |
| 7 | Sixo MX | 6 mechanical keys | Best for Mechanical Keyboard Fans | 8.4 | Check price |
What matters most
Good to know
Can I use a Stream Deck without the software?
No, Stream Decks require the Stream Deck software to program keys and dials. The software is available for Windows and macOS.
Are macro pads compatible with consoles like PS5?
Most macro pads are designed for PC and Mac. Some may work with consoles via adapters, but functionality is limited and not officially supported.
What is the difference between a Stream Deck and a macro pad?
A Stream Deck is a type of macro pad with LCD keys and a user-friendly interface. Other macro pads may have mechanical keys or no display but still perform similar functions.
Can I use multiple macro pads at once?
Yes, you can connect multiple macro pads to your computer and assign different profiles to each. Software like Stream Deck supports multiple devices.
Do macro pads work with video editing software?
Yes, many macro pads have presets for Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and others. You can also create custom shortcuts.
Is a macro pad useful for non-streamers?
Absolutely. Macro pads can speed up tasks in office applications, coding, music production, and any software where you repeat actions.
How do I program a macro pad?
You typically use the manufacturer’s software to assign actions to keys. Actions can include keyboard shortcuts, launching apps, or controlling smart home devices.
What is the lifespan of a macro pad?
With proper care, macro pads can last several years. Mechanical switches are rated for millions of presses, while LCD screens may degrade over time.
Final word
For most people, the Elgato Stream Deck Plus is the best choice because it balances the right number of keys with dials and a touchstrip for versatile control. If you are on a budget, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 offers excellent value with 15 keys. Only if you need advanced editing controls should you consider the Loupedeck CT, but be prepared for a steeper learning curve and higher cost.
