Elgato
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
$149.99Cheaper
Released 2021-07
Best Stream Decks · head-to-head
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 vs Loupedeck Live
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is cheaper at $149.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Loupedeck
Loupedeck Live
$269
Released 2020
Which is better: the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 or Loupedeck Live?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is the cheaper at $149.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | Loupedeck Live |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $149.99 | $269 |
| Brand | Elgato | Loupedeck |
| Released | 2021-07 | 2020 |
| LCD key count | 15 | 12 |
| Dials | 0 | 6 |
| Touch strip | No | No |
| Additional inputs | interchangeable faceplate | 8 tactile buttons, 2 touch bars |
| Connection | USB-C | USB-C |
| Software platform | Stream Deck (free, Mac & Windows) | Loupedeck (free, Mac & Windows) |
| Customizable icons | Yes | Yes |
| Release | 2021-07 | 2020 |
Sources — Elgato Stream Deck MK.2: elgato.com (verified 2026-06-20). Loupedeck Live: loupedeck.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 and Loupedeck Live?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- LCD key count: Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 15 vs Loupedeck Live 12
- Dials: Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 0 vs Loupedeck Live 6
- Additional inputs: Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 interchangeable faceplate vs Loupedeck Live 8 tactile buttons, 2 touch bars
- Software platform: Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Stream Deck (free, Mac & Windows) vs Loupedeck Live Loupedeck (free, Mac & Windows)
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Only one whitelisted tester (Tom's Hardware) has a live hands-on review of this exact model. Its reviewer used the MK.2 across real streaming sessions and calls it easy-to-use and streamer-friendly, praising the software and detachable USB-C cable, but flags the missing volume dial and lack of native Adobe support. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Deep, endlessly customizable software with native OBS/Twitch integration; Detachable USB-C cable and interchangeable snap-off faceplates; Sturdier weighted one-piece 45-degree stand; smaller and lighter than the original.
Flagged: No audio/volume dial (unlike Loupedeck); No native support for Adobe apps; Only a cosmetic upgrade over the original — no need to upgrade if you already own one.
Loupedeck Live
Two whitelisted hands-on reviews of the exact Loupedeck Live survived verification (TechRadar, Dec 2020; Engadget, Aug 2021); both are qualitative with no lab measurements. Verdict: a well-built, deeply customizable control surface whose rotary dials beat the button-only Stream Deck for creative editing, but hampered by a steep software learning curve, non-clicky touchscreen buttons, and a premium price versus Elgato's Stream Deck. (2 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Rotary dials give finer, continuous control (volume, brush size, video scrubbing) that a button-only Stream Deck can't match; Deep customization with dynamic profiles that auto-switch to whatever app is active; Solid, compact build quality.
Flagged: Steep software learning curve and confusing terminology (workspace vs profile); Touchscreen 'buttons' lack a real tactile click, only vibration feedback; Premium price relative to Elgato's Stream Deck.