The Tool Desk
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Best Stream Deck plugins by streaming task
| Task | Plugin | What it does | Important conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control an OBS production | Elgato OBS Studio | Controls scenes, sources, recording, and audio, with real-time key feedback. It is free. | Elgato lists Stream Deck app 6.9 or newer, Windows 11 or newer, and macOS 13 or newer. Elgato says it works with every Stream Deck model in its lineup. |
| Manage Twitch channel actions | Elgato Twitch | Provides button-based Twitch control, including chat messages, viewers, ads, stream title, chat modes, markers, clips, Shield Mode, dashboard, and category actions, according to Elgato Support. | Connect your Twitch account in Stream Deck preferences first. Check the current listing for the available actions. |
| Control Discord | Elgato Discord | The Marketplace catalog describes a free plugin with 15 actions. | The catalog summary does not establish every action’s current behavior or compatibility. Check the listing. |
| Control Spotify | BarRaider Spotify Integration | The Marketplace catalog describes Spotify integration with live feedback. | Listed as Windows-only and requiring Spotify Premium. Check current requirements before installing. |
| Control lighting | Control Center or Philips Hue | The Marketplace lists Control Center for Elgato lighting and a Philips Hue integration. | Choose the integration that matches your lights and check the listing for supported products. |
These picks address different jobs: OBS controls the production, while Twitch controls channel functions. An app or lighting integration is an add-on, not a substitute for either. Feature descriptions are not evidence of measured speed, reliability, or audience growth.
Install a plugin from Elgato Marketplace
- Check your setup first. Confirm your operating system, Stream Deck app version, and any required service account or subscription on the plugin’s current Marketplace listing. The OBS plugin’s stated requirements are Stream Deck app 6.9 or newer, Windows 11 or newer, and macOS 13 or newer.
- Open Elgato Marketplace. Find the plugin listing and review its requirements and actions before installing. Elgato’s general installation guide describes a Marketplace workflow that requires a Marketplace account.
- Filter if you need a particular feature. Marketplace filters include operating system, plugin type, and dial support; listings can also be sorted by popularity, recency, or alphabetically.
- Install and configure the plugin. Follow the listing’s installation steps, then drag its actions onto Stream Deck keys and configure each action. For Twitch, first add your account in Stream Deck preferences.
- Check the result in your actual setup. Confirm the key or dial does what you expect in the target app, and revisit the listing if an action is missing or does not match your device or OS.
The old Stream Deck Store is no longer the download destination: Elgato says it closed in April 2024 and was replaced by Marketplace. See Elgato’s plugin download guide and its Store transition notice.
Choose based on what you actually use
- Start with the live production task. For OBS scene, source, recording, or audio control, choose OBS Studio. For Twitch channel management, choose Twitch.
- Verify dependencies. Twitch actions require a linked Twitch account. The Spotify Integration listing specifies Spotify Premium and Windows. The general Marketplace guide says its described workflow requires a Marketplace account.
- Match hardware and OS. Check the live listing for operating system, dial support, and supported products—especially for lighting integrations.
- Add only relevant integrations. Discord, music, and lighting controls are worthwhile only if those services or devices are already part of your setup.
Elgato’s Marketplace Connect for OBS is a separate, broader workflow if you want to sign into Marketplace, select a scene collection, install its assets, and then load it in OBS. It is not an individual Stream Deck plugin recommendation.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Keeping a YouTube stream live is a different job
Stream Deck plugins control software and channel actions from a physical controller; they are not themselves a cloud service for continuously playing prerecorded video. If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live around the clock using uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or make a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It runs from the cloud, so your computer does not have to stay on.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is for uploaded videos on YouTube, not camera-based live broadcasting or streaming to other platforms. It loops your upload or playlist from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Every quality up to 4K 60fps is streamed as uploaded at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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