For an OBS-based stream, start with Elgato’s free OBS Studio plugin: it puts scene, source, recording, and audio controls on Stream Deck keys and provides real-time key feedback. Add Elgato’s Twitch plugin for channel tasks such as chat, clips, ads, and stream information. Discord, Spotify, and lighting plugins are useful only if they match the apps, subscriptions, and devices you already use.
Best Stream Deck plugins by streaming task
| Your task | Plugin | What it does | Important requirements or limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control an OBS production | Elgato OBS Studio | Controls scenes, sources, recording, and audio; keys provide real-time feedback. Elgato describes it as free and compatible with every Stream Deck model in its lineup. | Elgato lists Stream Deck app 6.9 or newer, Windows 11 or newer, and macOS 13 or newer. |
| Manage Twitch channel actions | Elgato Twitch | Provides button-based channel controls, including chat messages, ads, stream title, chat modes, markers, clips, Shield Mode, dashboard, and category. | Connect a Twitch account in Stream Deck preferences first. Check the current action list before relying on a particular control. |
| Control Discord | Elgato Discord | The Marketplace catalog describes a free plugin with 15 actions. | The catalog summary does not establish the current behavior of every action or compatibility. Check its listing. |
| Control Spotify | BarRaider Spotify Integration | The Marketplace catalog describes Spotify controls with live feedback. | Listed as Windows-only and requiring Spotify Premium; verify current requirements in the listing. |
| Control lighting | Control Center or Philips Hue integration | The Marketplace catalog lists plugins for Elgato lighting and Philips Hue. | Choose according to the lights you own and check which products the specific listing supports. |
Why the OBS plugin is the best starting point
OBS production controls are the most broadly useful place to begin if OBS is where you build your stream. Scene and source changes, recording, and audio are central production tasks, and the plugin’s real-time key feedback makes it easier to see control state at a glance. The official feature description supports this task-based recommendation; it does not establish measured speed, reliability, or audience-growth results.
It is a production-control plugin, not a substitute for channel-management controls. If you need to work with Twitch chat, change channel information, create clips, or use Shield Mode, add the Twitch plugin separately.
What the Twitch plugin adds
Elgato describes the Twitch plugin as direct button-based channel control, so you can manage supported stream actions without leaving your setup. Its support page lists actions including chat messages, ads, stream title, chat modes, markers, clips, Shield Mode, dashboard, and category. Feature availability can change; consult the current Twitch integration support page and plugin listing for the action you plan to use.
The Tool Desk
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- 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.
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- 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.
Before using Twitch actions, add your Twitch account in Stream Deck preferences. The plugin and the OBS plugin serve different jobs: one controls supported channel functions, while the other controls the OBS production.
How to find and install the right plugin
- Open Elgato Marketplace at marketplace.elgato.com and search for the plugin by name or the service you want to control.
- Open the listing and check its supported operating systems, Stream Deck app requirements, account or subscription requirements, and supported actions. For OBS, Elgato currently lists Windows 11 or newer, macOS 13 or newer, and Stream Deck app 6.9 or newer.
- If you use a dial-based Stream Deck, filter Marketplace listings for dial support. Elgato’s installation guide also describes filters for operating system and plugin type, plus sorting by popularity, recency, or alphabetical order.
- Install the plugin through the Marketplace workflow and follow any connection steps it specifies. For Twitch, connect the account in Stream Deck preferences; for Spotify Integration, confirm you meet its stated Windows and Premium requirements.
- Assign only the actions you will actually use, then check that they work with your current apps, accounts, and devices. Revisit the listing if an action or compatibility detail is unclear.
Elgato’s general installation guide describes a Marketplace account as part of its Marketplace workflow and gives a general Stream Deck app baseline of 6.4 or newer. That general baseline is not a replacement for an individual plugin’s requirements: the current OBS plugin listing specifies version 6.9 or newer. See Elgato’s plugin installation guide for the workflow.
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- 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.)
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Marketplace, not the old Stream Deck Store
Use Elgato Marketplace to find plugins. Elgato says the Stream Deck Store closed in April 2024 and was replaced by Marketplace. Its Store transition notice explains the change.
When a scene collection is a better fit
If you want a ready-made OBS scene setup rather than individual Stream Deck controls, Marketplace Connect for OBS is a separate workflow. Elgato describes signing in to Marketplace, choosing a scene collection, installing its assets, and then loading it in OBS. It complements plugin selection; it is not itself the same kind of recommendation as an individual control plugin. See Marketplace Connect for OBS.
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- 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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
A Stream Deck plugin controls your production or channel; it does not keep a pre-recorded YouTube stream running after your streaming computer is off. If you want an uploaded video or playlist to loop as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo runs it from the cloud: upload your video, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and the first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free day.
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.
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