Best Elgato DAW Controllers 2025

Premium Elgato daw controllers - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For DAW Control For Mixing For Automation For Professional Workflow For Studio Efficiency

BRANDS: Elgato SSL Softube Intech Studio DJ Techtools Behringer

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLR

by Elgato

Automation Studio Efficiency Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Expensive professional models

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLRUSB 2 Controller and Sudio Interface8 Customisable LCD buttonsLCD touch bar 108 x 14 mm and 4x...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 599257

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck Studio - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Elgato Stream Deck Studio

by Elgato

DAW Control Automation Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

Elgato Stream Deck StudioControllerWith 32 customisable LCD buttons and 2 continuous rotary knobsIdeal for...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 600716

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck XL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Elgato Stream Deck XL

by Elgato

Studio Efficiency DAW Control Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Hands-on DAW control

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Elgato Stream Deck XLElgato Stream Deck XLUSB 3.0 controller with 32 customisable LCD buttonsIdeal for controlling DAWs...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 467200

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set Gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set Gold

by Elgato

DAW Control Mixing Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for complex controllers
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set GoldUSB 2 Controller8 Customisable LCD buttons4 Additional interchangeable gold-coloured...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594174

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Elgato Stream Deck+

by Elgato

Mixing DAW Control Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Hands-on DAW control

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Elgato Stream Deck+USB 2 ControllerWith 8 customisable LCD keysLCD touch bar 108 x 14 mm and 4 endless dials with push...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 555316

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck MK2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Elgato Stream Deck MK2

by Elgato

Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency Automation

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

Elgato Stream Deck MK2USB 2.0 ControllerWith 15 customizable LCD buttonsIdeal for controlling DAWs via short cut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 532345

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck Pedal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Elgato Stream Deck Pedal

by Elgato

Mixing DAW Control Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Desktop space requirements

Elgato Stream Deck PedalUSB 2.0 Controller With Foot SwitchesPerfect for controlling appstools and platforms such as...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 537966

$98

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best DAW Controllers

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced daw controllers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best Elgato DAW Controllers 2025

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLR

Elgato Stream Deck Studio

Elgato Stream Deck XL

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set Gold

Elgato Stream Deck+

Elgato Stream Deck MK2

Elgato Stream Deck Pedal

How to Choose the Best DAW Controllers

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying daw controllers?

How much should I spend on daw controllers?

Are expensive daw controllers worth the investment?

What are the best brands for daw controllers?

Should I buy daw controllers online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Active Nearfield Monitors

Best USB Audio Interfaces

Best Broadband Acoustic Absorbers

Best Preamps

Best Digital Converters

Best Headphone Amps

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies