Not only the controller itself, but software is also another tough one to pick. They seem to do the same job but some controllers have more advanced features and capabilities for their users. Full version software or the intro ? 2-deck or 4-deck play ? Video mixing options or not ? All here to find an answer for.
- I would personally focus on the controller rather than the software if I were out to shop for one. I’d care about the size and the audio output features of the device just because it directly affects my DJ’ing quality and skills. Especially the size of your DJ controller is absolutely relevant to the options and functions it carries on board.
- Audio output connections determine how and where you can use your controller. If it is an entry-level device and has no audio card or sound out, this means it is not meant to be used for professional DJing. Why am I telling you this ? because you need to decide if DJing is only a hobby for you or a possible future professional achievement.
Nobody wants to waste money on something they wouldn’t need six months down the road. It’s always better to spend a bit more now then throwing it in garbage later on.
- Keep in mind that most DJ controllers come as MIDI devices and can be used with other software too. No need to get stuck with the one coming out of the box. You can always switch to your other favorite software. Of course, there are some exceptions 🙂 The most popular software brands in the market today are Serato, Virtual DJ and Traktor. I also would like to mention two brand-specific software too; Pioneer’s Rekordbox and Denon’s Engine Prime.
Some DJ controllers by Pioneer and Denon are built to operate only on their respective software which I wrote above. You may see some of them in our lists later in this article.
- One thing I should warn you about … Once you get used to a certain DJ software, it might be hard to switch later on. It doesn’t mean they are totally different, but it just becomes a DJ habit. The way you organize and display your music library, the layout of the software, even the integration between software and your DJ controller. You get accustomed to all that stuff. When you flip the switch and jump onto the other, the chances are that you won’t like it.
- So, my personal thought and recommendation for the software is Serato. Other DJs may prefer different ones. The reason I choose Serato is that the software is more commonly and widely used with new models. When you buy a new DJ controller in the future, there will probably be Serato on it 🙂
Without further ado, let’s start listing the best DJ controllers of the year 2017 for beginners, mid grade and pro-level users with their ups / downs and review / price information.
2017 Best Pro-Grade DJ Controllers ($1000 And Up)
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Pioneer DDJ-RZX
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Pioneer DDJ-SZ2
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Numark NS7III
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Denon DJ MCX8000
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Traktor Kontrol S8
Pioneer DDJ-RZX
- 4-Channel multimedia controller
- 37.2 inches width / 35 lbs weight
- 7 inch built-in coloured touch screens
- Video mixing features
- Stream live footage from main deck
- Dual USB ports for two separate laptops
- Simulates CDJ / DJM setup and functionality
UP
- Best and most advanced DJ controller in the market
- All features you’d ever want included
- Video mixing capabilities
- Colored touch screens eliminate the need of your laptop
- You can connect and run two computers at the same time
- Real Professional grade, gives the feeling of CDJ / DJM setup
DOWN
- Heavy, large and expensive
- Not easy to carry around
- Still need the laptop to DJ
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Pioneer DDJ-SZ2
- 4-Channel Premium Serato DJ controller
- CDJ / DJM size and functionality
- Pro-grade Serato software packs included in the box
- Dual USB ports for simultaneous DJ playback
- Complete audio output ports
UP
- Pioneer’s best flagship Serato controller
- Ideal for professional club and mobile DJ setup
- Ability to handle dual DJ connection
- Dedicated controls on board for Serato DJ functions
- Premium FX features
- Magvel faders
DOWN
- Still large and heavy for individual use
- May not be compatible with other software
- Pricey
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Numark NS7III
- The only DJ controller with motorized platters giving you the real vinyl feeling
- 3 full color LCD screens
- Connection for 4 different audio sources
- Hi – Low torque switch for jog wheels
- Real-time feedback of Serato DJ on controller screens
- 4-deck play / 4-channel audio mixer
- Touch activated knobs
UP
- The best and ideal DJ controller for scratch lovers
- Closest digital DJ control device to the real turntable functionality
- Perfect for club use
- Gives you the freedom of tucking the laptop away
- Comes with the full Serato DJ Pro package
DOWN
- Heavy, heavy, heavy (31.57 lbs)
- Difficult to carry
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Denon MCX8000
- Best value with features and functions for your money
- Your choice : USB inputs for stand-alone playback or Serato DJ via laptop
- Built-in screens for software display
- Switchable 4-deck on-board play feature
- Perfect for mobile DJ use
- Full audio output connections
- Ability to control lighting and video
- Serato DVS upgrade ready
UP
- My favorite brand and model
- You can use it without your laptop
- Dual software compatibility (Engine and Serato – both included)
- Best option for both professional and home use
- Light weight
- Best audio output quality
- Seamless dual DJ playback possible
- Standalone mixer
- Key filtering for harmonic mixing
DOWN
- None
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Traktor Kontrol S8
- Native Instruments flagship 4-channel DJ controller
- Stems technology ready
- Stand-alone mixer
- Traktor Scratch Pro 2 software included
- Touch sensitive controls
- High resolution deck displays
- 8 performance pads on each deck
- Full control of Stems on board
UP
- Real professional grade DJ controller
- Including features you can hardly find on other brands
- Ability to connect with other software using Ableton Link
- Advantage of integrating Stems to your DJ performance
DOWN
- No jog wheels, might be hard to get used to
- Large in size, although not too heavy
- Compatible with other software but color displays only work with Traktor software
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2017 Best Mid-Level DJ Controllers ($ 500-1000)
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Numark NVII
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Denon MC7000
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Reloop Terminal Mix 8
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Pioneer DDJ-SX2
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Traktor Kontrol S5
Numark NVII
- One of Numark’s newest controllers for Serato DJ
- 4-deck play with 4-channel mixer
- 4.3 inch full-color screens for each deck
- Zone / booth / balanced XLR audio outputs
- 10 pad modes for loop, hot cue and sample
- High quality built and parts
UP
- Great value for its features and functions
- Put the laptop away, you have built-in screens
- Light, only 7 lbs
- Suitable for professional use
- Ability to control 4 decks on board
- AUX input for external audio source
DOWN
- Still need the computer to perform, no stand-alone use
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Denon DJ MC7000
- One of Denon’s best DJ controllers on the market today
- Stand-alone digital mixer section
- 2 USB inputs for dual DJ performance at the same time
- 2 MIC / 4 RCA audio inputs
- FLIP / PITCH PLAY modes
- 4-Deck play feature on board
- DC powered
- 8 performance pads on each deck
- Split Cue function
- Serato DVS compatible
UP
- Absolute Denon quality
- Best value for your money
- Considerably light, around 15 lbs
- Ideal for beginner, mid level and pro use
- Would last a long time with its quality
- 3 Serato expansion packs included in your purchase
- Everything full-size on this DJ controller
DOWN
- No stand-alone play feature (Engine software) like its big brother MCX8000
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Reloop Terminal Mix 8
- 4-Deck Serato DJ controller
- High resolution large jog wheels
- Serato DJ full version included
- Advanced mixer and deck controls
- Full-size 100 mm pitch sliders
- Balanced audio outputs for professional sound system connection
- Serato DJ SP-6 sampler
UP
- Rock solid body and build
- Easy to carry, 11.6 lbs
- MIDI compatible with every software
- Full version software comes in the box
- Very competitive price for its features
DOWN
- No individual LED volume meters for channels
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Pioneer DDJ-SX2
- 4-Channel native Serato DJ controller
- Serato DVS upgrade ready
- Also controllable with Pioneer’s Rekordbox software
- Manual filters assigned to each channel
- Stand-alone mixer section
- Full audio output ports for professional use
- CDJ / DJM setup, layout and feeling
- 26.1 inches wide / 12.7 lbs weight
- DC adapter powered
UP
- Well known Pioneer quality of build and parts
- Total professional grade DJ controller
- Can be connected to external devices like CD players or turntables
- No need to have laptop or software for the mixer section with external connections
- upgradeable to play and mix videos
DOWN
- Not too easy to carry around, relatively big sized
- Little pricey compared to others in the same class
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Traktor Kontrol S5
- Professional 4-channel DJ controller
- Built-in high-resolution displays for real-time software visualization
- Stems ready
- Touch sensitive knobs
- Touch strips replace jog wheels
- 16 color coded performance pads
- Traktor Pro 2 software included
- Stand-alone AUX channel
UP
- Native Instruments quality product
- On board color screens for each deck
- MIDI compatible with any other software
- Ability to integrate STEMS into your performance
- Portable, easy to carry
- Comes with full version of Traktor software
DOWN
- No jog wheels / unusual for conventional DJs
- Built-in screens only display Traktor software
- No stand-alone mixer function
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2017 Best Beginner Level DJ Controllers ($200-500)
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Denon MC4000
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Numark Mixtrack Platinum
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Pioneer DDJ-SB2
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Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2
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Gemini G4V
Denon MC4000
- Best premium quality DJ controller you can buy for under $500
- 2-Deck control, 2-Channel mixer section
- 24-Bit audio output
- Full size 100 mm pitch sliders
- Advanced MIC input controls
- Durable and long-lasting steel construction
- Pro grade connection ports to sound systems
UP
- Definitely the best value for your money in this category
- Very high quality build and parts
- Easy to carry (8.95 lbs / 4.06 kg)
- Compatible with other software (Traktor 2, Algoriddim djay Pro and Virtual DJ 8)
- AUX input for external audio
- Balanced outputs for main and booth
- User upgradeable to Serato DJ
DOWN
- No stand-alone mixer section
- No full version software included
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Numark Mixtrack Platinum
- One of the best-selling beginner level DJ controllers
- Multi-function LCD displays on each jog wheel
- 4-Deck Play function
- Touch strip for FX and search controls
- 100 mm pitch faders
- 8 performance pads on each deck
- Prime Loops remix tool kit included
- Comes with Serato DJ Intro
- Built-in 24-Bit audio interface
UP
- Numark quality, one of the most popular products of the brand
- Pro-grade features and functions for such a competitive price
- Jog wheel displays make DJ’s life easier
- Light and easy to carry
- User friendly layout
DOWN
- Limited audio output ports
- No full version software included
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Pioneer DDJ-SB2
- 2-Deck Serato DJ controller
- 4-Deck control capability with software upgrade
- 3-Band EQ and trim knobs on each channel
- Filter Fade feature
- Manual filter controls
- Can also be used with Rekordbox software
- MIDI assignable via USB
- Very light (4.63 lbs – 2.1 kg)
UP
- Pioneer quality of build and parts
- Ideal for beginners and bedroom DJs
- Ultra easy to carry
DOWN
- Not really suitable for professional use
- Small in size compared to its competitors
- Very short-range pitch sliders
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Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2
- 2-Deck DJ controller
- Simple design and layout
- For Mac / PC and IOS devices
- Sturdy, durable frame and parts
- Color coded RGB buttons
- High quality sound card onboard
- Dual main outputs (balanced / unbalanced)
UP
- Compact and light
- iOS ready, plug and play with your iPhone or iPad
- Connectable to big sound systems via balanced output
- Gain controls on each channel
- Good choice for beginner DJs
DOWN
- Little more expensive than others in the same class
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Gemini G4V
- Real 4-Channel / 4-Deck DJ controller
- Full size control buttons and knobs
- Metal enclosure
- 16 performance pads
- Separate Main / Channel volume meters
- RCA / XLR (balanced) and Booth outputs
- Touch sensitive jog wheels
- Virtual DJ software included
UP
- Most pro-grade features with the lowest price tag
- Solid metal construction
- Can be used by both beginner and pro DJs
- AUX line input for external audio
- Large jog wheels for convenient DJ control
- Advanced FX and performance section
DOWN
- Clicky buttons
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