March 2023
DJ Controllers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of DJ Controller rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2023.
Summary
Between 6 Mar 2023 and 7 Mar 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 95 DJ Controller endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
55 DJ Controllers were endorsed in total, only 25 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 7 Mar 2023, Traktor Kontrol S2 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed dj controller with 6 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 dj controller' this month. It is followed by Pioneer DDJ-1000 and Pioneer DDJ-400 , with 3 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Pioneer:
16 DJ Controllers
(#1 is Pioneer DDJ SZ2 )
-
Numark:
8 DJ Controllers
(#1 is Numark Dj2Go2 )
-
Native Instruments:
7 DJ Controllers
(#1 is Native Instruments Kontrol S3 )
-
Roland:
4 DJ Controllers
(#1 is Roland DJ-707M )
-
Pioneer DJ:
4 DJ Controllers
(#1 is Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR )
Price breakdown
At a glance - March 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | DJ Controller |
Consordini
|
Passionate DJ
|
LandR
|
DJ Tech Reviews
|
Prime Sound
|
MSpot
|
Music Critic
|
Equipboard
|
Home DJ Studio
|
Music Radar
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $335 |
Traktor Kontrol S2
|
1
|
12
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
|
2
|
- | $1899 |
Pioneer DDJ-1000
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Pioneer DDJ-400
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
4
|
- | $700 |
Pioneer DDJ-SB3
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
5
|
- | $998 |
Native Instruments S4 Mk3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
13
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | $3898 |
Pioneer XDJ-RX2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
11
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
+2 | $214 |
Numark Party Mix
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
-1 | $90 |
Hercules Starlight
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
-1 | Check price |
Native Instruments S2 MK2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $299 |
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $300 |
Roland DJ-202
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $270 |
Pioneer DDJ REV1
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
9
|
|
14
|
- | Check price |
Reloop Mixon-4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|
15
|
- | Check price |
Pioneer DDJ-RZ
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Native Instruments S4 MK2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | Check price |
Gemini G4V
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | Check price |
Native Traktor Kontrol S8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | Check price |
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $950 |
Pioneer DDJ-800
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | $739 |
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
- | $1025 |
Roland DJ-505
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
23
|
- | Check price |
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
24
|
- | $2890 |
Denon DJ Prime 4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
25
|
- | $219 |
Native Instruments Traktor X1 MKII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | DJ Controller |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | $89.99 | Hercules Starlight [buy] [more info] |
| #23 | $214.48 | Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $214.49 | Numark Party Mix [buy] [more info] |
| #25 | $219 | Native Instruments Traktor X1 MKII [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $269.98 | Pioneer DDJ REV1 [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $299 | Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $299.90 | Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $299.99 | Roland DJ-202 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $335 | Traktor Kontrol S2 [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $348 | Native Instruments S2 MK2 [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $499.99 | Native Instruments S4 MK2 [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $700 | Pioneer DDJ-SB3 [buy] [more info] |
| #21 | $739 | Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $949.99 | Pioneer DDJ-800 [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $998.21 | Native Instruments S4 Mk3 [buy] [more info] |
| #22 | $1025.49 | Roland DJ-505 [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $1199.98 | Native Traktor Kontrol S8 [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $1899 | Pioneer DDJ-1000 [buy] [more info] |
| #24 | $2889.98 | Denon DJ Prime 4 [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $3898 | Pioneer XDJ-RX2 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Traktor Kontrol S2 #1 in March 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Traktor Kontrol S2 as #1.
Consordini
The best DJ controller under $500
|
Pros
Comes with Traktor Pro software.
Plug and play functionality allows you to make music anywhere as long as you have a computer.
Includes generous mixing effects and other useful tools for transitions and beat matching.
|
Cons
Low volume output.
Only has RCA outputs which is a bit outdated.
|
DJ Tech Reviews
Best Budget DJ Controller Option
|
Pros
Excellent compact design
Excellent entry-level price
Very portable
Bigger jog wheels
|
Cons
Exclusive use with NI software
Soundcard isn’t that great
|
Home DJ Studio
Excellent Traktor Controller For Beginners
|
Pros
Solid Build Quality
DJ Software
Portable
Pro Layout
|
Cons
Plastic Knobs
|
Music Radar
A solid budget controller for Traktor,with iOS compatibility
|
Pros
Laptop and iOS compatible
Compact and affordable
Well-built
|
Cons
Just two decks with no extra inputs
|
We ranked Pioneer DDJ-1000 #2 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Pioneer DDJ-1000 as #1.
DJ Tech Reviews
Best DJ Controller Option
|
Pros
Advanced performance
Wide range of effects
Large jog wheels
HD screens included
New beat FX feature
|
Cons
Complicated set-up
Not the smoothest jog wheel
Very heavy
|
Music Radar
Pro-level rekordbox control with a CDJ feel
|
Pros
Large jog wheels with HD screens
DJM-900 inspired mixer section
Updated Magvel crossfader
|
Cons
Significant size/weight footprint
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend DJ Controllers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of DJ Controllers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for March 2023 ranking
Consordini
Passionate DJ
LandR
DJ Tech Reviews
Prime Sound
MSpot
Music Critic
Equipboard
Home DJ Studio
Music Radar
We ranked Pioneer DDJ-400 #3 in March 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Consordini
Perfect for absolute beginners
|
Pros
Controller is set up more professionally so that you feel comfortable when you upgrade.
Durable enough to take on the road.
Comes with rekordbox DJ software.
|
Cons
Not suitable for those who are not absolute beginners.
Not compatible with software other than rekordbox DJ.
|
DJ Tech Reviews
Best DJ Controllers Under $500 (Affordable)
|
Pros
Professional looping section included
Incredibly good build quality
Reasonable pricing and good portability
Responsive performance pad section
|
Cons
Looping section can be complex for beginners
Plastic throughout
|
Music Radar
The best affordable rekordbox controller
|
Pros
CDJ-style layout
Easy-access loop controls
Great value
|
Cons
Lacks deeper effects control
|
We ranked Pioneer DDJ-SB3 #4 in March 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
Best DJ Controllers Under $500 (Affordable)
|
Pros
Helps with learning how to scratch
Lightweight design
Plug and play
Amazing value
|
Cons
Bit too simplistic
Only comes with Serato Lite
|
Music Radar
New to DJing? This is the best Serato controller for you
|
Pros
Pad scratch function
Bundled with Serato DJ Lite
|
Cons
Small pitch faders
|
We ranked Native Instruments S4 Mk3 #5 in March 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
Best DJ Controller for Traktor
|
Pros
Excellent performance with fantastic features throughout
Feels very solid and reliable – great for pros
Easy enough to understand that beginners can enjoy it too
A dedicated section for remixing decks
|
Cons
No curve/reverse linefader functions
Only one effect per module
Plastic rotary knobs
|
Music Radar
Flagship Traktor controller with ‘haptic’ jogwheels
|
Pros
Innovative haptic jog wheels
Tight Traktor 3 integration
Flexible selection of analogue I/O
|
Cons
Users of previous versions may feel a little lost
|
We ranked Pioneer XDJ-RX2 #6 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pioneer XDJ-RX2 as #1.
DJ Tech Reviews
Best Standalone DJ System
|
Pros
Fantastic and highly durable built quality
8 performance pads per deck for high-level control
Excellent jog wheels that feel fantastic to use
Large touchscreen for easier control
Pro DJ features included
|
Cons
Quite bulky – so harder to transport
The touchscreen can be a little problematic to use at times
|
We ranked Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 #7 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 as #1.
Music Critic
Our Recommendation
|
Pros
Comes with all of the same features as the famous Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB in addition to new professional features like trim pots, level meters, pad trans effect etc.
Easy to use
USB powered
It's a compact controller that can fit in the smallest of DJ setups and is extremely portable
|
We ranked Numark Party Mix #8 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Numark Party Mix as #1.
Consordini
The best beginner DJ controller for around $100
|
Pros
Optional light show feature.
Pad Mode for extensive looping.
Automatic beat syncing.
|
Cons
Loading performance pad files can be difficult.
Pitch sliders are not as precise as a deck.
Not ideal for those with epilepsy or other similar issues due to the light show feature.
|
We ranked Hercules Starlight #9 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hercules Starlight as #1.
We ranked Native Instruments S2 MK2 #10 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Native Instruments S2 MK2 as #1.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Comes with plug-and-play support for hands-on control with iPhone and iPad. Great for mobile DJ use.
High-resolution cueing and scratching. Comes equipped with silicone-damped jog wheels with aluminum top plates.
Can be played with a desktop, laptop, iPhone or iPad.
|
We ranked Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 #11 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 as #1.
Home DJ Studio
The Best DJ Controller For Beginners
|
Pros
Professional Layout
Detailed FX Controls
Software Selection
Modern Styling
|
Cons
Lacks Balanced Outputs
|
We ranked Roland DJ-202 #12 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Consordini
Impressive features for DJing anywhere
|
Pros
Solid construction with handles for transport.
Mic inputs for performing.
Large selection of drum kits for on the fly creation.
|
Cons
Drivers can be difficult to set up on your computer.
A bit too lightweight.
|
Home DJ Studio
Great Choice For Creative DJs
|
Pros
Built-In Drum Machine
Responsive Jog wheels
4 Channel DJ Controller
Midi Out
|
Cons
Flimsy Feeling Build Quality
|
We ranked Pioneer DDJ REV1 #13 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Home DJ Studio
Entry-Level Battle Style Serato Controller
|
Pros
Big Jogwheels
Affordable Serato Controller
4 Channels Available
Battle Style Layout
|
Cons
Intro Software
|
Music Radar
The best budget controller for scratch DJs
|
Pros
Decent scratch capabilities at a low price
Battle config and DJM-style layout
Decent crop of performance pads
|
Cons
No software license included
|
We ranked Reloop Mixon-4 #14 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Industry-first hybrid designed to work with djay Pro and Serato DJ software
Capable of supporting multi-platforms such as IOS, Android, PC, and Mac
Comes with multiple inputs and outputs
|
Music Radar
The best iOS and Android DJ controller
|
Pros
Multi-platform support
Plug and play with djay PRO and Serato DJ Pro
Integrated docking station can hold an iPad Pro
|
Cons
Mic input not XLR
|
We ranked Pioneer DDJ-RZ #15 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
|
Pros
Sturdy build with intuitive layout
Excellent range of high-level features
Double USB inputs
Rekordbox DJ licensing included
|
Cons
Huge and heavy, so not great for transport
Only works with Rekordbox DJ
|
We ranked Native Instruments S4 MK2 #16 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
4-deck product specifically designed to work with TRAKTOR DJ software.
The look, feel and the visual feedback of this unit have been upgraded from previous models.
Plug-and-play, with TRAKTOR DJ for iPhone and iPad.
|
We ranked Gemini G4V #17 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
We ranked Native Traktor Kontrol S8 #18 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
|
Pros
Incredible high-quality performance
MIDI connectivity and Stems compatibility
Easy enough to transport
Fantastic range of analogue inputs and outputs
Fun to use
|
Cons
No Jog wheels included
No pitch faders
|
We ranked Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX #19 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Home DJ Studio
Best Beginner DJ Controller With Screens
|
Pros
Long Pitch Faders
Screens on Jog wheels
Soundcard
4 Deck Mixing
|
Cons
Appearance
|
We ranked Pioneer DDJ-800 #20 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
Best DJ Controllers Under $1000 (Mid-Range)
|
Pros
Compact design
Professional inputs and outputs
LCD screen with a feature-rich mixer
|
Cons
Only two channels
Effects only work with the Rekordbox DJ tech
|
We ranked Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 #21 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
Best DJ Controllers Under $1000 (Mid-Range)
|
Pros
Multiple connections so you can link to a professional PA system
Lightweight and portable design
Large jog wheels included
Fantastic range of integral controls
Plug and play performance
|
Cons
Small pitch fader
Lots of knobs and buttons make the interface cluttered
|
We ranked Roland DJ-505 #22 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Music Radar
A Serato controller with classic drum sounds onboard
|
Pros
Plug-and-play setup
Easy to use
Quality built-in sounds
|
Cons
Looks a little garish
|
We ranked Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 #23 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Consordini
A fantastic all-in-one controller
|
Pros
Extremely realistic feeling platters with pitch control.
16 pads for launching loops and going between hot cues.
Precision crossfader for seamless mixing.
|
Cons
Platters don’t move as smoothly as original vinyl records do.
Lack of individual gain control for the decks.
|
We ranked Denon DJ Prime 4 #24 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
Best Standalone DJ System
|
Pros
Beautiful design
Excellent beat and loop controls
Pitch feels smooth and amazing
Plug and play
Easy to use
|
Cons
Jog wheels feel very loose
Screen layout is a bit cluttered
Lack of buttons
|
We ranked Native Instruments Traktor X1 MKII #25 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
DJ Tech Reviews
Bonus Alternative
|
Pros
Great for tactile control of multiple effects with various FX units
Touch-sensitive knobs for extensive access to a range of performance components
Multi-purpose touch strip for loops and FX
Very small and portable
|
Cons
No Jogwheels included
Doesn’t feel like a full DJ setup
|
Music Radar
The best add-on Traktor controller
|
Pros
Assignable touch strip
LEDs and digital readouts
|
Cons
No included software
|