Best DJ Controllers Under 0 (Updated Aug 2022)

The landscape of DJing has changed pretty drastically in the last couple of years. Turntables – yep, they’re still in the game for vinyl diehards and scratchers, CDJs – awesome but incredibly expensive and inflexible. Laptop DJing? Fine for house parties but it’s no serious solution.

That leaves the DJ controller. The DJ controller offers power, expandability, portability, value and flexibility, providing both highly experienced DJs and newcomers an awesome all-in-one solution for both amateur and pro DJing.

In this guide, we’ll check out the very best DJ controllers available for under $500. The standards have risen sharply and manufacturers like Numark, Native Instruments and Pioneer are now offering extraordinary bits of kit at affordable prices.

Name	Bundled Software
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2	Traktor Pro 2 with Remix Decks	PRICING
Pioneer DDJ-SB3	Serato DJ Lite	PRICING
Denon MC4000	Serato DJ Intro	PRICING
Roland DJ-202	Serato DJ Pro	PRICING
Numark Mixtrack Platinum	Serato DJ Intro	PRICING

Things to Consider before Choosing a DJ Controller

Before you check out the best DJ controllers for under $500, it’s important to consider their other half: software. A DJ controller is nothing without its accompanying software!

After all, a DJ controller is a controller – a controller of software.

DJ Software

The vast majority of controllers connect to DJ software installed on a PC or laptop. A DJ controller is essentially a MIDI controller – a hardware device which controls computer software.

Over time, the manufacturers of controllers have switched between different softwares and as a result, things have gotten pretty confusing!

For example, Pioneer was partnered with Serato but they now use their own software named Rekordbox. Still, some Pioneer controllers continue to use Serato, as do Numark controllers.

Traktor is used exclusively by Native Instruments.

Some DJs continue to use the aging Virtual DJ because it’s simple and just works.

Whilst every controller comes with bundled software to get you up and running ASAP, you’re not locked into using that software forever.

At its core, a DJ controller is a mappable USB device. It’s possible to map your DJ controller to any DJ software. For example, people have mapped both Numark and Pioneer controllers to Traktor – it’s tricky to do yourself, custom mappings are available for download online.

For the most part, though, you’ll be sticking to the software bundled with your controller. It will work out of the box with minimal hassle or fiddling.

Traktor

Traktor is the default software included for any controller manufactured by Native Instruments.

Traktor’s Remix Deck feature allows for the cutting, sampling and arrangement of loops and samples. A remix deck takes the place of a track deck within the Traktor software and with 64 slots, it provides DJs with a powerful method of creating live performances and routines. Remix decks are controllable with a controller’s built in pads, or with a Kontrol F1 pad.

Traktor’s market dominance has been challenged, though it’s probably still the best software for producers thanks to STEMs, Remix Decks and integration with other Native Instrument’s gear like Maschine.

Serato

A version of Serato comes bundled with most controllers not manufactured by Native Instruments. In the end, Serato and Traktor are incredibly similar in function but they look very different, particularly as Serato displays waveforms vertically alongside each other by default.

Serato now has a large library of loops and samples available for easy download within the software. These are easily integrated into Serato’s sampler. Serato allows for pitch-shifting to different keys without changing the BPM of the track, which is something Traktor doesn’t offer. Serato also offers built-in video DJing software, named Serato Video.

Serato has had its ups and downs but it’s still bundled with lots of controllers and it does its job perfectly. It looks like it’s here for good and it’s latest update, Serato DJ Pro, brings in tons of up-to-date features that look to serve DJs for years to come.

RekordBox

Pioneer now primarily use RekordBox, the new DJ software kid on the block, for their DJ controllers (those bundled with Serato are fully compatible). RekordBox began as more of a music-management software for CDJs but RekordBox DJ now provides the same capabilities as Serato and Traktor, optimised for Pioneer devices.

Rekordbox isn’t devoid of cool and innovative features but it’s mostly known for its bulletproof stability and performance. Aside from that, it does everything any other DJ software does and includes unique features like ‘Keyboard Mode’ which allows you to play cue-points as notes using performance pads.

RekordBox has gone from strength to strength and the general consensus is that it will become the number one DJ software through 2018 onwards. It’s especially useful thanks to its full integration with Pioneer CDJs.

So which one do I choose?!

It depends on your personal preferences.

If you’re a producer who is familiar with Native Instruments then Traktor may be a sensible choice.
If you’re used to CDJs then RekordBox provides power, familiarity and flexibility.
If you just want to mix out-of-the box with bundles software then Serato will serve your every need and more.

One thing is for sure – you can’t really go wrong with any of them.

All 3 will allow you to mix and blend tracks with the service of many extra features and FX.

Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2

Manufactured by Native Instruments, the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 was their flagship mid-level controller for a long time before the release of the pricier MK3 and it remains one of the best DJ controllers for under $500.

At its core, this is a 4-channel DJ controller which runs with Traktor. With 4 channels, you could connect two external turntables and run them with timecodes, or simply run them as standalone decks by connecting them as live inputs. These days, few controllers offer the ability to do this.

The Kontrol S4 looks beautiful with RGB buttons, aluminum jog wheels and Native Instrument’s signature faders and rotary controls.

Standard 3-band EQs are combined with high/low-pass filter controls and a multitude of FX send. You can control a multitude of FX in combination with each other which opens a wide range of sonic possibilities.

The Traktor Kontrol S4 lives up to its billing as a controller for producers – Traktor’s unique Remix Decks team with the controller’s loop recorder for on-the-fly improvisation and sound design.

With the loop recorder, you can layer multiple loops and use FX to create extremely long and dramatic build-ups. The loop recorder also allows you to record the master output for easy mix recording. Further to that, you can record audio from the mic input and instantly pass that to a remix deck, a feature which has seen some awesome uses amongst beatboxers.

Pros

The best controller for under $500 for those looking for a Traktor setup
4 channels allow for connection of 2 external decks
Integrates with Traktor loop recording and remix deck features

Cons

Lacks touch-sensitive pads for triggering loops and samples

Pioneer DDJ-SB3

Pioneer has always been at the forefront of DJ gear manufacturing and when the time came for them to enter the DJ controller fray, they didn’t disappoint.

Pioneer gear has a reputation for being expensive but this DJ controller seems to buck the trend. At the price, you don’t just get a super-basic 2 channel DJ controller, you get a very well-built controller with some extra innovative features like Pad Scratch.

The controller’s build quality is evidently Pioneer – it’s intuitively laid out, neither too cramped nor too spacious and dispersed.

The Pioneer DDJ-SB3 comes bundled with Serato Lite which can be upgraded to the latest Serato DJ Pro, for which the controller is fully compatible out-of-the-box. It will also seamlessly integrate with RekordBox DJ.

The Pioneer DDJ-SB3 is pretty straightforward but it does have some extra features that separate it from cheaper budget controllers like the Numark Mixtrack. The 8 assignable pads below each deck allow you to control FX, beat jump, a basic sampler and Pad Scratch.

Designed with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Pad Scratch allows you to scratch without actually using the deck, and it syncs to the BPM of the track!

Pros

Cheap for Pioneer
8 powerful assignable pads below each deck
Pad Scratch isa cool bonus feature

Cons

Need to upgrade software to get the most out of the controller

Denon MC4000

Denon has built a reputation for offering high-quality gear at lower prices than the likes of Pioneer and Native Instruments. That said, this controller is reasonably expensive for just two channels.

For the price, what you do get is a studio quality 24-bit output which provides noticeably superior audio quality to some controllers in the price range. This is the controller’s main talking point. Also, because Denon isn’t partnered with any software, this controller is compatible with Serato, Traktor or Virtual DJ.

Serato Lite comes with the controller but ultimately, you can pick and choose your DJ software – you even download free trials for all 3 and see which one you like best before making a final decision.

The build quality of the MC4000 is superb, featuring long-throw 100mm pitch faders, a robust metal chassis, an intuitive layout and large metal turntables. It’s clearly designed for pro club use, hence the inclusion of a high quality club-ready output.

Another key addition which separates this from other 2-channel controllers is the triple FX bank, allowing for intricate control of individual FX parameters. Completed with 4 touch-sensitive pads for triggering loops and samples, the MC-4000 provides enough functions to execute some complex DJ routines.

Pros

High-grade audio interface
A bit more spacious than other controllers

Cons

Just two channels for the price

Roland DJ-202

At its core, the DJ-202 is a compact 2-channel mixer with a smaller footprint than other controllers in this review.

Its compact form packs in more features than almost any other controller at this price and though it might be too cramped for some, it undoubtedly offers something special for traveling and touring DJs.

Roland are perhaps most well known for their TR-808 and 909 drum machines and with this DJ controller, Roland provides you with a built-in slice of their famous drum sounds via an onboard drum machine.

Roland even packs in their patented ACB (Analogue Circuit Behaviour) technology to give the onboard drum sounds authenticity to the originals.

Combined with Serato’s built-in sampler, this gives the DJ-202 a surprisingly powerful feature-set for live performance. The loop controls are pretty hard to master but once you’re familiar with the triggering and looping of samples, you can creatively layer extra sound with your mixes.

It’s almost too much for such a compact controller but the expandability this offers both experienced DJs and newcomers is pretty awesome!

Pros

Flexible regarding loops and samples with Roland’s built-in drum machine function
Small and compact with a high build quality

Cons

A bit cramped

Numark Mixtrack Platinum

The Numark Mixtrack is probably the best selling DJ controller of all time, bringing the fun and thrill of DJ mixing to the living rooms of thousands worldwide.

Numark’s gear was cheap and plasticy, not ideally suited towards serious DJs, but the Numark Mixtrack Platinum breaks the trend by offering an extremely powerful bit of kit at an extraordinary price.

The Numark Mixtrack is a 4-channel mixer but you can’t connect external decks. You can, however, switch the decks between 4 at the touch of a button, so you can control 4 channels with minimal hassle.

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum’s standout feature is the 1.75” LCD displays at the center of each deck. This is truly awesome, allowing you to check vital information like BPM, platter position, pitch adjustment and playback time remaining without looking away from the controller.

It’s difficult to overstate how great this is for DJs who don’t like constantly switching between their computer and the controller.

It also reduces the chance of mistakes e.g. forgetting to alter BPM or letting a track run out of play time.

These LCD screens are coupled with a touch strip for easy track search and FX control. Some pretty innovative features for the price!

Aside from these cool LCD displays, the Mixtrack Platinum has the bare essentials but lacks any touch sensitive pads for loop and sample control. It has 4-bank FX, 3-band EQ and larger 100mm pitch faders.

The build quality is a bit cheap and the faders aren’t the strongest but for the price, you cannot complain.

Pros

Innovative features separate this from other controllers
Extremely attractive price

Cons

Flimsy build quality

To Sum Up…

All of these controllers offer newcomers and pro DJs everything they need to venture into the realms of DJ controllers fully equipped.

The Traktor Kontrol S4 offers a wealth of creative use for producers looking to bring their tracks onto stage.

The Roland DJ-202 adds Roland drum sounds to live performances.

The Pioneer DDJ-SB3 provides the proven pro-level build quality we’re used to from Pioneer.

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum disrupts the market with its cool and highly useful LCD displays.

The Denon MC4000 provides a pro-level audio output to guarantee awesome sound quality though the biggest sound systems.

Whichever you pick, you won’t be disappointed! Meanwhile, you can also check out some of the best dj controllers under $300 you can currently get.

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