The Best DJ Controllers
We compared seven DJ controllers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and feature sets. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is our top pick for its smart features and user-friendly design.
Updated
The bottom line
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is our top pick for a DJ controller, thanks to its smart mixing tools and compatibility with popular streaming services. It's priced at $329 and has a 4.6/5 rating from 2715 owners. The AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 is a close runner-up at $169.99, with similar smart features in a more compact design. For those on a budget, the Numark Party Mix III at $149 offers a fun, beginner-friendly experience with a built-in light show. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10, despite its high price of $1769.99, doesn't offer enough advantages over the DDJ-FLX4 to justify its cost, especially given the reported customer service issues.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 $329.00
Smart features and user-friendly design
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4, priced at $329, is praised for its smart mixing tools and compatibility with streaming services. It has a 4.6/5 rating from 2715 owners. Advanced DJs may find it limiting for complex techniques.
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AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 DJ Controller $169.99
Compact design with smart features
The AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2, at $169.99, is a portable, beginner-friendly option with smart fader technology. It has a 4.4/5 rating from 477 owners. Some may prefer more advanced features.
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Numark Party Mix III $149.00
Affordable fun with built-in light show
The Numark Party Mix III, priced at $149, is a fun, beginner-friendly controller with a built-in light show. It has a 4.4/5 rating from 93 owners. Bluetooth connectivity may limit audio output options.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 Best for smart features and ease of use. 9.0/10 $329.00 Amazon
- AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 DJ Controller Great for beginners seeking portability and smart features. 8.0/10 $169.99 Amazon
- Numark Party Mix III Good for budget-conscious beginners. 7.0/10 $149.00 Amazon
- Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Compact DJ Controller Decent for portable, small studio setups. 6.0/10 $19.99 Amazon
- Numark MixTrack Go Suitable for portable, on-the-go DJing. 6.0/10 $99.00 Amazon
- DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-Channel DJ Controller Bundle Expensive bundle with limited additional value. 5.0/10 $399.99 Amazon
- DJ DDJ-FLX10 4-Channel Professional DJ Controller Bundle with Laptop Stand, Headphones, and Polishing Cloth Overpriced with reported customer service issues. 4.0/10 $1769.99 Amazon
Who should buy which
Beginners and intermediate DJs will find the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 and AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 to be excellent choices due to their smart features and user-friendly designs. Advanced DJs looking for more control and features may find these options limiting. The Numark Party Mix III is suitable for those on a budget or seeking a fun, portable option for casual use. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10, despite its high price, doesn't offer enough advantages to justify the cost for most users.
Owner complaints
Some owners of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 and Numark Party Mix III have reported limitations for advanced techniques and Bluetooth connectivity issues, respectively. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 has received negative feedback regarding customer service and technical glitches during gigs.
Also-rans
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch and Numark MixTrack Go, while receiving positive reviews, don't offer enough unique features or advantages to earn a pick role. The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is limited in controls, and the Numark MixTrack Go has reported software recognition issues.