Getting into DJing is one of the most exciting creative decisions you can make — but picking your first controller can feel completely overwhelming. Walk into any music gear store or browse online and you'll find dozens of options, all promising to be "perfect for beginners." Most of them are not wrong, but most of them are also not right for your situation specifically.
A DJ controller is essentially a hardware interface that connects to DJ software on your laptop, letting you mix tracks, adjust EQ, apply effects, and control playback — all without needing expensive turntables or a full professional setup. For beginners, the sweet spot is finding a controller that's intuitive enough to learn on without dumbing things down so much that you outgrow it in three months.
This list cuts through the noise. Whether your budget is tight, you want to play at parties, or you're already serious about making this a real skill, there's a controller here that fits exactly where you are right now.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
Hercules DJControl Starlight
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
Pioneer DJ DDJ-200
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3
Roland DJ-202
Reloop Beatpad 2
Denon DJ SC Live 2
Numark Party Mix II
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
What it is: The DDJ-FLX4 is a two-channel controller from Pioneer DJ – one of the most trusted names in the DJ world. It's compatible with both rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite (with a paid upgrade path to Serato DJ Pro), which gives beginners flexibility in which software ecosystem they want to grow into.
Why it stands out: The layout mirrors what you'd find on professional Pioneer club equipment, which means the muscle memory you build here translates directly to real-world DJ booths. It features built-in sound card, dedicated effect buttons, and a Performance Pads section for hot cues and loops – tools that feel advanced without being confusing.
Best for: Beginners who are serious about learning properly and don't want to buy twice. If you can see yourself DJing at parties, open mics, or eventually clubs, start here.
Key benefits:
Familiar layout that mirrors club-standard CDJ setups
Works with two major software platforms (rekordbox + Serato)
Built-in audio interface – no separate sound card needed
Solid build quality that holds up to regular use
Drawback: At around $250–$280, it's not the cheapest entry point. But given what you get and how long it'll stay useful, it's worth the stretch if your budget allows.
Pro tip: Download rekordbox for free and start organizing your music library before your controller even arrives. It'll save you a lot of confusion on day one.
What it is: The Starlight is a compact, portable two-channel controller from Hercules that runs on DJUCED software, which is included for free. It's genuinely designed for complete beginners – this is about as simple as DJ controllers get without becoming a toy.
Why it stands out: At under $100, it's the most affordable real controller on this list. It also has a built-in soundcard and – notably – LED lighting under the platters that reacts to your music, which sounds gimmicky but actually helps visualize beat matching when you're first learning.
Best for: Anyone who wants to try DJing before committing real money, or someone buying a first controller for a teenager or hobbyist who might not stick with it long-term.
Key benefits:
Genuinely affordable – best entry point by price
Built-in audio interface
DJUCED software is beginner-friendly with a good tutorial system
Small footprint – fits anywhere, easy to take places
Drawback: Limited channel count and features mean you will outgrow this quickly if you get serious. The jog wheels are small and don't feel as responsive as mid-range options. Think of it as a learning tool, not a long-term setup.
What it is: The Mixtrack Pro FX is a two-channel controller from Numark that comes bundled with Serato DJ Lite. It sits comfortably in the $200 range and offers a solid feature set including touch-activated metal jog wheels, a dedicated filter knob per channel, and a full effects panel.
Why it stands out: The build quality feels noticeably more premium than its price suggests. The jog wheels are large, responsive, and metal – a meaningful upgrade over plastic wheels on cheaper controllers. The filter knobs are a great creative tool for beginners learning to create dynamic mixes.
Best for: Beginners who want a step above entry-level without pushing past $220. Also great for anyone who knows they want to use Serato long-term and wants to start in that ecosystem.
Key benefits:
Large, metal, touch-sensitive jog wheels
Per-channel filter knobs for creative mixing
Comes with Serato DJ Lite (upgradeable to Pro)
Well-balanced layout for learning proper DJ technique
Drawback: The built-in sound card is functional but not exceptional. If you're plugging into a PA system for events, you may eventually want an upgrade. Also, Numark's long-term software support doesn't match Pioneer's.
What it is: The DDJ-200 is Pioneer's most accessible entry-level controller. It's lightweight, bus-powered via USB, and compatible with an impressive number of software platforms – rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, WeDJ, djay, and edjing Mix. That cross-platform compatibility is genuinely unusual at this price point (~$150–$180).
Why it stands out: It's the only controller on this list that works seamlessly with smartphone and tablet DJ apps in addition to laptop software, making it ideal for casual setups where you want to DJ from your phone at a house party without lugging a laptop around.
Best for: Social DJs who want flexibility – someone who might DJ at a friend's birthday with a phone one week and use a laptop for a more serious set another time.
Key benefits:
Compatible with more software platforms than any other beginner controller
Works with iPhone, Android, and laptop
Lightweight and easy to transport
Pioneer build quality and layout at a genuinely low price
Drawback: The jog wheels are smaller and less responsive than the DDJ-FLX4, and there's no built-in audio interface for headphone monitoring without additional hardware. It's a stepping-stone controller, not a destination.
What it is: The Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 is Native Instruments' entry into the two-channel controller space. It's tightly integrated with Traktor Pro 3 software and comes bundled with a full license – which alone is worth ~$99. The controller itself features large jog wheels, a high-quality built-in audio interface, and Native Instruments' signature Remix Deck functionality.
Why it stands out: If you know you want to use Traktor (popular in the techno, house, and electronic music scenes), this is the obvious starting point. The hardware/software integration is tighter than most competitors, and the audio interface is genuinely excellent – good enough to use professionally.
Best for: Beginners drawn to electronic music production who might eventually want to bridge DJing and music production. Native Instruments has a deep ecosystem that extends into Maschine, Komplete, and other production tools.
Key benefits:
Comes with a full Traktor Pro 3 license (significant value)
Best-in-class built-in audio interface at this price
Strong integration with the broader NI production ecosystem
Durable build quality
Drawback: Traktor has a steeper learning curve than Serato or rekordbox for most beginners, and the Traktor ecosystem is less club-standard than Pioneer's. If you see yourself playing in clubs, the Pioneer path is safer. Price (~$350) also pushes it toward the upper end of the beginner range.
What it is: The DJ-202 is Roland's two-channel DJ controller with a built-in TR drum machine sequencer. It's a genuine hybrid – you can mix tracks like a normal DJ setup, but you can also trigger and sequence original drum patterns on top of your mix in real time.
Why it stands out: There is genuinely nothing else quite like it in the beginner/mid-range space. The drum machine section uses Roland's TR-REC sequencer – the same technology behind the legendary TR-808 and TR-909 – which makes it a creative powerhouse for producers-turned-DJs or anyone who wants to add live percussion to their sets.
Best for: Producers who want to get into DJing, or DJs interested in adding a live performance element to their mixes. Also a great pick for anyone in the electronic, hip-hop, or house music world.
Key benefits:
Built-in TR drum machine is a genuinely useful creative tool
Works with Serato DJ Lite (included)
Solid build quality with a compact footprint
Unique feature set that grows with you creatively
Drawback: The drum machine learning curve adds complexity that pure beginners may find distracting. If you just want to mix tracks cleanly, simpler controllers serve that goal better.
What it is: The Beatpad 2 is a two-channel controller from Reloop optimized specifically for use with the djay Pro app on iPad. It has a built-in USB hub for charging your device while you play, tactile jog wheels with velocity sensitivity, and dedicated controls for djay Pro's AI features and Automix mode.
Why it stands out: For anyone who prefers the simplicity of an iPad-based setup over a full laptop, this is the cleanest, most polished option available. The djay Pro integration is near-seamless, and the overall setup is minimal – controller, iPad, and you're ready to go.
Best for: Minimalists, mobile DJs, and anyone already deep in the Apple ecosystem who doesn't want to manage a laptop-based DJ setup. Also great for beginners who find laptop software intimidating.
Key benefits:
Best-in-class iPad DJ experience
USB hub built in for device charging during performance
Clean, intuitive layout built around djay Pro's interface
Great build quality for the price (~$200–$230)
Drawback: If you ever want to move to a laptop-based workflow or different software, you'll likely need a new controller. The Beatpad 2 is optimized for djay Pro on iPad and doesn't translate as cleanly to other setups.
What it is: The SC Live 2 is a two-deck, standalone DJ controller from Denon that runs its own operating system – meaning you don't need a laptop at all. It has built-in WiFi, can stream music directly from SoundCloud, TIDAL, and Beatport, and comes with motorized jog wheels.
Why it stands out: It's the most advanced piece of hardware on this list by a wide margin. While it's technically usable as a beginner controller, what makes it worth mentioning is that it's a genuine long-term investment. Beginners who start here will never need to upgrade their hardware – this is what working professionals use.
Best for: Beginners with a larger budget ($1,100–$1,200) who want professional-grade equipment from day one and don't want the cost of replacing gear as they improve. Also ideal for mobile DJs who want a laptop-free setup.
Key benefits:
Fully standalone – no laptop required
Built-in streaming from major music platforms
Motorized jog wheels with real vinyl feel
Professional-grade build and feature set
Drawback: The price is a serious commitment for a beginner who isn't sure they'll stick with DJing. This is a professional tool, and the learning curve reflects that. Start here only if you're genuinely committed.
What it is: The Party Mix II is Numark's entry-level controller aimed squarely at people who want to start DJing with the lowest possible barrier to entry. It comes with Serato DJ Lite, has a built-in light show, and connects directly to speakers via RCA outputs.
Why it stands out: It's one of the most plug-and-play controllers available. Unbox it, connect it to your laptop, download Serato, and you're mixing within 20 minutes. The built-in party light show is a fun bonus for casual house party DJs.
Best for: Total beginners who want to throw parties and have fun mixing – not for anyone aiming toward professional DJing or serious skill development.
Key benefits:
Extremely easy to set up and learn
Built-in light show is genuinely fun for parties
Serato DJ Lite included
Very affordable (~$100)
Drawback: Plastic build, small jog wheels, and limited features mean you'll feel the ceiling quickly if your skills develop. This is a party toy that can teach you the basics – nothing more, nothing less.
What it is: The DDJ-REV1 is Pioneer's battle-style controller, meaning the layout is designed specifically for scratch DJing. The mixer section is centered between the two decks (rather than on one side), the faders are snappy and scratch-friendly, and the overall design is built for hip-hop, turntablism, and battle-style performance.
Why it stands out: Most beginner controllers assume you want to blend electronic music or do smooth transitions. The REV1 is for beginners who want to learn scratching from day one. It comes with Serato DJ Lite and is upgradeable to Serato DJ Pro for battle-specific features like the built-in Scratch Bank.
Best for: Hip-hop DJs, aspiring scratch DJs, and anyone inspired by turntablism who wants a controller that's built around that style from the ground up.
Key benefits:
Battle-style layout designed specifically for scratching
Snappy, scratch-optimized faders and crossfader
Pioneer build quality and layout familiarity
Works with Serato DJ Lite and Pro
Drawback: If your goal is smooth, blended mixing rather than scratching, this layout will feel awkward. The centered mixer section is designed for a specific style – it's not the most intuitive starting point for everyone.
With ten solid options on the table, narrowing it down comes down to a few honest questions:
What's your actual budget? Be real with yourself. If you can stretch to $250, the DDJ-FLX4 is the clear best overall choice. If you're under $150, the DDJ-200 or Hercules Starlight make more sense than a mid-range controller you'll stress over.
What music do you want to play? Hip-hop and scratch styles point toward the DDJ-REV1. Electronic music and production integration points toward the Traktor Kontrol S2 or Roland DJ-202. Everything else – pop, dance, mixed sets – works best with the Pioneer or Numark options.
Where do you plan to use it? Home practice only? Any controller works. Party DJ? Make sure it has RCA outputs to connect to a sound system. Mobile gigs? Prioritize lightweight and laptop-free where possible.
How serious are you? If you're not sure you'll stick with DJing, start with the Hercules Starlight or Numark Party Mix II and see. If you know this is something you're going to commit to, skip the toy-grade options and invest in something you won't outgrow in six months.
Total beginner, tight budget: Hercules DJControl Starlight or Numark Party Mix II
Best overall for serious beginners: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
Best for iPhone/Android flexibility: Pioneer DJ DDJ-200
Best for hip-hop and scratch: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
Best for Traktor + electronic music production: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3
Best iPad setup: Reloop Beatpad 2
Best long-term investment: Denon DJ SC Live 2
Do I need a laptop to use a DJ controller? Most beginner controllers require a laptop with DJ software installed. The exception on this list is the Denon DJ SC Live 2, which runs standalone without a laptop.
What software do beginner controllers come with? Most controllers include Serato DJ Lite or rekordbox as a free bundle. These are full-featured lite versions that work well for beginners. Upgrading to paid Pro versions adds features like advanced effects and extra decks.
Can I connect a beginner DJ controller to a PA system or speakers? Yes – most controllers have RCA outputs that connect to powered speakers or a PA system. Some of the most compact options (like the DDJ-200) require an external audio interface for headphone monitoring, so check the specs before buying.
How long does it take to learn to DJ with a controller? Most beginners can nail basic mixing (beatmatching, EQ, transitions) within four to eight weeks of regular practice – say, 30 minutes per day. Scratching, advanced effects, and crowd reading take considerably longer.
Is it worth buying a used DJ controller? Yes, with caveats. Pioneer and Native Instruments controllers hold up well to use and buying secondhand can save 30–50%. Check that jog wheels, faders, and buttons all function properly before buying. Avoid controllers that show heavy wear on the faders or platters.
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is the best starting point for most beginners – it's the right balance of price, features, longevity, and industry familiarity. If the budget isn't there yet, the DDJ-200 is the next best thing. And if scratching is your thing, go straight for the DDJ-REV1 rather than adapting a controller that wasn't built for it.
Don't overthink the gear. Pick something that fits your budget and style, learn the fundamentals, and upgrade when you've genuinely outgrown what you started on.
Pioneer DJ – DDJ-FLX4 Product Page: https://www.pioneerdj.com/en/product/controller/ddj-flx4/black/overview/
Native Instruments – Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 Overview: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-controllers/traktor-kontrol-s2/
Serato DJ – Supported Hardware List: https://serato.com/dj/hardware
Denon DJ – SC Live 2 Overview: https://www.denondj.com/sc-live-2
DJ TechTools – Beginner DJ Controller Buying Guide: https://djtechtools.com/2023/01/10/best-dj-controllers-for-beginners/
