5 Best DJ Controllers For Beginners [2021]

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Trying to get your DJ career started off right? Searching for the best DJ controllers for beginners?

If you want to learn to DJ, you need to have a great DJ controller to work with. DJing is easier than ever before thanks to its rising popularity, and there is plenty of great software and controllers that you can get your hands on to begin your journey.

Unfortunately, there are a few too many options out there. If you’re new to DJing you may not know which ones are the best and it can be difficult choosing one that works for your needs.

That’s where we come in. Below we’ll give you our list of the best DJ controllers for beginners.

Best DJ Controllers For Beginners – Quick View

ImageModelPrice
Numark Party Mix DJ ControllerCheck Price on Amazon
Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Rekordbox DJ ControllerCheck Price on Amazon
Numark Mixtrack Platinum DJ ControllerCheck Price on Amazon
Hercules DJControl CompactCheck Price on Amazon
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3Check Price on Amazon

Top Beginner DJ Controllers – REVIEWED

Ready to find the perfect DJ controller? Here’s our full list of the best.

1. Numark Party Mix DJ Controller

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Top DJ Controllers

The Numark Party Mix DJ Controller is the first DJ controller on our list for beginners. This is a basic DJ controller that has built-in light show features. This offers one of the best values for the money spent and has 2 channels along with a built-in audio interface.

You can do some great basic mixing with this controller. The performance pads are just as usable as they need to be. The jog wheels also offer plenty of functionality. You have all of the controls you need to mix two songs. Another great feature of this DJ controller is the backlit buttons which are great for selecting samples, loops, and cue points.

This DJ controller has built-in lights that can be used with a variety of set patterns to move along with your track. While the lights are a nice addition, they seem a little bit too cheesy to make great use of.

Overall, this is a great DJ controller for beginners and is one of the first ones you should check out if you’re making a purchase. Along with some great DJ speakers, this DJ controller will give you everything you need to get the party started. It’s truly one of the best budget DJ controllers around.

2. Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Rekordbox DJ Controller

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Good DJ Controllers

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Rekordbox DJ Controller is another great piece of equipment that is perfect for entry-level DJs. This is a compact DJ controller that features a good range of features. The value of this DJ controller is not to be scoffed at.

The design of this DJ controller seems to mimic the CDJ/DJM setup. There’s 1 RCA and headphone output jack along with 1 mic input. Unfortunately, there’s no AUX input on this DJ controller. It also has a killer mixer that has great effects and looks very professional.

It has 8 performance pads that offer a range of features including effects, beat loop, beat jump, activating samples, and more.

This is ideal for use with Rekordbox DJ and the controller also includes a Rekordbox DJ license. This comes with support for just about every Rekordbox DJ function.

3. Numark Mixtrack Platinum DJ Controller

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Budget DJ Controllers

The next DJ controller on our list is the Numark Mixtrack Platinum. This is an ideal beginner DJ controller that is affordable and easy to use.

The DJ controller has a great layout as well as integrated LCD screens, a high-resolution pitch fader, and more great features. It has 4 decks. The DJ controller offers full Serato DJ support to users.

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum is similar to the Mixtrack Pro 3, except it offers a great LED screen and a jog wheel that shows track information.

Unfortunately, there’s no AUX input on this DJ controller. Some users may also be somewhat confused by the pad functions at first.

Overall, however, this DJ controller makes for an excellent beginner choice.

4. Hercules DJControl Compact

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Best Budget DJ Controller

The next DJ controller on our list of the best is the Hercules DJControl Compact. This is a DJ controller with 2 decks, 2 job wheels, and some great features. It’s very compact and is only 2.95″ in diameter.

The DJ controller has individual deck controls on the left and right of the mixer. The mixer controls are at the very center of this machine.

This is a great DJ controller for anyone who needs an incredibly portable and compact option. There are 4 modes including loop, FX, samples, and cue. Each of the decks has 4 pads.

You can do some great scratching with this machine with the help of the jog wheels. It’s one of the best DJ controllers for scratching, especially of those that are compact.

5. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3

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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol

The final DJ controller on our list is the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2.

This is a very good DJ controller for beginner DJs, but also provides features that are sure to keep more experienced DJs occupied as well. The controller looks incredibly stylish and boasts great durability and sturdiness.

This Native Instruments DJ controller comes with a full Traktor Pro license. The cross-platform controller is designed to work with the popular Traktor DJ app as well as the powerful Traktor Pro 3 software.

While this is only a two-deck DJ controller and it isn’t as advanced as some options that are out there, there’s still a lot of power to it. Beginners and intermediate DJs will find much to love in this product.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best DJ controllers for beginners you can’t go wrong with any of the equipment listed above. These are all great DJ controllers that give you a lot of flexibility and versatility and each has plenty of features that will help you get your career or hobby started off right.

Looking for the best headphones to go with your DJ controller? Check out our list of the best DJ headphones now.