Top 10 Best Beginner DJ Controllers for Aspiring DJs

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A DJ controller is a device that allows you to mix and manipulate music tracks using software on your computer.

It acts as a bridge between the software and your hands, giving you physical control over the music.

DJ controllers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different features and capabilities.

For beginners, choosing the right DJ controller can be a daunting task. There are many options available, and it can be hard to know where to start.

One critical factor to consider is the size and layout of the controller. A smaller controller may be more portable, but it may also be more challenging to use.

A larger controller may be more comfortable to work with, but it may also be more cumbersome to transport.

Another factor to consider is the number and type of controls on the controller. Some controllers have a limited number of buttons and knobs, while others have a vast array of features.

For beginners, a controller with a straightforward layout and a limited number of controls may be more manageable to learn.

We spent hours researching and testing various beginner DJ controllers to identify the best options on the market.

In the following sections, we will review the top picks and explain why they stand out from the competition.

Best Beginner DJ Controllers

Aspiring DJs need not break the bank to get started. With the right beginner DJ controller, anyone can start mixing and creating music without spending a fortune.

We have rounded up the best beginner DJ controllers that offer the perfect balance of affordability, functionality, and ease of use.

Whether you are a complete beginner or just looking for an upgrade, our list has got you covered.

Keep reading to find the perfect controller for your needs.

Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller

If you are a beginner looking for a DJ controller that is easy to use and packed with features, then the Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The pro-style layout of the Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller makes it easy to learn how to mix tracks like a pro.
• The lightweight and compact design of the controller makes it easy to take on the go.
• The Pioneer DJ controller is compatible with a variety of music streaming apps, giving you access to a wide range of music.

Cons

• The Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller is not the most durable option on the market.
• The controller lacks some of the advanced features that more experienced DJs may be looking for.
• The Pioneer DJ controller may not be the best option for DJs who prefer a more tactile experience.

The Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller is a great option for beginners who are just starting out in the world of DJing.

The controller is easy to use and features a pro-style layout that will help you learn how to mix tracks like a pro.

Additionally, the lightweight and compact design of the controller makes it easy to take on the go, allowing you to practice your skills wherever you go.

One of the biggest advantages of the Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller is its compatibility with a variety of music streaming apps.

This gives you access to a wide range of music, allowing you to create unique and exciting mixes that will keep your audience engaged.

However, the Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller does have some drawbacks.

For one, it is not the most durable option on the market, so you will need to be careful when transporting it.

Additionally, the controller lacks some of the advanced features that more experienced DJs may be looking for, so you may need to upgrade to a more advanced controller as you gain more experience.

Overall, the Pioneer Electronics DDJ-200 2-Channel Smart DJ Controller is a great option for beginners who are looking for an easy-to-use and feature-packed controller that will help them learn how to mix tracks like a pro.

If you are just starting out in the world of DJing, then this controller is definitely worth considering.

Numark Party Mix II – DJ Controller with Party Lights

If you are a beginner DJ looking for an all-in-one kit to get you started, the Numark Party Mix II DJ controller is a great option.

With its built-in lighting display, easy-to-use interface, and compatibility with popular DJ software, this kit is perfect for anyone looking to learn the ropes of DJing.

Pros

• Easy to set up and use
• Built-in lighting display adds a fun element to your performances
• Compatible with popular DJ software, including Serato DJ Lite and djay PRO AI by Algoriddim

Cons

• The lights may not be bright enough for larger venues
• The jog wheels are a bit small, which may make it difficult to scratch and manipulate tracks
• Some users have reported issues with the jog wheels and other components breaking over time

The Numark Party Mix II is packed with features that make it a great option for beginner DJs. The built-in lighting display is a standout feature, adding a fun element to your performances and helping to create a party atmosphere.

The controller is also very easy to set up and use, with plug-and-play USB connectivity and compatibility with popular DJ software.

One of the downsides of the Numark Party Mix II is that the lights may not be bright enough for larger venues.

Additionally, the jog wheels are a bit small, which may make it difficult to scratch and manipulate tracks.

Some users have also reported issues with the jog wheels and other components breaking over time.

Overall, the Numark Party Mix II is a solid choice for beginner DJs who want an all-in-one kit that is easy to use and packed with features.

While it may not be the most advanced or high-end controller on the market, it offers a great value for its price point and is a great way to get started with DJing.

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200

We highly recommend the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 for beginners who want to learn how to mix music.

It is an affordable and user-friendly controller that comes with built-in tutorials and comprehensive DJing software.

Pros

• The tempo and beat align guides, assistant and energy functions, and intelligent music assistant make it easy to learn the basics of DJing.
• The controller’s layout of buttons and sliders is similar to those found on professional controllers, making it easy to learn the right moves.
• The touch-detection jog wheels are great for scratching and provide a realistic vinyl feel.

Cons

• The controller feels a bit cheap due to its plastic construction.
• It only has two tracks, which may not be enough for some users.
• The controller lacks some of the advanced features found on more expensive controllers.

The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 is a great choice for beginners who want to learn how to mix music.

The built-in tutorials and comprehensive DJing software make it easy to get started, and the touch-detection jog wheels provide a realistic vinyl feel.

The controller’s layout is similar to those found on professional controllers, making it easy to learn the right moves.

However, the controller feels a bit cheap due to its plastic construction, and it only has two tracks, which may not be enough for some users.

Additionally, the controller lacks some of the advanced features found on more expensive controllers.

Overall, we believe the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 is a great choice for beginners who want to learn how to DJ without breaking the bank.

Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight

If you’re a beginner DJ looking for a compact and portable controller to mix and perform on the go, the Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight might be the perfect option for you.

With its included Serato DJ Lite software and built-in sound card, this controller has all the essential features you need to get started.

Pros

• The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry wherever you want to go.
• The built-in sound card allows you to pre-listen to the headphones and speaker outputs.
• You can control the backlights on the base with RGB and strobe effects, adding some extra flair to your performances.

Cons

• The controller lacks some of the advanced features that more experienced DJs might want.
• The jog wheels are pressure-sensitive, which may take some getting used to.
• The included software, Serato DJ Lite, is a more basic version of the full Serato DJ software.

In our experience, the Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight is a solid choice for beginner DJs who are just getting started with mixing and performing.

Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to take with you wherever you go, and the built-in sound card is a nice touch that allows you to pre-listen to your tracks before you play them.

The backlights on the base are also a fun feature that can add some extra visual interest to your performances.

That being said, the controller does lack some of the more advanced features that more experienced DJs might be looking for, such as more precise jog wheels or additional effects.

Additionally, the pressure-sensitive jog wheels may take some getting used to, especially if you’re used to a more traditional controller setup.

Finally, while the included Serato DJ Lite software is a nice touch, it is a more basic version of the full Serato DJ software, which may limit your options somewhat.

Overall, if you’re a beginner DJ looking for a compact and portable controller to get started with, the Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight is definitely worth considering.

Just keep in mind that it may not have all the bells and whistles that more advanced DJs are looking for.

Numark DJ2GO2 Touch

If you’re a beginner looking for a portable, pocket-sized DJ controller, Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is perfect for you.

It’s a compact 2 channel Serato DJ Lite USB DJ Controller that comes with MIDI mapping for use with other popular DJ software (including Virtual DJ).

It’s also a great backup controller for your DJ equipment, with the ability to mix and scratch on touch-capacitive jog wheels.

Pros

• Ultra-portable and compact design
• Touch-capacitive jog wheels for mixing and scratching
• On-board audio interface with complete hookup flexibility

Cons

• Sound output may not work properly
• Jog wheels may be too sensitive
• Requires additional subscription for music streaming service

The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is packed with features that make it an excellent choice for beginners.

It has a built-in sound card, mixer/crossfader, headphone output, and is Serato DJ ready.

It’s also compatible with other popular DJ software.

With its small size, it fits perfectly in front of your laptop or under a DJ laptop stand, making it easy to prep, practice, and perform your mix at home, parties, and even in the DJ booth.

The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is perfect for those who want to connect to any DJ mixer, audio mixer, speakers, or recording device.

It comes with a 1/8-inch connector and 1/8-inch to RCA cable included, making it easy to connect to any device.

The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is also packed with software to get you in the mix. Out of the box, it comes with Serato DJ Lite and is upgrade-ready to the full version of Serato DJ Pro.

It also includes a 2-month trial of SoundSwitch premium software for easy-to-use, fully-synchronized control of DJ lights.

In conclusion, the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is a great beginner DJ controller that’s packed with features.

Its ultra-portable design, touch-capacitive jog wheels, and on-board audio interface make it a great choice for beginners.

However, it may have some issues with sound output and sensitive jog wheels.

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: 2-deck USB DJ controller

If you’re a beginner DJ looking for a reliable and feature-packed controller, the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is a great choice.

Pros

• The controller is full-featured and has all the modes, features, and connectors you need to mix in front of an audience.
• The high-definition resolution on the jog wheels and easy-to-use ring make for precise and effortless scratching.
• The controller’s audio interface features cutting-edge Velvet Sound digital signal processing technology that delivers excellent audio quality.

Cons

• The controller’s size and weight might make it difficult to carry around for extended periods.
• The software included with the controller might not be as feature-rich as other DJ software.
• The controller’s price might be a bit steep for some beginner DJs.

The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is a solidly built controller that’s designed to help you get started with DJing and refine your skills.

The controller features 16 backlit RGB pads, vinyl function, loop in/loop out buttons, and a filter/FX area that allows for smooth and original transitions between tracks.

One of the standout features of the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is its light guides, which help keep you on track when you’re mixing in public.

The controller also has retractable and extendable feet, which lift it up and keep it safe from spilled drinks.

Overall, we think the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is an excellent choice for beginner DJs who want a reliable and feature-packed controller that will help them refine their skills and perform live.

Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300

If you’re looking for an entry-level DJ controller, the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 is a great option to consider.

It’s reasonably priced and comes with several features that are exclusive to this controller.

Pros

• The controller comes with exclusive functions that make it easy to learn DJing, such as Tempo and Beat Align light guides, the Assistant, and Energy functions.
• The comprehensive DJuced software provided with the controller helps you master the basics of DJing with interactive help and integrated tutorial videos.
• The Intelligent Music Assistant (IMAM) helps you prepare your mixes easily by suggesting the hottest tracks.

Cons

• The layout of the buttons and sliders, while resembling those found on a professional controller, might take some time to get used to.
• The DJuced software might not be the best option for professional DJs.
• The controller lacks some advanced features that experienced DJs might need.

Overall, we believe that the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 is a great option for beginner DJs who want to learn the basics of DJing.

The controller’s exclusive functions, comprehensive DJuced software, and Intelligent Music Assistant make it easy to prepare your mixes and progress quickly.

However, experienced DJs might find the controller lacking some advanced features.

If you’re a beginner DJ looking for an entry-level controller, we recommend giving the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 a try.

Roland DJ-202 DJ Controller

If you’re looking for a beginner DJ controller that offers a lot of features, the Roland DJ-202 is a great option.

Pros

• The large platters on the Roland DJ-202 have the lowest available latency, making them perfect for scratching.
• The built-in drum kits from Roland’s pattern-909, pattern-808, pattern-707, and pattern-606 offer unparalleled flexibility for DJs.
• The onboard sequencer allows for on-the-fly beat creation, making it easy to remix and produce beats while performing live or creating in the studio.

Cons

• The drum pads on the Roland DJ-202 may be impractical for some users.
• The BPM Supreme three-month subscription card may not be included in the box.
• The controller does not come with Serato Pro as promised, but Roland will help users obtain it with a screenshot of the invoice.

We recommend the Roland DJ-202 for beginner DJs who want a lot of features in a portable and rugged unit.

The large platters and built-in drum kits make it easy to create and remix beats on the fly, while the onboard sequencer allows for even more flexibility.

However, the drum pads may not be practical for some users, and the BPM Supreme subscription card may not be included in the box.

Overall, the Roland DJ-202 offers a lot of value for its price.

Numark Mixtrack Pro FX – 2 Deck DJ Controller

If you are a beginner DJ looking for a reliable and feature-packed controller to start your journey, the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The large 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels feel like the real thing and are perfect for scratching, beatmatching, and precise cue placement.
• The six fun and quick-launch FX with dual paddle triggers allow you to personalize your DJ set and create unforgettable transitions.
• The dedicated instant loop controls and eight performance pads per deck give you easy access to cues, loops, fader cuts, and samples.

Cons

• The Mixtrack Pro FX’s build quality is not as sturdy as some higher-end models, and it may not withstand rough handling or frequent transport.
• The jog wheels may feel a bit loose or wobbly to some users, which could affect their accuracy and responsiveness.
• The onboard microphone input and headphone output may not be powerful enough for some users’ needs, especially in noisy environments.

We’ve been using the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX for a while now, and we can confidently say that it’s a great entry-level controller for aspiring DJs.

The large jog wheels are a pleasure to use, and the FX paddles add a lot of creative potential to your mixing.

We also appreciate the plug-and-play USB connectivity and the fact that it comes with Serato DJ Lite, which is a solid software platform to get started with.

However, we do have some reservations about the Mixtrack Pro FX’s durability and stability.

The plastic construction feels a bit flimsy, and the jog wheels may not hold up well over time.

Also, the controller’s layout may take some getting used to, especially if you’re used to more traditional setups.

That being said, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly DJ controller that won’t break the bank, the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is definitely worth checking out.

It offers a lot of features and functionality for the price, and it’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of DJing.

Pyle 6 Channel Mixer, Bluetooth DJ Controller

If you’re looking for a beginner DJ controller, the Pyle 6 Channel Mixer with Bluetooth connectivity is a solid choice.

Pros

• The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to easily connect your devices and wirelessly transmit your entire MP3 library into your mix.
• The high, mid, and bass mic adjustments allow you to manipulate your voice and add special voice effects with the kill switch.
• The mixer digital gives you the freedom to move any source to any channel or even the same source to multiple channels for quick and easy remixing.

Cons

• The Bluetooth signal can be intermittent and may cut out at times.
• The mixer may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
• The user manual may not be as helpful for beginners who are new to DJ equipment.

We found that the Pyle 6 Channel Mixer was easy to use and had a lot of great features for beginner DJs.

The Bluetooth connectivity was especially helpful for wirelessly transmitting music from our devices, and the high, mid, and bass mic adjustments allowed us to add some fun voice effects to our mixes.

However, the Bluetooth signal did cut out at times, and we found that the mixer may not be as durable as some other options on the market.

Additionally, the user manual may not be as helpful for beginners who are new to DJ equipment.

Overall, we would recommend the Pyle 6 Channel Mixer for beginner DJs who are looking for an affordable and feature-packed controller.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beginner DJ controllers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs and budgets.

We recommend considering the size, layout, controls, software compatibility, and special features when choosing a controller.

Models like the Pioneer DDJ-200, Numark Party Mix II, and Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 provide an excellent starting point with pro layouts, built-in tutorials, and intuitive software.

Whichever you choose, let your creativity flow as you learn the intricacies of DJing.