One of our favorite lists to create at the end of the year! We've measured thousands of sales and website activity to help bring you the list of the best DJ controllers for 2018. If you're looking for the best controllers for DJs, this is one of the best places to start. We'll be updating this list on a monthly basis for 2018. Now without further ado...
Product | Bundled Software | Product Link |
Pioneer DDJ-SB2 | Serato DJ Intro | Details |
Pioneer DDJ-SX2 | Serato DJ | Details |
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 | Serato DJ Intro | Details |
Denon DJ MC4000 | Serato DJ | Details |
Pioneer DDJ-SZ2 | Serato DJ | Details |
Denon DJ MC6000MK2 | Serato DJ | Details |
Numark NVII | Serato DJ | Details |
Pioneer DDJ-RZX | Rekordbox DJ | Details |
Denon DJ MCX8000 | Serato DJ, Engine (Standalone) | Details |
Pioneer DDJ-RX | rekordbox DJ | Details |
BEST VALUE: Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2
A workhorse in its class, the Pioneer DDJ-SB2 is quite possibly the best beginner DJ controller. Not only is it loaded with features for the budget-minded, but it's a great entry-level controller for those looking to learning use larger units like the DDJ-SX2. The DDJ-SB2 is a great step forward in learning the intuitive layout of Pioneer DJ controllers.
CHECK DDJ-SB2 PRICE
Pioneer DDJ-SX2 DJ Controller
The DDJ-SX2, while more of a hardware evolution to its predecessor, the SX, is still a standard in the industry. With four channels of control, metal housing, and phenomenal audio output, this unit is sized just right for the mobile DJ or the club DJ. The performance pad layout was one of the first of its kind, and dual deck control opens a new world to the creative DJ.
CHECK PIONEER DDJ-SX2 PRICE
Pioneer XDJ-RX
Unique in both setup and design, the XDJ-RX system was invented to be a "no laptop required" unit. By harnessing the power of rekordbox music management software (included) and USB devices, you get full visual and audio control of all of your music files. Simply load them into USB storage devices, plug it into your XDJ-RX and DJ away. Getting rid of the laptop is a huge change to the DJ industry, and has shown great promise lately, giving it a top spot in our best DJ controllers list.
CHECK PIONEER XDJ-RX PRICE
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
Numark has consistently ranked among the best manufacturers of DJ controllers, and the Mixtrack Pro 3 is no different. This sleek, yet compact layout is perfect for those looking to learn Serato DJ. It's functionality is perfect as a backup or entry-level DJ controller.
CHECK MIXTRACK PRO III PRICE
Denon MC4000
We're so glad to see Denon DJ back on the list again. Just when the company seemed to have gone quiet a little over a year ago, we wondered if we'd ever see their famous MC6000MK2 controller again. Not only is that still a popular unit, but they gave us the MC4000 this year. Why did this controller make the list? Imagine a steel chassis DJ controller with dual mic inputs and balanced XLR outputs. Sounds like a pricey piece right? Denon DJ pulled it off under $400, and this unit is a blast to DJ on. Grab this one now, because there aren't many like it at that price point.
CHECK DENON MC4000 PRICE
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SZ2
New and improved from the original SZ comes the Pioneer DDJ-SZ2, back and better than ever. While the price tag might be intimidating, this unit is worth every. Single. Penny. Period. With a mixer unit built like the DJM-900 and jog wheels pulled right off the CDJ-2000 media players, this unit is a Pioneer DJ lover's dream come true. If you're not worried about portability and want the feeling of stability in your DJ booth, then the DDJ-SZ2 is the right choice. Loaded with features, this guy can constantly be found in some of the world's largest nightclubs.
CHECK PIONEER DDJ-SZ2 PRICE
Denon DJ MC6000 MK2
A long-standing champion in the DJ controller market, the Denon MC6000MK2 constantly hits our top 10. With superior sound quality and an intuitive layout, the Denon MC6000MK2 offers a workhorse unit in a portable package. Comes with a full version of Serato DJ.
CHECK DENON MC6000MK2 PRICE
Numark NVII
When you team up touch capacitive (aka touch-sensitive) knobs, dual digital displays, and compact design, you get one of the most affordable, versatile, and best DJ controllers out there. The Numark NV makes it easy to view and control your DJ software without getting your eyes stuck on the laptop. Big win for Numark.
CHECK NUMARK NVII PRICE
Pioneer DDJ-RZX
Pioneer's DDJ-RZX is one of the first units to seamlessly integrate video and music into a single control unit. Designed for Rekordbox DJ with the DVS expansion pack, you'll love the 3 7-inch touch screens that work even further towards Pioneer DJ's goal of getting the DJ's face out of the laptop and onto the crowd in front of them. Combine this with the same large jog wheels and mixer layout as the SZ/RZ, and you've got one powerful weapon for your video gigs.
CHECK PIONEER DDJ-RZX PRICE
Denon DJ MCX8000
The Denon DJ MCX8000 put Denon back on the map heading into 2018. With dual screens, "Engine" technology for direct playing withouta laptop, and DUAL XLR OUTPUTS, this unit became a popular and powerful workhours over night. Choose your support weapons as you switch seamlessly between your laptop and USB inputs through the 4-channel mixer. Slow. Clap.
CHECK DENON MCX8000 PRICE
Pioneer DDJ-RX
This is the last Pioneer DJ controller on our 2018 list, promise. Again, the DDJ-RX is built much like the DDJ-SX2, only it's built for rekordbox DJ. If you haven't tried rekordbox, you need to do yourself a favor and experiment. It's not to say that Serato or Traktor or Virtual DJ or whatever you use are a lesser software, but that every software has features that can become a necessity, and the only way to know if there's something that's missing is to try something else.
CHECK PIONEER DDJ-RX PRICE
So what do you think? Is there a controller that didn't quite make our list for Best DJ Controllers 2018? Let us know! Until then, we'll be updating this list monthly throughout the upcoming year.
9 Item(s)
Paul Graves
posted on Oct 7, 2018 8:58:21 PMGary Anderson
posted on Apr 30, 2018 10:10:49 PMMike Sinclair
posted on Mar 15, 2018 11:35:05 AMNihal Sanjay Pol
posted on Feb 3, 2018 12:45:48 AMChris Anson
posted on Dec 21, 2017 6:52:06 AMvictor
posted on Oct 31, 2017 4:56:03 PMSteven m
posted on Aug 4, 2017 4:39:02 PMJosh D
posted on Feb 15, 2017 4:57:35 AMFrancisco bolanos
posted on Jan 22, 2017 2:23:46 PM9 Item(s)