The best DJ software for every budget

Face it: most DJs today rely on a laptop, MP3 files, and some kind of mixing software. Whether you use a MacBook, Windows laptop or even Linux; There is plenty of software out there to get the job done.

Every skill level and budget is catered for if you want to start DJing with your Mac or PC—and we've got the software to prove it.

Free

If all you want is a little more control than iTunes or VLC provide, and you would rather not spend any money, you might want to try one of these.

Mixxx (Mac, Windows, and Linux)

Don't write off Mixxx just because it's free—this is one of the most feature-rich DJ packages out there, and that's thanking in part to a dedicated community and open-source software model. Mixxx includes two decks, all of which support scratching, looping, hot cues and time stretching. Pitch bending, beat detection, an equalizer, and cross-fade curve control give you the tools you need for silky smooth transitions.

There are also four sampler decks for firing off vocal samples and sound effects, a music library that integrates with iTunes, and some intuitive sorting options—like the 'drawers' for sets. There's surprisingly good support for external hardware, which is something you'd normally expect from the more expensive DJ packages on this list. Also included is Serato-style vinyl time code control, so you can manipulate the Mixxx with your turntable.

Mi xxx is not a premium product, which means you may find it not as reliable as some paid packages on this list. There's a Wiki full of tutorials and troubleshooting tips, and a community support forum that's (mostly) full of users reporting problems with their particular hardware.

Conclusion: A great free package and the only option here for Linux users, but you might want to thoroughly test it before plugging it into live shows.

Cross DJ Free (Mac and Windows)

Mix vibes is the company behind Cross DJ, a series of applications aimed at every market of wannabe DJs, starting here with the beginner. Despite being a final product, this free version of Cross DJ has no limitations in terms of features or commercials—but there is no MIDI support for external hardware.

The app comes with two decks (with video mixing support) that support hot cues and loops, beat detection, a three-band meter, and three sound effects. Unfortunately, it is a limited free option, Cross DJ Free loses many of the bells and whistles that most DJs expect to see: sampler, quantization, key detection among others are all missing in this version.

Lack of support for DJ hardware means you're stuck with the Cross DJ iOS Remote ($4.99) or the keyboard and pointing device until you decide to upgrade to the next version of Cross DJ ($49). It's a nice way to learn to DJ, but it's definitely a package that you'll outgrow (maybe sooner than you think, once you realize how useful dedicated hardware control is).

Conclusion: A great way to learn the basics with plenty of polish and user-friendly features, but ultimately limited in scope thanks to software limitations and lack of hardware support.

Virtual DJ Home / LE (Mac and Windows)

Virtual DJ is one of the most famous DJ packages Mix & Fade Your Music Tracks with Virtual DJ Free Mix & Fade Your Music Tracks with Virtual DJ Free Read more on this list, partly because it's been around for ages (the first version was released in July 2003, although it was known as AtomixMP3 before that) and partly because it was always an attractive optional option. Unfortunately, a disclaimer on the Virtual DJ website reads, “We may display some ads from time to time” for free users.

What you get in return is full access to the Virtual DJ 8 system, minus support for DJ controllers. Like Cross DJ Free (above), you're limited to using the mouse and keyboard, which is a mixing method you tire of quickly. The system supports up to 99 decks, which you'll never need, with 4 and 6 deck skins included for those who need them.

The feature list is rich: powerful organization functions, an iTunes match as a streaming service (subscription required), video mixing support and many implementable effects, including a flange, echo and beat cut. There's even a built-in sampler that you can record on the fly and use as a sequencer.

The problem with Virtual DJ is the pricing model. You need to either stick with the free version, upgrade to an “Advanced Home” license that will cost you between $49 and $199 depending on your hardware, or go big and buy a “Pro Infinity” license for $299.

Conclusion: Powerful software with a rich history, video mixing support and a wealth of features—but it will cost you when it comes to upgrading.

Middle class

Fancy something a little more powerful without spending the big bucks? These mid-range options are user-friendly and relatively inexpensive, meaning you can spend the rest of your money on music.

D jay pro ($49.99, Mac only)

Algoriddim's d jay suite started life on the iPad as an incredibly intuitive touchscreen DJ app and has now grown into a whole family of software, perfect for all budgets. While the iOS variants are all about having fun (especially the iPhone version), this more expensive Mac outing is all about creating a professional sound.

D jay on iOS has had Spotify integration for a while now, and the Mac version is no different. You need a Spotify Premium account to take advantage of Spotify Music Streaming: The Unofficial Guide Spotify Music Streaming: The Unofficial Guide Spotify is the biggest music streaming service around. If you're not certain how to use it, this guide will walk you through the service, as well as offer some important top tips. Read more, and you get instant access to over 20 million songs when you link your account. It's also, of course, fully integrated with your iTunes library.

In terms of features, d jay is a powerful tool that tries to tick many boxes. In addition to four scratchable decks, colored waveforms, a sampler, and drums, the app includes effects, loop and cue points, beat and key matching and excellent support for MIDI controllers and USB audio interfaces. There's even full support for mixing video, just like in Algorithm's ($9.99) iPad app.

Plus, its software built for OS X and OS X only. It uses a graphics engine that pushes out 60 frames per second, it's optimized for Retina MacBooks and 5K iMacs, and it'll even sync your cue points and metadata with iOS versions over iCloud.

Conclusion: An instant DJ solution and record collection when combined with Spotify, easy to learn, simple to use, but lacks the depth found elsewhere.

Cross DJ ($49 / €49, Mac & Windows)

With everything found in the free version, Cross DJ's mid-tier ups the ante with four decks, 14 full effects, two samplers and all the MIDI controls you could want. Cross DJ is compatible with more than 80 DJ controllers, with a MIDI mapping editor, but time code control for CD, and vinyl is missing.

View your music as a waveform and skip back and forth between beats for easy cueing—you can even detect and lock a musical key, for truly seamless transitions. Customizable routing options allow you to take full advantage of external audio interfaces and like all versions the app supports video mixing.

If you need MIDI control and aren't bothered about video mixing or time code control, Cross DJ is a fully featured package at a relatively low price.

Conclusion: Almost everything you could want for less than 50 euros, with limitations on video output and time code control. Compare versions and consider the full version of Cross ($129), if you like the package, but require more.

Decadence ($79, Mac & Windows)

Decadence is a digital DJ app from Image Line, the company responsible for FL Studio (formerly known as Fruity Loops). Now on its second major release, Decadence offers a competent two- or four-deck solution, with a total of 10 sound effects (three of which can be looped together).

There is a powerful built-in sampler that supports beat matching, a feature called “Smart knobs”, which links several effects and mixer interface elements under one control and “Gross Beat”—a feature that provides programmable glitching, stutters and scratches.

This sits on top of a fully customizable user interface that aims to only show you the features you'll actually use, allowing you to configure decks, so-called 'smart panels' and other controllable as you see fit. The app has full support for external MIDI devices and DJ controllers, iTunes library integration and even added support for VSTI (host and client) virtual instruments.

Conclusion: There's a lot to sink your teeth into here, with an emphasis on customization and technical control, offering more depth than day or Cross DJ at the expense of ease of use.

Also consider: it DJ ($9.99)

Professional

If you're really aiming for truly memorable performances and want the best money can buy, you can't go wrong with a professional DJ package.

Tractor Pro 2 ($149, Mac & Windows)

When you buy a product like Traktor Pro, you're not only buying access to the functionality of the software, but the name on which the brand was built. Traitor has become something of a standard among DJs, trusted by some of the biggest names and busiest venues. Of course, Traktor Pro drinks in premium features as well.

Traitor has four decks, including remix decks, which can hold up to 64 samples and save as a set in your playlist. You can then quickly recall your remix deck when you need it, or simply download a selection of free remix kits from Traitor. You can see this powerful feature in action in the video below.

A powerful library that integrates with iTunes makes it easy to find what you're looking for, great sync controls track tempos, beat grids and musical key, so mixes can be automatically matched. Over thirty separate effects can be grouped and customized, and complex looping and cueing tools allow you to skip your tracks in perfect time.

Traitor is such a big name that the company makes its own DJ hardware, intended to be used only with Tractor Pro. Of course, there's also industry-leading compatibility with almost any MIDI controller - if in doubt, look for the 'Tractor Ready' logo before you buy.

Conclusion: An incredibly full audio package built by a highly respected name, but be prepared to spend real money on hardware doctors.

Serato DJ ($129, Mac & Windows)

Serato is another big name player in the digital DJ sphere, building its name on impressive digital vinyl system (DVS) support. This emulation method uses a time-coded vinyl record and analog to digital audio signal converter to manipulate digital music files with the tactile feel of vinyl. 4 Reasons Why Vinyl Is Better Than Digital 4 Reasons Why Vinyl Is Better Than Digital Greetings, farmers! What do you still listen to MP3 files? Look, as someone who knows more about music than you, I feel it's my duty to tell you there is a better way. It's called vinyl. Read more . Surprisingly, DVS support is an add-on to Serato these days, as the developers adopted a more modular approach.

The basic setup contains four decks complete with full color waveforms that visually represent bass, mid and treble frequencies. Quick sync controls are available for DJs who want it, so you can beat-match in an instant (but you can also turn it off for a "pure" DJ experience). Hotcues and loops are present and “Slip Mode” lets you scratch seamlessly in time with the music.

Serato really lets you take care of your sets and different elements. You can name your eight available signals and loops and quantize them so they start perfectly with the beat. A feature called “Beat Jump” lets you jump a set beat size back and forth through your track, to repeat elements or skip large sections.

Serato ships with support for a range of DJ controllers built with DVS in mind, but also other non-DVS controllers and even MIDI-compatible controllers such as the Machine. There's also an iOS companion app called Serato Remote ($19.99), which provides touchscreen access to all functions.

The package is rounded off nicely with an extensive library that fully integrates with iTunes, but also allows you to create “smart boxes” - tracking groups by keyword, genre, tempo or other rules. If you need it, you can take Serato to the next level with video support for an additional $149 (cheaper when purchased as a bundle).

Conclusion: If you want a DVS setup, this is the way to go. Be aware that costs will increase as you need to purchase Serato DJ, relevant expansion packs, and DVS equipment—maybe even a set of decks.

PC DJ DEX 3 ($179, Mac & Windows)

Another big name, but probably not as well known as Tractor or SEATO; CDJ DEX 3 is a fully equipped DJ solution with support for four decks, video mixing and a karaoke mode. Like Serato, time coded vinyl and CD control is supported (but don't expect the same level of support as before).

The app includes automatic web-based tempo detection and beat matching, pitch and key lock. Intelligent looping and beat-skip functions give you room to breathe while cueing up your next track or loading a one-shot into the included sampler. PCDJ also supports VSTI virtual instruments 12 Free VST Plugins Every Musician Must Have 12 Free VST Plugins Every Musician Must Have Virtual Studio Technology makes music production easier than ever. These free VST plugins are the best of the best. Read more like synthesizers, drum machines and effects modules.

Perceptual Gain normalizes your tracks, so they play at the right volume. Video mixing support is also quite complete with pitching, reverse playback and the ability to scratch video clips. A selection of effects and transitions are designed specifically for Vs.

PCDJ takes great pride in its appearance, with a fully customizable skin system and skin designs. All this sits on top of a responsive “no latency” playback engine with support for more than 65 DJ controllers.

Conclusion: All the video and audio mixing you could want, with a highly customizable interface that may not suit everyone.

Ableton Live (from $99, Mac & Windows)

Ableton Live is not strictly DJ software, but a sequencer and digital audio workstation for creating and performing electronic music live. It doesn't come with the traditional two- or four-deck configuration, and it doesn't look or behave anything like the other DJ software on this page. For that reason, it won't suit every DJ or performer.

If you find that other live performance suites aren't cutting it, or you want to create unique performances that use loops, automation and external interfaces and MIDI instruments. Abelson Live is what you need. Despite its real complexity, the software can be used with relatively little technical expertise. To prove it, here's Keiran Hebden (for example, Four Tet) explaining his relatively simple live setup:

The software comes with excellent support for external MIDI devices and interfaces, gigabytes of included sounds, effects, and instruments—depending on whether you choose the Intro, Standard, or Suite package. It's worth noting that the $749 Suite edition comes with an expanded “Max for Live” pack that expands the software's potential as a live performance tool.

The software is equipped with three samplers, 4000 audio and MIDI patterns, almost 400 drum packs and support for third-party software providers on iOS and Android. It's a box of tricks, and it will require a clear picture of what you want to achieve to get the most out of it—but it will do more than any of the other suites on this list.

Conclusion: A compressed music creation and performance tool for those who are not satisfied with traditional DJ packages, who would like to create something extra special.