The Ultimate Guide for DJ Controllers 2025

The Ultimate Guide to DJ Controllers in 2025

In the last 10 to 15 years, the world of DJing has exploded with new technology, making it more accessible than ever before. While there are many ways to DJ in 2025 – from standalone systems to digital vinyl (DVS) – the most popular choice for both beginners and seasoned pros remains the DJ controller.

This guide will walk you through what DJ controllers are, why you’ll probably choose one, and most importantly, which models are the best for your preferred software.

What is a DJ Controller?

A DJ controller is a single, all-in-one unit designed to control DJ software on a laptop, tablet, or phone. It combines the three essential components of a traditional setup into one box: two “decks” to control your tracks, a “mixer” to blend them, and an “audio interface” to provide separate outputs for your speakers and headphones. Think of it as a specialized remote control that makes using your DJ software intuitive and fun, moving you beyond just a mouse and keyboard.

Why Choose a DJ Controller?

For most aspiring DJs, a controller hits the sweet spot. Traditional vinyl or CDJ setups can be expensive, bulky, and complex to set up from scratch. DJing with only a laptop, while possible, lacks the hands-on feel and can look unprofessional. DJ controllers offer the perfect balance of cost-efficiency, portability, and a wide range of choices. They provide a tactile experience that feels like “real” DJing while leveraging the power of modern software.

The Secret: Software is More Important Than Hardware

Before you choose a controller, you need to understand a crucial fact: the software does all the heavy lifting. Your controller is essentially a “dumb box” that sends instructions to the software running on your computer. The software is what loads and analyzes music, syncs beats, applies effects, and manages your library.
Therefore, your most important decision is choosing a software platform for life, even if your controller is just temporary. The main platforms are:

Serato DJ
Rekordbox DJ
Traktor Pro
VirtualDJ

Your choice of hardware will largely be determined by which software ecosystem you want to join.

Top DJ Controllers for Every Software Platform in 2025

Here are the top-rated controllers, broken down by the software they are designed to work best with.

Controllers for Serato DJ

Serato is a hugely popular and stable platform, known for its usability, especially in the hip-hop community. It works by partnering closely with hardware manufacturers.

Rane Four

The most well-rounded, professional Serato controller. It offers full stems integration, a great build quality, and onboard hardware effects, making it a controller you’ll likely never outgrow.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5

A professional controller with a “scratch” layout but non-motorized CDJ-style jogwheels and MAGVEL-FADER. It includes a Pitch ‘n Time license for advanced key mixing features.

Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7

An amazing budget-friendly option that delivers a convincing 7″ vinyl-feel with motorized jogwheels and 33⅓ RPM, which is rare at its price point. Note that it comes with Serato DJ Lite, so an upgrade is needed for the full experience. The Hercules own software DJUCED is included as well.

AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6

A four-channel controller with full-sized jogwheels for DJs on a budget who don’t need professional inputs and outputs. It works well with Serato Pro.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10

A powerful four-channel unit that unlocks both Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox. It features a club-style mixer and CDJ jogwheels, making it a successor to the popular DDJ-1000SRT.

Reloop Mixon 8 Pro

This controller has a classic symmetrical layout and offers full, direct control over Serato’s effects with two separate control panels. It also works with Algoriddim’s djay Pro AI on an iPad.

Controllers for Rekordbox DJ

Rekordbox is AlphaTheta’s (formerly Pioneer DJ) own software, creating a seamless ecosystem from beginner controllers to professional club gear.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10

The top choice for Rekordbox users who want an experience as close as possible to a club CDJ/DJM setup. It offers deep control over Rekordbox’s stems feature and includes a DMX interface for lighting control.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4

A beloved entry-level, two-channel controller that distills the club layout into a portable device. It’s a fantastic starting point for new DJs to learn the Pioneer DJ workflow.

AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6

This four-channel consumer controller features the unique “Groove Circuit,” which lets you instantly swap drum samples in playing tracks. It’s a fun and creative tool.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5

While primarily for Serato, this controller also unlocks Rekordbox. It’s ideal for DJs who prefer a scratch layout but want the feel of full-sized CDJ-style jogwheels.

AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2

The most basic entry-level controller for Rekordbox. It’s small, includes an audio interface, and is perfect for casual use or as a highly portable backup controller.

Controllers for Traktor Pro

Traktor is a powerful and customizable software, particularly popular with electronic music DJs. Performance is best with Native Instruments’ own hardware.

Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3

The flagship four-channel controller featuring motorized Haptic Drive jogwheels that feel fantastic. It also has onboard effects and deck displays.

Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3

A solid entry-level, two-channel controller that provides controls for Traktor’s Mixer FX and has a streamlined layout. A great choice for beginners.

Traktor X1 MK3 & Z1 MK2

DJ Controller Native Instruments Traktor X1 MK3-Traktor Z1 MK2 Bundle Top View

These are modular controllers for DJs who want to build a custom setup. The X1 offers targeted deck control, while the Z1 is a compact mixer, perfect for minimalist or DVS setups.

Controllers for VirtualDJ

VirtualDJ is a feature-packed platform popular with mobile and professional DJs because of its broad hardware compatibility and innovative features like real-time stems. In fact, most DJ controllers can be used with VirtualDJ without any restrictions. An overview of compatible hardware can be found here on the VirtualDJ website.