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There are several DJ software options on the market. On this page, we’ll run through the most popular, easy-to-use ones. Before that, we’ll cover how to find the right software for your needs.
Jump to the best DJ software options
How to Choose the Perfect DJ Software
If you want to DJ using your computer, three things are required:
- DJ software
- DJ controller
- Headphones
You can use a lot of software without a DJ controller, but it isn’t ideal if you want to take your skills to the next level. A lot of people buy software based on the controller they have. We don’t recommend that.
Software is more important. Choose it first, then find the right controller for the job.
There’s no single ‘best’ DJing software. What works for one person may not be right for another, so there are a few things to think about.
First, think about the type of music you play. Each piece of software caters to different genres. While most can be used with any genre, the design will usually suit specific styles, e.g., software for house music may differ from software for techno.
Simplicity is probably your main focus. When you’re DJing on stage, you don’t have time to fiddle with countless controls. You want everything to be intuitive so you can get to the next track quickly. The software on this page is designed with beginners in mind, so it’s simple to use.
Software isn’t the main factor in sound quality, but it plays a role, since the music is filtered through it. You’ll also want software that’s low latency, which keeps everything sounding good.
Don’t forget features, either, particularly on the effects front.
Finally, think about the hardware the software works with. While the controller should come after the software choice, you still want to make sure the software works with quality hardware you can get for an affordable price.
Don’t forget the headphones: our DJ headphone reviews.
The Best DJ Software Options
Now let’s look at some of the best DJ software options. Each one here has seen use in a professional DJ environment, and some of your favorite DJs likely use them.
DJay
We’ll start with a simple, easy-to-use piece of software that both beginners and pros get a lot out of. DJay is one of only a few DJ programs that integrates with Spotify, which makes it easier to get your hands on tracks.
It’s dead simple to use, even if it isn’t quite as feature-rich as some other options. In fairness, it’s also a lot cheaper than most of them.
What we love about DJay, and why we think it works best for beginners, is that you don’t need to buy any additional hardware to use it. You can add a controller if you want, but many beginners don’t want to spend a lot right off the bat, and everything about DJay can be controlled from a mobile device.
Check out: Can you DJ using Spotify?
Serato DJ
In the professional scene, Serato DJ is one of the most famous pieces of software out there. If you can name a favorite professional DJ, they’ve probably used it. It’s feature-rich, and it isn’t too hard to understand how Serato DJ Lite or Pro works.
We selected Serato DJ because the sound quality it produces is nearly unbeatable, and there’s no lag with the controls, so you can make quick changes on the fly. That’s probably why it’s used so widely in the professional scene.
The only real downside is that it can only be used with Serato controllers, which can get pricey. This is why we recommend choosing software before the controller. With anything other than a Serato controller, you’d be missing out on one of the best software pieces in the business.
Jump to: Serato DJ Lite vs Serato DJ Pro
Virtual DJ
Virtual DJ is software you should really only use as a beginner. Most people graduate from it at some point because it doesn’t have the most features, but it’s affordable.
We included it for its simplicity. It lets you learn the basics of DJing in a non-threatening environment.
Traktor DJ
If EDM is your scene, Traktor DJ is software designed with you in mind. You can use Native Instruments Traktor Pro for all types of music, but nearly every feature is designed with EDM in mind.
If you already have your controllers or other gear, check out Traktor DJ, since there are very few controllers it doesn’t work with.
We love how much you can customize Traktor DJ. The layout can be confusing for some people, but it takes only an hour of playing with it to get things looking and working how you want.
Ableton Live
Some people don’t see Ableton Live as DJ software, and that’s true to an extent. But in a live DJ environment, there’s nothing better for mixing your tracks easily.
It isn’t ideal while you’re learning the ropes, but once you’re being hired for big gigs, you’ll probably want it in your arsenal.
Mixxx
All the software above has some cost involved. Not Mixxx. It’s entirely free, so it’s ideal for those on a budget, and it’s compatible with most controllers.
The catch is that you probably shouldn’t use it if you’re new to DJing or computers. It doesn’t quite work right out of the box, and it can take hours, sometimes days, of tinkering to get it where you want it. On the plus side, it’s highly customizable.
Cross DJ
There are free and paid versions of Cross DJ. If you like your music a bit more effects-heavy, Cross DJ is a good fit. It can also be controlled from a mobile device, which may save you some cash.
Best Free DJ Software
There are plenty of premium DJ apps out there, but they aren’t always great for hobbyists or beginners. Luckily, there’s a lot of good free DJ software to practice with. Here are seven of the best.
1. Mixxx
Mixxx is good for both professionals and hobbyists, with features like BPM and key detection, sync, and plenty of effects. It supports MIDI and HID devices and vinyl records, and it’s entirely free and open source.
2. Serato DJ Lite
Serato DJ Lite is a well-rounded free option. Beginners will appreciate the track-streaming feature from platforms like Beatport LINK, SoundCloud, and TIDAL, and the website offers tutorials to help you get started.
3. Zulu DJ
Zulu DJ has an easy-to-understand interface. It lets you mix tracks, apply effects, assign BPM, change tempo, and sync tunes. Its website lists a lot of features worth checking out.
4. Anvil Studio
Though it’s freeware, Anvil Studio offers many features, including support for loops, instruments, MIDI devices, a metronome, file management, and professional mixer tools.
5. DJ Mix Lite
If you want free, simple software, take a look at DJ Mix Lite. It doesn’t have the advanced functions of its paid version, but it handles crossfading and beatmatching, and it serves casual DJs as well as those who want to mix CDs or cassettes.
6. KraMixer
KraMixer is one of the oldest free DJ apps. Around since 2010, it offers features like mixing different audio sources, WAV and MP3 compatibility, a split-mode view, an automatic BPM generator and sync, and editable effects, all in a relatively easy-to-use interface.
7. GarageBand
Last on the list, GarageBand is free from Apple and available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It has a fully featured recorder, editors, effects, and support for digital and external instruments, with a user-friendly interface and ongoing support from Apple.
Final Thoughts on Free DJ Software
If you’re a casual user who wants to learn a thing or two, DJ Mix Lite and Serato DJ Lite are ideal. If you want to experiment with advanced features, any of the others above will do.
And if you want all the extra features, active support, strong performance, and a modern interface, Apple’s GarageBand is tough to beat.
Serato DJ Lite vs Serato DJ Pro
The choice of DJ software is one of the most important decisions a DJ makes. It can shape the music you mix and create, depending on the features available.
Let’s compare two Serato products: Serato DJ Lite and Serato DJ Pro.
1) Price. Serato DJ Lite is free, and Serato DJ Pro costs $129 or $9.99 monthly. If you’re a new DJ, free software is appealing. But as your skills grow, you’ll want features Lite doesn’t have.
2) Playlists. Serato DJ Lite can’t support playlists, but Pro does. If you’re serious about your craft, having a ready playlist matters, so you don’t have to make spontaneous decisions about what to play.
3) Built-in key analysis. This helps you find songs with similar keys that blend well together for smooth transitions. Pro has it, Lite doesn’t.
4) Slip mode. Pro has it, Lite doesn’t. It lets scratch DJs use scratch on heavy music like EDM and trap.
5) Cue points. Lite allows 4 cue points, while Pro supports 8. Veteran mixers appreciate having more to choose from.
Verdict
The one thing going for Serato DJ Lite is that it’s free. But if you’re passionate about playing great music, the extra features in Serato DJ Pro make it the winner.
What Software Do Most DJs Use?
While the recommendations above are all solid, some DJs prefer one over the others.
Serato DJ and Serato DJ Pro are two of the most widely used DJ applications. Serato offers a lot for professionals, and since it’s polished software, DJs don’t have to worry much about bugs or lag in the field.
Serato has been around for years, and the developers have made enough updates to make it a near-perfect tool. If you want something reliable, powerful, and flexible, Serato DJ is the way to go.
Which DJ Software Is Best for Beginners?
If you’re a beginner, the complex interface of most DJ software is challenging at first.
Luckily, many apps help newcomers learn and progress. Two examples:
DJ Mix Lite. A good introduction, with a minimal yet functional interface, so you won’t get lost in a sea of buttons. It runs light on your computer and has essential features like track mixing, crossfading, and support for standard audio files.
Zulu DJ. If you’re a beginner, starting with something free is a good move. With cross-platform support, free usage, and a simple interface, Zulu DJ is a good tool for learners, with features like track mixing, pitch adjustments, beat syncing, and MIDI controller support.
Can I DJ with Just a Laptop?
Yes. Since DJ software includes the features found on physical mixers, turntables, and other instruments, you have what you need to mix or create a song.
Your laptop’s processing power matters, so find something that can run your software of choice without hiccups.
Which Is the Best DJ App?
If you’re on Apple devices and want a professional-looking, regularly updated, free DJ tool, GarageBand is hard to beat. If you want the most reliable, cross-platform, flexible, and powerful DJ software available, look no further than Serato DJ.
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Conclusion
There’s a lot of DJ software out there. Choose the one that’s right for your needs, and once you have it, everything else gets easier.
Looking for more? Check out our mobile DJ equipment reviews page, or jump straight to these popular guides:
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From discovering new songs to getting more gigs, I’m excited to share the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained through many years of DJing. [email protected]
