The best DJ Controllers in 2023: $300 Edition

Before shelling out some good money, it’s important to see that you’re spending it on something high-quality. For most people, one of the most important things about the best DJ controller units is how well they work. Whether you’re just starting or have been doing this for a while, you know that a DJ machine that isn’t very good will end up being more trouble than it’s worth. On the other hand, price is just as important as quality when it comes to DJ controllers – so if you’re looking for something affordable, you have to check in on its quality too, see if you’re dealing with more pros than cons.

Fortunately, we’ve located the sweet spot where quality and cost go hand-in-hand. The best DJ Controllers in 2023, a great choice for any DJ, regardless of their budget or level of experience, because they strike a balance between affordability and usability. Moreover, you wouldn’t be worrying too much about its looks, as its price can still guarantee you that it looks good, away from the synthetic feel that most cheap brands would have. And so, if you’re looking for an entry-level or an expert one, we’ll discuss more about their greatest pros in a list written below.

Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3

Let’s be honest: Pioneer is a name whose products you wouldn’t expect to cost less than $500, but look at this incredible Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3, the first Pioneer DJ device on this list. If you must know, it’s easy for beginners to use and also boasts of its portability. It was made for artists who want to travel because it has handles that make it easy to pick up and move.

It’s truly worth knowing that Pioneer makes a lot of the best DJ tools, and the DDJ SB3 was no exception when it came out. The controller has user-friendly features like auto-loop and play/cue buttons, different performance pad options, and other things that make it easy for DJs and performers of all skill levels and backgrounds to use. Apart from that, two of its more interesting parts are the scratch pad and the FX Fade feature. For the latter, it makes it easy to have smooth transitions from one track to the next, no matter what kind of music you’re playing. Serato Lite comes pre-installed on your smart controller, but if you want to cater to your slightly experienced level, then you’ll need to buy the Serato DJ Pro.

Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX

Being loyal to their customers and providing high-quality products, that’s Numark’s trademark. Their product, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX DJ controller is a four-deck controller that has a mixer and an audio interface that can prove such sentiment. This and several other features make it a great controller, perfect for those DJs who want to show off their skills. To show off its magnificent abilities, it has two sensitive touch jog wheels that are each 6 inches in diameter and have a more “old school hip-hop” feel. The controller also has a high-resolution color screen that shows the BPM, the proper position of the platter, how much time is left on a track, and how to change the pitch. Aside from that, Platinum FX has loops, access cues, fader cuts, and a lot of other features that make it easier to perform, no matter how long you’ve been doing it. Numark, known for its longtime collaboration with Serato, uses Serato DJ Lite, a great piece of software, that and perfect for those beginners who want to improve their sound quickly. Serato gives the player access, among other things, to millions of songs on TIDAL and even SoundCloud.

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Roland DJ-202

The Roland brand may not be the flashiest in the market but believe us when we say that they’re pretty good in releasing decent and affordable controllers. Their product, the Roland DJ 202 is a high-quality DJ system with two tracks and four decks. It also is good-looking and has a lot of cool and unique features, like onboard sequencers, low-latency platters, transport settings, special pads, and a mic input. Now, in terms of sound quality, it has features like noise blocking, which works automatically to get rid of any sounds that might get in the way of the performance.

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Numark Party Mix II

Another controller that boasts its portability, the Numark Party Mix is a great controller for those DJs who are on the go almost every day. This small Numark model is also perfect for people who are just starting or who want to DJ as a hobby. It can be used also for home parties and other events that don’t require professional skills; this can be an advantage, especially for those who don’t need a lot of complicated features and are just contented with simplicity. Not only that, but you can also set up many LED light displays that move in time with the music and make the whole area look amazing.

Aside from that, this controller has everything else you need in a DJ controller, like a crossfader, four performance pads, a variety of loop and cue buttons, and two jog wheels that are of great sizes.

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Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500

Not a lot of $500 controllers boast its superb skills and portability. But when we mix it we have Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 as a result. It’s a great choice for people who want something small and movable, and it’s also a great choice for DJs of all skill levels, from beginners to pros. This thing has a crossfader and a two-channel mixer built right in and also has two decks and two capacitive jog buttons that work well with touch. Its jog wheels make it easy and effective to do things like track viewing, music cueing, and pitch bending in a way that is similar to how vinyl works. And don’t worry about complexity – beginners will instantly feel comfortable the minute they start fiddling with it.

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Takeaway

You may feel skeptical about buying cheap DJ controllers (like you should be!), but once you get to know a lot of products that can cater to your needs as a DJ all while being affordable, then you’ll know you’re picking the right choice. After all, a DJ controller, as long as it is in the hands of someone who wants to develop their skills in the music realm, doesn’t need to be labeled for its affordability so long as the user enjoys creating music using it.