DJing used to be an elusive and expensive hobby. Luckily, times have changed, and there is now a range of affordable DJ controllers. However, exploring budget DJ controllers requires careful consideration of features.
As DJs, we want everyone to enjoy this rewarding hobby, which is why our Editor’s choice is the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX. Its long faders, 3-band EQ, and fun FX features make it an ideal budget choice.
We’ve been DJing for a long time, over 15 years of spinning tunes. In that time, we’ve tested dozens of controllers and have a knack for spotting the legends from the imitators.
While our hands-on time with the gear is vital to our research and testing process, we also understand that every DJ is different. We reach out to our DJ friends for extra insight to make sure we leave no stone uncovered in our quest to present only the best gear.
Quick Summary
- Editor’s Choice: Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
“An outstanding budget controller with all the features a DJ needs to mix. Full EQ section, fun FX controls, and long tempo faders at a very approachable price.“ - Best Pioneer: Pioneer DDJ 200
“A high-value entry-point into the Pioneer DJ ecosystem supported by a complete and logical mixer layout and slick compatibility with iOS and Android DJ apps.“ - Best With Tutorials: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2
“Excellent DJ controller for new DJs that want guidance and onboard tools to help them grow and become confident behind the decks without spending too much money.“ - Best With Speakers: Numark Party Mix Live
“With integrated speakers and lights, this controller offers ample value for its low price point. Great build quality and layout from one of the leaders in budget DJ gear.“ - Best Portable: Hercules DJControl Mix
“An ultra-compact DJ controller you can take anywhere. Super low price point while offering plenty of features and excellent included accessories.“
Product Reviews
There is something for everyone looking for a cheap DJ controller, from compact and portable to the latest generation of smartphone-compatible controllers. Let’s check out the DJ controller reviews for those on a budget.
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
Editor’s Choice
Overall Rating (7/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is a standout budget controller due to its extensive features while maintaining an approachable price. It might be far from the cheapest, but it also offers ample opportunity to grow and evolve if you are new to DJing.
The central mixer section features everything you’ll need, including a full 3-band EQ to give you control over Bass, Mids, and Highs, along with a large filter knob and Level controls to keep control over track volume.
The central section also features paddle FX with easy access to six popular and fun-to-use FX, which also include a Dry/Wet and Beats knob for precise control over the currently selected FX. The large browse knob is also fantastic for skimming through your playlist.
In our testing, the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX also stood out thanks to the long tempo sliders. Most entry-level budget controllers feature short faders, making adjusting the tempo challenging. There are no such issues here, thanks to the long 100mm pitch faders.
Performance pads add further value with quick access to Cue Points, Auto Loop, Fader Cuts, and a Sampler. The jog wheels are also large enough to execute basic scratches comfortably.
The overall appearance might not be to everyone’s liking. I would love to see Numark update the dated-looking Cue and Play buttons, but these are exceptionally minor gripes. With an in-built audio interface and all the features new DJs need, the Mixtrack Pro FX is easily the leading budget choice.
Read our full Numark Mixtrack Pro FX review for more detailed information.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Pioneer DDJ-200
Best Pioneer
Overall Rating (6/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
Pioneer DJ is the leading brand in the industry. While the more expensive DDJ-FLX4 is one of the most recommended beginner choices, they also offer an even cheaper option in the form of the Pioneer DDJ-200.
This compact and lightweight controller is a solid starting point for casual DJing and an appealing choice for people who want to use one of the growing number of DJ apps on iOS and Android.
The DDJ-200 doesn’t feature an internal audio interface, so you’ll need to rely on your external device to handle audio; thankfully, you receive a splitter cable to monitor and prepare your mixes.
The layout is excellent for a compact controller with access to a complete 3-band EQ and a high and low pass filter on each channel. Access to eight performance pads per deck is also a welcome sight for a controller at this price point.
The tempo faders offer decent length, and the jog wheels are big enough to comfortably nudge tracks, skim, and execute some simple scratches. The WeDJ app is a solid platform for mobile DJing. Plus, hardware unlock gives you access to Rekordbox—a leading piece of software that all professional DJs use.
I’ll admit that if you have a little more to spend, there are more well-rounded options available. But at this price point, it’s an excellent entry point into the world of Pioneer hardware and great for casual DJs who want to use their iPad or smartphone to mix.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2
Best With Tutorials
Overall Rating (6/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
Hercules is a brand with an ever-growing range of DJ controllers, and the DJControl Inpulse 200 Mk2 is a standout in the budget end of its lineup. This compact controller offers an accessible entry point for new DJs with ample learning tools to get you mixing up a storm fast.
The Beat Align guides below the jogwheels encourage you to align songs manually, and the light-assisted tempo faders help guide you to matching the BPM (Beats Per Minute) of both tracks. It is an excellent tactile approach for new DJs to learn to beatmatch.
Taking the entry-level focus further is a comprehensive range of DJ Academy tutorials that will help you learn the fundamentals of DJing with tangible and easy-to-follow lessons.
The controller also features effective loop controls and four performance pads per deck. It also features Stem separation support to encourage on-the-fly experimentation with separate vocal and instrumental parts.
It also offers a built-in audio interface and full support for DJuced software and Serato DJ Lite, albeit with a reduced feature set for Serato. My only gripe with this controller is the lack of a full 3-band EQ. Access to Lows and Highs is a good starting point, but I would have appreciated it if they could have added a Mid EQ knob.
Getting into DJing can be daunting, but the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 Mk2 makes that process hassle-free and is bursting with tools to help you learn the ropes. And at this price point, it’s hard to beat.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Numark Party Mix Live
Best With Speakers
Overall Rating (6/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
The prospect of having to buy lights and speakers can rapidly eat into your budget if you are a casual home DJ. The Numark Party Mix Live tackles this problem head-on with a complete all-in-one solution at a very low price.
The two built-in speakers are convenient and more than enough for a small setting. But I’ll admit they are not the most powerful and you’ll want bigger speakers if you are holding a party at your house. But they are excellent for practice sessions or when you have a few friends around.
Adding to the experience are the integrated lights at the controller’s rear. Once again, it’s not enough to rock a full party but bright enough in a small, darkened room to add some ambiance and fun to your DJ mixing sessions.
For a low-cost DJ controller, the build quality is surprisingly robust. It is still primarily plastic but feels solid enough to last the distance. It’s also compatible with various DJ software platforms, including Serato DJ, Virtual DJ, and many more.
The four performance pads per deck give you access to various modes, including Hot Cue, Loop, Sample, and Effects. The central mixer section is also easy to use and has a logical layout but lacks a mid EQ.
For new DJs looking for a simple and affordable all-in-one solution, the Numark Party Mix Live is an excellent choice. A fun DJ controller that would also make an ideal gift for any young aspiring DJ.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Hercules DJControl Mix
Best Portable
Overall Rating (5/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
For maximum portability and a super low price, the Hercules DJControl Mix is worth exploring. This little DJ controller is perfect for impromptu gigs anywhere and for anyone who travels a lot and wants a compact controller to take on their trips.
While small, it still offers a surprising amount of versatile controls often not found on gear this small. You’ll have access to a Filter and Bass control for smoother transitions and various Pad modes, including FX and Looping.
The tiny jog wheels are serviceable for nudging but are exceptionally difficult to use if you want to do scratch routines. It’s not impossible, but certainly not as ergonomic as what a larger controller would offer.
Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, and the djay by Algoriddim software works well on iOS and Android devices. The bright white color is also a welcome change from the standard all-black options on the market.
Adding to the value offering is the inclusion of some fantastic accessories. You’ll get a stand for your phone or tablet and an audio splitter cable for your headphones and speakers. A complete portable package that can fit in a backpack.
I’ll admit when I went to test this tiny unit, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but it proved far more capable than I imagined. If you want to mix anywhere and anytime, the Hercules DJControl Mix is a superb compact budget DJ controller.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Buying Advice
Budget DJ controllers can fill a variety of needs. They are excellent for people wanting to try DJing without a substantial financial commitment. They’re also great backup DJ controllers if your main gear stops working.
The compact nature of these controllers also makes them ideal as portable options to take when traveling. A dependable, cheap DJ controller is an excellent addition to your DJ setup. While they can fill various needs, there are some key things to consider before buying a budget DJ controller.
DJ Software
The first primary consideration is software. All budget DJ controllers rely on software; what software is compatible with a controller can impact which controller is worthy of your attention.
You’ll need to connect the controller to a laptop/PC, and in some cases, you can also connect them to smartphones and tablets.
DJ software plays an essential role in most DJ controllers.
The DJ controller becomes an extension of the software, allowing you to control its features. This helps bridge the gap between software mixing and tactile mixing.
Most DJ software packaged with cheap DJ controllers can handle the fundamentals. Serato DJ Pro, rekordbox DJ, Traktor Pro 3, and Virtual DJ are the leaders in DJ software. However, several other platforms are growing in popularity, like DJuced, Mixxx, and various iOS and Android DJ apps.
You want a budget DJ controller that is compatible with one or more of these leading applications. This becomes even more important if you progress to more advanced DJ gear in the future.
EQ Controls
The other thing to look out for is the EQ options available on the DJ controller. You’ll need to adjust the Low, Mid, and High frequencies for effective mixing, allowing you to craft smooth transitions. Proper EQing of your mixes is a fundamental skill all DJs must learn and master.
EQ controls allow you to manipulate the songs you are playing.
If the DJ controller doesn’t have EQ controls, you’ll need to make these changes within the software. While not impossible, using your mouse or keyboard to adjust this is more cumbersome.
You can get by without the EQ for quick cuts, but you’ll want access to EQ controls for more elaborate and detailed mixes.
Inputs/Outputs
The next item to consider is the connection options. Unfortunately, most budget DJ controllers don’t usually have much in the way of Inputs. If you want to layer a vocal performance or need a microphone for MCing, you’ll require a more advanced controller and need to up your budget slightly.
DJ controllers with multiple connection options are rare in the budget space.
Outputs are another critical consideration. A DJ controller that doesn’t include outputs will rely on your PC or laptop. But some leading choices will feature an internal sound card and allow you to connect to speakers directly.
It is best to investigate this before you make a purchase. Otherwise, you may have to buy a new sound card for your PC or an audio interface for your laptop. Luckily, most modern PCs are well-equipped to handle the outputs.
Other DJ Gear
When starting your journey into DJing, you must also allocate some money to other DJ equipment like headphones and speakers. It’s best to factor all these costs in before committing to a controller. However, you can start with basic headphones and speakers you already own.
A reliable pair of DJ headphones is a must have item.
The first DJ controller I used was a cheap entry-level DJ controller. The jog wheels were poor, yet I spent countless hours practicing and had a blast. You don’t need the most expensive DJ gear to get into DJing.
As I progressed and became more invested in DJing, I upgraded my DJ setup, looking for the best equipment I could afford. If you are on a tight budget, don’t overextend yourself. It’s better to start small and build up to better DJ equipment once you understand the features you desire the most.
From Beginner To Pro With Cheap Gear
Everyone who tackles a new hobby has to start somewhere. DJing was challenging to get into in the past, but a lot has changed, and it is now more accessible than ever.
The best DJs in the world honed their skills on whatever equipment they could get their hands on. Equipment was expensive, and technology hadn’t embedded itself into DJing to the level it has now.
Having these budget-minded options available helped open the door to new up-and-coming DJs. There has never been a better time ever to get into DJing.
Check out this video from DJ Carlo Atendido, showing what you can achieve with a budget DJ controller.
Granted, cheap DJ controllers don’t have all the bells and whistles of high-end gear. But that isn’t what makes a good DJ. You can learn the fundamental skills of DJing with a cheap DJ controller.
What makes a beginner DJ become a pro is practice. The best DJs are passionate about music and work tirelessly to craft well-constructed sets. This is more important than how much money you spend on your equipment.
As your skills evolve, you’ll become more aware of what features are important to you. This will help you make smarter buying choices when you upgrade your DJ controller.
It’s okay if you can’t afford one of the top-of-the-line DJ controllers. You can craft amazing mixes on cheap controllers and begin your journey from beginner to pro. Just focus on buying the best DJ gear you can afford.
Our Verdict
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX ticks all the boxes to be the best budget DJ controller. Offering long pitch faders and a full EQ allows you to master the fundamentals of DJing.
While it’s not the cheapest DJ controller, its feature set is excellent. If you want the best cheap DJ controller to begin your journey, this DJ controller is a great option that should be on your list.
Top manufacturers are putting in their best effort to give new DJs affordable entry points into this fun hobby. And I, for one, can’t wait to see the future DJ stars that this new era will create.
