The New World Of Touch Screen DJ Controllers In 2023

As technology improves so do DJ controllers. The biggest innovation in recent history is the addition of screens. This has given DJs newfound freedom when DJing. Less time staring at the laptop and more time focusing on the controller. But, some controllers are better than others. In this review, we check out the best DJ controllers with screens currently available.

A Closer Look At Controllers With Built In Screen

With some outstanding options available let’s dive into the details of what this new generation of controllers has to offer.

Pioneer OPUS-QUAD Review

The Best DJ Controller With Screens

Specifications

Pros

• Multiple Screens – The Opus-Quad takes a new approach to screen layout with a primary central screen for critical mixing information like stacked waveforms while the supplementary screens provide detailed information on the current loaded song.
• Unique Appearance – The Opus-Quad features a unique and stylish design that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end furniture catalog. The angular design and copper accents combine well with the earth-colored slits. If you want your DJ gear to look unique, this is the controller for you.
• Fully Standalone – Access to all 4 channels in full standalone mode makes this an ideal choice for DJs that want to say goodbye to their laptops. Extensive functionality without the need to run it with DJ software.
• Extensive Connectivity – Speaking of extensive, the Opus-Quad has a plethora of available connection options, including Master, Booth, and Zone Output. You can also plug in an SSD which is ideal for open-format DJs that need to bring a lot of music to a gig.

Cons

• Expensive – The feature set is impressive, but the price tag is exceptionally high. It’s a quality controller, but you can get the same functionality for less if you are on a tighter budget.

The Pioneer OPUS-QUAD is a stunning controller with all the features gigging DJs could ever need. It’s also the first fully standalone 4-channel controller from Pioneer. Also breaking new ground is the innovative and unique appearance that is sure to turn some heads.

The implementation of multiple screens is also a highlight. Every piece of information you’ll want access to is right there without having to dive into sub-menus. This encourages a smooth and comfortable workflow. While it does sport a high price tag, it’s a comprehensive controller and one of the very best DJ controllers with screens.

Read our full Pioneer Opus Quad review for more detailed information.

Denon Prime 4 Review

Feature Rich 4 Channel Choice

Specifications

Pros

• Impressive Screen – The huge 10-inch screen is the biggest screen currently available. It’s bright and responsive, and it’s a touchscreen DJ controller. You can alter the angle to your preferred setting, and it’s solid and well-built.
• Standalone Capable – The Denon Prime 4 is capable of operating as a standalone controller. If you want to unshackle yourself from a laptop this piece of DJ gear is an excellent choice.
• Affordably Priced – Despite the extensive list of features and the epic screen the unit is still reasonably priced. An excellent option for both professionals and serious hobby DJs.
• Excellent Connection Options – The Denon Prime 4 offers a large selection of output choices. This allows you to handle any potential connection situation. With 4 USB inputs plus a built-in SATA drive, you also have full flexibility in managing your music collection.

Cons

• Engine Prime Software – The only real drawback is the software. It is capable and well-presented but not as polished as mainstays like Serato and Rekordbox. Luckily it is compatible with those pieces of software. If you already own them, you’ll still be able to maintain your existing track preparation workflow.

The Denon Prime 4 is an outstanding piece of DJ gear. Catering to a vast array of DJs it’s hard to not recommend it. Especially when you consider the competitive price. The screen is amazing and a joy to use.

If the touch controls are not your style you can also plug in a keyboard for quicker searching. This is especially useful if you have a large music collection. If you are looking for a controller with a screen you should have the Prime 4 high on your list of options.

Read our full Denon Prime 4 review for more detailed information.

Pioneer XDJ RX3 Review

Outstanding Rekordbox DJ Controller

Specifications

Pros

• The Pioneer Standard – The XDJ RX3 offers an updated layout that now more closely resembles the Nexus line of mixers. This is excellent if you already use Pioneer gear in a pro club environment or have ambitions to do so. Everything is where you expect it to be.
• Central Screen – The 10.1-inch touchscreen is vibrant and responsive. You have access to all the information you need to navigate and prepare your next mix.
• Improved Pad Controls – The other noticeable upgrade from the RX2 is the expansion to more pad modes. They feel comfortable and natural to use. Extra pad modes add a lot of creative mixing options.
• Software Support – Rekordbox DJ and support for Serato DJ. This gives DJs the choice to use whatever software they prefer. Great flexibility.

Cons

• High Price Point – As with many high-end pieces of Pioneer gear the price is on the higher side. Other controllers offer more features at this price point.

The Pioneer XDJ RX3 is a solid controller with excellent screen integration. The central placement and parallel waveforms make it easy to prepare and execute your mixes. It’s also light enough to be a great choice for working mobile DJs.

It offers excellent software flexibility and a professional layout. When you take all this into account it makes the XDJ RX3 the best Pioneer DJ controller with screens currently available.

Read our full Pioneer XDJ RX3 review for more detailed information.

Pioneer XDJ XZ Review

Excellent Controller For Pros

Specifications

Pros

• Intuitive Layout – The industry-standard Pioneer workflow is present here. If you are familiar with Pioneer club gear you’ll instantly be able to get to work. Also great for DJs that want o prepare for club sets. 
• Responsive Jog Wheels – The large full-size jog wheels are responsive and great to scratch on. Added onboard displays also provide important information at your fingertips.
• Gig Ready – With a solid range of connection choices you can easily take this from the studio and use it in a professional gig scenario. A good choice for professional mobile DJs.
• Can Operate Independently – While it does work best with a laptop you can still use the controller standalone. Keep in mind you’ll only have access to two channels in this mode.

Cons

• Dated Screen – Pioneer has stuck to the same screen that has served them well for many years. While familiar it is starting to show its age compared to more modern touch screens.

The Pioneer XDJ XZ is a professional piece of gear that has all the features you’d expect from a high-end Pioneer controller. It cleanly replicates the in-club experience and is an ideal controller for professional DJs that don’t want to invest in a full club setup for their studios.

Despite a few restrictions, it is an outstanding controller for fans of Pioneer gear.

Read our full Pioneer XDJ XZ review for more detailed information.

Denon SC Live 4 review

Great Value DJ Controller

Specifications

Pros

• Great Screen – The SC Live 4 features a 7-inch touchscreen. It’s bright and vibrant and offers a multitude of display settings. Response time is lightning fast, and the user interface is easy to navigate. 
• Streaming Focused – Easily stream music from the most popular dance music platforms. It also features Amazon Music Unlimted streaming, which allows access to 100 million tracks.
• Approachable Price – Noticeably cheaper than other 4-channel controllers with screens. Build quality is quite good and the feature set is comprehensive.
• Integrated Lighting Engine – Control DMX, Philips Hue, and Nano Leaf lighting. You can also set up custom light shows for tracks in Engine OS.

Cons

• Lacks External Connectivity – There are no extra connection options to plug in additional decks.

The Denon SC Live 4 is an advanced DJ controller without the huge price tag of other leading 4-channel DJ controllers with screens. It also features a logical, familiar club-style layout and deep integration with music streaming platforms.

While not as comprehensive as the Prime 4, this powerful DJ controller is still among the best controllers with a screen at its price point.

Pioneer XDJ RR Review

Refined 2 Channel Option

Specifications

Pros

• 7-Inch Screen – The XDJ RR offers a smaller screen than some alternatives. But the screen is vibrant and very responsive. The layout is also great, with stacked waveforms and all the details you need at a glance. 
• Dual USB – Access to two USB ports with the ability to record your mix onto the secondary USB. Plus the track split feature is another handy feature to mark your mix points.
• Price Point – Compared to some of the other choices on this list the XDJ RR offers a solid balance between features and price.

Cons

• Minimal Pads – The XDJ RR only features 4 pads per deck. The pad functions themselves offer a good range of choices but I would have preferred a full suite of 8 pads per deck.
• Low Amount of FX – Four Sound Color FX and three Beat FX is a healthy amount but still noticeably less than other Pioneer controllers.

The Pioneer XDJ RR is another solid controller with a 7-inch screen. The clarity and brightness are perfect and all information is readily available. It does lack some of the extra bells and whistles compared to other more advanced DJ controllers but at this price point, you can’t expect everything.

Refined and approachable it is a fantastic controller for DJs that prefer to just have the core essentials on hand.

Denon SC Live 2 Review

Perfect For Streaming Based DJing

Specifications

Pros

• Clean Layout – The layout is similar to what you would find on a professional 2-channel mixer. Full EQ section along with a comprehensive FX section. 
• Amazon Music Unlimited Support – You can access over 100 million lossless tracks with a subscription. An ideal choice for mobile DJs that have to tackle requests.
• Feature-Rich Software – Engine OS continues to innovate with excellent features. One of the standouts is the integration with lighting with support for DMX, Philips Hue, and Nano Leaf.
• No Laptop is Needed – Fully standalone so you don’t need to bring your laptop to gigs. Also convenient for home use especially with the integrated speakers.

Cons

• Price Point – While the SC Live 2 is affordable compared to some other controllers with screens it does lack some nice-to-have features. Depending on your needs you might be better off spending a little bit more.

Denon offers a comprehensive lineup of DJ controllers with screens, and the SC Live 2 will be an ideal choice for mobile DJs that want access to a straightforward and great-sounding standalone unit. Deep streaming service support, logical workflow, solid construction, and a reasonable price.

If you like the idea of not having to invest in a large music library, the SC Live 2 is an appealing choice when coupled with one of the supported music streaming subscription services.

Denon Prime Go Review

Innovative & Portable Option

Specifications

Pros

• Solid Construction – Denon hasn’t cut any corners with this controller. All the knobs feel great. The jog wheels are responsive albeit a bit small. The housing is also great, especially important considering how this controller is intended to be used. 
• Chargeable – No more will you be burdened with having to have your controller continually plugged in. The built-in power source is rechargeable and offers a respectable 4+ hours of battery life.
• Great Screen – Responsive and intuitive to use. Full-color and touch-capable. A must-have for DJing without a laptop.
• Standalone – With your music loaded on a USB or SD card you are free to run this without a laptop. An excellent option for outdoor gigs or as a portable gigging machine.

Cons

• Workflow – There is an initial adjustment period due to the placement of the EQ. Nearly all controllers have vertical EQ but to accommodate the screen you’ll have to adjust to horizontal EQ.

The Denon Prime Go is an innovative controller that fills a particular slice of the market. With a built-in battery, you can take this controller anywhere. Prepare sets or perform. The great connection options also allow you to use this as a professional level controller for gigs.

An impressive controller that is perfect for DJs that want to DJ anywhere and everywhere.

Numark Mixstream Pro GO Review

Affordable Controller With A Screen

Specifications

Pros

• Excellent Screen – Utilizing the same screen as the more expensive Prime 2. Snappy and responsive and features gesture controls. At this price, it is excellent value. 
• Lightweight – At just At 8.11 lbs. (3.68kg), this is a very portable unit. Easy to take to and from gigs. Also offers a small footprint.
• Streaming Ready – With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can stream music directly. Supports a range of subscription streaming services, including Amazon Music, giving you access to a staggering amount of music.
• Lighting Control – Integration with Philips Hue and DMX lighting control. A fantastic choice if you want one unit to be your central hub.

Cons

• Low-Power Speakers – While the speakers play into the convenience element, they don’t pack a great deal of punch.

The Numark Mixstream Pro GO is an affordable and feature-rich controller. The excellent screen is the star of the show, but the in-built battery also makes it among the most portable options available.

It has all the basic features new DJs need to mix. But it does lack some of the extra bells and whistles that more expensive controllers offer. If you are on a budget but still want an excellent screen, the Mixstream Pro GO is a great choice.

Read our full Numark Mixstream Pro GO review for more detailed information.

Our Expert Buying Guide

There are a few key differences between the features of a regular DJ controller and a controller with screens. In the below guide we’ll highlight the most important aspects to assess before buying a DJ controller with built-in screens.

Size and Resolution

The first and most obvious are the screens themselves. Screen size plays a critical role in how much you’ll enjoy using the controller. It will also determine how much you’ll be able to avoid looking at your laptop.

When it comes to screens bigger is better. The larger the screen the more information that you’ll have access to. A large screen will make navigating your music library easier. It also allows for information to be more thoughtfully laid out.

Small screens can be difficult to read and you may find yourself squinting or hunching over. This is not great for maintaining a consistent and solid workflow behind the decks.

The goal of DJ controllers with screens is to look at the laptop less and emulate a club-style workflow.

The resolution also plays a role. The more pixels per square inch the clearer the image will be. This makes it easier to read especially when you factor in a dark and smoky environment like a nightclub. Hi-res screens are a must-have feature when looking for DJ gear with screens.

Available Channels

It’s also worth considering the number of available channels that the controller offers. A four-channel controller is ideal for performing DJs that want to stretch their creative limits.

It opens up the door for layering acapellas and blending several tracks at the same time. If this style of DJing is appealing to you then a four-channel controller is a must.

This is where screen size also comes into play. If you are looking at using four channels you’ll want a large screen that will be able to display 4 waveforms.

Not only should it be able to display them but it should also be easy to interpret the information on the screen.

If you are happy with two channels you can be more flexible when it comes to screen size. While bigger will still be better it is easier to assess your mix when you have to only tackle two waveforms.

Parallel waveforms are another consideration when selecting a controller. This becomes even more important if you are a new DJ.

Having the ability to see upcoming drops in your music can help you adjust and plan your mixes. You can avoid phrase mismatches via loops and execute smooth transitions.

Whether it’s two or four channels make sure the screens display the information you need. Having the information directly on your controller will prevent you from looking at your laptop.

Build Quality

You want to get well-built gear and preferably from a well-known brand. Whether it is your headphones or the best 12 inch powered speakers. When you factor in the addition of screens there is another layer of damage you need to worry about.

Screens that are robust and well-built have a greater chance of surviving knocks and bumps. Replacing screens is extremely difficult in controllers.

While some controllers are better than others I still suggest you invest in an appropriate flight case for your controller. This will make transporting your controller easier. It will also shield your controller from dust and grime. It will also help protect the screens.

Software Vs Standalone

The other consideration is if the controller offers a standalone mode. Some controllers will restrict you to two channels when using standalone mode.

The included software is also important if you plan on using standalone mode. You’ll need to factor in some time to get familiar with the workflow and information available.

Check out the video below featuring Alphatec. He is using the Denon Prime 4 in the standalone mode which will give you an idea of what to expect.

When working in standalone mode you’ll also need to invest more time in preparation. Analyzing and tagging your tracks accordingly will make your time on the decks better.

A refined and organized playlist will also help when using a DJ controller with screens. Due to the limited screen size, it will be easier to find your next track if you have a set playlist.

Many DJ controllers with screens also work with standard DJ software. Having this option available to you opens up the best of both worlds.

For basic information and tasks, you can keep your focus on your controller. For more detailed settings and changes, you can revert to using your laptop.

It is also great for preparing your sets. Updating cue points or information like the Key of the song is easier to do on a laptop. This is especially the case if you like to utilize harmonic mixing and need to update Key data for new tracks.

A good DJ controller with screens will provide robust options for both. The standalone mode should be easy to use and logical.

Meanwhile using DJ software and a laptop should open up more options for you. Tight integration is important.

Things Mobile DJs Need To Consider

Mobile DJs make up a large part of the working DJ group. Not everyone has a comfortable residency at a nightclub. Wedding gigs, college parties, and corporate events are often the main source of income for up-and-coming DJs. This is where DJ controllers with screens can excel.

DJ controllers with screens are perfect for working DJs that play at weddings and similar parties.

It can lead to less gear that you need to bring with you to a gig. You can prepare your tracks beforehand and leave your laptop at home. It is also one less piece of the DJ chain that can fail.

There is nothing worse than laptop failure or laptop issues during a gig. Except for maybe annoying guests with strange song requests 😉

If you are a mobile DJ looking at buying a new DJ controller with screens take some time to think about how you work.

If you already have heavy speakers to bring along you may want to buy a controller that is lightweight and portable.

Also, consider how much you rely on your laptop in your current workflow. If it plays a huge part you may still need to bring it with you to gigs.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buying a controller with screens can be a liberating experience for DJs. With so many DJs tied to their laptop screens, it’s a welcome change to be able to focus on your gear. As parts become cheaper the major DJ gear manufacturers are pushing the limits with what they can offer.

Selecting a favorite is usually difficult, but there is one controller that stands head and shoulder above the rest. When you factor in screen size, aesthetic design, connection choices, and features, the Pioneer OPUS-QUAD is our winner. With a large, bright, and vibrant screen, along with supplementary screens, it’s one of the most complete controllers with screens on the market.

But, if you prefer to spend less but still want 4-channel standalone functionality the Denon Prime 4 is a compelling alternative. Either way, there are some fantastic options currently available. No matter which one you end up buying, you’ll enjoy this new generation of controllers with screens.