One of the main problems with many DJ controllers is having to look at your laptop, which is a less engaging experience than a traditional DJ workflow.
The rise of DJ controllers with screens helps eliminate this issue, and the stylish Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD is our Editor’s Choice due to its extensive features and multiple high-quality screens.
We offer comprehensive guides on a range of studio gear with a dedicated focus on DJ controllers based on years of experience. This post highlights the results of our testing and features high-end professional choices and more budget-friendly selections for new DJs.
We have gathered the data and consulted experts to help develop this guide. But we are also DJs, so we have put in hundreds of hours of hands-on testing to ensure that every DJ controller on this list is a stand-out option worthy of your attention.
Quick Summary
- Editor’s Choice: Pioneer OPUS-QUAD
“A stunning DJ controller with a unique and eye-catching design. Comprehensive features, professional connections, and a large central screen supported by two additional screens.” - Best For Streaming: Denon Prime 4 Plus
“Extensive features set this DJ controller apart with full 4-channel capability, streaming compatibility, built-in SATA drive bay, and a large and responsive central screen” - Best 2-Channel: Pioneer XDJ-RX3
“Featuring a professional style 2-channel mixer the RX3 is a superb choice for DJs that want a club-style layout with the benefits of standalone capability and a large central screen.” - Best Value: Denon SC Live 4
“Budget-conscious buyers will love the extensive set of features this 4-channel DJ controller offers. Bright and vibrant screen, build in speakers, and a comprehensive mixer and FX section.” - Best Portable: Denon Prime Go
“For DJs on the go, this ultra-portable DJ controller features a rechargeable battery and high build quality at an approachable price.”
Product Reviews
With some outstanding options available, let’s dive into the details of what this new generation of DJ controllers has to offer for both new and established DJs.
Pioneer OPUS-QUAD
Editor’s Choice
Overall Rating (8/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
When it comes to DJ controllers with screens, there are no options as comprehensive as the Pioneer OPUS-QUAD. Not content with just one screen, this DJ controller offers two additional supplementary screens.
The large 10.1-inch central screen offers ample space to display all the vital waveform and navigation information, while the secondary screens provide detailed info on the currently loaded track.
The unit also offers a unique design unlike anything else on the market. With bronze accents, unique shape, and bespoke finishing, it resembles a high-end piece of furniture.
The Pioneer OPUS-QUAD also features a central mixer with full standalone 4-channel capability. But the lack of performance pads is a notable drawback, which some DJs will miss.
The extensive selection of connection options is another highlight, with Master, Booth, and Zone output available. Highly capable jog wheels and innovative looping controls are additional highlights.
The OPUS-QUAD is a superb choice if you want a classy-looking controller for weddings or corporate events. But it is worth mentioning that this is the most expensive DJ controller available today.
Read our full Pioneer OPUS-QUAD review for more detailed information.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Denon Prime 4 Plus
Best For Streaming
Overall Rating (9/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
The original Denon Prime 4 was a smash hit thanks to the high-tech central screen and extensive features. The latest edition steps it up a notch with excellent streaming support and a refined design.
The central screen is still the star of the show. It’s large, ultra-responsive, bright, and supports multi-touch gestures for maximum control and a fluid navigation and control experience.
The primary mixer features four channels with high-quality knobs, buttons, and faders. But it doesn’t stop there with performance pads, FX controls, and a loop encoder added to the comprehensive list of features.
If I were to nitpick, the Prime 4+ can be overwhelming for new DJs. It takes some time to become familiar with all the options available. If you are coming from other DJ gear, you’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the Engine DJ OS.
The Prime 4+ also doesn’t hold back in the connectivity department with extensive inputs and outputs. Adding multiple USB ports is always a welcome sight, and a drive bay is perfect for DJs with extensive music collections.
The Denon Prime 4+ also supports Amazon Music Unlimited and several other streaming platforms. It is an outstanding DJ controller and an ideal unit for mobile DJs.
Read our full Denon Prime 4 Plus review for more detailed information.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Pioneer XDJ-RX3
Best 2-Channel
Overall Rating (9/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
For DJs who want a DJ controller that emulates professional club-standard gear, the XDJ-RX3 from Pioneer DJ should be high on your list of options.
The layout mimics pro mixers and features a suite of six color FX and a staggering fourteen Beat FX, giving you ample freedom to experiment with legendary Pioneer DJ FX in your sets.
The large touchscreen also offers a logical layout, and the display is crisp and clear. Easy access to navigation buttons and controls ensures a smooth and natural workflow.
Each deck also features a bank of eight performance pads with an excellent selection of modes. The jog wheels also feature screens, and you can adjust the feel from light to heavy, depending on your preference.
Ample connection options, including dual USB ports and pro-grade inputs and outputs, also caught our eye during our testing. Full support for the two leading DJ software platforms is another benefit.
Some DJs will want access to four channels, making this controller not ideal. Still, for everyone else, the XDJ-RX3 is a superb 2-channel DJ controller with a gorgeous screen and is worthy of your hard-earned money.
Read our full Pioneer XDJ RX3 review for more detailed information.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Can you get a comprehensive 4-channel standalone DJ controller with a solid screen without a huge price tag? The answer is a resounding yes. While cheaper choices exist, the SC Live 4 stands out as the most value-packed option.
The Denon SC Live 4 offers a spacious 4-channel central mixer section with complete EQ controls, access to four different Sweep FX, and a familiar BPM FX section that is easy to use and effective.
Two decks with 6-inch jog wheels featuring onboard screens support this central mixer. A bank of performance pads for each deck and a large loop encoder for easy looping add to the appeal.
The screen itself is smaller than some other options. However, at 7 inches, it is still large enough to encourage a natural workflow without squinting to see what is happening.
Pro-grade connectivity also ensures you can easily connect the unit to high-end speakers and mixers. I thought the onboard speakers were not that great and a gimmick that I feel the unit did not need, but I can see hobby DJs enjoying the addition.
With a very reasonable price, the SC Live 4 is both feature-rich and more affordable than comparable units. It’s a solid buy if you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for the leading choice in this category.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Denon Prime GO
Best Portable
Overall Rating (7/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
The Denon Prime GO is an unusual controller with a firm eye on portability. With built-in Wi-Fi and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it is ideal for on-the-go DJs who want to mix anywhere.
The 7-inch central touchscreen is what you’ll find on other Denon DJ gear. It’s responsive, bright, and easy to navigate once you become familiar with the Engine DJ OS.
The build quality is also excellent for a unit in this price range. Excellent knobs, buttons, and faders. Adding to this is a comprehensive selection of professional connectivity options, including USB and microphone options.
I’ve spent a lot of time testing this unit, and I’ll admit initially, the layout was throwing me off. The EQ placement, pad locations, and small jog wheels took some time to get used to. But once I got into the groove, it was smooth sailing.
The touch-capacitive metal jog wheels are surprisingly highly capable, and I could execute scratches effectively with tight responsiveness. For a compact unit, it kept surprising me at every turn.
If you want to unshackle yourself from a laptop and a power supply, the Denon Prime GO is an ideal candidate, and at this price point, it’s a great value buy that will last for years.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Buying Advice
There are a few key differences between the features of a regular DJ controller and a controller with screens. The guide below highlights the most important aspects to assess before buying a DJ controller with built-in screens.
Size and Resolution
The first and most prominent are the screens themselves. Screen size is critical in how much you’ll enjoy using the controller. It will also determine how much you can avoid looking at your laptop.
When it comes to screens, bigger is better. The larger the screen, the more information you’ll have access to. A large screen will make navigating your music library easier and offer a more thoughtful layout.
The goal of DJ controllers with screens is for you to spend less time looking at your laptop.
Small screens can be challenging to read, and you may find yourself squinting or hunching over. This is not great for maintaining a consistent, solid workflow behind the decks.
The resolution also plays a role. The more pixels per square inch, the more precise 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 channels the controller offers. A four-channel controller is ideal for performing DJs who want to stretch their creative limits.
It opens up the door for layering acapellas and blending several tracks simultaneously. If this style of DJing appeals to you, then a four-channel controller is a must.
This is where screen size also comes into play. You’ll want a large screen displaying four waveforms if you use four channels. Not only should it be able to display them, but it should also be easy to interpret the information on the screen.
A four channel mixer gives you more options but is not mandatory.
If you are happy with two channels, you can be more flexible regarding screen size. While bigger will still be better, assessing your mix is easier when you only have to 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, ensure the screens display the information you need. Having the information on your controller will prevent you from looking at your laptop.
Build Quality
You want to get well-built gear, preferably from a well-known brand. 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.
Stick to well-known brands with a reputation for making high-quality gear.
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 and 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 crucial 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 DJ Carlo. He is using the Denon Prime 4 Plus in the standalone mode, which will give you an idea of what to expect.
You’ll also need to invest more time in preparation when working in standalone mode. Analyzing and tagging your tracks will improve your time on the decks.
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 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 on a laptop. This is especially true if you like to utilize harmonic mixing and need to update Key data for new tracks.
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 primary source of income for up-and-coming DJs. This is where DJ controllers with screens can excel.
It can lead to less gear you need to bring 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.
The less gear you have to take to a gig the better.
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 to buy a new DJ controller with screens, consider how you work.
If you already have heavy speakers to bring along, you may want to buy a lightweight and portable controller.
Also, consider how much you rely on your laptop in your current workflow. You may still need to bring it to gigs if it plays a huge part.
Our Verdict
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 tricky, but one controller stands head and shoulder above the rest. The Pioneer OPUS-QUAD is our winner when you factor in screen size, aesthetic design, connection choices, and features. With a large, bright, and vibrant screen, along with supplementary screens, it’s one of the most complete controllers with screens on the market.
