Not everyone has a high-quality laptop to connect to a DJ controller, but many people have access to a tablet. But which controllers offer this functionality, and which ones are worth buying? We have the answers.
Our Editor’s choice is the feature-rich Reloop Mixon 8 Pro, which offers a large dedicated iPad dock while retaining a professional layout.
Our website offers detailed reviews that cover all types of studio equipment and guides to get the most out of your gear. We have over 15 years of experience using DJ controllers, and this new generation of iPad-compatible controllers is an area we are experts in.
This guide isn’t simply a list of choices. We spent hundreds of hours researching the best options and testing the gear to ensure they were up to our standards. The result is a refined list of high-quality DJ controllers we confidently recommend.
Quick Summary
- Editor’s Choice: Reloop Mixon 8 Pro
“A high-quality four-channel DJ controller with a dedicated iPad dock, comprehensive mixer section, extensive performance features, and excellent software support.“ - Best Traktor: Traktor Kontrol S3
“A stylish and feature-rich DJ controller with excellent integration with Traktor DJ 2 App, professional connection options, and rock-solid build quality.“ - Best Pioneer: Pioneer DDJ-200
“A beginner-friendly option for Pioneer DJ fans who want to explore mixing with an iPad. It’s also compatible with multiple apps and streaming services.“ - Best Value: Reloop Buddy
“A wallet-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on features. Multiple performance pad modes, FX controls, and a large iPad dock for easy setup with your tablet.“ - Best Portable: Hercules DJControl Mix
“A super-portable DJ controller that you can take anywhere. It features tactile controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and an excellent range of handy included accessories.“
Product Reviews
Let’s dive into the details to see what the best options are when it comes to DJ equipment for iPads.
Reloop Mixon 8 Pro
Editor’s Choice
Overall Rating (8/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro stands out as the most feature-rich DJ controller with direct support for iPads. This one felt the closest to a pro-level piece of gear out of all the controllers we tested.
The large central four-channel mixer is superb, with full 3-band EQ for each channel, excellent faders, and fun-to-use FX controls. The layout is also straightforward and encourages a smooth workflow.
Supporting this mixer section are two solid jog wheels that offer a pleasant feel when scratching and feature on-board screens. But the screens could be more modern in appearance compared to other DJ controllers.
Undoubtedly, the star of the show is the large central dock for your iPad or tablet. It’s also sizeable enough to support up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which combines perfectly with the USB-C support for deeper compatibility with Apple devices.
Full support for Algoriddim djay and Serato DJ Pro ensures you have access to quality DJ software. Add to this the extensive support for streaming services, and you have a feature-rich and highly versatile DJ controller.
The extensive connection options are another highlight. Plug in both digital and analog sources. Balanced and unbalanced outputs and microphone support. Easily the premier choice if you want to use an iPad.
Read our full Reloop Mixon 8 Pro review for more detailed information.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information and full product specifications.
Traktor Kontrol S3
Best Traktor
Overall Rating (7/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
The Traktor Kontrol S3 delivers an extensive range of features while maintaining a very reasonable price. But more importantly, it features slick DJ software that works exceptionally well on an iPad.
Traktor DJ 2 is a fast and powerful app that integrates seamlessly across devices, allowing you to prepare your songs on a desktop PC and instantly migrate to an on-the-go setup. Complete unlock of the powerful Tarkot Pro 3 software for desktop adds to the value offering.
The controller itself features a full 4-channel mixer, but you’ll only have access to two channels when using Traktor DJ 2, with four channels reserved for when you connect the unit to a PC or laptop.
A solid selection of Filter FX and performance pads for Hot Cues and Samples give you ample control to craft fun mixes. Best-in-class loop encoders and long tempo faders are other positives from our testing.
High-quality connectivity allows you to plug in DJ speakers easily, and a microphone option opens up MCing capabilities. The modern and attractive design also distinguishes it from other iPad-compatible DJ controllers.
While it is a bit large for transportation, it also offers excellent build quality for added peace of mind when you take it on the road—a highly capable DJ controller with excellent DJ software that works very well with iPads.
Read our full Traktor Kontrol S3 review for more detailed information.
Browse customer reviews from people who have purchased this product.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information and full product specifications.
Pioneer DDJ-200
Best Pioneer
Overall Rating (6/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
Pioneer is the industry leader, and the Pioneer DDJ-200 is the cheapest entry point into its ecosystem of DJ controllers. But while it might be cheap, it also offers an excellent mixing experience.
The central mixer section offers a 3-band EQ for direct control over Lows, Mids, and Highs and a dedicated filter for each channel. Add to this capable faders, and you have all the tools you need to transition from one song to another.
The small footprint makes it an excellent option for transporting to a friend’s house for impromptu mixing sessions. At the same time, Pad FX and Transition FX ensure you have some creative mixing options.
It was surprisingly comfortable to use for a small controller in our testing. The familiar layout and decently sized jog wheels ensured we were mixing up a storm in no time.
Full compatibility with an extensive range of DJ apps is also appreciated. You can choose between WeDJ, Rekordbox, and Algoriddim djay. All of these offer support for a range of streaming services.
You’ll need to rely on your device for sound, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but at this price point, the DDJ-200 is an excellent entry point into the world of DJing with an iPad.
Browse customer reviews from people who have purchased this product.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information and full product specifications.
If our top choice, the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro, is beyond your budget, the Reloop Buddy is an excellent budget-friendly alternative. It retains the most critical features you’ll need while being friendly to your wallet.
The Reloop Buddy offers a large central iPad dock with full support for large tablets like the iPad Pro. Seamless integration with Algroriddim DJ delivers a tactile and fun mixing experience.
It also offers an extensive list of performance features for a compact controller. Many are exceptionally rare for a controller of this size and price range.
A total of 16 performance pads gives you access to Hot Cues, Auto Loop, Touch FX, Samples, Slicer, Bounce Loop, Neural Mix, and Looper—extensive potential for creative mixes, especially with the added central paddle FX section.
While we had a lot of fun using this DJ controller in our studio, the 2-band EQ was disappointing. It’s enough for most situations, but after using 3-band EQs for years, it took some time to adjust to only having access to two.
Despite this minor drawback, there is no denying that the Reloop Buddy offers superb value for money. Outstanding integration with software and ultra-easy to transport thanks to its small footprint. It’s an iPad-compatible DJ controller that punches well above its price point.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information and full product specifications.
Hercules DJControl Mix
Best Portable
Overall Rating (5/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
The Hercules DJControl Mix elevates the portable DJ experience further than any other iPad-compatible DJ controller. This lightweight, small controller is ideal for popping into your backpack.
The compact and attractive white and yellow frame is also very durable. Supporting this are excellent buttons, knobs, and faders. The jog wheels are serviceable but quite tricky to use due to their small size.
Access to bass control on a unit this size is also a highlight, as many other similar controllers don’t offer this crucial EQ option. Hot Cues and a Sampler are additional features we are happy to see on this tiny DJ controller.
The Hercules DJControl Mix also comes with a dedicated stand for your phone/tablet and an audio splitter so you can accurately prepare mixes in your headphones.
Integration with Algoriddim djay is also excellent, with a comfortable plug-and-play experience. Bluetooth connectivity also delivers a cable-free experience.
It can be challenging when mixing with such a small DJ controller. Still, Hercules has nailed the execution and layout, making this the most capable and portable iPad-compatible DJ controller available today.
Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information and full product specifications.
Buying Advice
When looking at DJ controllers for iPad, there are a few extra considerations that you need to take into account.
Mixer Section
I always recommend that new DJs aim to get a controller that features a robust mixer section. This becomes even more important when you are looking at an iPad controller.
You won’t have access to a mouse to adjust your mix further. Using a touchscreen interface in the middle of a set can be awkward. A controller that offers all the core features you need makes executing good mixes easier.
A feature-rich mixer section reduces the need for using your iPad or laptop.
Ideally, the mixer should have a full 3-band EQ to adjust Low, Mid, and High frequencies. This gives you complete control over the music. An addition of a filter also helps to add flavor to your transitions. While having gain knobs is not critical, it does give you another layer of control.
Good quality faders are also something to keep an eye out for. A long pitch fader makes beatmatching easier. Modern DJ software offers auto-sync options but doesn’t always get it right. Having access to good pitch faders will ensure you get a smooth mix.
Portability
If you’re looking for an iPad controller, you likely have portability as a significant consideration.
A portable controller is perfect to take to a friend’s house, on trips away, or for smaller gigs. If this is you, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the controller size.
A large controller will not fit into backpacks or laptop bags. This will add an extra layer of inconvenience when you take your controller.
All you need is a tablet, headphones, and a controller and you’ll have the ultimate portable DJ setup.
The weight is another factor. A portable setup needs to be as light as possible. While most of these controllers are lightweight, it all adds up once you include speakers, iPad, and headphones. You want to pack up and get set up easily without breaking your back.
If you have no plans to have your gear leave your home, you don’t need to worry about these factors. Instead, focus on gear you can permanently set up to encourage you to mix more often.
Durability
High build quality is always something you should aim for. This is even more important if you do plan on transporting your controller. You don’t want simple bumps to cause your controller to stop functioning.
If you are DJing in a bar, you’ll also want your controller to withstand the grime of such an environment.
High quality controllers are worth the extra investment.
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Cheaper controllers will use cheaper components. Striking the balance between quality materials and the price is difficult. Luckily, there is a good range of options out there that do a decent job of achieving that balance.
Sticking to established brands is a good idea. Brands like Pioneer and Native Instruments have a long history in the DJ game. This results in good quality controllers even for their cheaper entry-level options.
Connectivity
The most critical connection point will be for your iPad, but there are a few other things to consider.
If you want to rely on something other than your iPad speakers (and let’s face it, they are not great), you’ll want extra connection points for speakers. Most controllers in this range will offer an RCA option, but a few will provide professional-grade connections.
RCA audio cables is a most common speaker connection type for iPad DJ controllers.
Depending on your speakers, you may be unable to use them with your controller. You must check for balanced connection options to connect to big DJ speakers.
You may also want to assess if you’ll need a microphone option. If you want to be able to MC an event and DJ, pick a controller with a mic-in connection.
Music Subscription Services
Besides DJ gear, the next most important thing is music. We live in an age where many people don’t have an extensive music collection. Streaming now dominates the way we consume music. This can be a barrier to entry for new DJs.
Streaming services are perfect if you don’t have an existing music collection.
With the growth of iPad-compatible controllers, there came a need for better integration with streaming services. Luckily, DJ manufacturers are finally incorporating these services into their gear.
When selecting an iPad controller, you’ll need to assess the software that comes with it. An app that integrates with Soundcloud Go+, Spotify, or Beatport LINK can grant you access to an instant music library. Curating a personal collection over time will always be preferable, but this is a great way to get started.
Our Verdict
It’s a great time for iPad DJ controllers with plenty of excellent options. When you factor in all the features you’d want from an iPad DJ controller, the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is currently the best one. Based on our extensive testing, it bridges the gap between pro-gear and iPad-friendly features.
It’s a robust controller that gives new and established DJs all the necessary tools. When you factor in clean and tight integration with a good quality DJ app, you can finally leave your laptop or PC out of the equation.
