The Best Pioneer DJ Controllers In 2024

Pioneer is one of the first brands you’ll encounter when searching for the best DJ controller. With an extensive and ever-evolving range, choosing the one that is right for you can be tricky.

We have explored the entire lineup, and our Editor’s Choice is the feature-rich Pioneer DDJ-FLX10. It offers full-size jogwheels, four-channel mixing, and extensive performance features.

Our website covers all sorts of gear for DJs, studio professionals, and live performers. With over 15 years of industry experience, we’ve reviewed and assessed all the leading DJ controllers.

We examined every Pioneer controller for this guide and subjected them to intense testing. We also contacted our extensive network of DJ friends and industry insiders for extra feedback to cement this guide as a one-stop resource for Pioneer DJ controllers.

Quick Summary

• Editor’s Choice: Pioneer DDJ-FLX10
  “Feature-rich four-channel DJ controller with extensive performance features, onboard Stem controls, professional connection options, and fantastic jog wheels.“
• Best For Scratching: Pioneer DDJ-REV7
  “Outstanding motorized jog wheels and a slick battle-style layout make this DJ controller an ideal choice for scratch DJs that want a tactile scratching experience.“
• Best For Beginners: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
  “High-quality entry-level DJ controller with support for both Rekordbox and Serato DJ. A complete mixer section and ample performance features at a fantastic price point.“
• Best With Screens: Pioneer OPUS-QUAD
  “An eye-catching controller with multiple superb screens. Full standalone four-channel capability and pro-grade inputs and outputs. Style and function combined perfectly.“
• Best 2-Channel: Pioneer XDJ-RX3
  “With a large and bright central screen, this 2-channel DJ controller is a fantastic standalone option. High build quality and extensive performance features seal the deal.“
• Best 4-Channel: Pioneer XDJ-XZ
  “A top-quality controller with a near club-level layout and extensive performance features. Access to four channels with a laptop, a screen, and great jog wheels.“

Product Reviews

Let’s dive into the details of Pioneer’s best, including everything from beginner-friendly options to professional-grade gear.

The Pioneer DDJ-FLX10 is hands-down the leading option within the Pioneer ecosystem of DJ controllers. Everything you would want from a modern controller and more.

The central mixer section is among the most appealing aspects of the DDJ-FLX10. It offers a comprehensive layout nearly identical to professional Pioneer mixers.

You’ll have access to four channels with complete EQ controls, an extensive array of high-quality Pioneer FX, and tactile Stem control functionality at your fingertips.

The large jog wheels feature onboard screens, and tension adjust for comfortable and accurate scratching and nudging. The vibrant screens feature essential information on the loaded song, allowing you to keep your eyes on your gear.

Extensive connection options allow this unit to handle various configurations, including additional players and turntables. The performance options are comprehensive, but the quality of the Stems in Rekordbox could be better. Still, I’m sure future updates will refine the quality.

The DDJ-FLX10’s predecessor, the DDJ-1000, was immensely successful, and this revised iteration elevates what was already a polished product to greater heights. It’s an outstanding DJ controller and easily the best option in Pioneer’s lineup if you want to play in clubs eventually.

Read our full Pioneer DDJ-FLX10 review for more detailed information.

Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

The Pioneer DDJ-REV7 is another excellent DJ controller, but unlike the DDJ-FLX10, its focus is squarely on scratch DJs who want a tactile mixing experience with all the bells and whistles of modern technology.

The battle-style layout will take established club DJs some time to get used to, but veterans of turntables will feel right at home. Everything is where you expect it to be, and the workflow is smooth and natural.

The jog wheels are the standout feature. These motorized platters are as close to the feel of turntables as you’ll find on a DJ controller. These large jog wheels also feature screens, elevating the experience further.

The central mixer section opens up a wealth of performance features, giving turntablists all the tools to incorporate modern FX and performance pad features into their scratch routines.

When you combine this with a suite of professional inputs and output and rock-solid build quality, there is little to fault. The superb Magvel crossfader and tight integration with Serato are other highlights from our testing.

If you want an authentic scratching experience with the power of modern software, the Pioneer DDJ-REV7 sits at the top of the mountain as the best choice.

Read our full Pioneer DDJ-REV7 review for more detailed information.

Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

While I love the high-end options from Pioneer, they are also expensive and not a great choice if you are new to DJing. This is where the DDJ-FLX4 comes to the forefront. This entry-level DJ controller has everything beginners need to explore the world of DJing.

The straightforward layout is an ideal introduction to Pioneer gear with a complete EQ section and easy-to-access FX controls. Extra transition assistance options are also excellent additions to help new DJs.

The performance pads feature a range of creative choices to add extra flexibility while encouraging experimentation. While not full-sized, they are still large enough to use comfortably.

The tempo faders are short, and the jog wheels are smaller, but it is hard to be overly critical for a controller at this price point. As for that price point, it’s very reasonable for an entry-level controller from an industry-leading brand.

The DDJ-FLX4 also supports both Rekordbox and Serato so that you can dip your toes into both software platforms, but if you do prefer Serato, you’ll need to budget for an upgrade to the Pro version to take advantage of all the features.

The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 doesn’t offer any balanced connection options, but for most bedroom and hobby DJs, this isn’t a big problem. If you want to explore Pioneer DJ controllers but want to avoid splashing out on high-end gear, the FLX4 is an ideal starting point.

Read our full Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 review for more detailed information.

Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

A growing number of DJ controllers offer screens so that you can ditch the laptop and focus on your gear. The OPUS-QUAD is the most premium choice from Pioneer, with three vibrant screens.

The OPUS-QUAD features full standalone capability with responsive internal software and support for four channels. The screens do a fantastic job of displaying all the essential information you’ll need.

The large central screen is easy to navigate and features touch controls. In contrast, the two supplementary screens offer detailed info on the currently loaded song. All the vital information at a glance to keep you engaged in your set.

The unique angular design and high-end furniture-like design aesthetic are also excellent. While maybe not to everyone’s taste, there is no denying that this controller will turn heads with bold angles and copper accents.

Comprehensive connection options ensure this unit can tackle any gig composition—an excellent choice for a bar or as a DJ controller for a Wedding/Corporate events DJ.

The Pioneer OPUS-QUAD offers a lot, but it also comes with a very hefty price tag, and it doesn’t feature any performance pads beyond the strip of eight hot cue buttons per deck. But despite these minor gripes, there is no denying that it is a superb DJ controller with screens.

Read our full Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD review for more detailed information.

Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

The Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is another standalone controller, but unlike the OPUS-QUAD, this DJ controller features a more traditional club-style layout that will appeal to club DJs and DJs wanting a club-style layout in a controller form.

The XDJ-RX3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with extensive customization options and seamless navigation tools. You won’t need your laptop. Plug in your USB with songs prepared in Rekordbox, and you are ready to mix.

The central mixer section offers extensive FX controls with a suite of easy-to-access and activate Sound Color FX and a staggering amount of high-quality Pioneer Beat FX. If you have used Pioneer DJ club mixers, you’ll love how familiar this section is.

The Pioneer XDJ-RX3 also features a full bank of eight performance pads per deck with an extensive range of modes. Build quality is also excellent across the entire unit.

Extensive connection options are another standout feature, as are the highly capable jog wheels that feature small onboard screens. Compared to other 2-channel standalone options, the XDJ-RX3 is a little pricey but a worthwhile investment if you want to stay in the Pioneer ecosystem.

For some people, the lack of four-deck support might be a dealbreaker. But for DJs who prefer to mix with two channels, the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 has everything you need with ample opportunity to craft killer sets.

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.

For DJs that want access to a standalone four-channel club-style DJ controller, the XDJ-XZ is an outstanding choice, albeit with a few caveats. Access to all four channels requires a laptop connection, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Beyond this slight inconvenience, the XDJ-XZ is the most comprehensive club-style DJ controller on the market. The central mixer section is a nearly identical replica of high-end Pioneer DJ club mixers, making it an excellent choice for practicing sets.

Extensive Sound Color, Beat FX, and various performance pad modes ensure maximum creative freedom. At the same time, the large jog wheels offer a refined and responsive experience.

The onboard screen is smaller and less feature-rich than what is available on the XDJ-RX3 and the OPUS-QUAD. However, it is still large enough to see what is happening and make mixing decisions accordingly. 

The extensive range of inputs and outputs is also appealing. You can easily attach extra players or turntables, and you’ll have access to balanced and unbalanced output, including Booth.

The Pioneer XDJ-XZ is expensive, but when you compare it to a traditional club setup, it highlights its value—an ideal four-channel option for DJs who want to practice their club sets at home.

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

Watch the official video below or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

Buying Advice

There are several things to consider when looking at Pioneer controllers. While the range of features, build quality, and price vary greatly, we cover some universal themes related to Pioneer DJ gear below.

Trusted Brand

Pioneer DJ has a long history of producing high-quality gear. When looking for DJ gear, the brand name does matter. A brand like Pioneer has countless years of experience, giving DJs a level of security that some other brands can’t offer.

If you want to learn more about how Pioneer has shaped the DJ industry, you can check out their series of videos celebrating 20 years of Pioneer DJ.

Pioneer DJ also has an excellent reputation for the build quality of its gear. They use high-quality parts on the controllers they offer. But, as expected, there is a difference between entry-level gear and more high-end Pioneer DJ controllers.

Due to the prevalence of Pioneer DJ gear and its excellent build quality, Pioneer gear’s aftermarket value is also strong. Suppose you do end up upgrading your gear. In that case, you’ll likely get a reasonable amount for your original gear.

Companies are flawed, but when you buy Pioneer DJ gear, you know what you are getting. High-quality gear from a team that has years of experience. That level of comfort is hard to put a price on.

Pioneer Ecosystem

One of the main benefits of buying Pioneer DJ equipment is the overarching ecosystem of Pioneer DJ systems. In recent years, they have refined their controller and pro-level gear options. In this process, they have standardized the layout of their gear for all levels, including the Pioneer DJ controllers.

Pioneer DJ offers a seamless path from beginner to professional gear.

This change is one that I’m thrilled to see. It’s easy to recommend an entry-level Pioneer controller. It’s natural for a new DJ to move onto more advanced gear without completely overhauling their workflow.

The other benefit of this standardization is that it also works in reverse. Experienced DJs can pick up a controller for their studio instead of a complete club-level setup. Smaller portable controllers give experienced DJs the core tools to prepare and plan mixes. All without dedicating mammoth amounts of money and space.

DJ Software

With the release of Rekordbox DJ, Pioneer threw its hat into the ring for dedicated DJ software. While it was already common practice to prepare your tracks using Rekordbox, it is now also a fully-fledged piece of performance software for Pioneer’s line of DJ controllers.

Rekordbox DJ is robust and full-featured and continues to receive regular updates. Its origins as a music library management tool make preparing and managing your music collection easy.

Professional DJs use Rekordbox DJ to prepare for club gigs.

While I’m a big fan of other popular alternatives like Serato DJ and Traktor, there is little denying that Rekordbox continues to grow as the default software that professional DJs use.

Luckily, the relationship between Pioneer and the other major DJ software platform, Serato DJ, remains strong. The result has been a new generation of controllers offering DJs an expansive choice in hardware and software.

The Industry Standard

If you’ve ever been in a DJ booth at a club or festival, you’ll likely have seen Pioneer DJ decks. Pioneer DJ gear is reliable and the go-to choice for professional gigs, so selecting a Pioneer DJ controller is a good choice if you want to become a pro DJ.

The skills are universal, but not all DJ equipment is the same. Moving to more advanced gear is much easier if you stick to the same manufacturer. A pro-level club setup is costly, making a Pioneer DJ controller an excellent stepping stone toward learning Pioneer gear.

Pioneer DJ is the leading choice for club standard DJ equipment.

If you start to DJ professionally, you may also encounter older Pioneer setups. The full Pioneer setup is expensive; not all clubs want to update gear. But while things have evolved, the core layout remains roughly the same.

Preparation is vital to success, so it’s worth asking the promoter or club owner what gear they have. This lets you compare your current setup and prepare for critical differences. Sticking to one of the most popular brands of DJ gear will minimize how much of a difference there will be.

That’s not to say you can’t get a different controller. Many other manufacturers produce amazing controllers. But it is something to be mindful of since you’ll likely see that Pioneer DJ logo sooner or later in your DJ career.

Our Verdict

Pioneer DJ continues to provide DJs with a wealth of options when it comes to controllers. Every DJ wants a solid, reliable, and capable controller.

After extensive testing and analysis, the Pioneer DDJ-FLX10 rises to the top of the list as our Editor’s Choice. It offers comprehensive features and a layout that makes sense for the modern professional DJ.

Of all the DJ controllers Pioneer has released, it’s the most impressive. With the addition of Stem controls and expanded support for Serato, it stands head and shoulders above the other Pioneer DJ controllers on the market.