Controllers, turntables, mixers, and everything you need to start or upgrade your DJ setup. From bedroom beginners to club professionals. Covering 220+ products.
DJing has evolved from vinyl turntables in nightclubs to a global art form powered by digital technology. Modern DJ controllers integrate DJ software, hardware controls, and built-in audio interfaces into single units that make professional-quality mixing accessible to anyone.
Meanwhile, vinyl DJing has experienced a renaissance, with new turntable designs, high-quality cartridges, and hybrid digital vinyl systems keeping the art of turntablism alive. This guide covers every approach to DJing and helps you choose the right setup.
All-in-one units with jog wheels, faders, knobs, and pads that control DJ software on your laptop. The most popular and affordable entry point for modern DJing.
Vinyl record players designed for DJing with high-torque direct-drive motors, adjustable pitch control, and durable construction for scratching and beatmatching.
Dedicated mixing consoles designed for blending audio sources with crossfaders, channel faders, EQ, and effects. The centerpiece of turntable and CDJ setups.
Professional standalone players that read music from USB drives, SD cards, or streaming services. The club standard worldwide — Pioneer CDJ-3000 is the industry reference.
Designed for loud environments with swiveling ear cups, high isolation, and durable construction. Emphasize clear mids and strong bass for accurate beatmatching in noisy venues.
Powered speakers and subwoofers specifically suited for DJ performance — delivering high SPL, deep bass, and clear mids. Portable systems for mobile DJs and fixed installs for venues.
DJ controllers ($200–$1,000) are the best starting point — they're affordable, portable, and include everything in one unit. Turntables + mixer ($700–$3,000) are for vinyl enthusiasts and scratch DJs. CDJs + mixer ($2,000–$8,000) are the club standard — if you play clubs, learning on CDJs means zero adjustment when you arrive at a venue. Most beginners should start with a controller and upgrade later if needed.
The three major DJ software platforms: Serato DJ — industry standard, simple interface, great for hip-hop and scratch DJs. Rekordbox — Pioneer's platform, essential for CDJ compatibility, dominant in clubs. Traktor — Native Instruments' software, powerful effects and remix capabilities, popular in electronic music. Most controllers are designed for one specific software — choose your platform first, then buy compatible hardware.
Jog wheels are your primary interaction point. Larger wheels (7–8") feel more natural and allow finer control — essential for scratching and precise beatmatching. Smaller wheels (4–5") save space and cost but limit technique. Mechanical jog wheels (like CDJ platters) provide tactile resistance; capacitive wheels detect touch but don't spin. For serious DJing, prioritize full-size jog wheels — the Pioneer DDJ-REV7 and Denon SC6000 set the standard.
Bedroom/streaming: compact controller ($200–$500), laptop, powered speakers or headphones. House parties/mobile: mid-range controller ($500–$1,000), powered PA speakers ($500–$1,500 pair), subwoofer. Bars/clubs: professional controller or CDJ setup, DJ mixer with booth output, in-ear monitoring. Festivals/touring: CDJ-3000s and DJM-A9 are the global rider standard. Match your investment to where you'll actually perform.
A quality built-in sound card matters. Look for 24-bit audio, balanced outputs (XLR or 1/4" TRS), and separate booth and master outputs. Cheaper controllers may have noisy headphone amps or thin-sounding converters. The headphone output is critical — you need enough volume to cue in loud environments. Professional setups often use an external audio interface for the highest quality output.
CDJ-3000, DJM-A9, DDJ Controllers
SC6000, X1850, Prime Controllers
Traktor, Kontrol S-Series
Mixtrack, Party Mix, NS-Series
ONE, Seventy-Two, Twelve MKII
Xone rotary mixers, DB Series
SL-1200 MK7 turntable
Mixon, Ready, Buddy Controllers