Best Mid-Range DJ Controllers To Buy In 2018

The worth of one's money is what digital DJing is all about, and this range of controllers makes for a perfect demonstration of this.

These controllers sit between the mid-and-upper-hundreds price range. While they are perhaps not as feature-rich as some of the premium options, today’s midrange controllers are very club-oriented and complete. These devices provide everything you need to DJ.

These are all great options for the serious, but budget-minded, digital DJ.

Numark NV2

(For: Serato) Version 2 of the first “screened” DJ controller, with some welcomed enhancements.

Pros: It’s a great value, with built-in screens and a slim design at a great price. Touch-sensitive knobs and responsive UI allow Serato users to get the laptop out of their face.

Cons: There’s no standalone mixing, the pads are on the small side, and the screens aren’t quite as nice as the ones on Native Instruments controllers.

Choose If: You want to use Serato, and you don’t want to stare at your laptop.

Advertised at $699 (Check Price)

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Traktor Kontrol S5

(For: Traktor) The S8’s younger sibling is a digital workhorse for serious Traktor fiends.

Pros: It inherits Native Instruments’ smart interface from the S8, giving access to nearly all of Traktor’s features in a smaller footprint.

Cons: No mixing of external sources (which means no timecode records). And, of course, no jog wheels for those DJs who demand them.

Choose If: You’re a serious Traktor user who wants access things like Remix Decks & stems, but doesn’t care about hooking up decks.

Advertised at $799 (Check Price)

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Pioneer DDJ-SR and DDJ-RR

(For: Serato, Rekordbox) The great quality of Pioneer’s DDJ series, in a more affordable 2-channel version. (Why are these listed together?)

Pros: Fully USB powered, very portable, professional look and feel. The RR (Rekordbox) version was released later and includes RGB pads, Sequencer, and DVS access.

Cons: The SR is missing standalone mixing and RGB pads from upper-tier DDJ units. Small tempo faders.

Choose If: You want a truly portable Serato or Rekordbox setup, which should last a long time.

Advertised at $699 (Check DDJ-SR / DDJ-RR)

Buy DDJ-SR

Buy DDJ-RR

Reloop Mixon 4

(For: Serato, Algoriddim djay) A lovely four-channel offering by Reloop, whether using a laptop or a tablet.

Pros: While it’s a terrific Serato controller, you also get four-deck tablet mixing via Algoriddim’s software. Reloop provides mappings for Traktor and Virtual DJ as well. That’s versatility!

Cons: No external sources except a straight-thru mic… not even an aux input. Software DJs only.

Choose If: You like having software options, or you want the ultimate iPad controller.

Advertised at $799 (Check Price)

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Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2

(For: Traktor) The second revision of the game-changing S4 is still a great option for Traktor-heads.

Pros: It’s intuitive to use, boasts a ton of functionality, has strong community support, can be used with timecode, and can even be used for Traktor DJ on iOS.

Cons: There’s no standalone mode, and few customization options. Starting to get long in the tooth.

Choose If: You’re a 4-channel Traktor user, but prefer jog wheels over onboard screens.

Advertised at $599 (Check Price)

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Reloop Terminal Mix 8

(For: Serato) Top-notch Serato control, in a sleek (but tough) exterior.

Pros: You get great quality, solid controls, large jog wheels, and full Serato DJ included.

Cons: There are no dedicated “Master Out” or 3/4 channel meters, and no inputs for decks for standalone/DVS.

Choose If: You only plan on mixing “in the box” with Serato, and you want one of the best dedicated controllers for that task.

Advertised at $699 (Check Price)

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Reloop Beatpad 2

(For: DJAY) A compact controller especially for those who are all-in on tablet DJing.

Pros: The compact footprint and tablet-oriented designmeans it will fit easily into any DJ booth. Spotify access is great for DJs who take requests.