Latest DJ Controllers 2025: Brands to Command Serato, rekordbox, Traktor, and others - Informed Choices Examined
In the dynamic world of DJing, the choice of a controller is crucial, as it becomes the central device for practice, recording mixes, playing on the radio, streaming, and potentially bar and club gigs. Over the last decade, the DJ controller market has significantly grown, offering units for various budgets and DJ types. Here's a roundup of the best DJ controller brands for various needs and budgets in 2025.
For an all-rounder suitable for most DJs, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 is highly recommended. It supports both Rekordbox and Serato, includes four channels, a club-standard layout, jogwheels, onboard screens, and many inputs for external gear. It costs about $1599 and serves well from beginners to professionals aiming for industry-standard setup familiarity.
For Serato users, the Rane Four is noted as the best specialized controller. Recognized for its stem separation capabilities, it offers easy control over Serato's latest features and dedicated Stem Split buttons.
If you're a Traktor software user, the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 is the best match. This four-deck Traktor controller comes with motorised jog wheels, a new Mixer FX section, and CDJ-style 'both on the same side' correlation for pitch faders.
For large budgets, the AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 stands out.
If you want a standalone iPad-compatible controller, the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is recommended.
For entry-level budget options, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is a good choice for beginners.
Denon DJ offers excellent portable and standalone controllers like the SC Live 4 (White Edition) and Prime Go+, which support standalone operation without a laptop, multiple music streaming services, touchscreens, and portable form factors. These Denon models are financially attractive and functional for mobile and traveling DJs.
The Pioneer DJ REV-1 is a two-channel controller in battle configuration, with larger than average jog wheels and a mixer section roughly based on Pioneer's DJM-S range of battle mixers. The DDJ-REV5, its successor, is a mid-level scratch controller designed for Serato DJ and rekordbox, featuring large jog wheels, chunky pads, and a Magvel crossfader. The use of the REV5 unlocks mixing features in rekordbox without the need for a subscription, and includes a voucher for Serato's (somewhat essential) Pitch and Time expansion.
The Roland DJ-505 includes the 'TR-S' drum machine, offering digital recreations of Roland's 909, 808, and 707 beatmakers. One of Native Instrument's compact DJ controllers is targeted primarily at Traktor users, with buttons and rotaries for quick loop adjustment and on-the-fly effects tricks. The Rane Twelve MkII is a controller designed specifically to replace a single vinyl turntable, offering a true vinyl-style drive and aluminium platter.
The Mixon 4 from Reloop is a hybrid-controller capable of mixing on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android, with Spotify integration within djay 2 software (requires a premium subscription). The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is a budget-friendly, two-channel Serato controller suitable for home use and small public gigs. Lastly, the Pioneer DJ's DDJ-FLX10 is a flagship controller with eye-catching features like enlarged jog-wheel displays, DMX output for lighting control, and compatibility with both rekordbox and Serato.
In summary, these brands (Pioneer DJ, Denon DJ, Rane, AlphaTheta, Reloop) lead the market in 2025 with controllers suited to different software preferences, budgets, portability needs, and performance levels.
- Gadgets like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10, Denon DJ SC Live 4 (White Edition) and Prime Go+, Rane Four, and Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 are integral technology tools in the dynamic world of DJing, offering diverse functionalities and compatibility with various software.
- Technology advancements have led to an array of DJ controller brands in 2025, including Pioneer DJ, Denon DJ, Rane, AlphaTheta, Reloop, each catering to different needs, software preferences, budgets, portability, and performance levels, ensuring the perfect fit for every DJ.
