Best DJ Controllers Under $300
We’re all passionate about DJing – that’s why we’re here.
As we know, DJing can often be an expensive hobby. When you’re starting out, some of the price tags attached to controllers can be a little bit confronting to say the least.
We wanted to curate a list of our favourite DJ controllers for beginners – all of which provide great DJing experiences for $300 or less. It’s just this way you won’t have to figure out who to get a loan off.
Let’s begin.
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
Price: USD $199
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is a perfectly catered controller for beginner DJs. It has everything you need, without the confusion of the things you don’t need.
It’s a 2 deck controller, with 6” capacitive-touch jog wheels – meaning they’re highly responsive to what your hands are telling them to do. It’s got 16 performance pads that can be used for Cue Points and FX, along with six dedicated Serato FX controls to use when you want to give your set some spice.
Hercules DJControl Starlight
Price: USD $89.99
Potentially the only controller you’d describe as cute.
The DJControl Starlight is an ultra-compact, two-channel controller that can fit into a backpack. I mean, if you really wanted to, you could probably try and fit it into your pocket.
The jog wheels are 3” across, which is fairly small but definitely still hitting the mark for great mixing. It’s got four LED lights in the base of the unit with a series of audio reactive lighting programs, making you your own lighting technician. It also includes four performance pads per deck, which can be used to play with Serato DJ features like Cue Points, Loops, FX and Sampler. It’s also got an adjustable bass/filter control.
The beauty of the Starlight is convenience and spontaneity. You can have it on you, whip it out whenever you want and pack it back up in moments.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3
Price: USD $249
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 is one of the most popular controllers that unlocks Serato DJ Lite for free.
It’s a compact and feature rich 2-channel controller. It includes the world-first Scratch Pad Mode and FX Fade for creative mixing. An evolution of the popular DDJ-SB2, now with dedicated play and cue buttons, independent auto loop section and much more.
It really is one of the ultimate controllers for the price. There’s not much more to say about it than that.
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch
Price: USD $79
An update to the ever-popular Numark DJ2GO2, the DJ 2GO2 Touch is the perfect bite-sized controller for amateur to professional DJs.
The updated model adds scratch capability with touch-sensitive jog wheels, while retaining the ability to control Hot Cues, Loops and the Sampler. It also comes free with Serato DJ Lite and upgrade-ready to Serato DJ Pro.
If you want to pack a punch with something portable and sleek, look no further.
Roland DJ-202
Price: USD $299
The Roland DJ-202 is the perfect controller if you’re after something entry level, yet reliable and long lasting.
It’s a four deck controller with two large, low-latency platters that are great for learning on. There are eight dedicated pads with Hot Cue, Loop, Sequencer and Sampler modes, as well as eight built-in preset drum sounds for quick and easy beat production.
Onboard, it’s got the Roland sequencer, allowing you to trigger sounds or samples in Serato DJ Lite. It’s also got a mic input with vocal FX, if you or your friends ever fancy being the party MC.
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
Price: USD $299
Hercules’ latest offering, the DJControl Inpulse 500 is a compact 2-channel performance controller. It packs a lot of punch, without having to be towed around in a cart.
It comes ready when everything you’ll need to play, such as FX, Auto and Manual loop controls and mic inputs with EQ control. It also has unique features such as retractable feet and built-in learning guides, as well as additional connectivity options.
It’s ready to go for gigs, whilst remaining accessible to DJs of all levels.