Best Beginner DJ Controller Under $300 (2020 Edition)

There has never been a better time to purchase an entry level DJ controller. With recent releases by Numark and Hercules joining an already crowded marketplace, the choices vast. We've rounded up five of the best controllers on sale, covering all of the big three software platforms to help find the best. Focusing on the topics that matter most to beginner DJ's, the test should allow each unit to stand out amongst its rivals.

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[maartendoclo]

1:44 Build quality
4:28 Performance features
7:18 Software features
10:06 Future proof
14:18 Price
17:08 Final scores
20:57 Summary

[eli-shulga]

Cool, thanks very useful. Adding the controllers names list for ease of search/copy pasting:
Hercules - Inpulse DJ 500
Numark - Mixtrack Platinum FX
Pioneer DJ - DDJ-400
Traktor - Kontrol S2 Mk3
Pioneer DJ - DDJ-SB3

[dontstopspinnin]

I own a DDJ-400 and I'm very happy with it. I totally love Rekordbox, it feels so PRO. And I love to see Hercules and Numark pushing the limits forward in this price range, competition it is healthy for all of DJs. I really hope Pioneer take notes of everything. I'd love to see a DDJ-600 with all these other features that Hercules and Numark has to unlock more power in the Rekordbox software. Great video folks!

[mixmastermal]

Purchased the NI s2mk3 last month fantastic controller downloaded new tsi file so I could control different functions missing from the bigger no controllers by using shift function. Also this controller works flawlessly with VIrtual DJ so not just limited to Traktor. Win win

[fightfairfightfair]

I can't say I agree with the scoring here. I think you're being too nice to the Hercules controller, and a bit harsh on the Kontrol S2 and DDJ 400. Both of those controllers should have scored higher in the 'value for money' category, because they both come with the full version of the software. Traktor costs £90 to buy and Rekordbox costs £10 a month, so the fact that both controllers include the full pro software means they're excellent value for money. Those three Serato controllers only come with Serato Intro, which is very basic. You can't even use all 8 performance pads unless you upgrade to Serato Pro, which costs £129. You didn't count that against those controllers in the 'Value For Money' category.

[DirtyJokesFan]

I stopped using Traktor years ago as it was overly packed compared to Serato DJ. The S2 MK3 is the one I’d recommend any beginner to think most carefully about before buying, as NI have backed themselves into a corner with Traktor. Good luck with your choices.

[prettymigzu]

Ordered the Inpulse 500 a few days ago! Very excited and I got it with a Serato Pro bundle!

[defektedtoy]

The versatility of the tractor software more than makes up for what the buttons on the NI controller actually do out of the box. There's a bit of a learning curve when it comes to programming in tractor, but I've been using an apc40 for years now and I can program any button to do anything that I want. And the same goes for this controller.

[Actinesque]

I'm happy with Traktor. It has fewer features on the controller itself, but the NI ecosystem is actually solid. And they do update the software actually. I'm still lacking the HiDPI mode for my laptop, but Traktor Pro just feels superior to Rekordbox/Serato for tech/house music.

[djbeazy]

I had all these controllers. The best one is Hercules. Only downside is jog wheels are tight.

[brad]

Had my platinum fx a couple of months, been using virtualDJ with it and I'm more than happy with it.

[jedurix]

clearly the winner is impulse 500.. way the best dj controller to buy and not by seeing only this video check more on youtube.. you will be satisfied when buy one like i did and im real real happy.. thanks Hercules company for best budget+more than a budget controller ever existed!!!!

[brawlerz]

My personal opinion, go for the Roland DJ 202. For starters, this guy is AMAZING!!!

[tflowmusic]

This Finally helped me decide between ddj 400 and Inpulse 500.. Herculese today xdj tomorrow.. Thanks guys!

[rylander]

Dang, you guys read my mind. I've been thinking about this very decision for the past couple days

[klausmogensen]

Pretty cool that a Hercules controller beats all the big brand controllers in the entry level market :)

[ascdrgn]

I got an SB3 a few months ago because it was the only thing available at the time, and it works great! I was thinking of trading it or reselling it for a 400, but now I'm going to keep an eye on the Hercules.

[thireshannaicker]

Numark is the best value for money. The quality is good. Feels professional. Good fx and features.

[EddyGraphic]

Without a doubt the DDJ-400 even with its plastic construction is the best of them all, would be cool if there was a metallic version of it, it would sell like hot cakes.

[djallie]

Was going to buy an Sb3 this week but I guess not