Are you looking for an affordable DJ controller? Then you’re in the right place. Also, if you love Serato DJ software too, then this is certainly the list of DJ controllers for you, we’re looking at the best budget Serato DJ controllers all under $200 (or very close to).
The below DJ controllers are great for new DJs looking to start DJing on a budget. Easy to use DJ controllers too, all with a free version of Serato DJ Lite. I’ve added extra info on Serato DJ Lite at the end of this article.
1. Numark Party Mix II
Key Features:
- Built-In Audio interface
- Plug and play USB connection to iOS, PC and Mac
- 2 Jog wheels for scratching
- Party lights on top of DJ controller
- 1/8-inch jack for headphones & output
- Budget priced ($125 range)
This is a DJ controller that offers a bit of fun, with the party lights (which you can turn on and off), plus a bit of practicality with the jog wheels being larger jog wheels compared to most smaller budget options.
Note that there are two versions of this particular model, and the verdict is that version 2 is better, so make sure you get the updated model. Version 2 wins mainly due to the faders, knobs and switches being higher quality.
It’s easy to setup and a setup Serato which is great to know. A great option for beginner hobby DJs, especially as it’s a similar size to a laptop.
2. Numark Party Mix Live
Key Features:
- Built-in speakers
- 1/8-inch jack for headphones
- Other than above, same features as ‘Party Mix II‘
- Budget price ($159 range)
Not much else to say on this version of DJ controller by Numark, other than there’s built-in speakers. This makes it so much easier as a new beginner DJ that’s looking to start DJing as a hobby.
Speakers can cost extra money, and potentially waste of space too in your DJ home setup. So this is a neat space saver for you DJs on a budget. Granted there are some slight extra cost for the extra feature but it’s not going to break the bank, or that budget of $200.
3. Numark DJ2GO2 Touch
Key Features:
- Super compact size (pocket size)
- Very lightweight
- Highly affordable ($89 range)
This tiny pocket sized DJ controller is fantastic to get someone started in DJing or revive the love for DJing again. Low investment price which makes it great as a present for someone, or as a backup DJ controller to practice DJ mixes using Serato DJ Lite.
Advice for this device is that if you’re looking to DJ with more functionality then it’s wise to consider spending slightly more on a more advanced DJ controller. If it’s a basic DJ controller to allow you to have fun mixing from track to track, then the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch will serve you well.
It’s been noted that the sound quality is decent even considering how small the DJ controller is.
Check out more recommended DJ Equipment I’ve personally tried and tested here.
4. Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
Key Features:
- RCA (phono) output to speakers
- Microphone input
- Looping / Performance Buttons
- Medium priced ($230 range)
One of the larger sized budget DJ controllers that gives you a closer experience to more advanced and larger sized DJ controllers.
One downside to this DJ controller compared to more advanced versions is that you’re limited to the FX on the DJ controller itself. It’s not a bad thing in one light as you get to focus on less FX to play with.
The jog wheels are of fairly decent quality and on touch aren’t a million miles away from a more advanced higher quality DJ controller.
Unlike some of the other DJ controllers featured on this article, you’ll have longer time frame and usage DJing on this particular controller, due to its strong features and functions. Which is a great point if you’re looking to invest in a DJ controller before you move on and upgrade.
5. Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
Features:
- Microphone plugin (allows DJ to speak in livestreams)
- Great for scratch DJs
- Large jog wheels for scratch DJs
- FX levers for easy FX application
- Higher priced (£280 range)
The price is very similar to the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX DJ controller, however the layout of the DJ controller is noticeable straight away.
The pitch shifters are horizontal and usually are vertical on most DJ controllers. This is not a great feature if you want to get used to vertical pitch tempo shifters. Might be a bit of an odd feeling especially if and when you upgrade to a different DJ controller in future, it will take more time getting used to this.
The main purpose for the layout shift is to mimic the traditional style battle mixing setup.
So buy this DJ controller for battle mixing and scratching, enough said. If that’s the type of DJing that you’re going for then this is a great first buy (or backup / practice buy) for you budding DJs out there.
6. Hercules DJControl Starlight
Features:
- Coloured lighting underneath the DJ Controller.
- Compact in size (similar width of a laptop)
- Jog wheels pressure sensitive
- Reasonably price ($99 range)
Very similar (if not a twin) to the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch, the size in dimensions are almost identical and the functionality of the buttons, faders and switches are nearly carbon copy.
But from what I can tell the main difference is that the Hercules DJControl Starlight has lights that change colour according to the audio wave colour on the DJ software or Cue point.
A great feature of this particular style of DJ controller is that it’s so easy to travel around with it. Fits easily in your backpack or travel bag.
The price is reasonable within the $99 range, which makes a great beginner friendly budget DJ controller and easy to use controller.
Consider getting a travel case for the DJ controller if you want to take it places without breaking.
Serato DJ Lite Information
DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE
You can download Serato DJ Lite from the serato.com website. Download from this page here.
TUTORIALS / HOW TO USE SERATO DJ LITE
Click here for Tutorials on Serato DJ Lite, featured on the serato.com website. Great if you’re new to DJing and are new to Serato DJ Lite also.
ISSUE & SUPPORT
If you’re having issues with your DJ software, then check out this page here.
Check out more recommended DJ Equipment I’ve personally tried and tested here.
Personal Recommendation
Buy the Hercules DJControl Starlight or Numark DJ2GO2 Touch if you’re not serious about DJing, and only pure fun (with low investment).
Personally I’d recommend buying a smaller and cheapest DJ controller going, e.g. Hercules DJControl Starlight, if you’re looking to have pure fun and play around with mixing.
This is a great idea to get you into DJing initially or back into DJing to simply enjoy the fun of mixing between tracks. I’ve heard that a fair few DJs like to have this as a play-about bit of equipment to have fun with on the road or holiday.
