Best Budget DJ Controller
Are you a new DJ looking for the best budget DJ controller? Here are the current best DJ controllers under $100 or so. Each of these products are affordable DJ controllers which can work great for DJs of all skill levels.
Comparison Chart
  |   |   |   |   |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Pioneer DJ DDJ 400 | 2. Numark DJ2GO2 | 3. Numark Party Mix | 4. Gemini GV Series G2V | 5. Hercules DJ Controller JogVision |
  |   |   |   |   |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6. American Audio VMS2 | 7. Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 | 8. Gemini GMX Series Media Controller | 9. Hercules DJ Impulse 200 | 10. Hercules DJ Instinct P8 |
1. Pioneer DJ DDJ-400
Product Highlights
This is one of the most affordable controllers and is very easy to use right out of the box. While it has controls to help you with the basics, it is also loaded with features that will help enhance your skills.
This controller is designed to work perfectly with Rekordbox. It is one of the best DJ controllers for beginners, but can still be played at a high level by professionals.
What's to like about the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400
The Pioneeer DJ DDJ 400 stands out because it has a simple design and is one of the most affordable DJ controllers available from Pioneer.
Since this company tends to produce some of the highest-quality DJ controllers, this might also be the best starter DJ for anybody who wants to purchase from a trusted brand and still have many of the best features of a high-quality DJ controller.
What's Not to like about the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400
Just like many of the cheapest DJ controllers, the Pioneer DJ DDJ 400 only has two channels. This will make it necessary to upgrade your equipment if you decide to start using more than two channels.
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2. Numark DJ2GO2 Pocket DJ Controller
Product Highlights
This is one of the affordable DJ controllers on the market today with all the necessary features like two jog wheels, a crossfader, and cue/sync/play buttons to run the party.
It comes with Serato DJ Lite Software and an audio interface, You don’t have to look for different ways to carry it because it is very portable.
What's to like about the Numark DJ2GO2?
If you are a DJ who wants to have a really small and portable DJ controller that can be taken on the go and used to record mixes at just about anywhere in the world, this is one of the most affordable DJ controllers.
If you are a new DJ, something affordable and small like this may prove to be the best starter DJ controller for you to learn on before upgrading your gear.
What's Not to like about the Numark DJ2GO2?
Since this product is so small and portable, there are certain features which take a toll. Specifically, this product doesn't contain looping, EQ, or scratching features.
Instead, ou can either do these feature on software manually, or purchase better gear for in the future. Those who consider this the best budget DJ controller will rejoice over its portability.
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3. Numark Party Mix DJ Controller
Product Highlights
The party just got better with this Numark DJ controller. After all, it has a light show and a built-in sound card. This is a lightweight and portable controller loaded with all basic necessities to DJ.
It can easily connect with a Mac or PC letting you browse, mix and play your favorite music with the Serato DJ Lite software that is loaded in it.
The LED light arrays flashing from the rear of the Party Mix controller tend to work pretty well in fog with the lights down low. This is the best budget DJ controller for those who also want to have a basic lighting setup.
What's to like about the Numark Party Mix?
With such a simple design that is capable of matching the features of some controllers which are much more expensive, those searching for the best DJ controller under $100 might end up making this their top choice.
What's Not to like about the Numark Party Mix?
Although this is considered by many people to be the best budget DJ controller, it's important to understand that it doesn't come with the full version of Serato. Instead, think of this simply as a great starter controller to practice on until you can afford getting Serato.
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4. Gemini GV Series G2V Professional
Product Highlights
As a starter DJ, you will need a lot of travels; this is a perfect controller for you because it is built like a tank and it is always ready to travel always. It comes with a LED monitor and a touch-sensitive jog wheel with 2-channel audio MIDI.
It comes with several features like RCA booth output, 8 sampler drum pads in each channel, RCA and XLR master outputs, AUX & RCA line input, a metal casing, and all the basic mixing functions.
What's to like about the Gemini GV Series G2V?
Those who are interested in getting started with using Virtual DJ will love this controller since it contains the MIDI mapping to flawlessly work with all the features of Virtual DJ.
This is one of the most affordable DJ controllers for those who want their starter DJ controller to at least have compatibility with basic mixing features like EQing, FX, and scratching.
What's Not to like about the Gemini GV Series G2V?
Outside of the fact that this product only comes with the LE version of Virtual DJ, there are some buttons which may not last that long. It may not be the most attractive DJ controller either.
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5. Hercules DJ Controller JogVision
Product Highlights
This is one of the best budget DJ controllers with standard features like an exceptional animated in-jog display which helps you mix and scratch without looking at your laptop.
It has two rings on the display that produce pieces of information at playback. The display on one of them indicates the angular position when scratching.
What's to like about the Hercules JogVision?
Upon the first glance at this produce, it may seem like this product is actually three or four times more expensive than it really is.
Especially since it is built for Serato, one of the premier DJ software options. There are rotating lights on the platters which help you get better at scratching.
What's Not to like about the Hercules JogVision?
Despite the fact that this product comes included with Serato (the intro version), there is no looping function that is included on the controller. If you want to loop, then, you will have to set this up manually on your software.
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6. ADJ American Audio VMS2 MIDI Controller
Product Highlights
The American VMS2 is built for dedicated DJs who are looking for a standard and compact MIDI controller to play and mix MP3 music from their computer. This controller can also add turntables and CDJ Players into the mix.
This compact midi controller has two channels with personal rack mounting kit. The double large scratch wheels that come with this controller makes it easy to use vinyl mode and CD mode for physical time scratching.
What's to like about the VMS2?
This can really end up being the best budget DJ controller if you are willing to pay the extra price for the full version of Virtual DJ Pro. It also includes its own 4-in/4-out soundcard, which means that you may not have to upgrade your audio interface to use this controller.
What's Not to like about the VMS2?
Although this controller comes at a really affordable price, it doesn't include the premium version of Virtual DJ. The design is also not entirely attractive, and includes buttons which may be hard to press with fat fingers.
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7. Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
Product Highlights
This is an all-in-one best starter DJ controller that comes with Serato software. The Mixtrack Series now includes over 380 Samples and 6 Sample Packs, and it can work with all DJ software.
This is one of the affordable DJ controllers designed with professional features and performance for DJs. If you already need an audio interface, this controller will be ready for you to use right away.
What's to like about the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3?
This product has a long sleek design which leaves the user with plenty of room to press each button, and use each knob and fader without things getting jumbled.
The product has platters that are bigger than some of the other Numark Mixtrack models, and easily pairs with Serato. If you are okay with using Serato, this might be the best budget DJ controller to suit your needs.
What's Not to like about the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3?
In order to take advantage of the full features of this controller, you will need to invest a little more in the premium version of the included software.
However, many people consider this to be the best budget DJ controller since it contains all the basic features for professional mixing and is very affordable.
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8. Gemini GMX Series Media Controller
Product Highlights
If you are looking for one of the cheapest DJ controllers that you can add to any DJ set up, the Gemini GMX Media Controller is a perfect one for you. It is very portable and has all the features of a full controller.
If you are a DJ who wants to move away from the stresses of a laptop, this standalone DJ controller is just right for you. To place music, you can plug in a USB drive, external hard drive, and so on.
What's to like about the Gemini GMX?
When it comes to the overall look and features of this controller, there are few affordable DJ controllers which compete with this model.
To summarize, there are LED screens, 8 sampler drum pads on each channel, touch-sensitive platters, and and an easy ability to pair with software.
What's Not to like about the Gemini GMX?
Those who want to use this controller will need to stick with Virtual DJ for the best results. If you wish to use this controller with another software, you will either need to do your own MIDI mapping or hope that one is developed for you.
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9. Hercules DJ Inpulse 200 Deck MIDI Controller
Product Highlights
This is an intelligent music assistant that suggests and analyses the best track with its DJUCED feature. This helps you easily adjust the mood and energy level of the party by selecting the right song for any occasion.
It comes with light guides, align tracks, easy BPM adjustment and DJ academic tutorials. This is one of the best DJ controllers for beginners to learn on and develop their skills.
What's to like about the Hercules DJ Inpulse 200?
This product contains various tutorial features which are specifically designed to help beginner DJs get better at beatmatching and mixing using lights and interactive guides. For this reason, many people will consider this to be the best starter DJ controller.
What's Not to like about the Hercules DJ Inpulse 200?
This might be the best budget DJ controller if you simply want a product that is affordable and great at helping you learn how to mix like a professional.
However, those who already are confident in their beatmatching skills should probably look elsewhere. They might be bored by the interactive guides and not really see much of a benefit here.
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10. Hercules DJ Instinct P8 Party Pack
Product Highlights
This controller helps every DJ to produce creative remixes while maintaining high-quality feel and delivering precise performance. With its built-in sound card, it helps you connect headphones and speakers for your PA system.
This controller sync with the music immediately you turn it on. The wristband is using batteries which can easily be replaced. It has plenty of standard features like the loop mode, shift button, and pressure-detecting jog wheels.
What's to like about the Hercules DJ Instinct P8?
Although this product is designed to work with software that isn't that high-quality, those who want to use this product with Virtual DJ, Traktor, Serato, and so on will need to download the right MIDI mapping. This is one of the most affordable DJ controllers for those who are both starting out or still at home practice.
What's Not to like about the Hercules DJ Instinct P8?
In a perfect world, all of the cheapest DJ controllers would come included with some sort of premium software. Although this product comes with software, you will probably soon decide to change it out for one of the best DJ software options.
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Best Budget DJ Controller: Top Choice & Summary
Finding the best budget DJ controller typically means that you won't get all the fancy features of the premium models, but also that you can save a lot of money. Many DJs choose to have a budget DJ controller so that they can easily transport it and use it without worrying too much about it potentially breaking.
It can also be great to practice on a controller which you don't need to keep in tip-top shape. In most cases, the best starter DJ controller for those on a budget is the Numark DJ2GO2. In the end, though, try to find the option which works best for your personal needs.