Best DJ Gear 2023: 10 best DJ software for mixing and playlisting in 2023
Including Rekordbox, Traktor, Virtual DJ and Serato, we list the best software for DJs, from web-based apps to VR
DJ software can have a plethora of uses. It can help you manage and analyse your collection of digital music files, or simply let you mix tracks, set cue points, and add effects, providing tools for seamless beatmatching, looping, and live performance.
Some software is designed to be used standalone – perfect for portable parties or practising at home. Some apps, like Tribe XR, even let you DJ in virtual reality. Other professional software is designed to complement an existing hardware setup if you have one, offering advanced features unavailable on physical gear.
Whatever they might need it for, a wise DJ scouts about to see which suits them the most. For that reason, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the 10 most useful, up-to-date and well-developed DJ software available to download today.
Best DJ software in 2023:
- Rekordbox
- Serato DJ Pro
- Virtual DJ
- Mixxx
- DJ.Studio 2.0
- NI Traktor (Pro 3 + DJ app)
- Algoriddim DJay
- Tribe XR
- Beatport DJ App
- Ableton Live
Rekordbox
Rekordbox, developed by Pioneer DJ, is a professional-level feature-rich DJ software known for its useful track management and organisational capabilities. It’s become such a mainstay in the DJ world, you might often hear DJs saying how they ‘rekordboxed’ their music files, referring to the process of analysing them to show things like tempo and key on CDJs.
What truly puts Rekordbox apart from other software is its unparalleled integration with Pioneer DJ hardware, providing DJs with a cohesive and highly efficient performance experience. Rekordbox is the go-to software for those who want a professional DJing experience, especially if they own Pioneer gear.
Features:
- Track management and organisation
- Beatgrid analysis
- Performance features like hot cues and loops
- Compatibility with Pioneer DJ hardware
- Track analysis for Pioneer gear
- Price:
- Pro: £30 per month
- Creative: £15 per month
- Core: £10 per month
Find out more at rekordbox.com.
Serato DJ Pro
Serato DJ Pro offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to DJs at all skill levels. What sets it apart is its comprehensive library management, allowing DJs to easily organise and search through vast music collections and its new Serato Stems feature. Additionally, Serato DJ Pro’s standout feature is its exceptional support for a wide range of MIDI controllers and DJ gear, providing versatility and flexibility for DJs who switch between a variety of hardware setups.
A key feature of Serato is the incredible Serato Stems, which lets you extract acapella, melodies, bass or drums with a click, and create seamless transitions and mashups on the spot.
Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Hot cues and loops for mixing
- Comprehensive library management
- Support for various MIDI controllers and DJ controller
- Price: $236
Find out more at thomann.de.
Virtual DJ Pro
Virtual DJ has been around since 2003, offering a fantastic solution for beginners. It’s still going strong, and boasts a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it a top choice for not just beginners, but any DJs valuing ease of use.
Notably, Virtual DJ supports video mixing, setting it apart as a versatile platform for both audio and visual performances. What makes Virtual DJ truly unique is its extensive controller compatibility, allowing users to choose from a wide range of hardware options.
Features:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Diverse effects and samples
- Supports video mixing
- Wide controller compatibility
- Price: $19 per month
Find out more at virtualdj.com.
Mixxx
Mixxx is an open-source DJ software that stands out for its accessibility and affordability. While it offers basic mixing capabilities, what sets it apart is its cross-platform compatibility. Mixxx runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for tech-savvy DJs.
Also, Mixxx’s open-source nature means it’s entirely free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious DJs and those who value community-driven development. Mixxx may lack some advanced features, but its inclusivity and cross-platform support make it a valuable and intriguing option for DJs of all levels.
Features:
- Open-source and free
- Basic mixing capabilities
- Support for various audio formats
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Price: Free and open-source
Find out more at Mixxx.org.
DJ.Studio 2.0
DJ.Studio 2.0 is the new and improved version of the AI-powered DJ software that, according to the brand, is like a “DAW for DJs”. It uses machine learning to create mixes for you by the touch of a button, letting you go in and adjust transitions and the track order after.
It syncs up with other software like Rekordbox so you have access to your usual music collection, then all you need to do is drag your songs in and it will automatically create your mix, ordering the tracklist by tempo and key thanks to MixedInKey integration. Plus, once you’re done, you can either export your mix instantly to Mixcloud or export it as a WAV to Ableton Live.
Features:
- Fast, streamlined mix creation
- AI-powered tools
- User-friendly interface
- Suitable for beginners
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
Find out more at dj.studio.
Native Instruments Traktor (Pro 3 + DJ app)
Native Instruments’ Traktor, including Traktor Pro 3 and the DJ app, are both popular powerhouses for advanced DJs. They both offer a comprehensive suite of features, including powerful effects, precise mixing capabilities, and pro 3 offers seamless integration with Native Instruments hardware.
It focuses on performance, making it the go-to choice for DJs who require precision and creativity in their sets. Traktor’s Remix and stems features also make it a standout option, allowing DJs to deconstruct and remix tracks on the fly. For DJs looking to push the boundaries of their creativity and experiment with cool features, Traktor Pro 3 and the Traktor DJ app are both top contenders.
Features:
- Advanced DJ software
- Powerful effects and mixing capabilities
- Integration with Native Instruments hardware
- Remix and stems features
- Price: $106
Find out more at thomann.de.
Algoriddim djay Pro AI
Algoriddim djay stands out with its user-friendly interface and integration with streaming platforms. It caters to DJs of all levels, offering Automix and AI-powered stem separation features for smooth transitions and creative mixing.
What sets it apart is its seamless access to streaming services like Spotify, opening up a vast library of music for DJs. djay Pro AI also offers music production tools, streaming integrations, award-winning UI, advanced library management, automix, video mixing, and a powerful audio engine.
Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Integration with streaming platforms
- Automix and AI features
- Suitable for beginners and pros
- Price: $49.99 per year
Find out more at algoriddim.com.
Tribe XR
If virtual DJ isn’t enough, what about virtual reality DJ? Tribe XR is a revolutionary VR DJ platform that offers a virtual reality DJ experience. It’s designed to provide immersive learning and practice for aspiring DJs without the need for any equipment – just a VR headset like an Oculus Rift, hopefully, Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
What sets Tribe XR apart is its interactive tutorials and realistic mixing environment within a virtual world. It gives you a hands-on teaching experience that’s as close to a real-life DJing lesson as you can get.
Features:
- Virtual reality DJ experience
- Interactive tutorials
- Realistic mixing in a virtual environment
- Suitable for immersive learning
- Price: $29.99
Find out more at tribexr.com.
Beatport DJ Web-based App
The Beatport DJ web-based app is a swift solution for those itching to get DJing straight away – from the office, at home, in a café… wherever! Simply connect to WiFi, open your browser, open Beatport’s web-based app and get started without the need to install a thing.
With Beatport DJ, you don’t need to have music files to hand. Beatport LINK streaming gives you access to the brand’s vast catalogue, so you can perform live sets without needing to purchase individual tracks. One of the coolest, most innovative features of Beatport DJ, though, is Party Mode. Party Mode leverages the advantages of being browser-based and lets you go back-to-back with other users across the globe. You can have four DJs at one time playing tunes together in real-time, which is pretty incredible.
Features:
- Access to Beatport’s extensive music catalogue
- Basic mixing and DJ tools
- Integration with Beatport LINK streaming
- Party Mode
- Price: $9.99 per month
Find out more at dj.beatport.com.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live for many might be seen simply as a DAW for producers in a studio, not in the club. However, it’s a versatile software that DJs can use to elevate their performances thanks to its rich collection of effects, tools and features.
DJs use Ableton Live to seamlessly mix tracks, apply effects, and create unique transitions. Its flexible interface allows for the integration of MIDI controllers, enabling hands-on control over mixing, effects, and triggering clips. DJs can prepare sets in advance, organise their music library, and improvise during live performances.
Features:
- DAW with live performance capabilities
- Supports DJing with MIDI controllers
- Works well for hybrid DJ/live shows
- Enables experimentation
- Price: $599 (Ableton Live 11)
Find out more at Thomann.
For more buyer’s guides, head to musictech.com.
