Recommended for Beginners! 5 DJ Controllers That Make DJing Easy!

Hey, everyone! Are you DJing yet?
I only recently started DJing myself, so I've been checking out all kinds of DJ gear. Sometimes I’m browsing websites selling new equipment, and other times I’m hunting for used or even junk DJ gear!
I’m sure plenty of you want to get into DJing but don’t know what to buy, or have been DJing on your smartphone and are ready to get a controller.
This blog is here to solve all your worries in one go!
I’ll give you a quick rundown of some recommended DJ controllers. Let’s go!

1. 01 What Is a DJ Controller?
2. 02 5 Recommended DJ Controllers
   1. The Go-To DJ Controller! - Pioneer DJ / DDJ-FLX4
   2. Battery-Powered and Bluetooth-Connected for Cable-Free DJing!? - Hercules / DJControl Mix Ultra
   3. Remix the Drum Parts! - AlphaTheta / DDJ-GRV6
   4. Affordable Yet Packed with Pro Features! - AlphaTheta / DDJ-FLX2
   5. One of the Most Affordable DJ Controllers!? - Numark / Mixtrack Go
3. 03 Conclusion

01 What Is a DJ Controller?

A DJ controller is a dedicated piece of equipment that lets you intuitively control DJ apps and software running on a computer (PC/Mac), smartphone, or tablet.
Traditionally, DJing was performed using two turntables (record players) or two CDJs (players that can play CDs and load tracks from USB drives), along with a DJ mixer. A DJ controller combines the functions of those two players and one mixer into a single, compact unit.

The controller itself doesn’t play music. Instead, it controls audio tracks loaded from a computer, which is why these devices are also sometimes called PC DJ controllers. In recent years, DJ apps have emerged that let you mix tracks stored on your smartphone, including subscription-streaming tracks and downloaded music. Many controllers now work with these apps, so you can DJ without a computer!

Key Features and Benefits

Excellent value for money

Putting together a traditional setup with two professional CDJs and a mixer can cost several hundred thousand yen or more. Beginner-friendly DJ controllers, on the other hand, are available for around ¥15,000-¥50,000.

Lightweight and easy to carry

Many models are slim and lightweight, making them easy to take not only to practice at home but also to a friend’s house or a small party venue.

Easy mixing, even for beginners

You can view track waveforms on your computer or smartphone screen, and some models feature a Sync button that automatically matches the tempos of two tracks, making it easier to get started with DJing.

Various manufacturers offer a wide range of DJ controllers. This time, I’ve picked five products worth recommending based on their price and features!

02 5 Recommended DJ Controllers

1. The Go-To DJ Controller! - Pioneer DJ / DDJ-FLX4

As of 2026, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is one of the best-selling DJ controllers. Despite its affordable price of under ¥50,000, one of its biggest selling points is the sheer range of things you can do with it!

Pioneer DJ / DDJ-FLX4 2-Channel PC DJ Controller Compatible with rekordbox and Serato DJ

① Compatible with multiple devices

Connect it not only to a PC/Mac but also to smartphones and tablets (iOS/Android).

② Free support for major DJ software

You can use both rekordbox, an industry-standard platform, and the popular Serato DJ Lite software.

③ Beginner-friendly assist features

It features Smart Fader, which automatically adjusts volume and bass as you move the fader to help you transition smoothly between tracks, and Smart CFX, which lets you apply dramatic effects instantly.

④ Ready for streaming

You can send microphone audio directly to your computer, making it easy to stream your DJ sets without additional equipment.

There are two power options: bus power via a wired connection to a computer or smartphone, or direct power through the dedicated power port. For connectivity, you can use either Bluetooth or a wired USB Type-C connection.
By the way, there are also color variants: Pioneer DJ / DDJ-FLX4-W (White) and Pioneer DJ / DDJ-FLX4-N (Gold)!

It looks like a piece of interior decor!

It’s got style in spades! But its performance is the same as the standard DDJ-FLX4. In other words, it can do pretty much everything a beginner could want!

The gold version has a luxurious, striking look that’s different from the white model. It’s hard to choose between them!

2. Battery-Powered and Bluetooth-Connected for Cable-Free DJing!? - Hercules / DJControl Mix Ultra

Want to cut down on cables? Looking for something that’s incredibly easy to carry around? The Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra is a great choice!

Hercules / DJControl Mix Ultra

Whether you’re DJing while traveling or just getting together with friends for a quick session, sometimes you don’t want to carry extra gear or have cables cluttering up the setup. With the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra, battery power and Bluetooth connectivity mean you can DJ without cables! Its portability gets top marks from me. Here are four highlights!

*Separate cables are required when connecting wired headphones or speakers.

① Up to 10 hours of battery life

It has a built-in rechargeable battery that supports up to 10 hours of DJing! It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, so you can enjoy DJing even where there’s no power outlet.

② Full-fledged controls for smartphone DJing

It’s compatible with the djay app for iOS and Android. The touch-sensitive jog wheels and eight pads let you control scratching, looping, effects, and more right from the controller!

③ Neural Mix for separating track elements

You can use the Neural Mix feature at no extra cost to separate and manipulate vocals, drums, and instrument sounds! Leave only the vocals or layer the beat from another track to expand your creative possibilities.

④ Protective cover that’s great for portability

The included cover protects the controller and doubles as a smartphone stand! It makes everything from carrying your gear to setting it up more convenient.

3. Remix the Drum Parts! - AlphaTheta / DDJ-GRV6

The motto is FIND YOUR GROOVE.
A huge jog wheel, a four-channel mixer section, and, above all, a distinctive look that makes it feel special!

AlphaTheta / DDJ-GRV6 DJ Controller Compatible with rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro

First, check out this video! It’s seriously cool!

Now that you’re fired up by the video, let’s take a look at what this controller has to offer!

① Innovative Groove Circuit feature

Replace the drum part of a track that’s currently playing with a different beat at the touch of a button, instantly creating arrangements in different genres!

② Professional-style layout

It features the same button layout and large jog wheels as the club-standard CDJ-3000 and CDJ-3000X players, allowing you to practice in a setup that feels like the real thing.

③ Free compatibility with professional DJ software

It’s compatible with rekordbox Performance mode and Serato DJ Pro! Connect it to a PC/Mac and enjoy full-fledged DJing without purchasing an additional license.

④ Part-specific effects

When using Serato DJ Pro, the controller supports Stems FX, which lets you separate tracks into elements such as drums and vocals and apply effects to specific parts only.

4. Affordable Yet Packed with Pro Features! - AlphaTheta / DDJ-FLX2

The AlphaTheta / DDJ-FLX2 costs less than the Pioneer DJ / DDJ-FLX4, and its size is just right, too!

AlphaTheta / DDJ-FLX2 DJ Controller Compatible with rekordbox, Serato DJ, and djay

This is a great choice for anyone who wants to get into DJing easily, especially casual users who want to have fun mixing tracks from their smartphone or music-streaming services. Here are four reasons to check it out!

① Surprisingly affordable and compact

Not only is it reasonably priced in the upper ¥20,000 range, but it’s also the smallest and lightest model in the series. It takes up very little space on a desk and is super easy to carry around!

② Designed with smartphones and tablets in mind

Connect it to a smartphone via Bluetooth or USB-C and use apps such as djay and rekordbox to DJ with tracks from subscription services like Apple Music!

③ Free compatibility with three major platforms

In addition to rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite, it also supports djay, a popular DJ app for smartphones.

④ Assist features inherited from the FLX4

It comes fully equipped with Smart Fader, which helps you transition smoothly between tracks by moving the crossfader, and Smart CFX, which lets you control effects intuitively. It also features Beat Sync, making it easy for beginners to match tempos without having to adjust BPM manually!

5. One of the Most Affordable DJ Controllers!? - Numark / Mixtrack Go

If all you want is a real DJ controller that you can get your hands on without spending much, this is the one for you: the Numark Mixtrack Go!

Numark / Mixtrack Go Compact DJ Controller

Its biggest selling point is undoubtedly the price: just ¥14,480, including tax (as of September 2026)!

But is it all about being cheap? Not at all! Here are four features that make it worth recommending.

① DJ on a computer or smartphone

It’s compatible with Serato DJ Lite on PC/Mac and djay on iOS/Android! The essential functions for controlling the unit are available for free, making it an ideal first DJ controller.

② Stems support at an affordable price

It features dedicated buttons for isolating vocals and instrumental parts! You can leave only the vocals or switch to the instrumental backing, opening up creative possibilities beyond simply transitioning between tracks.

③ Fade FX adds flair to your transitions

This handy feature applies effects in sync with crossfader movements! With simple controls, you can add some extra flair to your usual mixes.

④ Preview the next track through your headphones

It has both a main output and a headphone output. When connected via USB, you can play music through your speakers while cueing up and checking the next track through your headphones—just like in a professional DJ setup!

03 Conclusion

What did you think? I hope you’ve found a DJ controller that catches your eye in this blog!
Personally, I’m really interested in the color variants of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4...
There are plenty more DJ controllers out there besides the ones I’ve introduced here, so if you’re interested, check out the link below!

⇒ How to Choose a DJ Controller