For many, quality is one of the most important aspects of the best DJ controller units. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or have been in the game for a few years now, you understand that a DJ controller that isn’t all that good is a DJ controller that’s ultimately going to be more trouble than it’s worth.
On the other hand, while DJ controller quality is important, so too is price competitiveness. It’s one thing to talk about top-of-the-line DJ controllers that do everything you’d ever think to want while being made of indestructible titanium.
It’s quite another to find one that anyone besides Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos can afford.
Luckily, there is a bit of overlap between quality and affordability, and we’ve managed to find it. Below, we’ve curated a list of the
These
1. Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX (Editor’s Choice)
This is a DJ controller that totally blew us away with its stunning performance, full-sized pitch faders, and solid, but powerful, jog wheels. This is a DJ controller that really outplays its rivals by including a lot of more expensive, premium features.
If you’ve been a fan of the Numark Mixtrack collection before, and you appreciate how functional and creative these devices can be, you’ll love the Platinum FX.
While this is still an entry-level DJ controller, it’s one of the more versatile ones you can buy, capable of scaling and improving your DJ skills rapidly.
What We Like:
- Fun FX controls
- An excellent price point for beginners
- Access to Serato Lite (formerly Serato DJ intro) DJ software included
- Streaming functionality available
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be a little chunky
- Some limitations
- Serato DJ Lite really isn’t enough for the full experience
Read this next: Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX: Any Good?
Features
- Excellent full-size jog wheels
- Convenient jog wheel displays
- Excellent professional pitch faders
- 16 performance pads
- Multiple performance pad controls
- Excellent professional appearance
- Multiple mixing options
- All the inputs and outputs you need
2. Numark Party Mix (Value Choice)
Perfect for beginners and people interested in DJing more as a hobby, the Numark Party Mix is a compact and highly mobile DJ controller that can be taken with you just about anywhere.
It’s great for home parties and informal events where professional expertise isn’t required.
Not only that, but you can perform numerous LED light arrays that move in sync with the music, creating a dazzling effect around the whole area. This is something even some top-marked DJ controllers don’t have!
Outside of that, the Numark Party Mix comes with every other essential aspect of a DJ controller, including a crossfader, four performance pads, several different loop & cue buttons, as well as two reasonably-sized jogwheels.
Ultimately, while you’re not likely to use this in a club or professional DJ setting, the Party Mix handles all your more casual party experiences.
What We Like:
- Highly Mobile & Portable
- Great For Parties And Events
- Includes LED
What We Didn’t Like:
- A Bit Difficult To Use The DJ Software Compared To Others
- Limited capabilities
Read this next: Numark Party Mix Controller Review: Should You Get It?
Features
- Highly Portable 2-channel DJ controller that includes Serato DJ Lite
- Is compatible with both PC and Mac computers
- Comes with 4 performance pad modes
- Includes 2 outfitted decks, both of which include a crossfader and jog wheel
3. Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3 (Premium Choice)
This DJ controller offers a professional-level experience for those that are seriously interested in being a DJ.
Its layout makes a point of being straightforward, with both the jogwheels and cue buttons being easily and prominently displayed while also offering optimal functionality.
While there are a lot of options on this list, and although this one is certainly the most expensive of the bunch, if you were interested in something that worked extremely well, had the longevity that most entry-level DJ controllers don’t have, and was at the height of quality, there isn’t any other choice.
What We Like:
- Portable & Lightweight In Design
- Impressively Robust & Durable
- Has Large Jogwheels For Optimal Scratching & Mixing
- FX Fade Feature Is Amazing
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive, Especially For Those Just Starting Out
Read this next: DDJ SB3: Still a Game Changer?
Features
- Excellent aluminum-made jogwheels
- Made from high-quality premium materials
- The layout is fully intuitive, with all of its features built and designed to be in the exact spot they should be for optimal performance
- Jogwheels are exceptionally large while also having very low latency,
Some Alternatives
If the three options above don’t work for you, don’t worry. There are still plenty of great DJ controllers for under 500 dollars on the market.
Some of our other favorite options include:
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 really did impress us on every level with its ability to deliver both excellent beginner experiences and plenty of versatility.
Its build is very Robust and versatile, with the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 being able to perform in a range of environments and circumstances.
While this device is definitely strong enough to hold up to use by a mid-level professional, it’s also got beginners in mind.
This is thanks to functions such as an AI assistant and beat match guide. If you need help learning the basics, the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 has you covered every step of the way.
Although there are better Serato DJ lite and Pro systems out there, you’d struggle to get something like this for the same price and with the same intuitive design.
We’d definitely recommend the Hercules Inpulse 500 as the go-to solution for beginners in the DJ space.
What We Like:
- Fantastic Build Quality
- Very smart DJ features
- Easy to Manage layout
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some parts are a bit plasticky
- Not the best for Serato DJ software Users
Read this next: Is The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 Any Good? Let’s Find Out
Features
- Ergonomic pop-up feet
- Fantastic jog wheel and button responsivity
- Beat match support for beginners
- Easy to learn if you’re just getting started
- Designed for long-term performance
- Well-labeled for easy learning
- Quick and simple setup
5. Roland DJ 202
Put together by the Roland Corporation, an electronic music instrument company based in China, the DJ-202 is made to be the ideal one-stop shop for all DJs that want to go from beginner to professional with as few progressive DJ controllers as possible.
The DJ-202 offers a multitude of different features that generally aren’t available when it comes to entry-level DJ controllers.
It includes various features like extra vocal effects (including low-cut EQ), noise-gating for background noise expulsion, as well as mic input options, and pad & transport controls.
Probably the most impressive and exclusive feature offered by the Roland DJ-202 is its Analog Circuit Behavior technology.
Also known as ACB, Analog Circuit Behavior technology was specifically created to recreate some of the most famous sounds from classical drum machines, like the TR-909 or the TR-808.
This is in addition to producing other classic DJ genre sounds, such as those from techno, hip-hop, or house.
This gives you an impressive list of potential sounds to play with, something that other DJ controllers simply do not have as a native feature.
What We Like:
- Very Compact & Lightweight
- Includes Roland Drum Kit Patterns (707 – 909)
- Low-Platter Latency
- 24-Bit/48 kHz Fidelity
What We Didn’t Like:
- Is On The More Expensive Side
Read this next: Roland DJ 202: Serato DJ Controller with Built-in Drum Kits
Features
- Comes with two large platters that have very low latency issues, making them ideal for scratching
- Includes Serato DJ Lite, and can be upgraded to Serato DJ Pro DJ software
- Contains Roland’s legendary 707, 808, and 909 drum kit patterns
- Has an onboard sound sequencer
- Includes eight sounds for all TR kits
What To Look For In a DJ Controller
When it comes to deciding on the right DJ controller for DJs and DJ performers, you can see it’s not quite as simple as picking the option that has the most lights, bells, whistles, and features.
You also need to consider budgeting as well as overall ease of use for your skill level.
Price
The first thing to factor in is, and should always be the price tag. As good as the other two factors are, if you can’t afford the device you’re using, you’re likely putting yourself in a really sticky situation financially.
Luckily, most reasonable DJ controllers range between $100 and $1,000, meaning that, even if you had no budgetary restraints, you weren’t going to get something in the tens of thousands or anything.
As an example, outside of DJ controllers, you have things like turntables and mixers.
These things can easily cost $1,000 just for two turntables, with an additional $200+ for a mixer.
All of these things come on the DJ controller for a fraction of the price (which is why DJ controllers are so incredibly popular).
Ease Of Use
Once you’ve come up with a list of DJ controller options that are in the ballpark of your budget, you’ll want to get something to match your skill level as well as something that isn’t too difficult to use.
This is because DJing should always be done at your skill level and not too much higher. If you’re just starting to understand how the performance pads work and how to use the crossfader, it doesn’t make sense that you invest in a DJ controller meant for scratch DJs or battle DJs.
Getting something with existing features you already understand, with only a few additional options, is the key.
Features
Lastly, you do want to get a DJ controller that has some features to play with. By this, I mean that the DJ controller should have all of the basic features available so that you’re never unprepared.
This would include things like the cue & play buttons, line faders, pitch faders, and crossfaders.
These things are all essential inclusions to a controller, regardless of the type you ultimately decide on, and will give you a really solid understanding of the music you’re going to be putting out to your audience.
Best DJ Controller Under 500: The Verdict
As the market for DJ equipment continues to grow and evolve, there will be more and more DJ controllers that are put out to appeal to the beginner and intermediate DJs out there.
And while this may seem like it will be a problem, the reality is that there will also be a lot of quality options that eventually come out as well.
Today, depending on what you’re looking for, these five options all have a ton of benefits offered.
Ultimately, if asked to pick the “best DJ controller under 500” unit it would be the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX.
This device not only is a great option overall but it’s got a lot of things that make it exceptional for beginners.
From its durable build to its lightweight and portable body, to even its more simplified setup and layout.
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX does it all.
Regardless of the option you choose, all of these devices have their respective strengths and weaknesses. By understanding what they have to offer, what you need most, and which works best for you financially, you can end up with the perfect DJ controller to get your DJ performance off the ground.
Check out the different options and let us know which works best for you.
