We’ve tested dozens of DJ controllers in the last year. We’ve also talked to a host of DJs and manufacturers, to gather all the research on what makes the
We also regularly survey our social media community asking what they consider to be the best DJ gear.
We’ve combined all that data and the DJ gear we picked below is trusted by us and has proven to be some of the best DJ controllers you can choose.
Best DJ Controller Under 300 Dollars: Our Top Picks
Whether you’re just starting out in the DJ world, looking for a present for a loved one, or just someone who loves to play music, a DJ controller is probably the most important bit of a DJ kit to have.
Most high-performance top models don’t come cheap! However, you will be pleased to know that there are some top-quality DJ controllers for very affordable prices.
Let’s take a look at the very
1. Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX [Editor’s Choice]
Starting our list off, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX DJ controller is a four-deck controller with a built-in mixer and audio interface that, along with several other features, makes it an incredible device that is essential for just about anyone looking to take DJing seriously.
Numark’s Platinum FX is an impressive controller that sports a pair of 6-inch capacitive touch jog wheels, both offering a more authentic “old school hip-hop” feel.
The controller also includes a high-res visual color display that shows the BPM (beats per minute) as well as the proper platter position, how much remaining time is for a particular track, as well as pitch adjustment.
The controller boasts a quick-launching FX feature that uses dual paddle triggers as well as eight functional performance pads, and a dedicated instant loop control setup.
The Platinum FX also includes other features such as loops, access cues, fader cuts, and many other options that make performing easier, whether you’ve been in the field for a while or not.
The controller comes with Serato DJ Lite (formerly Serato DJ intro) already pre-installed, offering them several other accessible options, such as access to millions of songs either from TIDAL or SoundCloud.
Meanwhile, the software doesn’t offer all of the same things that the more professional version of Serato DJ has, making it more of an annoyance than anything if you’ve been around for a while.
Read this next: Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX: Any Good?
What We Like:
- Comes With Serato DJ Lite Already Pre-Installed
- Incredibly Versatile
- Great For Just About Any DJ Experience
What We Didn’t Like:
- Software. Runs better using Serato DJ Pro
2. Pioneer Pro DJ DDJ 200 [Value Choice]
The Pioneer DJ DDJ 200 smart DJ controller acts as a 2-deck DJ controller that is incredibly simple to use regardless of your knowledge surrounding DJ controllers.
The DDJ 200 comes with a simplified pair of jog wheels while also hosting several different buttons and knob features, all of which are meant to make the DJing experience easier for those starting.
Pioneer, as seen with the earlier option listed, has been known to put together a higher quality DJ controller with a lot of things working to make it a compelling device. For example, one of the most immediate signs that it is more than just a simple DJ controller is its compatibility with the WeDJ app available for iOS.
This app allows you to improve and develop your skills via different tutorials.
The DJ controller also hosts numerous FX transition features, all of which allow you to more easily match phrases with one another as well as more smoothly transition between different tracks.
The DDJ200 is a fairly compact DJ controller option that is great for travel and virtually any mobile-based scenario.
This does, unfortunately also mean its durability will suffer somewhat, though not to the same extent as other plastic DJ controllers out there.
The only area that may be seen as negative is the plastic-like feel. Outside of that and the aforementioned slight durability issue from earlier.
Read this next: DDJ 200 (The Perfect Entry Level Smart DJ Controller?)
What We Like:
- Split Output
- Highly compatible
- Portable
- Perfect for low-budget and beginners
What We Didn’t Like:
- Quite small and fragile
Best for smartphone and tablet connectivity
- Can Work with DJ Mixing Apps on Your Phone
- Very Affordable Price
- Portable, Lightweight, and Easy to Operate
- Has a USB Port and Bluetooth Connection
- Lacks a Built-In Sound Card
3. Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3 [Premium Choice]
The Pioneer DJ brand has always been synonymous with many of the best DJ controllers. This has been the case largely since they’ve come onto the scene and it is the case here with the DDJ SB3.
Meant and designed for performers that plan on traveling, the SB3 beginner-friendly DJ controller is built with portability wholly in mind. It has a small, compact body along with grab handles which make it easy to pick up and go.
The DJ controller has a design layout that is intuitively laid out expressly for beginner DJs that may not know everything there is to know about a DJ controller.
Things like auto-loop and play & cue buttons, performance pad options, and various other user-friendly designs all are implemented to make this
Two of its more noteworthy features include its scratch pad as well as its FX Fade ability. The FX Fade feature makes it very easy to perform a smooth and simple transition from one track to another no matter the genre of music.
On the other hand, the scratch pad is great as it allows DJs to perform upwards of eight different scratch techniques. This is great for DJs that are starting and don’t know how to properly scratch or need help transitioning their tracks.
The only real downside for the DJ controller is its inclusion only of the Serato DJ Lite DJ software.
While Serato Lite (formerly Serato DJ intro) can be useful when just beginning your DJ journey, if you plan to make some waves, you’ll want to invest in the Serato DJ Pro software.
This DJ software removes any of the limitations that the smaller Lite options have, though at an increased price point.
Read this next: DDJ SB3: Still a Game Changer?
What We Like:
- Very intuitive design makes it great for all skill levels
- easily portable
- Scratch Pad is fun
- FX Fade Helps DJs master transitions
What We Didn’t Like:
- Software. Runs better using Serato DJ Pro
4. Roland DJ DJ 202
The Roland DJ 202 is a professionally made and produced DJ controller with four decks and two channels.
The Roland DJ 202 DJ controller hosts several impressive and different features and aspects, ranging from onboard sequencers, low-latency platters, transport controls, dedicated pads, as well as a mic input.
The controller also hosts several different vocal effects to help tweak and refine the established sound.
Similarly, there are also sound-related features like noise gating, which makes a point of automatically working on the sound to remove any unwanted noises that may distract from the performance.
The DJ controller’s only real downside is its performance pads as well as its overall plastic and less durable build.
With regards to the performance pads, there is a bit of a delay when touching them which ultimately means they aren’t going to be quite as snappy or responsive as you’d hope for.
Similarly, the DJ202’s plastic build, while not nearly as flimsy as most would think, isn’t going to be as durable as some would hope in their DJ controller.
Read this next: Roland DJ 202: Serato DJ Controller with Built-in Drum Kits
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Includes large Jog Wheels
- Includes various FX
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic build quality
- Performance Pads are not very responsive
5. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 acts as an awesome option for those looking for something small and compact while also great for DJs in all stages of their performing career (beginner, intermediate, and professional).
The Inpulse 200 DJ controller comes as a two-channel mixer, complete with an integrated crossfader. The DJ controller features a dual-deck layout setup with a pair of capacitive jog wheels that are properly touch-sensitive. These jog wheels make it easy and effective to perform various vinyl-style techniques, ranging from track browsing, music cueing, or pitch bending.
The Inpulse 200 also includes an Intelligent Music Assistant (IMA) which works to suggest specific tracks that work best with the event at the time and the established energy level in the room.
In addition, the controller comes with eight multi-colored performance pads that offer numerous features and modes.
These modes include FX, Sample, Hot-Cues, and Rolls.
Lastly, the controller includes the beatmatch guide. This incredible inclusion makes learning to beatmatch an understandable and accessible method of matching two tracks together so that anyone can get started with being a DJ.
The only place where the Inpulse 200 falls short is in the inclusion of its headphone jack. The jack itself isn’t all that terrible, though it’s not a particularly high quality either.
It certainly gets the job done if that’s all you have, but it would be better to check out something else if you’ve got the time and money.
What We Like:
- Performance Pads Feel Amazing
- Easily portable
- The Intelligent Music Assistant feature helps beginner DJs
What We Didn’t Like:
- Headphone Jack is poor
Read this next: Is The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 Any Good?
Buyer’s Guide – What To Look For
When it comes down to getting the best DJ controllers at or under the $300-mark, there are a few specific areas you want to focus on.
In addition, you’ll also want to consider how difficult the DJ controller is to you based on your overall invested skill level, which can similarly range between beginners and more experienced DJs.
Build Quality
The first big point you’ll want to consider is the controller’s inherent build quality.
And, while it may seem like you’ll need to actually “buy before you try”, the truth is that there are a variety of different ways to know the overall build of your device.
The reality is that the best DJ controllers should have a least some internal integrity when released.
This is because you’ll be doing a lot of different procedures and shows with your controller, and it needs to be able to handle the constant and frequent usage while under as much stress as possible.
A great way to know if your DJ controller is good is based on their reviews.
There, you’re able to see a variety of people that have purchased their DJ controller from the platform and how it is worth considering based on how durable it is.
Size, Weight, & Dimensions
In addition to the DJ controller’s build quality overall, you’ll also want to consider some of the more specific areas for your controller, namely its different physical aspects.
As the build of a DJ controller as a general concept is important, so too are its more specific dimensions. In this case, a beginner DJ controller that is within the $300 price range is going to be more compact and convenient from a size-based perspective, meaning that it can more easily be carried around.
If you expect to do more traveling around, you’ll want to look for smaller and lighter DJ controllers, as these will make mobility far easier.
On the other hand, if you don’t see yourself needing to get up and go to every show, you can instead look into something a bit bigger and heftier, often being more durable and resilient by comparison.
Read this next: Best DJ Controller for Under 500 Dollars
Controls & Channels
While somewhat similar to the DJ controller’s overall build, understanding its different listed controls and channels is very important. This is because these areas determine what your controller can ultimately do. The “Controls” deal with the different included buttons and knobs that your controller has. This can include things like jog wheels, sliders, switches, dials, and various other control-based factors.
In most cases, starting DJ controllers seen for a beginner should be fairly limited, with only a few features and controls offered. This way, you’re able to better understand what can and cannot do.
On the other hand, “Channels” deals with the different arms of the controller, each separately needing to work together for a performance. A DJ controller channel works by essentially giving your controller the ability to access multiple audio sources. These sources can vary from musical instruments to mic inputs, to even other and better mixer options.
While 4-channels are often more expensive, understanding how many you have is great as you can assign instruments and performance players to the specific DJ controllers you’re using.
DJ Software Compatibility
Just as the other areas are incredibly important, so too are the controller’s operating system and running DJ software. While all DJ controllers generally will have the same system requirements, the same is not the case for software types.
Speaking of the software package, each controller either includes one of the various options or does not include a software package at all.
These software packages are meant to be played for the audio, each having its unique features and benefits.
A great example is something like Serato DJ.
While many best DJ controllers will already have this option already included at the Lite level, you can also invest some additional money into the Pro Version, having access to all of the different features included.
As you become more skilled and experienced as a DJ, you will steadily become more and more interested in one version of the software, deferring to that over any other.
And while they all have many of their strengths and weaknesses, you won’t know until getting a chance to play with them.
Read this next: Pioneer DJ Controller Guide
Price
In addition to the other factors listed, you’ll want to factor in the controller’s cost. In this instance, you’ll want to make sure that the controller stays within the $300 price range.
This can be particularly interesting as some of the best DJ controllers can jump from well below $300 to easily over it rather quickly.
This is one of the biggest challenges for starting and beginner DJs as they are often forced to get controllers that aren’t expressly good simply due to price restrictions.
The good news is that, while a DJ controller in the $300 price range isn’t going to be especially capable compared to the many that are more expensive, it is perfectly suited for beginning DJs that are just getting started or don’t have a lot of experience performing at gigs.
Even if your skills do warrant a higher-end controller, starting at the $300 range will give you a solid foundational understanding of how DJ controllers work while also often having a layout that is accessible for all levels, still having some usability even after you’ve gotten more capable or have started making a name for yourself.
Skill Required
Lastly, as mentioned earlier, you want to take some time before deciding what type of controller you want, using your intuitions to determine which opens have the most benefit for you specifically.
This doesn’t have to be needlessly complex, as you can decide if learning is best.
This is largely due to whether you want a DJ controller that you can effectively use, one you can use easily, or one with additional features.
Best DJ Controller Under 300 Dollars: The Verdict
DJ controllers come at virtually all price ranges. However, if you are interested in DJ controllers under 300 dollars you’re going to want to consider the options listed above.
Not only are all of them great options in and of themselves, but they also are ideal for people just getting started.
Take a look at these best DJ controllers in the under 300 bracket and see which one is right for you.
