Serato DJ is easily one of the best-known names in the music software industry. Not only does Serato DJ give you an easy-to-understand interface for creating the perfect mixes, but it’s also extremely reliable no matter what kind of performance you’re working on.
Of course, if you want to get the most out of your Serato Lite or Serato DJ Pro software, then you also need to ensure that you have the best Serato Controller hardware in place. So we’ve put together 11 of the best Serato DJ controllers which will give you unlimited freedom to create a huge selection of sounds.
Want some more information on Serato as well as Rekordbox? Then check out our article: Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ – Which is best in 2021?
Here’s a rundown of the 11 best Serato DJ controllers:
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT
- Denon DJ MC7000
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3
- Numark NS6 II
- Numark NS7 III
- Denon DJ MC4000
- Numark NV II
- Roland DJ-505
- Numark Mixtrack Platinum
- Denon DJ MCX8000
Watch our review
What Serato Software will you be using
The first step in choosing the best Serato DJ controller for you is often deciding what kind of software you’re going to be using. Your options include:
- Serato DJ Lite: Serato DJ Lite is the free-to-use DJ software which usually comes bundled with entry-level hardware. There aren’t many advanced features with Serato DJ Lite, but you still get a decent range of options for things like beat matching, crossfading, adjusting EQ, and more. You can also set cue points and loops, or just experiment with Serato DJ Lite in practice mode without connecting your Serato DJ controller.
- Serato DJ Pro: Serato DJ Pro is a professional piece of DJ equipment designed for today’s leading musicians and creators. Serato DJ Pro is available as a one-off purchase or a monthly subscription. Some of the higher-end serato dj controllers can come with a full version of Serato DJ Pro already bundled in.
Serato DJ Pro opens the full range of 46 built-in FX options to customers, and provides further track analysis to give you more detailed information on things like the key of a certain song. A sampler also gives you more creative options for mixes.
The Serato DJ Pro software is a lot more comprehensive than the Serato DJ Lite option, and it even ensures that you can record your mixes for performances later. You always want to be able to record and playback your mixes as a budding musician.
How Do I Choose the Best Serato Controller?
Choosing the right controller for Serato isn’t always easy. You need to think about many things, such as how portable you need the device to be, and how much you’re willing to spend. Here are some important points to consider.
What type of Serato DJ controller do you need?
All the DJ controllers for Serato come in a range of styles. The most important decision you’ll need to make is whether you have a modular or complete DJ rig where you can purchase pieces of the item (one at a time). Modular options give you more freedom to mix and match the features you need. An all-in-one controller is easier for beginners, though.
Does it need to be portable?
How portable should your controller be? Most DJs want their DJ controller for Serato to be pretty easy to transport and set up in a variety of locations – particularly if they’re going to be travelling for shows. If you’re going from one venue to the next quite frequently, then portability will be absolutely essential. If you’re just going to be mixing at home, then you don’t have to worry as much.
Does it have the right features?
Features are probably one of the most important things to look at when you’re choosing a DJ controller for Serato DJ Lite or and Serato DJ Pro.
Most of the hardware on the market today will feature the essentials like Jog wheels and performance pads. But there are a lot of differences to be aware of. For instance, are the jog wheels full-size, and do you have the right number of performance pads? Other features to consider include:
- FX controls for creating unique sounds
- Faders and samplers
- Looping controls
- Unique buttons and dials
- A screen for tracking music mixes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Serato DJ Controller?
A DJ controller for Serato is a hardware solution for mixing tracks designed to work perfectly with Serato technology. The kind of controller you get depends on your needs. Common features include jog wheels, faders, and special buttons that give you instant access to Serato solutions.
Are all DJ controllers Serato Compatible?
Unfortunately, not all controllers will be designed to work with Serato DJ Lite or Pro software. Whenever you’re shopping for a new controller, it’s crucial to ensure that the hardware works effectively with the software solution you’ll be using.
Why buy an all in one Serato DJ Controller?
An all-in-one controller is a great way to ensure that you have all the technology you need in one place. All-in-one products are more portable, and often easier for beginners to use. However, modular products will give you a lot more flexibility and freedom.
Best Serato DJ Controllers of 2020
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, it’s time to start exploring the possibilities of all DJ controllers compatible with Serato.
1. Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT
Overall Best Serato DJ Controller Option
One of the most popular Serato Pro DJ controllers is the highly renowned Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT. This product takes all of the fantastic features of the 1000 and integrates it alongside Serato DJ Pro.
While it lacks direct control over things like Serato FX, this DJ controller for Serato DJ Pro is a brilliant all-around investment, offering full-sized jog wheels and various connection options.
This is the Serato DJ controller you need if you want to keep your focus on your performance (not just your laptop).
- Aluminium jog wheels
- LCD screens
- Club-standard layout
- All-in-one functionality
- Good connection options
- Dual USB ports
- Magvel updated crossfader
- Lack of colored waveform and cue information
2. Denon DJ MC7000
Best Mid-Level Serato DJ Controller Option
The Denon DJ MC7000 is a great choice for customers in search of a sensational DJ controller for Serato DJ Lite or the Serato DJ Pro solution.
With a large range of outputs and inputs to choose from, there’s no limit to the performances you can conduct, you also get a host of extra features compared to most solutions, including pitch ‘n time functionality.
This 4-channel mixer is a great product for mid-level performers, and it can operate as a standalone unit too. The dual USB interface means that you can connect two computers at once, and allow multiple DJs to play together from their own software.
- 4-channel mixer
- Replaceable crossfader
- Excellent needle drop track
- Fully functional jog wheels
- Dual USB ports
- Customizable crossfader
- Durable build quality
- A little heavy at 7kg
- Jog wheel lighting is extremely bright
3. Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
Best Two Channel Serato DJ Controller Option
If you prefer the idea of a 2 channel DJ mixer to a 4 channel option, then the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 has you covered.
Although this isn’t the latest product in the company’s lineup, it’s one of the most flexible, with excellent performance capabilities and a range of pad modes. If you’re a mobile DJ, you’ll appreciate the wide selection of connection options.
Plus, this product is reasonably affordable for beginners too. This is one of the most impressive products to take with you on the move, with a full set of low-latency jog wheels that feel amazing for any performer.
- Multiple connections
- Lightweight and portable design
- Large jog wheels
- Range of integral controls
- Plug and play
- Small pitch fader
- Cluttered interface
4. Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3
Best Serato DJ Controller For Beginners Option
A DJ controller specially made for Serato users at the beginner level, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 is an excellent entry-level investment.
This Serato DJ controller is designed to suit the needs of someone who’s getting used to mixing music for the first time.
Features like FX fade ensure smoother transitions, while the logical layout makes buttons easy to memorize. You also get the benefit of an extremely lightweight control that’s great for transportation.
- Helps with learning how to scratch
- Lightweight design
- Plug and play
- Amazing value
- Bit too simplistic
- Only comes with Serato Lite
5. Numark NS6 II
Best Value Serato DJ Controller Option
Numark is another brand name that comes up quite frequently when looking for a DJ controller. Among the wide selection of products available, the Numark NS6 II is one of the leading choices, offering a wide selection of functional options for musicians.
There’s access to four channels, so you can layer multiple tracks and sounds at once. You also get the benefit of an excellent jog wheel display that helps you to track things like track position and BPM during your mixes.
- 4-channels
- Dual soundcard
- Hi-Res jog wheel display included
- 2 USB ports
- Good build quality
- Only 4.2kg
- Quite a cluttered EQ section
- A little difficult to use if you have larger hands
6. Numark NS7 III
Best Serato DJ Controller For Scratch DJs
Another top contender is the Numark NS7 III is one of the best Serato DJ controllers around, offering excellent functionality through 4 channels, and built-in screens.
Adding four channels to this controller means that you have more freedom to mix and layer tracks however you choose, for a price point that’s not going to break the bank.
There’s plenty of choice from a connectivity perspective, and the screens help you to browse through libraries fast.
- Hi-res full-color screens
- 4 channels
- Waveform and BPM info
- Solid range of connectivity
- Touch capacity knobs
- Excellent price-point
- 10 pad modes for hot cues
- Slightly smaller jog wheels than you’d expect
- A little cluttered in places
7. Denon DJ MC4000
This Serato DJ controller looks as impressive as it sounds. The Denon DJ MC4000 is a two-channel solution which really helps you to make the most of your DJ controller for Serato technology.
Full-sized pitch faders are great for maximizing your beat matching potential, while the lightweight but sturdy design makes this product ideal for portability.
Durable and easy to use, this product even comes with extremely reliable jog wheels that feel great under your fingers.
- Full sized pitch faders for beatmatching
- Good range of connections
- Lightweight enough for portability
- Durable design will stand the test of time
- Dedicated sample and hot cue trigger pads
- Solid and comfortable jogwheels with full metal plates
- Only comes equipped with Serato DJ Lite
- Not suitable for those who need more than 2 decks
8. Numark NV II
A beautiful mid-level solution for DJs that want to upgrade their deck experience. The Numark NV II provides full access to Serato software, so you can make the most of your software.
The sleek and easy-to-transport design makes this product great for working on the move, and full color displays ensure that you can track the visuals from your mixes too.
This Serato DJ controller system comes with everything you need in one, from a professional crossfader, to a host of 10 pad modes.
- A range of 10 pad modes to choose from with RGB
- Excellent set of 16 velocity sensitive pad
- Comfortable metal platters on the jog wheels
- Full visualization for your Serato DJ controller mix through two screens
- Attractive low-profile design for easy transportation
- Toolroom Remix packs included
- Various inputs with a USSB 2.0 interface built in
- Slightly smaller jog wheels aren’t ideal for scratching
- A little chunkier than some alternative DJ controllers for Serato
9. Roland DJ-505
The Roland DJ-505 is one of the more compelling choices on the market for the top Serato DJ controllers. There’s a set of low-latency platters which make it easy to search for the music you need.
Plus, you get eight dedicated pad controls for your Serato Pro technology, including a huge selection of sampler modes.
With a host of capabilities to explore, including fully-editable drum kits and great FX integration – this could definitely be a must-have purchase for some budding DJs.
- Excellent low-latency platters for searching functionality
- Dedicated FX functionality for Serato DJ controller fans
- Excellent durable construction definitely stands the test of time
- Built-in machine for drumming and drum sequencing
- Classic 16-step sequencer included
- Not the most aesthetically appealing DJ controller for Serato
- Jogwheels aren’t full-sized
10. Numark Mixtrack Platinum
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum controller gives you a full DJ controller for Serato system with four decks and a host of extra features to explore.
This is one of the top choices on the market for beginners that are just starting to discover Serato DJ controller technology for the first time. You can visualize your DJ mix with large 6-inch capacitive touch jog wheels that come with their own display.
There’s also a host of dual paddle trigger options for quick-launch FX performance too. This unit is perfect for anyone getting into using Serato DJ controllers.
- Easy access to Serato DJ controller technology for beginners
- Excellent touch-sensitive jogwheels that come with their own screens
- Track everything from needle position to current BPM modes
- Full-sized long pitch faders for beat matching
- Powerful built-in soundcard so you don’t have to worry about drivers
- Touchstrip functionality for skimming through your tracks
- Limited output options with only one RCA
- A little basic for some more advanced DJs
11. Denon DJ MCX8000
The Denon DJ MCX8000 currently stands out as perhaps the most impressive DJ controller for Serato DJ Pro from Denon, offering revolutionary technology to anyone who wants to take full advantage of the Serato DJ controller software.
You can use this solution either with your Serato DJ Pro software, or you can stick to a standalone experience instead – it’s totally up to you.
Aside from a four channel digital mixer with 2 microphone inputs, you also get a powerful and durable build that’s designed to stand the test of time.
- Use it with your Serato DJ controller software, or as a standalone option
- Run 2 channels at once for mixing and layering
- Excellent full steel construction means that you know it’s durable
- Great layout for beginners and mid-level DJs that are levelling up
- Great screen access for tracking useful information
- Easy to navigate everything from EQ to FX
- 2 microphone inputs available
- Screens can occasionally freeze from time to time
- Very heavy controller could be problematic for portability
Best Serato DJ Controller: The Verdict
Serato is one of the most appealing options for DJ software on the market today, so it’s no wonder that countless companies have decided to build a Serato DJ Pro controller specifically.
With multiple levels of software access to choose from, and countless controllers ranging from entry-level tools to professional solutions, there’s something for everyone.
Although all of the options we covered above for the best Serato controller options have their purposes (and their benefits), we think the Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT comes out on top.
This all-around DJ controller is budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and brimming with excellent features to explore if you’re keen to take advantage of the functionality that Serato has to offer.
Good luck on finding the best Serato DJ controller for you.
