Traktor is Native Instruments' DJ software for Mac and Windows, sold today as Traktor Pro 4, the full four-deck version, and Traktor Play, a two-deck version for beginners. It runs on Native Instruments' own MX2, X1 and Z1 controllers and a short list of others, including the DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-FLX2, and in 2026 Native Instruments agreed to be bought by inMusic, the owner of Denon DJ, Rane and Numark.
What Traktor is today
Native Instruments has made Traktor for more than twenty years. Its DJ software range is now two products, Traktor Pro 4 and Traktor Play, and both are on version 4.5, per Native Instruments' release notes.
"Traktor DJ" was also the name of a separate app for iPad, iPhone and computers. Native Instruments has discontinued Traktor DJ 2: it still runs where it is installed but is no longer maintained, lost SoundCloud in September 2024, and Native Instruments says it is not working on a Traktor for iOS. Its playlists don't transfer to Traktor Pro.
Traktor Pro 4 and Traktor Play
Traktor Play is the cut-down version, built on the same audio engine. Native Instruments' comparison sets out the differences:
| Traktor Play | Traktor Pro 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | 2 | 4 |
| Effects | 3 | 43 |
| Mixer effects | 2 | 9 |
| Stem separation | A simplified version | Full, with volume, filter and effects per stem |
| Remix Decks | No | Yes |
| Timecode vinyl (DVS) | No | Yes |
| Mix recording | No | Yes |
| CDJs in HID mode, custom MIDI mappings | No | Yes |
| Beatport streaming and previews | Yes | Yes |
Both have sync, key detection, hot cues and loops, flexible beatgrids and the Pattern Player drum machine; Play gets one Pattern Player kit, the 808, and Pro 4 gets seventeen. Native Instruments says Pro 4's stem separation, which splits a track into drums, bass, instruments and vocals, is powered by iZotope's RX technology, and Pro 4 adds iZotope's Ozone Maximizer on the master output.
How it is sold
Both versions are one-off purchases from Native Instruments, installed through Native Access. If you start on Traktor Play, Native Instruments lets you upgrade to Traktor Pro 4 later and pay only the difference.
You may already have a licence:
- Traktor Pro 4 comes with Native Instruments' three current controllers: the Traktor MX2, the X1 MK3 and the Z1 MK2.
- Traktor Play works with the DDJ-FLX2 and DDJ-FLX4 at no extra cost, AlphaTheta says.
- Beatport Streaming Advanced and higher plans include a free perpetual Traktor Play licence, per Beatport.
Which hardware runs it
Native Instruments' controller lineup is the MX2, an all-in-one two-channel controller, plus the X1 MK3 deck controller and the Z1 MK2 mixer controller, which can be combined. Older models still work: Traktor Pro 4 supports the Kontrol S4 MK3, Kontrol S2 MK3 and S3, and the S2 MK3 also works with Traktor Play since version 4.4.2.
From other brands, Native Instruments lists plug-and-play support for the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-FLX2, and factory mappings for the Reloop Buddy and Reloop Ready. Version 4.5 added plug-and-play support for three Numark controllers: the Party Mix II, Party Mix Live and DJ2GO2 Touch. Anything else needs Traktor Pro 4, which reads CDJs in HID mode and lets you build your own MIDI mappings.
To scratch real records, Traktor Pro 4 supports timecode vinyl, which Native Instruments sells as Traktor Control Vinyl, through a mixer or audio interface with a built-in sound card. The guide to digital vinyl systems explains the setup, and the best Traktor controllers guide compares the current hardware.
Streaming
Traktor streams from Beatport Streaming, and both versions can play Beatport previews of up to two minutes without a subscription. Streaming inside Traktor needs Beatport's Advanced plan or higher; the Essential plan doesn't work in DJ software, Beatport says. Beatsource has folded into Beatport, and Traktor 4.5 began removing it. Native Instruments has a conversion guide for Beatsource tracks in a Traktor collection. Beatport is the only streaming service in Native Instruments' comparison of the two versions. The DJ pools guide compares Beatport Streaming with download pools.
What changed in 2026
- January. Native Instruments filed to open preliminary insolvency proceedings for Native Instruments GmbH and three German holding companies, and said its products stayed on sale and available for download and activation.
- March. Native Instruments said its German companies were moving from preliminary into formal insolvency proceedings as part of the restructuring.
- May. Native Instruments signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by inMusic, which also owns Denon DJ, Rane and Numark. inMusic's own standalone platform is Engine DJ.
Native Instruments' FAQ on the deal says Traktor continues under the new owner, existing licences are unaffected, and the product roadmap will be shared once it is confirmed. Its support site is now published by inMusic NI GmbH.
Traktor or another DJ app
Traktor's strengths, by Native Instruments' own account, are its effects, stems, Remix Decks and the freedom to build a setup from separate pieces. If you plan to play club CDJs from a USB stick, rekordbox prepares the library those players read, and Serato DJ is the other major laptop platform. The best DJ software guide compares them, and getting started with Traktor covers the first setup.
