Regardless of where you are in your DJ journey (be it entry-level or professional) you’re not going to be able to reliably mix music on your DJ controller of choice without some type of DJ software. And while obviously, the paid options are going to have all of the top-of-the-line features, that doesn’t mean they’re all that are available.
Particularly for those starting, DJing can be an expensive hobby/profession to get into, even if you’re using the more affordable tools out there. One of the ways many hope to save some extra money is by using free DJ software.
Unlike years ago, there is a ton of variety in terms of the best DJ software or “DJ Apps” and what is available.
In fact, there are possibly “too many” options to play music, ultimately making it difficult to decide which is the right choice and where you should be investing your time and energy.
In this overview, we’ll go over some of the best free DJ software programs on the market.
1. Serato DJ Lite
Not surprisingly, coming in as the first choice for most people is none other than the world-renowned popular music DJ software, Serato DJ Lite. Whether you’re just getting started or have been a DJ for years, odds are you know about Serato DJ and its incredibly extensive software options.
Now, while all the features and many of the more advanced bits and bobs are tied behind the “Pro” section, Serato DJ Lite is still known to have a comprehensive list that even more experienced DJs will find useful.
Unlike the paid Serato DJ Pro version, which more experienced and professional DJs use, Serato DJ Lite is completely free and is perfect for taking you from someone who knows nothing about DJing and Mixing to someone as close to an expert as possible.
It’s available on Mac as well as Windows and can be used with multiple music streaming platforms, including SoundCloud.
What We Like:
- Completely Free To Use
- Meant To Be Easy For The Super Beginner
- Has A Ton Of Free Features (Including A Practice Mode)
What We Do Not Like:
- Doesn’t Have 4 Waveform View
- Because It’s Free, It Does Not Have Everything The “Pro” Option Has
- Can’t Record Mixes
Read Next: Best DJ Software (2023)
2. VirtualDJ
Secondly in our top 3 is none other than incredible and super-popular VirtualDJ. Between it, djay Pro, and Serato DJ Lite, the difference between best and worst is very small. Virtual DJ has made a name for themselves for putting out remarkable content, with a lot of it being completely free.
It has an interface that is very easy to use, letting you record, edit, and mix audio without too much hassle. Currently, Virtual DJ is on their 8th version which allows you to mix live and in real-time.
Not only that, but it can mix a variety of different components, including vocals, instruments, and kicks, just to name a few. It also comes with a highly accurate vinyl feel as well as a ton of video mixing features as well as various graphics and high-quality sound.
What We Like:
- Completely Free Despite All Its Amazing Features
- Very Easy To Use
- Has Way More Features Than Most Of The Others On This List
What We Do Not Like:
- Doesn’t Have Any Dedicated Hardware
- No Precise Control For Advanced Misers
- Advanced Misers Have Somewhat Limited Features Available
3. Algoriddim djay Pro
Coming right after Virtual DJ is Algoriddim djay Pro. The djay Pro software is built specifically around the use of Windows 10 and is accessible to just about anyone, regardless of their current skill level.
It has a variety of different features including various audio effects, HD waveforms, and even a considerable amount of hardware integration.
It’s highly flexible in its functionality and can work with most music sources, ranging from Spotify to SoundCloud, to even TIDAL.
The downside to djay Pro is that, while it’s “technically” free it actually isn’t. In reality, it’s much more of a “free trial”, where you’ll have to pay to keep using the software after the trial ends. This isn’t terrible but it does keep it from taking the #1 spot.
What We Like:
- Comes With A Huge Amount Of Features
- Can Access Music From Just About Anywhere
- Pretty Flexible Views
What We Do Not Like:
- Has A Real Possibility Of Crashing Due To Third-Party Plug-In Usage
- Isn’t Really Free (More Of A Free Trial)
- Beatmatching Isn’t As Straightforward As Alternatives
4. Pioneer DJ WeDJ
WeDJ DJ App is an impressive attempt by Pioneer DJ to step into the software space. This app has a free and paid version, with the free version letting you play upwards of five songs per session.
It comes with a super intuitive user interface as well as a super flexible layout. There are also several advanced FX and performance features to choose from, all of which make it worth your time.
One of the drawbacks to this app, however, is that it is a bit too restricted. But it is pretty cool as a mobile DJ App.
Even as a free app the five-song restriction is a bit intense and it’s only available for Android, boxing out Apple users.
Still, because of how easy it is for most users to download and jump into, as well as all of the great features it does have, it’s definitely worth at least trying.
What We Like:
- Comes With A Lot Of Features
- Very Easy To Use
- Is Super Mobile
What We Do Not Like:
- Is A Bit Too Restrictive (Even Though It’s Free)
- Only Available For Android Users
- Doesn’t Have A File Browse
5. Blaze Free DJ
Blaze Free DJ is another great free DJ software alternative that’s worth checking out. Its design interface is really clean and very easy to use. The software has access to SoundCloud, offering you a near-unlimited number of tracks that can be included in your performance.
Blaze Free DJ also comes with a variety of features including beat tracking, precise tempo, as well as colored waveform.
The software can be mapped to most DJ controllers, either manually or by utilizing one of the established preset options.
What We Like:
- Very Easy To Use
- All Of The Options Are Either Free Or Very Inexpensive (Most Are Free)
- Comes With A Huge Variety Of Features
What We Do Not Like:
- Has Limited Support
- Stability Is A Big Challenge
- Not A Ton Of Functionality
6. YOU.DJ
A minimalist alternative option for DJs, YOU.DJ is a completely free DJ software that comes with all of the essentials any DJ should have.
This includes a pair of virtual turntables as well as a host of different sound effects. There’s also auto beat synchronization, MIDI control, and playlist automix.
YOU.DJ comes preloaded with around 3,000 songs and can pull others from various sources, including Google Drive, iTunes, and even YouTube. What makes it even better is that, despite being free, it is entirely ad-free.
What We Like:
- Add-Free
- Doesn’t Charge You Anything
- Very Simple Interface
What We Do Not Like:
- Paid Options Will Cost Money
- Not Quite As Many Extra Options As Others (Even Paid)
7. Mixxx
After You.DJ, there’s Mixxx. This is an open-source DJ software that can support most different types of DJ styles and techniques, particularly when it comes to mixing. It’s very easy to use while having a lot of accessibility even for beginners.
The platform has several ways to learn about how they work, ranging from an online manual to an in-depth wiki page, to even a full FAQ breakdown.
Some of the features include some of the expected, such as BPM as well as key detection, and key sync. There are also several sound effects that you can play with as well as vinyl record control.
As it is open-source and internationally available, Mixxx has developers, programmers, and users around the world, all involved in the various forums on the site.
What We Like:
- Completely Free With No Paid Alternative
- Open-Source & Constantly Improving
- Impressive Beat Detection Features
What We Do Not Like:
- Doesn’t Have 4-Deck Support (Yet)
- No Multi-Effects Engine
- Has A Small Number Of MIDI Controller Mapping Available
8. UltraMixer
The UltraMixer, while not quite good enough to get into the top selection, UltraMixer has a long history of being an impressive DJ software. It’s available on Mac as well as Windows and has a fully customizable interface that uses four decks.
UltraMixer is able to be used with iPhone and Android and comes with a ton of different features, including auto DJ, file archive, and playlist imports from iTunes. The software also lets you export playlists as either standard MP3 files or as a CSV file.
Lastly, one of the cooler aspects of UltraMixer is its ability to let users display messages through a projector or computer screen, essentially letting you make any performance that much more fun and engaging.
What We Like:
- Has A Clean & Intuitive Mixing Interface
- Comes With A Lot Of Controller & Mixer-Based Options
- Is Cross-Platform Compatible
What We Do Not Like:
- The Video Support Is Fairly Limited
- Not Much External Hardware Options
- Library Management Is Slightly More Bare Bones Compared To Others
9. Zulu DJ
Zulu DJ is a fairly straightforward and easy-to-use free DJ software. It makes a point of being very accessible while also having six available decks rather than the standard two or four.
It hosts a variety of different features including beat synchronization and real-time BPM detection.
The DJ software also includes an auto-play mode as well as the ability to use VST plugins as well as having a drag-and-drop audio import system.
What We Like:
- Very Simple Design
- Paid Options Are Very Affordable
- Can Support Multiple Different Audio Formats
What We Do Not Like:
- Free Version Doesn’t Have A Ton Of Features
- Hardware Compatibility Is Fairly Limited
- Not Much Support Available
10. Cross DJ
Last, on the list, but by no means a terrible option, Cross DJ is a great DJ software that has a lot of useful free options. Its interface is really clean and easy to navigate.
The platform hosts several features including customizable waveforms, video mixing, and the ability to run on four decks.
There are also webcam streaming services and capabilities that can run right into the editing interface, syncing your audio and video together.
One of the reasons it’s last on the list isn’t because it’s somehow not a good option (it’s really good). It’s more so the fact that you have to pay for the ability to record mixes.
Even though most of these others also have paid options, the fact that mix recording at all is going to cost is kind of pushing it.
Other than that, it’s software worth at least checking out.
What We Like:
- Comes With SoundCloud Integration
- Is Easy To Use & Very Clean Interface
- Has Some Good Features
What We Do Not Like:
- Essential Features Have To Be Paid For
- The Ability To Record Mixes Costs
- Is Known to Drain A Device’s Battery
An Alternative To Paid DJ Software
In addition to standard DJ software, there are a variety of other software options one can play with. There are software options that are specifically for live performances, looping tracks, as well as just for audio production.
Live performance software allows a performer to mix tracks in real-time. On the other hand, looping software is specifically geared toward creating and layering various audio loops together.
For those interested in audio production, this software focuses on recording, editing, and mixing audio.
Depending on what you’re looking for, all of these have value and are worth looking into.
Later, as you develop as a DJ, you’ll find yourself either subscribing to many of these software options or investing in paid software that comes with all of them.
Best Free DJ Software: The Verdict
When it comes down to creating DJ mixes using the best free DJ software, the biggest things you need to be on the lookout for are what popular DJ software features it includes, how compatible it’ll be for your devices, and its overall ease of use.
Generally, you can expect free software options to have the least amount of features, compatibility, and overall ease of use. However, just because that’s normally true doesn’t mean there aren’t some great options.
The good news is that, because they’re free, many of these software options can be downloaded and played around with so you have a firm understanding of whether it’ll be for you or not.
If you were to ask me where you should absolutely start, I’d recommend:
- Serato DJ Lite
- Virtual DJ
- Algoriddim djay Pro
…ideally in that order.
While all of the options on this are great, the top three are not only well known, but they have the most amount of support behind them.
Once you’ve had some time to fully get down whatever software you’ve decided on, and are performing at the optimal level of a practicing DJ, consider investing some money into the paid version of these DJ tools.
These generally offer a lot more features and can take your performance to the next level.
