The Best DJ Software In 2024: Download Now

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to DJ software these days. From basic free apps to fully featured professional solutions - and everything in-between. You'll have no trouble finding something...

But I can't stress this enough - you need to find the right DJ software.

Every DJ is different, each in their own unique situation - so some DJ software will be better for you than others. This is why you need to spend a bit of time to understand the differences, so you can get the best pick.

There is also a lot of mediocre mixing software to avoid, unless you want to waste time and get a headache.

I've tried pretty much every DJ software available in my time, so I'm going to share the best ones, and give you some tips on choosing the right one for your needs. By the end of this guide you'll have a clear idea of which DJ software to download and start mixing on.

TL;DR - DJ Software Summarized#

• A huge range of DJ software is on the market, each with a slightly different approach.

• Some of the most popular options include rekordbox, Traktor, Virtual DJ, Serato, Engine DJ, MixMeister, Mixxx, and DJ.Studio.

• Most DJ software is designed to be used with a USB DJ controller, although some enable mixing with a mouse and keyboard alone.

• DJ.Studio offers a unique approach to DJing, streamlining the mix creation workflow and updating the DJing process/

The table below gives you a brief comparison the best DJ software. Keep reading below for the detailed analysis!

The 7 Best DJ Software Downloads Today#

In my time as a DJ, I've seen the development of DJ software from the rough early programs, to the highly advanced tools we have available today. Over this time, I've seen the different paths and choices that DJ software companies have made - and which apps have come out on top.

In this section, I'll recomend the best and most popular DJ software options available today. Whether you are completely new to DJing, or you're a pro looking to get a taste of something else - the following DJ software is the best to try.

But first - It's worth understanding DJ software comes in two main design styles - either for live use or for the studio.

Live software is designed to be used for real-time performances. This could be a DJ in a nightclub, party, or on a live radio show. These have different features to studio software.

Alternatively, Studio DJ software is made for DJs to create mixes when they're not at a pair of decks. This timeline-style software makes it easy for you to make mixes and sets with a keyboard and mouse alone - no rehearsal or recording required.

Studio software could be for anybody who needs to create some kind of flowing musical playlist or a mix - for example, radio shows, podcasts, or online mixes, or anybody else who wants to create a DJ set but has no need to record it through live performance.

I'll make it clear in the following reviews which software is more suited to which use case.

Now, let's get to the roundup!

1. DJ.Studio#

Price - Free trial available, subscription, or one time purchase - see prices

Platforms - Mac/Windows/Browser

Number of Decks - 2 (+ 2 sample lanes)

Streaming Services/Connections - YouTube, Soundcloud, Sertao, rekordbox, Mixed in Key

Pros

• A unique approach to DJ mixing

• Easily create seamless mixes from your keyboard - no controller required

• Powerful automix AI for speedy setlist arrangement

• Detailed timeline editor for refining your mix

• Import music from YouTube, Spotify, Beatport, downloads, and more

• Seamless integration with other DJ software (both in and out)

• Cutting-edge stem separation and sampling engine

• Create audio reactive video animations for your mix

Cons

• Doesn't have support for live performance (yet)

• No hardware support

• May be unfamiliar to some DJs

DJ.Studio is a unique piece of DJ software that offers powerful features not seen anywhere else. This DJ mixing app takes inspiration from MixMeister, but moves the idea into the modern decade. It comes with all the tools you need to create perfect mixes, lightning-fast.

Unlike most DJ software, this is designed for studio use and comes with a range of smart, automatic features which do the hard, boring work for you so you can focus on creativity and expression.

The workflow is simple:

1. Create a project - There are three main types, each with a different purpose:
   - Local File Projects - These work with your downloaded music files, and can read your music libraries from other DJ software like rekordbox, Virtual DJ, Traktor, Serato, and more. This version has the most export options.
   ⁠- YouTube Projects - This type lets you make mixes with music from YouTube and Spotify, finished mixes are sharable through our online mix player.
   ⁠- Beatport Projects - Connect to Beatport Streaming for unlimited access to over 12m+ tracks. Use the Legalize function to download and share your mix.

2. Build your setlist - Start importing tracks you want to use in your mix. You can import full playlists from YouTube or Spotify, or drag and drop downloaded tracks to import them. Then you can start to arrange the order, or...

3. Automix - Use the automix AI to automatically find the optimal order for your setlist based on key and BPM analysis. DJ.Studio automatically creates seamless transitions between each song, which can be customized later.

4. Edit the Mix - Now you can edit and refine your mix in precise detail using the unique timeline editor. This is where the real mix crafting comes into play. Add effects and other creative flourishes like additional samples and accapellas. Or use the Stem Separation tools to make something super special

5. Export and Share - When the mix is done, it's time to share it with the world. DJ.Studio gives you a wide range of options for exporting and sharing mixes depending on the type of project you're using.

This powerful workflow makes the lives of DJs quicker and easier than ever before. Not only does it make DJing more efficient, but it also expands your creative options. When you mix in real-time, there is only so much you can do in the moment with two hands. This is why DJ.Studio is ideal to mix music on a laptop.

With DJ.Studio, you can automate any of the effects and controls you want simultaneously. So you can blend filters, EQ, volume, reverb, echo, and other effects to make stunning and previously impossible transitions.

It features an interface that will be familiar to anybody who has worked with a DAW before and also features a DJ-style console, which can be paired with a DJ controller for real-time mixing (this feature is still in development). This DJ app even has a built-in music visualizer for making your own music videos, and can be used for video mixing.

Overall, if you want to power up your DJing process, this user friendly AI-Powered DJ Software will give you a creative kick and amplify your DJing prowess. This virtual DJ software is equally as useful for professional DJs as it is for humble music lovers.

It is now integrated with multiple streaming sites, meaning you can make mixes from music on YouTube and Spotify, without needing to buy or download any tracks. There is also a community section, where you can see other users' mixes and share your own!

Compare DJ.Studio to other software to see how it stacks up!

2. rekordbox#

Price - Subscription $10/$15/$30

Platforms - Mac, Windows, Mobile

Number of Decks - 4

Streaming Services - Beatport, Beatsource, Soundcloud, and Tidal

Pros

• Works with all pioneer CDJs, controllers, and other hardware

• Powerful live performance features

• Excellent rekordbox library management

• Can be used for free

Cons

• Cloud subscription required for pro versions

• Several limitations

• Best used with a DJ controller, but not great with a mouse and keys

Rekordbox is one of the long-standing names in the DJ mix software world, and for good reason. Made by Pioneer DJ, one of the leaders in the DJ industry, rekordbox has a comprehensive set of features for live DJ mixing.

This DJ app has all the typical aspects you need for seamless mixing - tempo matching, effects, up to four decks, looping, track analysis, and automatic phrasing features. The music library management is well-designed and easy to use, and it lets you easily organize and cue up your tracks like any other music organizer software.

The large attraction to rekordbox is its integration with Pioneer hardware, particularly the CDJs, which makes it a pro-grade tool. You'll find this kind of Pioneer DJ setups and DJ gear in clubs' DJ booth all around the world.

The subscription is a little pricey for the pro version of this DJ mixing app, although you do get your money's worth if you need to perform regularly as a DJ. That said, you can get pretty far on the completely free version too. This download comes bundled with many entry level controllers, giving everything you need to get started mixing right away.

DJ.Studio has a range of cool integration features with rekordbox - find out in the video below!

3. Serato DJ Pro#

Price - $10/month or $199 to $20/m or $399 for suite

Platforms - Mac and PC

Number of Decks - 4

Streaming Services - Beatport, Beatsource, Soundcloud, and Tidal

Pros

• Broad feature set

• Works with a range of DJ controllers

• Great for scratch DJs

• Easy to navigate music library

Cons

• Confusing subscription model

• Needs high powered PC

Serato pioneered the concept of digital vinyl systems (DVS control) - a kind of technology that uses digital controllers to give a vinyl-like mixing experience when they play tracks. This was the original format of Serato, although it has since evolved to become a more comprehensive set of DJ tools.

While it's useful for all types of live performance DJs, it's particularly popular with the scratch DJ crowd - thanks to the realistic vinyl scratching mechanisms and the complex set of remixing tools.

Today, it has good compatibility with other Dj software like rekordbox and Traktor, and works with a range of hardware controllers - not only the Serato hardware line.

One slight pain is the subscription model. While on first inspection you might think that all the features presented are accessible, actually many of them are locked behind the various subscription packages offered by Serato - with the highest coming in at $30 a month.

That said, Serato is a powerful DJ app for beginner and professional DJs alike, and it offers multiple effects, virtual turntables, and an easy-to-use library to mix music with. This is great if you are a DJ who likes to remix your favorite songs with real-time effects in a live performance.

I hope, in the future, that they improve access to the various tools offered in this virtual DJ mixer software - and make perhaps package it into fewer download bundles.

4. Native Instruments Traktor Pro#

Price - $99

Platforms - Mac and Pc

Number of Decks - 4

Streaming Services - Beatport DJ, Beatsource

Pros

• No subscription - buy once, own forever

• Very easy to use an intuitive

• Works with a range of MIDI and DJ controllers

Cons

• Slightly basic, and limited in performance

Traktor DJ is another piece of DJ software that has been around since the old days of digital DJing and is made by one of the largest names in the music software industry.

This uses a more simple interface for making seamless transitions between two songs, and while it does feel a bit simplified - it still performs well enough for most situations.

If you want to play music and start mixing on a computer then Traktor DJ is a good place to start. For those who want to start djing without investing in a huge setup, or over-complex, overwhelming software, Traktor DJ is a good choice.

This DJ mixing app still has just enough functionality to work for professional situations, although you won't get as much action or flexibility out of other DJ apps on this list.

5. Ableton Live#

• Price - $89 to 700

• Platforms - Mac and PC

• Number of Decks - Unlimited

• Streaming Services - No

Pros

• Flexible DAW for production and DJing

• Works for live or studio situations

• Powerful features and effects

• Works with any MIDI hardware, excellent hardware integration

Cons

• Not specifically designed for DJing

• Unfamiliar interface to some DJs

While Ableton Live isn't specifically designed for DJs, it still has a bunch of features that make it ideal as a DJing tool. I think this is a great choice if you also have an interest in music production, as you can use it for DJing and creating your own music. It's also great if you want to remix songs.

This doesn't have the standard turntable style interface, although it can still be used in much of the same way. It has a crossfader, tempo warping, sound effects, and loops, and lets you fine-tune songs in any way you can imagine.

This is a fantastic tool for making remixes or sculpting DJ sets not in real-time. It has all the features you need to bend and stretch any song to mix with other tracks of a different key or tempo.

I would say that this is definitely more suited to people wanting to make DJ mixes in the studio, rather than club DJs. That said, Ableton is geared towards Live set performances in general, and can still be used as a powerful DJ tool. If you also have an interest in making your own music then you should definitely check it out.

It's worth nothing that DJ.Studio can export projects as Ableton Live sets, including all the automation and editing. This means you can use both pieces of software in your workflow so you can maximize the quality of your mixes.

6. Beatport DJ#

Price - Free/$10 month

Platforms - Browser (Windows, Mac)

Number of Decks - 2

Streaming Services - Only works with Beatport

Pros

• Hybrid DJ Software and streaming library

• Great software to try out new set ideas

• Integrated with DJ.Studio

Cons

• Simplified features compared to downloadable apps

• Lacks DJ effects

• Only works in browsers and needs an internet connection

• Doesn't work with many DJ controllers

DJ.Studio now features Beatport Streaming Integration - letting you make full mixes from Beatport's enormous library.

Beatport DJ is a refreshing take on DJ software. While this isn't the same as the standard DJ apps, it essentially lets you add DJ controls to Beatport's massive library of songs. This lets you mix any song on Beatport into any other track on the website.

Sure, unlike other DJ apps this won't have the depth of control needed for professional live performances. But if you want to test out different sounds and beats before buying tracks, this is app is a lot of fun. I also really like the party mode which lets you mix with your friends.

It only has really basic controls, but it has enough to make some fairly smooth albeit unexciting mixes. One nice advantage is that it integrates with the mobile version of Beatport. This lets you line up a music playlist on your mobile screen, then get mixing on your laptop. There's even a free Chrome extension.

You can now use your Beatport library in DJ.Studio, and use it to explore new music without having to leave the app.

7. Mixmeister#

Price - $100-400

Platforms - Mac, PC

Number of Decks - Unlimited

Streaming Services - No

Pros

• Unique workflow

• Automatic key detection

• Change the key without changing the tempo

• Wide range of exporting features

Cons

• Outdated interface

• Has not been updated for a long time

• Limited for live performance

Mixmeister is an interesting style of mixing software that lets you arrange mixes in a timeline and edit them to your heart's content, differing from most DJ apps.

The layout and design are different compared to most DJ programs and are more suited to use in a studio than live performance. It still has live features, although they aren't as advanced or comprehensive as other software on this list.

That said, this is still a useful piece of software that lets you build mixes in your own time. It can save a lot of time for people working on the radio, or anywhere where you need to make sets of music, but don't necessarily need to play music and mix in real-time.

It has all the standard tools you need to craft mixes - a decent library system, effects, crossfaders, looping, key detection, tempo detection, and all the other bells and whistles. The main difference is that it's set up to quickly compile playlists, rather than mix them in real-time.

Honorable Mentions#

I didn't think these DJ apps were worth including a full review for, but you might be interested in some of these other options.

• YouDJ Desktop and YouDJ mobile app

• Virtual DJ

• Algoriddim djay Pro AI

• Beatsource DJ

What Makes Good DJ Mix Software?#

When choosing Dj software, there are several features that are important to consider

Library Managing#

The first, and arguably most important feature is song library management. It's important that the library system is easy to organize and interact with. Different DJ software offers a range of library management features after you add songs. Some let you create playlists. Some support smart organization features that sort out your library in BPM and key which makes it easy to find songs that pair well together.

Controller Compatability#

If you are a live DJ, then you'll probably want to use a hardware controller to control your software. This makes the DJing process much more interactive and hands-on. Most DJ software can connect to hardware, although there are some limitations on which hardware you can use on some software. If you have hardware then make sure it's compatible with the software you plan on using.

Effects#

Effects are a core part of making smooth transitions and spicing up your mixes. There is a tonne of different effects you can use for a DJ set. The most common types are EQs, filters, reverbs, echoes, loops, chorus, and flanger. There are many others too.

Beat-matching assistance#

Some software contains beat-matching algorithms which help to automatically match the speed and placement of your beats. This saves a lot of time for DJs who would otherwise need to do it manually. Not all DJ software has beat-matching algorithms, so you should consider whether you want this time-saving feature or can go without it.

Key Matching#

Key matching is a powerful feature that helps you to mix harmonically without having to dive deep into music theory and keys. All songs come in a key - but some keys sound better together than others. Some key combinations just sound awkward and clashy too, which you want to avoid.

Software like DJ.Studio offers the ability to automix your library and playlist based on the most flowing key combinations. This helps you to create seamless mixes without you needing to spend all your free time studying and connecting your music library's keys.

Why is DJ.Studio So Unique and Powerful?#

DJ.Studio has unique advantages over other types of DJ software. This program was made to solve issues presented by all the other software in the industry, while also creating new tools which have previously not been offered. The automixing features are beyond the capability of any other tools - taking away technical efforts so you can focus on having fun.

Closing Thoughts#

Good luck choosing your new DJ software! There are a lot of options out there, so use the information and recommendations above to choose the type that suits your needs the best. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to look at the Best Free DJ Software.

Remember, many of these programs offer free demos which you should definitely check out before you buy the full version.