Best DJ Software for Windows 10 - Top 5 Picks

If you need some DJ software for your Windows 10 computer, this is the guide for you.

There are loads of DJ tools for Windows 10 machines, although they aren't all made equally. Some are fantastic, while others are not so great. It can be hard to know what type of features to look for if you are inexperienced.

In this guide, we'll show you the best choices for Windows 10 DJ software, and also give you some tips to help you find the type that suits you!

TL;DR - Best DJ Software for Windows 10#

• rekordbox, Traktor, Serato, and Virtual DJ basically all work in the same fundamental way. There are only minor differences.

• DJ.Studio is a unique piece of software that is revolutionizing the workflow of DJs.

• Work out what software is best for your needs - spontaneous live performance, or studio perfection?

The 5 Best DJ Software for Windows 10#

Here are the 5 best DJ software applications for Windows 10 available today.

All of these programs offer a free version, which is a good idea to test before paying for a full version.

1) DJ.Studio#

Pros

• Faster and more expressive than traditional tools

• Harness AI to create perfect harmonically mixed and beat-matched mixes

• Refine, perfect, and edit your mixes on a timeline - don't worry about making mistakes!

• Record and export your mixes faster than in real-time

Cons

• Not currently suitable for live performance

• Currently lacks hardware support

About

DJ.Studio is a powerful piece of DJ software that uses a unique workflow. This is the ultimate tool for creators who need to produce mixes with minimal speed and effort.

Unlike the majority of other DJ software, DJ.Studio uses a timeline-based workflow. This moves away from the antiquated paradigm of a 'mixer and decks' type setup - which most DJ software tries to emulate.

Rather than using this old-fashioned setup, DJ.Studio uses a more powerful and non-linear approach. Of course, augmented with a range of other cutting-edge technology.

The distinctive workflow and tools provided by DJ.Studio enhances users' creative and expressive potential, enabling them to build flawless mixes in record time.

Every component of DJ.Studio is designed to achieve the same (or better) final results that a professional DJ could achieve with a standard setup - even if the user has limited knowledge and experience.

Here is how it works:

1. Fill your music library by importing tracks from a range of sources, including YouTube, downloaded files, and other music organizing software.

2. Create a playlist, by selecting the tracks you want to use in a mix.

3. Use the automix AI to detect the best sequence, taking into account harmonic mixing techniques and beatmatching.

4. Fine-tune the arrangement, and use the powerful transition editor to create flawless, expressive blends.

5. Record your mix and export it to a range of sources - faster than in real-time.

DJ.Studio has a bunch of other cool features, including a video creator with audio-reactive visuals, the ability to export mixes as an Ableton Live multitrack project, a range of cool effects, and more.

You can even craft transitions using all the effects in parallel, meaning you can create more expressive mixes and exciting transitions than would normally be possible with two hands, two decks, and a mixer.

While it isn't designed for live performance, its the best choice in any other situation. It's a unique piece of AI DJ Software which will make you much more productive as a DJ!

DJ.Studio can be bought either as a monthly subscription, or at a one-off price. Check it out today DJ.Studio Store. 

You can find out more about our backstory in this Interview with DJ.Studio's Creator.

2) rekordbox#

Pros

• Easy to use

• Decent level of functionality

• Comes at 4 price points

• Limited free version available

Cons

• Only works with Pioneer Controllers

• The subscription-only model can be expensive over time

• Limited features in cheaper versions

About

rekordbox by Pioneer is one of the leading pieces of DJ software in the industry. You'll find this at countless clubs and bars around the world - as well as in the bedroom of many DJs.

This also came high up in our list of the Best DJ Software.

It's a great choice for anybody who wants to mix live, from beginners to professional DJs.

It has all the features you'd expect in DJ software - including automatic beat matching, effects, a decent library management system, and more.

There are four versions/pricing plans for rekordbox, so you can find one that suits your needs and budget at any level of DJing. These all come as a monthly or yearly subscription, ranging from $15 to $45 per month. Some versions also let you mix music directly from streaming services.

There is also a pretty decent free version of rekordbox, which is a good place to start DJing.

You can use rekordbox to transport your music library and DJ mix plans from home to clubs, thanks to the handy USB transfer setup. This means you can save a rekordbox file to a USB stick, plug it into a club's Pioneer DJ setup and start mixing your set straight away!

It's worth noting that the main downsides of rekordbox are the limitations on which DJ controllers you can use - as you can only control it with Pioneer DJ gear. You also can't use hardware with the free version.

3) Traktor#

Pros

• Works with most DJ controllers

• Can be bought once, used forever

• Colorful, fun interface

Cons

• Limited official controllers

• Slightly complex in some cases

• No subscription model is available

About

Traktor is another popular choice of DJ software for Windows 10 that lets you mix music in real time with ease. It has all the standard features you need to mix live and has other tools for managing your libraries and preparing tracks.

It's largely similar in workflow to rekordbox, although it does have some improvements. The most notable advantage of Traktor DJ is the ability to use it with almost any type of DJ controller, it doesn't have to be a Traktor official model.

Additionally, you can buy a permanent license for Traktor, meaning you can save money in the long run compared to a subscription.

Traktor comes in a range of purchase options, including Traktor PRO, Traktor PRO Plus, Traktor LE3, and the free version Traktor DJ 2.

4) Serato#

Pros

• Powerful library manager

• Can use hardware controllers with the free version

• Best DVS systems

Cons

• Lacks real-time track analysis - difficult for sync-button users

• Limited automation and performance tools

• Slightly unrefined feeling

About

Serato is one of the other biggest names in the DJ software scene. Again, this uses a similar mixing concept to rekordbox and Traktor, where it simulates a mixer and deck setup.

With a more powerful library management system than other DJ software, Serato is known to be the weapon of choice for mixing artists who like to get their hands on scratching, effects, and live remixing.

Unlike most other DJ software, the free version of Serato works with its hardware controllers, meaning that a physical controller isn't locked behind an additional paywall. This is an attractive feature for newer DJs who want to test the waters of hardware DJing.

Additionally, Serato is a leader in DVS technology. DVS is Digital Vinyl Systems, which is a cool setup where a DJ can mix digital music using a vinyl turntable as a controller, using DVS control discs. This gives DJS the fun, tactile feeling of mixing with vinyl records, but the advantages and freedom of using digital DJ software.

You can buy Serato in 3 versions - Serato DJ Lite (free), Serato DJ Pro, and Serato Studio.

Serato Studio is more of a tool for creating remixes and producing beats, rather than for DJing.

The free version, Serato DJ Lite, is actually pretty decent, so you should check it out if you are considering going down the Serato route.

5) Virtual DJ#

Pros

• Excellent hardware compatibility

• Good video mixing

• Stem separation

Cons

• Some instability issues

• Need a paid license for certain hardware

• Very poor customer support

• Relatively expensive

About

If you've spent any time DJing, then you'll probably have heard of Virtual DJ. This is one of the oldest pieces of DJ software on the market and has seen years of development.

This uses the standard DJ software workflow and is compatible with most DJ controllers. you can even MIDI map non-DJ MIDI controllers to make your own kind of bootleg DJ setup.

One cool feature is the stem separation technology, which lets you isolate different elements within a track to create cool and unique remixes. For example, you can pull out the vocals of one track to make an a capella and remix it with a different instrumental.

There are three versions - Virtual DJ Free, Virtual DJ Pro, and Virtual DJ Business. Each offers a range of additional features for an extra cost.

The Virtual DJ software is a little clunky compared to others on the market, and there are a few annoying elements and limitations. Also, the customer service is known to be pretty bad!

How To Choose The Right DJ Software For You#

With so many DJ Software applications to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the best fit for your needs.

This section gives you some tips to help you find which of the above DJ software applications suits your style the best!

Type - Live or Studio#

One of the most important considerations is to pick software that suits your use-case situation. There is a clear difference here, and picking the right type will make a huge improvement to your workflow.

The main thing to figure out is whether you plan on using your software more at home (and in the studio), or on the dancefloor.

If you need to perform live - perhaps at a wedding, in a nightclub, or at a party, then you'll need to pick DJ software that is capable of live mixing. The best choices here are rekordbox, Traktor or Serato.

However, these apps aren't always the best choice, and in many cases can actually slow you down.

If you need to create mixes, but not necessarily live or in real-time, then studio-style software is a better bet. Some examples of this situation are if you want to create radio shows, mix tapes, fitness class tracks, or want to create cool mixes to share online and promote yourself as a DJ.

In this case, there is only one good choice - DJ.Studio. MixMeister used to be an option on Windows machines, although it is no longer developed for the operating system, and doesn't work on later versions. 

The studio workflow has the advantage of letting you be more expressive and creative, and efficient, by overcoming the limitations created by mixing live in real time - mostly due to the fact you can only use two hands, when there are loads of controls, and you might make mistakes.

Club DJs will need different software than radio DJs, or other people who are trying to create mixes.

Hardware Integration#

Do you need to use hardware?

Hardware is another important consideration. if you plan on using hardware, then you need to pick software that is compatible. Some software is restricted in the types of hardware it can connect to, while others aren't.

For example, rekordbox will only work with Pioneer hardware controllers, but Virtual DJ can be configured to work with almost any DJ controller

Other DJ Software Integration#

Do you need to connect to other software?

Depending on the type of work you are doing, you might need your software to be able to connect to other software and platforms. This could be for importing playlists and libraries from other places, or for exporting mixes to other programs and platforms.

Not all software has good integrations with others, so if this is important to you, make sure you choose software that has the connections you need.

Budget & Price Model#

What kind of pricing system works for you? What's your budget like?

DJ software comes in a range of different prices and models. Most have a limited free version which can be a good place to test them out.

Most also offer a tiered pricing system, where a basic version can be accessed at a lower price, and you can unlock a pro version with more advanced features by paying a bit more.

There are also two common pricing models - either you buy the software outright for a one-time purchase fee, or you pay a monthly subscription to 'rent' the software. Sometimes a company will offer both systems. The best choice here depends on your budget and needs.

If you think you might outgrow some software, then it's a good choice to stick to a subscription in the meantime. however, if you want to own the software forever, then it's usually cheaper, in the long run, to go for the one-time payment.

Closing Thoughts#

You now have a clear idea of the DJ software options available for Windows 10 users.

Other than DJ.Studio, they all revolve around the same traditional DJ principles, and there are only minor technical and aesthetic differences between them.

If you want to get ahead in the DJ race, DJ.Studio provides a powerful and unique workflow that enables DJs to be more creative, expressive, and efficient than ever before.

Taste the power yourself, and check out the free trial now!

You might also be interested in this list of the Best DJ Software for Beginners.