The Best Free DJ Software Downloads in 2024 - Download Now!

Free DJ software is all over the internet these days - but which is worth your time, and which should you avoid?

You don't need to spend much money to get set up DJing and start making your own mixes, especially with the amount of powerful free DJ software out today.

In fact, all you need to make mixes is a computer, software, some music files, and the passion to create! If you're looking to get into DJing, you can start mixing and play tracks with only a few pieces of affordable equipment.

This guide shows you the best free DJ apps and downloads to start mixing without opening your wallet!

Is Free DJ Software Any Good? (The Truth)#

As the old saying goes - "there's no such thing as a free lunch". This expression is pretty true when it comes to free DJ software. While there is a lot of pretty good free DJ mixing software out there, a lot of the free versions have frustrating limitations - which can even make DJing no fun at all!

In truth, the best DJ software will cost you money. If you want to mix music like a professional, then you'll need to pay for all the features professional DJs need.

Using free DJ apps and free software is fine for total beginners who might just want to test out if they even enjoy DJing. But if you want to take DJing seriously, then paying for better DJ software will understandably give you an advantage and make DJing easier and funner!

You don't even need to spend a lot of money on the pro software, some DJ apps like DJ.Studio offers monthly subscriptions at very affordable prices.

That said, there are still a lot of great free DJ software downloads.

The 6 Best Free DJ Software Downloads#

Here, I'll share the best choices when it comes to free DJ software.

It's worth noting that, not many DJ programs are completely free. Typically, the full version costs money, but you can access a limited 'free version', which is a good place to try it out and see if you want to upgrade to the paid edition.

Check out this other article for a recommendation of the Best Apps for DJ Mixing!

1) DJ.Studio#

Learn how to use it here! Making DJ Mixes in DJ.Studio

Features

• Unique timeline editor for professional and new DJs to make seamless transitions

• Powerful AI automix to match the key and BPM of your tracks.

• Quickly export mixes to a broad range of formats and destinations.

• Built-in video creator to easily make cool animated, audio-reactive videos.

• Ideal for humble music lovers, all the way up to the most advanced professionals.

• Make mixes with music on YouTube, Spotify, and Beatport Streaming.

Limitations

• You only get two weeks of free usage.

• Not designed for mixing live to an audience.

• Currently no hardware or DJ controller support.

Info

DJ.Studio is a unique DJ app that stands out from the crowd - this is a DAW for DJs!

See it in action here:

Most DJ software uses the exact same workflow and principles - they try to mimic the techniques of classic decks and mixer-type DJ setups. This setup has been used since the 70s, and while it works for many cases, it's not the most optimal tool for making mixes.

This is where DJ.Studio comes in. This is a unique piece of software that revolutionizes the process of creating DJ mixes. This helps you to create seamless transitions with minimal effort - creating the perfect DJ set in record time!

This is not meant to be a replacement of traditional methods, but instead offers an alternative workflow, while also having several features that integrate with live DJing setups.

The process is simple, fast, and powerful. It gives you a bunch of tools that make your life as a DJ easier, and enhances the overall professionalism of the final mix.

To understand why it's so good, you should learn how the workflow works:

1. Open DJ.Studio - You can run the app in your browser for a streamlined experience, or download the desktop app for better performance and more features.

2. Import music - Add files directly to DJ.Studio, or connect your main DJ software and music libraries to access them internally. You can connect DJ.Studio to rekordbox, Traktor, Virtual DJ, Serato, iTunes, and all other mainstream DJ software.

3. Make a Project - DJ.Studio has three project types, letting you work with a range of audio sources.

   1. Local File - This is the standard project type, that lets you make mixes with your downloaded music files and connected DJ software.

   2. YouTube - This online mix type can create mixes from music on YouTube, YouTube Music, and Spotify. You then share your finished projects on our YouTube Mix Community.

   3. Beatport - This gives you access to over 12 million tracks on the Beatport Streaming to create mixes. These can be shared on the private Beatport mix community, or you can use the Legalize feature to purchase and convert the mix to a Local File project to unlock more export options.

4. Add Tracks - Select a bunch of tracks that you want to use in the mix and add them to your project. You can order them manually, or...

5. Hit the automix button to get a harmonically ordered playlist where the transitions won't sound clashy. It uses musical key detection to ensure the smoothest mixes.

6. Create and fine-tune the transitions between each song. You can even add sound effects with our Sample Lane system, and customize your mix in precise detail with the timeline editor.

7. Export your mix to a high-quality audio file, YouTube, Ableton Live, Mixcloud, or a range of other locations. You can even send it back into your main live DJing software as a prepared playlist, ready to instantly perform live.

This powerful and unique workflow gives DJs a new, fast way to create mixes. This presents several benefits to users, mostly increasing their speed and making their production more efficient. You can use it to rapidly create promotional mixes which help to grow your reach as a DJ, thus getting your name out there.

It also connects with most other DJ Software Types, so you can integrate it with your live performance tools. It can even be used to create audio-reactive animated videos which are even more entertaining, making it a handy piece of Video DJ Software.

DJ.Studio offers a free two-week trial. I think you'll want to upgrade to the full version after you try it out for a bit. I'm addicted! The direction of the app's development is also community-driven!

It's also worth noting that the trial lets you use the full version of DJ.Studio, without any limitations (other than the time period). Not many other software trials for DJs let you use the full version, and have big limits. 

DJ.Studio is the Best DJ Software for Beginners, but it also has plenty of depth to make it ideal for advanced professionals too! This powerful AI Enhanced DJ Software will accelerate the way any DJ works!

Find out more in this Interview with DJ.Studio's Creator, or check out how DJ.Studio Compares With Other Software!

2) rekordbox - Free Plan#

Features

• Simple, but effective free DJ mixing software.

• Mix songs, manage your music library, and prepare DJ performance playlists.

• Includes an auto-sync feature, so you don't need to learn beatmatching.

• Works with a wide range of DJ controllers - not just Pioneer models.

Limitations

• Limited options for recording and exporting.

• Library features are a bit outdated.

• Doesn't connect with many other platforms or apps.

• Reduced amount of effects in free version.

Info

rekordbox is one of the most well-known DJ app choices in the scene, and it has a pretty decent free option. This is my go-to choice for live DJing, and I use this with my basic DJ controller.

Honestly, the free version is pretty great, and I think it competes well with a lot of pro options. Sure, it doesn't give you the most cutting-edge, modern technology. But, it has everything you need to mix and work effectively as a DJ.

It has a pretty decent user interface and some innovative features like musical key detection. The master sync feature is handy and lets you automatically beat match tracks together.

It's designed to work best with official Pioneer rekordbox controllers - and these give the experience when used together. Although it still connects with a lot of generic controllers.

A cool feature is that you can connect your rekordbox library with DJ.Studio both in and out. This means you can pick tracks from your rekordbox folders and make a mix in DJ.Studio - then you can export the playlist back to rekordbox as an ordered and pre-prepared setlist. It even includes hot-cue markers based on your transition windows to help mix from track to track.

Overall, rekordbox's free plan is a decent starting point if you want to test out DJing with free software. It's a great piece of Mac DJ Software, and also works as PC DJ Software.

3) Traktor DJ 2 LE#

Features

• Familiar DJ mixing software interface.

• Has everything you need to mix.

• Integrated with Soundcloud Go.

• Decent Music library manager.

Limitations

• A limited number of cue points.

• Doesn't have a fully featured mixer or effects.

• I personally find the interface to be a bit garish and ugly.

• Lacks tag or metadata editing.

Info

Traktor is another one of the most popular DJ tools around, and it has grown a loyal user base over the years.

It comes with a free DJ software version, offering you a stripped-back approach to DJ mixing. It comes with all of the core features you need to DJ from a PC alone, although it does have a lot of limitations.

You can use it to play music, mix songs, remix songs, listen to your own music, and everything else you would expect. It has all the must-have DJ tools tools, although it does lack a bit of depth and variety!

The Traktor Free Version is also limited in what hardware it can connect to, with most controllers being locked behind a paywall. So make sure you do some research to see if your controller is compatible.

Traktor Pro (the paid version) will work with pretty much any DJ controller you can find, making it much more versatile and a better way to mix songs on a budget.

4) Mixxx#

Features

• Completely free - open source DJ software

• Mix on up to four decks

• Very flexible and customizable

• Offers all the important features, like sync, beatmatching, and effects.

• Can work with any midi or DJ controller.

Limitations

• Not as high quality as other options.

• The interface is pretty ugly and confusing at times.

• You need to manually map DJ controllers, which is annoying and time consuming.

Info

Mixxx is unique, in the fact that it's a totally free, open-source piece of software. Maybe this makes it the best free software - as it's the only one here that is totally free!

This gives you a wide range of features, for $0.00! It has enough for beginner and experienced DJs alike.

The only downside is that it's a bit clunky, unrefined, and ugly. That said, it's definitely a viable option for DJs on a budget. It's community-driven, so it might not have the singular vision of a commercial program and does feel a bit scatterbrained.

It will, however, work with almost any DJ controller, as you can simply map out what each button controls. This is pretty time-consuming and annoying, but once you're set up you can save your mapping preset to load.

Overall, I would say that mix is a good choice if you never want to spend a penny on software, and don't plan on upgrading later on. It's very flexible, and completely free, which are both pros and cons in their own right.

5) Serato DJ Lite#

Features

• Integrates with a few streaming services like Beatport, Beatsource, Tidal, and Soundcloud.

• Can be upgraded to inlclude stem separation.

• Designed for scratching and has good effects.

Limitations

• No internal recording feature

• The sync and beat grid analysis isn't perfect

• Key analysis can be inaccurate too.

Info

If you're looking to learn the basics of Serato, Serato DJ Lite is the place to be! This gives you the basic features of Serato, in a timeless free trial. The main attraction of going down the Serato route is the digital vinyl system, but it's still a decent piece of DJing software for free.

Serato has tools for creating live remixes, including the ability to add sound effects and loops. It even lets you stream music from other websites directly into the app. It's a bit more dynamic than standard DJing software, although this does make it more confusing for beginners.

Upgrading to Serato DJ Pro gives you a bunch of other cool features, including the ability to use timecode vinyl records, which gives you the feel of mixing on vinyl, but with the flexibility and power of a digital setup. With timecode vinyl records, you can start scratching it up - although you can't use the DVS stuff with the free version.

6) Virtual DJ Free#

Features

• You can mix up to 99 decks simultaneously (for some reason).

• It features decent library management.

• Comes with a relatively wide selection of effects, and a fully featured mixer.

• Can record DJ mixes internally.

Limitations

• Limited hardware support.

• The interface is a bit annoying and doesn't scale nicely.

• You can't legally use it in a commercial environment.

Virtual DJ Info

VirtualDJ is another big name in the DJ software scene and has a feature-full free version with enough tools for most situations. It doesn't have all the power of a full, professional piece of software, but Virtual DJ is great for new starters.

Virtual DJ has many similar limitations to others, such as lacking the ability to work with hardware, restrictions on the features, and a limited set of effects. Although, Virtual DJ can record your mixes which is a nice addition.

How To: Choose the Best Free DJ Software For You#

With so many free DJ software options out there, new DJs are spoiled for choice. Although, you want to make sure that you don't fall into the trap of choosing a bad app.

Free DJ apps can be a great starting point, but it's crucial to know what features to look for, and how to choose an app that suits your style and needs.

I'll now give you some important things to consider when choosing some free DJ software to download. Run through these points before downloading any, and it will save you some time overall! It will help you to find some free DJ software that really fits you like a glove.

It's Easy for New DJs#

Some software is easier and more intuitive than others. On the flip side, you can find a lot of DJ software which is overly complex and confusing for beginners. You want to make sure that you choose something that is in the sweet spot - of being easy enough to use, but also offering upward growth, so you can progress your skills as a DJ.

Smart Playlists and Smart Folders#

Organization is key in DJing.

Look for DJ software that has a good organization system. I'm a big fan of features like smart playlists and folders, which let you make custom playlists - and sometimes can even suggest new tracks to play.

I think it's also important to use software that lets you sort your library via various categories, like BPM, key, genre, date added, artist etc. This makes it easy to find the song you're looking for.

Sync and Beat-Matching Assistance#

Love it or hate it, sync is one of the most useful tools for modern DJs. This takes care of the beatmatching, so you're free to focus more on creativity and expression.

A lot of DJs (self-proclaimed "purists") are snobby about using the sync button. But at the end of the day, it only serves to make the process easier for DJs, which results in a better end product for the listener - I think is more important than technique logistics.

Did you ever listen to a mix and think, "wow, the use of the sync button just ruined my experience..."? No, I didn't think so.

So, make sure you pick some DJ software that has a well-functioning and accurate sync / auto-beatmatch feature: it's going to make your life easier and make mixing more enjoyable.

A Good Range of Effects#

To truly stand out, having a range of DJ effects at your disposal is crucial. Multiple effects allow you to add depth, texture, and your unique style to your mixes. I'm a huge fan of effects (although it's also important to practice restraint).

Look for common effects like reverb, delay, phaser, flanger, loops, and anything else that tickles your fancy. The more the merrier!

Stability and Performance#

When you're playing live, there's nothing more frustrating than software glitches or crashes ruining the flow of your mix. Not only will it annoy you, but also your audience.

This is why it's essential to choose free DJ software that is robust and reliable. This usually comes down to the quality of programming. While most are pretty good these days, they aren't all equal. Some come with settings that let you fine-tune the CPU usage, to make it more stable and safe.

External Integration#

One of the final things to think about is whether the app offers integration with other software or platforms.

I think, especially for new DJs, it's nice to be able to connect to streaming platforms to make mixes. This is super useful in the early days when you might only have a small collection of downloaded music, as it lets you experiment with a wider range of tunes, without needing to buy them. Streaming integration is a lot of fun, but sadly not very common in the free versions.

Closing Thoughts#

Now you know about the free DJ software available, you can start your DJ journey. Remember, the free versions are all limited in some way, so when you find out which software you like, it's often worth upgrading to the full version when you need more functionality.

At DJ.Studio, we offer one of the most powerful pieces of DJ software on the market today. We want it to be available to as many people as possible, so we made an affordable subscription for those keen DJs on a budget!

Make sure you try out this Mixtape Maker App and come to your own judgements.

For more recommendations, check out this list of the Best DJ Software for PC.