Overview
Covering a broad range of budgets, this post lays out 15 of the best DJ mixers on the market right now, in 2023, along with everything you need to make a buying decision.
They’re all from the leading manufacturers – Pioneer DJ, Allen & Heath, Denon DJ, Reloop, Numark, and Native Instruments (Traktor). To keep things simple, we’ve broken them down into the following 4 categories:
If you don’t want to scroll through the list, you can click the links below to jump straight to the most applicable section:
- Beginner/budget range (top 3)
- Best club mixers (top 4)
- Best scratch mixers (top 5)
- Best 6-channel/high-end mixers (top 3)
Need some help before we get started?
If you’re a complete beginner, header over to this post for a deeper dive into ‘’DJ mixer basics’’. It covers EQs, Faders, and getting your levels right, etc. Also check out our FAQ section at the end for other useful definitions and help!
Important things to consider
Which DJ mixer you choose will mostly depend on, 1} what type of DJ you are, 2} what setup you plan on using it with (usually either analogue analogue turntables, and/or digital media players, perhaps using a Digital Vinyl System), and 3} just good old personal preference.
For most people reading this, you’re either going to choose a club mixer or a scratch mixer – which is why we’ve structured this post in the way we have.
To dive a little deeper, you’ll also want to consider if you plan on using a specific DJ software program with it and whether you plan on connecting external hardware, etc. For any mobile DJs using it for gigs, obviously you’ll want to pay closer attention to the inputs & output and other relevant features!
Note: If there’s something specific you don’t understand as we go through the list (for example, questions like ‘’what is record out’’, or ‘’what is DVS’’), we explain these in our FAQ section at the end.
So then, here are the 15 best DJ mixers for ALL budgets in 2023!
Best DJ Mixers for beginners (top 3)
1. Allen & Heath Xone:23
Overview:
Despite being in our beginner range, don’t be fooled, the Xone:23 from Allen & Heath is a professional piece of kit. It’s got 2+2 stereo channels allowing for 4 different music sources to be connected simultaneously, either for turntables, media players and/or external DVS soundcards.
With Low & high pass filter controls on-board it’s feature-rich for its size, and both the sound and build-quality are excellent. Additionally, the mixer can be upgraded with the latest Innofader for scratch/battle DJs.
Approximate price: $450 (US).
Key features & specs:
| 2 + 2 stereo channels | Smooth VCA channel faders |
| 3-band total kill EQ | Illuminated switches |
| VCF Filter system: Low & high pass filters + frequency and resonance controls | Balanced main mix out on XLR |
| Independent booth out | Record out |
| 3.5mm and 1/4″ headphone outputs | More resources: visit the manufacturer’s product page or watch the feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
2. Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2
Overview:
This DJM-250MK2 is Pioneer’s 2-channel entry-level offering, inheriting the Magvel Crossfader and Sound Color FX filter from their industry-standard DJM-900NXS2 mixer (covered in the next section). With a premium build-quality, it has a nice simple layout that’s great for beginners and those on a budget, also suitable for scratch DJs.
The unit comes with Pioneer’s rekordbox DJ and rekordbox DVS software in the box (just plug in your laptop), and it also works with Native Instruments DVS ‘Traktor Scratch’.
Approximate price: $390 (US).
Key features & specs:
| 2 channel mixer + Mic | 3-band total kill EQs |
| Low & high pass filter with parameter control | Sound Color FX (built-in) |
| Magvel Crossfader | Compatible with rekordbox DJ and rekordbox DVS ready |
| Built-in USB soundcard, just plug in your laptop (24-bit/48kHz) | Analogue Inputs: 2 x stereo RCA (phono), 3 x stereo RCA (line), 1 x 1/4″ (mic) |
| Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master), 1 x stereo RCA (master 2) | 2 x headphone output (1/4 inch Jack, mini-jack) |
| More resources: visit the product page or watch the feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
3. Numark M6 USB
Overview:
Price at around $219 USD, this 4-channel beginner offering from Numark is easily the cheapest on this list. As well as having a ton of inputs & outputs (to connect turntables and/or media players simultaneously), the USB connection allows you to mix in audio from music-player software and record DJ sets to your computer; plus the dedicated XLR Mic channel is great for talkover in your mix shows.
Despite being over 10 years old, the Numark M6 USB is still a great beginner option if you want 4-channel capability, although just bear in mind there’s no filter controls or other FX on the unit.
Approximate price: $219 (US).
Key features & specs:
| 4 channel mixer | USB/laptop connection (PC or MAC, type B), record your mix to your computer |
| 3-band EQ | LED Metering |
| Multiple phono, line, and mic inputs | Dedicated XLR Mic channel (plus second Mic input on channel 4) |
| Replaceable crossfader with slope control | 1 x 1/4″ headphone jack |
| More resources: visit the product page or watch this feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
Best Club Mixers (top 4)
1. Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2
Overview:
As found in bars & clubs around the world, our top club mixer pick is Pioneer’s flagship (and industry-standard) 4-channel DJM-900NXS2. As you’d expect, it’s fully compatible with their rekordbox DJ software and DVS software, whilst also supporting DVS for Traktor Pro and Serato DJ Pro.
Key features include the built-in Sound Color FX (Sweep, Filter, Crush, Dub Echo, Noise and Space), 14 x Beat FX, the flagship Magvel Faders, and the 64-bit mixing processor that provides market-leading sound quality.
Additionally, the unit has a built-in USB soundcard allowing for simultaneous input/output of stereo signals, 2 x USB ports for seamless DJ/laptop changeovers, and 4 x Phono inputs in case you wanted to connect a turntable to each channel. Whilst it’s surely worth the investment if you have the cash, just make sure you read No.4 (further down in this section, the DJM-750Mk2) before pulling the trigger.
Approximate price: $2,400 (US).
Key features & specs:
| Professional 4 channel club mixer (industry-standard) | 96 kHz/64-bit digital signal processor provides studio-quality sound |
| Extensive analogue and digital I/O lets you easily hook up all of your gear | Each channel includes a 3-band EQ that’s switchable between +6/-26dB and isolator modes |
| Fully adjustable Magvel Faders | 6 x Sound Color FX, includes Sweep, Filter, Crush, Dub Echo, Noise and Space (use the parameter control knob to fine-tune the FX) |
| 14 x Beat FX | ‘FX Frequency’ allows you to choose which frequency range you wish to apply (low, mid, high) |
| Independent send/return loop lets you add external effects to the mix | Built-in USB sound card allows simultaneous input/output of stereo signals. |
| Dual microphone inputs with Beat FX and Talk Over mode onboard | Full MIDI capabilities onboard provide easy integration with your computer rig |
| Connect up to 4 players and share one source with Pro DJ Link | Gold-plated RCA terminals |
| Incorporate your favourite iOS effects, such as Pioneer’s RMX-1000 via USB | Dual USB connections for easy DJ/laptop changeovers |
| Analogue Inputs: 4 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono), 4 x Dual RCA Stereo (line), 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic), 1 x 1/4″ (mic 2) | Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (master 2), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (rec out), 2 x 1/4″ (booth) |
| More resources: visit the product page or watch this intro video from Pioneer |
Best places to buy:
The DJM-900NXS2 wasn’t on Amazon when we last checked.
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
2. Allen & Heath Xone:PX5
Overview:
As well as bringing that warm, high-quality sound the brand is known for, the Xone:PX5 from Allen & Heath offers a plethora of analogue and digital connectivity (probably the best in this section), with each channel having its own dedicated send control for external FX processing.
The 4+1 channel ‘performance’ mixer (which really means it’s super versatile and can incorporate the most elaborate of set-ups) has plenty of customizable built-in FX including reverbs, modulators, flangers and distorters. These are all high-quality and intuitive to use, as is the mixer itself!
Despite the broad connectivity options on the PX5, just be aware there’s only one USB input which isn’t ideal for DJ changeovers. Overall, this is an excellent option if you’re not after a brand-specific setup and/or you want to save a nice chunk of change on the DJM-900NXS2. As well as obviously being a standalone mixer for whatever you wish to hook up, it also supports DVS control of NI’s Traktor Scratch.
Approximate price: $1,800 (US).
Key features & specs:
| Flexible 4-channel mixer plus an additional mic/aux input | 3-band total kill EQ |
| Integrated 20-channel 24-bit/96kHz USB 2.0 audio interface onboard | 1 x VCF Filter with adjustable frequency & resonance – assignable on all channels + send/return |
| Extensive built-in FX: Spectral Delays, Resonator, Reverbs | 5-pin MIDI clock/out and MIDI over USB offer control over synths and other gear |
| All faders include 3-mode adjustable curves | Send & Return: 2 x 1/4″ (FX send), 2 x 1/4″ (FX return), 2 x 1/4″ (master insert), RJ45 X-Link (Xone K controllers) |
| Fully compatible with Native Instruments Traktor Scratch Pro (not included) | Replaceable crossfader (Innofader compatible in case you want to upgrade) |
| Analogue Inputs: 8 x stereo RCA (line, phono), 1 x XLR (mic), 2 x 1/4″ (line) | Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master out), 1 x stereo RCA (master), 2 x 1/4″ (booth), 1 x stereo RCA (record out) |
| More resources: visit the product page or watch this feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
The Xone:PX5 wasn’t on Amazon when we last checked.
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
3. Denon DJ X1850 Prime
Overview:
Next up is Denon DJ’s latest professional 4-channel club offering, the X1850 Prime (the predecessor of the X1800 Prime). Like the last two on this list, it offers a ton of connectivity options and fantastic sound regardless of the setup.
With comprehensive EQ and filter controls, it notably also has 16 built-in effects, 2 x dedicated Mic channels, MIDI sync for external instruments, and much more. Most importantly, to take advantage of all the customization options, the unit will be put to best use with the Denon DJ SC6000 or SC6000M media players – assisted by the built-in 5-port LAN hub at the back. It’s also compatible with Serato DJ Pro.
Approximate price: $1,200 (US).
Key features & specs:
| Professional 4-channel club mixer | 3-band EQ, Isolation EQ, High-pass/Low-pass filters on each channel |
| Rugged build-quality designed for club environments | 24-bit/96kHz digital processing and I/O delivers studio-grade audio |
| 16 x BPM FX with FX Quantize control | Dedicated Sweep FX and BPM FX knobs on each channel |
| Microphone inputs include 2-band EQs and Talk Over ducking effect | Dual-assignable USB ports for easy changeovers |
| Smooth Flex-fader with adjustable fader curves and start functions (replaceable) | 5-port LAN hub lets you network four compatible devices together (with Denon’s Media players) |
| Analogue Inputs: 4 x Dual RCA Stereo (line), 4 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono), 1 x 1/4″ (mic) | Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master L/R), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (record), 2 x 1/4″ (booth L/R) |
| Other I/O: 5 x RJ-45 (LAN link), 1 x Coax (digital link in), 2 x 1/4″ (send L/R), 2 x 1/4″ (receive L/R) | Compatible with Serato DJ Pro |
| More resources: visit the product page or watch Denon’s feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
The Denon X1850 Prime wasn’t on Amazon when we last checked.
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
4. Pioneer DJ DJM-750Mk2
Overview:
The DJM-750MK2 from Pioneer DJ sits in between the DJM-250MK2 that we covered in our beginner section and below the flagship DJM-900NXS2 that’s No.1 in this section. As well as inheriting the build-quality and intuitive club layout from the DJM-900NXS2, it includes many of the same features such as the Sound Color FX (4 instead of 6), Beat FX (11 instead of 14), the 64-bit mixing processor, Magvel Crossfader, and dedicated Mic section.
Whilst it’s almost half the price of the DJM-900NXS2, you can still easily connect external hardware, etc (connections wise, it’s going to have most DJs covered). As well as having fewer FX, there are only a couple of things not inherited from the flagship DJM-900NXS2, one of which is the X-Pad touchstrip in the FX section, and it only has a single USB connection around the back – so no convenient laptop changeovers. As with all three Pioneer mixers in this post, it once again comes with rekordbox DJ and rekordbox DVS licenses as standard.
Approximate price: $1,300 (US).
Key features & specs:
| 4-channel professional DJ mixer | Extensive analog and digital I/O to facilitate any setup |
| 64-bit/96kHz mixing processor delivers high-quality dynamic sound | 3-band EQ; switchable between +6/-26dB and Isolator modes |
| Microphone input with talk over mode onboard | 2 x headphone outputs for back-to-back DJ sets |
| 4 x Sound Color FX (Sweep, Filter, Dub Echo, Noise) | 11 x Beat FX with FX Frequency assignments (Delay, Echo, Ping Pong, Spiral, Reverb, Transform, Flanger, Pitch, Roll, Vinyl Brake and Helex) |
| Independent send/return loop lets you add external effects | Incorporate iOS effects via USB |
| Flagship Magvel crossfader | Includes licenses for rekordbox DJ and rekordbox DVS software |
| Gold plated RCAs | Analogue Inputs: 4 x Dual RCA Stereo (line), 4 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono), 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic), 2 x 1/4″ (return) |
| Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master out), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (master 2), 2 x 1/4″ (booth), 2 x 1/4″ (send) | More resources: visit the product page or watch Pioneer’s feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
The DJM-750 MKII wasn’t on Amazon when we last checked.
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
Best Scratch Mixers (top 5)
1. Pioneer DJ DJM-S11
Overview:
The DJM-S11 is Pioneer’s flagship 2-channel scratch mixer… the upgrade from the previous flagship S9. It has the classic battle-style layout with paddle FX controls in the middle of the unit and works out-of-the-box with Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox.
A number of things have been improved or added to this latest model, now with a customizable 4.3-inch colour touchscreen at the top (which can control just about everything, both on-board and in-software) and 64-bit mixing & processing for improved sound, which we can confirm is excellent!
It has 3-band EQs + filter controls on each channel, 22 x built-in Beat FX, 16 x RGB back-lit performance pads (to trigger hot cues, loops, rolls, etc.), and also an improved Magvel Pro crossfader. Additionally, you can control 2 more decks in the software.
For scratch DJs that are happy paying top-dollar, the S-11 is fully-featured to say the least, with far too many features to break down here (see features list and video below), which could be a little overwhelming for some. It’s also worth noting that it doesn’t have Split Cue in case you like to mix completely in the headphones.
Approximate price: $2,100 (US).
Key features & specs:
| High-end scratch DJ mixer for use with vinyl and Serato DJ DVS systems | 3-band EQs + filter controls on each channel |
| 22 x Beat FX built-in (use Beat FX and software FX simultaneously) | Adjustable Magvel Pro crossfader with customizable curve and resistance |
| 16 x RGB back-lit performance pads trigger hot cues, loops, rolls, and more | High-quality sound: 64-bit mixing & processing |
| Customizable 4.3-inch touchscreen controls most functions, including decks 3 & 4 | 2 x USB inputs for laptop/DJ changeovers |
| Analogue Inputs: 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (aux), 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic) | Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master), 2 x 1/4″ TRS (booth), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (master2) |
| Compatible with Serato DJ Pro, Serato DVS and rekordbox | Computer requirement: macOS 10.14 or later / Windows 10 or later |
| More resources: visit the product page or watch Pioneer’s feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
The DJM S-11 wasn’t on Amazon when we last checked.
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
2. Rane Seventy-Two MkII
Overview:
Following on nicely is Rane’s flagship 2-channel scratch mixer – the Seventy-Two MkII. As with all Rane’s gear, this thing is built like a tank, and it’s designed to integrate tightly with Serato DJ Pro.
Similar to Pioneer’s S-11 we’ve just covered, it has a Customizable 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen that shows waveforms, enables navigation and track selection, controls FX, and unlocks countless other performance tools.
The unit has a ton of FX, with the ability to stack up to 6 Serato FX with the on-board FLEX FX (on-board are things like echo, reverb and flanger). It also has 16 Akai performance pads with independent mode controls (8 on each deck) for scratch bank access and more.
Whilst the unit is designed to work best with Rane’s Digital Turntables, it’s still a standalone mixer, so you can still connect whatever setup you wish – whether analogue or digital. And as you’d expect in this price bracket, the sound it excellent. Just be aware that there’s no send & return, so you can’t connect third party FX units. It comes with a fully adjustable Mag Four crossfader.
Approximate price: $1,900 (US).
Key features & specs:
| Professional 2-channel scratch mixer, plug n play with Serato DJ Pro | Solid steel construction and aluminium paddles (built like a tank) |
| 3-band EQs, filter controls, 2 x Mic/Aux | Ability to stack up to 6 Serato FX with the on-board FLEX FX |
| Dual DVS inputs; easily control external devices and Serato software | Mag Four faders and adjustable parameters |
| External and internal crossfader tension adjustment | 16 Akai MPC-style performance pads to trigger samples and FX |
| 4.3″ Full-color Multi-touch Display | 2 x USB inputs for laptop/DJ changeovers and dual Mic inputs |
| Analogue Inputs: 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono/CD), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (aux), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (session), 2 x XLR-1/4″ TRS combo (mic) | Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (main L/R), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (session), 2 x 1/4″ (booth L/R) |
| Software: Serato DJ Pro DVS License, Pitch n Time, Serato DVS Vinyl (included) | More resources: visit the product page or watch Rane’s full feature overview video |
Best places to buy:
The Rane Seventy-Two MKII wasn’t on Amazon when we last checked.
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
3. Reloop Elite
Overview:
The Reloop Elite is a fully-featured, 2-channel performance mixer optimized for Serato DJ Pro and DVS control (software + DVS expansion pack included).
Whilst there’s a ton of things going on, key features include the 16 large RGB performance pads (which control up to 12 modes per deck), the Dual OLED displays (for visual feedback on effects, bpm and beat divisions), fully customizable Innofader Pro faders, Tweak FX, a dedicated Loop section on-board, and much more. Additionally, the 2 x USB audio interfaces provide 24-bit audio quality, and you can have two different laptops hooked up at the same time.
At around $1,300 US, it has a solid all-metal construction with a stylish metallic finish, and it’s about $700 cheaper than the market leaders we’ve just covered. It would be best utilized with Reloop’s 8000MKII hybrid turntables (as covered in our best turntables post).
Whilst there are no ‘paddle’ FX controls on the Reloop Elite, the entire design was developed in collaboration with famous scratch DJs and turntablists – meaning the layout and workflow of the unit, whilst it’s obviously subjective, is arguably the best on the market.
Approximate price: $1,300 (US).
Key features & specs:
| Performance scratch mixer optimized for DVS and Serato DJ Pro (software included + DVS expansion pack) | 2 x USB audio interfaces with 24-bit audio quality |
| Tweak FX can toggle between filter, bit crusher, flanger, white noise, and a user-selectable mode | 16 x large RGB performance pads, controlling up to 12 modes per deck – Hot Cue, Loop Roll, Slicer, Sampler, Pitch Play, Saved Loop, Slicer Loop, Saved Flips, Platter Play and Transport |
| Innofader Pro faders for smooth / Customizable fader curves and reverse function | Dual OLED displays for visual feedback on effects, bpm and beat divisions |
| 2 x independent effects units for controlling Serato DJ Pro FX | 3 x assignable effects slots with dedicated activation buttons |
| Mini-fader control for FX Level/Depth | Two laptops can be hooked up at the same time |
| Serves as an active USB hub for other devices | Mic/line input features a 2-band EQ, independent echo effect, and on/off talkover switch |
| Analogue Inputs: 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono), 1 x 1/4″ TRS (mic/line), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (aux in) | Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master 1), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (master 2), 2 x 1/4″ TRS (booth), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (record out) |
| More resources: visit the product page or watch this review video on YouTube |
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
4. Pioneer DJ DJM-S5
Overview:
Targeted at beginners and hobbyists, the DJM-S5 is a 2-channel scratch mixer from Pioneer DJ. It’s designed to integrate with Serato DJ Pro and has many of the basic professional functions of more expensive mixers.
As well as looking the part with its distinctive red face plate, some key features include 4 x performance pads on each channel (with 13 different modes), the two large paddle FX controls that allow you to layer up to 3 Serato FX per deck, and the Magvel Fader Pro with a ‘Feeling Adjust’ knob to adjust the tension (the same fader found on the DJM-S11).
With a lot less going on than more expensive units, there’s plenty of room to maneuver and a lot less overwhelm, perfect for hobbyists and beginners. Other more gimmicky features include Scratch Cutter and Crossfader Hot Cue.
Unique to any pioneer mixer on the market, the 2 x USB Type-C connections mean you can power the S-5 through a connected laptop in addition to the mains. Additionally, it has an external battery bank, so you have a ton of power options. In case there was any doubt, the unit
