In todays Dj marketplace, there are tons of great Dj controllers that could do anything a beginner or even experienced djs could ever want. For 500$ there is a world of great options available, that would’ve cost thousands of dollars in the past and that can do more than other equipment could.

In this article, we’re going to go over the Top 7 best Dj controllers you can get under 500$ and also talk about how to get some good deals on them as well. We’ll cover the basics of each one and provide links where you can get more information as well if you’re interested.

Note: We made sure to include dj controllers for every type of dj software, and most of these will come with software as well. So no worries!

Let’s get started.

#1 ) The Numark Mixtrack Platinum –

Honestly, it’s hard to say what is the absolute best controller….but after considering for awhile I’ve decided on this controller since it’s what I would personally prefer. This might be different for you!

This particular Dj controller is an incredible buy, and that’s no surprise considering that the Mixtrack controllers are generally well known for awhile now to have the most options for your money. If you want to get a lot for your money, this is definitely one of the best dj controllers to go with.

Nowadays, Pioneer and a couple other controllers are packing quite a bit for this price range. So they’re definitely worth checking out as well.

It has everything a beginner needs for sure, and has more than a lot of the other dj controllers in this price range.

With the Numark Mixtrack Platinum you get:

Long very accurate Pitch faders (not seen on budget units. Usually if they have pitch faders they’re small and not great. These feel very good and are very responsive)
Control Pads which you can do manual and auto looping on
Feels sturdy for a inexpensive controller, not very plasticky
There is an added Gain on this model (this wasn’t a feature on previous mixtracks)
Standard EQ (Bass, Mids, and Treble) Knobs
Jogwheels that display tons of great info (Beats per minute, Needle Position, Time left on track, and more) this is so helpful for gigs and not to mention this is not something you’ll find on budget controllers.
This controller is a larger build so you don’t feel as scrunched when you’re playing. If you’ve ever played a small controller, you’ll notice that they just don’t feel as good to play on.
Surprisingly responsive beat pads. They don’t feel sticky like some other lower cost pads.
Has a master RCA ouput and single microphone input. Not as many input options as I’d like, but not that big of a deal.
Comes with the DJ software Serato. There’s a free and an upgraded pro version. The Pro version is better, but the free version is awesome as well.

For more information about this controller I’d definitely recommend their website Numark.com

Also, this review is fantastic as well if you’d like to see it in action:

#2 Denon MC4000 –

A step up from the 2000, this is essentially the perfect Dj controller for the “working” Dj. It has an absolutely phenomenal set up for the working dj who might have a problem with equipement at a venue or just wants something portable.

Everything about this model is basically made with the working dj in mind, there are tons of great features that benefit them, and personally I really like the layout. In general, this model looks very sleek.

Here’s the basic rundown:

Very high quality build, everything is very responsive and tight. Most of this model is actually made of metal which is not usual for this price range.
2 Channel Model
Comes with Free Serato software, but you do get a 50% off coupon that comes with it if you’d like to upgrade to the pro version which is great.
Compatible with most Dj software
Tons of different output options
2 mic inputs both including their own HQ, there’s a special feature as well called post so you don’t have to hear the audience talking on your mic on your headset
Great long pitch slide (not common for this price range)
Special section just for your samples right in the middle
Buttons click on this model, which can be a good or bad thing depending on what you like.

You can check it out more at Dennondj.com

Also, hear it in action right here:

#3 Pioneer DDj-SB2 –

Probably the best part about this Dj controller is how majorly inexpensive it is, this is a huge advantage especially for a beginner who may not know yet exactly what they want in a controller. This has all the essentials you’ll need and a few extra ones as well which is nice.

Here’s some of the main things it comes with:

Free Serato and a free trial for the pro version as well. However you can make this model functional with most Dj softwares
It is very well built, however it is plastic which is a downside.
Very responsive pads that control Hot cues, Auto Loop, and Manual Loop.
4 Deck Control
The Jog wheels are larger for this price range which feels great to play
Has 3 bandBass, Mids, and Treble)
Hot trim pot knobs (not something commonly found on models at this price range)
Channel level meters
Filter Fade effect
Pad Trans effect

If you’re interested in finding out more, definitely check out the specs on Pioneers website.

Hear and See it in action here:

#4 Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 –

This new release from Native instruments is absolutely huge considering their last S2 model the Mk2 was released about 5 years ago. It’s no doubt they’re really trying to outdo their competition with this model.

Tons of great features and a low price point, this is definitely a great buy. I do feel however this model is geared more towards beginners that are really wanting to get into djing however.

There’s a ton of features that beginning djs will love to have to challenge themselves on this model, not to mention it comes with Traktor Dj software which has more things you can customize and play around with than Serato (nothing against Serato, that’s a great program to).

The basics specs of this model:

Very durable model (It is plastic however)
Three band EQ (Bass, Mids, Treble)
Four effects for your tracks (Filter, Reverb, Delay, and Flanger) which are placed right in the middle which makes this very convenient
New Jogwheel style that feels better than the Mk2
Reverse and Flux mode
Some really great loop knobs with tons of features
The Kontrol Dj Software
Keylock
Great working Tempo Adjust (it is small however)
Very responsive altogether

If you’re interested in finding out more about this model you can always check out their website at native-instruments.com

Want to hear and see it in action? Check out the video below:

#5 Hercules Dj Control Jogvision –

This particular Dj controller has some major benefits and only a few things that aren’t so great. It stands out from the other ones on this list for things like an absolutely exceptional beat-pad (has a better feel than all the others, much more responsive) and an exceptional feeling jogwheel as well.

Some of the things that aren’t so hot? There are a few like a not so great crossfader and a pitch slider that works well but is a little small. Overall though, this is a great Dj Controller.

Here are the basics of what it has:

Great Jogwheels with LED indicators and indicators showing where you are currently on the track. Aluminum top with a great feel, that definitely rivals the others in this price range.
Phenomenal beat pads, that I personally like more than the others on this list
Fx and Loop Mode
The layout is different and does take some getting used to. For instance the Gain and the Browse knob are the same and you have to press the button down to use Gain. (Not a big deal if you’re a beginner who isn’t used to having separate knobs)
Auxillary input that you can plug a phone or whatever you’d like into
Mic input that comes with an easy on/off switch
Both types of headphone connectors
Can be USB powered or powered externally, which is fantastic if your laptop messes up on you.

If you’re interested in this model, I’d recommend checking it out over at Guitar Center.

Want to see and hear it in action? Watch the video below.

#6 Pioneer DDj-RB –

This controller is pretty much the perfect controller, for anyone who loves djing with beat pads. With 8 on each deck this is basically the perfect controller to jam out on them.

It’s got everything a good Dj controller needs, most of what is on it is actually pretty standard for this price range except for the extra pads (which are very responsive).

Here are the main details:

Comes with rekordbox dj software which is a really great software especially for beginners
3 Band EQ (Bass, Mids, Treble)
Well built, (it is plastic however)
Only one headphone jack (8′)

You can find more info on the Controller over at Guitar Center.

If you want to see it and hear it in action, check out this review below.

#7 Wego 3 –

This controller absolutely screams fun. It’s very small small and different, you can’t do as much with it as some of these other controllers but it’s definitely the most portable and probably the easiest one to learn very quickly and work with.

I’d say the best part about these is that you can hook them up to your ipad to play on, of course you can hook it up to a laptop as well. There is a perfect spot for your ipad to sit in however.

The controls on this model are very simple, and everything lights up which is incredibly entertaining. If you do like this model you can get a Wego1, or 2 for literally dirtcheap used.

Here is a video comparison of the Wego1 and 2 (which is hilarious btw)