So, you've decided to learn how to DJ - but finding the best DJ decks for beginners isn't so simple. Whether you learn from videos, take lessons, or want to wing it - having a real deck is essential, especially when it's hooked up to some of the best DJ speakers. The feeling of DJing this way is the only way to deliver your killer set.
Many DJs start their journey on the cult classic software package Virtual DJ on a laptop. Playing with pitches and different functions is great initially, but there's nothing like getting hands-on with a deck. The best DJ decks for beginners will give you everything you need to start with. But, which one is right for you?
Best DJ decks for beginners in 2024 at a glance
• Best overall DJ deck for beginners: Pioneer DDJ-400 2 Channel DJ Controller - View at OnBuy
• Best budget DJ deck for beginners: Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller/DJ Set for Beginners - View at Amazon
• Best mid-budget DJ deck for beginners: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 - View at Amazon
• Best beginner's DJ deck for jog wheel control: NUMARK Mixtrack Platinum FX DJ Controller - View at Amazon
If you've watched your favourite DJs work their magic online or in person, you'll know that having a set of decks is the perfect way to learn how to make seamless transitions and master your mixes. Perhaps you've even bought some budget record desks in the past and got hooked on scratching and mixing the old-fashioned way. Now, as a beginner with all-in-one electronic decks and mixers, you'll need to choose a board that suits your style. This is really down to the functions you think you'll need, or indeed the ones you may have used yourself once or twice. We have a buyer's guide and some FAQs to help you consider the basics before you buy.
And don't forget, even with one of these boards to deliver your set, you'll still need a pair of the best wired headphones to accompany your decks. But now, let's take a look at our pick of the best DJ decks that will have you mixing like a pro in no time.
Best DJ decks for beginners in 2024
Best overall DJ deck for beginners
Photo: Argoswww.onbuy.com
This DDJ-400 from Pioneer is packed with great features to help you develop and master your mixing skills. The board includes cue buttons, looping controls, and two tempo range buttons so that you can beat match with ease. The decks are also compatible with the Rekordbox DJ software so you can simply activate your license and access tutorials on how to use the board and even learn some techniques. The two-channel mixer is perfect for beginners and the crossfader makes for super easy transitions when you're in the mix.
Pros
- Excellent Pioneer build quality and responsive controls
- Works very well with popular DJ apps for an easy beginner's learning curve
- Assign hot keys to the performance pads for more control
Cons
- Only has one USB port for connecting to other devices (but does come with a 2-way splitter cable)
| Features: | Two jog wheels, Crossfader, Two channels, Looping controls, Beat FX, Library controls, Cue buttons, Tempo sliders, Performance pads, Filter knobs |
| Compatibility: | Rekordbox DJ, Algoriddim djay |
| Dimensions: | 48.2 x 27.2 x 58.5 cm |
- Customer Review: "Was unpacked and set up in 15 minutes - and most of that time was downloading the software (which is great!). Very easy to use, very light so no problem to move around. The wheels are fantastic, movement is nice and smooth and are great for scratching. The other controls are equally well made and sturdy. Nice bright control lights which are easy to see in the dark. Highly recommended!"
Best Pioneer DJ deck for beginners
Photo: AmazonThis pick by Pioneer will enable you to connect your PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet to begin mixing which is particularly handy if you plan on travelling around with your decks. The two-channel mixer includes all the functions that will get you set for mixing including performance pads, tempo range sliders, and different effects. This is also compatible with a number of programs including WeDJ, rekordbox, djay and edjing Mix.
Pros
- Amazing Pioneer build quality - a solid deck
- Works well with iPads, phones and DJ apps
- Excellent backlighting and intuitive control layout
Cons
- A bit more complex so beginners will be fine, but need to be fast learners
| Features: | Two channels, Performance pads, Tempo sliders, Cue buttons, Beat sync |
| Compatibility: | WeDJ, rekordbox, djay, edjing Mix |
| Dimensions: | 37.8 x 20.8 x 4.8 centimetres |
- Customer Review: " I love it. Very compact (only as wide as my laptop), so it doesn't take a lot of space on my 'home studio'. You can pick up the basics immediately and it makes listening to House music much more fun. Can be used 'on the go' with a good battery pack, speakers and a mobile phone/tablet, but I find mixing using the phone a bit too fiddly so most of the time I use on the laptop with Rekordbox (it unlocks Rekordbox by the way, which is awesome!)."
"Very happy with it and would definitely recommend for beginner DJs. I also use loop function to quickly isolate samples to use on Ableton or playing live over the top)."
Best beginner's DJ deck for jog wheel control
Photo: AmazonThis Mixtrack Platinum FX board from NUMARK will make a great addition to any party or bedroom for those who are in the midst of practising or creating mixes. This deck looks super sleek thanks to its two backlit jog wheels and its impressive colour display. It features a number of effects and performance pads to switch up the sound of your tracks. This is compatible with the Serato DJ Lite app to enable the streaming of millions of tracks.
Pros
- Responsive jog wheels with excellent colour displays to keep you on track
- Intuitive control layout with good backlighting
- FX paddles very well set out and accessible
Cons
- Build quality is a little lightweight in places
| Features: | Two jog wheels, Backlighting, Loop control, Performance pads, Filter knobs, Cue Buttons, Pitch sliders, Library controls |
| Compatibility: | Serato DJ Lite, Virtual DJ Pro |
| Dimensions: | 24.08 x 54.89 x 5.08 cm |
- Customer Review: "Got this as a beginner controller for getting back into DJ'ing having used vinyl in the past. Hooked it up to the MacBook via the USB cable (no power lead required), downloaded Serato and connected to my Bose soundlink with an RCA to aux cable."
"I opted for a SoundCloud sub which means you can easily transfer playlists across. You can also use Tidal or music stored on your laptop or external drive. Easy enough to pick up the basics and within half an hour was putting some mixes together."
Best budget DJ deck for beginners
If you've been on the hunt for a mixer that will get you dipping your toes in DJing, then look no further. This Numark Party Mix II controller is a great pick for anyone who wants to learn the basics of mixing without having a sea of controls and buttons to contend with. This includes an LED light show that syncs with mixes along with cue buttons, pitch sliders, library controls to browse your collection as well as filter, bass and treble knobs. If that's not enough, you can stream songs with Serato DJ Lite which is included and Algoriddim djay. Time to get your playlist together.
Pros
- Very light and portable - ideal for new DJ looking to travel
- Includes party lights - another great addition for newcomers to add atmos to their set
- Excellent app integration - helpful for beginners to learn with
Cons
- Not everyone will want or like the Party Lights (but they can be switched off)
| Features: | Two channels, Built-in LED lights, Two jog wheels, Cue buttons, Sync buttons, Performance Pads, Filter knobs, Pitch sliders, Library controls |
| Compatibility: | Algoriddim djay, Serato DJ System |
| Dimensions: | 19.9 x 32.6 x 5.2 cm |
- Customer Review: "Had this over a month. Started off as a beginner on this deck doing mainly DnB. Feel very comfortable with it now and nothing has broke at all. All-around a great purchase for people wanting to learn and practice basics. Syncs perfectly with Serato DJ software."
Best mid-budget DJ deck for beginners
Photo: AmazonThis DJControl Inpulse 300 from Hercules is a deck with 16 pads and simple functions - always a good place to start at the beginning of your DJ journey. Even better, Hercules knows that beginners need a little more help, so include lots of training videos on their YouTube channel. This deck includes all the features that will take your mixes to the next level from hot cues to tempo sliders as well as interactive help and handy tutorial videos.
Pros
- Brilliant integration with popular DJing apps
- Lots of training videos on the Hercules YouTube channel to help
- Very easy to set up and use for a beginner
Cons
- You'll need to subscribe to more advanced versions of the apps later to get more use out of it
| Features: | IMA (Intelligent Music Assistant), Beatmatch guide, Two jog wheels, Two channels, Tempo sliders, Library controls, Performance pads, Filter knobs, Beat align guide |
| Compatibility: | SERATO software, DJUCED software |
| Dimensions: | 50 x 50 x 28 cm |
- Customer Review: "I have been exceptionally satisfied with my experience thus far and I believe that if you've already begun DJing with Hercules equipment there is no good reason not to continue your journey with this controller in order to progress further. If it's going to be your first controller as a beginner, this is probably the best product to start off with."
Best Roland DJ deck for beginners
Photo: Amazonwww.gear4music.com
If you've been looking for a board that not only looks professional, this Roland Dj-202 is unparalleled at this price. It also has numerous functions that will help you develop mixes successfully. Compatible with Serato DJ Lite, this deck takes the features of a larger-sized mixer and condenses it into a portable unit. This includes a number of effects and eight performance pads to get your mixes sounding club-worthy.
Pros
- Legendary build quality from Roland with large platters for more control
- Complex looking layout but still well-designed for beginners to use
- Lots of effects and editable drum kits
- 16-step sequences for even more creative options
Cons
- Some owners of newer MacBooks report connectivity isn't supported, so check first
| Features: | Onboard sequencer to control Serato DJ Lite's sampler, Performance pads, Hot cues, Loop, Two channels, Filter knobs, Cue buttons. Carry case with bundle deal. |
| Compatibility: | Serato DJ Lite |
| Dimensions: | 47.8 x 29.7 x 6.1 cm |
- Customer Review: "Have spent quite a few hours, sussing out all the features and mixing up a few tunes I've been working on. Easy to work with, probably more suited for beginners like myself, Obviously you need mixing software, so Serato or Traktor are probably a good start."
"The cost of having all these nice things can mount up, so make sure you know what your in for before you purchase mixers. But all in all the Roland DJ-202 is a nice piece of kit, this will provide you all the fundamentals of Dj mixing."
Best party DJ deck for beginners
A party is the perfect place to show off your newfound DJing skills, and for that, we recommend the Numark Party Mix Live. This DJ deck sports a set of built-in speakers, so you don't need to worry about bringing external ones or sorting through cables. They could be a bit more powerful, but they are reliable enough for you to stick with them in most casual settings.
It also includes Serato DJ Lite, so you've got the software to jump right in as well.
Pros
- Serato DJ Lite included
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- Speakers could be a touch more powerful
| Features: | Library controls for browsing/loading tracks, 2-band EQ channel faders and crossfader, built-in 10W stereo speakers, pitch sliders for tempo adjustments |
| Compatibility: | Algoriddim, djay, Serato |
| Dimensions: | 48 x 52.1 x 45.5 cm |
- Customer Review: "I bought this to practice and get some experience and ended up using at a large family party. worked perfectly fine and havent had any problems."
Best Numark mini DJ deck for beginners
At first glance, the DJ2GO2 might seem a step own from the rest of this list, but it's actually a fantastic piece of kit. It may not be as comfortable as some others, but in return, you get a DJ deck that's lightweight and compact enough to fit inside a rucksack. Plus, a smaller size means a smaller price tag, at least in this case.
A nice bonus is the backlit controls, which help you track everything even in the dark. No more guessing which button is which.
Pros
- Compact and very portable
- Brilliant value
Cons
- Smaller size can make it less comfortable for larger hands
| Features: | Crossfader, touch capacitive jog-wheels and pitch faders, manual and auto-looping, midi mapping, backlit controls |
| Compatibility: | Serato, iOS, Virtual DJ |
| Dimensions: | 8.61 x 31.29 x 3.3 cm |
- Customer Review: "I recently purchased this DJ2GO2 Touch. And it is very good for mixing. Easy to carry around, you can literally take it anywhere with a laptop & small speaker and mix. Easy to use. Great overall product."
Best Hercules mini DJ deck for beginners
If the previous entry caught your eye, then you might want to consider this one as well. It can take a bit of extra effort to get it up and running with certain programs, but we think that's a worthwhile trade for its otherwise brilliant ease of use.
Since it's relatively budget-friendly, especially as far as DJ decks go, we suggest picking up one of these even as a backup. After all, it never hurts to have a spare, doubly so when it's a portable one.
Pros
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Budget-friendly and affordable
Cons
- Can take a bit of initial set-up
| Features: | Loop, FX, Sampler, pressure-sensitive jog wheels, built-in sound card, bass, filter, and EQ buttons |
| Compatibility: | Serato |
| Dimensions: | 37.4 x 5.7 x 13.6 cm |
- Customer Review: "I bought this for myself as I already use software such as Algoriddm's djay but I wanted a controller. I like the compact size of the product, and the feel of the controls, and djay is nice and responsive as well - although it's worth noting that the controller should be plugged in before starting djay for the best results. Your own software/audio setup might need a bit of adjusting so that the controller works well with it, and making the adjustments might not be intuitive for everyone."
DJ Deck Headphones
Best budget DJ deck headphones
A good set of headphones is a crucial part of your DJing kit, but as the Numark HF125 proves, that doesn't mean you need to opt for an expensive pair. These over-ear headphones are comfortable, easy to adjust, and feature a very long cable that won't leave you feeling restricted.
While it may not be the most durable or long-lasting pick, it's hard to complain about that for the price.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comfortable and easy to adjust
Cons
- Might not last as long as other, pricier headphones
| Dimensions | 17.78 x 14.73 x 7.62 cm |
| Form | Over-ear |
| Cable length | 6ft |
- Customer review: "You just can't fault them for this price. They are basic, don't expect an amazing sound array, but you are paying so little for them. I bought them so I can use them with a DJ controller."
Best professional DJ deck headphones
For an alternative choice for headphones, consider the Hercules HDP DJ45. The sound quality is well-balanced, which combined with the handy noise isolation of the over-ear form design, means you'll always be able to get a clear idea of how the music really sounds. The cable on this one is even longer, so you definitely don't need to worry about it tethering you down.
The size of this pair of headphones, as well as the lengthy cable, means that it is a fair bit bulkier than some other options, so keep that in mind if you have limited packing space.
Pros
- Great sound isolation
- Very lengthy cable
Cons
- A bit bulky
| Dimensions | 21.3 x 22.5 x 10.8 cm |
| Form | Over-ear |
| Cable length | 6.6ft |
- Customer review: "Does everything I need, perfect sound, good base, perfect cancellation sounds, the price is a bargain."
Best DJ decks for beginners in 2024: Top tips
UK Garage producer and DJ, Dennis M-Dub has some handy tips for using the best DJ decks for beginners.
Dennis explained, "Learning to DJ takes time, it's good to be patient with the process and most importantly enjoy it. Make sure you have the right software that's compatible with your decks and take time to familiarise yourself with the different functions on your board."
"Learning to beat match is a huge part of DJing and it's good to master this first. Although many decks include auto-sync nowadays, learning to beat match by ear is always good practice and will get you more in touch with the music. In the beginning, it's good to focus on a genre that you love and practice beat-matching the tracks."
Best DJ decks for beginners in 2024: Buyer's guide
With so many amazing inexpensive and simple boards out there, there's no better time to unleash your inner DJ. Having said that, it's important to take your time when selecting your first set of equipment. What to look for when buying a DJ deck is really just a handful of important things to look after:
Set your budget
It might be tempting to buy the first set of glittering decks to cross your eye, but do your research. Otherwise, you could find your new purchase substandard, faulty or incompatible with the rest of your gear. There are plenty of solid DJ deck manufacturers offering great deals on starter kits. We recommend buying from a trusted brand so that you know what you're getting and can avoid having to buy twice.
Decide which functions you'll really need
Generally speaking, DJ decks tend to climb in price as their volume capabilities rise. If you intend on keeping your mixes confined to the bedroom then steer clear of high-capacity kits as you don't want to spend a fortune on overkill. You can always upgrade if you think the rest of the world should hear what you have to offer.
Beware the bling
As is the case with most tech these days, more fake chrome trim and RGB lights from an unknown brand doesn't make a great choice. The best DJ decks for beginners will have great functionality before any of those extra bells and whistles. So, don't be tempted by the bling. Keep things simple early on and spend more later on a decent kit that might have more lighting effects and gadgetry.
Best DJ decks for beginners in 2024: FAQs
What is the most common DJ setup?
The most basic setup is fine for beginners and indeed any DJ as it has everything you need for mixing: A pair of turntables, a mixer deck with faders and other controls, and some headphones to monitor your output.
Can you DJ with just a laptop?
Yes - but of course nothing beats having a pair of physical decks to control manually. And you're still going to need a mixer for any serious sound output; plus natural controls that you can use with both hands at once.
How long should a first DJ set be?
Many DJs who are just starting out will stick to a set between 45 minutes and just over an hour. Much longer than that, and things might become a little overwhelming. Take time to hone your mixing skills and know your equipment by doing shorter sets to begin with.
Taya Andoh was a What's The Best Contributor with an interest in music and tech.
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