Starting out as a new DJ can be pretty daunting. Where do I get my music? What genres will I play? What equipment do I need? When it comes to music, Beatport Streaming has everything you need to start DJing right away, with a massive catalog of 32+ genres of electronic music at your fingertips. With ready-made playlists and charts covering over 12 million electronic music tracks, you are sure to find your style.

But what about decks? We decided to help you out by giving you our top choices to meet your technical and, of course, budget needs.

Overview:

At the professional level, the setup you will most likely come across is two standalone players/decks (maybe even four) and a DJ mixer. With this setup, you access your digital music library from a USB stick, with some players even giving you the option to log into your Beatport Streaming account. That kind of setup can be very expensive and technically complex for a beginner, so most DJs start out with a controller.

Controllers are all-in-one units that come with two players and a built-in mixer. Typically they connect via USB to your laptop, which houses DJ software (such as rekordbox, Algoriddim djay, Traktor, Serato etc). The DJ software is where you can access your digital music library and the Beatport streaming catalog. Some software only works with certain controllers, some software is free and others are chargeable or have a paid tier.

It’s a good idea to look for controllers that come with a built-in audio interface/sound card. This means you can connect to your computer or smartphone and mix right away without the need for an amp. 

Beatport's Best Decks for Beginners

Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4

This 2-channel entry level controller is simple to use, has a compact design and is a great low cost option. Combined with rekordbox or Serato DJ Lite, it gives new DJs all the tools they need to learn their craft without having a steep learning curve.

The FLX4 is a USB bus-powered controller, which means there is no need for a mains adaptor. You can also connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet running the rekordbox mobile app; this lets you play wirelessly and stream Beatport and Beatsource Streaming tracks, all without the need for a laptop.

The FLX4 introduces new Smart Mixing features that help you with EQing, beatmatching and FX processing. The Smart Fader automatically edits the EQ, volume and BPM to create smoother transitions between tracks, whilst the Smart CFX applies an instant selection of multi-FX.

The FLX4 is a great introduction to the Pioneer DJ ecosystem and comes highly recommended for beginners.

Price: $299  — get it here.

Native Instruments S2 MK3

The S2 MK3 is Native Instrument’s entry-level controller, built for their Traktor DJ software and comes with a full license for Traktor Pro 4. It features large jog wheels designed with responsive touch-sensitivity. These offer precise control when scratching and nudging during beatmatching.

This USB bus-powered controller has a pro level look and feel to it, a strong build quality and the addition of Traktor Pro 4 gives you access to high level DJ tech, such as stem separation technology. This means you can isolate the drum, vocal, instrument or bass parts of a track whilst in the mix, allowing for extra creativity.

The S2 MK3 is a great choice for the beginner DJ who wants a durable, easily portable controller with access to pro-level DJ software at an affordable price.

Price: $339 — get it here.

Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 MK2

This ultra-affordable, easy-to-use controller is a great option for beginners. Built-in collaboration with Serato, the Inpulse 300 MK2 is compatible with Serato Pro software and also comes with free access to Hercules’ DJUCED software. DJUCED combines integrated video tutorials and a dynamic Beatmatch light guide on the controller itself. It even makes use of tools such an ‘Intelligent Music Assistant’, which automatically suggests the ideal next track for your mix.

The Inpulse is small and highly portable, with one of the most competitive price points on the market. The beginner-friendly software and learning angle are truly unique and make this controller a serious contender for any DJ starting out.

Price: $199 — get it here.

Numark DJ2GO2

Featuring a crossfader, two jog wheels, built-in sound card and four performance pads for each deck, the Numark DJ2GO2 packs a lot of features for its size…and price.

Numark have pitched the DJ2GO2 as the perfect choice for small gigs and gig prep, with its pocket-size clearly standing it out as possibly the most portable controller on the market. Its circa $89 price tag means it won’t break the bank and free access to Serato DJ Lite means it’s an ideal entry level for DJs just starting out.

Price: $89 — get it here.

Reloop Buddy

The Reloop Buddy is another compact, portable option that is feature-rich for its size. It was designed in close partnership with Algoriddim, which means it integrates strongly with their popular djay software.

It comes with a built-in USB audio interface, meaning you can just plug it in to your computer and mix right away. The integration with djay also gives you the option to connect to a tablet or smartphone to access your music library, with a docking station on the controller making this a sleek and easy setup to manage.

The Reloop Buddy has other easily accessible high-end features like Neural Mix, allowing you to separate different parts of the track, such as vocals and drums. There is also an FX section that allows for even more creativity.

The Reloop Buddy is an affordable option that is a great choice for DJs looking to utilize a mobile setup.

Price: $329 - get it here.

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