While there are a lot of impressive DJ-based tools out there, the Virtual DJ software is certainly one of the most useful and powerful.
Virtual DJ is actually because of the incredible usage that so many people know about it, leading it to its current 20-year fame and popularity platform.
Is there a best controller for Virtual DJ out there?
Let’s take a look.
What is the Best DJ Controller for Virtual DJ? (in short)
While I would certainly argue the merits of the Denon DJ Prime 4, I also know some people are just wanting a small option like the Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight, which is great for parties and less-intensive events.
1. Reloop Touch [Editor’s Choice]
The Reloop Touch is a great option that has a ton to offer.
Not only does it have a really large number of available features to play with, but it does all of this at a competitive and reasonable price.
It comes with the expected parts we all know about, like a set of jog wheel platters, and performance pads.
The Reloop Touch also has a 4-channel mixer layout, giving you twice as many options compared to most other controllers out there, and this is just the beginning.
The controller includes a 7-inch touchscreen that is integrated into its center. This screen is used to get detailed playback information, complete waveform visualization, as well as fingertip control over FX and dedicated loop controls.
The touchscreen also offers impressive control as it pertains to determining your selected media items.
If that wasn’t enough, the Reloop Touch also comes with a cool RGB pad, which has several different customization modes you can play around with.
They also take a fader-based approach when it comes to its unit effects.
All-in-all, the Reloop Touch, while not a perfect controller, is excellent as a mid/intermediate-level Virtual DJ controller that has more things going for it than starter controllers while being MUCH more affordable than the premium options.
What We Like:
- Great Set Of RGB Performance Pads
- FX Faders Are Pretty Cool
- Comes With A 7-Inch Touchscreen
What We Didn’t Like:
- Build Quality Is A Bit On The Poorer Side
- Has A Surprising Amount Of Installation Issues
Pros:
- Clear built-in touchscreen
- Tactile drum pads
- Sturdy jog wheels
- Fader-type FX
2. Gemini Sound GMX [Value Choice]
While it doesn’t quite hit the same impressive levels as either the Prime 4 or the Reloop Touch, Gemini Sound’s GMX DJ controller is still an awesome option that gets a lot more right than it does wrong.
Especially when you see that its price tag makes it significantly more appealing for those on a budget, you’re able to get pretty much everything you want while potentially not having to break the bank.
The GMX comes with all the expected features a DJ is looking for in a Virtual DJ controller.
Things like a quality number of performance pads, mic input, filter options, audio outputs (XLR & RCA), as well as pressure-sensitive jog wheels that let you mix between tracks fairly smoothly/
One thing to note is that the GMX not only works seamlessly with the Virtual DJ software, but can also accept MP3, WAV, and AAC files.
This means that you can use it virtually as a stand-alone mixer unit, something some controllers even twice its price would be hard-pressed to replicate.
The only downside to the GMX, when it’s all boiled down, is the fact that they are trying to have a hand in both camps.
On one hand, they want to be as ambitious as possible.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, they want to appeal to an entry-level and intermediate-level audience.
This causes them to lose out in either area, as some beginners may find this too intense while many professionals will skip it over for one of the other options.
Still, if you’re interested in something that works very well and isn’t particularly expensive, this is definitely worth your time checking out.
What We Like:
- Comes With A Variety Of Key Features
- Great On Its Own As A stand-alone mixer Unit
- Fairly Priced
What We Didn’t Like:
- While Very Impressive, It Doesn’t Manage To Hit The Same Highs As The Other Options
No products found.
3. Denon DJ Prime 4 [Premium Choice]
The Denon DJ Prime 4 is the BOMB!!
It really is one of the highest rated DJ controllers on the market.
Denon DJ’s Prime 4 professional DJ controller doesn’t have a lot of competition that can adequately compare and it’s packed with professional advanced features.
While it is a fair bit more expensive than others on this list, the Prime 4 also gives more features and is something that handles just about anything you’re looking for in a controller
For starters, the Prime 4 is a lot larger than most other DJ controllers at this price range, meaning it is jam-packed with a ton of different available key features, virtually all of which are at the top of their game.
Similarly, its large size goes well with its similarly large jog wheel devices, both with capacitive touch.
The controller also has many other options like performance pads, audio inputs and outputs options, mic input, as well as a touchscreen at its center.
Here, the touchscreen is multi-touch and is 10-inches in total that flips up from its place at the controller’s top center
The touchscreen feature is great for Virtual DJ, as users can view waveforms and match beats more easily here than with other controllers. It also comes with a built-in form of Wi-Fi that allows wireless streaming.
This directly leads to the controller offering itself as a fully functioning standalone controller, with its own internal HDD bay, meaning you won’t have to worry about ever not having your portable drive.
The downside to the Prime 4 is pretty much what you’d expect from something this massive – the first of which is its large size making mobility much more annoying and a hassle compared to the smaller options available.
In addition, this top-end professional DJ controller for Virtual DJ, though not the most expensive out there, is certainly not cheap.
Simply put, if you’re looking to use a Virtual DJ controller for professional shows, and to make yourself a household name, this is what you should be seriously considering.
Otherwise, the impressive financial commitment may be too much for most starters and intermediate users.
What We Liked:
- Excellent As A Standalone Device
- Comes With A 10-Inch Touchscreen Built-In
- Includes Wi-Fi & Wireless Options
- Has A Ton Of Controls Available
What We Didn’t Like:
- In Exchange For All of Those Perks, Be Prepared To Spend More Than On Others
- While Very Durable, It’s Also Very Heavy and Difficult To Transport
No products found.
Additional Best DJ Controllers For Virtual DJ Picks
4. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300
If you’re someone that is truly just getting started in the DJ world, while there are a lot of entry-level Virtual DJ options out there worth considering, there are very few that quite matches up to Hercules’s DJ Control Inpulse 300.
Not only is this an incredibly forgiving device for beginners, but it also actively works to help teach them as they continue playing with it.
The Inpulse 300 comes with your expected set of features and inclusions, ranging from a fairly sensitive set of jog wheels to a crossfader, and performance pads, to even several EQ filter sections to play around with.
Probably their most impressive and useful feature, however, are those that are specifically made to help beginner DJs know what to do with functions such as performance pads and jog wheels.
For example, their beatmatch guide is incredibly effective at going over the different aspects of matching the beats of two tracks properly and effectively.
In addition, this DJ controller for Virtual DJ comes with DJ software that specifically works to provide video tutorials and interactive aid.
While I can’t necessarily argue the benefits of this Virtual DJ controller for those that already have 6 months or more of experience, I can say that it’s pretty much a must-have if you’re just starting and have no idea what being a DJ is even all about.
What We Like:
- Selling At A Good Price
- Comes With A Good List Of Features
- Meant To Teach Beginners How To DJ
What We Didn’t Like:
- It’s Largely Still Entry-Level Only
No products found.
5. Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight
The Hercules DJ Control Starlight makes its presence known is probably one of the most eye-catching ways possible – its incredibly small size.
The DJ Control Starlight is as impressive as it is because, despite it being a tiny device, the controller for Virtual DJ comes with a respectable amount of features and packs a legitimate punch even when compared to other controllers twice its size.
The Control Starlight comes with all the standard fare that one would expect from a quality Virtual DJ compatible DJ controller.
This includes things like a crossfader, pressure-sensitive jog wheels, and a built-in sound card. dedicated loop controls, performance pads, filters, and samplers.
The sound card operates with both a speaker and headphone output port, while the DJ controller also has a customizable RGB lighting effect included.
In addition to the different features, we can’t ignore the fact that this device is incredibly portable, meaning it can be taken just about anywhere so long as you’ve got a laptop handy.
Perfect for some of you mobile DJs out there!
Of course, this size is a bit of a double-edged sword, since it’s probably not going to be quite on the level of a quality full-sized DJ controller while it’s also going to be lacking in the durability department.
Ultimately, this is a great option for those that aren’t particularly on the professional side of things yet or are just getting started.
It’s small, it’s sweet, and it’s not going to be nearly as costly as others on this list. Just don’t expect to do anything world-breaking.
What We Like:
- Despite Size, Controller Has Speaker Outputs Available
- Small Size Makes It Incredible Compact & Portable DJ controller
- Very Effective For Mobile DJs & DJ Hobbyists
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not A Full Controller
- A Bit Too Small
- Not Particularly Feature-Heavy
No products found.
Why Use Virtual DJ Software?
As a result of its extensive popularity, it can be of no surprise that so many different DJ companies have developed multi-platform support controllers that can use Virtual DJ.
Most DJs opt for DJ controller machines these days.
This has resulted in a huge number of DJ controller options out there, with so many being all over the place in terms of quality.
If you want to get the most out of the Virtual DJ, you’re going to need to make sure the controller you’re using is the right device for Virtual DJ.
This is true whether you’re just learning how to mix tracks or have been in the game for a decade or more. In this guide, we’ll break down the best DJ controller picks that work with Virtual DJ.
In addition, we’ll also go into some of the top factors to consider when deciding on what DJ controller works best for you.
So with that being said, let’s look at some of the best DJ controller units for Virtual DJ users.
And yes, shock, horror…there are no Pioneer DJ DDJ machines listed!
Virtual DJ Integration
Before jumping into the different best DJ controllers available, I first want to go over what you should be on the lookout for when deciding on what DJ controller is ideal for you and what you’re trying to do.
After all, while there are some objective good points for all of the DJ controllers I’ll be going over, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be innately good for you.
Both the Denon DJ Prime 4 and the Hercules DJ Control Starlight are great options.
However, just because they’re both great doesn’t mean they’re great for the same person. A person may love the simplicity of the Control Starlight while another may want to get serious and check out the Prime 4 and all it has to offer.
Budget
The first (and arguably most important) factor to keep in mind when making your decision is the price point. Having a solid budget in mind before going out and deciding on a top controller For Virtual DJ can save you a lot of heartaches later on.
This is especially true when it comes to Virtual DJ accessible controllers, which are known for having many different costs based on the controller itself
An example of what I mean is again taking a look at the Denon DJ Prime 4. This controller offers a ton of different features, options, and benefits compared to pretty much everything else.
On the other hand, you’ll need to pay more than double many of the other options on this list
Ultimately, you’ll want to check out your budget to see just how much you are willing to spend on a controller.
If you’re just starting, you may not have nearly as many funds as a budding professional in the field. Whatever your situation is, make sure your costs are well worth what you’re getting and if you can justify it compared to your existing skills and talents.
Skill Level
Right after your budget is considered, you also want to consider your skills when performing. What I mean by this is that every Virtual DJ DJ controller has its ideal user and “level”. Some Virtual DJ controllers are regarded as entry-level, others are intermediate-level, and lastly, there are professional-level.
If you’re someone that has only just gotten started in DJing, an entry-level Virtual DJ controller not only is going to be more affordable, but it’s also going to be less intimidating without presenting a ton of different features in front of you that you aren’t ready for.
The opposite is also true. If you’re someone that’s been around for a few months or years, getting a cheap DJ to be stifling and a real challenge to perform with due to the lack of features the more advanced DJ controllers have
Knowing and honestly assessing your skill is something you need to do first before looking at any DJ controller for Virtual DJ. That means you won’t be wasting your money on something you simply can’t use or that is too advanced and confusing.
Portability
Another key factor when it comes to deciding what Virtual DJ controller is ideal is just how light and portable it is.
If you’re someone that plans to do a lot of moving around for one reason or another, investing in a high-end DJ controller that has all the options but is also very heavy may not be the right move.
This is especially true if there is another option that gives you just as many things as you need for an effective performance while being much smaller and more easily moveable.
On the other hand, if you don’t plan to move from a few sets of places, it may be better to set your roots down with a larger and more bulky Virtual DJ controller, especially if it’s more durable and has more options.
Touchscreens
Lastly, we’ve got touchscreen capabilities.
At first glance, you may feel that touchscreen is a bit excessive for a DJ controller, and, to an extent, you’d be right.
However, when planning to use the Virtual DJ software, having a secondary display outside of your laptop computer can be extremely useful
I won’t go so far as to argue that they are the most essential aspects of a Virtual DJ controller (with some instances doing more harm than good).
Still, a good touch screen that is well integrated with the Virtual DJ can do very well in keeping your focus away from your computer for longer and on your audience and the performance as a whole.
If you’re interested in touchscreen Virtual DJ features, investing in something with a larger or more well-put-together screen setup may be worth your time, especially if you’re not quite as partial to some of these other factors.
Stand Alone Kit?
For most DJs out there, a stand-alone DJ controller isn’t going to be too big of a factor.
This essentially means that you don’t necessarily “need” a laptop or screen monitor accompanying you with all your performances. It’s a great option for those that don’t expect they’ll be able to use a laptop in every single one of their performances and want some way to ensure they can still perform even on their own.
Still, while you’re highly unlikely to perform without your laptop with you, “highly unlikely” doesn’t necessarily mean “never”.
The reality is that situations occur, and having a way to keep the party going even if the laptop stops working should be something worth some serious thought.
I see some of the best DJ controllers with a good standalone mixer DJ setup to be a lot like a spare tire.
It’s not meant for long performances or to take the place of a laptop monitor. Still, having it in the case of an issue with your computer can make all the difference while you’re waiting for everything to reset itself from the PC standpoint.
Best Controller For Virtual DJ: The Verdict
When it comes to the best DJ controllers for Virtual DJ and the different DJ software options, such as the Serato DJ Lite software or the more advanced Serato DJ Pro solution, out there, you can’t go wrong with Virtual DJ and the different options that are most compatible with it.
Take a look at your situation and what you are most interested in.
From there (and only after that) should you be checking out what DJ controllers are right for you.
No matter what you decide on, all of these DJ controllers for Virtual DJ have their merits and are legitimate options.
Take a look at them and see which is right for your level of DJ skills and Virtual DJ home DJ booth.
