It’s becoming easier to be a DJ and build a Home DJ Studio nowadays with all the easy-to-use technology readily available. All you need is a laptop, an entry-level DJ hardware controller, and the right type of software. It’s that simple.
The problem is that finding the best free DJ software can be frustrating. It’s hard knowing which one to pick.
Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered. There’s a good number of DJing software programs that are sophisticated, practical, and easy to use. And best of all, they’re completely free!
The 10 Best Free DJ Software on the Market Today
Even though they’re free, they can still provide you with the best experience behind the decks. You still get excellent features that will wow your audiences. Most free DJ software programs even let you record your mixes as a separate music file. Also, other software has editing tools to clean your audio.
These free solutions help you practice and improve your DJing skills. They’re great tools if you’re starting out on a new career and you have a limited budget. You can also use them if you enjoy DJing at family gatherings, parties, or just hanging out with your friends.
1. Best Overall: Virtual DJ
Virtual DJ has been around since 1996. Since then, it’s been downloaded over one hundred million times It has the best overall features with over 300 controllers and up to 90 decks.
Virtual DJ is compatible with both PC and Mac. You can download it for free and use it with the home license. Once downloaded, you have the ability to control the software’s audio, video, plus the built-in karaoke features. You can even record and broadcast your own audio and video mixes.
Virtual DJ supports video mixing up to 4K resolution, unlike many other types of DJ software programs. It’s important to mention that a Virtual DJ logo will pop up on the videos. You can’t remove or change this logo on the free version.
However, with the free version of Virtual DJ, you won’t be able to control any hardware controllers. The only way to do that is to buy either the home or the pro license. Or you can bypass the need for hardware controllers altogether and download the Virtual DJ iOS app.
2. Best Functional: Mixxx
Mixxx is an open-source, free DJ software. This DJ software supports a wide range of track formats. It also has a crossfader and an EQ. It supports over 85 controllers, hot cues, pitch bends, and a timecode vinyl control. It’s been recently updated and now boasts of slicker, more refined features and effects.
It can be used with Mac, PC, and Linux. If you know a bit of coding, you can customize some features. You can go behind the screens and tweak some of its sets. Another great feature is that it supports MIDI control. But if you don’t have external hardware controllers, you can still mix music and produce great tracks
Mixxx is set up with twin decks. Each one has its own scratchable and scrolling waveform. It also features four sample decks, track loops, and an Auto DJ function to help get your creative juices flowing.
3. Best for All Platforms: Cross DJ
This application boasts a variety of features, as pitch bending, track syncing, BPM detection, and beat-grid editing. Its user interface is minimal and easy to operate. Cross DJ offers you a mixer with a 3-band EQ, a crossfader, and two virtual decks. It also supports over 90 controllers.
Created by Mixvibes, Cross DJ is one of the few free DJ software programs that’s suitable for all four platforms; Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Its features are as close as you can get to paid professional DJ software. Cross DJ has many high-quality features. One of its best features is its ability to control external hardware controllers.
The paid version offers auto and external mixers, as well as sample packs. But they don’t come cheap. It’s safe to say that the free version has many great features to help you get started on your DJing skills.
4. Best for Beginners: DJ Mix Lite
One of the most basic DJ software programs, DJ Mix Lite is great for beginners and those who enjoy DJing as a hobby. It has one of the easiest to use and operate user interfaces. Moreover, it can analyze and identify your music tracks according to their BPM.
You can create playlists and organize your audio files. It can also create automated mixes of the tracks you select, as well as continuous play with crossfading. You can mix the length and position of your tracks.
DJ Mix Lite is compatible with PC platforms only.
5. Best Cloud-based: YOU.DJ
YOU.DJ is a unique, innovative software. Its concept is based on functioning as a cloud-based program. It offers you a number of creative options and features. With the free version, you get a basic EQ and filter. You also get access to six effects, including Looper, Slicer, and Crush.
You start by visiting their website via any browser. There’s currently an iOS app, with the promise of an android app coming soon. Then, from there, you can start mixing and creating masterpieces.
You’ll find plenty of songs already loaded for your convenience. If you want more, go to SoundCloud or YouTube and look for the track you want with the easy search tool. You can also upload your own tracks, as well as create playlists to organize your mixes.
If you want more options, you’ll have to buy the DJ Level 2 upgrade. It’s not cloud-based. You have to download and install it.
6. Serato DJ Intro
Serato DJ Intro offers extensive features and high-tech options. This software comes with four basic decks, full-color wavelengths, and a high-quality mixer.
Its easy-to-use and functional features make it one of the best DJ software programs available. The Serato DJ Intro can be easily integrated with various music sources. You can also load tracks directly from them.
It got upgraded to Serato DJ Lite, which doesn’t need any external hardware controllers. It comes with a light show to pump up your DJing, music streaming functions, as well as a Practice Mode. With the Lite version, you get a 2-week free trial of Serato DJ Pro.
One of the reasons many DJs love using Serato DJ Intro is how easy it is to upgrade. You can upgrade to Lite, or even Pro if you want the paid version, quickly and without any hassle.
7. Zulu DJ
Zulu DJ is a very straightforward DJ software program. It’s great for mixing your music live or on the go. One of its great features is that it supports six decks, each with its own individual set of controls. There are also tempo adjustments, real-time pitch, track crossfading, and beat syncing.
Zulu is innovative in its support of third-party VST plugins. That should provide you with even more audio effects and techniques. You can also import file formats, such as mp3 and wav. Then mix them, record them, and save your mixes as audio files.
This DJ software is compatible with PC, Mac, and Android. Once you download it, you get a 14-day free trial. After the free trial expires, the software will still be active, and you can still use it. However, some features will be restricted.
8. DJ Prodecks
The great thing about DJ Prodecks is that it has a brightly colored UI, which makes it easy and fun to operate. This software program makes it easy to change the pitch and speed up or slow down tracks. Plus, you can sync files to one another manually.
DJ Prodecks software is available only for PC. It allows you to mix and record your tracks directly in your software. It also enables logo, name customization, and can be used with any type of external hardware controller.
It supports almost all standard audio formats and many controllers. You can use three effects per deck. In addition, it comes with the Automix function, beat sync and detection, auto loop, and much more.
9. Kra Mixer
The Kra Mixer DJ software program boasts of one of the fastest sound engines, the FMOD sound engine. This is the same sound engine that’s used by Xbox. It allows the software to play and mix sounds of many audio formats on a number of operating systems.
It’s equipped with an automatic BPM, which gives an integrated overall sound to your mixes. The Kra Mixer comes with eight built-in sound effects, and manual looping. Its 2-mode operating system features a high-speed sound engine. Overall, it’s user-friendly with fast sound processing capabilities.
The only problem with this software is that when you download it, you get a bundle of three accompanying Malware/Spyware programs. All you have to do is remove them, then run an antivirus program that removes spyware. It’s currently available for Windows only.
10. Ultra Mixer
Ultra Mixer has a great automix that can mix a pre-programmed track list, even without BPM syncing. This software works with over 80 controllers, as well as with a regular mouse and keyboard. You can also use a remote smartphone app to control a number of functions from afar.
This DJ software program is available for both PC and Mac. The downside is that it’s only a trial version. Once it’s over, you have to upgrade to the full version. Otherwise, you need to restart the program every 60 minutes.
Despite this setback, it’s proven itself to be one of the best free DJ software programs available. It also has a great user-interface and simple design. There are adjustable skins and widgets that enable you to add that personal touch on your unique DJing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re using Android, iOS, Mac, or PC, you can find the best DJ software programs or you can use a music mixing software such as GarageBand for PC. Some have basic features that are great for beginners, while others offer more advanced options for those starting out on their DJing career.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that since they are free, they won’t provide you with top-of-the-line high-tech features you see professional DJs using.
Our top pick is Virtual DJ. It has all the top features you need as a DJ. It also provides you with controller support, audio and video mixing, and lots more.
Our second favorite is Mixxx because it’s versatile and functional. It’s a great DJ software program for beginners because of its easy-to-use UI and design. At the same time, it offers many features for expert DJs as well.
