The best DJ software is the one that works with the controller or club gear you'll play on and the music library you already have. Several solid programs are free to start, and the rest offer trials. This page lists ten in no particular order, then shows how to choose, prepare a library and play your first public gig legally.
Ask ten DJs which software to learn on and you'll get ten loyal answers, mostly based on the kit they started with. That's the clue. DJ software is tied tightly to hardware, so the question is less which app wins and more which one plays nicely with the controller on your desk and the decks in the venues you hope to play.
Here are ten programs in alphabetical order and in no particular order, from free open source mixers to library tools and AI mixing apps. Each description comes from the maker's own website or app store listing, re-checked today. If you'd like to make your own tracks or edits to play, my guide on making AI music without paying is a good place to start.
DJ programs compared
In the free plan column, Yes means a free version, free download or free edition is described, Trial only means a time-limited trial of the full or pro version, and No means neither is stated. Free versions are often limited, so see what's locked before you build a library around one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJ.Studio | Mix-planning DJ software | Planning mixes, mashups and radio shows | Trial only |
| djay | DJ software and app | Mixing streamed and local music anywhere | Yes |
| DJUCED | Beginner-friendly DJ software | Learning to DJ on Hercules controllers | Trial only |
| Mixxx | Open source DJ software | Full-featured free mixing on any desktop | Yes |
| Offtrack | AI DJ mixing app | Automatic transitions between streamed songs | Yes |
| PCDJ DEX | DJ and karaoke software | Mixing audio, video and karaoke | Yes |
| rekordbox | DJ software and library manager | Library prep that carries over to club gear | Yes |
| Serato DJ Lite | Free DJ software | A free first step into Serato | Yes |
| Traktor Pro | Club DJ software | Hardware-focused DJing with Traktor gear | Trial only |
| VirtualDJ | Audio and video DJ software | Home mixing with wide controller support | Yes |
Ten DJ programs for laptops and controllers
DJ.Studio
Best for: Creators planning and rendering mixes, mashups and radio shows on a timeline rather than playing live, with a seven-day trial needing no payment details.
djay
Best for: People mixing streamed and local music across Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android who want a free download first, though the free tier is limited.
DJUCED
Best for: Beginners on Hercules controllers who'd like built-in tutorials, a DJ Academy and beatmatch guides, with a 15-day trial of the Pro tier.
Mixxx
Best for: Anyone after a free, open source DJ program for Windows, macOS or Linux that's the full version with no pro upsell.
Offtrack
Best for: Listeners who want an AI DJ to blend songs from their streaming libraries with smooth transitions, starting from a free download with in-app purchases.
PCDJ DEX
Best for: Mobile DJs and party hosts mixing audio and video and running karaoke from one program, starting on the free LE edition.
rekordbox
Best for: DJs who prepare tracks at home and play on Pioneer-style club equipment, with a free download for organising a library first.
Serato DJ Lite
Best for: First-time DJs who want free software built on the same technology as Serato DJ Pro, with a clear path to upgrade later.
Traktor Pro
Best for: Built to pair with Traktor controllers and mixers, with a free trial offered on the product page.
VirtualDJ
Best for: Home users and hobby DJs wanting a long-established mixer with broad controller support and a free download for home use.
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Playing out in the UK? GOV.UK on music licences
This one isn't about software at all, and it's the thing new DJs most often overlook. In the UK, GOV.UK's page on getting a licence to play live or recorded music says you usually need a licence to play recorded music in public, including in pubs, bars and nightclubs. It's now a single licence from PPL PRS, and playing music in public without one is copyright infringement.
No feature in any DJ program replaces that licence. So before a gig, ask the venue or organiser who holds the music licence, and be extra careful with pop-ups, private hire spaces and community events where nobody may have thought about it. Outside the UK, the rules and licensing bodies are different, so check what applies where you're playing.
Matching software to your setup
- You already own a controller: check which software the maker lists as supported, since controllers are designed around particular programs.
- You want to play in clubs: learn the library software that prepares tracks for the club decks you'll meet.
- You mostly stream music: confirm which streaming services connect, and what happens if the venue wifi drops.
- You plan mixes rather than play live: a timeline mix planner works better for radio shows and mashups than a live deck layout.
- You run parties or karaoke: look for video mixing and karaoke support in one program.
Getting ready for your first set
- Choose software that supports your controller, then install the free version or trial.
- Import a small library first, around an hour of music you know inside out.
- Analyse the tracks so tempo and key are detected before you play.
- Set cue points on intros, drops and outros.
- Practise transitions on headphones before you lean on sync.
- Record a practice mix and listen back the next day.
- Ask the venue about the music licence and the gear in the booth.
Library habits that save gigs
- Keep one master folder. Moving files around breaks the links in most DJ libraries.
- Back up before every update. A software update is the worst time to lose your cue points.
- Tag as you go. Genre, energy and crowd notes are quicker to add on the day you get a track.
- Carry a spare. A USB stick with your prepared set has rescued more than one night.
If your crates start life as streaming playlists, this guide to moving playlists between streaming services explains what carries over and what doesn't.
Do you make DJ software or mixing apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My advice for DJs choosing their first software
If you've already got a controller, start with the program it's designed for and stop shopping. If you haven't, spend a few weeks with a free open source mixer or a free tier using just a laptop, and only buy hardware once you know which software you enjoy.
Aiming for clubs? Learn the library tool that feeds club equipment early, because tidy library habits matter more on the night than fancy effects. And whatever you choose, sort out who holds the music licence before any public gig.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best free DJ software for beginners?
There are several good free options, including open source programs and free tiers of well-known brands. Pick one that supports your controller so you aren't learning twice.
Can I DJ with just a laptop?
Yes. Most DJ programs work with a keyboard and mouse, though a controller makes mixing far easier and more fun.
Do I need a licence to DJ in public in the UK?
GOV.UK says you usually need a licence to play recorded music in public, now a single licence from PPL PRS. Ask the venue who holds it.
Can I use streaming music in DJ software?
Some programs connect to streaming services. Check which services are supported and whether tracks work offline, since venue wifi isn't reliable.
Is DJ software the same as music production software?
No. DJ software mixes finished tracks, while production software is for making the tracks themselves.
Does DJ software work on Mac and Windows?
Most programs here run on both, and some run on Linux, iPhone or Android too. Check the download page before you commit.
