VirtualDJ is a long-standing and popular piece of DJ software. In fact, it is the first piece of DJ software I personally used extensively, way back in 2004. It has a loyal user base, with a particularly strong following among mobile DJs, video DJs and karaoke DJs.
That said, it is also great for any kind of DJing, with good scratch performance, industry-leading live stem extraction, powerful mapping capabilities, and a host of other features that – for those who care to dig deep – often surprise and delight users.
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But one thing that makes VirtualDJ different from other DJing apps is that it is not “tied” to any particular hardware. For instance, Pioneer DJ’s Rekordbox only works with that brand’s equipment, Serato software is licensed to work with a relatively small number of devices, and Traktor works best with Traktor-branded hardware. But one of VirtualDJ’s strengths is that its makers strive to make sure it works with anything.
And the makers are extremely good at it. For instance, you can export your VirtualDJ library onto a USB drive, plug it into Pioneer DJ’s club-standard CDJs, and it’ll work fine! That’s some programming know-how right there. So it should come as no surprise to hear that when it comes to having VirtualDJ work with DJ controllers, the integrations are tight, offering a viable alternative for DJs who maybe admire a piece of hardware, but want to use VirtualDJ as their software.
So while you can usually just plug a controller into a computer running VirtualDJ and it will work, we nonetheless wanted to highlight five units where we feel VirtualDJ has done a particularly good job of the integrations. In this roundup, we’ll give you our picks, and tell you why they shine.
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5 Best VirtualDJ Controllers 2024
1. Rane Four
With dedicated Stems controls, the Rane Four is the perfect device for users who are serious about using VirtualDJ’s superior stem separation, delivering the best crystal-clear quality on the market. And with LED displays for the performance pads, it makes using VirtualDJ’s customisable Pads library that much easier.
Price: $1699 / £1499 / €1529
Our review: Rane Four Review
Find out more: Rane website
2. Reloop Mixon 8 Pro
The flagship DJ controller from Reloop was carefully designed to deliver anything a DJ may ask from a controller. With dual USB audio interface, classic FX units per Deck for VirtualDJ Effects, real-time displays on the jogwheels and full VirtualDJ Stems controls, the Mixon 8 Pro offers all the professional mixing tools for any type of DJing.
Price: $1250 / £1099 / €1299
Our review: Reloop Mixon 8 Pro Review
Find out more: Reloop website
3. Pioneer DJ Opus Quad
Experience the power of VirtualDJ integration on this high-end flagship all-in-one DJ system from Pioneer. Enjoy full Stems control, multiple real-time Browser/Deck displays and market-standard DJing controls in a beautiful and harmonic design.
Price: $3199 / £2899 / €3299
Our review: Pioneer DJ Opus Quad Review
Find out more: Pioneer DJ website
4. Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7
The most affordable DJ controller for anyone who wants to take their first steps towards mastering the art of vinyl turntables. Motorised platters with accurate VirtualDJ integration, basic Beatmatch guides to assist DJs on their learning curve, plus advanced controls for a perfect mix.
Price: $699 / £599 / €515
Our review: Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 Review
Find out more: Hercules DJ website
5. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2
For beginners who are on a tight budget, the Inpulse 200 MK2 will open the door to all the functionalities of VirtualDJ, including stems separation on EQs.
Price: $129 / £99 / €88
Find out more: Hercules DJ website
Finally…
Remember that VirtualDJ works with pretty much everything – just plug it in and give it a go. This year it has reached 500+ supported devices, starting from the pre-historic Hercules DJ Console MK1 up to the latest club-standard Pioneer (CDJ-3000, DJM-A9), as well as the high-end Opus Quad featured above.
What we’ve highlighted here are five controllers that have particularly noteworthy features in their integrations, or that have proved particularly popular with VirtualDJ users.
Read this next: Our 7 Best DJ Controllers For 2024
Are you a loyal VirtualDJ user? Do you have a particular hardware combo that you use that you feel works well with the software? What features of the platform make you stick with VirtualDJ over the primary software for the gear you use? Let us know in the comments!
Phil Morse
