Which DJ software should I use: rekordbox, Serato, VirtualDJ or Traktor?
Use the software your controller runs. rekordbox and Serato have free versions, VirtualDJ is free for non-professional home use, and Traktor is a paid program (see the official page for the current price). All four play MP3 files, so your music comes with you if you switch later.
Should I pick the software or the controller first?
The controller, if you already own one. Most controllers are built for one specific program, and some activate the paid version of that program when you plug them in. Check the box or the maker's product page: the software is named there.
If you haven't bought anything yet, ask yourself two questions. Do you want to play on club gear one day? Will clients pay you to DJ? The answers change the choice, and the price.
Who is rekordbox for?
rekordbox is AlphaTheta's DJ software. Many club booths use players that read USB drives prepared in rekordbox.
From the rekordbox plans page, checked November 6, 2026:
| Plan | Listed price |
|---|---|
| Free | Free |
| Core | $12 a month, or $120 a year ($10 a month) |
| Creative | $18 a month, or $180 a year ($15 a month) |
| Professional | $36 a month, or $360 a year ($30 a month) |
The free plan manages your library and works with compatible hardware that activates rekordbox. Paid plans add features; the list is on the plans page.
Pick rekordbox if you're aiming for clubs.
Who is Serato DJ for?
Serato DJ is Serato's software, bundled with many controllers.
From Serato's pricing page, checked November 6, 2026:
| Version | Listed price |
|---|---|
| Serato DJ Lite | Free |
| Serato DJ Pro | $11.99 a month, or $299 to buy outright |
| Serato DJ Suite | $14.99 a month, or $499 to buy outright |
Serato says that if your hardware activates Serato DJ Pro when you connect it, you don't need a license or a subscription. Suite adds the expansions, Club Kit, the iOS app and Serato Studio. A 14-day trial of the Pro version is also available.
Pick Serato if your controller comes with it.
Who is VirtualDJ for?
VirtualDJ describes itself as free for non-professional use, usable without DJ hardware, and compatible with most controllers.
From VirtualDJ's buy page, checked November 6, 2026:
| License | Listed price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Home | $4 a month or $44 a year | Entry-level controllers, no paid gigs |
| Pro | $19 a month or $199 a year | Every controller, paid gigs |
| Business | $99 a month or $999 a year | Pro, plus multi-user licenses |
Pick VirtualDJ if you want to practice on your laptop right now without buying anything. The day someone pays you to DJ, you need the Pro license.
Who is Traktor for?
Traktor Pro is Native Instruments' software, tied to its Traktor Kontrol controllers.
The price is on the official Traktor Pro 4 page. Also check whether your Native Instruments controller includes a license.
How do I decide in one minute?
- You own a controller: use the software written on the box.
- You own nothing and just want to try: VirtualDJ at home, rekordbox Free or Serato DJ Lite.
- You're aiming for clubs: rekordbox, to prepare your USB drives.
- You mostly play private parties and weddings, open format: Serato or VirtualDJ, depending on your controller.
You can switch later. What you lose when you switch is your prep (hot cues, loops, playlists), not your files.
Do record pool files work in all four programs?
Yes. A record pool delivers standard audio files, and all four programs play MP3.
At Bangerz Army, every file is an MP3, and the files are ready for Serato, rekordbox and Traktor. Each file carries the artist, title, BPM, Camelot key (for example 8A) and genre in its tags. The cover art of each track also shows the key and BPM, for CDJ-3000 screens. When a file contains Serato hot cues and a beatgrid, Bangerz Army reads them and shows them.
To bring your downloads into your software, follow How do I import record pool tracks into my DJ software?. To learn what a record pool is, read What is a record pool?.
FAQ
What's the best free DJ software for beginners?
rekordbox Free, Serato DJ Lite and VirtualDJ (non-professional home use) are free according to their sites, checked November 6, 2026. Start with the one your controller runs.
Can I DJ without a controller?
Yes, with keyboard and mouse. VirtualDJ says it works without DJ hardware. To learn to beatmatch by ear, an entry-level controller helps a lot. See How do I become a DJ as a beginner?.
rekordbox or Serato: which one?
If you're aiming for clubs, rekordbox. If your controller is built for Serato, Serato. Both have a free version to start with.
Do I have to pay for the software to play gigs?
It depends on the program. VirtualDJ requires the Pro license for paid gigs. For rekordbox and Serato, your hardware may include the full version: check the maker's product page.
About the author
Kim, Bangerz Army team. Software prices were taken from the official sites on November 6, 2026, in US dollars as listed. Traktor's price was not available on that date. The Bangerz Army facts in this article were checked the same day. See the Bangerz Army plans.