What is the best free DJ software for Windows and Mac? There are actually several good options, but “free” means something different depending on the software. Some are completely free, while others limit controller use or reserve certain features for paid versions. Here are the ones I think are actually worth considering.
You might also like: Can I DJ With Just A Laptop? – Do You Really Need A DJ Controller?
1. Mixxx
Mixxx is a great and in general lesser known piece of DJ software that is actually 100% free and open-source.
Mixxx used to feel noticeably behind major commercial platforms such as Serato, Rekordbox, Traktor and VirtualDJ, but that gap has narrowed considerably over the years.
Today Mixxx supports plenty of DJ controllers through built-in and community mappings, while also giving you features such as effects, Hot Cues, loops, recording, DVS and extensive MIDI/HID customization without a paid upgrade.
Because Mixxx is open source, its development is driven by the community rather than a commercial DJ-software company. It is still actively maintained and continues to receive new features, controller mappings and fixes.
My rating: 9/10 – genuinely free, fully functional and still actively developed.
2. Rekordbox (The Free Plan)
Rekordbox is another strong free option, especially if you plan to use Pioneer DJ or AlphaTheta hardware later on. The Free plan gives you access to the core library-management and DJ-mixing features without a subscription.
You can use Performance mode from your computer for basic laptop mixing. If you want to control it with DJ hardware, many Pioneer DJ and AlphaTheta controllers act as Hardware Unlock devices and unlock Performance-mode control without requiring a paid plan.
The important distinction is that not every Rekordbox feature is included in the Free plan. Some cloud features, DVS functionality and other advanced tools depend on your hardware or subscription.
If you’re planning to buy compatible Pioneer DJ or AlphaTheta gear anyway, Rekordbox is one of the most logical free starting points.
My rating: 8/10 – excellent free starting point, especially inside the Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta ecosystem.
If you’re deciding between the two biggest controller-software ecosystems, I’ve also compared Rekordbox and Serato here.
3. VirtualDJ
VirtualDJ can be used completely free, but there are two important restrictions. The free license is intended for beginner/non-professional use and doesn’t include unrestricted use with DJ controllers or mixers.
- You can’t use the free version professionally or for paid gigs.
- Full DJ-controller use requires an appropriate VirtualDJ license.
Without an appropriate controller license, compatible DJ hardware can currently be tested for the first 10 minutes after launching VirtualDJ.
That makes VirtualDJ a very good free choice for laptop-only practice, but much less attractive as a free option if you already own a DJ controller and want unrestricted hardware control.
VirtualDJ has been around for decades and its current feature set is extremely deep, with Stems, extensive mapping, video mixing, recording, effects and plenty of customization.
My rating: 8/10 – excellent for free laptop-only use, but controller and professional use require a license.
4. Serato DJ Lite
Serato DJ Lite is Serato’s completely free beginner version. You can use it without hardware through Practice Mode, or connect one of the many controllers that officially support Lite.
Practice Mode gives you two-deck laptop mixing with waveform, library, transport, tempo, crossfader, cue and loop controls. Lite also now includes Serato Stems and a much better FX system than it had when this article was originally written.
With compatible hardware connected, you get proper hands-on control over the functions supported by that particular controller, including pad modes, FX and Stems on newer mappings.
Lite still has meaningful restrictions. For example, it gives you 4 Hot Cues instead of 8, 4 Sampler slots instead of 32, a 1-8 bar Auto Loop range, and no built-in recording function. Features such as multiple waveform views, advanced Stems FX and several other performance tools remain Pro-only.
So yes, Lite is still restricted compared with Serato DJ Pro, but it’s no longer nearly as bare-bones as it was a few years ago.
My rating: 7/10 – still limited next to Pro, but overall a useful free beginner platform.
I’ve also reviewed Serato DJ Lite separately here if you want a closer look at the software itself: Serato DJ Lite Software Review
5. DJUCED
DJUCED is aimed heavily at beginners and is built primarily around Hercules DJ controllers. You can download it and use it with your mouse and keyboard for free, although much of its value comes from pairing it with supported Hercules hardware.
The current DJUCED ecosystem also includes paid PRO and PRO+ upgrades. These add features such as unrestricted use without a Hercules controller, controller remapping and additional workflow tools, so I wouldn’t describe the whole current platform as completely free.
The DJUCED software also features an extensive knowledge base and manual section on their website which can be really helpful if you’re just starting out.
My rating: 7/10 – especially good if you already own or plan to buy a Hercules controller.
6. YOUDJ
YOUDJ is a much simpler option, but it’s still actively available for Windows, macOS, mobile devices and directly in your browser. It gives you the basic two-deck workflow along with loops, Hot Cues, FX, a Sampler, AutoSync and MIDI support.
It isn’t trying to compete directly with Serato or Rekordbox, but it works well for basic mixing and learning simple transitions without much setup.
YOUDJ also has a paid PRO upgrade, so some features and extras aren’t part of the basic free experience. There is also a browser version of the software that requires no installation.
My rating: 6/10 – simple, easy to access and useful for casual laptop or browser mixing.
The conclusion – free software for DJs?
There really isn’t one free DJ platform that’s best for everyone.
If you want software that is free and open-source with no paid Pro tier or controller restriction, Mixxx is still my first choice. Rekordbox makes a lot of sense if you’re heading toward Pioneer DJ or AlphaTheta hardware, while Serato DJ Lite is a very good beginner option if your controller supports it.
VirtualDJ is probably the strongest free choice if you’re mixing only from a laptop and don’t need professional or unrestricted controller use. DJUCED is worth considering if you’re in the Hercules ecosystem, while YOUDJ is the easiest option here if you simply want to open something and start mixing without much setup.
The important thing is to pick software that works with the hardware you plan to use rather than choosing a DJ controller later and discovering that your preferred software doesn’t support it.
