Free DJ Software: 4 Programs You Can Actually Use for Free

You want to learn to DJ, but you don't want to sign up for a subscription on day one. Good news: there is plenty of DJ software you can use for free. The catch is usually in the details. One program is free as long as you don't plug in a controller, another is only free with the right controller.

In this guide I put four well-known options side by side: rekordbox Free, Serato DJ Lite, VirtualDJ and Mixxx. You'll see what you can do for free, where the limit is and which one fits your situation.

First, the big question: do you already have a controller?

That decides a lot. A DJ controller is usually built for one specific program. Often the software name is printed right on the controller or the box, like rekordbox or Serato. If so, start with that software, because everything works straight away.

No controller yet? Then you can practice on your laptop with a mouse and keyboard in any of the four programs below. That way you learn the basics before you spend money on gear.

1. rekordbox Free

rekordbox is the DJ software from AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ). According to the official FAQ, you can use rekordbox ver. 7 without a subscription. When the trial ends, you automatically move to the Free plan.

What you get for free

  • EXPORT mode. Manage your music, build playlists, set cue points and loops, and put your tracks on a USB drive to play on CDJs and XDJs. According to rekordbox, a few EXPORT mode functions do need a paid plan, a Hardware Unlock device or owner registration.
  • Part of PERFORMANCE mode. You can mix on your laptop, but not every function is included in the Free plan.

Where the limit is

If you want to control PERFORMANCE mode with DJ equipment, like a controller, rekordbox says you need a paid plan or a so-called Hardware Unlock device. That is gear that unlocks the software, so you can use the basic functions without a subscription. Check on rekordbox.com whether your controller is one of them before you buy anything.

Best for: anyone who wants to play on Pioneer gear in clubs later, or who already owns a controller that unlocks rekordbox.

2. Serato DJ Lite

Serato DJ Lite is Serato's free entry-level version. Serato puts it plainly: free DJ software, no license or subscription required.

What you get for free

  • Practice Mode. Mix with nothing but your laptop, no controller needed. Note: recording is not available in Practice Mode.
  • Controller support. According to Serato, Lite works with more than 50 compatible DJ controllers.
  • Stems. Serato says real-time stem separation is included from day one. That lets you, for example, turn down the vocal or the drums of a track on their own. Stems FX is a Serato DJ Pro feature.

Where the limit is

Serato DJ Lite does not support CDJs or club mixers. For that you need Serato DJ Pro, through a license, a subscription or a mixer that unlocks Pro.

Best for: beginners with an entry-level controller that supports Serato, or anyone who wants to practice on a laptop first.

3. VirtualDJ

VirtualDJ is free as long as you don't use it professionally and don't connect professional equipment like a DJ controller or DJ mixer. That's how VirtualDJ explains its licenses on its own site.

Where the limit is

  • If you practice at home with an entry-level controller, you need a Home license. It only works with entry-level controllers.
  • If you earn money DJing, VirtualDJ counts that as professional use and you need a Pro license.

Best for: trying things out on your laptop without a controller. If you plan to add a controller later, expect to need a license.

4. Mixxx

Mixxx is open source, and according to its makers it is and always will be free. There is no paid version behind it. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and is released under the GPLv2 license.

What you get for free

  • Controllers. Mixxx has built-in mappings for DJ controllers, and its mapping system can add support for any MIDI or HID device.
  • BPM and key. Mixxx detects the BPM and key of your tracks, which helps you pick the next song.
  • Timecode vinyl. You can use turntables with timecode records to control the software.

Where the limit is

The limit isn't the price, it's convenience. If your controller doesn't work right away, you may have to find or set up a mapping yourself. That takes a bit more digging than software that ships with your controller.

Best for: anyone who wants to DJ completely for free, controller included, and doesn't mind some setup.

Quick overview: which one should you pick?

  • No controller, just trying it out: any of the four. Serato DJ Lite (Practice Mode), VirtualDJ and Mixxx are the easiest to start with right away.
  • Controller with rekordbox on it: rekordbox. Check whether your controller is a Hardware Unlock device, otherwise you need a paid plan to use it.
  • Controller with Serato on it: Serato DJ Lite, as long as your controller is on the list of supported hardware.
  • Controller, but no subscription or license: Mixxx.
  • You want to play CDJs in clubs later: get to know rekordbox. Use the free EXPORT mode to prepare your USB drive.

Prices and terms for DJ software change regularly. Always check the program's official site before you buy a controller or license.

Your first steps after installing

  1. Start with a small selection. Pick twenty to thirty songs you know well. You'll hear much faster what happens when you mix.
  2. Check BPM and key. Most DJ software analyzes your tracks. Want to sort a folder of songs first, or double-check an analysis? With the free batch BPM and key finder you drop your files into your browser and see the BPM, key and Camelot code for each track. The free version handles three files at once, and your audio is not uploaded.
  3. Learn to beatmatch. Even if your software has a sync button, it helps to understand how to line up two tracks. Read how to beatmatch.
  4. Mix tracks that share a vibe and key. The Camelot wheel shows you which songs match harmonically.
  5. Record a practice set and listen back. How to record a DJ mix shows you how in rekordbox, Serato or through your mixer.

Ready for a real set? How to build a DJ set walks you through building the energy from warm-up to closing track. And for more free helpers, check out all the free music tools.

FAQ

Is rekordbox free?

Yes, there is a Free plan. With it you can manage your music and prepare tracks for USB, among other things. To mix with a controller, you need a paid plan or a Hardware Unlock device.

Can I DJ for free without a controller?

Yes. Serato DJ Lite has a Practice Mode for just your laptop, and you can also use VirtualDJ and Mixxx without a controller. To really learn to mix, a controller makes it a lot more fun though.

Which free DJ software works with any controller?

Mixxx comes closest. It has built-in mappings for DJ controllers and can work with any MIDI or HID device through a mapping. Sometimes you have to set that mapping up yourself.

Can I make money with free DJ software?

It depends on the program. VirtualDJ, for example, says you need a Pro license as soon as you earn money with it. Check the terms of the software you use.

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