The 10 Best Free DJ Software Apps For 2024

DJing can be an expensive pastime, with the cost of DJ controllers, DJ software, accessories, and music potentially costing thousands of dollars.

Fortunately, the best free DJ software allows you to try your hand at mixing and learning the basics before investing your hard-earned cash.

In this guide, we’ve covered the 10 best free DJ software apps you can download to venture into the world of DJing without breaking the bank.

The 10 Best Free DJ Software Apps For 2024

Whether you’re a new DJ or looking for free software to expand your horizons, you can download plenty of free tools to use in your mixes.

We’ve ensured this list covers DJ software catering to all levels of experience and DJing styles to help you focus your efforts where it counts.

So, with our criteria established, here are the 10 best free DJ software apps you can use in 2024:

Choosing The Right Free DJ Software

Mastering the art of DJing means investing many hours in learning how to use DJ software to create impressive and creative DJ sets.

While there are plenty of paid options to consider, the best free DJ software allows you to mix music with basic features before moving on to advanced techniques.

If you’re looking for the best free DJ software to use with your DJ controllers or as stand-alone DJ tools, here are a few things to consider:

• Skill Level (Beginner vs. Intermediate): DJ software is available for various proficiency levels, from complete beginners to more in-depth software for hardened professionals. Newcomers should look for the easiest DJ software before branching out into paid versions that deliver all the features pros expect.
• Music Library & Compatibility: Most DJs mix digital files, so choosing the right software means researching its compatibility with various types of music files. If you’re using high-quality WAVs or low-resolution MP3 files, check that your software is fully compatible.
• Operating System: While many DJ programs are designed to work on any computer platform or mobile device, some are only available for specific operating systems. Before you take the plunge with a specific program, make sure you check the hardware compatibility and whether or not it’ll work on your devices.

Since the best free software won’t cost you a penny to try out, it’s worth experimenting with a broad selection to find the one that matches your requirements.

You should also consider spending time exploring the free version of a more complex program, giving you a headstart should you decide to upgrade.

10. Beatport DJ

The cloud and web browser-based DJ app Beatport DJ is one of the most accessible and easy-to-use free DJ software beginners can try.

By connecting to streaming services, you can quickly access and play music without the need to build a large library of your own music in digital files.

While this is limiting for professionals who don’t want to rely on WiFi connections during their gigs, it does give newcomers access to a huge catalog of tracks.

All the basic features needed to learn the art form are included, from four-channel mixing and transitions to using loops and effects.

This makes it a great entry-level DJ app for those who are working through the best online DJ courses and learning the basics of the art form.

Access the Beatport library and drag and drop your desired songs into the app, whether you’re using the desktop or mobile versions.

Beatport DJ also comes with an impressive Party Mode for collaborative mixing, allowing users to play back-to-back mixes with friends in real time.

9. YOU.DJ

Another entry-level DJ app for beginners is YOU.DJ, which features an impressive selection of mixing tools and effects with a shallow learning curve.

Incorporating two virtual turntables and a wealth of effects, new DJs can experiment with flangers, crushers, and echo effects as they learn to mix.

There’s also a selection of eighty built-in DJ samples that can help with learning realistic vinyl scratching and integrating sound effects into sets.

To help new DJs get started, YOU.DJ includes a handy auto beat synchronization tool and a playlist auto mix feature that identifies complementary tracks.

There are also some impressive features that go above and beyond the basics, from musical key detection to hot cues for aspiring scratch DJs to try.

It’s a comprehensive DJ software that upcoming and experienced DJs alike can get plenty of mileage without spending a penny.

8. Djay Pro

Algoriddim’s selection of DJing software covers a broad range of experience levels, with Djay Pro its entry-level app for beginner DJs.

One of the most popular options, it offers integration with Apple Music and a wealth of options to help beginners learn how to make a DJ mix with ease.

It also offers users powerful real-time vocal and instrumental stem separation, breaking down your favorite tracks into their constituent elements.

Referred to as Neural Mix, this tool can be used to isolate and mix all elements instantly, marshaling the latest in artificial intelligence for accurate results.

Djay Pro also includes AI-powered integration with digital vinyl systems, allowing users to timecode vinyl records and try their best at turntablism.

The program can control the DVS system from your iPhone or iPad or be paired with Mac or Windows desktop computers for home mixing.

This flexibility and broad functionality sets it apart from its competitors, particularly for DJs who want to bridge old technology with new approaches.

Available as a free download on the App Store, Djay Pro is a viable way to mix music on the move without spending any money.

7. CrossDJ

Billed as the perfect DJ app, CrossDJ brings together a range of automation tools for newcomers with a precise EQ and multiple effects to explore.

The software’s BPM detection and sync make it ideal for those learning how to DJ house music, with added key detection for additional professionalism.

It also presents a great learning curve through its selection of precise mixing control tools combined with a visual representation of the audio tracks.

Advanced, pro-grade EQing tools and effects for creating a more immersive performance enhanced its appeal for more experienced DJs looking for free DJ software.

There’s also a handy loop mode that users can fine-tune, creating endless possibilities for seamless transitions and richly layered mixes.

CrossDJ provides users with access to unlimited sources and bolsters this with over 200 samples to add texture and fills to DJ performance.

All of these assets can be managed through simple yet highly effective smart playlists, allowing for precise curation and easy track retrieval.

6. Traktor DJ 2 LE

With its long history of manufacturing outstanding DJ controllers, Native Instruments has earned its place at the forefront of the DJ industry.

Their entry-level software, Traktor DJ 2 LE, combines all the fundamentals needed for an optimal performance workflow.

Incorporating everything you need to mix across two decks, Traktor DJ 2 LE allows users to create perfect blends and transitions easily.

It comes with basic features such as beat detection and BPM synching to help beginners cut to the chase and focus on mixing tracks.

At the same time, the software allows for open-ended experimentation through powerful re-edit tools such as looping and beatjumping.

These club-grade effects are powered by the same outstanding audio engine used by the high-end versions to deliver optimal audio quality.

At the same time, its hardware compatibility allows users to download it to both MacOS and Windows computers without requiring optimized system requirements.

If you purchase a Native Instruments DJ controller, Traktor DJ 2 LE will be included in the package straight out of the box.

With Native Instruments continuing to upgrade its DJ controller capabilities, its free software is a must for those interested in its products.

5. WeDJ

Like Traktor, Pioneer DJ has been at the forefront of both hardware and DJ software for many years, renowned for its CDJs and DJ controllers.

Pioneer’s WeDJ mobile app delivers a stripped-down version of their dedicated software for professionals, which new DJs can use for a long time.

If you’re a new DJ learning how to beatmatch, WeDJ’s simple yet effective user interface breaks down the basics in a few simple steps.

It comes with a colorful, fully animated two-channel user interface that displays waveforms and jog wheels alongside the player’s control buttons.

Likewise, cue buttons, tempo sliders, and the crossfader are presented clearly and with intuitive application when putting together creative mixes.

For more in-depth DJ mixing, WeDJ introduces a series of pad-based effects along with a Combo FX tool for adding texture to your mixed tracks.

Users also have the option to tweak the default layout to suit their DJing style, adjusting the position and size of the music’s waveforms.

You can also record your DJ sets and inputs on the app for later reference and share them online through social media channels.

4. Mixxx

DJs who are interested in free and open-source DJ software and a community-driven approach to the art form can use Mixxx to master the basics.

Mixxx incorporated many of the basic features available in the other software we’ve covered, beginning with BPM and key detection for ease of use.

The useful Sync Lock tool will match up to four songs for beats and keys, allowing you to focus on creating a seamless mix.

While it’s designed first and foremost for DJing with digital audio files, Mixxx can also be used along with traditional turntables and DVS systems.

It also has full DJ controller support, with complex, fully programmable mapping to customize your workflow between the desktop app and hardware.

As such, Mixxx is a great free DJ software for those who want to future-proof their setup and organize DJ playlists across multiple media formats.

3. Rekordbox (Free Plan)

Originally designed exclusively for Pioneer DJ controllers, Rekordbox has become the world’s go-to software for professional DJs.

You don’t have to fork out money for the professional plan to access the basic features, with an attractive free plan available for beginners.

This version offers the core mixing tools such as cues, loops, and FX and the ability to perform basic transitions from one track to the next.

You can also sync it to your mobile music library, exporting playlists, tracks, and folders between your devices at the touch of a button.

Rekordbox also includes support for Beatport and Soundcloud Go+ in Performance Mode, analyzing each track’s waveform and other information.

This information is then neatly presented in the app, delivering additional functionality to help DJs create the best blends with powerful effects.

Fully compatible with the best DJ controllers, Rekordbox’s free software is a great introduction to the world of professional DJing.

2. Virtual DJ

While many DJs focus entirely on the music, others prefer to incorporate visual elements such as music videos into their live performances.

If you’re interested in pursuing that approach, Virtual DJ includes powerful video mixing tools alongside its suite of DJ mixing features.

On a basic level, Virtual DJ’s intuitive workflow and interface make it ideal for newcomers to test the waters of DJing without needing any hardware.

Compatible with most DJ controllers, its simple plug-in-and-play setup is suitable for DJs with no prior experience in the field.

As AI continues to impact DJing, Virtual DJ maximizes the potential of this technology through its use of real-time stem separation tools.

The result is a powerful and versatile DJ software that’s user-friendly enough to keep beginners returning for more.

1. Serato DJ Lite

Our final pick for the best free software for DJs comes from another iconic manufacturer widely adopted by professional DJs.

A pared-down version of their flagship software, Serato DJ Pro, Serato DJ Lite, is an exceptional free version to help DJs learn the ropes.

This begins with a basic Practice Mode that allows users to develop the core mixing skills at their own pace and discover what DJing is all about.

It also links to some of the most popular streaming services, such as Beatport and TIDAL, providing access to a large library of tracks.

The use of stem separation makes music creation easy, with the option to produce quick mashups of your favorite songs in a few clicks.

Serato DJ Lite also covers full live streaming capabilities, so you can instantly connect with your fans online while performing your latest set.

While the debate between Traktor and Serato continues, there’s no denying the impressive performance capabilities Serato DJ Lite offers.

Summary

With many powerful tools and mixing features available through the best free DJ software, they offer a great opportunity to hone your skills and techniques.

By following the recommendations in this article, you can discover free DJ software that includes a user-friendly interface and all the tools you need.

Once you’ve mastered the limited features of the free version, you’ll be ready to upgrade and take your mixing techniques in new and exciting directions.