The Ultimate DJ Software Showdown

System Requirements

Every application you install on your computer will require the hardware to meet certain requirements to run correctly. If your computer doesn’t meet the recommended specifications, you run the risk of bad performance, stalls and even crashes.

When DJ’ing, it’s always best to minimise background tasks on your machine to optimise the computer. This usually means closing all background programmes, disconnecting from Wi-Fi if not in use and turning off battery saving settings. If you would like to learn more about optimising your machine for DJ’ing, you can follow our Mac or Windows optimisation guides.

It’s worth noting that none of the software recommends using AMD processors in your PC’s, however more recent AMD processors such as the Ryzen series have been reported to work well.

Equipment Supported

Given that Serato and Rekordbox only allow you to use hardware that they officially support, there is no confusing process to get started. The software works exactly as the manufacturer planned. A big bonus for beginners wanting just to plug in and play with very little fuss.

More modular software such as Algoriddim and Virtual DJ enables the user to use almost any hardware they wish. Still, a basic knowledge of MIDI mapping and Audio Routing may be required to get the most out of the software. You can check online to see which controllers are “officially supported” and require no mapping.

File formats supported

One thing every DJ needs is music, and what music you already own may play a factor in your software choice. Most DJ software can play all the major formats of music, including lossless formats such as FLAC and WAV. However, the streaming partners offered vary from platform to platform. With streaming giants Spotify and Apple Music not being available in DJ software, you may find yourself needing to change service if you wish to DJ with their library on the software of your choice.

Copy-protected (DRM) music, such as that purchased through the iTunes Store can cause issues with DJ software with only Algoriddim Djay officially supporting playback if you can update the songs to the iTunes Plus format. If you have an extensive library of DRM protected music, you may need to look at repurchasing it or using third-party tools to unlock the files before DJ’ing with that music.

Library Management

Performance Features

After importing and organising your library, you’ll want to perform with it. The vast majority of performance features are available on all the platforms. However, they all each have their strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your style of DJ’ing and how you want to manipulate the music will massively influence the platform you progress with.

It’s worth noting that Serato, rekordbox and Algoriddim have expansion packs sold separately to add new features such as DVS, more effects and much more. Virtual DJ also boasts a fantastic catalogue of expansion packs from home developers available for free download.

Pricing

The price of software won’t cross many DJ’s minds very often as most will be either unlocked or come with a free serial code with the purchase of a supported controller. 

That essentially means that if you buy a controller for software such as Traktor, it will come with a free licence code to unlock the software. It’s essential to make sure this licence code comes with the controller if you are purchasing secondhand, and that it is deactivated from the previous owners’ account. 

Serato and Rekordbox on the other hand, use a dongle system. This means that the software is free for everyone to download and it unlocks for free when a controller is plugged in that comes with a free licence. Hardware that doesn’t come with a free unlock, such as older controllers and stand-alone mixers will require you to purchase a licence for Serato or a subscription for Rekordbox to be used.

Virtual DJ and Algoriddim Djay come with free licence codes with specific hardware but the vast majority of cases will require them to be purchased before you can use them fully. This is due to the lack of dedicated devices for these platforms in comparison to the big three. 

You can check what licence your DJ equipment comes bundled with on any of the software websites. If you don’t already own a piece of hardware, you can use the same websites to see which controllers you can use and if they come with a free licence or require purchase.

In Conclusion

Unfortunately, no comparison table will ever be able to tell you exactly which platform is best for each DJ. A large part of a DJ’s decision will be made by the hardware they wish to use and the style of music they want to play. With Serato having a great background with turntablists and Traktor with producers, each platform certainly suits a different style.

In the past changing from one software to another was a significant undertaking, with analysation and performance data such as hot cues not being transferable. Fortunately, we now have dedicated tools such as Rekordbuddy 2 and The DJ Conversion Utility to help transfer libraries from one software to another with minimal fuss. So if you are curious about another software, download a free trial and see what works best for you.

Rekordbox

Pro’s – Class-leading hardware, Most powerful library management

Con’s – Subscription Only Plans, Limited to Pioneer DJ Hardware

Algoriddim Djay Pro

Pro’s – Cheap, Supports Stems, Modern Interface

Con’s – Limited effects, features hidden in confusing tabs, Windows version lacks Video DJ