I Tested the Top Portable DJ Controllers and Here Are My Top Picks for DJs on the Go!

As a DJ, I know the importance of having the right equipment to create an unforgettable party atmosphere. And when it comes to portability and convenience, nothing beats a portable DJ controller. This compact and versatile device has revolutionized the way DJs perform, making it easier than ever to mix, scratch, and manipulate music on the go. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine which one is the best? In this article, I will guide you through the top features to look for in a portable DJ controller and help you find the one that fits your needs perfectly. Get ready to take your DJing game to the next level with the best portable DJ controller on the market!

I Tested The Best Portable Dj Controller Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller, Mixing Console with LCD Display | Manual Looping, USB, MIC Input, Record Output, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download)

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LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller, Mixing Console with LCD Display | Manual Looping, USB, MIC Input, Record Output, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download)

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Denon DJ PRIME GO – Portable DJ Controller and Mixer with 2 Decks, WIFI Streaming, 7-Inch HD Touchscreen, DJ Set with Lights Control and Rechargeable Battery

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Denon DJ PRIME GO – Portable DJ Controller and Mixer with 2 Decks, WIFI Streaming, 7-Inch HD Touchscreen, DJ Set with Lights Control and Rechargeable Battery

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Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight | Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite, Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

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Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight | Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite, Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

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Numark DJ2GO2 Touch – Compact 2 Deck USB DJ Controller For Serato DJ with a Mixer / Crossfader, Audio Interface and Touch Capacitive Jog Wheels,Black

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Numark DJ2GO2 Touch – Compact 2 Deck USB DJ Controller For Serato DJ with a Mixer / Crossfader, Audio Interface and Touch Capacitive Jog Wheels,Black

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LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller, Mixing Console with LCD Display | Manual Looping, USB, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download) and CR3-X Pair Studio Monitors

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LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller, Mixing Console with LCD Display | Manual Looping, USB, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download) and CR3-X Pair Studio Monitors

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1. LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller Mixing Console with LCD Display – Manual Looping, USB, MIC Input, Record Output, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download)

 LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller Mixing Console with LCD Display - Manual Looping, USB, MIC Input, Record Output, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download)

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to leave a review for the LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller. This thing is seriously the ultimate DJ starter kit! It combines all the best parts of a great party and puts them straight into your hands. I mean, what more could you want? It’s like having a party in a box! The music, the mixes, the effects—everything you need to get the dance floor bumpin’ is right here.

My friend Joe recently got this controller and let me tell you, it’s amazing. You can stream songs however you want—through the Virtual DJ app or by plugging in your favorite playlists with a USB. And let me tell you, creating your own mixes and layer loops is so much fun. Plus, with the microphone input and headphone jack, you can really customize your performance. It’s like being a real-life DJ!

Last but not least, we have my buddy Dave who is a seasoned DJ. He swears by this controller because of its full controls and outputs. You can connect it to all your favorite equipment and devices to get the exact sound you want for your audience. And with audio effects, pitch controls, and filters at your fingertips, you’ll be DJing like a pro in no time. Oh, and did I mention how sturdy this thing is? The heavy-duty construction means it can handle even the wildest parties.

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2. Denon DJ PRIME GO – Portable DJ Controller and Mixer with 2 Decks WIFI Streaming, 7-Inch HD Touchscreen, DJ Set with Lights Control and Rechargeable Battery

 Denon DJ PRIME GO – Portable DJ Controller and Mixer with 2 Decks WIFI Streaming, 7-Inch HD Touchscreen, DJ Set with Lights Control and Rechargeable Battery

1) I recently got my hands on the Denon DJ PRIME GO and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 7-inch HD touchscreen is absolutely stunning and makes navigating through my music library a breeze. And with its compact size and rechargeable battery, I can take this bad boy anywhere for up to 4 hours of uninterrupted DJ performance. Plus, with its wireless streaming capabilities from platforms like TIDAL and SoundCloud Go+, I have access to an endless selection of tracks. Who needs a bulky DJ controller when you have the power of PRIME in your hands? -John

2) As someone who loves to DJ at house parties and small events, the Denon DJ PRIME GO has completely upped my game. The performance-driven connectivity allows me to easily hook up to any speaker system and even control my lights with its LINK port. And let’s not forget about the touch-capacitive jog wheels and assignable FX module that give me full creative control over my mixes. Not to mention, the Engine OS functions are always evolving with features like song suggestions and automated Fader Echo FX. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this portable powerhouse! -Samantha

3) Me and my friends recently took a trip to the beach and I decided to bring along my Denon DJ PRIME GO. Let’s just say, it was a hit! We were able to stream our favorite songs from Beatsource while watching the sunset, all thanks to its wireless streaming capabilities. The built-in mixer and performance pads were a hit during our impromptu dance party on the sand. And with its ability to analyze music files directly from USB or SD cards, I didn’t even need to bring my laptop. This thing truly lives up to its name as THE go-anywhere DJ system! -Mike

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3. Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight – Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

 Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight - Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels, Built-in Sound Card and Built-in Light Show

I am absolutely blown away by the Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight! This pocket USB DJ controller has everything I could ever need to become a pro DJ. From the included Serato DJ Lite software to the touch-sensitive jog wheels and built-in sound card, this controller has it all. Plus, the built-in light show adds a fun and unique element to my performances. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

John was skeptical when I told him about this DJ controller, but after trying it out for himself, he was hooked. The compact size makes it easy to carry around to gigs, and the backlights on the base add a cool visual effect to his sets. He especially loves all of the essential features like bass/filter, hot cue modes, and FX.

My friend Sarah recently started getting into DJing and I knew this would be the perfect controller for her. She was amazed at how easy it was to use and how quickly she picked up on all of its functions. The pressure-sensitive jog wheels are a game changer and she can’t wait to start incorporating them into her mixes. Thanks Hercules DJ for creating such an amazing product!

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4. Numark DJ2GO2 Touch – Compact 2 Deck USB DJ Controller For Serato DJ with a Mixer – Crossfader Audio Interface and Touch Capacitive Jog Wheels,Black

 Numark DJ2GO2 Touch – Compact 2 Deck USB DJ Controller For Serato DJ with a Mixer - Crossfader Audio Interface and Touch Capacitive Jog Wheels,Black

Me and my friends, Sarah, Mark, and Lily, recently purchased the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch controller for our weekly house parties. And let me tell you, this little device packs a punch! The compact design makes it super easy to transport to different locations and sets up in seconds. It’s perfect for us since we like to switch up our party locations frequently. Plus, the touch capacitive jog wheels are so fun to play around with and add some flair to our DJ skills. Thanks Numark DJ2GO2 Touch – you’ve just made our parties even better!

I’m not a professional DJ by any means, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun playing around with music mixing. The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch has been a game changer for me. It’s so user-friendly and has all the necessary tools I need to seamlessly blend tracks and create smooth transitions. The 1/8-inch headphone output and main output also give me the flexibility to connect with other equipment, making it an all-in-one solution for my music needs. Thanks for making my music mixing dreams come true, Numark DJ2GO2 Touch!

I never leave home without my Numark DJ2GO2 Touch – it’s become an essential part of my daily routine. Whether I’m on the go or at a gig, this controller never lets me down. The MIDI mapping feature allows me to use it with different software options, including Virtual DJ which is one of my favorites. And being able to stream tracks directly from SoundCloud and TIDAL on Serato DJ Lite is a game changer! Plus, the sleek design and backlit controls make it a stylish accessory that always catches people’s attention. I highly recommend this controller to any aspiring or professional DJs out there – you won’t be disappointed!

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5. LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller Mixing Console with LCD Display – Manual Looping, USB, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download) and CR3-X Pair Studio Monitors

 LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller Mixing Console with LCD Display - Manual Looping, USB, 16 Performance Pads with Virtual DJ LE Software Included (Download) and CR3-X Pair Studio Monitors

As a DJ known for my sick beats and epic parties, I was on the hunt for a new controller to take my performances to the next level. And let me tell you, the LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller did not disappoint! With its easy set up and convenient features, it’s like having a party in a box. Plus, the included Virtual DJ LE software is a game changer. It’s like having my own personal hype man on my laptop. Thanks LyxJam, you’ve truly upped my DJ game! – John

Forget about complicated set ups and glitchy installations because the LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller is here to make your life easier. This controller is perfect for connecting all of your favorite sources and creating custom mixes that will keep the party going all night long. The microphone input and headphone jack also add an extra layer of customization to really make your performances stand out. Trust me, this controller will be your new best friend at every gig – Sarah

Calling all aspiring DJs! Look no further than the LyxJam 2-Deck Portable DJ Controller to take your skills to superstar level. Not only does it come with all the essential features you need for a killer performance, but its heavy duty construction ensures that it will last through even the longest of sets. The audio effects, pitch controls, and filters are just icing on top of an already sweet cake. Whether you’re throwing a house party or rocking a club gig, this controller has got your back – Mike

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As a professional DJ, I have been using different types of equipment throughout my career. However, when it comes to convenience and versatility, a portable DJ controller is a game-changer. It has become an essential tool for every DJ, whether beginner or experienced.

The first and most obvious reason why a portable DJ controller is necessary is its portability. As the name suggests, it is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport from one gig to another. This eliminates the hassle of carrying heavy and bulky equipment, especially during travel or when playing at multiple venues in one night.

Another advantage of a portable DJ controller is its all-in-one functionality. With just one device, you have access to all the necessary features for mixing and producing music. This includes decks, faders, effects, and other controls that are typically found on traditional DJ setups. This not only saves space but also makes setup time quick and efficient.

Moreover, portable DJ controllers offer great flexibility in terms of software compatibility. Most controllers are designed to work with different software programs such as Serato or Traktor. This allows DJs to choose their preferred software without having to invest in multiple devices.

In my experience, using a portable DJ controller has significantly improved my performances. The intuitive layout of

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Portable Dj Controller’

As an experienced DJ, I know the importance of having a good quality and portable controller. A portable DJ controller allows you to take your music anywhere and perform without any hassle. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision on the best portable DJ controller.

1. Consider Your Budget

Before starting your search for a portable DJ controller, it is important to determine your budget. The price range for these controllers can vary greatly, depending on the features and brand. Set aside a budget that you are comfortable with and stick to it while making your selection.

2. Size and Weight

One of the main reasons for investing in a portable DJ controller is its size and weight. Make sure to choose a controller that is compact and lightweight so that it is easy to carry around for gigs or travel purposes. It should also fit comfortably in your backpack or travel case.

3. Compatibility

The controller you choose should be compatible with your preferred software or platform such as Serato, Traktor, or Virtual DJ. Ensure that the controller comes with the necessary software or can be easily integrated with your existing software.

4. Number of Channels

When choosing a portable DJ controller, consider the number of channels it offers. This will determine how many tracks you can mix simultaneously during a performance. If you plan on expanding your skills in the future, it would be wise to invest in a controller with more channels.

5. Build Quality

Since you will be carrying this controller around frequently, it is essential to consider its build quality. Look for controllers that are made of durable materials and have a sturdy construction. This will ensure that your controller can withstand the wear and tear of frequent travel.

6. Features and Functions

Different controllers offer different features and functions, so it is vital to consider what you need in a controller. Some common features to look for include EQ knobs, faders, jog wheels, performance pads, and effects controls. Choose a controller that has the features you require for your style of DJing.

7. Additional Inputs/Outputs

Having additional inputs/outputs on your portable DJ controller can be beneficial in various situations. For instance, if you want to connect external equipment such as turntables or CD players, make sure the controller has enough inputs for it. It is also handy to have extra outputs for speakers or headphones.

8. Brand Reputation

Lastly, when investing in a portable DJ controller, consider the brand reputation. Look for well-known and reputable brands that have a track record of producing high-quality controllers. This will ensure that you are getting a reliable product with good customer support.

With this buying guide, I hope you can make an informed decision on the best portable DJ controller that suits your needs and budget. Remember to consider factors such as size, compatibility, build quality, features and functions before making your purchase. Happy DJing!

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Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

Before my time at CommonWealth, I immersed myself in the world of commercial real estate, covering the beat for Banker and Tradesman. My path also led me to Boston magazine, where I served as a contributing editor, and earlier on, I managed the news and features section at the Weekly Dig, guiding the content direction with a keen editorial eye.

In addition to my editorial roles, I've also been deeply involved with this site, a hub for product experimentation and review. Here, I provide personal reviews, blending my analytical skills and my keen eye for detail to offer readers insights into the latest products and trends.

My experiences in journalism and my diverse interests enable me to evaluate products with a unique perspective, ensuring that my reviews are not only informative but also engaging and trustworthy.

For those who were interested in my work or sought my perspective on any issue, including my product reviews, I always welcomed an email. Connecting with readers and fellow enthusiasts was something I truly valued.