Starting out as a DJ can feel overwhelming when it comes to gear. Between controllers, decks, and software, it’s easy to overlook the humble mixer — but it’s one of the most important parts of your setup. Whether you're mixing vinyl, CDJs, or digital audio through a laptop, a good mixer helps you understand the flow of a set, how EQs shape your sound, and how to develop a real tactile connection to your music. This guide focuses on beginner-friendly mixers that are affordable, well-built, and actually fun to use. We’ve picked four models that strike a great balance between price and quality, with just enough features to grow into without being overloaded. Whether you’re spinning at home, prepping for club gigs, or just figuring out if DJing is for you, these mixers are the ones we’d recommend.

The Best DJ Mixers for Beginners

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Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2 – Best All-Around Club-Style Mixer

The DJM-250MK2 is probably the most solid starting point if you want that classic club layout. It has two channels, dedicated Sound Color FX filters, and the same buttery Magvel crossfader found in Pioneer’s higher-end mixers. The layout feels professional but still very approachable, which is exactly what you want as a beginner.

It also includes a built-in USB audio interface, so you can connect it directly to your laptop and use it with Rekordbox DJ or Rekordbox DVS — both of which come bundled. This makes it easy to experiment with both digital and analog workflows right out of the box. Whether you’re spinning from turntables, CDJs, or even a laptop, it fits into your setup without drama.

The build quality is excellent for the price, and it teaches you the layout you’ll see in most clubs. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you're serious about learning how to mix properly, it’s worth the investment. Think of it as your shortcut to developing skills that actually translate to real DJ booths.

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Allen & Heath XONE:23 – Best Sound and EQ for the Money

If you care about sound, the XONE:23 punches well above its weight. It’s a two-channel mixer, but each channel has dual inputs, which means you can actually run up to four audio sources through it. The EQ is where it really shines — instead of the standard three-band, you get a four-band full kill EQ, giving you precise control over the tonal balance of your mix.

It also includes VCF filters with resonance control, which let you create smooth, analog-sounding transitions. The sound is warm, clean, and detailed — a favorite among DJs who want to lean into deep house, techno, or anything subtle. It's not just about volume and bass; it's about shaping the energy.

The only catch? No built-in USB audio interface, so you’ll need an external sound card if you want to use it for digital DJing. But if you’re starting with vinyl or CDJs and want a mixer that will still sound good years from now, this is one of the smartest picks.

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Numark Scratch – Best Value for Beginner Scratch DJs

If you’re even a little bit curious about scratching or turntablism, the Numark Scratch is an amazing deal. It’s a two-channel battle mixer that comes with an InnoFader crossfader, performance pads, and Serato DVS support built in — stuff you usually only see in mixers twice the price. The layout is tight and focused, making it ideal for beginners who want to explore scratch techniques or just have a super responsive setup.

It also has XLR outputs, instant FX buttons, and loop encoders, giving you a taste of club-style controls without the complexity. And because it comes with a full Serato DJ Pro license, you’re basically getting your mixer and software all in one box. Just add decks or controllers and you’re ready to go.

For the money, it’s kind of unbeatable — especially if scratching or DVS is on your radar. It’s still easy enough for total beginners to use, but the workflow and sound quality are good enough that you won’t need to upgrade anytime soon.

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Reloop RMX-10 BT – Best for Wireless Streaming and Portability

The Reloop RMX-10 BT is the most compact option on this list, and it’s perfect if you want something portable or apartment-friendly. The big feature here is built-in Bluetooth, which lets you stream music straight from your phone or tablet. It’s a fun way to practice mixes with playlists or back-to-back with friends without digging for cables.

It’s a two-channel mixer with a 3-band EQ per channel, and while it’s small, it doesn’t feel cheap. The metal construction gives it a nice heft, and the controls are responsive. There’s even a replaceable crossfader, which is rare at this size and price.

You won’t get effects, USB, or extra bells and whistles — but that’s part of the charm. The RMX-10 BT is all about simplicity and accessibility. It’s a great beginner mixer for casual mixing sessions, backyard parties, or even tossing in a backpack when you're heading out to DJ a low-key gig.

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Numark M2 – Best Budget Pick That Still Feels Right

If you're looking to get started without spending too much, the Numark M2 is a reliable budget option. It’s a basic two-channel scratch mixer, and while it won’t blow you away with features, it covers all the fundamentals. You get a three-band EQ per channel, smooth faders, and a simple layout that’s easy to learn on.

There are switchable phono/line inputs on each channel, so you can plug in turntables or digital sources, and the crossfader comes with reverse and slope controls, which is especially helpful if you’re interested in scratching. The build quality isn’t premium, but it holds up surprisingly well for something at this price point.

If your budget is tight or you’re just curious to try DJing without going all in, this is a no-pressure way to start. You’ll learn the basics of blending, cueing, and EQing — and once you’ve outgrown it, you'll know exactly what features you want in your next mixer.

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Building Your First DJ Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide

A lot of beginners assume buying a mixer means they’re ready to start DJing — but a mixer is just one part of the puzzle. At the very least, you’ll also need two audio sources (like turntables, CDJs, or a laptop), headphones for cueing, and speakers or monitors to hear your mix. If you're going digital, you’ll also need DJ software and sometimes an audio interface, depending on your gear.

The simplest way to start is with a controller, which combines decks, a mixer, and audio interface all in one. But if you’re going the hardware route, you’ll need to build your setup piece by piece: mixer, decks, software (if needed), and cabling. It’s a bit more work, but it gives you a modular system you can grow with over time.

To use a DJ mixer properly, you’ll need (at least) two audio sources. This could mean two turntables, two media players (like CDJs), or even just a laptop with audio outputs. Many beginner DJs assume the mixer does everything, but it’s more like the middleman — it blends what you feed into it.

If you're going digital, you'll also need DJ software like Serato or Rekordbox. Some mixers come with a software license and built-in USB audio interface — this makes it easy to use your laptop as one of your sources. Without that, you’ll need an external sound card.

And don’t forget the basics: a good pair of closed-back headphones for cueing, cables for everything, and a speaker setup (even just decent powered monitors). It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be functional.

Scratch Mixers vs. Regular DJ Mixers: What’s the Difference?

Scratch mixers are a specific type of DJ mixer built for turntablism — think fast cuts, quick transitions, and lots of crossfader work. They usually have high-quality, buttery crossfaders (like an InnoFader), simple EQ sections, and spacious layouts for hand movement. Some also include pad controls for triggering hot cues or samples.

Regular DJ mixers, on the other hand, are designed more for blending tracks than for cutting between them. You’ll find multi-band EQs, filters, effects, and often more channels for multiple audio sources. They’re great for house, techno, and most club styles, where smooth transitions matter more than flashy cuts.

If you’re interested in scratching — or just want a responsive, uncluttered layout — a scratch mixer like the Numark Scratch is perfect. If not, a general-purpose mixer like the DJM-250MK2 or Xone:23 will be more versatile.

DJ Controllers vs. Hardware Mixers: Which Should You Choose?

A DJ controller is an all-in-one solution that includes decks, mixer, sound card, and control surface — it’s plug-and-play and designed to work with software like Serato or Rekordbox. For total beginners, it’s often the easiest and most affordable way to get started.

A hardware mixer, on the other hand, is standalone — it doesn’t include decks or software control. You’ll need to connect it to external players (turntables, CDJs, or a laptop with an audio interface). This setup feels more traditional and modular, and it's how most club booths are laid out.

If you’re planning to play gigs in the future or want to learn the club standard workflow, starting with a hardware mixer is a solid move. But if you just want to mess around at home or ease into DJing without a big upfront investment, a controller might be the better first step.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.