As you’ll see, a few of the best DJ software for Mac is indeed free, and most have fully functional free trials so that you can attempt some time recently you buy. 9 Best DJ Software For Mac in 2021 Complete Guide 1. Our top free and paid-for mixing tools and DJ software for PC, Mac, Android and iOS (Image credit: Future) With all due respect to vinyl junkies and CD stalwarts, when it comes to convenience, cost-effectiveness and flexibility, there can be little doubt that the best way to DJ right now is on a digital system, be that Mac, PC or even iOS.
- What Is The Best Free Dj App For Mac
- Best Free Dj Software For Mac Reddit
- The Best Free Dj Software For Mac Spotify
Mixxx 2.3.1 (Stable Version)
This is the current stable version of Mixxx, which means it has been thoroughly tested and is considered stable enough for live use.
Although Mixxx contains many important updates and bugfixes, it's possible some users may experience issues. If you do, you can still get one of our previous versions.
Download Mixxx for Windows 7 or later.
Download Mixxx for macOS 10.12 or later.
We provide a PPA on Launchpad to make installing install the latest stable version of Mixxx as easy as possible.Open a terminal, and enter:
Using the PPA ensures that new package versions will be installed automatically with apt. Otherwise, you can download individual packages and install them manually.
Note: Ubuntu also provides a version of Mixxx which can be installed directly from the Ubuntu Software Centre. This version is usually woefully out of date; therefore using the PPA is advised.
RPM Fusion builds are maintained by the Mixxx development team. We support the next, the current, and selected previous Fedora release(s) if possible. If you do not have the RPM Fusion repository installed already, before installing Mixxx, run:
Then to install Mixxx:
WARNING: GNOME Software defaults to installing an unofficial package from Flathub which does not work with PipeWire yet. This setup is not supported by the Mixxx development team. Install with dnf instead.
The latest stable version of Mixxx is available in the community repository and can be installed using pacman.Open a terminal, and enter:
The Mixxx source code is published under the GNU General Public License (GPL) v2 or later. Please check the LICENSE file in our source tree for complete licensing information.
Download the latest code from Mixxx's 2.3 branch on GitHub by opening a terminal and running:
The 2.3.1 release has been tagged with 2.3.1.
Compilation instructions are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Last Updated on September 29, 2021.
Finding a good mixing software is essential for any DJ. Itshould be intuitive, easy to use, and most important of all the workflow needsto be one you absolutely love.
In this post I’ve compiled the 11 best free DJ mixing software out there which are excellent both for beginners and also seasoned DJs.
At the end I’ll give you my top 3 choices as well as a quickguide on how to improve your skills faster.
Let’s get started with…
Virtual DJ (Windows, Mac)
Virtual DJ 2020 is the latest version of the software whichis an updated and more mature version of the Virtual DJ 2018 Software App.
It is one of the most powerful free DJ software apps out there and it comes with loads of features such as;
Huge Controller Support: It supports over 300controllers.
Video Mixing: Supports all popular video formats andup to 4k resolution, additionally multiple effects are included.
Visualizations: Allows you to use on-screenvisualizations which adapt to the way your audio behaves.
Karaoke Support: Built-in support for karaokeplayback with on-screen lyrics display.
Video Graphics: Display graphics on screen withbuilt-in videoskins ready for use on video walls or projectors.
Smart Automix: Automatically detects tempo, key, etc.and creates the best mix transitions.
Broadcast and Streaming: Allows radio, podcast, andsocial media live broadcasting not only of audio but also video.
Scratch DNA: Allows you to automate Scratch routines.
Sandbox Mode: Prepare the upcoming mix ahead of timewithout interrupting what’s currently playing.
One of the improvements of the 2020 update comes in the form of a much more mature-looking User Interface; It has a much more professional look and the color scheme isn’t as brightly colored, like the previous version.
This is an improvement because when you’re DJing at a club, you don’t want to see a lot of flashing lights on your screen.
Now, only the important elements like the Cue and Play buttons, etc. are highlighted.
However, it comes with loads of skins that allow you to make it look however you want.
Another improvement is the advanced harmonic mixing feature that allows you to automatically sync the key of two or more songs.
What this allows you to do is to mix two songs without them clashing or sounding as if they don’t belong.
However, it will only work automatically if the key is +1 or-1 semitone off. If it needs to be adjusted any more than that you’ll need to doit manually.
The last addition to Virtual DJ 2020 is the Event Scheduler;
The Event scheduler let’s you line up a series of commands such as playing songs in a playlist, play videos after that playlist, or your DJ name, etc., and this is all automated.
Virtual DJ is by far the best free DJing Software out there because of all the awesome features it provides.
If you don’t have actual gear to mix with, then you could use the iOS Companion App which could help you out, even though I’d highly recommend getting a controller.
Additionally, this app can be used to control the mix from adistance.
Download Virtual DJ here.
Mixxx (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Mixxx is a DJ mixing software created and maintained by theopen source community. It’s free, offers great basic capabilities, supportsaround 30 external midi DJ controllers, and it even works on Linux.
As far as the design goes, Mixxx has a pretty good lookingand clean interface.
However, it’s also very customizable; You can turn on or offsome elements of the interface that you want or don’t want. Show or hide FX,samples, the preview player, the library, the EQs or the mixer, etc.
It features a two or four deck mode, as well as FX chaining,RGB waveforms, BPM and key detection, as well as a Master Sync to match thetempo and beats of up to four songs.
Mixxx can also be integrated with iTunes and Traktorlibraries, allowing you to drop fresh tracks from both of them into your mix.
Additional features include;
Auto DJ: Allows you to create a playlist and Mixxxwill automatically mix the songs.
Sampler Decks: Load up to 64 sampler decks to layersounds over your mixes.
Hotcues: Mark places in the tracks. Remix and mash uptracks with accurate hotcue triggering
Broadcast: Stream live over the internet.
Gain Normalization: The song’s loudness isautomatically adjusted when loading a deck to maintain a consistent volume.
Mixxx is an excellent free beginner DJ software app which,if you’re new to all things DJ, is worth giving a try.
Download Mixxx here.
Cross DJ (Windows, Mac)
I already mentioned Cross DJ in my best free mobile DJ Appspost, which is a fantastic mobile app.
The desktop version of this software is also excellent and it might be a good choice for most beginners out there, plus it supports 90+ controllers and they even have a list of them on their website.
It is, in fact, the only true cross-platform DJ software and it works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices and it provides all the essential features you could need to do live mixing or to simply mix on the go.
With the free version of the software you get;
Two Decks, beat matching, a 2-channel mixer with 3-band EQ,volume faders, crossfader, 2 effect units which include Delay, Phaser, Flanger,etc., 8 hot cues/loops per track, key detection, pitch bend, and more.
Additionally, you can integrate your iTunes playlist andload the songs on Cross DJ with ease.
Video mixing is also available in Cross DJ and you can evenuse the Webcam input to stream video into the editing interface and sync it tothe audio. However, if you decide to mix video then be sure to get a PC whichhas more power than what they list under the minimum System Requirements.
Download Cross DJ here.
Serato DJ Intro (Windows, Mac)
Serato DJ intro is a free DJ mixing software that isdesigned to allow you to do traditional two- or four deck mixing of digitalmusic files, and it also supports up to 30+ different controllers.
It comes with all the traditional DJ controls such as;scratch, nudge, pitch, bend, and EQ, as well as Sync which allows you to syncthe tempo of the two tracks so that they fit together nicely.
The interface looks pretty good and it’s super intuitive,plus the waveforms are colored to visually represent the bass-, mid-, and highfrequencies which can be really helpful during a live performance.
You can use Cue points which allow you to quickly accessspecific parts of the song and then quantize them so that they match the beat,and then you can also loop or repeat the selected sections.
The Sample Player can play up to four short simultaneoussamples, audio loops, sound effects or full-length tracks in addition to thetwo tracks you’re mixing, and this can all be done in real-time while mixing.
Serato DJ intro includes all the traditional effects suchas; Echo, Reverb, Phaser, Flanger, HPF, LPF – Three FX chain-able for eachdeck.
All previous software apps I described can integrate iTunesor other music services. This is no different with Serato DJ Intro since itallows for iTunes integration, which means that you can load fresh tracksdirectly from it.
Sadly, Serato DJ Intro is now in its Legacy state, meaningthat it won’t receive any more updates since it’s been now replaced by SeratoDJ Lite, which is the next one on this list.
Download Serato DJ Intro here.
Serato DJ Lite (Windows, Mac)
DJ Lite, which was released in 2018, is the newer and upgradedversion of Serato DJ intro. It’s built on the same technology as Serato DJ Pro,which means that it’s just as powerful but lacks a couple features, and it alsosupports 30+ controllers.
It comes with a new and updated user interface which justlooks amazing, and even though it doesn’t have as many features as the proversion, it provides you with more than enough to get started.
One of the best features it comes with is the “PracticeMode”, that allows you to use the program without having any hardware connectedto it, and it lets you mix as well as preview tracks, create loops and Cuepoints, create crates and sub-crates, name all of them, and more.
It’s a great way of getting started with DJing without investing absolutely anything.
You can get some Free Sounds from Loopmasters, such as Airhorns and Backspins, as well as other great samples that sound absolutely amazing and which can help you sound better instantly.
Here are some of the included features;
Music Streaming: You can access SoundCloud and Tidalto get new high-quality music.
Built-in Lightshow: For creating a sound-reactiveatmosphere at parties.
Practice Mode: Use without any connected hardware.
64-bit Support: For better performance and stability.
High-Resolution: It supports high-resolution screens.
Serato DJ Lite can be one of the best DJ mixing software for the sole reason that if you ever need to move on to a better one, you can simply upgrade to the Pro version, which means that you won’t have to learn another mixing app all over again.
Download Serato DJ Lite here.
UltraMixer (Windows, Mac)
Contrary to all the DJ previous mixing software on this list, UltraMixer isn’t really free. But you can download the trial version which will work for an entire hour.
This is the main reason why I included it since one hour isactually a lot of time, plus after that one hour all you need to do is rebootit and you can use it for another hour again.
Once downloaded you’ll need to choose between the Home, Basic or Pro Entertain versions. The latter one will let you useany of the 80+ supported MIDI controllers right from the start.
Additionally, a smartphone app is also available, in case you want to control UltraMixer from a distance.
This is useful if you’re at a dinner party and you’re in charge of the music but don’t want to leave the people hanging.
Now, just like Virtual DJ, UltraMixer can mix Audio, Videoand Images, plus it features the “live-text” function that lets you displayshort informational text over videos and images while they are playing.
Also included are; a four-player mode, a 31-band EQ, loadsof effects, smart looping, 8 hot-cue buttons for live mixing, and a 16-channelsampler.
One additional perk is that you will get 16 free soccerclips which are completely free-off-charge, that can be used with the videosampler and played in the background while the music is going.
Just like all the previous DJ software on this list, UltraMixer is also capable of integrating with iTunes.
Lastly, even though the Interface looks very good right offthe bat, you can customize it however you want; change the skins, move all thewidgets around to your liking, etc.
Some of the included features are;
Controller Support: It supports over 80 controllers.
Video Mixing: Supports all popular video formats,additionally multiple effects are included.
Visualizations: Allows you to use on-screenvisualizations which adapt to the way your audio behaves.
What Is The Best Free Dj App For Mac
Karaoke Support: Built-in support for karaokeplayback with on-screen lyrics display.
Free soccer clips: 16 completely free-of-chargesoccer videos to play with the video sampler.
iTunes Integration: Quickly search for songs oniTunes and mix them.
Download UltraMixer here.
Note: Give the website some time to load, it’s slow at times.
Zulu DJ (Windows, Mac)
One thing that sets Zulu DJ apart from the previous DJ software on this list is that it doesn’t just support the traditional four decks, but rather six of them.
However, it is mostly geared towards beginners for itssimplicity and ease of use.
Note: It’s free to download and use, but you willonly have access to the free trial version which lasts 14 days. After this itwill stop supporting some of its features but you will still be able to use thesoftware.
Each deck has its own individual controls, including atimeline of the loaded song with beats highlighted to help when synchronizingthe two decks.
The Zulu DJ app allows you to mix your music live and apply effects like distortion, reverb, compression, delay, EQ, etc. in real-time;
With tempo adjustment, real-time pitch control, beatsyncing, crossfading, and more.
The Zulu DJ app allows you to mix your music live and apply effects like distortion, reverb, compression, delay, EQ, etc. in real-time;
With tempo adjustment, real-time pitch control, beat syncing, crossfading, and more.
Autoplay is also included, which lets the software itselfmix the music and control the transitions.
It also supports third-party VST plugins, which is alwaysuseful!
Additionally, you can import MP3 and .WAV files and Zulu DJwill scan and automatically assign a beat to them.
The Android Mobile App of Zulu DJ is also available to download for free from the play store and it can be useful especially for those you want to be able to practice while on the go.
Lastly, Zulu DJ supports live real-time streaming of yourmixes over YouTube.
Download Zulu DJ here.
If you’re interested in finding out more about free mobile DJ apps, then check out this post I wrote on that topic.
Blaze Free DJ (Windows Only)
Blaze DJ is a simple yet great looking free DJ app.
The interface looks modern and clean and I absolutely lovethe color scheme, plus the waveforms have a colored spectrum which helpsvisualizing the bass, mids and highs.
It comes with built-in BPM detection as well as syncingability and loads of DJ essential effects which give you the possibility toadjust your mixes in real-time to your needs and liking.
Additionally, Blaze DJ includes all the basic functions that other DJing Software out there have, like; Cues, Loops, 3-Band EQ, Filters, and more.
Lastly, you can integrate it with Soundcloud to have instantaccess to millions of tracks completely for free.
Now, the Free version of Blaze DJ will only work for 30minutes at a time and you will have to reboot the program to continue using it.
The good news is that if you like it, you can upgrade to thePro version for only $15.
Download Blaze DJ here.
Cute DJ (Windows, Mac)
Cute DJ is very similar to Blaze DJ in the sense that if youonly use the free version the program will stop working every 20 minutes andyou will need to restart it.
Note: This is only during the 30-day free trial,after this you’ll need to purchase it ($49.95)
However, Cute DJ is powerful and it allows you to controland mix your music using your PC or a controller.
As far as the interface goes, it looks fairly similar to thetraditional software apps; it’s clean and intuitive.
Cute DJ supports all the best-known audio files such as MP3,.WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, and more, and it’s even capable of mixing video andkaraoke files.
Lastly, Cute DJ supports over 90 controllers and iTunesIntegration, and it also comes with loads of the traditional effects DJ’s use.
Some of its features are;
Automix: Complete automatic mixing,One-click, let CuteDJ mix your favorite playlist automatically.
Auto Beat-Matching and Sync: Auto-beatdetection allows you to instantly match BPM of two tracks for a perfect beatmix.
Loops and Cue Points: Seamless live looping. Supports automatically or manually setloop in and out points.
Harmonic Match: Automatic Key detection, keylock, keymatching and pitch scaling.
Download Cute DJ here.
DJ Prodecks (Windows Only)
DJ Prodeckts has a very brightly colored user interface thatmakes the workflow super intuitive and which can help you find things quickly.
It supports all the standard audio formats such as MP3,.WAV, WMA, AAC, and more, as well as loads of controllers.
With DJ Prodecks you can use any of these three effects perdeck simultaneously; Echo, Flanger and Wah.
Additionally, it comes with the Automix function, as wellautomatic beat detection, beat sync, scratch effects, auto loop, and more.
You can also change the pitch of each track, slow it down orspeed it up to manually to sync it to another track.
This one is 100% free with no limitations whatsoever.
Download DJ Prodecks here.
Best Free Dj Software For Mac Reddit
You.DJ (Browser Based)
The Best Free Dj Software For Mac Spotify
Now, You.dj is completely different than all the other software I described earlier because it’s actually used directly from your Internet Browser… no need to download anything!
This might seem a bit unconventional, but if you’re abeginner tipping your toes into this whole DJing thing, then having a mixerdirectly available on your browser can be pretty handy.
Not only does it come with loads of pre-loaded songs, butyou can also upload your own audio files, or even find music both on YouTubeand SoundCloud by using the search bar on the left.
The free version only comes with 6 different effects available which are; Slicer, Looper, Crush, Kick, Echo, and Flanger.
If you want to have access to all the other effects you’llhave to upgrade “DJ Level 2” which isn’t cloud based, meaning that you willhave to download and install it. DJ Level 2 sells for $19.99.
Lastly, it comes with a basic EQ and a filter.
For being a free cloud-based DJ mixing software, You.dj ispretty damn awesome! So, check it out!
Here’s a link to You.dj.
My Top 3Recommendations
Virtual DJ: It’s simply the best DJ software overall; with all the included features, controller support, etc.
Mixxx: Great for any beginner.
Serato DJ Lite: It comes with included samples for free, and it makes the upgrade easy because you will keep using the same program, only with more features.
Learn how to DJ the right Way!
I believe that anyone can become an excellent DJ by learningeverything on their own.
However, sometimes it just makes more sense to learn fromsomeone who has had to jump through all the hoops so that you don’t have to.
There are loads of free videos on YouTube that add a lot ofvalue and that can teach you most of what you need to learn. Here are the twochannels I’d recommend;
Now, free content is great, and it even is enough most ofthe times. However, there are a couple courses out there which are designed tohelp you reach your goals faster.
I wrote a post about the best DJing courses out there that will be of help to you.
The ones I’d recommend the most are from DJ Courses Online since they offer great quality courses at an affordable price, especially since it’s subscription-based, which means that you can pay for a single month and do all the courses you want.
If you even want to get more bang for your buck, getting the yearly subscription will save you a total 50%.
Find the best Music files to download
I wrote a post about the best places to find music for DJs to download. In most cases you will need to pay for a subscription, but in some others you can get some music files for free and completely legally.
Which controllers should you get?
[supsystic-tables id=47]Conclusion
Like I mentioned, the three software I’d recommend the most are Virtual DJ, Mixxx and Serato DJ lite, however all of them are great.
If you are completely new then check out You.dj since it’san easy way to find out if you actually like DJing or not.
I hope this information was useful!
Have a wonderful day!