Aside from being wallet-friendly and ideal for beginners, these cheap DJ controllers are excellent workhorse alternatives to expensive and bulky rigs.

Their portability and affordability make them great worry-free solutions for mobile DJs. We bring you the coolest standouts from among the units below the $300 mark.

Pioneer DDJ-WeGO

The Pioneer DDJ-WeGo brings you an ideal combination of fun, style and substance, all packed in a portable package. Although it may not be rock bottom cheap, many consider it to be the best in this price range, and we agree.

The interface of this compact DJ controller is what makes it a hit among DJs, the layout is well thought out and allows the DDJ-WeGO to excel at what it is supposed to do, intuitively controlling DJ software. The Jog wheels, knobs and faders are responsive and do not feel cheap, allowing you to make the right real-time adjustments. Its most notable feature is the stylish and customizable colored lights that jive with your mix, giving you excellent visual feedback that further simplifies control. These lights and colors add visual appeal and mojo, which is an important facet of DJ performance! The hardware itself even comes in variety of colors to match your personality. As expected, this hardware is impressively well built, to the same standards as Pioneer's other high-end controllers. If you are an uncompromising DJ, you should definitely get this.

Numark Mixtrack Pro

The Numark Mixtrack Pro still is one of the most widely used DJ controllers in the sub $300 price range, thanks to its straightforward vinyl-like layout and intuitive operation.

This is the most ideal for DJs that are starting out, because it is easy to setup and just as easy to use. It is so easy that even non-DJs will start mixing and scratching within a few minutes! The control layout is very much like a classic two turntable and mixer setup, only miniaturized to fit into a compact and portable unit. For something so cheap, its touch-sensitive jog wheels tracks your scratching and beat juggling excellently, and its audio mixer provides quality sound that even professionals approve of. If you want to start pursuing DJ mixing professionally, the Mixtrack Pro is highly recommended.

Vestax Typhoon

The Vestax Typhoon is an all-in-one solution for DJs, this MIDI controller comes with a bundled version of Tractor LE and it has a built-in soundcard. Attach it to your laptop and speakers, load up the software and your tracks, and you have yourself a full-blown DJ system.

Like other Vestax products, the Typhoon comes with a very straightforward and familiar interface, which means that you can immediately start using it without getting lost. It grants you all the essential controls needed to create great mixes, plus it has some built-in effects that you can easily engage and adjust. This makes the Typhoon the ideal controller for learners or new DJs. The most notable feature of this controller is its touch sensor jog wheels, designed by Vestax to respond to minute movements where even Pro DJs are convinced that they are comparable to more expensive models.

Hercules DJ Control Air

If you think that cheap DJ controllers only offer the most basic of features, then you better think again. The Hercules DJ Control Air gives you basic DJ functionality in a small package, and adds a contactless sensor that lets you control the mix without touching the controller.

This controller measures the distance of your hand from the AIR projector via an infrared beam, and it then converts this data into real-time MIDI commands. With this, you can literally control various aspects of your mix by waving your hands. Essential DJ features are all provided for, including two pressure sensitive jog wheels, a host of knobs, fader and pads. Another cool thing about this controller is its audio output options, making it ideal for DJs that have to connect to various sound systems as his goes around doing gigs. This is a cool controller that you should definitely consider.

Numark Mixtrack

Gone are the days when DJ mixing is exclusive to the elite few, now digital sound technology has made DJ equipment more affordable and accessible. The Numark Mixtrack is a famous example, at less than 100 bucks, this cheap controller can get you through DJ gigs without any problems.

The Mixtrack controller features a familiar two-deck interface, with the jog wheels, knobs and faders right where you'd expect them to be. The controls are responsive and will not get in the way of your mixes. In summary, the Mixtrack has all the makings of a great DJ controller, without the bells, whistles and heavy price tag. There is definitely nothing wrong with starting small when you're aiming for something big - so if you're budget is tight - get this controller and let your talent and groove be the highlight.

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