Best DJ mixers for beginners 2026: entry-level mixing and scratching

If you hold ambitions to get into the art of DJing, and you want to do it properly, e.g. not just pressing play on a Spotify playlist you made, then your weapon of choice will be one of the best beginner DJ mixers. The mixers below take what might seem like a daunting piece of tech to some and make it a beginner-friendly instrument that will have you spinning tunes in no time.

Mixers got the name from the fact that they can mix two songs together from one output, one of the key things that sets a DJ apart from a playlist curator. For example, as one song is ending, the DJ can tease the beginning of the next song, and the audio hint of a classic tune can send a crowd crazy. There are other skills that beginner DJ mixers can facilitate, for example, ‘scratching’. Some are more advanced than others, and we’ll start with the most affordable and work our way up from there. Let’s grab those headphones and decks as we explore the best beginner DJ mixers below.

Gemini MM1BT

Pro: Extremely low price point for a complete, working mixer.

Con: No dedicated channel EQs — only a single master tone knob.

Whatever star sign you might be, the Gemini MM1BT is nonetheless one of the best beginner DJ mixers thanks to its ultra-compact design. It heavily utilises Bluetooth, so you can connect your phone or tablet to stream music. In terms of live DJ editing, you’ll have a 2-band rotary EQ with gain control for mixing, and 2-line RCA inputs. The smooth crossfader is fantastic for precise and seamless audio blends, and you can, of course, connect a pair of headphones and even a microphone.

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Numark M2

Pro: Robust and reliable mixer ideal for learning the fundamental basics of mixing.

Con: Very limited expandability; no effects or digital connectivity.

If you’re looking to leave your mark on the world of DJing, then Numark’s M2 might be the best entry-level DJ mixer for you. While the brand is well known for its intermediate and professional DJ equipment, the M2 is one of their fantastic, affordable, beginner-friendly DJ mixers. And it is pretty rudimentary, with just two channels and connectivity for a turntable or CDJ. But, despite its basic nature, it covers what you need to get started with scratching and mixing, and the advice to not go too advanced with your first DJ mixer is solid. It comes with a three-band EQ, a crossfader, and a fader for each channel, plus a separate gain knob. If you do plan on eventually upgrading, note that the M2 isn’t particularly expandable, but this one is all about being the friend of the entry-level DJ.

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Reloop RMX-10 BT

Pro: Built-in Bluetooth allows streaming music from a phone or tablet to either channel.

Con: Lacks onboard filters or effects found on competitor models.

The Reloop RMX-10 BT is a straightforward, no-nonsense entry-level DJ mixer that provides all the fundamental tools a beginner needs, including two standard mixer channels with three-band EQ, gain control, a smooth crossfader, and a dedicated mic channel. Its distinguishing USP is the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can stream your lovingly created playlist/mix straight from your phone or tablet to either channel. Think of this as blurring the line between a traditional DJ setup and a home entertainment system. And, once you’re confident to get out there and DJ outside the comfort zone of home, it’s so light and portable that you don’t need to worry about lugging a heavy setup around with you.

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Numark M6 USB

Pro: Four full mixer channels with 3-band EQ, perfect for practising club setups or multi-source mixing.

Con: USB port is only for master recording, not multi-channel digital vinyl systems (DVS).

Get used to seeing the name Nummark a fair bit when you’re seeking out your own version of the best beginner DJ mixer; such is their dominance in the space. The M6 is also very much in Numark’s beginner range of DJ mixers, and also one of the more affordable mixers out there. It does, however, offer more than the cheaper M2 above, with a three-band EQ, an independent mic channel, and four mixer channels. It can also function as an audio interface, so you can sync music streaming with a computer.

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Allen & Heath Xone:24

Pro: Classic Xone analogue warmth with new USB-C audio interface for easy recording and streaming.
Con: No onboard effects — external processors required for creative FX.

For those looking to step up their mixing game, the Allen & Heath Xone:24 is the natural evolution of the beloved Xone:23, offering the same legendary analogue sound with modern connectivity. Built like a tank, it features the brand’s iconic analogue voltage-controlled filter for that rich, warm tone Allen & Heath is known for.

This updated model adds a USB-C audio interface, making it simple to record mixes, connect to DJ software, or integrate external effects units. You can hook up CDJs, turntables, or digital devices with ease, while the high-headroom design ensures clean, punchy sound across any setup.

The Xone:24 is ideal for beginners who want a professional-grade mixer that will grow with them—pairing tactile analogue control with modern flexibility for the best of both worlds.

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Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2

Pro: DVS-ready and includes licenses for Rekordbox DJ and DVS; features Pioneer's classic channel filters.

Con: Very high initial price for an entry-level, 2-channel mixer.

Pioneer is an apt name for a brand that is so dominant in the DJ space. And while so many pro and celebrity DJs align with the Pioneer name, the DJM-250MK2 is the Japanese company’s excellent offering in the entry-level DJ mixer game. This is another unit that has a built-in audio interface, meaning you can connect up to your laptop, CDJ, or turntable, or a combination. Another huge plus is that the Pioneer DJM-250MK2 can sync with digital vinyl systems, aka DVS — not offered by many entry-level DJ mixers. The interface also allows the recording of your DJ mixes onto a computer. The lack of onboard effects is the main miss, but a dedicated filter and three-band EQ makes up for this for most budding DJs.

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Numark Scratch

Pro: Unlocks the full version of Serato DJ Pro and features six direct-access effects and performance pads.

Con: An expensive choice, making it a significant investment for a beginner.

Are you itching to get going with your DJing hobby or career? The Numark Scratch has everything you need to give you that satisfaction. It’s an excellent budget-friendly battle mixer for digital turntablists, as it comes with the essential full Serato DJ Pro license and DVS compatibility, saving you a big chunk of change on software costs. Its layout is all about the DJ scratching, with the fantastic InnoFADER crossfader, ensuring a professional feel out of the box. The mixer itself has a load of great features, including eight dedicated sample pads, six digital FX, and a low pass/high pass filter on each channel. Also on offer are a USB input and a switchable RCA phono/line inputs for connecting turntables or CDJs.

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Pioneer DJ DJM-S5Advanced

Pro: Magvel Fader Pro, Performance Pads, and integrated hardware features for serious scratch DJs.

Con: High initial price for a beginner; features are overkill for a simple mixer.

The last word goes to Pioneer, with our final enry-level yet excellent DJ mixer. The Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2 is an astute choice if you’re after a premium entry point while still aiming for the club standard. You can count on a high-quality, professional experience with two channels. A lovely thing to note is that this DJ mixer provides a full license for Rekordbox DJ and DVS (Digital Vinyl System), letting you use this beast with timecode vinyl for digital mixing. It adopts Pioneer's classic club layout, featuring the smooth Magvel crossfader and signature Sound Color FX filter control for professional-sounding transitions. It’s also a rugged and durable animal, and includes an integrated sound card for simple plug-and-play USB connection to your PC or Mac, along with independent RCA inputs for connecting real vinyl turntables or CDJs.

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What is the best type of DJ mixer for a beginner?

This whole list of the best entry-level DJ mixers was lovingly curated to be exactly that; giving a choice of mixers that are perfect for beginners and hobbyists. Which one is best for you depends entirely on your goal. If scratching/turntablism is going to be a big thing for you, a 2-channel battle mixer (like the Numark Scratch or DJM-S5) with a good crossfader is best. If you want to get going with club-style transitions and prepare for a large club booth, a 4-channel mixer (like the Numark M6 or DJM-250MK2) is ideal, as it mimics the layout of professional gear. For those simply looking to blend tunes from a variety of sources with a nice chunk of flexibility, a simple 2 or 3-channel mixer (like the Gemini MM1BT or Numark M4) will offer you a lovely blend of simplicity and low cost.