AlphaTheta & Pioneer DJ Controller - Comparison of all DJ Controllers 2025
If you're looking to choose an AlphaTheta or Pioneer DJ controller, it can be easy to lose track of things. Here you will find an overview of which models are available in 2025 and how they differ:
Which Pioneer DJ Controller is right for me?
It completely depends on your budget and which features you need. Beginners will find a wide range of affordable Pioneer controllers that are great for getting started and creating mixes. Here, the large professional features and gimmicks like samplers, sequencers, or beat FX are not yet needed. They are reduced to the essentials. Here's a small Pioneer controller buying guide with models divided by user level that we believe are particularly interesting.
Beginners
If you're looking for a Pioneer beginner controller, there is a wide selection of options. Pioneer/AlphaTheta covers the beginner segment very well and can impress with well-crafted controllers at a reasonable price. To give you a quick overview of all the functions, you can take a look at our comprehensive comparison table below.
For beginners just starting out with DJing, the following Pioneer DDJ models are recommended:
![]() Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: With the FLX4, beginners get a fully equipped controller that leaves nothing to be desired. In addition to Serato DJ and rekordbox for PC and Mac, the small FLX also supports rekordbox for iOS and Android. The clean layout and integrated smart mixing functions make it easier for users to get started with DJing. |
![]() Pioneer DDJ-REV1: The latest Serato DJ controller for beginners can impress with a host of new features and functions. Especially the extra-large jogwheels and a microphone input are not a given in this price range. |
![]() AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2: The current most affordable model from AlphaTheta is the direct successor to the Pioneer DDJ-200 controller. It is aimed at all beginners who want to try DJing. However, the controller is well-equipped and compatible with rekordbox, WeDJ, and other iOS and Android apps. Highly recommended for all newcomers! |
Advanced Users
If you’ve been DJing for a while and gained experience or perhaps want to switch from analog to digital, the Pioneer controllers in the mid-price range are worth considering. Equipped with 4 channels, professional effects, and many features that make DJing easier, they offer enough equipment to satisfy advanced users and even professionals.
![]() Pioneer DDJ-FLX10: The flagship controller and successor to the DDJ-1000 impresses both advanced users and professionals. It convinces with the familiar club layout and many professional features like STEMS, among others. One of the most sought-after Pioneer DJ controller models on the market and our recommendation for anyone looking for a reliable, well-crafted controller who wants to work with both Serato and rekordbox! |
![]() AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6: If you’re looking for a controller suitable for both rekordbox and Serato DJ and want something that offers excellent value for money, the DDJ-GRV6 is a great choice. The controller features 4 channels, full-size jogwheels from the CDJ-3000, and comes with the special Groove Circuit Feature, allowing you to creatively design drum parts and create unique remixes. |
Professionals & Power Users
For those who DJ professionally or perhaps work in radio or television, Pioneer offers the perfect controller in the professional segment. Equipped with tons of features, this is where the power user will find happiness.
![]() Pioneer DDJ-REV7: The Serato flagship offers all the features you expect from a professional DJ controller and even more. With its motorized jogwheels with acrylic finish, the REV7 feels extremely close to real vinyl in both feel and operation. Of course, you can expect a fully equipped controller that is only limited by the user’s skill, including 22 Beat FX, performance pads with multiple modes, adjustable crossfader curves, and much more! |
All current DDJ controllers at a glance
Here are all the properties, details, and features of the Pioneer DDJ controller series listed. This way, you can compare all models directly and see which features the controller has and which it might be lacking.
This table is horizontally scrollable!
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Model | DDJ-FLX2 | DDJ-REV1 | DDJ-FLX4 | DDJ-XP2 | DDJ-GRV6 | DDJ-REV5 | DDJ-FLX10 | DDJ-REV7 |
RRP | €189 | €309 | €319 | €369 | €849 | €1099 | €1649 | €2149 |
Channels | 2 Channels | 2 Channels | 2 Channels | 2 Channels | 4 Channels | 2 + 2 Channels | 4 Channels | 2 Channels |
Type | DJ Controller | DJ Controller | DJ Controller | Add-On Controller | DJ Controller | DJ Controller | DJ Controller | DJ Controller |
Standalone | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Pads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Display | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Software |
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Inputs | - |
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Outputs |
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Soundcard | - | 24 Bit/44.1 kHz | 24 Bit/48 kHz | - | 24 Bit/44.1 kHz | 24 Bit/44.1 kHz | 24 Bit/44.1 kHz | 24 Bit/48 kHz |
Jog-Wheels | Plastic | 154 mm Plastic | 111 mm Plastic | - | 206 mm Plastic - On Jog Displays | 206 mm Plastic - On Jog Displays | 170 mm Plastic - On-Jog Displays | 207 mm Acrylic - On-Jog Displays |
Pad FX | Yes | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Filter | High and Low Pass Filter | High and Low Pass Filter | High and Low Pass Filter | - | High and Low Pass Filter | High and Low Pass Filter | High and Low Pass Filter | High and Low Pass Filter |
Sampler | - | 8 Slots x 4 Banks | 16 Slots (rekordbox) 4 Slots (Serato) | - | 16 Slots x 4 Banks | 8 Slots x 4 Banks | 16 Slots x 4 Banks | 8 Slots x 4 Banks |
Hot Cues | 8 | 4 | 4 (Serato) | 8 (rekordbox) | - | 8 | 8 | 16 | 8 |
Beat Jump | - | - | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | Yes | - |
Manual Loop | Yes | Yes | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Autoloop | - | Yes | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Slip Mode | - | - | - | - | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Needle Search | - | - | - | - | - | Yes | - | - |
Weight | 1.2 kg | 2.1 kg | 2.1 kg | 1.5 kg | 3.8 kg | 6.2 kg | 6.7 kg | 10.7 kg |
Width | 383 mm | 526 mm | 482 mm | 333 mm | 711 mm | 736 mm | 716 mm | 732 mm |
Height | 48 mm | 59 mm | 59 mm | 42 mm | 75 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm | 82 mm |
Depth | 208 mm | 255 mm | 273 mm | 235 mm | 375 mm | 377 mm | 400 mm | 382 mm |
Pioneer Standalone Controller - XDJ Series
The DDJ series consists purely of controllers that require a laptop or computer as a host. They are controllers that do not operate autonomously. If you want to be completely independent of a computer, you need a DJ controller that can work standalone, i.e., one that does not require a PC or laptop and is delivered with its own processor, memory, and operating system. Pioneer marks these controllers with an XDJ in the name.
The XDJ series not only consists of controllers but also standalone media players that can play music from USB sticks and hard drives. They are primarily aimed at professional DJs performing in larger clubs and festivals. Since this overview only deals with DJ controllers, we will focus solely on the controllers of the XDJ series.
Current XDJ Controllers in Detail
With the XDJ series, it is hard to differentiate between beginner or professional models. All models target the ambitious (semi-)professional DJ who regularly performs in streams or clubs and is looking for a reliable model that remains stable in operation even in critical situations.
Since the entire series works standalone with its own operating system, the failure of a laptop or computer can be reduced to a minimum. Pioneer devices are proven in clubs and festivals for years and serve as reliable workhorses. This also applies to the XDJ controllers.
The key factor in the buying decision here is only the range of features and functions you can expect for your money.
![]() Pioneer XDJ-RR: With the XDJ-RR, you get a compact standalone controller that offers all the important features and functions of the larger NXS-2 series. On a total of 2 channels, you can create professional sets. Included is a full version of rekordbox DJ, with which the controller can naturally also work. You will have to make some compromises with slightly smaller jogwheels, fewer inputs/outputs, fewer effects, and only 4 pads per deck. |
![]() Pioneer XDJ-RX3: The RX3 comes with an extra-large 10.1-inch WXGA Touch Display and impresses with phenomenal handling and some new and clever features. In addition to the extremely rich effects section, which is equipped with 14 Beat FX and 6 Sound Color FX, jogwheels with On-Jog Displays await their use. New features like Touch Preview for previewing by pressing the waveform or Release FX for easily exiting effect chains make the RX3 possibly the most complete controller. Additionally, this controller works both standalone and with rekordbox DJ and also with Serato DJ Pro. |
![]() AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ: The AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ is an all-in-one DJ system that stands out especially for its user-friendly operation and high performance. It offers an ergonomic design inspired by professional DJ equipment and allows you to work with up to four decks, promoting creative sets and spontaneous mashups. The 10.1-inch touchscreen makes navigation and track selection easier, while the integration with cloud services and streaming services offers flexible music choices. The high sound quality and versatile connectivity options make it ideal for use in large venues and studios. The XDJ-AZ offers impressive versatility as it is compatible with both rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro and even enables wireless monitoring. The D/A converter ensures clear, dynamic sound, and with features like Beat FX and direct playback from streaming services like Beatport, the DJ's creativity is maximized. The system is also user-friendly and offers numerous connectivity options for different devices, making it an excellent choice for professional DJs. |
All XDJ Models at a Glance
You can find all features, details, functions, and technical specifications of the XDJ controller series below in the practical overview:
This table is horizontally scrollable!
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Model | XDJ-RR | XDJ-RX3 | XDJ-AZ |
RRP | 1229 € | 2049 € | 3299 € |
Channels | 2 Channels | 2 Channels | 4 Channels |
Type | DJ-Controller | DJ-Controller | DJ-Controller |
Standalone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pads | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Software incl. | rekordbox dj | rekordbox dj | rekordbox dj & Serato DJ Pro |
Inputs |
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Outputs |
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Sound Card | 24 Bit/44.1 kHz | 24 Bit/44.1 kHz | 32 Bit/44.1 kHz |
Jog-Wheels | 111 mm Plastic | 135 mm Plastic | 206 mm Aluminum |
Beat FX |
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Sound Color FX |
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Filter | High-pass and Low-pass Filter | High-pass and Low-pass Filter | High-pass and Low-pass Filter |
Hot Cues | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Beat Loop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Beat Jump | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Slip Loop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Beat Sync | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Quantize | Yes | Yes | Yes |
WaveZoom | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Manual Loop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Weight | 5.2 kg | 9.3 kg | 13.5 kg |
Width | 625 mm | 728 mm | 895 mm |
Height | 74 mm | 118 mm | 133 mm |
Depth | 388 mm | 469 mm | 504 mm |