This article is for when a full sized DJ controller just won’t cut it and you need a more compact or portable option.  Save on desk space, have a backup for the gig, practice you mixing anywhere, or set up laptop cue points pre-show. There’s tons of reasons for wanting a compact controller. That’s why in this article we’re going over the best options for portable DJ controllers currently available.

The Best Compact DJ Controller – Numark DJ2GO2 Touch

Usually when I write an article like this it’s hard to pick a best. Different controllers are better for different reasons, software options, use cases, budgets, and features. I try to highlight these differences in a way that helps readers find the best option for them. That’s not the case with this article. The best portable controller on this list is the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch.

The DJ2GO2 is Numark’s answer to the question, “what’s the most portable usable DJ controller we can make?”. It’s a full feature DJ controller with everything needed to do a mix. All you need is a laptop and DJ software and you’re good to go. The controller itself is small enough to sit on a laptop below the keyboard. It has an audio card, so no audio interface is needed.

This controller is amazing option for a lot of people. First it’s inexpensive and cheaper than the other option on this list (and has more features). It’s great as a backup. It’s great for practice or playing impromptu shows on the go. It’s great if your studio space is really tight, and adding another piece of gear is impossible. It’s great as a first controller for kids. Its great as a first controller for someone just testing out the hobby.

FEATURES

• Compact two-channel DJ controller
• Comes with Serato DJ Intro
• Control the music with play, fader and jog wheels
• Onboard Audio and Headphone Cueing
• Midi mapping for any software
• Compact and portable
• 3.55mm Headphone output
• 3.55mm main output

Another Portable DJ Controller Option – Hercules DJControl Starlight

Just to be thorough I figured I’d outline the other main compact controller competitor, the Hercules DJControl Starlight. At a slightly higher price point the offering from Hercules has the exact same feature set and companion DJ software. This is Hercules’ answer to the full featured, smallest functional DJ controller question.

The main differences between the Starlight and the DJ2GO2 is the layout, additional illuminating LEDs, accessibility of features and the slightly larger size allowing for potentially easier handling. The LED are RGB and programmable to allow for effects in the booth.

Both options are amazing for all the same reasons, they’re high quality, and great buys. It’s definitely a choice between cost, brand loyalty, preferred layout, and looks/effects.

FEATURES

• Programmable RGB LED Backlighting with effects
• Compact two-channel DJ controller
• Comes with Serato DJ Intro
• Control the music with play, fader and jog wheels
• Onboard Audio and Headphone Cueing
• Midi mapping for any software
• Compact and portable
• 3.55mm Headphone output
• 3.55mm main output

The Smallest DJ Controller And “Studio” – Monster GO DJ

The Monster GO DJ is one of the smallest full feature DJ controllers that’s available for purchase. Small is an understatement as it comes in at 10 ounces and 2.6 x 0.66 x 9.84 inches. Smaller than anything else on this list. But ironically its size isn’t what makes this controller stand out among the rest.

This isn’t just for mixing, it’s a complete mobile DJ solution. The other controllers on this are purely MIDI interfaces to go with a laptop and software. This little beast can pump a show out all on it’s own. It’s touchscreen, you store songs on an SD card, and it handles everything! It feels awkward calling it just a small DJ controller when it’s more like a pocket music studio.

The Monster GO definitely intends to fill a niche. Intending to bring everything into the device it changes the game. The controller has it’s own DJ software and processes the mixes itself. It even has a rechargeable battery to power it meaning you don’t even need an outlet if you have a portable speaker to go with it. On top of that leaving the laptop out immediately makes this the most compact solution.

It comes in at $499 and special order from Korea. You can check it out at the Monster Go website.

FEATURES

• Rechargeable Battery
• Touchscreen
• Full software suite installed on controller
• SD card and onboard memory to store songs
• Headphone and Microphone Aux Plugs
• Really unique product