With so many DJ software options on the market today, we wanted to get reviews from people who have used particular software brands for many years. Why do they stick with it? What it is about that particular software that makes it their “DJ software of choice”?
DJs Guru fam – when it comes to choosing DJ software, there are more choices than ever. Previously Serato, Virtual DJ, and Traktor were the main contenders in this battle. Now, more and more companies have entered the ring. In my ten years of being a DJ, I’ve dabbled with all of the major DJ programs. I started with Serato, checked out Virtual DJ, moved to Traktor for a few years, and finally ended up back with Serato. I’ve used Serato exclusively now for the past 5 or so years. No matter which software you choose, becoming proficient and comfortable with it is the most important aspect of your decision. Here are the reasons why Serato is my DJ software of choice.
Industry Standard
For years, if you were to walk into a club and take a look at the DJ’s laptop you would most likely have seen Serato. Due to its seamless integration with the gear most professional DJs were using – Technics 1200 turntables and Pioneer CDJs – it became the de facto choice for working DJs. While its market share may be reduced in recent years due to a big push for Rekordbox by Pioneer, from what I’ve seen it still remains the most popular option in clubs, venues, and bars. Being able to use Serato allows DJs to jump from mobile gigs to club gigs with ease. You aren’t going to find Virtual DJ in many clubs. Additionally, many DJ controllers, especially the high-end options used by working DJs, come bundled with Serato. Some may even be specifically designed with the Serato workflow in mind.
Why Serato Is My DJ Software – Streamlined Simplicity
To me, Serato is like the Apple of the DJ software world. They may not be the ones with cutting-edge new features, but their product is well-made, user-friendly, and extremely streamlined. The Serato graphic interface is no-nonsense and simple and looks like it was actually designed recently (looking at you VDJ). The browser and deck screens are large and uncluttered. The graphic interface is standard across operating systems and computers. This again points to the fact that it is easy to move from one computer or mixer to another. While some software may offer you more customization options, this only adds clutter in my mind.
Performance
While individual experiences may vary, I have found Serato to be the most stable software option. When it comes to connecting my DJ controllers to software, Serato has never failed to have flawless integration with whatever hardware I connect to it. With other software I’ve used in the past, I’ve had issues with losing connection, frozen screens, and needing to create custom mappings for my controllers. As someone who likes to scratch on my controller’s jog wheels and utilize my control pads often, I’ve found Serato to have the lowest latency and the most natural response.
Why Serato Is My DJ Software – Final thoughts
There will never be a definitive answer on which software is the “best,” so it’s up to you to test them all and find the option that works best for your situation. Ultimately, I’ve stuck with Serato because it felt the most natural to use for me and it keeps the most performance options open. Will it work for you? Give it a try and find out.
