📅 Last updated: 11th March 2023 | 🕒 Est. reading time: 17 mins
Overview
As the DJ controller market continues to evolve, ‘all-in-one DJ systems’ (sometimes referred to as standalone DJ controllers) have fast become a popular alternative to DJing with a laptop.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a simple overview of the 5 best all-in-one DJ systems in 2023, along with everything you’ll need to make a buying decision. As the market leaders in this category, they’re all priced between $1,100 – 3,200 US!
Not what you’re looking for? Check out other price brackets here.
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Table of contents:
Who are these all-in-one DJ systems for?
An ”all-in-one” (or standalone) DJ system will be most applicable if you fall into one of these 3 categories:
- You’re an experienced DJ looking for a high-end DJ system for your home or studio setup.
- You’re a mobile DJ looking for a ‘no laptop required’ professional unit for their gigs.
- You’re a passionate bedroom or ‘hobbyist’ DJ that likes the idea of DJing without a laptop.
How to choose?
The 5 on this list are all high-end DJ systems, all with more functionality than most DJs would ever realistically use in a typical DJ set or at a gig. Specs and connections wise, they’re all designed for professional use.
So, once you’ve decided that an all-in-one DJ system is what you’re looking for, then it really comes down to how much you want to spend and what you plan on using it for. If you need more help before we jump in, check out these posts:
Post #1: A quick introduction to DJ controllers (mostly for beginners)
Post #2: A quick introduction to DJ software (breaks down the 5 main players in DJ software)
With that said, here are the 5 best all-in-one DJ systems in 2023!
1. Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD
Description:
Released in March 2023, the OPUS-QUAD from Pioneer DJ sits in a very similar bucket to Denon’s Prime 4 which is next on this list. Whilst the two units have a number of differences which we’ll talk about, in short, they both represent the most technologically advanced all-in-one DJ systems on the market.
As you’d expect, the Opus-Quad integrates tightly with Pioneer’s rekordbox, and it also supports Serato DJ Pro (coming summertime 2023). It’s Pioneer’s first all-in-one system to offer 4-channel playback in standalone mode.
Approximate price:
$3,200 US | £3,000 GBP | $7,000 AU (see buy links below).
Best suited to:
Mostly mobile & event DJs (some wedding DJs will surely find it appealing). Also bedroom DJs with deep pockets.
Product slideshow:
Birds-eye view
Top angle #1
Top angle #2
Front view
Rear view
| Key features/specs |
|---|
| 4-channel all-in-one DJ system; comes with Pioneer’s rekordbox and also supports Serato DJ Pro |
| Sophisticated contemporary style design with earth-coloured front panel trimming |
| Standalone four-deck playback (use of all 4 channels in standalone mode) |
| Large 10.1-inch glass touchscreen |
| Rapid track search with dedicated ‘Smart Rotary Selector’ |
| Built-in WiFi for access to streaming services and personal cloud library in rekordbox |
| Full-size mechanical jog wheels with customizable controls |
| Individual screens above each deck showing essential track data (similar to CDJs) |
| Hands-on control of effects via XY-pad |
| On-board track analysis, on-board beat FX |
| 16 hot cue pads – 8 above each jog wheel |
| Zone output allows you to play different music in different rooms |
| Supports USB thumb drives, USB connectivity for SSDs/hard drives and Bluetooth |
| Market-leading sound quality thanks to the 32-bit converter |
| External outputs to connect turntables or CDJs; all pro inputs & outputs as standard |
| Size: Width 925.7mm x Depth 499.7mm x Height 142mm |
| Weight: 13.2kg |
Key takeaways/conclusion:
Aesthetically and design wise, the OPUS-QUAD is a big change in direction when compared to Pioneer’s other 4-channel standalone ‘club-style’ offering, the XDJ-XZ, which is No.3 on this list – noting that it isn’t a replacement.
Some key features include the 10.1-inch glass touchscreen, built-in WiFi (for streaming and cloud library access in rekordbox), the individual screens above each deck, market-leading sound quality (thanks to the 32-bit converter – the same found in Pioneer’s new industry-standard mixer), on-board track analysis, 16 hot cue pads, and full size mechanical jog wheels.
It also supports Bluetooth, has USB connectivity for SSDs/hard drives, and has a ‘zone output’ that allows you to control multiple rooms.
Based on its sophisticated look and hefty price tag, the OPUS-QUAD is mostly aimed at up-market mobile & event DJs – offering all-new tech and modernized connections that compete with Denon’s Prime 4 (next on this list).
As well as being curved at the front, it’s important to note that the OPUS-QUAD slopes 5% upwards from the front to the rear. It’s also significantly larger and heavier than the Prime 4, with the hot cue buttons located above the jog wheels, all-in-all offering a more spacious workflow than the Prime 4 does.
Additionally, it has larger mechanical jog wheels similar to those found on Pioneer’s pro gear, where-as the Prime 4 has smaller ‘touch capacitive’ jogs (from a functional perspective these are the same found on most DJ controllers). Whilst neither option is ‘’better’’, it’s worth pointing out.
The OPUS-QUAD also has large individual screens above each deck showing essential track data, etc., again bringing it closer to a ‘CDJ-like’ experience – which many may prefer. Priced at $3,200 US dollars, it’s easily the most expensive all-in-one DJ system on the market – and a mammoth $1,300 more than the Prime 4!
If you need additional resources, visit the product page or watch this first look & review video from Nick Spinelli.
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
2. Denon Prime 4
Description:
Released at the beginning of 2019, the Prime 4 from Denon DJ is still one of the most advanced all-in-one DJ systems on the market today – on-par with Pioneer’s OPUS-QUAD.
It comes with their proprietary Engine DJ music management & DJ software as standard (operating system built-in), and will also work as a DJ controller with Serato DJ Pro or Virtual DJ.
Jump down to No.6 on this post for more on Engine DJ.
Approximate price:
$1,800 – 2,200 USD (see buy links below).
Best suited to:
Any tech-loving bedroom DJ or music lover wanting the ultimate music control centre with streaming & cloud services. Also Mobile DJs that are looking for a super-versatile and well-built standalone DJ system at a considerably cheaper price than the OPUS-QUAD ($1,300 cheaper!).
Product slideshow:
Birds-eye view
Top angle #1
Top angle #2
Top angle #3
Front view
Rear view
Side view
| Key features/Specs |
|---|
| 4-channel all-in-one DJ system; comes with Denon’s Engine DJ music management & DJ software |
| Both wired & WIFI connectivity options within Engine; supports streaming platforms including TIDAL, Beatport Streaming, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, and Dropbox |
| Option to sync and import your music library from all the leading DJ software providers |
| Multicore processor powered |
| Rugged metal chassis |
| Multi-function 10-inch glass, colour touchscreen with adjustable stand and advanced library search options |
| Supports uncompressed audio files including FLAC, ALAC and WAV files |
| Keep your entire music collection on board; load your music either via the built-in SATA hard drive (hard drive not included), USB port, or the SD card insert |
| 6-inch touch-capacitive metal jog wheels with HD display in centre for track artwork or your personal logo – plus customizable RGB light for visual preference |
| 14 FX controls taken from Denon’s X1800 pro club mixer |
| 8 performance pads for each channel for Hot cue, Loop, Roll, Slicer, and samples |
| StagelinQ connectivity for Event/Pro DJ lighting and video control |
| 4 USB inputs and 2 dedicated Mic channels |
| Dedicated ‘Zone Outputs’ allow you to control a different location (or room) through one of the 4 channels |
| Powerful Key Sync controls for seamless harmonic mixing |
| External outputs to connect turntables or CDJs; all pro inputs & outputs as standard (record your DJ sets from any connected source) |
| Size: Width 728.47mm x Depth 496.82mm x Height 103.63mm |
| Weight: 9.7kg |
Key takeaways/conclusion:
There’s no shortage of things to talk about with the prime 4 – with it’s large 10-inch touchscreen, built-in hard drive and SD card inserts, and support for higher-quality uncompressed music files such as FLAC and WAV. It’s versatility and connectivity specs make it an excellent all-in-one option for any mobile, or indeed bedroom DJ.
The unit also has wired & WIFI connectivity allowing for the use of streaming services such as TIDAL, Beatport Streaming, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, and of course access to your personal cloud storage via Dropbox.
Its built-in hard drive space and SD inserts are unique in the market (noting that the OPUS-QUAD doesn’t offer this), giving DJs the option to easily carry around their entire music collection ‘on board’; and you can also control multiple room outputs.
Additionally, you can import your music library from the leading DJ software providers, allowing DJs that are currently using Serato, rekordbox or Traktor to easily synchronize it and move it over. Same goes for iTunes.
For more resources, check out Denon’s feature overview or watch this full video review from DJBooth.net. Also visit the manufacturer’s product page.
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
3. Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ
Description:
Released at the end of 2019, the XDJ-XZ is a 4-channel all-in-one DJ system from Pioneer DJ that’s designed to closely replicate a CDJ-like club setup (since the OPUS-QUAD came out we can’t really call it their ‘flagship’ anymore).
It comes with their proprietary music management and DJ software, rekordbox, and also works as a DJ controller (w/connected laptop) with Serato DJ Pro and Virtual DJ.
Approximate price:
$2,200 – 2,600 US (see buy links below).
Best suited to:
Mobile DJs that use rekordbox, and just ANY DJ that’s happy paying 2.5k to closely replicate a CDJ-like club experience in their bedroom or studio.
Product slide show:
Birds-eye view
Top angle
Laptop setup
4-channel setup
Turntable setup
Rear view
| Key features/specs |
|---|
| 4-channel all-in-one DJ system (note, you can only use 2 channels in standalone mode) |
| Also works as a DJ controller with Serato DJ Pro and Virtual DJ |
| With ‘Link’ export mode you can plug in CDJs to use the other 2 channels |
| Prepare your music in rekordbox and transfer onto USB sticks; setting cue points, loops, add beat countdowns, analyze keys and much more |
| 7-inch LCD touch screen + colour on-jog displays |
| Full-sized 8-inch mechanical jog wheels, identical to that found on Pioneer’s CDJ-2000NSX2 media players |
| 3 x USB ports; useful for back-to-back DJ changeovers without laptops, and for recording your set on a spare USB |
| 2 x laptop connections for DJ changeovers or back-to-backs with laptops |
| 6 Built-in ‘Sound Colour’ FX and 14 ‘Beat FX’ taken from Pioneers’ DJM pro club mixers |
| 8 multi-colour rubber performance pads for each channel to trigger various in-software features |
| 2 x Mic input with dedicated 3 band EQs, talkover adjuster and feedback reducer |
| Dedicated onboard room/master EQ controls |
| External outputs to connect turntables or CDJs; all pro inputs/outputs as standard |
| Size: Width 878mm x Depth 466.1mm x Height 118.4mm |
| Weight: 13kg |
Key takeaways/conclusion:
Only slightly behind the OPUS-QUAD, the XDJ-XZ is the largest and heaviest DJ system on this list. It has tons of pro functionality that would typically appeal to mobile DJs – with its 3 x USB ports, dual laptop plugins, dedicated dual-Mic area, and onboard master EQ control area.
At around $2,500 (US), it’s also the second most expensive unit on this list, with the Denon Prime 4 coming in about $500 cheaper depending on where you get it from. Regardless of price, the XDJ-XZ is unique in its own right, as it’s literally the only standalone unit on the market that almost identically replicates a CDJ club experience. For any aspiring (or indeed working) club DJs, there’s no doubt that’s a massive selling point!
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Whilst the XDJ-XZ may not compete with the OPUS-QUAD and Prime 4 in the ‘latest tech & innovation’ department, it really depends on what’s most important to you (ie, that massive selling point I’ve just mentioned!). Just bear in mind, it only works with two channels in standalone mode, which could be an issue for some.
If you need more resources, check out Pioneer’s intro video or visit the manufacturer’s product page.
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
4. Denon SC Live 4
Description:
Released in November 2022, the SC Live 4 from Denon DJ comes with their proprietary Engine DJ music management & DJ software as standard (operating system built-in), and will also work as a DJ controller with Serato DJ Pro (license included) and Virtual DJ.
Jump down to No.6 on this post for more on Engine DJ.
Approximate price:
$1,300 US | £1,150 | $1,150 Euro | $2,600 AU (see buy links below)
Best suited to:
Hobbyists, bedroom DJs and live streamers that want a COMPLETE out-of-the-box solution and perhaps have no music collection and/or speakers.
Power supply:
The SC Live 4 has an AC adapter for an external power supply (power brick). It’s ready to go out of the box, either as a standalone unit or as a DJ controller powered through your laptop/USB port.
Product slide show:
main view
right angle
left angle
front angle
front
back
| Key features/specs |
|---|
| 4-channel all-in-one DJ system; comes with Denon’s Engine DJ music management & DJ software and works with Serato DJ Pro (licence included) and Virtual DJ |
| Compact, lightweight and portable design |
| Club-style mixer layout |
| 7-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen with access to FX tools |
| Built-in speakers – so no need for monitor speakers in your bedroom |
| 6-inch jog wheels with ‘on-jog’ displays conveniently showing BPM and time elapsed |
| 8 performance pads for each channel |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for music streaming, cloud access and Engine DJ OS updates – supports TIDAL, Beatport Streaming, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, Amazon Music, and Dropbox |
| Sweep FX and 13 BPM FX |
| Engine allows users to import libraries from other DJ software |
| 2 x USB-A ports, 1 x USB-B port, and an SD card slot |
| Automatically sync & control DMX, Philips Hue, and Nanoleaf light fixtures for a light show |
| Dedicated XLR, RCA, and 1/4-inch booth outputs (compatible with most sound systems) |
| 2 x microphone inputs |
| Size: Width 718mm x Depth 403mm x Height 99mm |
| Weight: 5.8kg |
Key takeaways/conclusion:
Whilst sharing a lot of commonalities with Denon’s flagship Prime 4 (no.2 on this list), crucially, the SC Live 4 is mostly aimed at bedroom DJs and live streamers rather than professional DJs.
As with the Prime 4, you still have 4 channels and WiFi/streaming services as standard (with the addition of Amazon Music), and everything can be done on-board with the powerful, built-in Engine software. Additionally, the SC Live 4 unlocks Serato DJ Pro and works with Virtual DJ Pro, thus offering maximum out-of-the-box versatility.
With its club-style mixer and layout (not the case with the Prime 4), other notable features include the 7-inch touchscreen, the on-jog displays, and of course, the built-in speakers – ideal for smaller gatherings and casual house parties.
In conclusion… at $1300 (US), the SC Live 4 is easily the cheapest 4-channel standalone DJ controller on the market – albeit at the top-end of the hobbyist market (note: the Prime 4 is roughly $700 more) – and in spite of its all-plastic construction, the unit certainly doesn’t feel cheap or tacky.
It’s also worth noting it doesn’t operate as a standalone mixer, so you can’t connect CDJs, turntables, or use it with DVS – although that typically wouldn’t be a requirement for your average live streamer/bedroom DJ! For more resources, watch Denon’s short promo video or visit the product page.
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
5. Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3
Description:
Launched to market in November 2021, the XDJ-RX3 is a 2-channel all-in-one DJ system from Pioneer DJ (the latest in the ‘RX’ series). It comes with their music management/DJ software, rekordbox, and is also compatible with Serato DJ Pro.
Approximate price:
$2,000 USD when it came out in Nov 2021 (see buy links below).
Best suited to:
Mobile DJs that use rekordbox and have no need for 4 channels. Also aspiring club DJs, and just any bedroom DJ looking to closely replicate a CDJ-like club experience on a 2k US budget with no need for 4 channels.
Product slide show:
Front angle
Side angle
Birdseye view
Front view
Rear view
| Key features/specs |
|---|
| 2-channel, 4-deck all-in-one DJ system; comes with rekordbox and is compatible with Serato DJ Pro |
| Prepare your music in rekordbox and transfer onto USB sticks; setting cue points, loops, add beat countdowns, and analyze keys, etc. |
| Large, high-res 10.1-inch touch screen – now with rapid browsing, playlist bank, touch preview and countdown timer |
| Improved audio design of the circuit board for better sound (compared to previous model) |
| 6-inch touch-capacitive jog wheels with tension adjustment and colour ‘on jog’ displays |
| Dual-USB ports onboard for standalone mode. Load your tracks on one and record your mixes on the other; also useful for back-to-back DJ changeovers without laptops |
| Supports high-quality uncompressed audio files including AIFF, WAV and FLAC |
| Built-in ‘Sound Color’ and ‘Beat FX’ taken from Pioneer’s DJM pro club mixers; now includes an extra 6 Beat FX and 2 additional Sound Color FX as found on the XDJ-XZ |
| 8 fully-illuminated performance pads on each channel with secondary pad layer modes (with gated Hot Cues). Pads trigger hot cues, Beat loop, Slip Loop and Beat Jump |
| External outputs to connect turntables or CDJs plus 2 Mic inputs; all pro inputs/outputs as standard |
| Size: Width 728.1mm x Depth 469.5mm x Height 118.4mm |
| Weight: 9.3kg |
Key takeaways/conclusion:
Coming in at around $2,000 US, the XDJ-RX3 is the upgrade from Pioneer’s previous 2-channel standalone contender, the XDJ-RX2.
With a more refined design than the previous model, the RX3 also inherits the layout and workflow of a professional Pioneer club setup, creating a seamless transition from the bedroom to the DJ booth.
It has a new high-res, 10.1-inch screen, and a more powerful processor than the RX2, allowing tracks to load quicker, all-in-all offering a much better browsing experience than before!
Pioneer has also added ‘on jog’ displays this time around: the small screens show if you have things like vinyl mode, beat sync or slip mode engaged, and you can also display track artwork or a custom logo.
Simply put, if your heart is set on an all-in-one DJ system from Pioneer—and, if you think you’re never going to use 4 channels—then this is likely the one for you! It’s approximately $500 US cheaper than the 4-channel XDJ-XZ, and it’s got just about everything your average bedroom DJ (or indeed mobile professional) would likely ever need. You can also connect CDJs and turntables with the RX3.
If you need more resources, check out Pioneer’s walkthrough video or visit the manufacturer’s product page.
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
6??: Denon Prime Go
The Prime Go from Denon DJ is a battery-powered standalone DJ system designed for professional use. No phone or laptop required …just stick in your SD card and you’re good to go!
Priced at about a grand, everything is high-quality on this unit, plus you get all the latest tech that we’ve come to expect from Denon. Considering the size of this unit (seriously, it’s tiny!), it could be used for those gigs where there isn’t much room, or maybe as a backup or travel controller perhaps …if that solves a problem for you.
Whilst it may not have a massive amount of mainstream appeal, it’s still a fantastic solution for the right DJ (likely a mobile DJ). If it sounds interesting, check out the product page or buy it on Amazon.com.
Summery: Best all-in-one DJ systems
Just to recap, these are the best all-in-one DJ systems in 2023…
- Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD
- Denon Prime 4
- Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ
- Denon SC Live 4
- Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3
More buyer’s guides:
- Best DJ Controllers for Beginners in 2023 (mostly under $500)
- Best Mid-Tier DJ Controllers in 2023 (under $1000 range)
- Best Top-Tier DJ Controllers in 2023 (pro range with laptop)
- Best Headphones for DJs (all budgets)
- Best BUDGET Monitor Speakers (for DJs & music producers)
- Best Turntables for DJs (for professional use)
- Best DJ Mixers for all budgets
FAQs
What is a standalone DJ controller?
Standalone DJ controllers (also known as ‘all-in-one DJ systems’) are DJ controllers that don’t require a connected laptop to operate them. It’s important to note that regardless of whether you choose a ‘’regular’’ DJ controller or an all-in-one DJ system, you’ll still need a reliable laptop as a base to organize your music.
What is the best standalone DJ controller?
The best standalone DJ controller (all-in-one DJ system) is surely the Prime 4 from Denon DJ …or at least from a technological standpoint. It has a built-in hard drive and SD card inserts, wired & WIFI connectivity, plus other unique features. However, the XDJ-XZ from Pioneer contests this, as it’s the only standalone unit on the market that almost identically replicates a ‘CDJ’ club-like experience.
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