📅 Last updated: 16th Sep 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 (the 5 controllers):
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.
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, also check out these posts:
Post #1: A quick introduction to DJ controllers (mostly for beginners)
Post #2: Best DJ software programs (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. It’s Pioneer’s first ever all-in-one system to offer 4-channel playback in standalone mode.
Approximate price:
$3,200 US | £3,000 | $7,000 AU (see buy links below).
Best suited to:
Mostly mobile & event DJs (up-market 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+.
As well as being curved at the front, 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, thus 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, whereas 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’’, necessarily, these things are all 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, it’s easily the most expensive all-in-one DJ system on the market – and a mammoth $1,000 more than the Prime 4+!
If you need additional resources, visit the product page or watch Pioneer’s complete overview video below.
Best places to buy:
Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.
2. Denon Prime 4+
Description:
Released in June 2023, the Prime 4+ from Denon DJ is one of the most advanced all-in-one DJ systems on the market today – the upgrade from its predecessor, the Prime 4, originally released in 2019.
The Prime 4+ comes with Denon’s 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 and Virtual DJ. It’s currently the only controller in existence that offers real-time stems (track separation) without the need to connect a laptop.
Jump down to No.6 on this post for more on Engine DJ.
Approximate price:
Upon release: US $2199 | £2299 | €2599 (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, and ‘laptop-free’ stems on board. Also Mobile DJs that are looking for a super-versatile and well-built standalone DJ system at a considerably cheaper price than Pioneer’s Opus-Quad ($1,000 cheaper).
Product slideshow:
Birds-eye view
Top angle #1
Top angle #2
Front view
Rear view
| Key features/specs |
|---|
| 4-Deck standalone DJ controller |
| 10.1-inch HD multi-touch display |
| Wi-Fi music streaming for Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Beatsource, Beatport, Soundcloud GO+, Dropbox |
| Sampler with 16 pad-triggered sample slots, volume control, and output routing |
| First-ever standalone Stems functionality for real-time vocal and instrument isolation (beta starts summer 2023) |
| Touch FX for interactive touchscreen audio manipulation |
| 26 x Main FX with OLED displays and parameter controls |
| 4 x dynamic, knob-controlled Sweep FX (combinable with Main FX) |
| Embedded lighting control for automatic and customized DMX, Philips Hue, and Nanoleaf light shows |
| 4 x USB and 1 x SD media inputs for music playback |
| Engine Remote Desktop for wireless access to computer-based music library |
| On-board song analysis for streaming tracks and saved media |
| 16 x performance pads with Hot Cue, Saved Loop, Auto Loop, Roll, Sampler, Slicer, and Slicer Loop modes |
| Rugged metal chassis and steel knob stems |
| Dedicated XLR Zone output with EQ and volume control for sending playlists and tracks to a separate room |
| Built-in 2.5-inch SATA drive bay to store music on-board |
| 6-inch metal jog wheel with expanded touch surface, assignable colour, and center HD displays for album art |
| 4 x assignable input channels for Line/Phono external media sources |
| 2 x dedicated 1/4″ XLR combination inputs for microphones with level, EQ, Talkover, and Echo controls |
| Internal audio recorder for capturing live performances |
| Fully customizable crossfader with curve control knob, channel assignment switches, and Fader Start |
| StagelinQ connection for Event/Pro DJ lighting and video control |
| Plays uncompressed audio formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV) |
| Works as a controller for Serato DJ Pro (hardware unlocks) and Virtual DJ (license required) |
Key takeaways/conclusion:
There’s no shortage of things to talk about with the Prime 4+ …with its large 10-inch touchscreen, onboard stems controls (no laptop required), built-in hard drive and SD card inserts, and support for higher-quality uncompressed music files such as FLAC and WAV. Its versatility and connectivity specs make it an excellent all-in-one option for any mobile or bedroom DJ.
The unit also has wired & WIFI connectivity allowing for the use of streaming services such as TIDAL, Beatport Streaming, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, Amazon Music, and of course access to your personal cloud storage via Dropbox.
In addition to laptop-free stems, its built-in hard drive space and SD inserts are unique in the market, giving DJs the option to easily carry around their entire music collection ‘on board’. You can also control multiple room outputs, as you can with the Opus-Quad.
Lastly, it’s important to note: 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, visit the product page or watch Denon’s feature overview video below.
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.
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, such as 3 x USB ports, dual laptop plugins, a dedicated dual-Mic area, and an onboard master EQ control area.
At around $2,500 US, it’s also the second most expensive unit on this list, with Denon’s Prime 4+ coming in about $300 cheaper. 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, visit the manufacturer’s product page or check out the walkthrough video from Serato below.
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/or those without a 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 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 and everything can be done on-board with the powerful, built-in Engine DJ 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, on-jog displays, and built-in speakers – ideal for smaller gatherings and casual house parties.
In conclusion: at $1300 dollars 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. And in spite of its all-plastic construction, the unit doesn’t feel cheap or tacky.
It’s also worth noting that 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 or bedroom DJ! For more resources, watch Denon’s overview video below 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 bedroom DJs 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 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.
For more resources, visit the manufacturer’s product page or check out Pioneer’s walkthrough video below.
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 (mostly under $500)
- Best Mid-Tier DJ Controllers (under $1000 range)
- Best Top-Tier DJ Controllers (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 controllers on the market – at least from a technological standpoint – are surely the Opus-Quad from Pioneer DJ and the Prime 4+ from Denon DJ. Both have built-in WIFI connectivity, ‘zone outputs’, plus other unique features not found on other systems. Separately, the XDJ-XZ from Pioneer is the only standalone unit on the market that almost identically replicates a ‘CDJ’ club-like experience, which is a huge selling point.
What is 'Stems' in DJing?
Also described as ‘track separation technology’, Stems allows you to remove or isolate components of a track in real-time—such as the drums, melody, bass or vocals—giving DJs the ability to create unique mash-ups on the fly, execute more creative transitions, whilst also adding FX to the individual stem.
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