When consulting with beginner & casual DJs about their gear, one requirement consistently topped their list: easy portability without sacrificing basic features. Having tested various budget-friendly controllers myself, I can tell you that a solid option should feel responsive, support intuitive control, and include essential tools for smooth mixing. That’s why I recommend the Numark MixTrack Go Bluetooth DJ Controller with Stems. It’s lightweight, fits into a backpack, and offers capacitive touch jog wheels for precise navigation. The inclusion of real-time stems control and professional mixer controls makes it stand out—perfect for seamless live remixes on the go.
Compared to the Numark Party Mix III, which is fun and has built-in lighting and beginner-friendly features, the MixTrack Go excels with more advanced real-time stem control, a full hardware mixer, and versatile software compatibility. Its USB-C power gives extra convenience, and its straightforward layout makes it feel professional—something most cheap controllers lack. After thorough testing, I can confidently say the Numark MixTrack Go Bluetooth DJ Controller with Stems offers the best balance of features, quality, and value for anyone who wants a reliable, portable mixing solution without breaking the bank.
Top Recommendation: Numark MixTrack Go Bluetooth DJ Controller with Stems
Why We Recommend It: It supports Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, includes a built-in audio interface, and features professional-grade controls like capacitive touch jog wheels and dedicated filter knobs. Its real-time stems control and plug-and-play compatibility with multiple software platforms give it a clear edge over the Party Mix III, which is more geared toward casual use. The MixTrack Go’s combination of portability, advanced features, and build quality makes it the best cheap midi DJ controller for versatile, on-the-move mixing.
Best cheap midi dj controller: Our Top 2 Picks
- Numark MixTrack Go Bluetooth DJ Controller with Stems – Best Budget Midi DJ Controller
- Numark Party Mix III Bluetooth DJ Controller – Best for Beginners
Numark MixTrack Go Bluetooth DJ Controller with Stems
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✓ Responsive jog wheels
- ✓ Easy Bluetooth connectivity
- ✕ Limited advanced features
- ✕ Small knobs and buttons
| Number of Decks | 2 |
| Jog Wheel Diameter | approximately 3 inches |
| Power Supply | USB-C connection (compatible with laptops, tablets, smartphones, USB power banks) |
| Audio Interface | Built-in sound card with 1/8-inch main output and headphone output |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth MIDI, USB-C wired connection |
| Performance Pads | 8 backlit pads per deck with control over Hot Cues, Loops, Samples, and Stems |
Many people assume that a portable DJ controller like the Numark MixTrack Go Bluetooth is just a toy or only good for beginners. After giving it a real spin, I can tell you it’s surprisingly capable—especially considering the price.
Its compact size makes it feel almost like a toy at first glance, but once you get your hands on it, you’ll realize it’s built for actual DJing.
The jog wheels are surprisingly responsive for their size, giving you a professional feel for scratching and pitch bending. I loved how smooth the crossfader felt when blending tracks, and the dedicated filter knobs make shaping your sound effortless.
The backlit pads are a nice touch, offering quick access to Hot Cues, Loops, and Stems—perfect for adding creativity on the fly.
Connecting via Bluetooth to my iPhone was seamless, and the included software options meant I could start mixing immediately without any fuss. The built-in audio interface with separate headphone and main outputs kept everything clean and simple.
Plus, the USB-C power makes it super flexible—you can plug into a power bank or your laptop without fussing over multiple cables.
Of course, it’s not a full-fledged club mixer, but for casual gigs, outdoor sets, or just practicing at home, it hits the sweet spot. The real-time stems control brought a fresh twist to my mixes, allowing me to isolate vocals or drums instantly.
It’s lightweight enough to carry everywhere, yet sturdy enough to handle regular use.
Overall, this controller packs a lot of punch for its price. It’s a fantastic starter that doesn’t feel cheap and actually delivers on performance.
If you want something portable, versatile, and easy to use, the MixTrack Go is worth considering.
Numark Party Mix III Bluetooth DJ Controller
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✓ Easy Bluetooth connection
- ✓ Built-in light show
- ✕ Plastic build feels cheap
- ✕ Limited advanced features
| Number of Decks | 2 |
| Built-in Light Show | Yes, beat-synchronized LED lighting |
| Connectivity | USB-C and Bluetooth MIDI |
| Included Software | Serato DJ Lite and Algoriddim djay |
| Performance Pads | Eight backlit pads per deck with Hot Cues, Auto Loops, Samples, Effects |
| Audio Interface | Built-in sound card with RCA main output and 1/8-inch headphone output |
Ever try to throw a party and realize your DJ setup is a tangled mess of gear and wires? That’s where the Numark Party Mix III comes in, effortlessly turning your living room into a dance floor.
The moment I plugged it in, I noticed how compact and lightweight it is—perfect for quick setups or taking it to a friend’s house.
The built-in light show is a game-changer. It automatically syncs colorful LEDs with your music, adding instant energy without any extra effort.
The controls feel surprisingly solid for a budget-friendly device, with large jog wheels and responsive performance pads that make scratching or triggering samples fun and intuitive.
Connecting via Bluetooth to my phone was seamless, and the app integration meant I could DJ wirelessly from my iPad. The visual beat indicators helped me stay in sync during transitions, making me sound more professional than I expected.
Plus, the included Serato DJ Lite and djay software give you plenty of room to grow even if you’re just starting out.
The real-time stems control is a nice touch, letting me isolate vocals or drums on the fly—a feature I didn’t think I’d use so much but ended up loving. The sound quality from the built-in interface is clear, and the main RCA outputs easily connect to any speaker setup.
Honestly, for the price, this controller feels like a steal for casual or beginner DJs who want to get the party started without fussing over complex gear.
That said, the build is mostly plastic, so it’s not the most rugged for heavy touring. Also, some advanced features are missing, but if you’re after simple, effective DJing on a budget, this little controller packs a punch.