Best Free DJ Mixing Software Programs

Mix up your music library with these free tools

By
Mark Harris
Mark Harris
Writer
  • University of Wolverhampton
Mark Harris is a former writer for Lifewire who wrote about the digital music scene and streaming music services in an easy to understand, no-nonsense manner.
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Updated on December 24, 2021
Reviewed by
Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger headshot
Reviewed by Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

If you aspire to be the next hot DJ or want to have a little fun mixing up your music library, try out some free DJ software. With these music-editing tools, take your existing digital music files and learn how to produce unique remixes. Most of these tools can record your music mixes to a separate audio file, such as MP3s.

Here's a look at some great free DJ software programs, with features and functionality that range from basic to professional, to work hand-in-hand with the best turntables.

If you decide to take up this art form as a serious hobby or aim for a professional DJ gig, some of these programs offer paid versions with more advanced features and functionality.

01
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Mixxx

Mixx Software free DJ sofware
What We Like

  • Free and open source.

  • Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  • Numerous effects, such as reverb, scratch, and echo.

  • A built-in mixer that works well.

What We Don't Like

  • Not as customizable as some other software.

  • A limited number of effects.

Whether you're an amateur or professional DJ, Mixxx has a good set of features for creating music even in live sessions. Use this open-source tool with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

You don't need any extra hardware to use this DJ program, but Mixxx does support MIDI control if you have any external DJ equipment. There's also vinyl control.

Mixxx has a range of real-time effects. Record your creations in WAV, OGG, M4A/AAC, FLAC, or MP3. The program also offers iTunes integration and BPM detection to sync the tempo of multiple songs instantly.

For a free DJ tool, Mixxx is a feature-rich program that's worth a serious look.

02
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MixPad Free

What We Like

  • Upload to SoundCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

  • Mix an unlimited number of audio, music, sounds, and voice tracks.

  • Audio Unit plug-in support for added studio effects and instruments.

What We Don't Like

  • Must purchase the full version to access cool features and extensions.

  • Doesn't have the studio console look.

MixPad is another free music-mixing program that makes it easy to access your recording and mixing equipment.

With MixPad, create unlimited audio, music, and vocal tracks, and record single or multiple tracks at the same time. MixPad includes free sound effects and a music library with hundreds of clips at your disposal.

Craft your own beats or start with a sample pattern using the beat designer. Add instruments and effects through VST plug-ins or use a built-in metronome. Mix to MP3 or burn the data to a disc. Upload your work to SoundCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

MixPad is free for non-commercial, home use only. It has versions for Windows and macOS, and also offers iPad, Android, and Kindle apps.

03
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Audacity

Audacity on macOS DJ software
What We Like

  • Powerful, free, and open-source audio editor.

  • Record live music as well as computer playback.

  • Many editing options are great for trimming music tracks.

What We Don't Like

  • The program interface has a learning curve.

  • Multitrack audio support is very basic.

Audacity is a popular audio player, editor, mixer, and recorder. Become a virtual DJ with this free program for Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Record live music with Audacity as well as computer playback. Convert tapes and records to digital files or put files on discs. Edit WAV, MP3, MP2, AIFF, FLAC, and other file types, plus cut, copy, mix, and splice sounds together. You can even record calls with Audacity.

The program interface isn't difficult, but there is a learning curve. You'll have to click things and try out various options to get the most functionality out of Audacity.

Before you download and use the program, be sure to review Audacity's privacy policy to ensure you’re comfortable with its terms.

04
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Cross DJ

MixVibes Cross DJ software
What We Like

  • Directly retrieve an iTunes collection and playlist.

  • Create and modify smart playlists.

  • Available for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.

What We Don't Like

  • Tutorials are lacking.

  • Have to upgrade to take advantage of the coolest features.

Mac, PC, iOS, and Android users can enjoy the free Cross DJ app for their mixing needs. Use three effects (more if you pay) and scratch your digital music as if it were right in front of you.

Advanced options such as samplers, slip mode, snap, quantize, key detection, MIDI control, time-code control, and HID integration aren't available in the free version.

05
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Anvil Studio

Anvil Software mixer free DJ software
What We Like

  • Print sheet music from MIDI files.

  • Has a multi-track mixer.

  • Good documentation and help features.

What We Don't Like

  • Available only for Windows.

  • Can only record a single one-minute audio track in the free version.

Available only for Windows, Anvil Studio is a free audio player and DJ program that can record, compose, and sequence music with MIDI and audio equipment. This program is also able to print sheet music from MIDI files. With its multi-track mixer, both new and advanced users can find a lot to like in this program.

The free version allows you to record and edit only a single one-minute audio track, however, and the most powerful features are reserved for the paid version.

06
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Serato DJ Lite

Serato DJ Lite DJ software
What We Like

  • The customer and tech support teams are DJs.

  • Stream from SoundCloud and Tidal.

What We Don't Like

  • The real DJ features are saved for Serato DJ Pro.

Serato DJ Lite aims to be an introduction to the DJ art form, bringing all the basic DJ functionality you'll need to learn how to mix and scratch. The program comes with a Practice Mode that doesn't require any hardware, which is a great way to get started and see what DJing is all about. When you're ready to upgrade, Serato DJ Pro is a more full-featured tool.

07
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UltraMixer

UltraMixer DJ software
What We Like

  • Adjustable interface.

  • Has Home, Basic, and Pro Entertain versions.

What We Don't Like

  • The free version is extremely limited in features and functionality.

UltraMixer is a professional DJ software package that also offers a free trial version for Mac and Windows users. UltraMixer provides full control over audio, video, and image files, and lets you mix music and video files at the same time. Additional features include a 16-channel sampler, smart looping, and 8 hot-cue buttons for live remixing.

08
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Zulu DJ

Zulu DJ free DJ software
What We Like

  • Straightforward and easy to use.

  • Has two decks, so that you can apply several effects to the melodies.

  • Perform loops, change the speed, and adjust the tone.

What We Don't Like

  • Only for Windows PCs.

Zulu DJ is great for beginners looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use application. Mix your music live while adding effects on the fly. Users can import many audio file formats into their DJ decks, mix files, and then record and save their mixes as audio files.

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