Talk to any DJ looking to transition to pro status and they will probably tell you the same:
DJ software prices pack quite the punch.
Irrespective of the type of DJ you intend to be and the niche you intend to conquer, you’re going to need a pro-grade DJ software suite. Try as you might, you simply cannot get away with free software for long. Or for that matter, the lower-end versions of the pro suites put out by some of the bigger names in the business.
But in terms of how much you can expect to pay, is DJ software becoming disproportionately expensive? Are software providers taking things too far, or does what you get in terms of value for money more than justify the outlay?
Do I Really Need DJ Software?
Unless you are going old school with a purely analogue setup, the answer is yes – you need this software. This is what will enable you to prepare your tracks for the DJ equipment you will be using, manage playlists and generally get the most out of your hardware.
Even if you can technically get by without this software, you will be a much better DJ with a good software suite on board.
What Does It Cost?
Costs vary in accordance with the type of software you choose and the ‘level’ of the subscription you go with. It is also possible in some instances to purchase DJ software outright, as opposed to paying for it on a monthly basis.
As of May 2022, this is what you can expect to pay for five of the top DJ software platforms from the market’s leading developers:
- Serato – from $9.99 per month to $399 to buy outright
- Rekordbox – $9-$30 per month
- Virtual DJ – $299 outright or $19 per month
- Traktor – $99 outright
- djay Pro AI – $49 per year
All of these developers quote their prices in U.S. dollars, converted into local currency at the time of purchase.
Which is the Most Cost-Effective Option – Subscription or Outright Purchase?
It depends entirely on how long you intend to use the same software suite for. In the case of Serato DJ Suite, the outright purchase price is $399, and the subscription price $15.00 per month. With Serato DJ Pro, you can pay $10.00 per month or buy it outright for $200.
The features and functionalities you get are the same either way, so it depends entirely on long-term cost-effectiveness.
Does DJ Software Provide Good Value for Money?
In answer to the question as to whether software is getting too expensive, it’s hard to argue in favour of such criticisms.
When you think about how DJ software developers have assisted and accelerated the industry’s evolution over recent decades, $10.00 per month is a pittance to pay for what’s on offer.
If anything, it is insane that you can buy Traktor software outright for just $99, or lifelong ownership of Serato DJ Pro for just $200.
In any case, there are always affordable 0% DJ finance deals available to cover the costs of both DJ equipment and software purchases. Hence, there’s no reason to sell yourself or your talents short, simply to save a few pennies on a lower-end software suite.
Also read: Things To Know About Buying Fireworks Online
