If you are a BEGINNER DJ, OR, a DJ in the market to upgrade your current software, you may be wondering, “What DJ software is 
the best?” Recently, I had the same question. I reached out to a few of my DJ friends to find out the scoop on software. With so many different features and versions for each, it can be difficult deciding between the two. To make it easier on you I’m going to share with you my findings —
It’s not a question of which software is the best. It’s a question of which software is BEST FOR YOU.
What’s really the biggest difference between the two?
“They say” (“They” meaning the majority of people who sell or deal with the software) that VIRTUAL DJ is targeted towards the MOBILE DJ, where as SERATO is targeted towards the CLUB DJ. Does this mean that a Mobile DJ shouldn’t purchase Serato? No. I just did. And I know other Mobile DJs who use Serato as well.
Why do “they say” this?
Virtual DJ allows you to set up playlists (similar to iTunes) that will BEAT MATCH the songs for you. Serato allows you to set up CRATES (basically the same thing as a playlist) but it will NOT beat match the songs – it’s all manual.
Does this mean that if you purchase Virtual DJ that you don’t need to mix the music?
Yes and No. What it means is that during those times when it’s necessary to set up a playlist to run on its own – AND still sound good – you can. However, when you want to add your own uniqueness to the mix you can switch back to mixing manually.
Can you give an example of when a DJ would do this?
Yes. Most Mobile DJs have other responsibilities during an event. They coordinate with vendors (photographers, videographers, event planners). Most of them also act as the MC for the event. At certain times during an event it may be necessary to run a playlist. This is the real benefit of Virtual DJ. However, when a playlist is not needed the DJ can switch back to mixing the music manually – especially when the dancing starts.
But DeeJay Shelly you posted a few days ago that you purchased the Numark MIXDECK EXPRESS that comes with Serato. You’re a MOBILE DJ – Why didn’t you purchase VIRTUAL DJ?
It basically came down to PRICE. Most controller/software bundles are starting at $700 and can go as high as $900 or even $1300. You need to purchase both the CONTROLLER and the software. Without the controller you won’t be able to hear what’s playing on each channel simultaneously (which is how you mix). After weighing out all my options, I just felt this was a good decision for me. It was $500 for the Numark MIX DECK EXPRESS (and this even beat prices on other options at the DJ EXPO).
The only downfall is Serato DJ Intro (the software that comes with the MIX DECK EXPRESS) does not have an option to record your mixes. But at $500 I still having breathing room in the future to purchase Virtual DJ (the Controller is compatible) and/or upgrade to the next level Serato DJ and still come in lower than the other offers out there.
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If you are a BEGINNER DJ and in the market to purchase a new controller and new software I hope this information helped you out! If you have any questions, please comment to this post or feel free to email me at Shelly@SoundsByShelly.com.