If you’re diving into the world of vinyl DJing or even dabbling in digital mixing, finding the best budget DJ mixer is one of the most essential pieces of gear to get started. In 2025, there are more options than ever that strike a balance between affordability, durability, and pro-level features.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best budget DJ mixers for beginners in 2025, why they’re worth your investment, and what features to look for when shopping. These mixers will help you get mixing without breaking the bank regardless of the genre that you are playing!
What to Look for in a Budget DJ Mixer
Before we dive into the list, here’s what matters most when choosing your first DJ mixer:
- 2 Channels: At least two channels are needed to blend two songs.
- 3-Band EQ: Essential for sculpting and blending frequencies.
- Durability: Metal casing is preferred; you’ll be using this gear often.
- Crossfader Curve Adjustment: Helpful for switching between mixing and scratching.
- RCA Inputs/Outputs: To connect turntables and speakers easily.
- Headphone Connection: Should exist on almost all of the modern mixers, but essential.
Before choosing which mixer you want to choose from, it is worthwhile figuring out whether you want a fader mixer or rotary mixer.
Best Budget DJ Mixers for Beginners in 2025
1. Numark M2 Black Mixer
Price Range: ~$130
Why It’s Great:
The Numark M2 is one of the most recommended entry-level mixers for aspiring vinyl DJs, and for good reason. It features two channels, each with a 3-band EQ, allowing you to control highs, mids, and lows with precision. The layout is clean and intuitive, making it easy to learn on without feeling overwhelmed. It also has a smooth crossfader with reverse and slope controls, perfect for experimenting with blending techniques or even light scratching. The M2’s rugged build can handle practice sessions, parties, and gigging without falling apart. While it doesn’t have digital bells and whistles, it’s ideal for mixing on vinyl. All in all, a really decent mixer for a very good price!
Perfect For: Beginners who want to practice beatmatching with turntables.
2. Omnitronic TRM-202 MK3 Rotary Mixer
Price Range: ~$330
Why It’s Great:
The Omnitronic TRM-202 MK3 is a compact, two-channel rotary mixer designed for DJs who appreciate warm analog sound and smooth transitions. Instead of traditional faders, it uses rotary knobs for volume control, which offers a more fluid, tactile mixing experience, especially for Disco sets. Each channel includes a powerful 2-band isolator EQ and a 3-band frequency isolator. Its build quality is excellent for the price, with a sturdy metal chassis and high-grade knobs. While it lacks built-in FX or USB, this is the best price for value rotary mixer in the market.
Perfect For: DJs who want to explore rotary mixing and craft buttery-smooth blends with analog gear.
3. Pioneer DJM-250MK2 Mixer
Price Range: ~$350
Why It’s Great:
While it edges toward the higher end of the budget spectrum, the DJM-250MK2 delivers exceptional professional-grade performance in a compact, beginner-friendly form. It’s equipped with Sound Color FX filters on each channel, a buttery-smooth Magvel crossfader, and a built-in USB audio interface—allowing direct integration with Rekordbox DVS (for digital vinyl systems). The 3-band EQs are incredibly responsive, and the sound quality is clean and clear. It’s also built like a tank, meaning it can handle years of bedroom practice and live use. This is a mixer that you can grow into, not grow out of.
Perfect For: DJs who want a long-term mixer with pro features and DVS-ready capabilities and is more into use of effects.
4. Allen & Heath Xone:23
Price Range: ~$300
Why It’s Great:
Allen & Heath is revered in the DJ world for their legendary analog sound, and the Xone:23 brings that pedigree to a beginner-friendly price point. With a voltage-controlled filter system, 2 stereo input channels with dual phono/line inputs, and high-quality EQs, it offers the most pristine sound of them all. The VCF filter allows sweeping high-pass and low-pass effects, giving your mixes texture and depth. Its build quality is among the best at this price point and it made to last.
Perfect For: Vinyl purists who want rich analog sound and advanced tonal control in a compact unit.
Recommended Setup for Starters
Here’s what your beginner budget DJ setup might look like with one of the mixers above:
| Gear | Model | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Turntables | Audio-Technica LP120X (x2) | ~$600 |
| Mixer | Numark M2 | ~$130 |
| Headphones | Pioneer HDJ-CUE1 | ~$70 |
| Speakers | Mackie CR3-X | ~$100 |
Learn more on how to start vinyl DJing from scratch.
Final Thoughts
Starting your DJ journey doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These budget mixers are tried, tested, and enjoyed by DJs around the world. As your skills grow, you’ll get a clearer sense of what features matter most to your style. But for now, I hope this article helped you find the best budget DJ mixer for beginners.
Start with what fits your budget and upgrade as you go. What matters most is putting in the hours behind the decks!
Learn how to beatmatch Vinyl like a pro without sync button.
