Mixxx vs Serato DJ Pro

Mixxx is free DJ software for performing live mixes with digital music files on Linux, macOS and Windows. It is designed for both people starting with a laptop and experienced turntablists. Four decks provide scratchable scrolling waveforms and whole-song overview waveforms. Mixing controls include beat looping, Sync Lock, hotcues, beat rolls, censor and quantization. Mixxx supports FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A/AAC, Ogg Vorbis and Opus files. It works with MIDI and HID controllers, programmable JavaScript mappings and timecode vinyl control, and can load up to 64 sampler decks. Local music libraries from iTunes, Traktor, Banshee, Rekordbox, Rhythmbox and Serato can be read. Mixxx records mixes in WAV, FLAC and Ogg Vorbis, with MP3 optional, and streams through Shoutcast or Icecast servers. The full version costs nothing, with donations optional and no official paid or pro version. Its source code is published under the GNU GPL v2 or later. The application does not require an account or use telemetry. Beta and development snapshots are not intended for live use and may crash.

Serato DJ Pro is desktop software for mixing music and performing with supported DJ hardware on macOS and Windows. It can play up to four tracks at once when connected to hardware that supports four-deck playback, and deck waveforms can be viewed horizontally or vertically. Serato Stems separates vocals, melody, bass, or drums for making acapellas, instrumentals, transitions, and mashups. The product includes access to more than 50 built-in effects and officially supports over 100 pieces of DJ hardware. Listed streaming services are Apple Music, Beatport, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Tidal. Practice Mode provides a basic version without connected hardware. Set recording is unavailable when playing from a streaming service, in laptop Practice Mode, or with hardware without a recording function. A Digital Vinyl System setup requires a Serato DJ Suite license or subscription. Serato DJ Pro costs $11.99 a month; DJ Suite costs $14.99 a month and includes DJ Pro, DVS, Video, and other listed additions. Eligible new users with hardware requiring a paid upgrade can try DJ Pro and all Expansions free for 14 days, without card details.