Traktor Vs Rekordbox DJ (Detailed Comparison)

One of the hottest topics of discussion among DJs, veterans, and newbies alike is which DJ software is the best. While this is something that is going to vary a lot depending on which type of DJ you are, it's safe to say that two of the most preferred options are Traktor and Rekordbox. Both have been in the industry for quite a while, but have you wondered which one is the best choice? have you wondered which one is better in 2020?

And the answer as I mentioned above depends a lot. If you are looking for an easy to use software with great library management and are going to be using Pioneer controllers long term, go right ahead and get Rekordbox. Now, if you want something that can use a more diverse set of controllers and are on a more restricted budget, choose Traktor. Both are excellent for all kinds of DJs and no matter which one you choose, you are likely going to be pleased.

In the past, I have been doing a lot of DJ software comparison articles, and this one is the next in the list. In this article, I talk a little bit more about the main differences and similarities between Traktor and Rekordbox. This article will be excellent for those looking to start using one of these two programs long term but aren't sure which one to choose. I hope you find it useful!

If you want to watch a video you can do so below, if you want more information you can read on with the article.

Rekordbox vs Traktor: Main Differences and Similarities

So as I mentioned above, both of these DJ software have their own pros & cons and so the one that you choose over the other will depend a lot on the specific features that you are looking for and what are you willing to compromise on. And so if you have a specific set of things that you must have on your program of choice, the information below will be really useful.

Traktor supports a wider array of hardware

A big pro that Traktor has over Rekordbox is the fact that Traktor can be used with a wider array of controllers when compared to Rekordbox. This makes it a great choice to learn if you are the kind of DJ that likes to switch gear from brand to brand often. Because of its ability to be used seamlessly with common and obscure controllers, Traktor has been lauded by the DJing community, and so I'd strongly recommend that you choose it if you care about using the software with all kinds of controllers.

Rekordbox on the other hand is better for people that will be using Pioneer gear exclusively and are unlikely to switch to another brand. If you didn't know, Rekordbox is owned by Pioneer and so they really made sure that their controllers work well with their proprietary software. However, Rekordbox suffers a bit when you need to use it with controllers that are not made by Pioneer. The platform becomes a little bit less stable, and it becomes a little bit more cumbersome to use and mix with.

Traktor is a little bit more affordable

If you are on a budget, this point will be of interest to you. Between these two DJ software, Traktor tends to be the more affordable choice. The full Traktor version is priced at 99 bucks as of 2020, while Rekordbox is priced at 129 dollars instead, and so if you are on a tight budget it might be wise to choose Traktor, especially considering the fact that it's a full version with no upsell or any hidden charges.

What Rekordbox does have that Traktor doesn't is that it does offer a more flexible pricing schedule. Rekordbox gives you the ability to pay monthly, for about 10 dollars a month, which is excellent if you aren't too sure about Rekordbox and want to try the software out without having to pay full price for it. Also, something that I need to mention is the fact that you might be able to get Rekordbox for free. There are some Pioneer controllers that come with a full Rekordbox license, so if you are looking to purchase a new Pioneer controller, there's the chance that you might not have to pay for it in the first place, saving you some extra cash for some other goodies.

Rekordbox has better library management

When it comes to library management and having better access to songs and passages, Rekordbox definitely wins in this regard. This is because Rekordbox gives you the ability to use smart playlists, which works by creating a list of songs that meet the criteria that you input on the system. For example, if you want a complete library of just house songs or songs with a particular key, Rekordbox does this for you automatically so that you don't have to waste time doing so.

While Traktor library management can be pretty efficient and easy to use, it doesn't come close to what Rekordbox offers. Sure, Traktor does offer things like key detection which makes mixing a much more pleasant process, but it is definitely missing the smart playlist function, and that is something that I think all modern DJ software should have, especially since most major programs have something similar.

Rekordbox is slightly more reliable

Rekordbox also takes the cake when it comes to reliability. Pioneer has long prided themselves on the stability of their platform, and this is something that still holds true release after release. This is especially true when you pair this software with Pioneer gear. I personally think that the Pioneer-Rekordbox combinations have the most platform stability, and if you really care about reliability, I'd recommend that you go that route.

However, keep in mind that the difference in reliability between Rekordbox and Traktor is not that big. In fact, it only applies if you use Rekordbox with Pioneer gear. With other controllers, the reliability of Rekordbox becomes more or less the same as Traktor's, which is still really good, but it's just something to keep in mind. Reliability will also depend a lot on what type of computer you are using. If you are using an old or underpowered computer, no matter how reliable the DJ software is, the dependability of the whole unit is compromised.

Rekordbox is a little bit easier to use

Something that aspiring Djs will love about Rekordbox is the fact that it's really easy to use, and so if you have never used a Dj software before or don't have experience mixing or DJing, it might be wise to choose Rekordbox for at least a few months. Not only is choosing songs and inputting them into the system easier, but fundamental things like using effects, and BPM syncing are also a walk in the park.

Traktor on the other hand takes a little bit more time to really learn where everything is. The layout isn't very customizable, and I know several Djs that often complain about this. Custom mapping is often said to be one of the most tedious tasks of this software and one of the reasons a few Djs like staying away from Traktor in the first place. I personally do not find it super hard, and you shouldn't find it hard either as long as you ask for help in Traktor's forums.

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Traktor Vs Rekordbox DJ (Detailed Comparison) In 2023

One of the hottest topics of discussion among DJs, veterans, and newbies alike is which DJ software is the best. While this is something that is going to vary a lot depending on which type of DJ you are, it's safe to say that two of the most preferred options are Traktor and Rekordbox. Both have been in the industry for quite a while, but have you wondered which one is the best choice? have you wondered which one is better in 2020?

Operating System: Windows 11, Mac OS

Application Category: DJ Software

Editor's Rating:
4.5