Our verdict: Mixxx is a complete DJ application with no paid tier or locked features. It handles beatmatching, effects, recording and live broadcasting, and works with many controllers. Mappings for some newer controllers are missing or community-made.
About Mixxx
Mixxx is developed by volunteers and released under the GNU GPL. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with the same features everywhere.
You mix on up to four decks with scrolling waveforms, sync lock, hotcues and loops. The music library detects BPM and key, reads Rekordbox, Serato and Traktor libraries and includes Auto DJ.
What it does well
- Four decks and samplers. Mix four tracks and up to 64 sampler decks with sync lock and keylock.
- Controller support. Presets for many DJ controllers and a JavaScript mapping engine.
- Timecode vinyl. Control digital files with turntables or CDJs and timecode media.
- Effects chains. Chain up to three effects per unit and map them to your controller.
- Record and broadcast. Record mixes to WAV, FLAC or Ogg and stream to Icecast or Shoutcast.
Who it is for
Good fit
Beginner and hobby DJs, and anyone who wants free timecode vinyl control.
Look elsewhere
DJs who rely on a controller that has no Mixxx mapping or on streaming service integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free, no locked features
- Free timecode vinyl control
- Wide controller support
- Reads Rekordbox and Serato libraries
Cons
- Some controllers lack official mappings
- No built-in streaming services
How to install Mixxx
Download the 64-bit MSI from mixxx.org; beta and alpha builds on the same page are for testing only. On first start, point Mixxx to your music folder and let it analyze tracks for BPM and key. Select your controller under Preferences → Controllers.
Questions about Mixxx
Is Mixxx free?
Yes. Mixxx is open source with no paid version or locked features.
Does Mixxx work with my DJ controller?
Mixxx ships presets for many controllers; check the hardware list on mixxx.org. Others can be mapped with the built-in mapping engine.
