Our verdict: rekordbox is close to essential if you play on Pioneer DJ or AlphaTheta club gear, because it analyzes your tracks and exports them to USB in the format CDJs and XDJs read. The free plan handles that library work well. Many performance features, cloud storage and extra devices sit behind paid subscription plans, and the app needs an account.
About rekordbox
rekordbox is made by AlphaTheta Corporation, formerly Pioneer DJ. It has an Export mode for preparing music, cue points and playlists for club players, and a Performance mode for DJing from the computer with compatible hardware. It connects to Beatport, Beatsource, TIDAL, SoundCloud and other streaming services in supported countries.
The download is free and the Free plan never expires. Paid Core, Creative and Professional subscriptions add features such as cloud library sync across more devices, Dropbox storage, STEMS and advanced performance tools; some features are unlocked by registering compatible AlphaTheta hardware instead. An AlphaTheta account and an internet connection are required to activate the software.
What it does well
- USB export. Analyzes tracks and writes playlists, cue points and beatgrids to USB for CDJs and XDJs.
- Library management. Playlists, tags, collection filters and auto relocate for moved music files.
- Performance mode. DJ from the computer with rekordbox-compatible controllers and mixers.
- Streaming services. Access Beatport, Beatsource, TIDAL and SoundCloud tracks inside the app.
- Cloud Library Sync. Syncs tracks and playlists between computers and mobile devices via the cloud.
Who it is for
Good fit
DJs who play on Pioneer DJ or AlphaTheta CDJs and XDJs and need to prepare USB drives.
Look elsewhere
DJs who want every performance feature for free, or who don't want to create an account.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Standard tool for preparing CDJ USB drives
- Free plan has no time limit
- Streaming service integration
- Some features unlock with owned hardware
Cons
- Account and internet needed to activate
- Many features need a subscription
- Requires a CPU with AVX2
How to install rekordbox
The button downloads the official 64-bit Windows installer as a ZIP from rekordbox.com. Unzip it and run the installer. On first launch, sign in or create an AlphaTheta account and pick the Free plan if you don't want a subscription.
Questions about rekordbox
Is rekordbox free?
Yes, there is a Free plan with no time limit. Paid Core, Creative and Professional subscriptions add more features, and an AlphaTheta account is required.
Do I need rekordbox to use Pioneer CDJs?
rekordbox is AlphaTheta's tool for preparing USB drives with analyzed tracks, cue points and playlists for its CDJ and XDJ players.
What are the rekordbox system requirements?
Windows 10 or 11 or a recent macOS, a CPU with AVX2, and an internet connection for account creation and activation.
