VirtualDJ

Overview

VirtualDJ is performance software for mixing music, video and karaoke, built for everyone from home users to working DJs. It is most compelling for DJs who want flexible media formats, live stem separation and broad controller support in one package. Its free option is tightly limited by use and equipment, so professional or commercial work calls for a paid license.

Key features

Live stems and performance

VirtualDJ 2026 separates vocals, instruments, kicks and hi-hats in real time, giving DJs material to reshape for mashups, remixes and transitions. The 99-deck capacity and advanced AI features on VDJ PRO point to substantial room for complex setups, though the breadth will matter more to ambitious performers than casual home mixing.

Audio, video and karaoke

Alongside audio, VirtualDJ mixes video with effects, transitions and on-screen graphics, and supports karaoke playback. That makes it a stronger fit for sets that combine visual material or sing-along content than for users who only need basic audio mixing.

Hardware, streaming and remote control

Plug-and-play support for more than 300 controllers and DVS equipment gives hardware-focused DJs flexibility in choosing a setup. VirtualDJ also supports Shoutcast and Icecast radio, PC-to-PC broadcasting, podcast streaming and video broadcasts to social platforms. SoundCloud and Deezer streaming, Ableton Link and ReWire integrations, plus subscription catalogs for DJ audio, karaoke and music video broaden its working options. Cached catalog tracks can play offline while the subscription remains active.

Dedicated iOS and Android remote apps connect over a local network, even without internet. They are useful companions for a VirtualDJ setup, not a reason to treat the mobile apps as the full desktop software.

Pricing

VirtualDJ is freemium, with plans that distinguish personal mixing from professional equipment and commercial use.

• Free: free. It is for nonprofessional use without professional equipment, making it a narrow starting point for personal practice rather than paid gigs or a pro controller setup. The EULA requires an active PRO license for paid or other commercial use.
• HOME: $4 a month, billed $4 per month. It supports entry-level controllers, but retains a video logo and audio drops. That is an affordable step up for home users who can accept those output limits; it is not the clean-output choice.
• VDJ PRO: $19 a month, billed $19 per month and cancellable at any time. It supports any DJ controller and professional use, with clean audio and advanced AI features. This is the practical choice for working DJs who need professional licensing and unrestricted controller support.
• Business: $99 a month, billed $99 per month, with 15% off if billed annually. It adds business-critical support, customization, concierge service, mobile text support and multi-user licenses. Those benefits are aimed at organizations or businesses needing support and team licensing, rather than individual DJs.

Subscription catalogs for DJ audio, karaoke and music video are a separate consideration: cached songs remain playable offline only while the relevant subscription is active.

Platforms

VirtualDJ supports Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Its dedicated iOS and Android remote-control apps connect to the main setup over a local network, with or without internet.

Who it's for

Choose VirtualDJ if you want audio and video mixing, karaoke, live stems, a wide range of controller options or multiple broadcast routes. Beginners and home DJs can start with the free or HOME tier, provided they stay within its personal-use, equipment and output limits. Working DJs who play paid events should budget for PRO; businesses that need multi-user licensing and direct support have a reason to consider Business. It is less suitable if you need an unrestricted professional setup at no cost.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Real-time separation of four kinds of track elements supports more creative transitions and mashups.
• Pro: Video mixing, karaoke and several broadcast modes make it useful beyond audio-only sets.
• Pro: Support for more than 300 controllers and DVS equipment accommodates varied hardware setups.
• Con: The free license excludes professional equipment and commercial use, so it cannot serve as a no-cost option for paid gigs.
• Con: HOME is limited to entry-level controllers and retains video branding and audio drops, which may be unacceptable for public-facing performances.
• Con: Cached catalog tracks work offline only while the subscription is active.

Alternatives

For a free, full-version option with no official paid or pro edition, consider Mixxx, which runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. If a browser-based free mixer without video or MIDI support suits your needs, ClubDJ Pro offers an Online Mixer with no account required. djay has a free download with core mixing features and optional PRO upgrades, and supports Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. For music management and DJ features with a free tier capped at 1,000 cloud tracks and one synced device, consider rekordbox.

Serato DJ Pro, YouDJ, Tau and Cross DJ are other DJ software options to compare.

Browse more options in DJ Software or Audio Mixing Software.

Verdict

VirtualDJ is a strong choice for DJs who want one tool for audio, video, karaoke, live stems and flexible broadcasting, especially when they value broad controller support. Its central trade-off is clear: the free and low-cost tiers impose meaningful limits, while paid or commercial performance requires PRO or an appropriate Business license. Choose it for its range and performance options; look elsewhere if your priority is professional use without a paid license.