Best dj midi controllers under 150 in 2023

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 23, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best dj midi controllers under 150 one can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 65 of dj midi controllers under 150 and selected the 0 top options by GHS Strings, Caramel, Gstyle, SELMER, Shubb. We took the time to do a thorough research and point out some advantages and disadvantages of each of the products we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend numerous hours searching for the ideal model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer
#TOP 1
Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer
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Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer
Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer
#TOP 1
AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller
#TOP 2
AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller
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AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller
AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller
#TOP 2
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads
#TOP 3
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads
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Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads
#TOP 3

Top 11 Best dj midi controllers under 150 Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer
Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Thumb #1
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Features

  • Play with any drum software
  • Sequence Analog and Software synthesizers
  • Enhance your live performances and DJ sets
  • Beat Step was designed to give you the control you need, whether you're working with your favorite DAW or loop triggering software, VST instrument or effect, drum software, DJ app, MIDI synth or even analog gear with CV/Gate inputs.
#TOP 2

AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller

AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller
AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller Thumb #1 AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller Thumb #2 AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller Thumb #3 AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller Thumb #4 AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller Thumb #5 AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller Thumb #6
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Features

  • Improved Navigation - Instantly navigate the Channel Rack, Browser, Tool Bar and Playlist windows; dedicated controls to browse audio and project files with clear feedback from the OLED display
  • Maximum Tweak-Ability - 4 banks of assignable Touch-Capacitive MIDI knobs / encoders for controlling Mixer, Channel and custom User-Assignable mappings
  • FL Studio Music Production Essential- Dedicated USB MIDI hardware controller for the FL Studio DAW platform with seamless plug-and-play connectivity
  • Workflow Revolution - 64 velocity-sensitive RGB Pads for creation of patterns in the step sequencer and recording notes / synth parts on a pad-based MIDI keyboard controller in Performance mode
  • Beat Production Simplified – Transform Fire into a beat maker essential with a MPC Style 16-pad layout in Drum Mode
#TOP 3

Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads

Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads Thumb #1 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads Thumb #2 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads Thumb #3 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads Thumb #4 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads Thumb #5 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads Thumb #6
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Features

  • Dedicated buttons for Note Repeat, Full Level, and Octave Up and Down
  • Powered by USB connection to computer, with free virtual-instrument download packages
  • Compact keyboard controller easily fits backpack and studio production desk (12.4" long, 1.6 lbs)
  • Crammed full of all the features you need to play and edit musical ideas
  • 25-synth-action mini-keys, 8 velocity-sensitive rubber drum pads with two banks, and eight assignable control knobs
  • 1400 Sounds and Everything You Need For Pro Production: Production software package for Mac and PC included: Akai Pro MPC Essentials, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech (downloads)
#TOP 4

AKAI Professional MPD218

AKAI Professional MPD218
AKAI Professional MPD218 Thumb #1 AKAI Professional MPD218 Thumb #2 AKAI Professional MPD218 Thumb #3 AKAI Professional MPD218 Thumb #4 AKAI Professional MPD218 Thumb #5 AKAI Professional MPD218 Thumb #6
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Features

  • iOS Connectivity Covered - Control your iOS apps and open up a world of pad control capability using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
  • The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series
  • Assignable Control - 18 fully assignable 360-Degree potentiometers accessible via three banks for controlling DAW, virtual effect and virtual instrument parameters
  • Expandable Banks - Easily accessible dedicated controls for three pad banks provides a total of 48 assignable pads
  • Feature Packed - MPC note repeat and full level controls for immersive expressive performances
  • Beat Production, Anywhere - Ultra-portable, feature-packed and USB powered pad controller with 16 thick fat MPC pads for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects and more
  • Comprehensive Software Suite Included - Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech
#TOP 5

Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller

Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller
Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller Thumb #1 Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller Thumb #2 Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller Thumb #3 Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller Thumb #4 Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller Thumb #5 Hercules DJControl Mix – Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller Thumb #6
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Features

  • Start Mixing: Djcontrol Mix Has The Essential Djing Features You Need
  • Mix With The Djay App By Algoriddim (Included)
  • Just Like On A Large Controller: Jog Wheels, Faders, Knobs And Pads
  • Foldable Smartphone Stand Included
#TOP 6

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller Thumb #1 Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller Thumb #2 Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller Thumb #3 Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller Thumb #4 Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller Thumb #5 Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller Thumb #6
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Features

  • OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 / macOS 10.11 & higher
  • Comprehensive Djing Software Included: Discover the Basics of Djing With Interactive Help and Integrated Tutorial Videos
  • Learn the Right Moves Thanks to The Layout of the Buttons and Sliders, Like Those Found on A Professional Controller
  • Learn the Basics of Djing With the Controller'S Exclusive Features: Tempo and Beat Align Guides That Light Up, In Addition to The Assistant and Energy Functions
  • Choose Your Tracks Easily with The Intelligent Music Assistant, and Its Suggestions of today’s Hottest Tracks
#TOP 7

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer
Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Thumb #1 Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Thumb #2 Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Thumb #3 Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Thumb #4
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Features

  • Sequence Analog and Software synthesizers
  • Beat Step was designed to give you the control you need, whether you're working with your favorite DAW or loop triggering software, VST instrument or effect, drum software, DJ app, MIDI synth or even analog gear with CV/Gate inputs.
  • Enhance your live performances and DJ sets
  • Play with any drum software
#TOP 8

Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST)

Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST)
Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST) Thumb #1 Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST) Thumb #2 Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST) Thumb #3 Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST) Thumb #4 Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST) Thumb #5 Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST) Thumb #6
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Features

  • USB and wireless for more music production freedom.
  • Refined and stylish design
  • A compact physical MIDI controller that’s ideal for mobile or desktop uses.
  • Please Note: Kindly refer the User Manual before use.
#TOP 9

Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller

Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller
Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller Thumb #1 Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller Thumb #2 Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller Thumb #3 Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller Thumb #4 Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller Thumb #5 Numark Party Mix II - DJ Controller Thumb #6
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Features

  • Get Hands-On with your DJ Set - Performance pads with 4 DJ pad FX: Effect, Cue, Loop, and Sampler; Filter knobs and Pitch Sliders on each DJ deck; Library controls for browsing / loading tracks
  • Stream Millions of Tracks – Stream all your DJ music through Serato DJ Lite (Included) or djay Pro AI from leading providers including SoundCloud, Beatport Link, Beatsource Link and TIDAL
  • Exciting DJ Lighting FX Plus all DJ Equipment Essentials You Demand - Built-in LED DJ light show syncs to your DJ mix; Sync, Play/Pause & Cue buttons; 2 DJ decks with large touch-sensitive jog wheels
  • Command Your DJ Mix & Connect To All Your DJ Equipment – DJ Headphones output and 1/8-inch main output to connect to DJ speakers; integrated DJ mixer with 2-band EQ channel faders and crossfader
  • Complete Algoriddim djay and Serato DJ System – USB DJ Equipment for beginners with 2 DJ decks of control, built-in audio interface and plug and play USB connectivity for Mac, PC and iOS
#TOP 10

Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker

Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker
Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker Thumb #1 Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker Thumb #2 Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker Thumb #3 Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker Thumb #4 Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker Thumb #5 Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker Thumb #6
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Features

  • Exclusive Equipment, Stamped with Your PersonalityThe drum pad machine STARRYPAD has an assignable custom group with 2 fader, 2 knobs, and 3 buttons, and you can customize the controls for a completely personalized instrument with DAW and VST. As a beat maker machine, the most commonly used semitones and octaves can be adjusted with one key SHIFT, sample and convenient.
  • Powerful CompatibilityThe beat machine comes with a standard USB C power supply and data interface for easy plug and play. (Tips: if you want to connect to your iPhone or iPad, you need to buy an Apple Lightning to USB Adapter) The additional MIDI in/out allows you to connect to an external synthesizer or other MIDI equipment. So no matter how you use it, the music pad STARRYPAD provides compatibility you can count on. (Comes with USB cable, type c adapter and MIDI cable)
  • Boost Your Rhythm GameWorried about a weak sense of rhythm? Tap Tempo is directly synchronized with DAW to help you quickly grasp the BPMs of any song and play along. In addition, Note Repeat's ultra-low latency perfectly connects each sample segment without getting stuck or errors!
  • 16 Colorful Beat Pad Record 48 Custom Sound Sources The MIDI drum pad STARRYPAD's 16 soft silicone backlit pads can trigger drums, samples, effects and more. One convenient key allows you to quickly switch between 3 different pad banks for a total of 48 assignable pads. In addition, the beat maker STARRYPAD can handle polyphony and comes with adjustable velocity sensitivity. Regardless of your mood, the STARRYPAD will fill your rhythm with soul.
  • Your Exclusive Lighting EngineerThe midi controller pad STARRYPAD lights up the stage with 7 dazzling colors. Use playing instructions to trigger the brilliant lights making your rhythm doubly dynamic, or set the colors through editor and control the atmosphere on the dance floor.(Tips: the editor only can set the STAYYPAD, doesn't have the function of recording and arranging music)
#TOP 11

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Bundle

Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer Bundle
ftb score rating icon 7
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Features

  • Sequence Analog and Software synthesizers
  • Beat Step was designed to give you the control you need, whether you're working with your favorite DAW or loop triggering software, VST instrument or effect, drum software, DJ app, MIDI synth or even analog gear with CV/Gate inputs.
  • Enhance your live performances and DJ sets
  • Play with any drum software

Editor's Notes

A considerable amount of time and effort was put into this research. We took the time (over 43 hours to be exact) to deep dive into the topic, analyzing at least 1428 consumer reviews. At last, we compiled a selection of the most loved models with an average rating of 0. The products you'll find in this compilation are available at $0 on average (as of 03-14-2023).

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.