By NaJade · DJ in Bangkok · Published November 11, 2026
This guide is part of DJ software: the complete guide.
Both will mix two tracks perfectly. The real differences are in what hardware you own and where you want to play.
Serato and VirtualDJ are two of the most popular laptop DJ programs in the world, and beginners often find both before they find anything else. Serato is the long-time standard for hip-hop, open-format and scratch DJs; VirtualDJ is the most flexible, working with a huge range of controllers and built-in video. Neither is “better”. One will suit how you DJ better than the other.
Choose Serato if you scratch, use DVS or own a Serato-enabled controller; DJ Pro costs $11.99 a month or $299 outright, and DJ Lite is free with supported hardware. Choose VirtualDJ for the widest controller support and built-in video; Pro is $19 a month, with a free tier for non-professional use.
Serato vs VirtualDJ at a Glance
| Serato DJ Pro | VirtualDJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $11.99/month or $299 one-off; Suite $14.99/month or $499 | Free (no pro gear), Home $4/month, Pro $19/month |
| Free version | Serato DJ Lite with supported controllers | Free for non-professional use, without pro hardware |
| Hardware | Officially supported devices only, plug and play | Very wide controller support, including old and obscure units |
| Scratch and DVS | The industry favourite, with Rane and DJM-S mixers | Supported, less common in battle and scratch circles |
| Stems | Serato Stems built in | Real-time stems, among the first to offer them |
| Video mixing | Via the Serato Video expansion | Built in |
| Learning curve | Clean, simple interface | Very deep, highly customisable, can feel busy |
Prices are from Serato’s pricing page and VirtualDJ’s licence page; both change from time to time, so check before you buy.
Price and Licensing
Serato is easy to understand. DJ Lite is free and runs with many entry-level controllers. DJ Pro unlocks the full feature set for $11.99 a month or a $299 one-off purchase, and many mid-range and pro controllers include a Pro licence in the box. DJ Suite adds all the Pro expansions, iOS and Serato Studio for $14.99 a month or $499.
VirtualDJ is free for non-professional use without professional hardware. Home costs $4 a month and works with entry-level controllers but keeps VirtualDJ branding. Pro is $19 a month and is required if you earn money DJing or use pro gear. VirtualDJ has sold one-off lifetime licences in the past, so check the buy page for current options.
Hardware and Club Use
This is the decision for most people. Serato only works with hardware that is officially supported, but that hardware is plug and play, with mapped controls and printed labels to match. VirtualDJ works with almost anything, including controllers the original makers no longer support, and you can map it yourself — see how to MIDI map a DJ controller.
Neither is the standard in big clubs, where USB sticks and CDJs rule. If you will play club booths, learn rekordbox too — rekordbox vs Serato explains why. Where Serato shines is in hip-hop, open-format and mobile work, and especially in scratch DJing with timecode vinyl; the DVS guide covers how that works.
Features That Matter
- Stems. Both split tracks into vocals, drums and instruments in real time. VirtualDJ got there early; Serato’s stems are tight and well integrated. More in how to DJ with stems.
- Video. VirtualDJ has video mixing and karaoke built in, a big plus for bars and events. Serato needs the Video expansion.
- Streaming. Both connect to major DJ streaming services, so you can play without owning every file.
- Customisation. VirtualDJ lets you reskin the interface and script almost anything. Serato keeps things simple and consistent.
Which Should You Choose?
- Pick Serato if you want to scratch, play hip-hop or open-format, or already own a Serato-enabled controller.
- Pick VirtualDJ if you have an older or unusual controller, need video or karaoke, or want to start free on a laptop.
- Try both first. Each has a free option, so spend a week with each before paying anything.
Still deciding on hardware? The best DJ controllers for beginners lists which software each one runs.
A Note From NaJade
I started on a borrowed controller that only worked properly with one program, so I never really chose; the gear chose for me. That is true for a lot of DJs. My honest advice is to stop worrying about which software is best and pick the one your controller was designed for. In Bangkok I meet mobile DJs who swear by VirtualDJ for its video and karaoke at weddings, and hip-hop DJs who would never leave Serato. Both groups play great sets. The crowd never asks what is on your laptop.
Related: the Serato DJ review, the VirtualDJ review, Traktor vs Serato, and Serato DJ Lite vs Pro. Official details: serato.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VirtualDJ better than Serato?
How much does Serato DJ Pro cost?
Is VirtualDJ free?
Do professional DJs use VirtualDJ?
Can I use my Serato controller with VirtualDJ?
Which is better for beginners, Serato or VirtualDJ?
About the Author
NaJade is a Bangkok-based DJ playing progressive house, melodic EDM, pop, and Thai music across clubs, rooftops, and weddings in Thailand. He teaches beatmatching and mixing to beginners both in person in Bangkok and online over Zoom. When he’s not behind the decks, he’s documenting the journey on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.