djay

djay is cross-platform DJ software built for newcomers learning the craft and working DJs who need a broader performance toolkit. Its free download handles core mixing, while PRO adds the controls and workflow features expected for more advanced sets. The main trade-off is that streaming catalogs do not receive the same stem and recording treatment as locally available music.

Overview

Algoriddim, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, offers djay on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. The app connects to Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, SoundCloud, Beatport and Beatsource, subject to each service's account and plan requirements. That breadth is useful for DJs who work across several libraries, but service restrictions affect which performance features can be used.

At its center is Neural Mix, an AI stem-separation system that isolates vocals, drums, bass and harmonics. It gives a DJ direct control over musical parts for live remixes and mashups, making djay more than a conventional two-deck mixer. Apple Music and Spotify tracks cannot use Neural Mix, so subscribers who rely on those catalogs will not get the headline feature across their whole collection.

djay belongs in DJ Software, with a strong case for AI DJ Software because of its stem separation. It is also relevant to broader Audio Mixing Software comparisons.

Key features

Neural Mix stem control

Separating vocals, drums, bass and harmonics enables mashups and live rearrangement without treating a song as a single stereo block. The Apple Music and Spotify exclusion is a material limitation: those services remain useful as sources, but not for Neural Mix performance.

PRO performance suite

PRO adds Automix, Sampler and Looper, Crossfader FX, recording, pre-cueing, DVS and library-editing tools. These additions suit performers who need cue monitoring, effects, turntable-style control or a way to prepare and manage a working library rather than just blend tracks.

Four-deck mode is supported on macOS, iOS and Windows, not Android. Video mixing is available on macOS and iOS, while USB library export is available on macOS and Windows. More than 100 MIDI controllers from several manufacturers are supported for plug-and-play use, giving hardware owners a practical route into the software.

A PRO subscription can be linked to a djay account and used on up to five devices across iOS, macOS, Android and Windows. Mix recording is disabled for streamed tracks other than djay Music, which limits recording workflows for DJs working directly from most connected services.

Pricing

djay (free download)

The free plan costs nothing and includes core mixing features. It is the sensible starting point for learners and for anyone who wants to check platform support before paying. Advanced functions require the optional PRO subscription, so the free tier is not a substitute for a full performance setup.

djay PRO

It unlocks the advanced feature set, including Automix, stems, recording, DVS, pre-cueing, effects, sampling, looping and library editing. The five-device allowance makes it suitable for DJs who move between a phone, tablet and computers, provided those devices use the supported operating systems.

djay for Meta Quest

The Meta Quest edition has custom pricing and is sold as a one-time purchase. It uses a separate license that does not carry over from PRO subscriptions on other platforms, so Quest owners should treat it as a separate purchase rather than an extension of an existing subscription.

A 7-day trial is offered.

Platforms

djay runs on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Feature parity is not complete: video mixing is limited to macOS and iOS; four-deck operation spans macOS, iOS and Windows; and USB library export is limited to macOS and Windows. There is no cloud library sync, so moving a library between devices depends on the available export and account workflows rather than automatic synchronization.

Who it's for

Beginners get a no-cost way to learn core mixing, while intermediate and professional DJs can add DVS, MIDI hardware, four decks, cueing and library tools through PRO. Neural Mix is particularly valuable for mashup-focused performers with locally accessible tracks. djay is a weaker fit for anyone who expects Apple Music or Spotify songs to support stems, or who needs to record mixes made from most streamed tracks.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Neural Mix separates four musical elements for live remixing and mashups.
• Pro: PRO combines recording, DVS, pre-cueing, effects, looping, sampling and library editing.
• Pro: One PRO account covers up to five devices across four operating systems.
• Pro: Support for more than 100 MIDI controllers broadens hardware choices.
• Con: Neural Mix does not work with Apple Music or Spotify tracks.
• Con: Recording is disabled for streamed tracks other than djay Music.
• Con: Video, four-deck mode and USB export are split by platform, and there is no cloud library sync.

Alternatives

VirtualDJ is the better choice when a free nonprofessional edition or a low-cost HOME plan at $4 a month fits your use, particularly with entry-level controllers.

rekordbox suits DJs who want free music management with 1,000 cloud tracks and one synced device, with paid tiers for expansion.

Mixxx is the straightforward alternative for a fully free DJ application with no official paid or pro edition.

DJUCED is aimed at Hercules-controller users and includes four decks, MIDI control, streaming, recording, Ableton Link and Rekordbox XML import in its Standard plan.

DaVinci Resolve is the alternative when video production matters more than dedicated DJ performance, with a free edition and a 295.00 USD one-time Studio version.

KLANG:app is free software for controlling KLANG immersive processors, not a general DJ mixer.

L-ISA Studio is better suited to immersive audio mixing on macOS and Windows.

Elgato Wave Link is a free audio-routing option for microphones and interfaces rather than a DJ deck environment.

Verdict

Pick djay if you want core mixing at 0.00 USD, need AI stem control for local tracks, or want PRO performance features across up to five devices. Look elsewhere if Apple Music or Spotify stems, or recording mixes made from streamed catalogs, is central to your workflow.