{"id":2689,"date":"2024-01-31T19:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T19:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/?p=2689"},"modified":"2026-01-06T17:15:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T16:15:56","slug":"rekordbox-vs-serato-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-vs-serato-which-is-better","title":{"rendered":"Rekordbox VS Serato 2026 &#8211; which is better? &#8211; features compared"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<style>html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }<\/style><ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-are-rekordbox-and-serato\">What are Rekordbox and Serato?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#user-interface\">User interface<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#usability\">Usability<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#compatibility\">Compatibility<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#for-beginners\">For beginners<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#analyzing\">Analyzing<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#editing-the-beat-grid\">Editing the Beat Grid<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hot-cuescue-points\">Hot Cues\/Cue Points<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#performance-compared\">Performance compared<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#system-requirements\">System Requirements<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#difference-serato-and-rekordbox\">Difference Serato and Rekordbox<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#prices\">Prices<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#do-djs-use-serato-or-rekordbox\">Do DJs use Serato or Rekordbox?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#serato-rekordbox\">Serato = Rekordbox<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#conclusion-which-is-better-serato-or-rekordbox\">Conclusion: which is better Serato or Rekordbox?<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-rekordbox-and-serato\">What are Rekordbox and Serato?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox and Serato are both DJ software for your Windows and Mac computer.<br>You can mix one track into the other with both software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is one clear distinction I have to make between Rekordbox and Serato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox is used to export your music library to USB drives (to use on AlphaTheta hardware), and on top of that it is DJ performance software.<br>Serato is DJ performance software exclusively.<br>You can <strong>not <\/strong>prepare USB drives with Serato to use on AlphaTheta DJ hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox has a separate export-mode (managing music library and exporting) and performance-mode (to play a DJ gig).<br>Serato has only one &#8220;mode&#8221;, the &#8220;performance mode&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both software supports basic DJ techniques like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-beat-match-dj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">beat matching<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/dj-terminology-glossary#eq-mixing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EQ mixing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article I look at several features of Serato and Rekordbox and give a five star rating (\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50) for each.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"user-interface\">User interface<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69cf1ae0e17f0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69cf1ae0e17f0\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"508\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-rekordbox-960x508.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-rekordbox-960x508.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-rekordbox-300x159.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-rekordbox-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-rekordbox-768x406.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-rekordbox.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the export mode in Rekordbox.<br>In my opinion, most buttons are too small, also in the performance mode.<br>This software is supposed to be operated in damp clubs with sticky (mouse) surfaces or a slow\/inaccurate touchpad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I do find Rekordbox&#8217;s interface fairly crowded, and also icons are sometimes cryptic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69cf1ae0e1dab&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69cf1ae0e1dab\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-serato-960x540.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-serato-960x540.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-serato-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-serato-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-serato-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-this-is-serato.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I think Serato is doing slightly better than Rekordbox in a couple of areas.<br>There is more color for example, which makes it easier to distinguish graphical elements.<br>But Serato does look a bit more outdated compared to Rekordbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But also the buttons in Serato are fairly small.<br>And I do like the modern look of the waveform in Rekordbox better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don&#8217;t think that both are great when it comes to Graphical User Interface.<br>Of course this is highly dependent on personal preference.<br>My personal favorite is still <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/virtual-dj-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virtual DJ<\/a> in that regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td>\u2b50<strong>\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 1.6rem\">Free DJ tips in your inbox?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bonus gift I will send you a <strong>FREE <\/strong>E-book on how to kick-off your DJ career!<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- MailerLite Universal -->\n<script>\n(function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){\nvar c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return \"number\"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);}\nf.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i);\nvar _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()\/1000000));\n_.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https:\/\/static.mailerlite.com\/js\/universal.js', 'ml');\n\nvar ml_account = ml('accounts', '1691580', 't0j5q7h5d7', 'load');\n<\/script>\n<!-- End MailerLite Universal -->\n\n<div class=\"ml-form-embed\"\n  data-account=\"1691580:t0j5q7h5d7\"\n  data-form=\"6052713:y7m2e8\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"usability\">Usability<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Let me start by stating that both Rekordbox and Serato a perfectly capable of performing DJ gigs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I miss some tools here and there in Serato.<br>The cue-button being the most obvious one.<br>Strictly speaking, you don&#8217;t need it, but it makes things a lot easier, for example getting in the beat by tapping it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox has little menus everywhere hidden under buttons, I don&#8217;t like that.<br>I&#8217;ve been using Rekordbox for 8 years at the moment of writing, but I still find menus to this day I didn&#8217;t know existed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing major, but I think that both software have to issues to iron out when it comes to usability.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-button-960x664.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2811\" style=\"width:460px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-button-960x664.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-button-300x208.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-button-150x104.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-button-768x531.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-button.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td>\u2b50<strong>\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"compatibility\">Compatibility<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>When it comes to compatibility it&#8217;s a bit of a mixed bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On one hand, Rekordbox is industry leading.<br>Every controller and player that matters (wich is every hardware from AlphaTheta) works with Rekordbox.<br>(Some DJ software like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/virtual-dj-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virtual DJ<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/engine-dj-review\">Engine DJ<\/a> even allow you to import your Rekordbox library.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, Rekordbox only <a href=\"https:\/\/rekordbox.com\/en\/support\/link\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supports AlphaTheta hardware<\/a>.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/serato.com\/dj\/hardware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Serato supports<\/a> a wide variety of DJ controllers and players, including a lot of AlphaTheta equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato supports more controllers than Rekordbox, also controllers from other brands.<br>So make sure your controller is on the lists I linked above.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-ddj-flx4.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2866\" style=\"width:425px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-ddj-flx4.webp 700w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-ddj-flx4-300x180.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-ddj-flx4-150x90.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td>\u2b50<strong>\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"for-beginners\">For beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>Is Serato or Rekordbox better for beginners?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my opinion one is not better than the other.<br>Both are <strong>not <\/strong>great for beginners to begin with.<br>One is not easier than the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But &#8230;<br>Rekordbox is the software of industry standard: AlphaTheta (formerly known as Pioneer DJ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to start DJing, you are better off with Rekordbox for two reasons:<br>1. Because you can grow with Rekordbox.<br>2. It&#8217;s free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox allows you to use the performance capabilities for Rekordbox when you are a small DJ.<br>Later you can use Rekordbox as library management software to export tracks to a USB drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All major clubs and festivals in the world use AlphaTheta equipment, which you can only use with a Rekordbox prepared USB drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td>\u2b50<strong>\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beginner-960x640.webp\" alt=\"beginner\" class=\"wp-image-2822\" style=\"width:592px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beginner-960x640.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beginner-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beginner-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beginner-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beginner.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 1.6rem\">Free DJ tips in your inbox?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bonus gift I will send you a <strong>FREE <\/strong>E-book on how to kick-off your DJ career!<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- MailerLite Universal -->\n<script>\n(function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){\nvar c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return \"number\"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);}\nf.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i);\nvar _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()\/1000000));\n_.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https:\/\/static.mailerlite.com\/js\/universal.js', 'ml');\n\nvar ml_account = ml('accounts', '1691580', 't0j5q7h5d7', 'load');\n<\/script>\n<!-- End MailerLite Universal -->\n\n<div class=\"ml-form-embed\"\n  data-account=\"1691580:t0j5q7h5d7\"\n  data-form=\"6052713:y7m2e8\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"analyzing\">Analyzing<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>When you import music, your DJ software will analyze the music to determine where the beats are in the music, and where the first beat of a bar is.<br>But also to determine the key of a song which allows <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/dj-terminology-glossary#harmonic-mixing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">harmonic mixing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which one is better at analyzing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox is the clear winner here, no doubt.<br>Only some of the tracks were analyzed wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Rekordbox is not 100% right all the time.<br><strong>Serato was wrong with all of the 1000 imported tracks I tested!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some tracks in Serato were completely off.<br>The rest was shifted ever-so-slighly back in time (see screenshot below)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beatgrid-serato-off-960x198.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beatgrid-serato-off-960x198.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beatgrid-serato-off-300x62.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beatgrid-serato-off-150x31.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beatgrid-serato-off-768x159.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-beatgrid-serato-off.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes cue points and loops inaccurate!<br>In other words, you need to edit every track manually to correct the beatgrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato places Cue Points automatically for some tracks (which I really like), whereas Rekordbox does not.<br>However, Rekordbox analyzes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/dj-terminology-glossary#phrases-phrase-mixing\">phrases<\/a>, which Serato does not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td><strong>\u2b50<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"editing-the-beat-grid\">Editing the Beat Grid<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>When the tracks are not analyzed correctly, how easy is it to correct the mistakes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-rekordbox-960x144.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-rekordbox-960x144.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-rekordbox-300x45.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-rekordbox-150x23.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-rekordbox-768x115.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-rekordbox.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox (shown above) offers more features to correct the beatgrid.<br>Both software supports the quantize function to stay in the beat more easily, however Serato misses a Cue-button which is present in Rekordbox.<br>It&#8217;s not a necessity, but it makes navigating just a little easier.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"379\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-serato-960x379.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2858\" style=\"width:711px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-serato-960x379.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-serato-300x119.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-serato-150x59.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-serato-768x303.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-edit-beatgrid-serato.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The icons in Serato (shown above) more descriptive than Rekordbox.<br>In Rekordbox you have to guess a little bit what the buttons do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the button with the white and red line do? <br>It&#8217;s the first beat of the bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m missing the expand and shrink function in Serato.<br>I miss the lock feature to prevent accidental edits in Serato.<br>I also miss the double and half beat button in Serato.<br>(sometimes track are double or half the BPM than analyzed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m also missing a metronome in Serato.<br>Sometimes you need audible feedback to determine if the beatgrid is correct.<br>Also, not a dealbreaker, but it makes things just a little faster and easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Editing in both software is painful, slow and clunky, but even more so in Serato.<br>When you realize you have to edit every single track in Serato, because it doesn&#8217;t properly analyze, Rekordbox is the clear winner here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td><strong>\u2b50<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hot-cuescue-points\">Hot Cues\/Cue Points<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox makes a distinction Cue Points and Hot Cues.<br>Hot Cues are jumping points in a song, which play automatically when activated.<br>Cue Points are song markers, to start a song at a certain position or to mark a change in the song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato makes no such distinction.<br>Hot Cues are Cue Points and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I really like Serato&#8217;s approach and don&#8217;t know why Rekordbox makes this distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"758\" height=\"374\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-points-serato.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2868\" style=\"width:508px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-points-serato.webp 758w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-points-serato-300x148.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rekordbox-vs-serato-cue-points-serato-150x74.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td><strong>\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 1.6rem\">Free DJ tips in your inbox?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bonus gift I will send you a <strong>FREE <\/strong>E-book on how to kick-off your DJ career!<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- MailerLite Universal -->\n<script>\n(function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){\nvar c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return \"number\"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);}\nf.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i);\nvar _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()\/1000000));\n_.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https:\/\/static.mailerlite.com\/js\/universal.js', 'ml');\n\nvar ml_account = ml('accounts', '1691580', 't0j5q7h5d7', 'load');\n<\/script>\n<!-- End MailerLite Universal -->\n\n<div class=\"ml-form-embed\"\n  data-account=\"1691580:t0j5q7h5d7\"\n  data-form=\"6052713:y7m2e8\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"performance-compared\">Performance compared<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve looked at the average CPU and memory usage of Serato and Rekordbox.<br>The tests were done on a freshly rebooted 10gen Intel Core i9 with 64MB of memory, a NVidia RTX 3080 on a Windows PC, and a PCIe-3 NVME SSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>software<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>RAM <\/strong><\/td><td><strong>RAM Analyze<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CPU<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CPU Analyze<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>GPU<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Startup<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Analyze 1000<\/strong>*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>1300 MB<\/td><td>1800 MB<\/td><td>6%<\/td><td>65%<\/td><td>12%<\/td><td>9 sec<\/td><td>13m 50s<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato Pro<\/td><td>5000 MB<\/td><td>3000 MB<\/td><td>3%<\/td><td>96%<\/td><td>19%<\/td><td>17 sec<\/td><td>6m 3s<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">* 1000 songs were analyzed (10x AIFF files, 4x WAV files, 986 mp3 files)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Data analyzed:<br><strong>Rekordbox<\/strong>: Key, BPM, beatgrid, phrases<br><strong>Serato<\/strong>: Key, BPM, beatgrid, cue points<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Rekordbox and Serato are very resource intensive compared to other software.<br>A full performance comparison with other software, you can find in my article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/best-dj-software-apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best DJ software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td><strong>\u2b50<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"system-requirements\">System Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Serato<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Rekordbox<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>OS<\/strong><\/td><td>Windows, Mac<\/td><td>Windows, Mac<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>CPU<\/strong><\/td><td>Intel Core 5, 7, 9 (6th gen or more, 8th gen preferred)<br>Ryzen 5 3000 or better<br>Apple M1 or higher<\/td><td>Intel Core 3, 5, 7, 9 (5th gen or more)<br>Ryzen 5 1000 or better<br>Apple M1 or higher<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Memory<\/strong><\/td><td>8GB RAM, 16GB preferred<\/td><td>4GB RAM, 16GB preferred<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Storage<\/strong><\/td><td>15GB Hard disk\/ SSD (recommended)<\/td><td>2GB Hard disk\/ SSD (recommended)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>GPU<\/strong><\/td><td>2GB<\/td><td>2GB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Monitor<\/strong><\/td><td>1280&#215;720<\/td><td>1280&#215;768<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Misc<\/strong><\/td><td>Internet connection<\/td><td>Internet connection<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"difference-serato-and-rekordbox\">Difference Serato and Rekordbox<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s compare features of Serato and Rekordbox:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>RB = Rekordbox (=free)<br>RB$ = Rekordbox subscription<br>SRP = Serato Pro (without controller)<br>SRPC = Serato Pro with controller<br>SRS = Serato Suite<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td>RB<\/td><td>RB$<\/td><td>SRP<\/td><td>SRPC<\/td><td>SRS<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Perform (not lib. man.)<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EQ mixing (via controller)<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EQ mixing (on screen)<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BPM\/Grid\/Key detect<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Phrase detect<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tempo Sync \/ timestretch<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Key Sync<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Active loop<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Auto stem separation<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Play stem tracks<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Quantize<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Slip\/flux mode<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Beat jump<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Digital Vinyl (DVS)<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Video<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lighting<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Album art<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smart playlists<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Max player decks<\/td><td>4<\/td><td>4<\/td><td>2*<\/td><td>2*<\/td><td>2*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Key notation **<\/td><td>C<\/td><td>C<\/td><td>CO<\/td><td>CO<\/td><td>CO<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Record mix<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sampler<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hot Cues<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cue Points<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tidal<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Soundcloud<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Beatport<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Beatsource<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>iDJPool<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Deezer<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dropbox<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MS OneDrive<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google Drive<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>.MP3<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>.WAV<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>.AAC\/MP4 (M4A) ***<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>.AIF\/.AIFF<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>.ALAC (M4A)<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>.FLAC<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>.OGG<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Audio CD<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><td>\u2714\ufe0f<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">* depends on controller, if controller supports 4: it is 4<br>**Camelot or Open key notation (C = Camelot, O = Open key, N = Normal\/classic)<br>*** Non-DRM AAC<br>**** Mac only<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox has more features than Serato.<br>However, nothing is really lacking from Serato in my opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I miss EQ mixing in Serato Pro.<br>This is a really basic feature to allow proper mixing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td><strong>\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prices\">Prices<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Both companies push their subscription model really hard.<br>I always would opt for a perpetual license, since a subscription is a tax on the stupid and the poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rekordbox has no paid perpetual license.<br>Their only perpetual license is free.<br>The free version is pretty complete.<br>Rekordbox licenses are $9 &#8211; $30 a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato has two paid perpetual licenses:<br>Serato Pro $250 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4amEDBh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check latest price on Amazon<\/a> (affiliate link)<br>Serato Suite $450<br>The pro version is pretty bare bones, you probably need the Suite version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information:<br>Pricing Serato: <a href=\"https:\/\/serato.com\/dj\/pro\/buy-dj-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Serato website<\/a>.<br>Pricing Rekordbox: <a href=\"https:\/\/rekordbox.com\/en\/plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rekordbox website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Rekordbox<\/td><td>\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Serato<\/td><td><strong>\u2b50<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-djs-use-serato-or-rekordbox\">Do DJs use Serato or Rekordbox?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Both!<br>From what I&#8217;ve seen in the field, most DJs use either Serato or Rekordbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Rekordbox is more often used than Serato, not a lot of DJs play gigs with Rekordbox.<br>They use Rekordbox mainly for library management to play their gigs (with a USB sticks) on industry standard AlphaTheta DJ club hardware (CDJs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More accurate would be the question: <br>Do DJs use a laptop with controller or do DJs use CDJs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most DJs I know are CDJ DJs.<br>This is also my personal preference, because I like the physicality of real DJ hardware with buttons, instead of looking on a screen and controlling a slow mouse cursor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also did a poll amongst DJs with an interesting outcome:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rekordbox-vs-serato-poll-dj-software-960x473.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3630\" style=\"width:590px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rekordbox-vs-serato-poll-dj-software-960x473.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rekordbox-vs-serato-poll-dj-software-300x148.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rekordbox-vs-serato-poll-dj-software-150x74.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rekordbox-vs-serato-poll-dj-software-768x379.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rekordbox-vs-serato-poll-dj-software.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"serato-rekordbox\">Serato = Rekordbox<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Hear me out, AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ) <a href=\"https:\/\/the-drop.serato.com\/announcements\/alphatheta-corporation-acquires-serato-audio-research-limited\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bought Serato back in 2023<\/a>.<br>In other words: the software might be different, but it is the same company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My &#8220;fear&#8221; is that AlphaTheta will pick Serato bone dry and leaves it to die.<br>Of course, this is pure speculation, but something to keep in the back of your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato wasn&#8217;t doing that well, so what is the gain for AlphaTheta to keep Serato alive now they have gained their name, user base and technologies?<br>Nothing!<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion-which-is-better-serato-or-rekordbox\">Conclusion: which is better Serato or Rekordbox?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Both are good, but neither are great.<br>But I do think that Rekordbox is better for the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rekordbox is industry standard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rekordbox allows you to grow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s free<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A detailed look at Rekordbox, you can find in my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-review\">Rekordbox review<\/a>.<br>A detailed look at Serato, you can find in my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/serato-review\">Serato review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or take a look at my DJ software buying guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-deejay-plaza wp-block-embed-deejay-plaza\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ydVBRnXp7b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/dj-software-buying-guide\">Buying guide: DJ software<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Buying guide: DJ software&#8221; &#8212; DeeJay Plaza\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/dj-software-buying-guide\/embed#?secret=2Ux5RXAi85#?secret=ydVBRnXp7b\" data-secret=\"ydVBRnXp7b\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents What are Rekordbox and Serato? User interface Usability Compatibility For beginners Analyzing Editing the Beat Grid Hot Cues\/Cue Points Performance compared System Requirements Difference Serato and Rekordbox Prices Do DJs use Serato or Rekordbox? Serato = Rekordbox Conclusion: which is better Serato or Rekordbox? What are Rekordbox and Serato? Rekordbox and Serato &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2770,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,51],"tags":[38,48,37,36,12,55],"class_list":["post-2689","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rekordbox","category-serato","tag-dj","tag-dj-software","tag-mac","tag-pc","tag-rekordbox","tag-serato"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/thumbnail-v2-rekordbox-vs-serato-which-is-better.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2689"}],"version-history":[{"count":88,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2689\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6377,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2689\/revisions\/6377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2689"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}