With an unintimidating, clutter-free interface, Djay is a great tool for both beginners and seasoned mixers. The turntable design shows off album art for an attractive setup, and leaves out unnecessary buttons and cheesy effects. Have fun clicking around and testing out features to get comfortable, and experiment with transition ideas to vary your mixes.
Price: $19.99
Compatibility: Mac, iOS (Djay 2 is a $9.99 iPad-only app.)
While the interface isn't as clean as Djay's, VirtualDJ Home's advantage is that it is free -- and for the average amateur, that's more than enough. All the standard tools and effects are available, and the overlaying soundwaves help you see how the beats are matching up if you don't trust your ear just yet.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Traktor's mobile versions are perfect for DJing on the fly, with designs that make the most of the shrunken screen space. These apps may not be the best for beginners, but once you're familiar with how a mixer works, you'll be a Traktor pro in no time. Make sure you have a charger readily available, as these apps will drain your battery.
Price: $1.99-$9.99
Compatibility: iOS (The desktop version, Traktor Pro, is Windows- and Mac-compatible.)
The free version of Edjing is limiting and requires you to earn points to unlock certain standard functions such as looping, but those looking for a no-fuss DJ mobile app will be able to cue up and transition between tracks, as well as play with the low, mid and high ranges.
Price: Free
Compatibility: iOS, Windows, Android
Cross DJ's strength is that it's available on multiple platforms: iOS, Android (tablet and smartphone), and both free and paid Mac desktop versions. The bigger the device screen, the more room for features, so the smartphone versions are going to look bare in comparison (though the features don't suffer). The free desktop Mac version makes room for video sampling at the top, but it only works on the paid version.
Price: Free - $29.99
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Mac
If you don't have the latest Android smartphone, you aren't left out of the mobile DJ arena. The creators of PocketDJ Vintage built this app with older, low-end Androids in mind. While advanced features are absent, you can still loop and crossfade for seamless song transitions with a double deck design.
Price: Free - $2.99
Compatibility: Android
If pressing play on a shuffled playlist isn't enough for you, it's time to step up to the DJ deck.
With these music mixing apps, you can loop, cue, crossfade, pitch-shift and more to remix your digital library. Even apps for tablets and smartphones are in the mix for on-the-go editing, which is especially helpful when you're out and the current playlist isn't cutting it (with the host's approval of course; Mashable does not endorse party playlist mutiny).
See also: 13 Best Free Audio Editors
While Ableton — the professional-grade software used many of your favorite producers and DJs — will run you close to $500, these apps won't drain your iTunes gift card balance, and some are even free.
Once you get the hang of mixing, record and upload your mixes to a service such as Mixcloud, and join its community of amateur and professional DJs. Also, consider investing in a MIDI DJ controller. It will be pricier than the software, but the ability to fiddle with actual knobs will let you be more adventurous — no more worrying the mouse will disastrously slip while adjusting the tempo.
Soon, you too can be an amateur iPad DJ like the ones from HBO's Girls.
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