Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 or DDJ-FLX2 - Which is best for you?

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 has been the go-to beginner DJ controller in recent years — and for good reason. Thousands of aspiring DJs have started their journey with this compact, user-friendly controller. It’s compatible with phones, tablets, and laptops running Pioneer DJ’s industry-standard rekordbox software, making it incredibly versatile. The DDJ-200 offered a solid foundation for anyone learning the ropes, while providing a smooth pathway to more advanced DJ equipment.

But how does the new AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 stack up against what’s been considered the best entry-level controller on the market? In short: it’s better.

The DDJ-FLX2 is essentially an upgraded version of the DDJ-200, featuring a handful of smart, practical improvements. First, it replaces the older USB connection with a modern USB-C port, offering lower latency and better stability when connected to Android or iOS devices. It also now includes built-in stereo headphone and speaker outputs — a huge win for simplifying your setup and eliminating the tangle of adapters and splitters the DDJ-200 required.

Beyond that, the FLX2 brings some solid quality-of-life upgrades, like quicker access to FX and Performance Pad Modes straight from the controller — no diving through menus or extra mapping required.

And here’s something even the early reviewers didn’t catch — Apple Music integration has now been added, making it even easier to access your music library and start mixing without the need for downloads or third-party workarounds.

If your device has a USB-C port, the choice is easy: the DDJ-FLX2 is the clear winner. Don’t just take our word for it — check out the glowing reviews from Crossfader and Digital DJ Tips below. Then, explore the DDJ-FLX2 and our full DJ packages, complete with speakers and headphones, to get your setup sorted from day one.