As 2026 begins, we round up the biggest developments in DJ equipment from 2025.
From the latest DJ controllers through to new headphone technology, major DVS upgrades and software updates, it’s been an incredibly busy 12 months for DJ gear.
DJ Controllers
As we entered 2025, much of the DJ world was waiting for stock of AlphaTheta’s XDJ-AZ standalone. Behind the scenes, however, inMusic and Native Instruments were in the final stages of testing the latest controllers for the Rane and Traktor brands (more on those in a moment).
Hercules kicked the year off with the release of the DJControl Mix Ultra - an ultra-portable, battery-powered controller for Djay that can be taken anywhere. It’s proved popular with beginners and those needing a back-up to their main controller. 2025 would also see the release of the UK-exclusive Inpulse 500 Pro Serato Edition, which ships with a full version of Serato DJ Pro, making this controller a serious contender in the sub-£500 category.
The Rane One MKII dropped in August, updating the popular One and adding controls for the latest Serato DJ features. Finished in a striking white colourway, it’s considered by many to be the pinnacle of motorised DJ controllers, with its hefty feature set offsetting the physical weight of an all-metal chassis.
Allen & Heath gave the ageing Xone K-Series a refresh with the new Xone:K3. A redesigned chassis and the addition of USB-C future-proof the controller and ensure it remains a serious contender for DJs needing tactile control in a compact, portable footprint.
October was a busy month for product releases, but the standout was Native Instruments reviving the Traktor brand with new hardware in the form of the Traktor MX2. A significant upgrade over the S2 MK3, its larger footprint allows direct access to the latest Traktor Pro features. Alongside AlphaTheta’s work with Rekordbox, NI demonstrated just how slick hardware and software integration can be when both elements are developed in tandem.
DJ Software
There was arguably more action in DJ software during 2025 than in many years prior. Much of this was driven early in the year by the announcement of Apple Music’s DJ streaming service, which arrived in Djay, Rekordbox and Serato in March. It’s also worth noting that Apple Music DJ is available in AlphaTheta’s Omnis-Duo and XDJ-AZ, as well as across the entire Engine OS range, including the Prime 4+.
Later in the year, Spotify reopened its extensive catalogue to DJs, with Djay, Rekordbox and Serato all receiving incremental updates in September. While there’s currently no Spotify support for standalone systems, we’re hopeful this will arrive in 2026.
Both Rekordbox and Serato DJ saw significant development throughout 2025. AlphaTheta’s platform gained four-channel stem separation alongside the aforementioned streaming updates. Serato upgraded the platform to version 4, delivering a new library experience and meaningful workflow improvements, while retaining the stability and sound quality that have underpinned the software for over two decades.
As if that wasn’t enough, AlphaTheta collaborated with Native Instruments and Algoriddim to deliver One Library. This allows DJs using platforms other than Rekordbox to export playlists, cue points and loops to USB for playback on compatible hardware - a step towards set simplification not seen since every DJ could only play vinyl.
Digital Vinyl Systems
At the Winter NAMM Show 2025, Phase Pro was unveiled to the world. It made its UK debut at weDJ Expo in November at Leake Street, where it proved hugely popular. Featuring 50 modular screen layouts that can display MIDI controls, performance data or branding, the DVS world was captivated. A new tracking system, built around a ground-breaking rotary sensor, redefines precision - Pro in every sense of the word.
DJ Headphones
Technically, both of the technologies covered here debuted in 2024, but the level of adoption seen in 2025 suggests the DJ booth is edging closer to ditching the cable - at least for headphones - now that low-latency wireless solutions have arrived.
AlphaTheta’s SonicLink technology powers the HDJ-F10 headphones, available either with a transmitter for connection to any mixer, or as headphones-only for XDJ-AZ owners. This hints strongly at what’s likely to come as more devices integrate built-in transmitters.
AIAIAI continues to cement its position as a headphone brand to watch. Proving they’re about more than sustainable design and great sound, the TMA-2 DJ Wireless demonstrated genuine technical prowess. Their low-latency solution offers app-controlled EQ curves, allowing DJs to tailor the sound to their own preferences.
It’s also worth mentioning that Beyerdynamic acknowledged the DJ market in earnest for the first time in 2025 with the release of the DJ-X300. The influence of DJs such as DJ EZ, long associated with the DT1350, undoubtedly played a part. Supplied with both over-ear and on-ear pads, these great-sounding cans have proved popular since hitting the shelves at Westend DJ.
DJ Media Players
While there was only one release in this category during 2025, it was a big one: AlphaTheta’s CDJ-3000X. Everything has been upgraded - a refined jogwheel mechanism, a larger screen, NFC access to cloud-based libraries and more. Sound quality takes another step forward, and when paired with a great mixer, this generation reveals details in tracks you may never have noticed before.
DJ Mixers
2025 saw several notable mixer releases, with Allen & Heath finally upgrading the Xone:92. Effectively, the improvements from the Xone:92A limited edition have been rolled into a full MK2. We also saw the release of the new Xone:24 and soundcard-enabled Xone:24c – much-needed updates to the Xone:23.
Staying in Cornwall, the mixer-making genius of Andy Rigby-Jones was in overdrive. The Elara.4 received an MK2 update, while the Two Valve and Four Valve mixers were elevated further with the Signature Series, complete with that stunning colourway. We’ve also spotted several other Union Audio mixers appearing across social media in Signature guise, and we’ll be visiting the factory in 2026 to get the inside track.
DJ Set Recorders
Evermix are back. The new Box 5 offers an elegant solution for improving audio quality when recording or livestreaming from a mobile device. As the first retailer to stock Evermix, we’ve supported the brand since day one, and it’s great to see them return as part of the DJ product landscape.
DJ Turntables, Cartridges & Styli
Social media lit up in August as Reloop announced the RP-7. This 7-inch professional DJ turntable has one clear purpose: giving 45-rpm DJs real control. Reloop continues to excel at serving niche audiences - the RP-7 is no exception - and demand has remained high since launch.
Technics also released the SL-1200/1210GR2 in 2025. We’ve taken these on the road to both weDJ Expo and the Run Out jungle vinyl fair. This high-end hi-fi deck delivers a fantastic DJ experience, but at £3,600 per pair, the more affordable MK7 remains the turntable of choice for many Technics fans.
In October, Ortofon surprised the market with two new versions of the popular VNL cartridge. The VNL Trix is aimed at turntablists switching from the now-discontinued Shure M44-7, while the VNL Dance is ideal for DJs focused on mixing and blending. Both proved popular at weDJ in November and again at Run Out the following week.
Best of the Rest
2025 wasn’t just about new tech. Magma released the Groove Terminal, an impressive furniture solution for mobile DJs and live-streamers who need a setup that packs away easily while still looking slick when in use.
It was also a strong year for Westend DJ exclusives, including the DDJ-FLX10W (White Edition), XDJ-AZN (Gold), and the Omnis-Duo collaboration between AlphaTheta and Elijah - all still available in limited quantities. We’ve got even more lined up for 2026, including a very exciting DJ mixer brand that we can’t wait to share.
If 2025 was about refinement, integration and DJs reclaiming flexibility across platforms, 2026 looks set to push that momentum further. We’re expecting deeper hardware-software convergence, wider adoption of wireless and cloud-based workflows, and a continued focus on performance tools that genuinely serve DJs rather than distract from the craft.
With new collaborations, fresh brands entering the mix and long-standing manufacturers clearly listening again, the year ahead feels less about reinvention and more about meaningful evolution - and we’re very much looking forward to being part of it.
