Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
$899Cheaper
Released 2018-11
Best DJ Controllers · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is cheaper at $899. Every spec and price links to its source.
Native Instruments
$899Cheaper
Released 2018-11
Rane DJ
$1499
Released 2025-08
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is the cheaper at $899.
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✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $899 | $1499 |
| Brand | Native Instruments | Rane DJ |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2025-08 |
| Channels | 4 | 2 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) | 7.2 in (motorized platters, adjustable torque) |
| Pads per deck | 8 | 8 |
| Standalone | No | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones | 1x XLR master (L/R), 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x XLR booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones |
| Software bundle | Traktor Pro 3 (included) | Serato DJ Pro (hardware unlock); Serato Stems and Stem FX |
| Deck control | 4 decks | 2 decks (2-channel mixer) |
| Release | 2018-11 | 2025-08 |
Sources — Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: djtechtools.com (verified 2026-06-20). Rane One MKII: rane.com (verified 2026-06-20).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Only one whitelisted outlet, Engadget, covered this exact model, and only as a launch preview/announcement rather than a lab test, so no measurements exist and its impressions are largely forward-looking. It highlights the motorized 'Haptic Drive' jog wheels and per-deck displays as the standout S4 MK3 upgrades. Sound on Sound and MusicRadar never reviewed this model; treat this as preliminary. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Motorized 'Haptic Drive' jog wheels let you feel cue points as you roll the wheel; Per-deck displays give immediate visual feedback, reducing reliance on the laptop screen; Configurable jog-wheel torque and start/stop speed.
Flagged: Jog-wheel 'feel' benefits were described speculatively ('Hopefully...'), not confirmed by extended hands-on testing.
One whitelisted tester covers this exact model: MusicRadar's hands-on 2026 controller roundup (updated 16 July 2026), which names the Rane One MkII the best scratch controller. All three quotes and the 29-onboard-effects detail were verified as literal substrings of the fetched article. Praised for astonishingly robust build, authentic 7.2-inch motorized platters, and the feather-light tension-adjustable Mag Four crossfader; flagged as two-channel-only and overkill for beginners. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Astonishingly robust, trustworthy build quality; Feather-light, tension-adjustable Mag Four crossfader and great platter feel; Motorized platters deliver authentic vinyl-style scratch feel.
Flagged: Two channels only; Overkill for beginners / simple setups.