Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
$899
Released 2018-11
Best DJ Controllers · head-to-head
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 vs Roland DJ-202
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Roland DJ-202 is cheaper at $299. Every spec and price links to its source.
Roland
Roland DJ-202
$299Cheaper
Released 2017-11
Which is better: the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 or Roland DJ-202?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Roland DJ-202 is the cheaper at $299.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 | Roland DJ-202 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $899 | $299 |
| Brand | Native Instruments | Roland |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2017-11 |
| Channels | 4 | 2 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) | ~5.9 in (~150 mm) |
| 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 RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/4" headphones, 1x MIDI OUT |
| Software bundle | Traktor Pro 3 (included) | Serato DJ Lite (Serato DJ Pro upgrade-ready) |
| Deck control | 4 decks | 4 decks (2-channel mixer with 4-deck switching) |
| Release | 2018-11 | 2017-11 |
Sources — Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: djtechtools.com (verified 2026-06-20). Roland DJ-202: roland.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 and Roland DJ-202?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Channels: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 vs Roland DJ-202 2
- Jog wheel size (in): Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) vs Roland DJ-202 ~5.9 in (~150 mm)
- Audio outputs: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones vs Roland DJ-202 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/4" headphones, 1x MIDI OUT
- Software bundle: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 Traktor Pro 3 (included) vs Roland DJ-202 Serato DJ Lite (Serato DJ Pro upgrade-ready)
- Deck control: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 decks vs Roland DJ-202 4 decks (2-channel mixer with 4-deck switching)
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
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.
Roland DJ-202
Only one whitelisted tester (MusicRadar) covers this exact model, in a roundup verdict with no measured lab data. MusicRadar calls it a great, surprisingly well-featured four-deck Serato controller, praised for sturdy jog wheels and on-board Roland 808/909/707 drum machines, but flags cheap-feeling performance pads and lock-in to Serato DJ. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Solid, tactile jog wheels and light-but-sturdy chassis; On-board Roland 808/909/707 drum machines with sequencing and vocal FX; Serato integration is peerless for the price; excels as a four-deck Serato controller.
Flagged: Performance pads feel cheap, especially given the on-board drum machines; Designed specifically for Serato DJ; won't play nice with other software without serious MIDI mapping; Feature-cramming means lots of screenless menuing and a learning curve.