Pioneer DJ
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
$329Cheaper
Released 2022-11
Best DJ Controllers · head-to-head
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is cheaper at $329. Every spec and price links to its source.
Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
$899
Released 2018-11
Which is better: the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 or Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is the cheaper at $329.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 | Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $329 | $899 |
| Brand | Pioneer DJ | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2022-11 | 2018-11 |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 4.39 in (111.6 mm) | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) |
| Pads per deck | 8 | 8 |
| Standalone | No | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x 3.5 mm headphones | 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones |
| Software bundle | rekordbox (free), Serato DJ Lite, djay (free) | Traktor Pro 3 (included) |
| Deck control | 2 decks (4 via software switching) | 4 decks |
| Release | 2022-11 | 2018-11 |
Sources — Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: pioneerdj.com (verified 2026-06-20). Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: djtechtools.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 and Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Channels: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4
- Jog wheel size (in): Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 4.39 in (111.6 mm) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 5.5 in (motorized, haptic)
- Audio outputs: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x 3.5 mm headphones vs 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
- Software bundle: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 rekordbox (free), Serato DJ Lite, djay (free) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 Traktor Pro 3 (included)
- Deck control: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 2 decks (4 via software switching) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 decks
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
Only one whitelisted tester, MusicRadar, published a hands-on review; no other whitelisted audio outlet covered this exact model. MusicRadar calls the FLX4 a strong contender for best beginner controller, praising plug-and-play setup, effective smart auto-mix/FX functions and Bluetooth plus USB mic routing, while flagging small jog wheels with no display, an over-simplified single-colour layout, and a small crossfader. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Plug-and-play setup with lots of accessible functionality; Smart mix and smart CFX auto functions work surprisingly well for beginners; Bluetooth connectivity plus mic routed over USB for livestreaming.
Flagged: Jog wheels are small and lack any visual display; Over-simplified single-colour layout makes filter vs bass EQ hard to distinguish; Crossfader is too small, making auto mixes easy to rush.
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.