Best Android Tablet for DJing: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

If you’re an aspiring DJ, you might contemplate various pieces of equipment in order to start out on your new hobby or career. Android tablets can be a great first purchase, due to the variety of tablets available, and the relatively low cost.

The best tablet for DJing is the Samsung Galaxy 6S tablet. However, there are a variety of options for aspiring or practicing DJs available based on budget and priorities, including the Amazon Fire tablet, Huawei tablets, or other, more affordable Samsung options.

Read on for more information about the best Android DJ software, more about the Samsung Galaxy 6S, comparison between tablets, and reasons to buy a tablet in order to DJ. There’s plenty of tablets and equipment to choose from!

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Why an Android Tablet?

Though there are plenty of expensive laptops, physical controllers, or even old-school turntables out there, Android tablets are some of the least expensive and most efficient choices out there.

Additionally, tablets are much lighter and more portable than laptops and physical controllers. You can take it with you (along with a pair of headphones) to practice anywhere.

Some users also find that using a touch screen – something smartphone users are very comfortable with – provides an easier learning curve when mastering DJ apps.

Android tablets come in all forms- from expensive to cheap, high-quality to almost throwaway ones you might give a three-year-old to play with. You can pretty much customize your tablet to your needs, given all the choices that are out there.

What DJs Should Look for in a Tablet

If you want to use a tablet for DJing, you’ll want to consider a few essential features while looking for the perfect Android tablet:

• Storage space: DJs need a variety of songs downloaded for easy use and access. This means that the more space the tablet has, the bigger the music library you can acquire. Many Android tablets are compatible with miniSD cards to expand storage, making them a great choice for DJs who need to store thousands of songs.
• Cost: Of course, you’re going to need to factor in the price – how much bang for your buck can you get? Or how much are you willing to spend on a better tablet? The range of Android tablets is from under $100 to over $600, and they typically improve as the price increases.
• Software: In order to download DJ software, Android tablets should be updated to the latest version of Android. Tablets without these updated operating systems may not be able to use the best DJ apps or may be too slow to be useful. Make sure to check regularly for new updates in the ‘settings’ area of your tablet!
• Size of display: With digital DJ controllers, you’re going to want a display that is large enough to comfortably control the levers and buttons that will appear on your screen. A mini-tablet may be appealing, and will often cost less, but some DJs may want a more expansive display. This will give you the best control when Djing.
• Audio: Android tablets come with a range of audio systems – from internal speaker only, to headphone jacks, to Bluetooth. The best tablets will have all three components, but will likely be more expensive. The best audio input and output options are described below in order for you to make a calculated choice of what you’re willing to pay for.
• Bluetooth: Not all tablets have Bluetooth, but those that do are especially good for connecting to speakers or headphones without needing to hook up cords.

DJ Apps for Android

There are a few options for DJ apps. The options range from simple to complex, and the level of complexity typically depends on the cost of the app.

Fortunately even premium versions of an app are usually only a few dollars. Some programs require an operating system that isn’t compatible with all Android devices.

However, most devices can download at least a few of the available DJing apps.

Here are some of the best DJ apps you can use on Android devices:

• Algoriddim (Djay 2): This app gives you the ability to mix music using either a track layout or  a turntable look-alike. Another plus is that Algoriddim can be linked to your music library, so you can use your existing playlists when spinning on the app. There are both free and paid versions of the app, and it is compatible with Android software.
• edjing Pro: With color-coordinated track information, looping, mixing, and layering, edjing Pro is both fully equipped yet easy to use. In addition to Android devices, it can also be used on both IOS and Windows 10.
• Cross DJ: This system allows for a library of tracks, which is important for any aspiring DJ to have. The library allows for music to be cued, as well as for easy mixing of songs and beats. Unfortunately, the more advanced effects needed to truly combine songs professionally requires payment. It boasts both mac and PC downloads.
• DJ Studio 5: This application actually works best on Android devices, and offers a realistic DJ display that mimics a physical controller. It’s great for beginners to start learning how to mix and loop, though it may be frustrating for more experienced DJs due to lack of flexibility. The app is free of charge.

In the next part, if you want to see one of the recommended products on Amazon, simply click the image.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 6S

Pros

There are plenty of benefits for DJs to choosing the Android Samsung Galaxy 6S tablet, as listed below:

• Massive amounts of storage space, with a choice of either 128 GB or 256 GB.
• Relatively large screen, with 10.5 inches (26.67 cm) of high-quality display.
•  Almost as good as a PC, with a large operating RAM system, which is necessary for many DJ software installations and apps.

• Comes with Bluetooth connection which can be useful for connection to speakers or wireless headphones, especially while performing live.
• The speed and display clarity are top-notch for any Android device, since it’s one of the most recent developments in Android technology.
• Headphone jack included (not the case for all Android tablets).
• USB port that can connect to specific DJ controllers, or be used to connect to other devices.

Overview

The main disadvantage of the Samsung Galaxy 6S is the price – at a steep $600, not everyone can afford it.

However, it is pretty much the best option for aspiring DJs, from the storage to the ability to wirelessly connect to other devices and the Android operating system that allows for the most popular DJ software.

For those who can swing the cost, the tablet will be sure to meet your needs as a DJ.

The Best DJ App

Djay 2, from the company Algoriddim, is the best app for the Samsung Galaxy 6S.

The release of the app was huge for Android, as it was specifically designed for the software, meaning it was less buggy and more comprehensive than other DJ apps that were originally designed for Mac or Apple tablets.

Purchase of the app also guarantees ability to connect Djay 2-friendly controllers later on if so desired.

The app contains a number of tools and advantages:

• Easy access to your music library
• Looping, scratching, and mixing effects
• Ability to record live sound effects
• Multiple displays – turntable, audio track, and colored waveforms
• BPM (beats per minute syncing)

Speakers to Pair

Using Bluetooth speakers is a great way to get decent sound quality for your DJ set. Here are a few of the best Bluetooth speaker options you can pair with your Android tablet:

• Beats Pill+: on the smaller end, but great for smaller gatherings. Produces a full sound that will be noticeably different than the speakers on the Samsung Galaxy 6S, and is the most portable option of the speakers listed.
• JBL Charge 4: Larger than the Beats Pill, and is waterproof. It can also be synced up to two tablets at once, for louder sound. Perfect for a more crowded party, as the sound can carry despite a crowded room, and will be spill-proof!
• LyxPro Speaker: For venues that require more amplification, such as a club or dance studio, you may want a larger, more powerful speaker system. This speaker can connect via Bluetooth, and can even connect with other speakers at the same time for maximum volume. While the speaker comes in a few sizes, the larger the face, the more effective it will be while DJing live.

Android Compatible DJ Controllers

If you decide that you want to take your DJing to the next level, consider a separate controller that will up your game and make you appear more professional.

Here are a few pieces that will complement the Android software or a downloaded DJ app and are sure to advance your music game:

Reloop Beatpad 2 

The Djay 2 software pairs up nicely with this controller. Mixing old-school and modern, the controller has a turntable-like appearance with multicolored drum pads and reloop buttons.

The tablet is plugged into the top end of the controller and shows your volume levels and BPM clearly. While it’s more expensive, it can help you snag live gigs that will pay off the difference.

Reloop Mixtour

Also compatible with Djay 2, this controller is a toned-down version of the Beatpad, as it has levers for volume, mixing, and bass control, but no drum pads or discs.

The tablet is again plugged directly into the controller, showing the audio tracks and music selection.

This controller comes in at about $250 and is more portable and lightweight than the Beatpad.

Other Android Devices for DJs

Though the Samsung Galaxy 6S tablet is really one the best for DJing, there are other options that are more affordable, perhaps for those who are just starting out or aren’t performing live yet.

With multiple brands, storage capacities, and special features, you can find the Android tablet for you for a better price.

Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite

The Huawei pad focuses on some aspects that are useful to DJs, such as internal speaker quality and bluetooth compatibility, but lacks on other necessary tools.

Pros

• Great internal speakers, with four speakers included- one on each corner to optimize sound, and to create as much of a 3D effect as possible without headphones.
• The audio boasts “no distortion,” and a clear bass, which is a feat many tablets struggle with, simply due to speaker size.
• Can go pretty long without a charge, from 12 to 55 hours, depending on the type of use. If the user only wants to play music, without screen display, the charge will last longer.
• Bluetooth connection and can connect to wireless headphones or speakers if needed.

Cons

• Lack of headphone jack, only Bluetooth headphones would be able to pair.
• Mixes you create would have to be transferred in order to perform, unless you purchase Bluetooth speakers as well.
• In short, a good, affordable non-professional tablet, but might cause frustration for those who don’t want to splurge on more expensive wireless headphones or speakers.

Amazon Fire HD Tablet

The Amazon Fire is a good choice for those who are planning only to use the tablet for DJing, and not much else.

Pros

• Great for those looking to not break the bank, and averages around $150.
• Has 32 to 64 gigabytes (GB) of space, which is at the higher end for a tablet, and will go far if only used for music and DJ apps.
• Relatively large display of 10 inches or 25.4 cm – not bad for digital DJ setups.
•  Unlike some of the smaller Amazon tablets that have only single speakers, the 10” has dual speakers – useful for DJs playing music out loud.

Cons

• Some Amazon reviewers say that tablets without Android OS don’t download Android-friendly software as well as tablets that do have Android OS, which may pose difficulty for Android DJ software. Should be inquired about before purchasing.
• The tablet can take up to four hours to charge fully, which can be a long time to wait.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

The Lite version of the Galaxy 6S is the second best option for DJs, and is more affordable than the 6S. See specific features and considerations below.

Pros

• Contains Android OS 10, meaning that the tablet has a wider variety of apps, and a faster download system better for DJ software than the Amazon Fire.
• Has the same display size as the Samsung Galaxy 6S (10.5”, or 26.67 cm).
• Comes with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair with headphones or speakers.
• Boasts an incredible 64 or 128 GB, and an additional microSD chip (though it costs more) if you run out of space. This means that you can download a pretty incredible playlist of songs.
• Comes with a smartpen that may not benefit DJs much but is a pretty cool addition.

Cons

• A little more of an investment, (than the Amazon Fire) at around $275.
• Has only an okay camera, though that may not be a consideration for DJs.
• Less impressive screen display than a higher-priced Samsung 6S. However, that shouldn’t downgrade the quality of the software enough for it to be noticeable.

Fire HD 8

The Fire HD is the cheapest tablet that can still be used for DJing, but also the least efficient. Weigh the pros and cons below.

Pros

• Incredibly low price at around $80.
• Comes with 32 gigabytes of storage, can go up to 64 GB.
• 12 hours of battery life.
• Access to the digital assistant Alexa.
• It does have a headphone jack, which is a better audio option than its speakers, which are pretty low end when compared with other options here.

Cons

• Has only 1.5 GB of RAM operating, so it may be harder to fully access and load apps. While it should still be possible, expect some slowness.
• The smaller screen (8 inches or 20.3 cm) can feel cramped.

Comparison of Android Device Storage, Price, and Size

A brief table to easily compare a few important values of the tablets listed here, from most to least expensive. The Samsung Galaxy 6S has the highest price, but the best quality and the largest screen.

The Fire HD is cheapest, with the least storage and smallest screen.

Name	Average Price	Storage (GB)	Size of display
Samsung Galaxy 6S	$600	128 or 256	10.5” (26.67 cm)
Huawei	$437	32G (microSD up to 256 GB)	10.1” (25.65 cm)
Samsung Galaxy 6S lite	$275	64 or 128	10.4” (26.4 cm)
Amazon Fire HD	$150	32 or 64	10” (25.4 cm)
Fire HD 8	&80	32 or 64	8” (20.3 cm)

Conclusion

The best Android tablet for DJing is the Samsung Galaxy 6S. At 10.5 inches (16.67 cm), which has a bright and well-defined display and comes with a choice of 128 or 256 GB of storage – perfect for large music libraries and Bluetooth.

It is also compatible with many DJ apps and software, the most notable being Algoriddim’s Djay 2. Along with software, there’s plenty of other equipment, from speakers to controllers, that the Samsung 6S tablet can be hooked up to in order to up your DJ game.

Aside from the Samsung Galaxy 6S, which can be a bit pricey at $600, there are other Android tablet options for less money. These include the Amazon Fire HD (10 and 8), the Samsung Galaxy Lite (a great second-best option), and the Huawei tablet, which is cheap but with good internal speakers.

Sources

• Reloop: DJing with Smartphones and Tablets
• Android Authority: The Best Android Tablets to spend your money on
• The Guardian: Seven of the best DJ apps for Android, iPhone and iPad
• Tech Radar: Best Android Tablets of 2020
• T-Mobile: Bluetooth Samsung Galaxy 6S