Head to head
DDJ-200 vs. DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2
Both are DJ controllers in the same price bracket (€100 to €200) — which is why you genuinely hesitate between them. Here is what our register says about both, side by side, including what speaks against them.
Pioneer DJ
DDJ-200
The former beginner standard — no longer sold new, still common second-hand.
For
- Cheap second-hand
- Runs with rekordbox, WeDJ and djay
- Plenty of guides online
Against
- No built-in sound card — the sound comes from the laptop or phone
- No longer sold new; the FLX2 is the successor
Hercules
DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2
The Inpulse 200's big brother: more pads, more buttons, beatmatch help with light guides — for DJUCED and Serato DJ Lite.
For
- Beatmatch Guide: light arrows show tempo and phase
- 3-band EQ per channel
- DJUCED and Serato DJ Lite included
Against
- Plastic, no club layout
- Outgrown quickly beyond beginner level
Affiliate link: if you buy through it, we earn a commission. You pay the same price, and it changes nothing about our recommendation. How we handle this
The key facts side by side
| Feature | DDJ-200 | DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pioneer DJ | Hercules |
| Price bracket | €100 to €200 | €100 to €200 |
| Our classification | Entry level | Entry level |
| Meant for | Nothing yet, Laptop only | Nothing yet, Laptop only, Controller setup |
Where they differ
- They suit different paths — someone starting with vinyl needs a different device than someone on a controller.
- Different manufacturers, so different software ecosystems, spare parts and control logic. If you already own gear from one brand, that is a reason in itself.
We deliberately crown no winner here. What we can back up is above; anything else would be a claim, and there are plenty of those on this question already.