Head to head
XDJ-RX3 vs. Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
Both are DJ controllers in the same price bracket (over €600) — 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
XDJ-RX3
Two players and a mixer in one housing with a large touchscreen — plays rekordbox libraries from a USB stick, no laptop.
For
- Standalone: plug in a USB stick, no computer needed
- Operates like a CDJ and DJM
- Large touchscreen with waveforms
Against
- Considerably more expensive than any controller
- Two decks, no four-channel mixer
Native Instruments
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
Four channels and motorised jog wheels with Haptic Drive — the Traktor flagship among controllers.
For
- Haptic Drive: motorised jog wheels with cue points you can feel
- Four channels, inputs for turntables and external players
- Traktor Pro included
Against
- Big and heavy
- Traktor only — no rekordbox, no Serato
The key facts side by side
| Feature | XDJ-RX3 | Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pioneer DJ | Native Instruments |
| Price bracket | over €600 | over €600 |
| Our classification | Step up | Step up |
| Meant for | Controller setup | 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.