Mixxx
Free open source DJ software from a Hamburg nonprofit, with vinyl control, sync and no telemetry
Quick Overview
| Company | Mixxx e.V. |
|---|---|
| Category | DJ Software |
| Headquarters | Hamburg, Germany |
| Founded | 2001 |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | The app collects no user data and uses no telemetry; website hosted on Netlify |
| Open Source | Open source (licence not named on the pages we read) |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes (software runs locally; no account needed) |
| Main Features | BPM and key detection, Sync Lock for four songs, DJ controller mappings, effects, timecode vinyl control |
| Pricing | Free; funded by donations; a shop exists on the site |
| Best For | DJs who want free software with no account and control over mappings |
| Replaces | Serato DJ, Serato DJ Lite |
Detailed Review
Mixxx e.V. is a registered nonprofit association at Am Reisenbrook 49d, 22359 Hamburg, entered in the Vereinsregister of the Amtsgericht Hamburg as VR 25977. The imprint names Owen Williams, Jörg Wartenberg and Daniel Schürmann as board members.
The contact page says Mixxx was started in 2001 by Ken and Tue Haste Andersen. Development is now done by an open source team from around the world.
What Mixxx does for a DJ
Mixxx detects BPM and musical key and uses Sync Lock to match tempo and beats across four songs. It has built-in mappings for DJ controllers and a programmable mapping system for MIDI or HID devices.
The effects can be chained, and timecode vinyl records can control playback so you can scratch.
Privacy and funding
The privacy policy states that the Mixxx application needs no user account and collects no data in use, with no telemetry. Limited data can be shared for metadata lookup through MusicBrainz, for broadcasting, for crash reports and for update checks.
The policy says there is no business model around Mixxx and the only revenue is donations.
How Mixxx compares with Serato
Serato lists a Pro subscription at $11.99 USD a month. Mixxx costs nothing, but a volunteer team stands behind it, and the pages we read show no streaming-service integration.
Limitations to Consider
Mixxx is run by volunteers, so support comes from forums and the community, not a paid desk. The pages we read mention no streaming-service integration, and the imprint footer shows a 2001-2024 copyright, which suggests the imprint text was not recently revised. Platforms and licence text were not on the pages we read. For streaming catalogues, look at djay.
Who Should Use Mixxx
DJs and hobbyists who want a free, account-free app with controller mappings and timecode vinyl, and who accept community support.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free, funded by donations
- No account and no telemetry in the app
- Registered German nonprofit with register number
- Programmable mappings for MIDI and HID devices
- Timecode vinyl control
Cons
- Volunteer-run support
- No streaming-service integration seen on the pages we read
- Platforms and licence not stated on the pages we read
- Imprint footer shows copyright to 2024 only
Alternatives to Mixxx
Other European dj software worth comparing before you decide:
See all European dj software or compare them directly against Serato DJ on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Mixxx is run by Mixxx e.V., a nonprofit association in Hamburg, and it is free DJ software with controller mappings and timecode vinyl control.
The privacy policy states the app needs no account, collects no user data in use and has no telemetry. Limited data can be shared for metadata retrieval, broadcasting, crash reports and update checks.
The privacy policy says there is no business model around Mixxx and the only revenue is donations.