Understanding Serato DJ compatible hardware & licensing

Understanding Serato DJ hardware licensing helps you determine what software features are available with your hardware and whether additional licenses are required. This guide explains the different hardware categories and licensing requirements for Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite.

Important: Hardware licensing determines which Serato DJ software features you can access, however you will also need a software version that supports your hardware. We recommend using the latest version for the most comprehensive compatibility, but it's important to check your computer meets the recommended specifications for the software version you're using.

Hardware Licensing Categories

Serato DJ compatible hardware falls into three main categories based on licensing requirements. To identify your hardware licensing category, check the official Serato.com hardware pages - each device page displays clear licensing badges indicating the category. You can also browse and filter all hardware by category on the Serato DJ hardware page.

Serato DJ Pro Hardware Unlocked

These devices provide immediate plug-and-play functionality when connected to a computer with Serato DJ Pro installed. No additional activation or upgrade licenses are required:

What this means for you:

Connect your hardware and start using Serato DJ Pro immediately
All Pro features are available without additional purchases
No license activation process required

Serato DJ Lite Hardware Unlocked

These devices work plug-and-play with Serato DJ Lite but require a Serato DJ Pro license purchase to access Pro features and functionality.

What this means for you:

Use immediately with Serato DJ Lite (free software)
Purchase a Serato DJ Pro license to unlock Pro features
One Pro license works with all Lite hardware unlocked devices

Paid Upgrade to Serato DJ Pro

These devices require a Serato DJ Pro license purchase and activation before they can be used with Serato DJ Pro software.

What this means for you:

Serato DJ Pro license required before these devices can be used with Serato DJ Pro software

Includes Serato DJ Club Kit mixers
Includes Serato DJ Lite hardware unlocked devices
One Pro license works across all compatible devices in this category

DVS (Digital Vinyl System) Licensing

Some Serato DJ compatible hardware also supports DVS functionality, which has its own licensing structure:

Serato DVS Hardware Unlocked

These devices automatically activate DVS features when connected to a computer with Serato DJ Pro.

Paid Upgrade to Serato DVS

These devices require a Serato DJ Suite license to enable DVS functionality in Serato DJ Pro.

Serato Official Accessories

Serato Official Accessories are supplementary devices that enhance your DJ setup but cannot function independently.

Requirements for accessories:

Must have compatible primary hardware connected
Primary hardware must be either Serato DJ Pro hardware unlocked OR a paid upgrade device with valid Serato DJ Pro license
Cannot be used with Serato DJ Lite
Cannot function without primary hardware connection

License Purchase Guidelines

For Serato DJ Lite Hardware Users

If you own Serato DJ Lite hardware unlocked devices and want to access Serato DJ Pro features:

Purchase or subscribe to a Serato DJ Pro license - Visit the Serato DJ Pro purchase page for current pricing and subscription options
This single license works with all your Serato DJ Lite controllers
License remains valid even if you switch to different Lite hardware

For Club Kit Mixer Users

If you want to use Club Kit mixer with (Paid upgrade to Serato DJ Pro mixers):

Purchase or subscribe to a Serato DJ Suite license - Visit the Serato DJ Pro purchase page for current pricing and subscription options
This license enables connection to all Paid upgrade to Serato DJ Pro hardware (not just mixers - includes controllers and other devices in this category)
Required for any Pro software functionality with these devices

DVS Functionality: If you want to use DVS (Digital Vinyl System) features with Club Kit mixers, you will need a Serato DJ Suite License. Check the Serato DJ Pro purchase page for current licensing options.