Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 vs Pioneer DDJ-FLX4

The DDJ-FLX4 is the sturdier, more future-proof pick: bigger jog wheels, a metal-topped chassis at 2.1 kg, 8 hot cues, a 16-slot sampler, and rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite and djay support across PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android, including Bluetooth. The Inpulse 200 MK3 is smaller and lighter at 0.9 kg, and its light guides and stems controls teach beatmatching and mashups faster than the FLX4's Smart Fader does. Owners rate the Hercules higher on average (4.9 from 37 ratings against 4.4 from 132), but the FLX4 has far more reviews and a layout that carries over to club-standard Pioneer gear. Buy the Hercules to learn on a tight desk; buy the FLX4 to grow into.

• Choose the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 if you are learning to beatmatch by ear and eye and want light guides and stems controls in a controller that fits in a backpack.
• Choose the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 if you want club-style Pioneer layout, bigger jog wheels, phone and tablet support, and software that carries over when you upgrade.