Who are the best trance producers and DJs of all time?

Trance is electronic music's most euphoric genre — built around soaring melodies, driving arpeggios and emotional breakdowns. These are the producers and DJs who made it a global phenomenon.

1

Armin van Buuren

Dutch DJ ranked world's #1 multiple times and host of the iconic 'A State of Trance' radio show.

2

Paul van Dyk

German DJ considered a founding father of trance, known for uplifting, emotional sets and his Vandit label.

3

Tiesto

Dutch DJ who dominated trance in the early 2000s before transitioning to broader EDM stardom.

4

Ferry Corsten

Dutch producer known for energetic, melodic trance under his own name and the System F alias.

5

Paul Oakenfold

British DJ who helped bring trance to mainstream UK audiences and played a key role in the global electronic boom.

6

Above & Beyond

British trio known for deeply emotional, melodic trance music and one of dance music's most passionate fanbases.

7

ATB

German producer André Tanneberger known for one of trance's biggest crossover hits, '9 PM (Till I Come).'

8

BT

American producer Brian Transeau who pioneered stutter-editing and granular synthesis techniques in trance.

9

Markus Schulz

Bulgarian-German DJ known for dark, progressive trance and his long-running Global DJ Broadcast show.

10

Gareth Emery

British producer known for anthemic, melodic trance music and his candid commentary on the scene.

11

Sasha

British DJ who pioneered progressive house and trance and is widely considered one of the greatest DJs ever.

12

John Digweed

British DJ known for refined, deep progressive DJ sets and his Bedrock label, often partnered with Sasha.

13

Aly & Fila

Egyptian duo known for uplifting, emotional trance influenced by Middle Eastern music.

14

Robert Miles

Italian-Swiss producer who achieved mainstream success with the ambient trance hit 'Children' in 1995.

15

Cosmic Gate

German duo Claus Terhoeven and Stefan Bossems known for energetic trance productions and global festival shows.