There are few things in life that bring everyone together like music, and no matter what the setting or the people you’re with, it will always make everyone happy. Our love for music is what makes karaoke such a popular pastime, but it’s usually something we only get to experience if we’re out at a bar late at night or at a friend’s wedding.
Having your own karaoke machine might sound like a fantasy but it’s a dream that could very much be a reality. Finding the best karaoke machine these days is more affordable than ever, so long as you know what you’re looking for.
The best karaoke system will depend on a few factors so you really need to find one that suits your needs.
Whether it’s a home karaoke system that you get out for parties or a professional machine that can do it all, there are some great options out there to choose from. That’s why we’ve made this buying guide to help you navigate your way through them all.
We’ve looked at countless karaoke machine reviews to come up with the best of the bunch in all categories and ones that suit all budgets as well. If you’re planning on buying a karaoke machine we can show you the top rated ones and also what features you need to keep in mind to ensure it meets your musical needs.
| Product Name | Our Rating |
|---|---|
| Best Karaoke Machine | |
| Winner: Karaoke USA Karaoke System | |
| Runner-Up: Singsation Karaoke Machine | |
| Best Karaoke Machine Under $100 | |
| Winner: iKaraoke System | |
| Best Wireless Karaoke Machine | |
| Winner: Pyle Portable Speaker System |
Our Recommendations
Doing a round of karaoke used to be something that was reserved for fun nights out, but having access to your own machine at home can change everything. We’ve found the best karaoke machine for adults and kids alike so you can bring the music to your home or event and be guaranteed to have the number one machines on the market.
Best Karaoke Machine
When you can’t put a price on entertainment, you’ll be looking for the best home karaoke system no matter the cost. These machines used to cost thousands of dollars which put them way out of the reach of most people but today, you can get a professional level one for a few thousand dollars instead.
These are our top picks for the best system for people who don’t have to worry about working with a limited budget.
Winner: Karaoke USA Karaoke System
If you’re someone who wants the best of the best, you won’t settle for some flimsy karaoke machine.
The Karaoke USA Karaoke System looks like something you’d find set up by a professional at a wedding or nightclub, and if you have the money to spare you can get all of its top-notch features for the home.
Of course, the Karaoke USA device is more expensive than other home ones on the market but you’re paying for all of the extras as well as the quality.
This is the upgraded version of the device, which means they’ve made everything better in this model, including the mic cartridges that provide the expert sound you need when you bust out those high notes.
Karaoke USA uses a 35W peak digital power amplifier on this system so it will sound as if you’re in a nightclub listening to a live band. To get the best power use out of it you’ll need to use 9V batteries, otherwise, as some reviewers have found, it really doesn’t last that long.
This is probably not the best choice for people looking for a portable karaoke system and is better left set up and kept in one place at home. Not only does it use a lot of battery power but is more designed to be a home machine that can also record, which you probably don’t need to do that when you’re at a party.
If you’re after a more professional touch and something you can use on your own to get serious about singing, this is the way to go. There are options for recording and mixing whatever you sing, so you can use it as a professional device or a way to work on your singing skills.
There are plenty of extras included with this karaoke system from Karaoke USA including two microphones so you can sing with a friend, remote control to give you access from anywhere, and a range of compatibility options.
You can plug in your smartphone, MP3 players, tablets and pads, and anything else that fits with it so there are heaps of choices for the music. There are also 300 songs included and it’s compatible with karaoke CDs and DVDs as well.
The color screen is another cool feature that makes this device worth the money. It measures in at 7 inches so you have ample space to read the lyrics and share the stage with someone else. The bright colors and graphics will make you feel as though you’re at a karaoke bar so it really helps to set the mood.
OUR RATING
Runner-Up: Singsation Karaoke Machine
For those who want every party to look like it’s taking place in a real-life karaoke bar, you’ll want to spend the extra cash to get yourself a Singsation Karaoke Machine.
This has all of the bells and whistles that you could ever dream of and it’ll turn any boring party into an instant fun factory, so it’s well worth the money.
By far one of the more expensive options on the market, if you want something feature rich you’ll be happy to pay.
The Singsation Karaoke Machine is a complete stand-up device that has everything included with it.
You’ll not only get your karaoke station but also voice effects, lighting, sound effects, and various other controls that aren’t usually possible with these types of home machines. It’s all controlled with a remote as well, so you can take charge of the fun from anywhere.
The Singsation Karaoke Machine was made for people who entertain often and isn’t really the type of machine you’d use on your own. There are even 25 different options for lighting and theme setup so every party you throw can look and feel different, and it’s all possible with just one machine.
When it comes to music, everything is controlled through your smartphone and tablet. This device is compatible through Bluetooth which means you download the apps or watch YouTube videos to get the songs.
This is kind of a disappointment as you’re spending so much money. It would have been good to have some pre-loaded songs on there or the option to use karaoke CDs or MPs, so you’re really limited to whatever you can find online.
In terms of sound quality, this seems to be where a lot of the money is spent. You could easily sing for large crowds or in open spaces thanks to the 40-watt amplifier and four stereo drivers that come with it. However, be prepared to lug around a lot of gear because you’ll have the microphone and speaker to take with you.
The Singstation comes with heaps of effects options and it would be a great choice for those looking for a professional machine.
You could take it to kids and adults parties alike and get everyone excited with the voice effects that include chipmunk, rock star, high pitch, and low pitch. There are also sound effects that you can insert into any song you’re doing, so you can have a lot of fun with it.
OUR RATING
Best Karaoke Machine Under $100
Gone are the days when you had to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a karaoke machine to enjoy the fun for yourself. Today, it’s easy to get a karaoke device for home that has many of the features that other more expensive ones offer. We’ve found the best karaoke machine for the money that can do it all and still costs less than $100.
Winner: iKaraoke System
Proving that you don’t have to spend a lot of money just to get a good music setup is the iKaraoke System.
This compact sized device is actually capable of a lot more than it first looks like and it’s perfect for people who want plenty of options with compatible sounds and music.
The iKaraoke System gives you the chance to use all types of media formats so you’ll never run out of music.
It has a space for a memory stick so you can access USB music and files, a CD player for karaoke sounds, and smartphone connection for everything else.
When compared to the more expensive karaoke systems this one definitely wins in terms of compatibility so don’t discount it just by looking at the price.
This is the perfect portable machine and it’s lightweight enough to take virtually anywhere. However, you’ll need to make sure that wherever you take the iKaraoke there’s a power supply. Unlike others, it doesn’t operate on batteries which can be slightly annoying, but as long as you’re prepared it won’t matter.
According to some reviews, the sound quality isn’t always the best. Some people have found that it goes too loud and others didn’t get the clarity they wanted. This seems to be the only downfall when it comes to purchasing a cheaper option like the iKaraoke, so if you don’t need to entertain large crowds of people then it shouldn’t be a bother.
Another thing that may end up costing a bit more money is the purchase of a second microphone. This one only comes with one but there is the option to upgrade to two microphones so if you think you’ll be doing duets, then it might be worthwhile to spend a little extra at the beginning and choose the right device.
The iKaraoke comes with a 7” color screen which shows you the lyrics of the song you’re singing and easily lets you share the stage with someone else. There’s also included cables that connect to your television so you can increase the size of the show if wish, doing more than most Bluetooth karaoke machines do.
For this low cost, you might assume that all the iKaraoke can do is play music and let you sing along. However, it’s more of a party machine than that. This device comes with a multi-color lighting setup as well so you can set the scene for a party.
You can also record any performance you do and share it with people which means everyone can see how their karaoke set went at your event.
OUR RATING
Best Wireless Karaoke Machine
When karaoke machines were first revealed for the home, they were still pretty bulky devices. Today, you can find wireless setups that are not only easy for your lounge room but easy to use just about anywhere you go. We’ve found the top-rated wireless system that can provide you with hours of portable entertainment.
Winner: Pyle Portable Speaker System
When you need wireless functionality and want your karaoke setup to run smoothly, you can rely on something like the Pyle Portable Speaker System to deliver.
Not only does this operate as a wireless karaoke device but also a complete portable PA speaker so it has many more uses than you might realize.
The Pyle Portable Speaker System is the perfect choice for a karaoke device thanks to the microphone inputs that let you plug in up two at once.
This means you can sing along to your favorite duet or perform a song along, and all with a wireless microphone that gives you more range and freedom.
The Pyle System only comes with one wireless mic though, so be prepared to pay a little extra if you need a second.
In addition to being great for karaoke, the Pyle Portable Speaker System can deliver serious sounds for all kinds of things. Whether you want to plug in a guitar, let a band play, or just turn up the music really loud, it’s perfectly capable of doing all of that and more. It’s great at large venues and for a portable device can turn the volume up quite a bit.
Some reviewers have commented that the microphone included was kind of sensitive and didn’t deliver the best quality of sound.
If you plan on using it a lot you might even want to upgrade and get yourself a new wireless mic that sounds like a professional one, and considering the low cost of the speaker system you’ll still end up spending less than the competition.
This is by far the best portable device and it comes with a 5.25” subwoofer and 2” tweeter. You won’t find this type of hardware on other karaoke machines so it’s hard to compare, especially when you consider it’s a portable device as well.
With a heavy-duty rechargeable battery, you can take it to any party or event and not have to worry about finding a power cord, so in terms of portability, it can really do it all.
OUR RATING
The Features To Look For When Buying A Karaoke Machine
If you’ve never shopped for a karaoke machine before you might find the process a little overwhelming. These devices used to be reserved for professional use only, whether it was nightclubs or traveling DJs, so shopping for a home system requires you to consider some different factors.
These are the features you need to know about before you start searching for the best home karaoke system and why they matter in the final product.
Use
Karaoke machines weren’t all made equally and to get the right one you have to think about your intended use for it. If you want one for an upcoming party or to bring out a couple of times a year, then it won’t matter which one you choose.
However, for people who enjoy karaoke often or even plan on using it in a commercial setting, you’ll need one with all of the features that’s capable of continual use.
Size
There are a few factors to consider in the size of a karaoke machine and also their design. Some are modeled on a microphone and minimal in design while others come with a full screen, speaker and other parts. Consider where you’ll be using it and how much equipment you require to lead you in the right direction.
Weight
The weight of your karaoke machine is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, if you plan on taking it around with you to different places, you’ll need to know how much you’re able to carry. Secondly, where you set it up at home must be able to hold the weight load.
Some people use theirs with an existing entertainment setup like a television unit and it needs to be able to securely handle that amount.
Portability
Home karaoke machines were designed to keep at home but that doesn’t mean you can’t take them to other parties or events every now and then. If you plan on being able to transport your device you’ll want to look for features that highlight its portability.
Things like carrying case, lightweight construction, compatibility with various devices, and easy setup all indicate that a karaoke machine is portable.
Compatibility
In earlier models, karaoke machines used to have all of the songs built into them or even have various CDs that you could insert with different songs. Modern home karaoke machines are a lot more flexible and allow you to get access to modern music as well.
Compatibility options for these machines include Bluetooth, smartphone connection, YouTube videos, MP3s, and some with stored music. Depending on what would suit your setup, look for one with the right compatibility.
Warranty
Whenever you buy appliances or electronics, you need to make sure it has a warranty. Electronic devices like this are more prone to failures and having a warranty cover is essential. At the very least, a 12-month limited warranty should be offered on a karaoke machine considering their cost, so anything greater than that is a bonus.
Price
As you can see, there is a huge variation in prices of karaoke systems these days. Compared to professional machines that used to cost thousands of dollars it’s now easy for anyone to invest in a karaoke device.
They start as low as around $50 and up to a few hundred, so it depends on the features you’re looking for and the budget you have. As with any electronics though, the less you spend the less quality you can expect a machine to have.
Additional Features
If you want more than a simple karaoke player there are some really cool extra features to choose from. These include complete lighting systems, music mixers, voice recorders, remote control, amplifier stereos, and more. Your karaoke system can be as simple or professional as you need it to be.
Classic Fun That Will Never Go Out Of Style
Karaoke machines have been around since the 1970s but we’ve never had such easy access to them at home as we do today. These devices we’ve reviewed prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the fun and frivolity that a karaoke machine has to offer, and an easy way to improve the feel of any party.
Home karaoke systems have certainly come a long way and you’re now able to get something that resembles a professional device in the comfort of your own home. With your own machine, there’s no need to feel embarrassed like when you perform in front of a crowd, and you’ll spend hours alone and with others singing your favorite songs.
For those who like to entertain a lot or just like to sing on their own, a home karaoke machine is a must-have. As long as you know the right features to look for and have a budget in mind to spend, you can pick up one for a great price that will provide you with years of music and entertainment.
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