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Either you like it whether you're Mariah or Mick, nothing brings out the rock star in people like a good old karaoke night.
While there are countless bars and venues around the country where you can hit the stage to sample a tune or two, these portable karaoke machines free you from smoky rooms and intimidating crowds to the comforts of home.
in this article
What are the best karaoke machines?
How to set up a karaoke machine
Buying guide: How we picked the best karaoke machines
What are the best karaoke machines?
Are you ready to start singing? Our favorite karaoke machines won't turn you into a superstar overnight, but you'll definitely have a lot of fun trying.
Best Overall: KaraoKing Karaoke Machine
More flexible: TONOR PA system karaoke machine
Best for parties: Singsation All-in-One Karaoke System
Best for portability: BeFree Sound 12 Inch Multipurpose Karaoke Machine
best features: Singtrix Party Pack
1. KaraoKing Karaoke Machine
Amazon
Whether you're a karaoke pro or just want to play a song or two at your next party, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything simpler to use than this set from KaraoKing. The all-in-one karaoke machine gets a fun upgrade with two wireless microphones, a Bluetooth speaker, a phone and tablet stand, and a disco ball.
Connect the microphones to your machine via Bluetooth and use the built-in equalizer to boost bass, adjust treble, add effects and more. The machine can be synced to your device or radio using USB, AUX or Bluetooth so you can always find a song to play. Use the included remote to shuffle songs and settings. Place your phone or tablet on the base of the device to easily read the lyrics.
Promised Customer Feedback: “It sounded great, and with the spinner light, it was like a party in the whole room! Also, the customer service is top notch! Great service and great product. We love it, and it also works great as just an amp that my kid plugs his keyboard into with a cable. But don't ask me how… I highly recommend this karaoke machine!” — agamafin
2. TONOR PA System Karaoke Machine
Amazon
This popular PA system is great for karaoke, but is also useful for office presentations, conferences, conventions and religious services. The powered speaker delivers an astonishing 250W of sound, thanks to two three-inch tweeters and an eight-inch subwoofer. The included disco ball and flashing light effects on the front of the speaker bring out the party atmosphere.
Play music by inserting a USB flash drive or connect the machine to your device via Bluetooth. A built-in RCA cable allows you to connect your TV. The set comes with two wireless microphones that allow them to dance and move freely around the room while performing, without losing signal. TONOR's noise reduction and anti-interference technology ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear. The built-in rechargeable lithium battery, meanwhile, lasts up to 12 hours.
Promised Customer Feedback: “Absolutely blown away by the quality and sound of this little machine. It sounds amazing, the reverb is cool and the lights are everything. Super fun for our home karaoke parties and small gigs where we need some sound.” —Rebecca Faiola
3. Singsation All-in-One Karaoke System
Amazon
With 16 colorful light modes, 10 different voice effects and eight sound effects, this Singsation Karaoke System turns a normal song and dance into a full party.
Voice modulations let you do everything from adding harmonies to going full chipmunk, while sound effects include party starters like air horns, DJ scratches and cheers. Sixteen different lights show color patterns throughout the room and on the ceiling.
The set includes a speaker, a microphone, an adjustable microphone stand and a stand for your phone, tablet or songbook. The base adjusts from two to six feet in height. Two inputs let you add a second microphone or guitar to double your fun.
Promised Customer Feedback: “I bought this for my husband for Christmas. The first time we used it we sang for 3 hours with another couple! We brought it to a party and everyone loved it! One person even ordered one in the car from the party! I suggest using an iPad instead of an iPhone unless you have really good eyes!” — Antonia
4. BeFree Sound 12 Inch Multipurpose Karaoke Machine
After consulting some experts in the field, aka karaoke enthusiasts, we found that the BeFree Sound 12 inch it's a fan favorite because it's incredibly light and portable. While its main purpose is to be used as a karaoke machine (this one extra microphone can be connected), it can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker for events.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, the speaker has a rechargeable battery meaning it can be used wirelessly from location to location. Plus, its flashing lights are guaranteed to get the party started. According to buyers, the sound is clear and the easy-to-use remote control and included microphone make selecting and streaming songs a seamless experience.
Promised Customer Feedback: “Excellent product. Great sound, great features. The battery lasts for at least 8 hours at 50% volume, and that's pretty powerful when you're in the middle of nowhere! Long range remote control and microphone. I can't find a better product at this price. Highly recommended.” —Jorge
5. Singtrix Party Bundle
Amazon
From the creators of Guitar Hero, this Singtrix Party Bundle includes everything you need to create a full-scale karaoke setup at home. The set includes a microphone, cable, microphone stand, effect pad and a powerful 40 watt speaker with built-in subwoofer. The speaker alone is worth it for this set, with a powerful sound that really fills the room. It's not tiny like other karaoke speakers and the connection is crisp and clear. The microphone is equally impressive, picking up your voice even from a distance, so you don't have to press right up against it.
The other standout feature gives you more than 375+ effects from the included controller, which contains standard configurations based on genre (pop, rock, country, etc.) and specific vocal effects that mimic famous artists and songs. You can also add four-part harmonies to your track, fix your pitch, and more. The plug-and-play design sets up in minutes and all settings and effects are easy to learn and understand. The included device stand lets you prop your phone or tablet up to read the lyrics.
This is the biggest karaoke machine on our list, but it's still portable enough to take with you on the go, whether it's to a party, wedding, or event.
Promised Customer Feedback: “I am so excited to have purchased this product. I think this is the best karaoke machine ever!!! It has amazing sound quality. It has over 300 sound effects. It has various types of background harmonies. It is easy to set up and use. And so much fun! I recommend buying this product for karaoke, live singing and even public speaking as it works for that too. Overall… I love this product.” —Zac Attack
How to set up a karaoke machine
Home karaoke machines usually don't come with built-in songwriting due to legalities around music licensing, so you'll need to source the tunes yourself. All of our picks let you connect your phone or tablet to them using a cable, but a couple also support Bluetooth so you can stream music to them wirelessly.
All you need to do is load up a karaoke app, pull the lyrics onto your device and start singing. The karaoke machines on our list come with a handy stand so you can set your device up to read the lyrics while freeing up your hands to hold the microphone.
Buying guide: How we picked the best karaoke machines
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best karaoke machine for you. below are the most important ones, which we considered while researching this list.
Set up: We wanted to make sure you don't waste precious singing time fiddling with cables and settings, so our options are as close to plug and play as possible.
Size: Portability is key if you want to take your karaoke machine to a party or event. Some of the options on our list fit easily into a backpack, while others are equipped with a handle and wheels for easy rolling.
Number of singers: Most of our options have two microphones, although some have additional inputs to add additional microphones if necessary. You can also use the inputs to connect an instrument (eg a guitar) to accompany whoever is singing.
Extras: The new karaoke microphones will have built-in voice effects, to help you stay on the pitch or shape your voice to say, Alvin and the Chipmunks-style. They'll also come with a ton of fun features, like dazzling light shows that pulse and project colors across the room, and even a disco ball to really bring out those Studio 54 vibes.
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
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