How to Choose a Karaoke Machine
Start with where the lyrics will show: a built-in screen, a TV over HDMI or RCA, or your phone. Then count the mics you need, decide between battery and wall power, check the inputs, and read the box list for extras like mic batteries. Compare each machine against its maker's published specs.
Where will the lyrics show?
Lyrics come from whatever plays the song. There are three common setups:
- A built-in screen. Screen machines such as the Singing Machine ISM9025 and Ikarao Shell S1 have a 10.1-inch touchscreen and built-in apps.
- A TV. Machines with HDMI send lyrics to a modern TV. Older CD+G players such as the Singing Machine SML385BTW use RCA video instead. See how to connect a karaoke machine to a TV and our TV and HDMI picks.
- Your phone or tablet. Party speakers with no screen play the sound and the mics while you read the lyrics on the device playing the song.
How many people sing at once?
Two mics suit duets and parties, and many party machines include two wireless mics. Check how they're powered: some recharge, some charge on the machine and some take AA or AAA batteries that aren't included. Extra wired-mic jacks let you add singers with a wired mic such as the Singing Machine SMM-205. See our two wireless mics picks and how to set up wireless karaoke mics.
Battery or wall power?
A built-in battery lets you sing in a backyard or at a picnic. Only some makers publish battery hours, so treat any figure as the maker's number. Screen machines often run from an AC adapter, so plan for a socket. Our battery karaoke machines for outdoors list quotes each maker's figure where one exists.
Inputs and connections
Look for the ways you'll play songs:
- A wireless link from a phone or tablet. Use each maker's own wording: TONOR calls the link on its K6 and K9 "wireless 5.0".
- USB or a memory card for saved songs.
- AUX or line-in for a cable from a headphone-style output.
- Wi-Fi apps on screen machines.
- Audio inputs from a TV, such as coaxial or optical.
Kids' models: check the maker's age guidance
Kids' machines keep the controls simple and often run on AA batteries. Use the age guidance the maker gives: VTech lists the Kidi Star Karaoke Machine for ages 5 and up. Where a maker page gives no age, check the listing and packaging. See our karaoke machines for kids.
What's in the box
Read the box list before you order. Mic batteries, HDMI cables and RCA cables are often not included, and some app catalogs need their own subscription. If you're buying a present, our karaoke gifts list notes what to add.
Where to go next
- The full overview: portable karaoke machines
- Living rooms: karaoke machines for home parties
- Grown-up parties: karaoke machines for adults
- Every model we cover: model profiles
FAQ
What should I look for when buying a karaoke machine?
Check where the lyrics show, how many microphones are included and how they're powered, whether it runs on battery or a wall adapter, and which inputs it has. Then compare the box list with the listing.
Is a karaoke machine better than a Bluetooth speaker for singing?
A karaoke machine adds microphone inputs and controls such as echo or vocal effects. A plain Bluetooth speaker may have no mic input, so check its manual before you plan to sing through it.
How many microphones does a karaoke machine need?
Two suits duets and parties, and many party machines include two wireless mics. Most kids' models on this site have one. Extra wired-mic jacks let you add more; check the listing.
When do I need a battery-powered karaoke machine?
When you'll sing away from a wall socket, such as in a backyard or at a picnic. Only some makers publish battery hours, so check the listing before you rely on a figure.