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There’s nothing more fun than making a fool out of yourself belting cheesy ’80s tunes, and karaoke machines can take the experience to a new level. Whether you’ve got a musical group of friends, love singing solo, or want to build up your confidence before stepping into a real karaoke bar, snag an at-home karaoke machine that’ll keep you rocking all year round. Set up a fog machine, some lights, and record renditions to capture fond memories between friends (or for blackmail). Here are some of the best karaoke machines on the market for those guilty-pleasure performances.

How we chose the best karaoke machines

Popular Science cares deeply about audio and counts musicians and critics among our staff and freelancers. That sincere appreciation doesn’t mean we’re above belting out some power ballads when the situation is right. In rounding up the best karaoke machines on the market, we looked for connectivity; special features such as sound effects and LED lights; and the depth and breadth of the library of selections.

The best karaoke machines: Reviews & Recommendations

Karaoke, which translates to “empty orchestra” in Japanese, isn’t necessarily about musical talent. But the machines have an uncanny ability to bring people together and provide hours of fun. Whether you’ve got serious pipes or part of the chorus, these karaoke machines are primed for fun.

Best overall: Singsation Karaoke Machine

Singsation Karaoke System

Singsation

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Specs

  • Mics included: One
  • Weight: 7.39 pounds
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

  • All-in-one-kit
  • Comes with 60 voice modifications
  • Features 25 LED lights

Cons

  • Some users experienced problems connecting with Bluetooth
  • Speaker may not be high volume

The all-in-one Singsation Karaoke machine includes one microphone, a 10-foot cord, and an adjustable mic stand with a smartphone holder on top to place your phone. Controls on the base of the stand allow you to choose from 25 LED lighting modes, 10 sound effects, and 60 voice modifiers like reverb or a helium effect. Connect your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth to play the media.

Best for kids: Singing Machine SML385BTW Karaoke System

Singing Machine Bluetooth Karaoke System

Singing Machine

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Specs

  • Mics included: One
  • Weight: 7 pounds
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB port, one line-in, RCA cables, and two mic jacks

Pros

  • Kid-friendly 
  • Easy to use
  • Connects to TVs
  • Features 54 LED lights

Cons

  • People may not have CDs
  • Some users had issues with sound quality

This karaoke machine from Singing Machine is a simple option for children. It includes an array of 54 LED lights to make their performance more exciting. It comes with one microphone and can connect to your TV via RCA cables. Play music using the built-in CD player or connect a device via Bluetooth connection. All the controls—like lights, echo effect, and volume—sit conveniently on the front of the device, making them easy to navigate.

Best for pros: Karaoke USA Complete Karaoke System

Karaoke USA Complete Karaoke System

Karaoke USA

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Specs

  • Mics included: Two
  • Weight: 9.65 pounds
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI

Pros

  • Has two mics
  • Features high-definition touchscreen 
  • Comes with 300 songs on CD

Cons

  • Some users encountered issues with Bluetooth connectivity
  • Touchscreen wasn’t responsive for some users

Karaoke USA’s complete system comes with a full-color seven-inch display screen and two microphones so you can sing a duet. You can play media from any device, including Bluetooth, SD card, CD, MP3 player, DVD, or via an app on your smartphone. The 35-watt speaker also comes with built-in LED lights that can sync with the rhythm of the music. Included in the box are RCA cables, an AUX cable, and a remote control. It also comes with two DVDs with 300 songs.

Best portable: Vangoa Karaoke Machine with 2 Wireless Microphones

Vangoa makes one of the best karaoke machines that's portable.

Vangoa

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Specs

  • Mics included: Two
  • Weight: 7.04 pounds
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, AUX

Pros

  • Easy to transport
  • Advanced connectivity
  • Features two wireless mics
  • Exceptional audio quality

Cons

  • Battery life isn’t that long

Karaoke machines aren’t necessarily known for the quality of their audio, but this portable option from Vangoa is an exception. With two 15-watt speakers, the treble and bass on this machine are clear. This machine also features the latest Bluetooth 5.0 chip for excellent connectivity and has ports for USB, AUX IN, and other connections. The two wireless microphones and LED lights will help make the party, and the battery should last up to 4 hours. The buttons are easy to use, allowing users to change the music from pop to rock to classical. It comes with a TF card for saving your performances. And at just over 7 pounds, it’s designed to let you take the party wherever you go. 

Best budget: BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

Bonaok

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Specs

  • Mics included: Two
  • Weight: 1.12 pounds
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, AUX

Pros

  • Comes with two speakers
  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Some users had issues with the build quality

The portable BONAOK mic connects to Bluetooth-enabled devices and features two built-in speakers that pump out 360-degree sound. The integrated battery holds enough juice for five hours of singing or about enough for about 100 renditions of “Love Shack.” It also plugs in via an optional auxiliary cable. Control the microphone, music, and echo levels on the device.

Things to consider before purchasing a karaoke machine

Sure, karaoke at home is a fun experience, but if you’re shelling out for a machine, you want one that gives you access to songs and provides good-quality audio. Here’s what you should keep in mind when vetting a device:

Connectivity

Most of the machines on this list feature a variety of ways to connect, from Bluetooth to USB and AUX ports that allow you to attach the machine to your devices to access songs or let you stream the performance to your TV. Keep in mind if you choose a portable machine that, you’ll need to use somewhere where you can access WiFi.

Number of mics

While the heartfelt karaoke solo has its place, it’s generally more fun as a group experience. This is why you may want to look for karaoke machines with two microphones instead of one that can reliably be connected via Bluetooth or through a USB or AUX input if you’re a singer who prefers to use your own microphones. But if it’s just for your child to belt out some tunes, one microphone can suffice.

Sound quality

Karaoke machines vary widely in terms of sound quality. If audio is important to you, look for machines with two speakers, wireless microphones that connect easily, and inputs that let you connect a smartphone or tablet to use digital audio files.

FAQs

Q: How much does a karaoke machine cost?

The cost of a karaoke machine depends on the features it provides. Some come with microphones, a stand, touchscreens, and more sophisticated audio systems. Our picks range from about $250 for the Karaoke USA Complete Karaoke System to less than $30 for our budget pick, the BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone.

Q: Does a karaoke machine come with songs?

Some of the older karaoke machines come with a CD that features a library of songs to pick from, and others provide access through an app. Nowadays, most machines are Bluetooth-compatible and feature USB and AUX ports that allow you to connect devices like your smartphone or tablet to stream your favorite music.

Q: What is needed to set up karaoke?

To set up a karaoke machine, you’ll need a machine that has speakers or can connect to them through a port. You’ll also need at least one microphone and a library of songs, which depending on the machine, can be on a CD or you can input from a device through a USB or AUX connection. Some sets also come with a carrying case and mic stand.

Final thoughts on the best karaoke machines

You don’t have to go to a karaoke bar anymore to belt out your favorite power ballads. The best karaoke machines let you bring the experience into your home (or backyard). With options available for pros and kids at a budget-friendly price, sometimes even featuring LED lights, these devices are an easy way to start the party.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

Billy Cadden
Billy Cadden

Billy Cadden is the Director of Commerce for the Camden Media tech group. He was part of NYC indie rock band The Postelles, and currently releases solo music under his name. His latest work is available on all streaming platforms. Contact the author here.

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