If you just want to sing your heart out, our experts say you should just buy The Singing Machine SML385. It’s got lights to set the mood, allows you to play songs from your smartphone through the system, and even includes some effects to make non-singers sound better. If your ambitions are far higher, read on for our selection of the best machines that’ll have your neighbors begging for quiet in no time. The SML385’s Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to play music from your phone, and there’s also a 3.5mm line-in jack (the type usually used to plug in headphones) available. Some models even support playback and recording. You also can load regular music CDs, and while there’s no built-in display, the SML385 provides an output and cables to connect your TV. It comes with one microphone and includes a second mic input for your duet needs. In terms of audio quality, the included speakers won’t blow anyone away, but they present a great value for the price. The machine offers echo effects, along with controls to balance the volume of background music and vocal tracks on karaoke recordings. There’s also an auto voice control feature that can cut out the vocal track when it detects someone singing. Mics: 2 | Connectivity: Bluetooth/USB | Lights: 54 LED disco lights At the heart of the system is its powerful “Studio” effects console, which puts more than 300 impressive preset effects at your disposal. These include professional-level technology for on-the-fly pitch correction, auto-tuning, and harmony/choir effects that can add instant backup singers at the touch of a button. A voice cancellation feature can lower the vocals on any song you want to sing along to (though this may not be as effective as removing vocals with other software). Other effects can morph your voice in various ways, or transform it to sound like other instruments such as guitars and keyboards. You even can plug in actual guitars and keyboards to provide the background music live. It’s a powerful tool that can go beyond karaoke parties into other environments, from vocal training to music composition, studio recordings, or live performances. Mics: 1 | Connectivity: 3.5mm | Lights: None It comes with an audio cable and a USB cable for wired input and charging, but beyond that, you can connect wirelessly over Bluetooth to play songs from any karaoke app on your phone. There’s even a microSD card slot on the bottom if you want to have songs loaded right into the microphone. Plus, it comes with a case that not only helps with transporting the microphone, but also helps kids keep the cables and other accessories organized. Mics: 1 | Connectivity: Bluetooth/Micro-USB/3.5mm | Lights: None It’s easy to see the GF844 is made to party, with a vivid 7-inch display and a built-in library of 300 songs. It’s also duet-ready with two high-quality microphones, both fully wireless so your performance is never tied down. A small remote is included, as well as a holder for tablets and smartphones, in case you want to use one as an additional display or keep it in place to serve as your controls. To top it off, the system is lightweight and portable, so you can rock out at parties or on trips. Mics: 2 | Connectivity: Bluetooth/USB | Lights: None Besides the design’s unique aesthetics, there’s also a functional handle making it easy to carry the Burst Deluxe around the house or on the road. And, unlike most other karaoke systems that need to be plugged into the wall, you can power it with eight AA batteries for extra portability. The Burst Deluxe’s one included wired microphone may not be enough for your family to share, so you can use the second input to double up. There’s no CD player, but a line-in port and wireless connectivity can pipe in just about any song from YouTube or a karaoke app. Also helping to keep things fresh is a selection of voice and sound effects you can cue up at any time. Mics: 1 | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Lights: Multicolor light panel
Portability
Do you want to be able to easily tote your karaoke machine to friends’ houses or events, or will it primarily live in your home? There are trade-offs when it comes to portability — for example, you’ll usually get better sound quality with a larger machine. But if you want to be able to move your karaoke machine around easily, then you should definitely take its footprint into account. Some models can weigh as little as 7 Lbs. whereas more professional models can weigh nearly triple that.
Displays and Music
Are you planning on using your karaoke machine personally or in a party setting? The answer to this question — how and where you’ll take advantage of it — will help you figure out the karaoke features you want. Does the device need a built-in display, or are you content with using your own tablet, phone, or TV? And how do you want it to play songs — through CDs or audio files on your phone? These questions matter quite a bit when it comes to the usability of your machine, so it’s important to keep them in mind while shopping. If you’re downloading your own files, or burning a custom playlist. just make sure they’re in either an MP3+G or WMA+G format.
About Our Trusted Experts
Anton Galang started writing about tech in 2007 as an editorial contributor to PC Magazine and PCMag.com. He is an expert in consumer technology, which encompasses karaoke machines. Marshall Roach is a former writer who specialized in product reviews for gaming and audio accessories, including karaoke machines.
