Are you ready to take your singing career (read: belting in the car) to the next level? Then you may want to invest in a karaoke machine. Guaranteed to amp up the fun-factor of any night-in or family get-together, they’re also a brilliant way to keep kids entertained, or just to flex your inner Beyoncé.
There’s so much to consider, however, when launching your new stardom. First and foremost, sound quality is key. This will vary depending on price points but the speaker and microphone on budget models should still deliver decent volume and clarity. Children may not be too preoccupied with how crystal clear their vocals are when shout-singing “It’s Raining Tacos” down the mic, but for adults, I’d recommend opting for better sound quality, if you can.
It’s important to think about how many microphones are included, too. One will be enough, if you’re taking turns or going solo, but for duets – or to prevent any arguments over who gets to sing first – you’ll want to choose a machine with two microphones (or at least the option to buy extras). If dancing around while singing is non-negotiable, you’ll want to opt for a wireless mic, too.
Song choice is crucial. Most of the karaoke machines in my review have a Bluetooth connection, so you can link with your own music or stream karaoke versions of songs on YouTube (complete with lyrics). Others have a USB port, while some come pre-loaded with songs.
Today, the best karaoke machines can do a lot more than just play music. Many of the options that I’ve tested feature cool extras such as disco lights, a record function, voice-changing effects, a built-in applause button and even interactive games. If you’re buying a karaoke machine for children, keep in mind how easy it is to operate independently, how lightweight it is and how easy it is to carry around.
With all this to take into account, I set out to find the best karaoke machines for all situations. I tested various devices, through different price points, and only the best ones made this list.
How I tested
I put a wide range of karaoke machines to the test, with the help of my musical seven- and four-year-old helpers. I looked at different factors during testing, including:
- Overall quality: I tested overall quality by checking the build, sound clarity at different volumes, and how well the controls and features worked after repeated use.
- Any extras: I looked for added features like built-in lights, multiple microphone ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and recording functions. I then tested how well they worked and whether they actually improved the experience.
- Kid-friendly: If you’ve got younger singers in the house, a karaoke machine needs to be safe, simple, and durable. I tested kid-friendliness by checking volume limits, ease of use for small hands, and how sturdy the design felt after use.
- Value for money: I compared features, build quality, and performance against the price to see which machines felt worth the spend – and which didn’t.
After approximately 130 renditions of “Let it Go”, these are the karaoke machines I’m classing as chart toppers.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Sarah Dawson is an experienced parenting and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to IndyBest since 2021. Her writing topics include everything from kids’ toys to tech products and gift guides. She’s reviewed plenty in her time too, covering the best gifts for nine-year-olds and the best dumbphones for a social media detox. Everything she tests is used in a real-world environment, and nothing features on this list that Sarah wouldn’t personally recommend.
The best karaoke machines for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Mr Entertainer nano: £69.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – L.O.L. Surprise! My diva wireless karaoke microphone: £24.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for kids – Wowstar karaoke machine: £59.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best soundbar – Mr Entertainer starbar: £149.99, Amazon.co.uk
