Is karaoke good for kids?

Any kind of creative play with music is good for kids, including karaoke, says Schiff. And when the whole family is participating in an activity like karaoke, it’s not only fun, but it helps build bonds. “Singing together as a family releases muscle tension and decreases levels of cortisol in our body,” says Schiff. “It lowers anxiety and stress while elevating endorphins, all while doing something fun that helps you bond as a family.” Plus, using a karaoke machine is an activity that kids can do by themselves to hone their confidence and musical techniques, or they can enjoy it with a group of friends or family for socialization.

How much is a karaoke machine for kids?

Prices for these machines can vary depending on features and the intended user age, but none of the options on our list go higher than a few hundred dollars. Our best overall pick, the Singing Machine SML625BTWD Karaoke Machine , is packed with features like Bluetooth connectivity, dancing LED lights, and a top-loading CD player, and it retails for $70. More basic options that are designed for younger kids, like the eKids Cocomelon Toy Singalong Boombox , tend to be the most budget-friendly, while splurges like the Tonor K20 Wireless Karaoke Machine are more expensive due to plentiful features and capabilities.

The 12 Best Karaoke Machines for Kids of 2023

Best karaoke machine for kids — Verywell Family / David Hattan

Whether your kiddo dreams of rocking out on stage or you’re looking to entertain kids at a sleepover, a karaoke machine makes for a unique activity. Kid-friendly karaoke machines can help little superstars find their voices and socialize with friends—plus, they make family gatherings and birthday parties extra fun.

Besides being a blast, karaoke machines can help with social development, reading, and more, says Dr. Holly Schiff, PsyD, a Connecticut-based licensed clinical psychologist. “Karaoke machines can definitely spark an interest in music. They provide a fun and safe activity that you can enjoy individually, with a friend, or with a group of friends or family,” she tells Verywell Family.

To make our picks, we researched dozens of karaoke machines on the market, taking various age groups into account. We evaluated them based on kid-friendly features, ease of use, sound quality, and portability.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Singing Machine Karaoke Machine at Amazon

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Best Budget:

RiseBass Portable Karaoke Machine with Microphone at Amazon

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Best for Young Kids:

eKids Toy Singalong Boombox at Amazon

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Best for Teens:

KaraoKing Karaoke Machine for Kids & Adults at Amazon

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Best Microphone:

Singing Machine The Mic 2.0 at Amazon

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Best Bluetooth Karaoke Machine:

Moukey Karaoke Machine at Amazon

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Best with Screen:

Singing Machine Bluetooth Karaoke Machine at Amazon

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Best for the Whole Family:

JYX Karaoke Machine at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Tonor Wireless Karaoke Machine at Amazon

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Best with Pedestal:

VTech Kidi Star Karaoke Machine at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

Two microphones
LED disco lights

Cons

Volume runs low

Our top pick boasts a light-up speaker that can blast tunes via Bluetooth, a CD, and more. We love this for kids because it’s compact and easy to pick up, and they’ll love the bright multi-colored LED lights that sync up to the music.

This karaoke machine comes with two microphones with individual volume controls, so kiddos can belt out a duet. It also comes with a top-loading CD player, a power adapter, and RCA cables, which you can plug into a TV screen to display song lyrics. The machine can also connect to a smart device via Bluetooth or a USB cable for audio streaming or choose from thousands of karaoke tracks on the brand’s free app.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Size: 8.5 x 8.5 x 12.8 inches | Power Source: USB | Features: Bluetooth connectivity, LED lights, can connect to TV}

Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
Rechargeable

Cons

Basic look

The Risebass Portable Karaoke Machine is nicely priced and super portable, making it easy for kids to take with them to their next slumber party. Running on a rechargeable battery, this karaoke machine is lightweight and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and comfortable handle for carrying it around. Since it’s Bluetooth-enabled, you can stream any song you want and read song lyrics from your device. Available in black, blue, and red, this karaoke machine has fun LED lights to kick the singalong up a notch. It doesn’t look fancy, but it’s a great budget-friendly pick for kids.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Size: 6 x 4 x 8.8 inches | Power Source: Charges via USB | Features: Carrying handle, Bluetooth, LED lights}

Amazon

Pros

Portable
Kid-friendly controls

Cons

No Bluetooth capability

Created for kids 18 months and up who love “Cocomelon” (or just love singing), the Cocomelon Singalong Boombox is a lot of fun for little ones. The brightly colored toy has eye-catching light-up buttons with JJ on them, and a plastic microphone is attached, so it doesn’t get lost. The toy music machine comes loaded with kid-friendly songs, from classics like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'' and “The Wheels on the Bus” to songs from the show, such as “Yes Yes Vegetables.” Singing these familiar songs encourages them to retain information and train their memory.

The thing we love the most about this toy is how intuitive the controls are, with visual cues that make it easy for them to use on their own, helping them develop confidence. The microphone works with the preloaded songs, but they can also sing their other favorite tunes. Since it’s designed for little kiddos, it can’t stream music or connect to other devices.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Size: 10.6 x 2.2 x 8.7 inches | Power Source: Battery | Features: Pre-loaded songs, attached microphone}

Amazon

Pros

Stand for tablet or phone included
Built-in disco ball
Wheels for travel

Cons

Expensive
Heavy

A karaoke machine is a great way to entertain bored teens. The KaraoKing 4-in-1 Karaoke Machine is pretty much a party in a box, complete with fun features and multiple microphones so teens can sing with friends or siblings.

This machine has a disco ball on top that lights up during performances, while the rest of the sleek machine looks more like a professional setup than a kids' toy, which older kids will appreciate. We love that the extendable handle and wheels make the machine like a small suitcase, so it’s easy to bring to parties and sleepovers.

The KaraoKing comes with two wireless microphones and a phone or tablet holder that makes it easy to stream lyric videos. It connects easily to smart devices with Bluetooth or through an auxiliary cord, and it’s powered by a rechargeable battery.

Price at time of publication: $220

^{Key Specs:
Size: 14.4 x 9.6 x 18.5 inches | Power Source: USB | Features: Device holder, two microphones, remote control, disco lights}

Amazon

Pros

Works in the car
Portable

Cons

Need separate app for lyrics

Inspired by the hit “Carpool Karaoke,” this glammed-out mic will turn any car ride into a concert. If your kids like singing in the car (and the driver doesn’t mind their singing), the whole family will have fun belting out the hits like the stars on “The Late Late Show.”

This metallic microphone connects to Bluetooth in your car via an app, though it can be used outside of the car as long as you have an aux port or PA system.

Since this pairs with a car sound system, kiddos can turn a travel experience into a concert using songs from a streaming service. Even if you lose connectivity, it will work with any songs saved to a phone.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Size: 3.6 x 2 x 10.6 inches | Power Source: Battery | Features: Bluetooth}

Amazon

Pros

Subwoofer delivers great sound
Device holder included

Cons

Expensive

For those in search of a wireless karaoke machine, this one from Moukey streams songs over Bluetooth and comes with tons of features. (You can also play music via an aux-in port or a USB drive if you’d prefer.) This setup comes with two wireless microphones, a remote control, an auxiliary cable, a TV cable, a power adapter, and a device holder for viewing lyrics on a tablet or phone.

If your kiddos aren’t in a karaoke mood, this machine works as a regular speaker, and its 10-inch subwoofer makes the bass stronger and more balanced, so it won’t distort the audio, even at higher volumes. The speaker itself has funky lights that look like owl eyes and is powered by a rechargeable battery. While it is pricey, it’s a solid investment for those who don’t want to deal with cord clutter or are looking for a portable option.

Price at time of publication: $300

^{Key Specs:
Size: 14.5 x 14.5 x 24.7 inches | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: Device holder, two wireless microphones}

Amazon

Pros

Screen for lyrics
Disco lights

Cons

Only one microphone is included

Unless you’re singing a song you know by heart, having access to lyrics is a key part of karaoke. Some karaoke machines come with a phone or tablet holder so you can stream lyrics, while others have a built-in screen, like this one from Singing Machine.

This machine is excellent for kids and adults to have fun together. It can play CDs or music that’s streamed via USB or Bluetooth, and it’s outfitted with rainbow disco lights to get the party going. Though it only comes with one microphone, it has jacks and holders for two if you’d like to purchase an extra separately. Echo and auto voice control deliver high-quality sound, and a 7-inch LCD color monitor displays scrolling lyrics to make singing along much easier.

We love this screen because it’s well-lit and easy to see. You can also connect the machine to your TV if you want a larger display that the whole family can read. Plus, kiddos will love that you can record performances and save them as MP3s!

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Size: 9.5 x 11.4 x 16.4 inches | Power Source: Battery | Features: Screen, wired microphone, AC cables, disco lights}

Amazon

Pros

Two microphones included
Long charge life

Cons

Limited volume options

To find a karaoke machine the whole family can enjoy, we looked for multiple microphones, lots of features, and portability, in case the crew wants to have a fun night up at the cabin or beach house. Available in black leather or wooden finish, this family-friendly karaoke machine hits all the marks with its two included microphones, Bluetooth compatibility, and carrying strap.

The machine has a built-in subwoofer and a tweeter, which can help amplify your voice, play the radio, and stream songs. It connects via Bluetooth to most phones and tablets, which can be conveniently placed in the attached tablet holder. A remote control makes the machine easy to operate, and colored lights will brighten up your sing-along.

Lightweight and portable, this karaoke machine has an attached shoulder strap, so it’s easy to take on the go, and the rechargeable battery offers six to eight hours of performance time for a good dose of family fun.

Price at time of publication: $163

^{Key Specs:
Size: 16.1 x 11.5 x 7.1 inches | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: Two microphones, carrying strap}

Amazon

Pros

Disco ball and light show
Two wireless microphones
Portable

Cons

Expensive
Microphone batteries (AA) not included

If your family is full of singers and you’d like to splurge on a karaoke machine with all the bells and whistles, the Tonor K20 Wireless Karaoke Machine is an excellent choice with lots of features the whole family will enjoy. With two wireless microphones—with a range of up to 100 feet—and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours, the Tonor K20 is worth the investment. The sound comes from an 8-inch subwoofer, two 3-inch tweeters, and an included RCA cable to connect to a television for viewing song lyrics. (You can also use the tablet holder for reading lyrics.)

Topped with a disco ball and front-facing rainbow LED lights to get the party started, this machine is sleek and modern, and it’s easy to transport thanks to swivel wheels and a pull rod. A great addition to birthday parties, graduations, and other fun events, we think this karaoke machine is worth the splurge.

Price at time of publication: $420

^{Key Specs:
Size: 12 x 12 x 20 inches | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: Two wireless microphones, RCA cable, disco ball, LED lights, swivel wheels}

Amazon

Pros

Adjustable stand
Records your singing

Cons

Sound quality isn’t the best

Turn the living room into a concert with this stand karaoke machine that’s packed with fun features. The VTech Kidi Star comes with six built-in games, fun sound effects (including applause), a voice changer that has five different voice effects, and eight original songs. It also connects to MP3 players or mobile devices via an included audio cable so you can play songs from your own collection, and its “music magic” mode turns down the recorded singer’s volume, so your little singer is the star.

There’s also a disco light that twists 180 degrees for entertaining light effects, and the colorful machine can record up to five minutes of singing. The sound quality isn’t as impressive as some of the other options on our list, but this is a fun and affordable option for kiddos.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Size: 50.4 x 14.6 x 16.7 inches | Power Source: Batteries (AAA) | Features: Adjustable stand, audio recording}

Amazon

Pros

Plays karaoke CDs
Cool light setup
Audio recording

Cons

Need TV to display lyrics

Fun is on the agenda with this brightly lit karaoke machine, available in black and white. Built with over 40 multi-colored LED lights that synchronize to the music and speakers in wood cabinets for crisp sound, your kiddos will be jam session-ready.

Ideal for those with an existing collection of karaoke CDs, this system lets you rock out to your CDs and CDGs, but there’s also the option to stream audio via Bluetooth-compatible devices. Follow the karaoke lyrics on your TV screen via the included RCA cables, and you can record voice performances with the integrated USB jack.

Price at time of publication: $69

^{Key Specs:
Size: 8.5 x 8.7 x 13.1 inches | Power Source: Wall power and batteries | Features: LED lights, Bluetooth, CD player, audio recording capabilities}

Amazon

Pros

Comes with two microphones
Wired or wireless microphones are available
Budget-friendly

Cons

No built-in lyric display

It’s not a karaoke party without duets, and the RockJam Party Bluetooth Karaoke Machine makes it easy to get the party started with two included microphones. When making your purchase, you have the option of choosing wired or wireless microphones depending on your family’s preferences.

This machine is built to bring the fun with 10-watt speakers and a handy built-in rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to four hours per charge. You can stream music via Bluetooth or the included USB cable, and you can even connect to a smart TV to display the lyrics. An LED light show kicks the party up a notch, and voice effects—including alien and chipmunk—are sure to entertain kiddos.

At just under three pounds for the wired machine and under four pounds for the wireless version, either option is portable for even the smallest singer. There’s also a stand for a phone or tablet to show lyrics on the wired machine, and both options come in black or pink.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:}
^{Size: 8 x 5.5 x 10.2 inches (wired), 9.5 x 9.5 x 8.8 inches (wireless) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: Top handle, USB cable, device stand (wired), two microphones, voice effects, LED lights, disco ball (wireless)}

How We Selected the Best Karaoke Machines for Kids

For this line-up of karaoke machines, we researched dozens of kid-friendly options to make sure they’re age- and developmentally appropriate. We also spoke with Dr. Holly Schiff, PsyD, a Connecticut-based licensed clinical psychologist, to discuss how karaoke machines can aid in a child's development.

Many of the machines on our list are made to be used by children without a parent's help, but some may require help from a caregiver or older sibling. Keep your kiddo’s abilities in mind while you shop to find one that’s easy for them (or your family as a whole) to use. Older kids or teenagers may prefer options with Bluetooth compatibility so they can stream their favorite tunes from their own devices.

We also looked for karaoke machines with impressive sound quality and amplifiers—no one wants static or feedback ruining a jam session! Plus, the overall combination of features was an important consideration. A lightweight and portable karaoke machine may be a good fit if your kid plans to take the machine to a sleepover or a friend's house for the afternoon, and fun additions such as colorful LED lights that move to the music or a disco ball can make their next dance party even more fun.

What to Look for in Karaoke Machines for Kids

Ease of Use

When shopping for a karaoke machine for kids, it’s important to find one that’s easy to use so your kids can feel empowered to turn it on and start singing on their own. “When parents are shopping for a karaoke machine, it is important to find one that’s easy for kids to use and that is age-appropriate,” says Schiff. “For younger children, you would want a smaller and lightweight model that doesn’t have too many buttons or get too complicated.”

However, older kids can handle more complex systems, says Schiff. “For tweens, you can get a larger set with a few more features. And for teenagers, getting something that maybe is portable or has a sleeker design, as well as the ability to stream through a TV or smartphone using Bluetooth, would be a good fit.”

You’ll also want to consider ease of assembly, as some karaoke machines come completely assembled, while some need to be set up. Take note of how easy it is to use the buttons and controls as well.

Sound Quality

When choosing a karaoke machine for kids, you’ll want to consider the sound quality of the speakers and microphones. Look for machines that have speakers with high-quality subwoofers and tweeters, which reproduce bass and treble frequencies, respectively. Many speakers and microphones also have echo control, which will keep them from sounding tinny. Some models can even lower the volume of the singing on a non-karaoke recording, so your child can sing over—or along with—an existing song.

Features

Before you shop for a karaoke machine, consider your child’s needs and lifestyle. A more portable machine is suitable for a child on the go, but you may lose other features like a big screen that displays lyrics.

“A big screen with lyrics is ideal for visual learners, who learn by seeing and doing,” says Schiff. “You want to make sure the karaoke system is kid-friendly because kids tend to have shorter attention spans. Therefore, they will quickly lose interest in a machine that is too complicated for them to figure out. The more controls and options involved, the more likely a child can get confused or frustrated.”

Most of the machines on our list have Bluetooth connectivity, and in today’s digital age, that’s likely a priority for many families. It’s also worth noting the screen size—if there is a screen—and whether the machine has a stand for a tablet or phone for reading lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is karaoke good for kids?

Any kind of creative play with music is good for kids, including karaoke, says Schiff. And when the whole family is participating in an activity like karaoke, it’s not only fun, but it helps build bonds.
“Singing together as a family releases muscle tension and decreases levels of cortisol in our body,” says Schiff. “It lowers anxiety and stress while elevating endorphins, all while doing something fun that helps you bond as a family.”
Plus, using a karaoke machine is an activity that kids can do by themselves to hone their confidence and musical techniques, or they can enjoy it with a group of friends or family for socialization.
How much is a karaoke machine for kids?

Prices for these machines can vary depending on features and the intended user age, but none of the options on our list go higher than a few hundred dollars. Our best overall pick, the Singing Machine SML625BTWD Karaoke Machine, is packed with features like Bluetooth connectivity, dancing LED lights, and a top-loading CD player, and it retails for $70.
More basic options that are designed for younger kids, like the eKids Cocomelon Toy Singalong Boombox, tend to be the most budget-friendly, while splurges like the Tonor K20 Wireless Karaoke Machine are more expensive due to plentiful features and capabilities.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Tanya Edwards is an experienced parent and a food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. For this story, she scoured reports about the best karaoke machines on the market and spoke with avid at-home singers and music experts.