Are you looking for the ultimate karaoke system packed full of features at an affordable price? Here are the top 8 budget karaoke machines that won’t break a budget. We’ll compare them head-to-head to help you make the perfect choice and then jump into some more in depth review. Let’s get started!
- Singing Machine SML650 (Amazon link)
- Signing Machine SML682 (Amazon link)
- AKAI KS213 (Amazon link)
- ION Party Rocker Express (Amazon link)
- BlueFire Wireless Karaoke Microphone (Amazon link)
- EARISE T26 (Amazon link)
- BONAOK Wireless Karaoke Microphone (Amazon link)
- ANKUKA Wireless Karaoke Microphone (Amazon link)
top pick: Singing machine sml650
Great vocal enhancement effects
Colourful party lights
Lightweight and portable
Here are the top 8 budget karaoke machines
Model | Power Source | Audio Effects | Party Lights | CDG Compatible |
Singing Machine SML650 | Standard Batteries | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Singing Machine SML682 | Mains | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
AKAI KS213 | Standard Batteries | X | ✓ | ✓ |
ION Party Rocker Express | Standard Batteries | X | ✓ | X |
BlueFire Wireless Microphone | Rechargeable battery | X | ✓ | X |
EARISE T26 | Rechargable battery | X | X | X |
BONAOK Wireless Microphone | Rechargeable battery | X | X | X |
ANKUKA Wireless Microphone | Rechargeable battery | X | X | X |
1. Singing Machine SML650
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth or AUX
- 4.19 pounds
- 12.7 x 10.0 x 7.2 inches
- Battery powered
- The Singing Machine SML650W karaoke machine is one of the best value for money options available today. Singing Machine is a well-know trusted brand and has really excelled to produce such a quality design at a very affordable device.
- You can connect to smart devices such as tablets and phones to play the instrumental audio via subscription apps or YouTube using bluetooth.
- You can also hook it up to your TV using the RCA cables included.
- It’s packed with premium features such as party lights and voice effects including echo, robot and radio.
- It comes with one microphone, but you can hook two up for duets.
- It’s small, lightweight and battery-powered so great for taking to parties.
- Great vocal effects
- Party lights
- Light and portable
- Not compatible with CDG
2. Singing Machine SML682
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth or AUX, or use CDG
- 6.55 pounds
- 10.9 x 10.2 x 15.6 pounds
- Mains connection
- This karaoke machine has some great additional features including party lights and enhanced vocal effects at an affordable price.
- You’ll also get a really cool voice recording feature so you can share your performances.
- You can get started by connecting your smart device like a laptop, phone or tablet via the AUX input or bluetooth. You can then use the smart device screen for the lyric video and the audio will play using the built-in speaker so you can play karaoke using an app or YouTube. The resting cradle is specifically designed to rest your smart device.
- You can also use CDG for your karaoke instrumentals and connect the machine up to a larger screen.
- The karaoke machine supports two microphones with the option to control the volume independently. You’ll also get one wired microphone included.
- Voice recording feature
- Party lights
- Great instrumental compatibility
- A more expensive option
- Only includes one microphone
- Microphone volume is low
3. Akai KS213
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth or AUX, or use CDG
- 4.4 pounds
- 11.1 x 12.5 x 7.8 inches
- Battery powered
- This karaoke system is packed full of features including colourful lighting, a wired microphone and its battery powered so you won’t need a mains connection.
- You can get started by connecting your smart device like a laptop, phone or tablet via the AUX input or bluetooth. You can then use the smart device screen for the lyric video and the audio will play using the built-in speaker so you can play karaoke using an app or YouTube. The resting cradle is specifically designed to rest your smart device.
- You can also use CDG for your karaoke instrumentals and connect the machine up to a larger screen.
- Party lights
- Great instrumental compatibility
- Only includes one microphone
- No audio enhancement features
4. ION Audio Party Rocker Express
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth or AUX
- 7.35 pounds
- 14.7 x 11.0 x 9.9 inches
- Battery powered
- If you’re looking for the ultimate party karaoke machine, then the ION audio Party Rocker Express will be just up your street. It features a spinning light dome which has multiple colours plus the front grille lights up and has multiple modes.
- This design has a pretty decent speaker that delivers a good sound that’s perfect for at home parties. You also get a microphone and cable included.
- To get started, you just need to connect a smart device via bluetooth or AUX input. Then you can use the smart device screen for the lyrics and the audio will play through the speaker. This means you can choose any song from a karaoke app or use YouTube.
- Party lights
- Speaker built-in
- Only includes one microphone
- No audio enhancement features
5. BlueFire Wireless Microphone
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth or AUX
- 1 pound
- 9.8 x 3.5 x 3.3 inches
- Wireless
- The 3-layer noise reduction technology is great for producing high quality sound output. The aluminium design also offers excellent durability and style.
- You’ll get an outstanding 8 hour battery life from a single charge with this wireless karaoke microphone that’s perfect for parties.
- You can have the option of turning the original vocals on or off so you can sing solo or with accompaniment. You’ll also get intelligent LED lights that are synchronised with the music and a voice recording feature.
- This is one of the cheapest karaoke microphones on the list offering excellent value for money.
- Pair the wireless microphone with any smart device using bluetooth or an AUX lead and then use the smart device to control the audio instrumental and lyric video using YouTube or a karaoke app.
- Party lights
- Great battery life
- Packed with features
- Can't use CDG
- Not the loudest sound
6. EARISE T26 Portable
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth or AUX
- 5.62 pounds
- 10.0 x 5.5 x 13.3 inches
- Rechargable internal battery
- This compact design is perfect for taking to parties and includes a wireless microphone, speaker, bluetooth connection and rechargeable battery. You also get a USB connection to charge your smart device.
- Simply pair a smart device via the bluetooth connection, or AUX lead, and use it as your lyric screen and instrumental audio so you can utilise a karaoke app or YouTube to get the party started.
- You’ll get an excellent 4.5 hours battery life on a single charge so you can keep the party going for even longer.
- It’s a great affordable and portable karaoke machine that also doubles as a speaker so it’s the ultimate edition to any party.
- Light and portable
- Internal rechargeable battery
- Doubles as a speaker
- Not compatible with CDG
- Pretty quiet
- No cool features
7. BONAOK Wireless Microphone
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth or AUX
- 1.45 pounds
- 10.9 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches
- Rechargable internal battery
- The BONAOK wireless karaoke microphone is one of the most popular options out there. It’s comfortable and stylish design comes in a range of colours so there’s something for everyone.
- The Bonaok wireless microphone takes just minutes to set up. Using bluetooth, you simply pair the microphone with any smart device. Or you can use the wire if you’re running low on charge. Once the microphone is connected, you can just open a karaoke app to get started.
- It has a three-layered filter head design to filter air flow and wind noise producing a clear sound. The lightweight design make of aluminium is durable and stylist.
- The battery life is excellent and offers singing time of 5-10 hours on a single charge which takes just 2 hours.
- The design offers several different modes for you to try. You’ll also get echo and volume controls built-in.
- Stylish design
- Internal rechargeable battery
- Light and portable
- Not compatible with CDG
- Not very loud
- Limited extra features
8. Ankuka Wireless Microphone
- Instrumental source: Connects via bluetooth
- 1.25 pounds
- 3.0 x 3.0 x 9.8 inches
- Rechargable internal battery
- The Amicool wireless microphone is one of the most affordable karaoke options on this list, but it’s not short on quality.
- The portable microphone can be used for 8-10 hours when fully charged and connects via bluetooth to a range of devices including smartphones, smart watches and tablets.
- The microphone features three-layer high-density noise reduction for a crisp sound. With the APP you can also experience the effects of KTV karaoke rooms and functions!
- Very affordable
- Internal rechargeable battery
- Light and portable
- Not compatible with CDG
- Not very loud
- Limited extra features
Types of Karaoke Machine
Before we start, it’s best to go through each type of karaoke machine. There are three main types: all-in-one, wireless microphones and traditional machines. Here are the main differences between the three.
Type of Machine | Description | Pros | Cons |
All-In-One | Includes a speaker, microphone, mixer and screen | Includes everything you need | Can be more expensive |
Microphone | An all-in-one microphone that includes a mixer and speaker but needs connecting to a screen | Very portable and inexpensive | Generally lower quality sound |
Traditional Karaoke Machine | A traditional mixer which needs a connection to a screen and speakers | Adaptable, it can be connected to a range of devices | Takes slightly longer to set up |
How to Choose a Karaoke Machine
Purpose
Budget
Consider Your Ideal Setup
- Screen for the lyric video
- Audio instrumental
- Microphones
- A karaoke machine to connect it together
Instrumental Source
Method | Need for an Extra Screen | Cost | Song Variety |
CD-Gs | Yes | One-off fee depending on how many songs you need | Massive- you can create your own CD using Sunfly for a custom option |
Karaoke Apps | No | Monthly subscription | Large- can be limited if you want niche songs |
YouTube | No | Free | Good if you only want popular songs but can be hard to find videos for niche songs |