A free karaoke app plays backing tracks with on-screen lyrics so you can sing along at home, at a party or with friends online. Some are social apps where you record duets, some put karaoke on your TV, and some are open-source programs for a PC. Free versions usually limit the song catalogue, so check how many songs you get before planning a party around one.
Karaoke used to mean a machine, a microphone and a very patient family. Now your phone or TV can do the whole thing, and you can even duet with someone on the other side of the world.
Here are ten free karaoke apps in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from social singing apps to TV-friendly services and open-source karaoke games for a PC. Each description comes from the app's own website or store listing, re-checked today.
Think about where you'll sing. A social app is great on your own with headphones, while a TV app suits a party. If you want a classic karaoke game on a computer, open-source options are surprisingly good.
And read the small print on free songs, because free rarely means the full catalogue.
Free karaoke apps at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site or store listing describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| KaraFun | Karaoke app and service | Karaoke on TV and at parties | Yes |
| Performous | Open-source karaoke game | Singing, guitar and drums on a PC | Yes |
| Sing King | Karaoke app | Popular backing tracks with lyrics | Yes |
| Singa | Karaoke streaming service | Karaoke on any device | Yes |
| SingSnap | Karaoke community app | Recording and sharing songs | Yes |
| Smule | Social singing app | Duets with singers worldwide | Yes |
| StarMaker | Karaoke app | Trending songs with lyrics | Yes |
| Stingray Karaoke | Singing app | Karaoke with a home karaoke machine | Yes |
| UltraStar Deluxe | Open-source karaoke game | Classic karaoke on a computer | Yes |
| Yokee | Karaoke app | Free karaoke on phones | Yes |
Ten free karaoke apps to try
KaraFun
Best for: Families and party hosts who want karaoke on a TV with a big song list.
Performous
Best for: PC owners who want an open-source game for singing, guitar and drums.
Sing King
Best for: Fans of popular songs who want backing tracks with clear lyrics.
Singa
Best for: People who want karaoke on phones, TVs and computers from one account.
SingSnap
Best for: Singers who want to record songs and share them with a community.
Smule
Best for: Social singers who want to record duets with people around the world.
StarMaker
Best for: Singers who want trending songs with lyrics and easy recording.
Stingray Karaoke
Best for: Home singers who want an app that also works with a karaoke machine.
UltraStar Deluxe
Best for: Computer owners who want a free, classic karaoke game with scoring.
Yokee
Best for: Casual singers who want quick karaoke on their phone.
What free songs usually means
Here's the detail to check before you plan a party. Stingray Karaoke's own Google Play listing says you can start with 5 free songs of your choice and open up thousands more with an in-app subscription. Many karaoke services work the same way: the app is free, the full catalogue isn't.
That's fine for a quick sing-along, but if you're hosting a party, try the app the day before and make a list of songs you can play. Nothing kills the mood like a guest choosing a song that's locked.
How to set up karaoke at home
- Choose whether you'll sing on a phone, TV or computer.
- Install the app and test the songs you love.
- Connect a speaker so the music is loud enough.
- Use headphones with a mic for recording on your own.
- Make a shared song list before guests arrive.
What to look for in a karaoke app
- Song library: how many songs are free?
- Lyrics display: large, clear lyrics for the TV?
- Recording: can you record and save performances?
- Duets: can you sing with friends or strangers?
- Devices: does it work on your TV or computer?
Karaoke and family nights
Karaoke is the perfect add-on to a games night. If you're planning one, my list of board game apps for family night gives you plenty to mix in between songs.
And if you find karaoke videos on YouTube but they vanish from your history, here's why YouTube history isn't showing and how to fix it.
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Do you make karaoke apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My advice for a brilliant karaoke night
Pick the screen first. Karaoke is a group activity, so a TV or a big speaker makes a bigger difference than any feature list.
And keep a few crowd-pleasers ready. Everyone knows the words to a handful of classics, and starting with one of those gets even the shy guests singing.
If you're singing on your own to improve, record yourself and listen back. It's the quickest way to hear where you go flat or rush the chorus.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free karaoke app?
It depends on where you sing: social apps for phones, TV services for parties, and open-source games for PCs.
Are karaoke apps free?
Many are free to download, but the full song catalogue often needs an upgrade.
How many songs do free karaoke apps include?
It varies. One app's listing offers 5 free songs of your choice to start.
Can I do karaoke on my TV?
Yes. Some karaoke services have TV apps or cast from your phone.
Can I sing duets with friends online?
Social singing apps let you record duets with friends or other singers.
Is there a free karaoke program for PC?
Yes. Open-source karaoke games run on computers.
Do I need a microphone?
Your phone's mic works, but a headset or USB mic sounds better.
Can I record my singing?
Most karaoke apps let you record and save performances.
Are karaoke apps good for kids?
They can be, but check content settings and who kids can sing with online.
Do karaoke apps work offline?
Some do with downloaded songs, but many need a connection.
Can karaoke apps help me sing better?
Recording and listening back helps, and some apps show your pitch.
What songs work best at a karaoke party?
Well-known classics with big choruses get everyone joining in.
Can I use karaoke apps with a karaoke machine?
Some apps are designed to work with home karaoke machines.
