Best Karaoke Machine for Kids

August 12, 2011
Singing can be one of the best -- not to mention the most fun -- ways for children to develop language and of course music skills. In addition, it can be a great group activity that can bring families together. As manufacturing costs have gone down with respect to karaoke machines in general, a new product category has developed in recent years aimed squarely at kids. The best of these machines integrate both fun, kid-oriented design and color, and quality hardware that won't break after the third time your kid drops the mic on the floor. Most machines take CD-G discs, which contain music as well as lyrics on a separate track. The microphones that ship with these systems vary in quality, but for many the overall experience using the machine is more important. Some picks on this list are fo... Read Morer older kids, and some are better suited to younger kids all the way down to toddlers. All in all, they represent a snapshot of the best karaoke machines currently available for kids. Minimize

Why it's best: The best-of-the-best, The Singing Machine SML-390 is loaded with great functionalities like Auto Voice Control and a TV output, not to mention a built-in 5.5" monitor that displays not only the output of the included video camera, but also the lyrics that are read from the standard CD-G discs. Two disco balls on top of the unit finish it with a level of sparkle that makes kids go wild. Our number one pick, the SML-390 is the machine to beat.... Read Full Review

Why it's a best pick: It might not have the features of our number one pick, but the SML-383 from Singing Machine is a great value and is solidly built. Included is a single mic and the much-praised Auto Voice Control featured in a number of this companies units. A vertical loading CD compartment makes it easier for kids to operate, and although only one mic is included, there are two microphone inputs in case you can rustle up another one for duets.... Read Full Review

Why it's a best pick: Relying on a different kind of technology, the Memorex MKS-SS1 can, more-or-less, eliminate vocals from any recording, allowing you to eschew the pricey CD-G discs that normally play in these karaoke devices. Unfortunately, the trade-off is that users report distortion in the music, likely a cause of the vocal frequencies being eliminated and therefore in turn eliminating those same frequencies in the musical backing. Whatever the case, there are also fun additions, like an echo effect, and a connection for a keyboard if you want to augment your performance.... Read Full Review

Why it's a best pick: Although not one of the more impressive units and intended for the youngest members of the kiddie karaoke market, the Disney DKS7000-P is a fun product that's been a good seller among young girls. The "Perfect Pitch" function is not the best pitch control add-on, but for its price its a fair value.... Read Full Review

Why it's a best pick: Aimed at kids who are a little too young for karaoke fun as we know it, the ABC 1-2-3 Sing Along is a great buy for parents of toddlers who want to croon in a way that's achievable. The speakers aren't the greatest, but your toddler likely isn't the biggest stickler for hi-fidelity audio resolution. A USB connection allows parents to upload more songs than come included.... Read Full Review

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childrens karaoke
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karaoke system