Karaoke has been one of the world’s favorite past times since the first karaoke machines started popping up in diners and bars in the 70s. Fast forward a couple of decades, and karaoke has moved into all facets of society.
This means that it has become more accessible and shared than ever before in human history. It can be downloaded onto gaming consoles, computers, and even mobile devices. Additionally, the rise of Smart TVs has led to a wealth of karaoke apps you can download directly to the TV itself.
Karaoke and TVs
Perhaps you recently acquired your first smart TV and would like to explore all the possibilities for karaoke available. On the other hand, you’ve never been into karaoke but would like to give it a try with some friends at your next get-together.
So, I decided to take an in-depth look at the very best karaoke apps you can install on your smart TV. These will ensure that you’re not left fiddling with a remote in front of guests.
So, let’s start by taking a look at my picks for the best karaoke apps for smart TV. Then, I’ll be going through how to set up your TV for karaoke.
Star Maker (Free) – Most Current Karaoke App For Smart TV
This free app is available on Android and Apple devices and has a song library that gets updated daily. This means that many of the current hits will get uploaded and become available on the library within days of their initial release.
There are special effects to choose from, and you can collaborate with friends on performances. Also, you can record and even edit some songs.
Karaoke Anywhere ($9.99) – Best Karaoke App For MP3’s on Smart TV
This app is available on both Android and Apple devices and has an online library of over 40 thousand songs. The initial download and use are free, but you can choose to upgrade to the full version for $9.99 a month. Also, you have the option of importing MP3+g files and playing them as well.
Smule ($7.99 per month or $39.99 per year) – Best Samsung Smart TV Karaoke App
This is a specialized karaoke app for Samsung smart TVs. But, it is well worth the cost for the features and quality you are offered. The library of songs is over one million and growing. The titles include a well-thought-out selection that spans as wide as anyone could hope.
Furthermore, there are great mic effects and video filters to choose from. Also included with the app is Auto-tune functionality. There is also access to an online community where performances can be shared, and the app even links directly with Facebook.
The Karaoke Channel ($59.99 per year) – Best Karaoke App For Large Screen Smart TV
This one has been around for a while. It’s a specifically-designed karaoke app for large smart TV screens. Via internet streaming, you can choose from thousands of high-quality video and audio songs to perform.
Using the free version gives access to a portion of the content. However, buying one of the premium plans will allow access to all of it. Making this one of the best karaoke apps for smart TV.
Karafun ($6.99 per month) – Most Popular Karaoke App For Smart TV
Karafun offers a wide range of features at quite an affordable price. For these two reasons, it’s become one of the most popular apps for karaoke since its release. There is a library of over 33,000 songs. Karafun is available on both Android and Apple devices.
One of the coolest features of Karafun is the ability to download the songs offline so that you can keep rocking out without internet access. You can even customize the key and tempo of songs as well as choose to have original lead or backing vocals present.
The Voice Sing (Free or $1.99 per week) – Best The Voice Karaoke App For Smart TV
This app is the official app based on the hit TV show and offers millions of song choices. The user can either sing alone or even with strangers around the world.
Furthermore, you can record performances and also have access to great voice and visual effects. There is also an option to upgrade and get access to more content.
Karaoke Free Sing and Record Video (Free) – Most Versatile Karaoke App For Smart TV
Another free karaoke app for smart TVs that offers some serious features and possibilities for fun. This app offers one of the widest selections, not just of free apps, but of all the apps, period.
You can record your voice over the track and add after-effects like reverb, echo, etc. Additionally, you can record and share performances with friends. This app is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.
Karaoke (Free) – Best Beginners Karaoke App For Smart TV
This might be a simple one, but it’s still quite good and very well suited to beginners as well. There is a nice wide range of songs to choose from, and you can also sing in multiple languages.
You can record performances and add effects like reverb, echo, and flanger. There’s a worldwide community of friends with whom performances can be shared.
Setting up Karaoke for a Smart TV
Depending on the type of TV and external gear you have, integrating these apps will be done in a few different ways. However, most of them are simply downloaded directly to the TV itself. Of course, there are other ways to skin the proverbial karaoke cat in this case.
Using just a TV
Most of the apps can be downloaded directly to the TV’s memory, and the user can get started. But, there are some other pieces of gear that you might need depending on your setup at home.
Microphones, and in some cases, even external speakers, can be beneficial or prerequisites of the experience.
Using a smart device along with the TV
You may have chosen to use an app that isn’t compatible with your particular TV. But, it is compatible with a smart device like a tablet or smartphone. There are ways to make this work as well.
- Start by downloading the chosen app on your smart device.
- Next, connect the smart device to the TV.
- The best and most popular way to use this feature would be mirroring. This works by connecting all the devices, including the TV, to the same Wi-Fi network. Then having the screen mirrored on all the devices.
- Alternatively, you can connect a laptop or desktop computer in the same way but using an HDMI cable. Just make sure the audio quality on the chosen app is not of a lossless quality, or the HDMI will experience a lag in the audio.
Using a Karaoke Machine
Many think that the best route for doing karaoke properly at home is with a dedicated karaoke machine. There is a wide variety of these available, many of them packed with features and priced nice and high. While others are more reasonably priced, thankfully. For our recommendation, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Karaoke Machines currently available.
Finding one that will fit your sound won’t be too difficult, even for the pickiest user. Some say that getting a dedicated machine just for your home is taking it too far. But, any hardcore fan will know nothing is too much to make your Pitch Perfect fantasies a reality.
Are You Crazy for Karaoke?
Also, take a look at our detailed reviews of the Best Tailgate Speakers, the Best Smart Speakers, the Best Wireless TV Speakers, the Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers, and the Loudest Portable Bluetooth Speakers currently on the market.
Best Karaoke Apps For Smart TV – Conclusion
If you have a smart TV and like karaoke, there is no reason you shouldn’t try one or two of the apps I’ve reviewed to get access to millions of your favorite songs.
Not only that, you can record your performances and share them with online friends who are just as passionate about great karaoke as you are. Free and paid versions are available, plus, with the ability to edit voices, you can sound great and, even if you don’t, you’ll provide your friends and family with some fun entertainment.
Until next time, sing loud and proud.
