Karaoke without a microphone is just a singalong.  The best karaoke microphone will improve your sound and your performance.  Yes, it is that important. If you are serious about karaoke, then you need the best karaoke microphone.

Can’t you just use any old microphone? Many karaoke machines come with microphones but they may not be the best quality.  Then there are some karaoke machines that have specific requirements for the microphone, so it’s important to check the details.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to buying a karaoke microphone and it can be a bit overwhelming especially if all you want to do is get to singing.  In this post, I will tell you more about the best microphones for karaoke, so that you can choose the right one for you. 

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Consider When Buying a Karaoke Microphone

In today’s world, there are lots of options when it comes to buying a microphone.  Let me walk through some of the things that you should consider when evaluating microphones for karaoke.

Wired Vs Wireless Microphones

The biggest difference between karaoke microphones is whether they have a wire or not.  A wireless microphone will allow the karaoke performer more freedom to move around, so that’s my personal preference.  In some cases, it could be more expensive.

It’s a personal preference, some people like to hold the wire when they perform. Also, with wired microphones, you don’t have to worry about the battery running out.  If you plan on doing karaoke in a small space, you may not mind the wired microphone. Be careful not to tip over the wire and if you have multiple wired microphones, you will need to make sure the wires don’t get tangled.

Power-Source

A microphone needs power to be able to work.  There are a few options. Most wired microphones get their power from whatever it is plugged into which in most cases would be the karaoke machine.  

If you want to get a wireless mic, it will be battery powered.  It’s best to get one that is rechargeable and long-lasting. A low-battery light indicator is helpful.   It might not be a bad idea to have a backup mic just in case you run out of juice in the middle of a long karaoke night.

Sound Quality

It goes without saying that you want high-quality sound with your karaoke microphone.  There are several factors that will affect the sound quality and it can get quite technical – if you are interested you can read more details here.  When you are purchasing a microphone for karaoke, I think the thing to focus on where the microphone picks up sound.

 You want something that picks up the performer’s singing voice and as little of the background noise as possible like a Cardioid microphone.  Cardioid Microphones pick up sounds mostly from the front and sides and less from the rear. They get their name because their directional sound pick-up is roughly heart-shaped in nature.

Built-in Speaker

Some wireless karaoke microphones include a built-in speaker making them an all-in-one karaoke machine.  You can use this type of microphone to do karaoke anywhere by pairing the microphone to your music source (i.e. mobile phone, tablet, or laptop).  I don’t recommend this type of microphone for big karaoke parties, though, as the speakers are usually low powered.

Effects

For those that like to have fun and be creative when they do karaoke, some microphones come with special effects.  There are microphones that can create an echo or distort your voice in different ways. Some microphone having lighting effects too.

Top Karaoke Microphones

This table contains a summary of the recommended microphones for karaoke.  More detailed information for each microphone is provided below.

Table coming soon

Best Wireless Karaoke Microphones

innopow 80-Channel Dual UHF Wireless Microphone System

This is the microphone for serious karaoke singers.  You get 14-17 hours of battery life and a working range of 180 – 240 feet.  There are 40 selectable frequencies on each channel and up to 5 Receivers & 10 Microphones can be used at the same time.   The infrared frequency setup is instantaneous and accurate.

The vocal sound with the innopow microphone is loud, clear, and comparable to other more expensive brands. It uses a unidirectional Cardioid pickup pattern to minimize ambient noise when you are singing.  The microphone feels heavy in your hand (it’s made of metal) like you would expect from a piece of professional equipment.

This set includes two microphones, a receiver, a power adapter, ¼ inch audio cable, 6.35 to 3.5mm audio adapter, two antennae, and a one-year warranty.  You will want to use this microphone system with a power amplifier for the best sound. Additionally, the four AA batteries needed to operate the microphones will need to be purchased separately. 

Click here to check price and availability and read more reviews.

Fifine Handheld Dynamic Microphone Wireless Mic System

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If you are looking for a more affordable wireless microphone option, this Fifine might be just what you are looking for.  It gives you the flexibility to move around freely with a range of over 80 feet. This microphone is lightweight and comfortable to hold so ideal for a long night of karaoke.

It’s easy to use.  Just plug in the ¼ inch jack output into your speaker, then choose from 20 different frequencies for interference-free performance.  Nore that this microphone is not recommended for use with portable Bluetooth speakers lower than 15 watts.

It has a Cardioid Polar pickup pattern that ensures maximum gain before feedback and makes your voice cut through any mix.  Additionally, the UHF wireless capability provides a stronger clearer signal and better sound quality, reducing interference and dropouts.

You don’t have to worry about the batteries running out on you all of a sudden as it has low-battery indicators on both the receiver and microphone.  Note that you will need to purchase batteries for this microphone separately.  

You can feel confident when you buy this microphone as FIFINE offers a one year warranty.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0795PNCBG” locale=”US” tag=”karaoke000-20″]Click here to check price and availability.[/easyazon_link]

Amicool Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Speaker

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This karaoke microphone has a built-in speaker and Bluetooth capabilities making it a portable karaoke machine.  It has noise reduction and an echo reverberation effect so the sound quality is good.

Use the Bluetooth feature to connect to other devices and get music or there is an app that lets you experience the effects of KTV karaoke rooms and functions.  With the built-in 2600mA lithium battery, you can continuously use it for 5-8 hours. The package includes the Amicool wireless microphone karaoke, micro USB cable, audio cable, and Amicool instruction manual.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0153IJ6S0″ locale=”US” tag=”karaoke000-20″]Click here to check price and availability.[/easyazon_link]

Best Wired Karaoke Microphones

TONOR Dynamic Karaoke Microphone

This is a high-quality microphone at a very reasonable price.  It is made out of premium metal so it is durable. TONOR’s microphone features a cardioid pickup pattern to help minimize background feedback which is ideal karaoke.  The 15-foot cable is designed to make the sound transmission clearer.

It’s easy to use, just plug it in directly to the speaker, amplifier or mixer and flip the on/off switch.  No battery is required. The package includes one microphone, one XLR cable, one foam microphone over, and an instruction manual.  It can be used with any ¼ inch plug (otherwise you can get an adapter).

Click here to check price and availability and read more reviews.

Best Karaoke Microphone for Kids

Kids can use the microphones that I have recommended above, but they might prefer a microphone that is designed for children.  These tend to be more visually appealing (think pink and blue) and have some fun special effects. If you’re most concerned about sound quality, though, it might be best to stick with a karaoke microphone for adults.

You may also be interested to read about the best karaoke machines for kids.[easyazon_link identifier=”B07B76RQZX” locale=”US” tag=”karaoke000-20″]

VTech Kidi Star Music Magic Microphone

This fun toy microphone is intended for kids from 5 to 9 years old.  It comes with six games, eight original songs, a voice changer with five effects, and colorful lights.  You can also use the audio cable to plug it into other devices to get more music options and there is a built-in recorder to record yourself for up to five minutes.

It’s simple to use but does require four AA batteries which are not included.  You can choose either a pink or blue microphone. 

Click here to check price and availability and read more reviews.