The 10 Best Karaoke Microphones
Special Honors
Neumann TLM 103 It's actually designed as a studio microphone, but if you want to take your karaoke setup to the next level, this one is sure to make a splash. Not only does it have an eye-catching retro design, but it also sounds terrific thanks to its very low self-noise and ability to capture sounds ranging from a soft whisper to a full-volume scream. That said, most people won't be able to justify the cost, though if you're an audiophile with some money to spare, it might be worth considering. neumann.com
Editor's Notes
December 02, 2020:
A good karaoke microphone is essentially just a good live vocal microphone, though because they're generally used for casual entertainment, we generally don't recommend the very pricey options on the market. That said, we are beginning to see a shifting market where the term may come to represent the specific microphones with karaoke functionalities built into them. For the purposes of this update, we decided to include both in order to help direct those looking for microphones to connect to karaoke machines or PA systems, as well as folks that want all-in-one options.
If you're one of those looking for a full karaoke system packaged into a small handheld device, the Bonaok Wireless delivers great sound quality and a fairly good volume. If you want something with some extra gimmicks to play with, the IYUT 4 in 1 offers some fun vocal modulators that can make you sound like a robot or a small child, though don't expect much from these voice filters in terms of sound quality. The Hmovie Bluetooth is an option as well, though there are a number of people reporting that it's rather quiet, so if you want something to use at crowded parties, you should probably consider a different model.
In terms of devices to connect to a full sound system, you can never go wrong with a Shure SM58. They've been the go-to microphones for musicians and venues around the world for decades. They perform excellently, and are notoriously tough, so it's often worth the small amount more to invest in one of these. If you're leaning towards a wireless microphone, the Archeer Professional has a great sound, has minimal reports of signal interference, and comes with an 18-month warranty. If you want something a bit more compact, the receiver of the Hotec Dual Wireless has a rather small footprint, making it easy to transport, and leaving you with little to worry about in terms of space in the sound booth.
October 29, 2018:
Looked at offerings from respected manufacturer Shure in order to select one that would work for both casual and serious karaoke singers. Investigated speaker/mic combos, handheld and larger, choosing those from Bonaok, Ion Audio, and Hmovie as options that will work for a variety of needs.