A karaoke machine is a speaker with one or more microphones, built-in effects and a way to play backing tracks, so a person or group can sing along to music at home. That is the difference from a standard Bluetooth speaker, which has no microphone input, no echo or voice effects and no way to mix a voice with the music.
Karaoke machines come in a few main types. Portable Bluetooth karaoke speakers have rechargeable batteries, two wireless microphones and play music from a phone, and they are the most common home choice. Party karaoke machines add more microphones, bigger drivers and a remote for groups. Kids karaoke machines are small, light speakers with voice-changing effects and lights. TV karaoke systems plug into a television over HDMI to show lyrics and scores on screen.
The most useful number is battery life: the portable machines in this guide run for 4 to 24 hours, and the smallest kids machines run for about 4 to 6 hours. Beyond that, the choice comes down to how many people will sing at once, whether lyrics are needed on a TV screen, and where the machine will be used, indoors or out.
This guide compares 8 karaoke machines available in New Zealand across portable, party, kids and TV systems, from budget models to premium options.
Best karaoke machines comparison
| Product | Best for | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| YLL Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Speaker | Best Overall Home Karaoke Machine | Portable speaker, 2 mics | 4.3/5 |
| HWWR Karaoke Machine with 3 Microphones | Best for Parties and Groups | Party speaker, 3 mics | 4.4/5 |
| YLL Upgraded Portable Karaoke Machine | Best Small Karaoke Machine | Compact speaker, 2 mics | 4.7/5 |
| YLL Karaoke Machine with Lights | Best Value Karaoke Machine | Portable speaker, 2 mics | 4.3/5 |
| SingMasters SM-900 PRO | Best Karaoke Machine for TV | TV karaoke system | 4.4/5 |
| ZONEY Mini Karaoke Machine for Kids | Best Kids Karaoke Machine | Kids karaoke, 2 mics | 4.9/5 |
| Mini Karaoke Machine for Kids Ages 3-12 | Best Kids Karaoke for Family Duets | Kids karaoke, 2 mics | 4.5/5 |
| Mini Kids Karaoke Machine with 2 Microphones | Best Budget Kids Karaoke Machine | Kids karaoke, 2 mics | 4.7/5 |
1. YLL Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Speaker – Best Overall Home Karaoke Machine
The YLL Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Speaker is the best all-round home karaoke machine because it pairs a proven review record with everything a family needs. It includes two rechargeable wireless microphones for duets, Bluetooth 5.3 for phones, tablets and TVs, and inputs for TF card, USB, AUX and a 6.5mm jack for wired microphones or instruments.
A dual-bass design with a 5.25 inch subwoofer and 2 inch tweeter is rated at 10W with an 80W peak, a DSP chip handles clarity, and TWS mode pairs two speakers for stereo sound. At 2.2kg with a top carry handle it moves easily between the lounge and the backyard.
The integrated battery runs for up to 10 hours, and it is rated 4.3 stars from around 474 reviews, the largest review base in this guide.
Pros
- Two rechargeable wireless microphones
- Bluetooth 5.3 plus TF card, USB, AUX and 6.5mm inputs
- TWS mode pairs two speakers for stereo
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- The rated output is 10W, so the 80W figure is a peak rating
- No built-in lyrics screen, so lyrics come from the phone or TV
- Heavier than the compact picks at 2.2kg
Key specs: Portable karaoke speaker. 2 rechargeable wireless microphones. Bluetooth 5.3. 5.25 inch subwoofer and 2 inch tweeter, 10W rated, 80W peak. TF card, USB, AUX and 6.5mm jack inputs. TWS pairing. Up to 10 hours playtime. 2.2kg.
2. HWWR Karaoke Machine with 3 Microphones – Best for Parties and Groups
The HWWR S8-T is the best karaoke machine for parties and groups because it ships with three auto-pairing wireless microphones with a range of up to 30m, so more people can sing at once. An infrared remote controls music modes and track selection from across the room.
A 5.25 inch woofer and 2 inch tweeter with a DSP chip drive the sound, echo adjustment tunes vocals, and 8 light modes change with the music and the singers. TWS mode connects two S8-T speakers for 360 degree stereo sound.
A 6200mAh battery is rated for up to 24 hours of singing, and it is rated 4.4 stars from around 283 reviews.
Pros
- Three wireless microphones with up to 30m range
- Infrared remote for track and mode control
- Echo adjustment and 8 light modes
- 6200mAh battery rated for up to 24 hours
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Sits at the premium end of the portable machines in this guide
- Heavy at 3.84kg
- No built-in lyrics screen
Key specs: Portable karaoke party speaker. 3 auto-pairing wireless microphones, up to 30m. 5.25 inch woofer and 2 inch tweeter with DSP chip. Echo adjustment. 8 light modes. Infrared remote. TWS stereo pairing. 6200mAh battery. Bluetooth, TF card, USB and AUX. 3.84kg.
3. YLL Upgraded Portable Karaoke Machine – Best Small Karaoke Machine
The YLL Upgraded Portable Karaoke Machine is the best small karaoke machine for apartments, camping and road trips. It weighs just 1kg and measures 18.6 x 12.5 x 17.8cm, and two storage slots keep the microphones with the speaker so nothing gets lost.
It offers Bluetooth 5.3 with a 50 foot range, TWS pairing for stereo with a second speaker, and inputs for TF card, USB and AUX. Five voice effects (Monster, Cartoon, Karaoke, Pop and Original) and 6 light modes add fun, and the battery provides 4 to 10 hours of playback.
It is rated 4.7 stars from around 58 reviews.
Pros
- Ultra-portable at 1kg
- Microphone storage slots on the speaker
- 5 voice effects and 6 light modes
- Bluetooth 5.3 with TWS pairing
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Smaller speaker than the full-size machines
- Battery life varies from 4 to 10 hours
- No built-in lyrics screen
Key specs: Compact karaoke speaker. 2 wireless microphones with storage slots. Bluetooth 5.3, 50 foot range. TWS pairing. TF card, USB and AUX. 5 voice effects. 6 light modes. 4 to 10 hours playtime. 1kg, 18.6 x 12.5 x 17.8cm.
4. YLL Karaoke Machine with Lights – Best Value Karaoke Machine
The YLL Karaoke Machine with Lights is the value pick for buyers who want a full karaoke set without moving up to the larger party machines. It includes a 15W speaker with 6.8 inch full-range drivers, two interference-resistant wireless microphones and Bluetooth 5.2 connection.
It also works as a speaker, media player, radio and guitar amplifier, supports TF card, USB and AUX, and has TWS mode for pairing two speakers. Five colour light modes add atmosphere, and a shoulder strap and carry design make it easy to take along.
Playback runs for 6 to 8 hours per charge, and it is rated 4.3 stars from around 138 reviews.
Pros
- 15W speaker with 6.8 inch full-range drivers
- Two wireless microphones
- Works as a guitar amplifier and media player
- Shoulder strap included
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Fewer reviews than the other YLL speaker
- Bluetooth 5.2 rather than 5.3
- No built-in lyrics screen
Key specs: Portable karaoke speaker. 15W, 6.8 inch full-range speaker. 2 wireless microphones. Bluetooth 5.2. TF card, USB, AUX. TWS pairing. 5 light modes. 6 to 8 hours playtime. Shoulder strap and charging cables included.
5. SingMasters SM-900 PRO – Best Karaoke Machine for TV
The SingMasters SM-900 PRO is the best karaoke machine for TV because it plugs into the TV over HDMI and turns it into a karaoke screen with lyrics, scoring and video backgrounds. It includes 13,561 English songs, plus YouTube Karaoke streaming through Wi-Fi.
Two UHF wireless microphones and a remote with an air mouse, keyboard and voice search let singers browse and queue songs from the sofa. Features include live dual scoring, competition mode, pitch assist, AI voice effects and video recording.
It runs on Android TV with Google Play, uses 220V mains power and weighs 2.3kg. It is rated 4.4 stars, but from only about 5 reviews.
Pros
- Plugs into the TV with HDMI for on-screen lyrics
- 13,561 English songs plus YouTube Karaoke
- Two UHF wireless microphones with live scoring
- Remote with air mouse, keyboard and voice search
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Only around 5 reviews so far
- Sits at the premium end of this guide
- Needs a TV and a Wi-Fi connection for streaming features
Key specs: Android TV karaoke system. 13,561 English songs. 2 UHF wireless microphones. HDMI 4K output. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, YouTube Karaoke streaming. Live scoring and competition mode. AI voice effects. Video recording. 220V. 2.3kg.
6. ZONEY Mini Karaoke Machine for Kids – Best Kids Karaoke Machine
The ZONEY Mini Karaoke Machine is the best kids karaoke machine here for children who want a cute, easy-to-use speaker that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. It has cat-ear lighting with 12 light modes and 7 colours, and it comes with two wireless microphones.
Five voice effects (Original, Baby, Monster, Female and Male) let kids change their voices, Bluetooth 5.3 connects to phones and tablets, and USB, TF card and AUX inputs cover other sources. At 430g and 14 x 14 x 9cm it is easy for a child to carry, and a 32GB SD card and card reader are included.
It is rated 4.9 stars from around 37 reviews.
Pros
- Two wireless microphones and 5 voice effects
- Cat-ear lights with 12 modes and 7 colours
- Bluetooth 5.3 with USB, TF card and AUX
- Light at 430g with a 32GB SD card included
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Only around 37 reviews so far
- Small speaker, so best for kids’ rooms rather than large parties
- Battery life is not stated on the listing
Key specs: Kids karaoke speaker. 2 wireless microphones. Bluetooth 5.3. USB, TF card, AUX. 5 voice effects. 12 light modes and 7 colours. 430g, 14 x 14 x 9cm. 32GB SD card, USB card reader and Type-C cable included.
7. Mini Karaoke Machine for Kids Ages 3-12 – Best Kids Karaoke for Family Duets
This mini kids karaoke machine is the pick for families who want children and parents to sing together. A Parent-Child Duet mode connects up to 4 devices at once, which turns karaoke into a family singing battle.
It includes two wireless microphones and five voice effects (Original, Male, Female, Monster and Baby), a full-range 5W driver with a DSP chip, and Bluetooth 5.3 with a 20m range plus USB and TF card playback. A 2-hour charge gives up to 6 hours of singing, and it is sized for children aged 3 to 12.
It is rated 4.5 stars from around 174 reviews, the strongest review base among the kids machines.
Pros
- Parent-Child Duet mode connects up to 4 devices
- Two microphones and 5 voice effects
- Up to 6 hours on a 2-hour charge
- 174 reviews, the most among kids machines
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Lower 5W speaker output than the adult machines
- Not suited to larger parties
- The listing’s dimensions look inconsistent, so check size before buying
Key specs: Kids karaoke speaker for ages 3 to 12. 2 wireless microphones. 5W full-range driver with DSP chip. Bluetooth 5.3, 20m range. USB and TF card. 5 voice effects. Parent-Child Duet mode. Up to 6 hours playtime.
8. Mini Kids Karaoke Machine with 2 Microphones – Best Budget Kids Karaoke Machine
This mini kids karaoke machine is the budget pick for a first karaoke set, with two wireless microphones so children can sing duets. Four voice effects (girl, boy, baby and monster) and colourful ambient lights that move with the music keep kids entertained.
It plays music over Bluetooth from a phone or tablet, or from USB and microSD, so it works without an internet connection. The rechargeable battery gives up to 4 hours of playtime, a wrist strap makes it easy to carry, and it suits children aged 4 to 12.
It is rated 4.7 stars from around 48 reviews.
Pros
- Two wireless microphones for duets
- 4 voice effects and moving lights
- Bluetooth, USB and microSD playback
- Wrist strap for carrying
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Up to 4 hours of battery, the shortest in this guide
- Small 12cm cube with limited volume
- Only around 48 reviews so far
Key specs: Kids karaoke speaker for ages 4 to 12. 2 wireless microphones. Bluetooth, USB and microSD playback. 4 voice effects. Colourful ambient lights. Up to 4 hours playtime. 12 x 12 x 12cm. Wrist strap.
How to choose a karaoke machine in NZ
Start with who will be singing. Families with young children suit a kids machine like the ZONEY Mini or the Parent-Child Duet model, which are light, colourful and have voice effects. Teens and adults, or mixed groups, suit a portable speaker like the YLL Portable Karaoke Speaker, or the HWWR S8-T if three or more people want microphones.
Then decide how lyrics will show. Most portable machines have no screen, so singers read lyrics on a phone or tablet or cast a karaoke video to a TV over Bluetooth or a cable. A TV system like the SingMasters SM-900 PRO shows lyrics and scores on the TV with a built-in song library, which suits regular karaoke nights.
Finally, check battery life, size and microphone count. Look for rechargeable microphones, a mains-powered option for long sessions and TWS pairing if two speakers may be linked for bigger rooms. For more options, see our guides to the portable Bluetooth speakers, outdoor speakers, soundbars and smart TVs.
Verdict
The YLL Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Speaker is the best karaoke machine for most households in New Zealand, with two rechargeable microphones, Bluetooth 5.3 and the largest review base in this guide. The HWWR S8-T is the best for parties with three microphones and a remote, and the YLL Upgraded is the best small machine at just 1kg.
The SingMasters SM-900 PRO is the best for TV with on-screen lyrics and scoring, the YLL with Lights is the value pick, and the ZONEY Mini, the Parent-Child Duet machine and the budget mini machine cover kids. Check current stock and pricing before buying, since both change regularly.
FAQs
What is the best karaoke machine in NZ?
The YLL Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Speaker is the best karaoke machine for most households. It has two rechargeable wireless microphones, Bluetooth 5.3, up to 10 hours of battery and is rated 4.3 stars from around 474 reviews.
What is the best kids karaoke machine in NZ?
The ZONEY Mini Karaoke Machine is the best kids karaoke machine, rated 4.9 stars with two microphones, five voice effects and cat-ear lights. The Parent-Child Duet machine is the best for family singing with up to 4 connected devices.
What is the best home karaoke machine?
A portable Bluetooth karaoke speaker such as the YLL Portable Karaoke Speaker suits most homes. For regular karaoke nights with on-screen lyrics, the SingMasters SM-900 PRO plugs into the TV with a built-in song library.
What is the best mini or small karaoke machine?
The YLL Upgraded Portable Karaoke Machine is the best small karaoke machine at 1kg and 18.6 x 12.5 x 17.8cm, with two microphone storage slots. For young children, the ZONEY Mini weighs only 430g.
What is the best cheap karaoke machine?
The mini kids karaoke machine with two microphones is the budget pick with Bluetooth, USB and microSD playback. For a full-size adult machine at a lower cost, the YLL Karaoke Machine with Lights is the value choice.
What is the best karaoke machine for a TV?
The SingMasters SM-900 PRO is the best karaoke machine for TV, with HDMI output, 13,561 English songs, YouTube Karaoke and two UHF wireless microphones. Portable speakers can also be used with a TV by playing karaoke videos and connecting over Bluetooth.
What is the best portable karaoke machine?
The YLL Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Speaker is the best all-round portable machine with a 2.2kg body and a carry handle, and the HWWR S8-T is rated for up to 24 hours of singing. The YLL Upgraded is the lightest at 1kg.
How do I show lyrics on a karaoke machine without a screen?
Most portable karaoke machines have no screen, so play a karaoke video on a phone, tablet or TV and connect the machine over Bluetooth or an AUX cable. Karaoke videos with lyrics are available on YouTube and streaming apps.
