Finding good karaoke software is harder than it sounds. Some programs are little more than media players, while others turn a laptop into a proper karaoke setup with scoring, playlists, microphone controls and dual-screen support.
The other catch is the word free. A free download does not always mean a free song library. Many desktop karaoke programs expect users to supply their own MP3+G, CD+G or compatible karaoke files. Others offer a free tier but keep their full catalog behind a subscription.
In this article we will list 10 best free karaoke software for Windows and Mac, giving you an in-depth overview of their features and functionalities.
Best Free Karaoke Software for Windows and Mac
1. UltraStar Deluxe
UltraStar Deluxe remains one of the most interesting choices for anyone who wants karaoke to feel more like a game. It is an open-source singing application inspired by console titles such as SingStar.
Instead of simply playing lyrics on a screen, the software listens through a microphone and scores singing based on pitch and timing. That small difference changes the whole experience.
Up to six players can sing together, making UltraStar Deluxe a strong pick for parties. Solo practice works too. The software also supports playlists, different game modes and custom songs, so the library does not have to be limited to tracks included with the installation.
UltraStar Deluxe is available for Windows and macOS, although the project is not as modern-looking as some commercial alternatives. SourceForge lists it as a free karaoke game for Windows and Mac, with support for several other platforms as well.
Key features
- Up to six singers
- Pitch and timing-based scoring
- Party and competitive modes
- Custom song support
- Playlists and song management
- Multiple languages and themes
Pricing: Free and open source.
2. Karaoke 5
Karaoke 5 is a better fit for users who want a traditional karaoke player rather than a game. The software supports a surprisingly wide range of formats, including MIDI, KAR, KFN, MP3, WMA, MP3+CDG and video files. A free version is available for both Windows and Mac, which makes it one of the more flexible options on the list.
The program also goes beyond basic playback. Its feature set includes playlist management, karaoke video playback, a vocal-removal tool and music quiz functions.
Recent versions have also added an AI-based search system that can respond to voice or text requests when searching available sources.
The free edition has fewer tools than the paid versions, especially for professional use. Still, casual home users get plenty to work with without paying upfront. The current Karaoke 5 website lists version 54.05 as released in August 2026.
Key features
- Supports MP3, MIDI, KAR and MP3+CDG
- Karaoke video playback
- Playlist and song management
- Real-time vocal removal
- Music quiz feature
- Windows and Mac support
Pricing: Freeware version available. Paid Home and Professional editions are also offered; third-party pricing currently lists Home at €55 and Professional at €155.
3. OpenKJ
OpenKJ takes karaoke in a different direction. It is designed more like software for running a karaoke show than a simple application for singing at home. The open-source program can manage singers, queues and song rotations, which makes it useful for anyone running regular karaoke sessions.
Key and tempo controls are built in. The software can also handle CD+G material, common video formats and break music. A remote request system lets singers search for songs and submit requests through supported web or mobile interfaces.
OpenKJ is cross-platform and available for Windows and macOS. Its open-source nature also means there is no subscription hanging over the software. Users do need their own compatible karaoke tracks, though. The program does not magically provide a commercial song catalog.
Key features
- Singer rotation management
- Key and tempo controls
- CD+G playback
- Video karaoke support
- Remote song requests
- Automatic performance recording
Pricing: Free and open source under GPL-3.0.
4. Performous
Performous is for people who want more than karaoke. The open-source music game combines singing with guitar, bass, drums and dancing. It can turn a normal computer into a surprisingly capable party game without requiring expensive hardware.
The karaoke side scores performances while supporting microphones and compatible song formats. Extra instruments can be connected as well. The software supports Windows and macOS, along with Linux distributions.
One advantage is flexibility. A laptop microphone can be enough to get started, while compatible SingStar, Guitar Hero and Rock Band hardware can also be connected. Performous is free software, and current project information confirms pre-built versions for Windows and macOS.
Key features
- Karaoke scoring
- Guitar and bass gameplay
- Drum support
- Dance-pad support
- Multiplayer performance
- Windows and macOS builds
Pricing: Free and open source.
5. Vocaluxe
Vocaluxe is another open-source karaoke game built around the SingStar-style experience. It focuses heavily on singing accuracy, with microphone input used to score pitch and rhythm.
Up to six players can sing together. Singer profiles, avatars, different party modes and multilingual support add some personality to the otherwise simple concept. Browser-based control is also supported, which can be handy during a group session.
Vocaluxe is mainly aimed at Windows users. Official project information lists support for Windows 7 through Windows 11, although newer versions of Windows should be checked against the current release before installation. The project provides portable and installer versions.
Key features
- Six-player karaoke
- Pitch-based scoring
- Party modes
- Singer profiles and avatars
- Keyboard, mouse and gamepad controls
- Browser-based remote control
Pricing: Free and open source.
6. Kanto Karaoke
Kanto Karaoke is a practical choice for people with an existing collection of karaoke files. It supports MIDI, KAR, MP3, MP3+CDG, MP4 and other formats, so it can handle both audio and video karaoke.
The free version is available for Windows and Mac. Recording is included, although the free edition limits recordings to one minute. Playlists are limited to five songs, and some dual-screen functions are restricted.
Those limits are not necessarily a deal-breaker for casual singing at home. Someone testing karaoke software or running short practice sessions may never hit them. The paid editions remove the restrictions and add features aimed at more serious karaoke use.
Key features
- MP3+CDG playback
- MIDI and KAR support
- Karaoke video playback
- Voice recording
- Playlist management
- Dual-screen support
Pricing: Free version available. Windows Standard is listed at $49 and Professional at $69.95. The Mac Professional edition is listed at $59.99.
7. Karaoke Builder Player
Karaoke Builder Player is one of the simpler options here, and that is actually its strength. There is no complicated catalog system or crowded interface. The program focuses on playing CD+G and MP3+G files and displaying synchronized lyrics.
The player supports ZIP-based karaoke collections, too. Playback speed and pitch can be changed, which is useful when practicing a difficult song. Volume and balance controls are included, while full-screen display makes it suitable for connecting a laptop to a television.
The software is Windows-only. Karaoke Builder currently lists version 5.0.528, released in June 2026, and confirms compatibility with Windows 10 and 11 as well as older Windows versions.
Key features
- CD+G playback
- MP3+G support
- ZIP karaoke file playback
- Pitch adjustment
- Playback-speed control
- Full-screen lyrics
Pricing: Completely free.
8. KaraFun
KaraFun is probably the most polished option on this list. It feels closer to a modern streaming service than traditional karaoke software. The Windows and Mac apps provide a large catalog, playlists, dual-screen output and controls for changing key and tempo.
There is a catch, though. KaraFun is freemium, not completely free. The free version lets users explore the service, hear 30-second song samples and access a limited selection of full songs. Full catalog access requires a subscription.
The paid version also adds offline syncing and more control over vocals. KaraFun’s current pricing page lists Premium at $9.99 per month and Pro at $49.99 per month, with the Pro plan adding commercial-use features.
Key features
- Large karaoke catalog
- Dual-screen display
- Key and tempo adjustment
- Vocal-volume controls
- Offline song syncing
- Playlist management
Pricing: Limited free version. Premium is $9.99/month; Pro is $49.99/month.
9. Loukai
Loukai is a less familiar name, but it deserves attention among open-source karaoke projects. The software is aimed at karaoke hosting and focuses on local music collections rather than locking users into a paid music service.
Its appeal is strongest for technically minded users who prefer open software. Karaoke files can be managed locally, while the project also focuses on network-based requests and show management. That makes it more suitable for a small karaoke setup than a person simply looking for a quick sing-along app.
Loukai is available across Windows, macOS and Linux according to current third-party comparisons.
Key features
- Open-source karaoke hosting
- Local song libraries
- Network song requests
- Show-management tools
- Cross-platform support
- Community-driven development
Pricing: Free and open source.
10. Karaoke Mugen
Karaoke Mugen is worth a look for users who want an ecosystem built around karaoke rather than just a playback window. The project combines karaoke software with a community-driven song database and is designed around offline playback.
Its appeal comes from the way songs, metadata and karaoke sessions can be organized together. The software is particularly interesting for users who want a dedicated karaoke machine at home instead of relying on browser tabs or streaming services.
Windows, macOS and Linux are supported, although song availability and licensing can vary depending on the material being used. A recent comparison of free karaoke software also lists Karaoke Mugen as a free application with community content.
Key features
- Dedicated karaoke interface
- Offline-focused playback
- Song database management
- Community-created content
- Windows, Mac and Linux support
- Organized karaoke library
Pricing: Free application; song content and licensing can vary.
Conclusion
A free download does not always mean a free song library. Many desktop karaoke programs expect users to supply their own MP3+G, CD+G or compatible karaoke files. Others offer a free tier but keep their full catalog behind a subscription.
The right choice ultimately comes down to the existing music collection, operating system and whether karaoke is meant for casual singing, gaming or running a full karaoke show.
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