Choosing the best karaoke system for your venue

The global karaoke market reached $5.4 billion in 2023, and this growth shows no signs of slowing down. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated $9.31 billion by 2033. Venues are seeing amazing results from adding karaoke into their business model, with a 2023 UK study reporting up to 12% increases in annual profits alongside karaoke additions.

Whether you're running a bar, restaurant, entertainment venue, or looking to add karaoke rooms to your business, there's never been a better time to invest in professional karaoke software. Venues hosting karaoke nights 2-4 times a month have reported guest spending increases of 42%, making it one of the most profitable entertainment additions you can make to your business.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right karaoke system for your specific needs? The answer depends on your business model, venue type, and how you want your customers to experience karaoke. From hosted karaoke nights to private karaoke rooms, Singa offers scalable, professional-grade systems that make singing simple, fun, and effortless to manage.

In this guide, we'll break down the three main karaoke concepts — hosted karaoke, self-service karaoke, and karaoke rooms — and help you find the perfect system for your needs.

Table of contents:

1. What is the best karaoke system for hosted karaoke?
2. What is the best karaoke system for self-service venues?
3. What is the best karaoke system for karaoke rooms?
4. Universal features to look for in karaoke software
5. How to choose the right karaoke system for your venue
6. Karaoke systems compared: features at a glance
7. Why Singa stands out among karaoke systems

What is the best karaoke system for hosted karaoke?

Hosted karaoke is the classic format where a professional host or DJ manages the karaoke experience on a main stage. Guests take turns performing for the entire venue, creating an energetic, community atmosphere that keeps everyone engaged.

For hosted karaoke, you need software that empowers your host to manage the queue efficiently, access a massive song library, and create a professional atmosphere. The right system should also include features like background music for between performances, mobile song requests, and customization options for branding.

Singa offers two hosted karaoke solutions: Singa Lite and Singa Pro — both built to make hosting easier and more engaging, whether you’re running a casual event or managing karaoke professionally at your venue.

Singa Lite: effortless karaoke online

Singa Lite is a browser-based karaoke solution that works directly from your laptop. It’s ideal for bars, restaurants, and event organizers who want a simple, portable setup without any complex hardware or software installations.

With Singa Lite, you can:

• Host karaoke nights directly from your web browser.
• Access over 140,000 karaoke songs with regular updates.
• Manage the singer queue and use AutoPlay to keep the flow going smoothly.
• Use background music for smooth transitions.
• Accept mobile song requests via Singa consumer app, letting guests browse and queue songs from their phones.
• Cancel anytime with a monthly subscription — perfect for seasonal use or testing karaoke nights.

Best for: smaller venues, cafés, or event hosts who want a quick, easy karaoke setup without a big upfront investment. The browser-based format means you don't need specialized equipment — just a laptop, screen, and sound system.

💡 Tip: Pair your laptop with a projector or TV screen for lyrics display and external speakers for a true karaoke bar vibe.

Singa Pro: professional-grade hosting for venues

If you’re looking for more advanced control and a premium experience for your guests, Singa Pro is your go-to system. It’s an iPad-based karaoke solution designed for professional karaoke hosts and venues that need more than just a playlist.

With Singa Pro you unlock all the benefits of Lite, plus:

• Professional iPad-based interface with intuitive controls.
• Additional background music options between performances.
• Digital advertising options to display promos or special offers.
• Lower host workload with Singa Discovery Stations, letting guests browse and request songs on their own.
• Offline mode – reliable shows even with unstable Wi-Fi.
• Better sound with pitch and tempo control.
• Consistent look through custom branding options.
• Venue promotion in the consumer app.
• Premium customer support with direct call access.

Best for: dedicated karaoke bars, entertainment venues, bars and restaurants that host karaoke regularly, professional karaoke hosts.

Singa Pro allows you to manage karaoke professionally while keeping guests entertained from the moment they walk in.

Key features to look for in hosted karaoke software

• Extensive licensed song library. Your customers expect variety. A comprehensive library of at least 75,000+ songs ensures you can accommodate different musical tastes, age groups, and cultural preferences. Look for software that regularly updates its catalog with the latest hits alongside timeless classics.
• Queue management. An efficient queue system helps your host manage performers smoothly, reducing wait times and keeping the energy high throughout the night. Features like drag-and-drop reordering, singer history, and performance tracking make hosting easier.
• Mobile song requests. Modern audiences expect convenience. Mobile song request features allow guests to browse the catalog and submit requests from their phones, reducing crowding around the host's station and creating a more streamlined experience.
• Background music. The moments between performances are crucial for maintaining atmosphere. Built-in background music keeps the energy alive and prevents awkward silences.

🔗 More details on hosted karaoke options: Singa Business

What is the best karaoke system for self-service venues?

Self-service karaoke puts the power directly in your customers' hands. Rather than taking turns on a main stage, guests approach a dedicated karaoke station, select their songs, and perform without needing a host or staff intervention.

This approach is a great fit for bars, restaurants, and smaller venues looking to add karaoke entertainment without increasing staff involvement, and it’s an excellent solution for boosting guest activity during off-peak times.

That’s where Singa Kiosk shines.

Singa Kiosk: The ultimate self-service solution

Singa Kiosk transforms your iPad into a dedicated self-service karaoke station. It gives guests an intuitive interface to browse songs, control playback, and manage their queue without needing staff assistance.

The touch-friendly interface makes song selection effortless, while smooth, continuous song flow keeps the energy high. It connects directly to Singa Pro’s full song library and background systems, supports customizable branding and advertising options, and is designed for a seamless, hassle-free karaoke experience.

With Singa Kiosk, you get all the features of Singa Pro, plus:

• A dedicated self-service mode for guests – user-friendly interface requiring no staff intervention.
• Protected settings to ensure guests can’t modify your venue’s audio configuration.

Best for: self-service karaoke bars, restaurants wanting background entertainment, businesses wanting flexible entertainment options, venues with limited space for a full stage setup

🎤 Fun fact: Venues that offer self-service entertainment options often see higher average spend per guest, thanks to increased dwell time and repeat visits.

🔗 Learn more about Singa Kiosk: Singa Business

Essential features for self-service karaoke

• Intuitive user interface. Your customers need to navigate the system easily without instructions. A clean, straightforward interface with clear search functionality ensures everyone can find and play their favorite songs.
• Touchscreen compatibility. iPad-based systems like Singa Kiosk provide the familiar touch interface that modern consumers expect, making the experience feel natural and accessible.
• Digital signage integration. Use the downtime between songs to promote your food and drink specials, upcoming events, or partner businesses. This turns your karaoke system into a dual-purpose entertainment and marketing tool.
• Reliable performance. Self-service systems need to run smoothly without constant monitoring. Cloud-based solutions ensure consistent performance, automatic updates, and minimal technical issues.
• Lockable settings. Critical settings remain locked down, preventing guests from accidentally altering your audio setup, changing venue configurations, or accessing features meant only for staff. Maintain control over your karaoke system’s operation while providing guests a hassle-free experience.

What is the best karaoke system for karaoke rooms?

Private karaoke rooms, often called karaoke boxes, have become one of the most popular trends in modern competitive socialising. Karaoke rooms offer an intimate, premium experience where small groups can sing together without performing for a crowd. This format, popularized in Asia and rapidly growing worldwide, is one of the most profitable karaoke business models.

Karaoke rooms are a proven model for maximizing floor space and generating high-margin revenue through hourly booking fees and dedicated food and beverage service. The global karaoke room systems market is experiencing strong growth, expected to hit $4.8 billion by 2033.

If your business revolves around private karaoke rooms — whether it’s a dedicated karaoke lounge or an entertainment complex — you need a system that goes beyond just playing songs. You need session control, device management, and seamless guest turnover.

That’s exactly what Singa Box delivers.

Singa Box: Purpose-built for karaoke rooms

Singa Box is an iPad-based karaoke system built for karaoke room management. It allows each private room to have its own independent system, while giving you full control and oversight from a central interface.

Key features include all features of Singa Kiosk, plus:

• Device and session management – easily monitor which rooms are active and when.
• Timer control for automated session endings, ensuring smooth guest transitions.
• Room customization options for playlists, branding, or background visuals.
• Premium customer support with a dedicated customer success manager.

Best for: karaoke room venues, entertainment centers, and hospitality businesses with multiple private rooms, hotels and resorts offering karaoke amenities

🎶 Did you know? Many karaoke room operators report higher efficiency and guest satisfaction when switching from manual setups to connected systems like Singa Box.

🔗 Explore Singa Box features: Singa Business

Important features for karaoke room software

• Session management and timers. When you're charging by the hour, accurate time tracking is essential. Built-in timers ensure fair billing and help staff manage room turnover efficiently.
• Multi-room management. If you're running multiple karaoke rooms, you need software that can manage all rooms from a central dashboard, track which rooms are occupied, and monitor usage patterns for optimization.
• Easy-to-use interface. Unlike hosted karaoke where a professional manages the system, karaoke rooms put the controls in customers' hands. The interface must be intuitive enough for anyone to use, regardless of technical skill.
• Kiosk mode. This feature locks down the system to prevent accidental changes to settings while still allowing guests to browse and play songs freely. It protects your investment while providing a seamless user experience.
• Reservation and booking integration. While not always built into the karaoke software itself, the ability to integrate with reservation systems helps maximize occupancy and revenue. Singa Box's session management features complement booking systems perfectly.

Universal features to look for in karaoke software

Regardless of which karaoke format you choose, certain features are essential across all systems:

Comprehensive licensed song library

A large song library can increase customer satisfaction and improve the overall experience for karaoke singers. Look for platforms offering at least 75,000-80,000 songs with regular updates to include new releases.

Your library should span:

• Current chart-toppers and trending hits
• Classic songs from the 60s through 2000s
• Multiple genres (pop, rock, country, hip-hop, R&B, Latin, etc.)
• International songs in various languages
• Both male and female vocal ranges

Reliable customer support

Technical issues can ruin a karaoke night and frustrate customers. Professional karaoke software should include:

• Responsive customer service during business hours
• Technical support for troubleshooting
• Setup assistance and training resources
• Regular software updates and maintenance
• Online documentation and tutorials

Sensible pricing

Find a pricing option that fits your budget and needs, balancing functionality, support, and overall experience.

Consider:

• Monthly subscription costs
• Setup and equipment fees
• Whether pricing includes updates and support
• Contract terms and cancellation policies
• Scalability as your business grows

Regular content updates

Music trends change rapidly. Your karaoke software should regularly add new songs to keep your library fresh and relevant. Singa updates its catalog consistently to ensure you always have the latest hits.

Learn why simply using YouTube for karaoke isn’t a viable option.

Cloud-based reliability

Cloud-based systems offer several advantages:

• Automatic software updates
• No local storage limitations
• Access to the entire song library without downloads
• Consistent performance across devices
• Easy setup and minimal technical requirements

How to choose the right karaoke system for your venue

Choosing the right karaoke system depends on how you want karaoke to fit into your venue’s experience — whether it’s a fun add-on, a weekly hosted event, or the heart of your business.

Here’s how to find the best match for your needs:

🎤 Singa Lite — for occasional karaoke nights

If you’re just testing karaoke or only plan to host occasionally:

• Best for: small bars, cafés, and event hosts.
• Why it works: runs directly in your web browser, no installation required.
• Biggest benefit: simple monthly subscription you can cancel anytime.
• Perfect when: you want to see how karaoke fits your audience before going all-in.

🎧 Singa Pro — for regular hosted karaoke

If karaoke is a regular part of your weekly entertainment lineup:

• Best for: restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
• Why it works: includes everything from Lite, plus professional hosting tools.
• Key features: background music playlists, digital advertising options, and mobile song requests.
• Perfect when: you want to keep karaoke nights professional, seamless, and engaging.

🎛️ Singa Kiosk — for self-service karaoke

If you want to let guests take charge of their own karaoke experience:

• Best for: self-service karaoke bars and casual venues.
• Why it works: turns an iPad into a guest-controlled interface for song selection and playback.
• Key features: a dedicated self-service mode for guests – user-friendly interface requiring no staff intervention.
• Perfect when: you want a low-maintenance, high-fun setup where guests are in control.

🎵 Singa Box — for private karaoke rooms

If your business is built around private karaoke rooms:

• Best for: karaoke lounges, entertainment centers, and hotels.
• Why it works: each room gets its own system while you manage everything from one dashboard.
• Key features: room timers, device management, and session control.
• Perfect when: you want to deliver a premium, efficient karaoke experience for multiple groups at once.

To sum up:

💡 Still deciding? Start small with Singa Lite, and as your karaoke offering grows, upgrade seamlessly to Pro, Kiosk, or Box — all within the same Singa ecosystem. Or talk to our sales team to find the perfect karaoke setup for your venue.

Karaoke systems compared: features at a glance

Feature	Singa Lite	Singa Pro	Singa Kiosk	Singa Box
Platform	Browser (Laptop)	iPad	iPad	iPad
Song library	140,000+	140,000+	140,000+	140,000+
Best for	Hosted karaoke	Hosted karaoke	Self-service	Karaoke rooms
Monthly price	$59	Custom pricing	Custom pricing	Custom pricing
Background music	✓	✓	✓	✓
Mobile requests	✗	✓	✓	✓
Display advertising	✗	✓	✓	✓
Session management	✗	✓	✓	✓
Built-in timer	✗	✗	✗	✓
Device management	✗	✗	✗	✓
Kiosk mode	✗	✗	✓	✓

Why Singa stands out among karaoke systems

The right karaoke system can transform your venue’s atmosphere, boost customer engagement, and drive new revenue streams. Whether you’re running hosted nights, offering self-service entertainment, or managing private karaoke rooms, Singa gives you the flexibility to deliver a top-tier experience — every time the mic turns on.

In addition to offering solutions for every use case, Singa is backed by exceptional customer support and one of the industry's largest song libraries, helping venues turn karaoke into a profitable, repeat-worthy entertainment experience.

Ready to start singing?

🎤 Talk to our sales team to find the perfect karaoke setup for your venue. For a detailed comparison of features, visit the Singa pricing page.