Kids, like most people, love karaoke. Karaoke machines are fun, versatile, easy to use and a great way to entertain kids. With all the vary types of karaoke machines on the market, it may be difficult choosing the right one for kids. Age group is probably the most important deciding factor when selecting a machine because different models are suggested for different age groups, similar to other toys.

Karaoke for Toddlers and Young Children

Even young babies enjoy the fun and entertainment of a good karaoke party. However, when selecting a machine for younger children, it is best to choose one with fewer controls, making it easier for them to operate. Younger children aren't big sticklers for high-definition sound or fancy audio resolution, so it is okay to go with a more basic model. Many karaoke machines for kids are modeled after popular cartoon characters, so if you child gravitates toward a cartoon character, the selection for these types of machines is so vast, you should be able to find something that pleases them.

Also, you may want to keep your budget small when purchasing a singing machine for a young child. Some children love karaoke so much, they go through more than one karaoke machine in their childhood, so don't spend a fortune on a machine with features that a child in this age group will soon outgrow.

Karaoke for Pre-teens

Pre-teens who love karaoke may want more moderate controls than younger kids. However, most pre-teens are all about the flash, that is, they want a singing machine that combines functionality and visual appeal.

In terms of functionality, consider a machine that not only allows your youngster to sing her favorite songs, but makes sure she sings them correctly. Many machines contain visual displays or can connect to a television and show the lyrics to a song on the screen. Some machines are only able to do this with pre-included songs, while others can read and display the lyrics to any song it plays, thus expanding your pre-teens performance selection.

In terms of visual appeal, consider a karaoke machine with slick features such as a built-in disco lighting system or a wireless microphone. These are features that will keep your pre-teen's karaoke party going and impress his friends.

Karaoke for Teens

While teens may not be overly concerned about the visual appeal of a karaoke machine, they are all about advanced controls and functionality. It is okay to choose a superior machine for an older child because this is the machine they'll likely take with them to college and use throughout their adulthood.

When choosing an advanced karaoke machine for a teen, a quality advanced machine should feature various inputs and outputs that provide the ability to connect various external devices, such as additional microphones or a mp3 player. Additionally, pitch changers or pitch correctors are popular among older kids. This function allows amateur singers to select a singing key that is comfortable for their vocal abilities and still maintain the original tempo of the song.

Across all age groups, it is best to select a portable karaoke player. A portable machine will allow your kid to move it from room to room throughout your home or take the machine with him during vacation or to overnight stays at a friend's home.