Overview

OpenKJ is open-source software for hosting karaoke shows, built for DJs who manage a song library and take singer requests. Its free desktop host is the clearest reason to choose it; the broader Songbook service adds a monthly cost for mobile and web request tools.

It is a better fit for venue hosts than for singers seeking a standalone karaoke performance app. OpenKJ is part of the Karaoke Software category, but its focus is show operation rather than an individual singing experience.

Key features

Requests through Songbook

OpenKJ Songbook lets singers search or browse songs and send requests directly to the host computer, including a requested key change. Its iOS and Android apps also let singers save favorites. For venues, the web submission page can serve as a kiosk, giving singers another route to the songbook without using a phone app.

Songbook can optionally display catalogs from download vendors, which the project says are updated daily. The separate SongShop tool is intended for buying and downloading karaoke files during a show; PartyTyme is currently its only vendor, so this is a narrow purchasing option rather than a broad marketplace.

Library utilities

OpenKJ Tools includes utilities for ReplayGain adjustment, archive compression and extraction, zip compatibility fixes, and filename capitalization. These can help with routine library upkeep, but the project labels the tools experimental and recommends backing up the library first. Hosts who cannot risk changes to a working collection should treat that warning seriously.

Pricing

OpenKJ costs 0.00 USD per free and is free, open-source karaoke hosting software. That makes it a practical starting point for DJs who want desktop show software without a subscription.

OpenKJ Songbook starts at $9.99/month and includes a 1 month free trial. It adds web and mobile song search and submissions, including key-change requests, and is best suited to hosts who want singers to submit requests remotely or through a venue kiosk. The free host remains the lower-cost choice, but does not include the described Songbook request experience. The trial is worth considering before committing to the monthly service.

Platforms

The core host is built and tested for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Songbook extends access through iOS and Android singer apps and a web submission site. OpenKJ’s platform list also includes Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, but the desktop systems are the stated targets for the hosting software itself.

Who it's for

OpenKJ suits karaoke DJs who want a free host application and a connected way to collect singer requests. Songbook is most useful for venues where app, browser, or kiosk access can reduce the friction of submitting songs. It is less compelling for a singer who only wants a personal karaoke app, or for a host who needs a non-experimental library utility without a backup workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free, GPL version 3 desktop hosting software gives DJs a no-subscription way to run karaoke shows.
Pros: Songbook requests reach the host computer and can include a key change, while mobile favorites and kiosk-style web access give singers several ways to participate.
Cons: Songbook starts at $9.99/month after its 1 month free trial, so remote request features add an ongoing expense to the free host.
Cons: OpenKJ Tools is experimental, and its maker advises backing up the library before use.
Cons: SongShop currently offers only PartyTyme, limiting choice for hosts looking to buy tracks within that tool.

Alternatives

Choose Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder if a Windows or Mac player with recording and playlist tools is a better fit, but its Windows free version caps playlists at five songs and recordings at one minute, limits MIDI-to-MP3 conversion to one minute, and bars professional use.

Smule is a better direction for singers who want to join existing duets at no cost; its VIP All Access Pass is 19.99 USD per month and renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before renewal.

Consider TKaraoke as another karaoke option for Android, iOS, or Windows.

Singa may suit private singing use across Android, iOS, and web; its Premium monthly subscription costs 9.99 USD per month and renews automatically unless canceled.

For a broad multi-platform app with a free tier and no free trial, KaraFun offers free songs and Premium previews, while Premium costs 7.99 GBP per month.

Karaoke Mugen is another free option for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows users.

Choose UltraStar Deluxe if you want a completely free PC karaoke game for Windows, Linux, or macOS.

Yokee is a mobile-only alternative for Android and iOS with a 7-day free period before its subscription automatically renews unless canceled.

Verdict

OpenKJ is a strong fit for DJs who want free desktop karaoke hosting and can benefit from a connected request workflow. Songbook’s paid mobile and web access is its main extension, while experimental library tools and a single SongShop vendor are reasons for caution. Choose it for host-led shows and song-request management; look elsewhere for a singer-first performance app or a safer, non-experimental library workflow.

	Encore Karaoke	OpenKJ
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	Free	$9.99/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, Linux, macOS, Windows	Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Vocal controls	Yes	No
Track creation	Yes	Yes
Performance recording	Yes	Yes
Free plan	—	Yes
Supported platforms	—	desktop

Encore Karaoke vs OpenKJ

Encore Karaoke

OpenKJ