Overview

Kanto supports MP3, MP3+CDG, WAV+CDG, KFN, MP4, AVI, WMV, KAR and MIDI files. That range is useful if a collection mixes audio, video and karaoke-specific formats; it also makes Kanto a stronger fit for local libraries than for people seeking only an online song catalog. Live Performance shows the current and upcoming songs and lets users add tracks by drag and drop, giving a host a clear way to manage a queue while playback continues.

Key features

Queue and lyrics display

Dual Display opens lyrics in a second window for a monitor or TV while songs are managed on the PC. This separates the singer-facing screen from the operator’s controls, a practical arrangement for home sessions and small performance setups. The software also has a built-in browser for playing online karaoke songs such as YouTube videos, adding an online option alongside local files.

Recording and MIDI tools

Kanto records microphone vocals over a song and provides controls for microphone and music volume, latency, echo and reverb. That gives singers a way to shape and capture a performance without leaving the player, though recording length is sharply limited in the free editions. For MIDI users, Kanto can convert MIDI or KAR files to MP3, remove the melody track during conversion, import and change SoundFonts, and route MIDI output through a selected external driver or device. These are useful tools for users with MIDI collections, but less relevant to singers who rely only on standard audio tracks.

Pricing

Kanto uses a freemium model, with free Windows and Mac editions and one-time paid licenses. The free editions are free and cap playlists at five songs, recording at one minute and MIDI-to-MP3 conversion at one minute. The Windows free version also prohibits professional use. These limits make the free editions suitable for trying the basic workflow, not for running a full session or keeping meaningful recordings.

Standard Version (Personal): 49.00 USD per once. It allows unlimited playlist songs on one PC and lasts three years, but excludes professional use. It is the lowest-cost paid choice for personal karaoke where the free caps are too restrictive.
Full Version Professional for Mac: 59.99 USD per once. It covers one Mac for three years, with unlimited playlists, recording, MIDI-to-MP3 conversion and free updates for three years. This is the paid Mac option for users who need those tools, though the plan is limited to a single computer.
Professional Version: 69.95 USD per once. It covers three Windows PCs for three years, allows unlimited playlist songs and professional use, and includes a singer rotation list. It is the clearest fit for a paid host who needs multiple Windows installations and a rotation workflow.

Standard and Professional licenses include updates and priority support guaranteed during their three-year term. Kanto offers a 7-day money-back guarantee under stated conditions, with 10% service and transaction fees non-refundable. The terms also put responsibility for protection against downloaded-software risks and for keeping backups on the user.

Platforms

Kanto is desktop software for macOS and Windows. The Professional Version is specifically for Windows, while the Full Version Professional plan is for Mac; the Standard personal plan covers one PC. A second monitor or TV can be used for lyrics through Dual Display, while playback and song management remain on the computer.

Who it's for

Kanto makes sense for home singers who want to record vocals, hosts managing a live queue, and MIDI users who need conversion or SoundFont controls. The Standard plan is appropriate only for personal use; professional hosts should choose the Windows Professional plan or, on Mac, the full professional edition. It is a weaker fit for anyone who needs a large free playlist, longer free recordings, or a mobile-first karaoke setup.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad support for audio, video, CDG and MIDI formats makes mixed local collections practical to manage.
Pro: Live queue management and a separate lyrics display keep the operator’s controls away from the singer-facing screen.
Pro: Vocal recording controls and MIDI conversion, SoundFont and device options serve users who want more than basic playback.
Con: Free playlists stop at five songs and recording and conversion at one minute, limiting the free editions to short trials of the workflow.
Con: The 49.00 USD per once Standard license is personal-use only, so professional Windows use requires the more expensive plan.
Con: Paid licenses are limited to three years, and the Mac professional plan covers one Mac rather than multiple computers.

Alternatives

For a wider karaoke software comparison, browse Karaoke Software. Choose OpenKJ if free and open-source hosting software across desktop, mobile and web platforms matters more than Kanto’s paid recording and MIDI options. TKaraoke is another freemium alternative. Pick Smule if mobile or web access and joining existing duets for free are a better fit; its VIP All Access Pass costs 19.99 USD per month and renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours beforehand. Karaoke 5 has a free edition without synchronization, YouTube downloads, mobile management or music quiz features, so it suits readers willing to trade those functions for a free starting point. Singa is worth considering for Android, iOS or web use, with a private-use monthly plan at 9.99 USD that renews automatically unless canceled; its price may vary by country. KaraFun offers a free tier with song previews and access to try all features, and its Premium plan is 7.99 GBP per month. Karaoke Mugen is a free, MIT-licensed choice for Linux, macOS, web or Windows users. UltraStar Deluxe is a completely free karaoke game for Windows, Linux and macOS.

Verdict

Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder is a strong choice for desktop users who want a flexible local player, queue management, vocal recording and substantial MIDI controls in one package. Choose the appropriate paid license if you need more than a short trial, and the Professional edition for commercial Windows hosting. Look elsewhere if you need broad free-use limits, mobile-first access or a license that is not time-limited.

	Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder	Vocaluxe
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Platforms	macOS, Windows	Linux, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Supported platforms	desktop
Vocal controls	Yes
Track creation	Yes	Yes
Performance recording	Yes
Lyrics display modes	dual-screen	multi-screen

Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder vs Vocaluxe

Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder

Vocaluxe