OpenKJ

Overview

The core OpenKJ application is open-source karaoke hosting software licensed under GPL version 3, built and tested for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its focus is the host’s show workflow: track creation and performance recording are supported, while vocal controls are not. That makes it a more natural fit for organizing and running DJ-hosted karaoke than for singers seeking a standalone performance app.

OpenKJ connects the desktop host to Songbook, which gives singers web and mobile ways to find songs and send requests to the host computer. The project also offers a download tool and file utilities, but Songbook is a separate paid offering and the utilities are experimental. See the Karaoke Software category for other karaoke options.

Key features

Songbook requests

Songbook lets singers search or browse a songbook, submit requests with a desired key change, and save favorites in its iOS and Android apps. Its web submission page can also serve as a venue kiosk. Requests reach the host computer, making Songbook the part of OpenKJ that bridges a DJ’s desktop setup with singers at the venue.

Catalogs, downloads, and library utilities

Songbook can optionally show download-vendor catalogs, which the project says are updated daily. OpenKJ SongShop is intended for purchasing and downloading karaoke files during a show, but PartyTyme is currently its only available vendor. OpenKJ Tools covers ReplayGain adjustment, archive handling, zip compatibility, and filename capitalization; because the project labels these utilities experimental, they are best treated cautiously, with a library backup first.

Pricing

OpenKJ: 0.00 USD per free. The free and open-source hosting software is the straightforward choice for DJs who want desktop show hosting without a subscription.

OpenKJ Songbook: 9.99 USD per month, with prices starting at $9.99/month and a 1 month free trial. This is the paid option for hosts who want web and mobile song search and submissions; it adds singer-facing access rather than replacing the free host. The project also describes Songbook as a separate paid offering, so hosts should account for it as an additional service.

Platforms

The desktop host is built and tested on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Songbook extends singer access through iOS and Android apps and a web submission site. The project also has a privacy policy stating it does not sell user data and shares only the minimum data needed to verify app features and subscriptions. Songbook questions and support requests can be sent to [email protected].

Who it's for

OpenKJ is best suited to karaoke DJs who want an open-source desktop host and a direct path for collecting singer requests, including key-change preferences. Songbook’s kiosk and mobile options are useful for venues that want singers to browse and submit independently. It is less compelling for someone who primarily wants vocal effects or a self-contained singing app: vocal controls are absent, and the request service is a separate paid product.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free, GPL-licensed desktop hosting across Linux, macOS, and Windows gives DJs a flexible core without a software charge.
• Pros: Songbook requests reach the host computer and can include key changes, with web, kiosk, and mobile access for singers.
• Cons: Songbook costs 9.99 USD per month after its 1 month free trial, so the complete request workflow is not entirely free.
• Cons: OpenKJ Tools is experimental, and SongShop currently has only PartyTyme as a vendor, limiting confidence and choice in those add-ons.
• Cons: There are no vocal controls, which rules out hosts looking for that kind of performance feature.

Alternatives

Choose KaraFun if you want a singer-oriented service with a free tier and a paid Premium plan at 7.99 GBP per month, rather than OpenKJ’s DJ-hosting-centered workflow. StarMaker is an option for mobile and web users looking for a freemium singing app, with Pro subscriptions listed at 7.99 USD per month for a week or 14.99 USD per month.

TKaraoke is another freemium karaoke option, with Android, iOS, and Windows support. Consider Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder if you need a player and recorder for macOS or Windows and are comfortable with the free Windows edition’s five-song playlist cap and one-minute recording limit.

Smule offers a free way to join existing duets, with a paid VIP All Access Pass. UltraStar Deluxe is a completely free PC karaoke game for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Karaoke 5 supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, while Karaoke Mugen is a free option for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.

Verdict

Choose OpenKJ if you are a karaoke DJ who wants free, open-source desktop hosting and values a direct link between singers’ requests and the host computer. Its main trade-off is that mobile and web song requests sit behind a separate paid Songbook service, while vocal controls are not part of the package. For a host who needs that request workflow, the combination is focused; for singers seeking a performance-first app, look elsewhere.