OpenKJ

OpenKJ is free, open-source karaoke hosting software for karaoke DJs, built for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It connects with OpenKJ Songbook, which offers web-based song search and submissions. Singers can use Songbook apps for iOS and Android to browse or search songs, submit requests with a key change, and save favorites. A web submission page can also be set up as a venue kiosk, and sign-up requests are sent directly to the host computer. Songbook can optionally display download-vendor catalogs, which the project says are updated daily. OpenKJ SongShop supports purchasing and downloading karaoke files on the fly; PartyTyme is listed as its only available vendor. OpenKJ Tools includes utilities for ReplayGain adjustment, handling karaoke archives, fixing zip compatibility, and changing filename capitalization. The project marks Tools experimental and recommends backing up the library before use. OpenKJ is free, while Songbook is listed at $9.99 per month with a one-month free trial.

OpenKJ pairs free karaoke hosting software with Songbook options for singer requests through apps and the web. Songbook has a monthly price, and the project flags its library utilities as experimental.

OpenKJ suits karaoke DJs who want hosting software with song search and submission options for singers. Songbook apps and web access may also suit singers and venues using kiosks.

OpenKJ is a cross-platform karaoke hosting suite for DJs who run singer-requested shows. It suits hosts who want a free desktop system connected to mobile and web song requests. Its strongest case is the link between show hosting and singer requests; Songbook adds a recurring cost, and the file utilities carry an experimental warning.

Overview

The project brings together karaoke hosting software, a singer-facing songbook, and tools for managing karaoke files. The core host is open source under GPL version 3 and is built and tested for Linux, macOS, and Windows. That makes it a fit for DJs who want to run a show from a desktop rather than singers looking for a standalone performance app.

Songbook connects the show computer to singers searching for songs and sending requests. The wider project also includes a tool for purchasing and downloading karaoke files and utilities for library upkeep. OpenKJ is one option in the Karaoke Software category.

Key features

Songbook requests

Singers can search or browse the songbook, submit requests, and ask for a key change. Requests go directly to the host computer, giving DJs a practical way to collect choices without relying on singers to approach the booth. The iOS and Android apps also let singers save favorites, while the web submission site can serve as a venue kiosk.

Songbook can optionally display catalogs from download vendors, which the project says are updated daily. This can help singers find available songs, but catalog display is optional rather than a guarantee that every requested track is in the host's library.

Song purchasing and library tools

SongShop is intended for purchasing and downloading karaoke files during a show; PartyTyme is currently its only available vendor. That narrow vendor choice limits its usefulness for hosts who want to shop across providers.

OpenKJ Tools covers ReplayGain adjustment, archive compression and extraction, zip compatibility fixes, and filename capitalization. Those utilities address specific library-maintenance chores, but the project labels them experimental and recommends backing up the library first. They are a cautious add-on, not a reason to entrust an unbacked-up collection to the tools.

Pricing

The OpenKJ plan costs nothing and includes free, open-source karaoke hosting software. It is the clear starting point for a DJ who wants the host application without a subscription.

OpenKJ Songbook starts at $9.99 a month, with a 1 month free trial. It adds the web and mobile songbook experience, including singer search and submissions. The core host remains free, but DJs who want those singer-facing request channels should budget for the monthly Songbook price. No further plan limits or renewal terms are stated.

Platforms

The project says its desktop host is built and tested on Linux, macOS, and Windows. The broader platform range also includes Android, iOS, and web access through Songbook, making it possible for singers to use mobile apps or a browser-based submission page. These platforms serve different roles: desktop for hosting, and mobile or web for singer requests.

Who it's for

OpenKJ is best suited to karaoke DJs who want open-source desktop hosting and a direct request path from singers to the host computer. It is also relevant to venues that want to offer a web-based request kiosk. It is less suitable for a singer seeking vocal effects or a solo recording experience: the supplied feature information says it has no vocal controls, even though it supports track creation and performance recording.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free, GPL-licensed hosting software gives DJs a no-cost desktop starting point.
• Pros: Songbook requests reach the host computer and can include a key change, which makes requests more actionable for a show.
• Pros: Singer apps, browser access, and kiosk use provide several ways to submit requests.
• Cons: Songbook starts at $9.99 a month, so the complete request workflow is not wholly free.
• Cons: SongShop currently offers PartyTyme as its only vendor, limiting purchase options.
• Cons: OpenKJ Tools is experimental, and the project advises backing up a library before use.
• Cons: No vocal controls are provided, so performers seeking voice effects should look elsewhere.

Alternatives

Karaoke 5 is worth considering for a player-and-manager setup with a free plan, though its Karaoke5 Freeware plan excludes synchronization, YouTube downloads, mobile management, and music quizzes.

KaraFun may suit someone who wants a singer-facing karaoke service across mobile, web, and desktop platforms; its free tier offers free songs and Premium previews, while Premium is £7.99 a month.

Smule is an alternative for singers who want to join existing duets at no cost, rather than operate a DJ-hosted show.

TKaraoke is another karaoke option for Android, iOS, and Windows.

StarMaker offers karaoke on Android, iOS, and the web, with Pro subscription options.

Singa is another mobile and web karaoke service, with a Premium monthly subscription priced at $9.99 a month.

Yokee is a mobile karaoke alternative for Android and iOS with a subscription that includes a 7-day free period.

Encore Karaoke is another free option available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Verdict

Choose OpenKJ if you are a karaoke DJ who wants free, open-source desktop hosting and a way for singers to send actionable requests to the host computer. The main reason to look elsewhere is if you need a standalone singer experience or vocal controls; if mobile and web requests are essential, account for Songbook's monthly price.