Smule

Overview

Smule is a singing app for karaoke, recording and performing with other people. It suits singers who want a broad repertoire and social tools, particularly on mobile. VIP is the route to solo and group performances; the free tier is limited to joining existing duets.

Key features

Its catalog spans more than 15 million songs across pop, rock, R&B, country, K-pop and musicals. That breadth makes it useful for singers with varied tastes, though free members do not get unlimited access to the full catalog. VIP removes that catalog limit and unlocks solo recording, starting personal duets and group performances.

Recordings can be shaped with reverb, filters, vocal effects, pitch guidance and key adjustment. Music videos add visual effects and lyric overlays, and optional AI-powered voice tools offer another way to alter a performance. These controls favor singers who want to refine and present a take, not just follow lyrics over a backing track.

Users can host or join live karaoke sessions and perform for real-time audiences. Smule describes a singer community spanning more than 190 countries, making it a social platform as much as a karaoke library. That emphasis may not suit someone seeking a private singing profile: accounts cannot currently be made private, although privacy settings can be changed for posted recordings.

There are also consequences for leaving an account inactive. Older videos from free inactive accounts may be converted to audio-only, while VIP members' videos are protected. VIP invites have limits too: three free reactivations in a rolling seven-day period and three extensions per invite.

Pricing

Smule is freemium, with a free plan and a free trial. The free plan costs nothing and lets users join existing duets at no cost. It is a reasonable way to participate without subscribing, but it does not include the VIP privileges to record solo, start personal duets or perform in groups.

VIP All Access Pass costs $19.99 a month. It includes unlimited karaoke catalog access, solos, duets, group songs and a cappella. The subscription is billed automatically and renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Smule also offers weekly and yearly subscriptions; cancel before renewal if you do not want the next charge.

The monthly VIP price makes most sense for regular singers who will use the recording options and full catalog. Occasional participants can stay free, while singers who only want to join other people's duets have little reason to pay for solo and group capabilities they will not use.

Platforms

Smule is available on Android, iOS and the web. The iOS app requires iOS 15 or later and supports iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Vision and Apple TV. Google Play shows more than 100 million downloads and labels the app as containing ads and in-app purchases. Google Play also says data is encrypted in transit and users can request deletion.

Who it's for

Smule is best for singers who want a large, varied song library, vocal adjustments and ways to record or perform with others. VIP is the better fit for people who want to lead their own duets, record solos or join group songs. Free membership works for trying the social side through existing duets. Anyone who needs a private account should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pros: More than 15 million songs cover a wide range of genres, and VIP combines the full catalog with solo, duet and group performance features.

Pros: Vocal controls, video effects, lyric overlays and live sessions support both recording and real-time performance.

Cons: The free plan is limited to joining existing duets, so singers who want to record their own sessions need VIP.

Cons: Accounts cannot be made private, and older videos from free inactive accounts may become audio-only.

Cons: VIP renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the period ends.

Alternatives

Browse karaoke software for more options. Consider OpenKJ if free and open-source karaoke hosting is a better fit. TKaraoke is another freemium option. Choose Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder if you want a Mac or Windows karaoke player and recorder. Karaoke 5 is an alternative with mobile and desktop platforms. KaraFun is another freemium choice, while Karaoke Mugen is free software with no paid plan. Singa is a further freemium option. Encore Karaoke is a free open-source player, but its song library is not included.

Verdict

Choose Smule if you want a broad karaoke catalog paired with recording tools and social performances, and are willing to pay VIP for solo and group capabilities. Its free tier offers a way to join existing duets, but the automatic renewal terms and inability to make an account private are real reasons to look elsewhere.