Overview

The project brings show hosting together with optional services for song requests and library upkeep. The desktop host is licensed under GPL version 3 and is built and tested for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Songbook extends the workflow to singers, with requests delivered directly to the host computer and the option to specify a key change.

This is a DJ-oriented setup, not a singer-first performance app. Its parts are useful together, but the core host, paid Songbook service, and experimental library utilities have distinct roles and limitations.

Key features

Songbook search and submissions

Songbook lets singers search or browse a songbook, submit requests, and save favorites in its iOS and Android apps. A web submission site can serve as a venue kiosk. Requests go to the host computer and can include a requested key change, giving DJs a direct route from singer choice to show queue. Optional catalogs from download vendors are updated daily, according to the project.

Purchasing and library utilities

SongShop is intended for purchasing and downloading karaoke files during a show, but PartyTyme is currently the only available vendor. That makes it a focused option rather than a broad storefront. OpenKJ Tools can adjust ReplayGain, zip or unzip files, address zip compatibility, and change filename capitalization. The project calls these utilities experimental and recommends backing up the library first, so they are best approached cautiously rather than treated as a dependable maintenance workflow.

Capabilities and privacy

OpenKJ supports track creation and performance recording, but does not offer vocal controls. That distinction favors hosts organizing and running karaoke over users seeking vocal effects. The privacy policy says the project does not sell user data and shares only the minimum needed to verify app features and subscriptions.

Pricing

The core OpenKJ plan costs 0.00 USD per free and is free, open-source karaoke hosting software. It is the natural starting point for DJs who need desktop hosting without a software charge.

OpenKJ Songbook starts at 9.99 USD per month and includes a 1 month free trial. It adds the singer-facing search and submission service, including mobile apps and web access; it is the relevant paid choice for venues that want singers to submit requests digitally. Songbook is separate from the free host, so choosing OpenKJ alone does not include that service.

Platforms

The project says the desktop host is built and tested on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Songbook also has singer apps for iOS and Android, alongside its web submission site. The project describes broad platform support, but the core host remains desktop software; the mobile apps serve singers rather than replacing the host.

Who it's for

OpenKJ is best suited to karaoke DJs who want a free desktop host and value a request path that reaches their computer directly. Venues that want app-based song browsing, favorites, key-change requests, or a kiosk can consider Songbook and its monthly cost. It is less suitable for someone primarily seeking vocal controls or a ready-made singer performance app.

Pros and cons

Free, open-source hosting: the core desktop application costs nothing and is licensed under GPL version 3.
Requests connect to the host: Songbook submissions can carry a requested key change, supporting a DJ-managed show.
Multiple ways for singers to submit: iOS and Android apps complement a web page that can be used as a venue kiosk.
Songbook costs extra: the service starts at 9.99 USD per month after a 1 month free trial, separate from the free host.
Limited SongShop catalog: PartyTyme is currently the only available vendor.
Experimental library utilities: the project advises backing up before use, a meaningful caution for tools that modify a karaoke library.
No vocal controls: users seeking vocal effects will need a different fit.

Alternatives

For a wider set of karaoke software choices, see Karaoke Software.

Choose TKaraoke if its Android, iOS, or Windows availability better matches your setup. Smule is an alternative to consider for singer-facing duet use: its free plan lets users join existing duets, while VIP All Access Pass costs 19.99 USD per month.

Kanto Karaoke Player&Recorder may suit a Windows or Mac user comparing a player and recorder; its free Windows version caps playlists at five songs and recordings at one minute, among other limits. KaraFun is another option for a broader device mix, with a free plan offering songs and Premium previews and a Premium plan at 7.99 GBP per month.

Karaoke Mugen is worth comparing if you want free software across Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. UltraStar Deluxe is a free PC karaoke game for Linux, macOS, and Windows, while Performous is another free option with downloads for those three desktop systems. Singa is an alternative to compare for Android, iOS, and web access; its monthly premium plan is 9.99 USD.

Verdict

Choose OpenKJ if you are a karaoke DJ who wants a free, open-source desktop host and a direct path for singers' requests. Songbook makes the workflow more accessible to singers, but its starting price of 9.99 USD per month is an added commitment, and the library tools are explicitly experimental. Look elsewhere if vocal controls or a singer-centered performance experience is your priority.

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

Nightingale vs OpenKJ

Nightingale

OpenKJ