đź“– Smule vs. StarMaker Review: Which is Legit, Which is a Scam Trap? Full Honest Breakdown (2025)
Overview
Smule and StarMaker are two of the most popular karaoke and singing apps on the market today. While they may look similar on the surface — offering a mobile platform where users can record themselves singing to karaoke tracks — the way they treat users, and their monetization practices, are quite different. This article explores whether these apps are legitimate entertainment platforms or cleverly disguised money traps.
Smule: How It Works
Smule allows users to sing karaoke tracks solo or with others worldwide. The catch is:
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New users get only 7 days of free VIP trial.
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After the 7-day trial, solo songs become locked behind a paywall.
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The only free option after that is dueting on songs opened by VIP users — meaning if no one has opened a duet version of your favorite song, you can’t sing it.
How Smule Makes Money:
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Monthly/Yearly VIP subscriptions
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In-app purchases (gifts and upgrades)
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Ads shown to non-paying users
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Occasional partnerships and brand promotions
CEO: Jeff Smith
Founded: 2008, USA
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Red Flags:
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Limited free trial period
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Pay-to-sing model after trial expiration
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Duet restrictions forcing interaction only if another VIP user makes a track available
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Heavy reliance on VIP subscriptions to access content
Smule’s Business Model:
Smule thrives on a freemium model — offering just enough free features to hook users, then locking content behind a subscription. This isn’t an outright scam since it’s clear upfront, but the restrictions make it unattractive for free, long-term use.
StarMaker: Is It Better Than Smule?
StarMaker positions itself as a more accessible karaoke app. Users can:
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Sing for free indefinitely — with solo, duet, and group options
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Earn in-app currency via events, competitions, and gifts
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Access a more generous song library without mandatory subscriptions
How StarMaker Makes Money:
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Optional VIP plans
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In-app purchases (gifts, coins, and upgrades)
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Advertisements
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Singing contests and talent promotions
CEO: Jeffrey Huang
Founded: 2010 (owned by Everyone Happy Entertainment Limited, Singapore-based)
Red Flags:
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Reports of manipulative users seeking personal gain or exploiting others financially
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In-app harassment reports in some regions with limited moderation
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Some features still locked behind VIP or coin requirements
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Alleged lack of security vetting for members contacting others off-app
A Common Issue: Predatory Behavior on Karaoke Apps
As you rightly pointed out — both platforms sometimes struggle to manage unsafe interactions between members.
On StarMaker, some users have been reported for scamming others by faking personal problems and soliciting money. On Smule, predatory users exploit the duet system to lure others into private chats and off-app meetings.
App support on both platforms is generally weak regarding member safety.
Verdict: Scam or Legit?
| App | Is it a Scam? | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smule | Not a scam, but heavily pay-to-sing | Good recording quality, social duet features | 7-day free trial only, restrictive without paying |
| StarMaker | Not a scam, but serious safety concerns | Free daily karaoke, more free songs | Reports of predatory users, less strict moderation |
Final Thoughts
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If you’re after free, casual karaoke — StarMaker is a better option.
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If you’re willing to pay for higher-quality recording and duet opportunities — Smule can be worth trying during its trial.
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Both apps’ biggest flaw is weak moderation regarding financial scammers and predatory behavior.
Pro Tip: Never send money or personal details to anyone you meet on these apps. Karaoke should be fun, not an unsafe or manipulative environment.
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