If you’re reading this, then congratulations, you’re right – ukuleles are super cool.
They’re small and portable. They’re impressive, especially around a campfire. They’re a ton of fun to play – and, potentially best of all, they’re not that hard to learn, which makes them a great instrument of choice for beginners.
You know all of that – but if you’re just starting out, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ukulele for your needs. Here’s our quick list of options to get you started:
- Everyjoys Soprano
- Donner Concert
- Enya Concert Nova
- ADM Soprano
- AODSK
- Fitnessclub Soprano
- Ranch Concert
- Kmise Soprano
And if you want to more details on these tiny-but-awesome instruments – keep reading.
What to look for in a ukulele
As you’re searching for your perfect axe, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to consider the size of the instrument. Ukuleles come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and are a great choice for beginners because they’re easy to handle and have a bright, cheerful sound. Concert and tenor ukuleles are a bit larger and have a fuller sound, while baritone ukuleles are the largest and have a deeper, more mellow sound.
Second, you should probably consider the type of wood used to make the ukulele. It may or may not make a huge difference depending on how trained your ears are, but different woods have different tonal qualities, so it’s best to choose a wood that will give you the sound you’re looking for. Some popular woods used for ukuleles include mahogany, koa, and spruce.
Okay – with all of that said, after researching various ukuleles, we’ve identified the best ukuleles for beginners that offer a combination of affordability, quality, and playability. Note that a lot of these come with kits (so you’ll get a tuner, a strap, and a case with them), and that some of them are affiliate links (which means that we’ll get a small commission if you go ahead and purchase one).
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced musician looking to size down, our top picks will help you find the perfect ukulele to start your small-strumming journey.
Let’s get into it.
1. Everjoys Soprano Ukulele
If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality ukulele for beginners, the Everjoys Soprano Ukulele Beginner Pack is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The all-in-one beginner’s set includes everything you need to get started, including a 21″ soprano ukulele, a digital tuner, a strap, a how-to-play songbook, carrying bag, and more.
- The multi-color strings make it easy to remember the notes and speed up the learning process.
- The superior-quality craftsmanship of the ukulele, with basswood for the body, solid wood for the neck, and blackwood for the fingerboard and bridge, give a nice tone overall.
Cons
- The tuner may not work well, but it can easily be replaced by using a phone app.
- The soft case may not provide enough protection for the ukulele during transport.
- The rainbow color strings may not be to everyone’s taste. (They make it look like more of a toy… but also they’re kind of cool, so hey.)
The Everjoys Soprano Ukulele Beginner Pack is a great choice for anyone looking to learn how to play the ukulele. The set includes everything you need to get started, and the multi-color strings make it easy to remember which notes are which. The superior-quality craftsmanship ensures a unique and melodic sound, and the affordable price makes it accessible for beginners.
However, the tuner may not work well, and the soft case may not provide enough protection for the ukulele during transport. Overall, though, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn how to play the ukulele.
You can check out the Everjoys Soprano Ukulele here.
2. Donner Concert Ukulele
If you’re looking for a beginner ukulele that sounds great and comes with everything you need to get started, the Donner Concert Ukulele is a great choice.
Pros
- The mahogany body and neck produce a warm, rich sound that’s perfect for beginners.
- The kit includes everything you need to get started, including a gig bag, strap, tuner, and extra strings.
- If you buy the bundle on Amazon, you get free online video lessons that make it easier to get started playing right away.
Cons
- The ukulele may take some time to hold a tune when it’s brand new.
- Some users report that the gig bag isn’t as padded as they would like.
The Donner Concert Ukulele Beginner Kit is a great choice for anyone who’s just starting out with the ukulele. The mahogany body and neck produce a warm, rich sound that’s perfect for beginners, and the kit includes everything you need to get started, including a gig bag, strap, tuner, and extra strings.
You can check out the Donner Concert Ukulele here.
3. Enya Concert Ukulele
This one looks a little different – think of it as a ukulele from the future, if you will. But if you’re looking for a lightweight, durable and waterproof (always nice for the beach) ukulele that produces a bright sound, the Enya Concert Ukulele Nova U is a great choice.
Pros
- The carbon fiber composite polycarbonate construction ensures durability and makes it easy to clean.
- The side sound hole design ensures better self-resonance during playing, producing a much brighter sound compared to wooden ukuleles.
- The super lightweight and thin body design makes it easy to travel with and ignore temperature and humidity changes.
Cons
- The Enya Concert Ukulele Nova U is not compatible with wound strings or strings containing metallic compounds.
- Some players may prefer the traditional wooden ukulele sound over the brighter sound produced by the carbon fiber composite polycarbonate construction.
- The matte paint finish may show scratches and wear more easily than a glossy finish.
The Enya Concert Ukulele Nova U is designed for all-level players, with an arched back, radius fretboard and cutaway body. The beginner kit includes online lessons, a case, strap, capo and strings, making it easy to start playing right away.
Overall, the Enya Concert Ukulele Nova U isn’t a traditional ukulele, but it’s a great option for those looking for a durable and portable axe with a bright sound.
Its unique carbon fiber composite polycarbonate construction sets it apart from traditional wooden ukuleles, and the included beginner kit makes it easy to start playing right away.
You can check out the Enya Concert Ukulele here.
4. ADM Soprano Ukulele
If you’re looking for a more classic but still-high-quality, affordable ukulele for beginners, the ADM Soprano Ukulele is a great choice. It’s not from the future, but it’s still cool.
With its solid basswood construction, smooth nylon strings, and plenty of accessories included in a comprehensive all-in-one set, this ukulele is perfect for kids and adults alike who are just starting out on their musical journey.
Pros
- High-quality solid basswood construction provides a bright and distinctive tone
- Comprehensive all-in-one set includes everything you need to get started, including a digital tuner, gig bag, spare picks and strings, and more
- Correct fret positioning marked on the fingerboard and the right string height to reduce finger pressure
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty tuning the ukulele
- The strap included in the set may not stay on securely, so you may want to consider purchasing a separate strap if you plan on playing while standing
Personally, I think this one’s pretty – that basswood construction is classic and it does its job well. So why not give it a shot and see if it interests you?
You can check out the ADM Soprano Ukulele here.
5. AODSK Ukuleles
This is another classic-looking option, in the same kind of vein as the ADM. It’s made with sapele wood, so it gives you an interesting look and tone –
Pros
- The sapele wood used in the top, back, and sides of the 21-inch ukulele produces a warm tone, bright high pitch, and excellent portamento.
- The all-inclusive set includes a gig bag, removable strap, storage bag, picks, advanced nylon strings, digital clip-on tuner, and cleaning cloth.
- The advanced, sturdy nylon strings not only avoid finger pain but also add a fuller sound.
Cons
- The frets could be sanded down a bit more on the edges for better comfort.
- The strap could be of better quality.
Honestly, it’s all fairly basic, but when you’re just starting out, that’s often what works best.
You can check out the AODSK Ukulele here.
6. MUSTAR Soprano
Admittedly, we’re getting toward the cheaper side of things. I mean, the brandname should be a giveaway – this isn’t going to sound like something you’d hear at a concert. But if you want something you don’t have to worry about breaking (that also looks pretty sweet), the MUSTAR Soprano may be worth a shot, and at around $30, it won’t cost too much, either.
Pros
- The bright color high gloss finished basswood top and base produce a warm, clear, and pleasant sound when playing traditional soprano Ukulele songs.
- Soft nylon strings go easy on your fingers.
Cons
- The ukulele may have trouble holding a tune, especially with new strings.
- The gig bag may not provide enough protection for the ukulele during transport.
- The fingerboard sticker may not be very durable and may peel off easily.
The MUSTAR Soprano Ukulele is an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn an instrument that sounds great without making a huge investment. Sure, it’s a little cheap, but all told it’s a pretty good value for the price. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a digital clip-on tuner, a travel gig bag, a back strap, spare nylon strings, two finger picks, a fingerboard sticker, and a cleaning cloth.
You can check the MUSTAR Soprano out here.
7. Ranch Concert Ukulele
Okay, let’s take a step back up in terms of quality and price. The Ranch Concert just looks a little nicer, right? And in this case, looks aren’t deceiving – it’s twice the cost of the MUSTAR model, but unlike that one, this isn’t a toy.
It’s a working-person’s ukulele.
Pros
- The arched back design gives the ukulele a longer sustain, and fuller, woody tones.
- It just looks nice.
- The Ranch Concert Ukulele comes with 12 free video online lessons that are easy to follow, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to learn how to play the ukelele.
Cons
- The ukelele is made of laminated wood, which may not be as durable as solid wood, but it still looks and sounds great.
If you’re looking for a high-quality and affordable ukulele that’s perfect for beginners, the Ranch Concert Ukulele 23 inch Professional Wooden Ukelele Kit is definitely worth considering. With its warm, full, and resonant sound, elegant craftsmanship, and easy-to-play design, this ukelele is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn how to play this fun and versatile instrument.
You can check out the Ranch Concert Ukulele here.
8. Kmise Soprano Ukulele
Last but not least, we’ve got the Kmise Soprano Ukulele. This is kind of a mid-level beginner’s instrument; it’s not exactly a toy, but it’s not as high-level as the Ranch we just listed, either.
Maybe that makes it the perfect beginner ukulele.
Pros
- The sealed 18:1 gear tuning machine ensures that the ukulele stays in tune better than other tuning pegs.
- The advanced carbon nylon strings make it easier to touch the strings and play the ukulele.
- The free online lessons make it easy for beginners to learn how to play the ukulele.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the strings breaking or not staying in tune.
- The ukulele may require some tuning and adjustments before it can be played at its best.
The Kmise Soprano Ukulele is a great option for anyone who is looking to learn how to play the ukulele – it’s right smack in the middle of top-end starter axe and “that’s-just-a-toy” affordability.
You can check out the Kmise Soprano here.
Quick Beginner Ukulele Buying Guide
We mentioned some of this at the top of the article, but if you’re still weighing details, here are a few final factors to consider when buying a ukulele:
Size
Ukuleles come in four different sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and produce a bright and cheerful sound, while baritone ukuleles are the largest and have a deeper and richer sound. The concert and tenor sizes are in between and are the most popular choices for beginners.
Material
The material used to make the ukulele affects both its sound and price. Ukuleles can be made from various materials such as plastic, laminate, or solid wood. Plastic and laminate ukuleles are more affordable but do not produce the same quality of sound as solid wood ukuleles. Solid wood ukuleles are more expensive but produce a richer and more resonant sound.
Brand
Choosing a reputable brand is essential when buying a ukulele. While we didn’t include them on this list, brands such as Kala, Lanikai, and Cordoba are known for producing high-quality ukuleles that are perfect for beginners. However, they tend to be a bit pricier. A reliable brand will ensure that you are purchasing a ukulele that is well-made and will last for years.
Accessories
When purchasing a ukulele, you may want to consider buying some accessories such as a gig bag, tuner, and extra strings. A gig bag will protect your ukulele when you are transporting it, and a tuner will help you keep it in tune. Extra strings are always handy to have in case one breaks.
| Size | Sound | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soprano | Bright and cheerful | Affordable |
| Concert | Warm and balanced | Moderate |
| Tenor | Rich and full | Moderate to Expensive |
| Baritone | Deep and mellow | Expensive |
Final thoughts on getting your first ukulele
Hopefully, this article has been helpful as you search for your first ukulele. These little guys really are a ton of fun – so pick one, get out there, and go make some beachy music.
Good luck!
