10 Of The Best Ukuleles for Beginners To Rock In 2024

You might not expect a Canadian company to make some of the best ukuleles on the market, but that’s what you get when you shop Lohanu. Every aspect of the company is focused on a good customer experience, and even their entry-level instruments are crafted with care. The LU-C bundle linked to here is arguably the best single-purchase option for a complete beginner.

The LU-C uses a laminate of Sapele spruce and mahogany in the construction of the body. Sapele spruce is a common variant of the hardwood often used in acoustic guitar soundboards because it gives the front end of attacks a punchy definition that can really cut through an ensemble. It’s a harder wood than mahogany, which gives this ukulele a slightly brighter sound than the other concert models on this list, though it’s mostly only noticeable in the upper half of the range.

The brightness of the Sapele is also balanced out by the arched-back construction. This changes the way the soundwaves resonate inside the instrument’s body and tends to darken the tone. The combination of materials and shape give you a sound that’s crisp and articulate but not thin or abrasive. This is especially great if you want to do some fingerpicking as well as strumming.

The details are where you can really see the difference between the LU-C and other beginner models. For example, it comes with buttons pre-installed for either a neck or a shoulder strap, saving you a trip to the repair shop down the line (along with the $40-$50 in labor you’d have to pay to get it installed). Construction details like the angle of the neck and smoothing of the fret edges are also consistently on-point.

While the instrument itself is what’s impressive, the accessory package is worth a mention, too. It comes with a digital tuner with an LCD display, by itself easily a $15 value. It also comes with a comfortable strap, a padded bag for storage and transportation, picks for playing, and an extra set of the Aquila Super Nylgut strings that come installed on the ukulele. You also get access to Lohanu’s online video lessons so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Body/neck: Sapele/Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Hardware: Chrome die-cast geared tuners
• Included in the box: Gig bag-style case, strap, clip-on digital tuner (battery included), spare Aquila Nylgut strings, pick holder, two picks

Cordoba’s main claim to fame are classical guitars made in the Spanish tradition, but they also apply their master luthier skills to ukuleles of all sizes. The 15CM is an affordable way to bring one of these well-crafted instruments into your own home.

The Cordoba 15CM uses traditional materials and aesthetic accents. It’s built with mahogany laminate for the body and neck, with rosewood for the fingerboard and bridge. The satin finish accents the natural wood grain. The visual appeal is enhanced by the abalone inlay around the soundhole, white binding, and pearlized tuning pegs. The combination is an instrument that both looks and sounds stage-ready. This makes it appealing as a travel, back-up, or doubling option for professional musicians.

The attention to detail really makes this ukulele perform above its price-point. The mahogany used in the construction is quartersawn, a technique that gives the tonewood more strength and rigidity, improving its tonal balance and dynamic projection. Each instrument is constructed by hand from top to bottom. This means these instruments will be more consistent and durable compared to other entry-level models, which are mass-produced in order to lower costs.

This quality of craftsmanship extends to the hardware. The geared chrome tuners keep the instrument well in tune. The rosewood bridge is well-positioned, resulting in action that’s not so low it buzzes but not so high it strains a beginner’s fingers. Even the Aquila Nylgut 7U strings that come installed are an upgrade over what you’d expect to find on a beginner ukulele. Top to bottom, you’ll be very pleased with the way this particular instrument feels in your hands.

The included starter kit doesn’t contain as many extra accessories as other options on this list but it gives you everything you need to get started playing. This includes a soft-sided gig bag, a polishing cloth, a clip-on digital tuner and an instructional DVD to help you get started. Considering the price, it would be good even if you only got the instrument. You certainly won’t feel jipped by what you get in the package.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Body/neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Nut/saddle: Composite
• Hardware: Geared chrome with pearl buttons
• Included in the box: Gig bag, clip-on digital tuner, polishing cloth, instructional DVD

The beginner’s starter kit that comes with the Aklot concert ukulele is the most comprehensive of any on this list. It includes standard accessories like a gig bag and a neck strap for easy playing. It also includes an assortment of picks, a polishing cloth, spare strings, a digital tuner, and an instruction booklet to help you get started. Your purchase also comes with nine free lessons at the Aklot website that teach you the basics, from tuning to strumming techniques.

Aklot’s ukuleles use advanced copper tuners. This translates to more stable intonation than the tuners on most student-model ukes so you won’t waste half your practice time getting your instrument in tune. An instrument that won’t stay in tune can be incredibly frustrating, especially for a beginning player. If you have to keep stopping to adjust the strings, it can make it a lot harder to get into the groove and focus on the music. Not having to worry about that already gives the Aklot a lot of value.

The sound quality of this ukulele is as good as you’ll find on any instrument in the under 100 dollar price range. It has a rich, warm tone with a lot of sustain, without you first needing to adjust the action or change out the strings. The body is made of traditional mahogany, with a solid wood soundboard that can put out more sound than cheaper laminate models. This is also where a lot of the sustain comes from. The top of this model will also age and improve over time, just like other solid wood instruments.

The Aklot AK-23 concert ukulele has the construction and sound quality to serve you well into the intermediate stage of your musical journey. It’s sturdy enough to stand up to travel and daily wear and tear. The attention to detail makes it a very playable instrument that’s easy for a beginner to maintain, letting you focus on your technique without limitations.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Top: Solid mahogany
• Body/neck: Mahogany laminate
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Nut/saddle: Bone
• Hardware: 1:18 pure copper geared tuners
• Included in the box: soft-sided case, strap, microfiber cleaning cloth, picks, spare strings, QuickStart instruction booklet

A starter kit can offer a great value to a beginning player. Not only do you get the instrument but all the other things you need to learn how to play it—things you may not have thought about picking up on your own. In the case of the Kala starter kit, you get even more than the carrying tote and Aquila Super Nylgut strings that come in the box. The kit also comes with the Kala Tuner app, downloadable on any phone, laptop, or tablet, and access to their website, where you can take free lessons on everything from how to tune to advanced fingering techniques.

The Kala KA-S soprano ukulele included in this bundle is hands down the best uke you can get for under $50. The construction is durable and consistent, easy to both play and tune. The compact size of soprano ukuleles, in general, makes them great first instruments for kids, and the playability of the KA-S makes it especially stand out in this regard. The action is smooth and doesn’t require a lot of finger strength, which translates to practice sessions that feel like fun instead of work.

In terms of the build, this is a traditional soprano ukulele. The back, sides, and neck are all mahogany, with white binding and a rosewood fingerboard. The hardware is utilitarian. It’s functional but not spectacular and is honestly the only place you can tell this is designed as a beginner rather than a professional instrument. Beginners may find it a bit tricky to tune at first, but once you get the feel of it you’ll find the KA-S gives you a rich, mellow tone that belies its low price tag.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Body/neck: Mahogany laminate
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Hardware: Geared tuners
• Included in the box: Tote bag, quick start guide, tuner

The LU-T from Lohanu is a very similar product to the LU-C described above since it’s the tenor-sized entry in the same series. The only reason it ranks lower on the list than the LU-C is that the tenor ukulele as an instrument is bigger and, as a result, more difficult for many to learn to play. The exception to this rule is a beginning player with large hands, who may find the more spacious neck more comfortable.

The LU-T is identical to the LU-C in most respects. It uses the same Sapele spruce and mahogany laminate for the body and comes with the same array of included accessories. The only difference is the size. A tenor ukulele looks more like a mini guitar than the iconic Tiny Tim soprano uke. This can make it a great “gateway” instrument for a child who’s interested in playing the guitar but not quite big enough to manage one yet.

The larger size of the LU-T really lets you appreciate the aesthetic details. The etching around the sound hole is a nice touch that makes it look more hand-crafted than your typical beginner ukulele. The elegant wood grain finish, pearlized tuning pegs, and traditional white binding are other little touches that really put the LU line in a class of its own, compared to other options at the price.

Ultimately, tenor ukuleles aren’t for everyone, and they are one of the less common sizes in popular use. If you’re shopping for a tenor uke, though, you won’t find a better value than the LU-T.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Body/neck: Sapele/Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Hardware: Chrome die-cast geared tuners
• Included in the box: Gig bag-style case, strap, clip-on digital tuner (battery included), spare Aquila Nylgut strings, pickholder, two picks

Donner is a company better known for their guitar electronics and accessories than they are for instruments. Despite this lack of pedigree, their DUC line of entry-level ukuleles are well-constructed and easy to play, making them an easy option for inclusion on this list. In addition to the concert model linked to here, they also have a soprano and a tenor ukulele that bring the same combination of great sound and impressive value.

The design of the DUC ukulele is simple but effective. The body is made of traditional mahogany, but Donner puts in a bit more effort with the selection and tooling of their tonewoods than many companies do with their entry-level models. The wood is naturally air dried for three years before being worked into the instruments, giving them the consistent, sweet tone a ukulele should have.

The effects of this craftsmanship extend beyond the sound. The individual components of the instrument are carefully fitted to be both durable and playable. The neck width and string action are designed for maximum player comfort. Even the bridge has been subtly re-designed to make it easier for a beginner to re-string.

Considering Donner is better known for their accessories than their instruments, you’d expect the accessory package that comes with their ukuleles to be one of the best, but if anything the opposite is true. You’ll find four things in the box with the instrument: a gig bag, a strap, a spare set of strings, and a digital tuner. The bag and strap are functional, if not exceptional, but the clip-on tuner is a bit cheap.

Still, if we’ve reached the point of criticizing the included tuner, it means the rest of it doesn’t give you much to complain about. It holds its own in terms of sound when played side-by-side against ukuleles in the $100-$200 range, and will serve you well even after you’ve moved past the “beginner” stage.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Body/neck: Mahogany laminate
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Hardware: Chrome-plated guitar-style tuners
• Included in the box: Gig bag, clip-on tuner, strap, spare strings

It seems like pretty much everything comes in a smart version these days.

So why not musical instruments?

More and more instruments that produce a digital signal (like electric guitars and keyboards) are coming with dedicated companion apps. With the Populele, Popuband takes this a step further, giving you a smart version of a traditionally acoustic instrument.

Let’s start with the smart capabilities, since that’s the aspect of this instrument that’s the most unique.

The Populele is Bluetooth connected and designed to pair with the free Populele app, which you can download on any iOS or Android device. The app has tons of features that will be useful for beginners, including a tool that teaches you to tune, a built-in recorder, and a regularly updated chord and tune library.

But that’s just part of the story…

The fretboard of this smart ukulele has 72 LED bulbs built in, and these are the key to making the most of the Populele app.

How do they work?

When you play a song from the library, these lights will illuminate in rhythm to guide you through and teach you how to play it. You can also control the lights independently in Dazzle Mode.

And, this is really cool…

You can create custom light patterns or even spell out messages to add some visual appeal to your performances.

You may have noticed what we haven’t talked about yet:

The ukulele itself...

It’s a perfectly functional beginner concert ukulele. Tuning it is easy and it stays in tune fairly well. The combination of maple and spruce in the construction gives it a decent sound.

We weren’t a huge fan of the fretboard, however, and the feel of it is more on the toy-like side of the spectrum than some of the other (even more affordable) ukes on this list.

Do you want a smart ukulele?

This is your obvious choice; just keep in mind you’ll need to upgrade to a better instrument once you’ve progressed to the intermediate or pro level. If you don’t plan on using the smart features, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.

Features:

• Weight: 3.66 pounds
• Soundboard: Spruce
• Body/neck: European maple
• Fretboard: LED-equipped
• Hardware: Quasi-closed metal gear tuning pegs
• Included: Aquila strings, Populele app with song library

The VI Victory line is the first ukulele collection from Musictopia, who are known for their budget-friendly guitars and accessories. This particular model is a 23” concert-sized uke that’s playable enough for a beginner but attractive enough to take on stage. It might not be the least expensive option on this list, but it’s still an impressive value—especially considering everything that comes included in the box.

The VI Victory beginner kit comes with two picks, a comfortable strap, and a clip-on tuner. It also comes pre-strung with Aquila strings, the standard in the industry. The black satin finish of the included ukulele is unique and striking; Musictopia also offers their VI Victory concert uke in a natural finish, for a more traditional look.

Whichever finish you go with, the build is near professional quality, both in terms of the instrument’s body and the included hardware. The body and neck are made of African mahogany, with Indonesian rosewood for the bridge and fingerboard. This classic combination of tonewoods gives the instrument the sweet, warm tone concert ukuleles are known for. This is heightened by the arched back design, which gives it both a richer tone and a sleeker appearance.

The die-cast chrome machine heads are rust-resistant and easy to adjust. Compared to other bargain models, you’ll find the VI Victory is easier to tune and stays in tune longer, which is especially important for a beginner. It also uses real bone for the nut and saddle. This small detail can make a big difference in the sound. Real bone transmits vibrations better than synthetic, translating to a clearer overall tone.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Body/neck: Mahogany laminate
• Fingerboard: Indonesian Rosewood
• Nut/saddle: Cow bone
• Hardware: Die-cast chrome
• Included in the box: Gig bag, clip-on tuner, two picks, shoulder strap

Lanikai only makes ukuleles, and they do it well. They make all sizes of the instrument, from soprano down to baritone, and their top-tier models are popular with professional players. With a lot of professional instrument manufacturers, it’s wise to be wary of their entry-level line. That’s not the case with Lanikai. Even their most affordable ukes are built with an eye for quality and attention to detail.

The LU-21 uses Nato for the back and sides, an Eastern variety of mahogany that brings a warmer, sweeter tone. This is especially noticeable on the soprano model, which has a resonant tone that’s not at all tinny or “toy-like.” The wood is aged and finished to keep it from cracking or warping over time. The 12-fret rosewood fretboard gives you a smooth playing experience and is well-fitted to the body for long-term stability.

The geared tuners are chrome-plated and open-backed. This helps to keep the weight of the headstock lower, making it easier to balance, especially for young players. They’re great at keeping the instrument in tune, too, without any slipping. As a nice visual touch, the pre-installed strap buttons are chrome, as well, giving the instrument a clean overall look.

You don’t get much in the box when you buy the LU-21. It does come with an easy-to-read instruction booklet to walk you through stringing and tuning your new instrument. It also comes with a rather nice case to take it on the go. Any other accessories you want for your uke you’ll have to buy separately.

The LU-21 is a great option if you expect your interest (or your child’s interest) to be more than just a passing fad. It’s high-quality enough that some professional ukulele players use it as their “traveling” instrument. If it’s good enough for the stage, it’ll serve a beginner’s needs. It’s a bit pricier than a lot of the options on this list, especially considering you’ll have to buy things like a tuner and a playing strap if you don’t already have them. That extra investment gets you an instrument with the sound quality and durability for years of playing.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Body/neck: Nato
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Saddle/nut: Nubone XB
• Hardware: Chrome open-back tuners
• Included in the box: Padded gig bag, instruction manual

Another appealing option for a beginning tenor ukulele is this model from Hankey. It costs a bit more than the Lohanu model above and comes with a similar array of accessories. The biggest difference between them, other than the price, is the material used in the body. It ranks lower on the list not because it’s a bad instrument but because the increase in price over the Lohanu LU-T doesn’t give you any extra performance or accessories.

The body of the KUT-70 is made of koa laminate. It’s the only uke on this list to use this traditional Hawaiian wood, which is typically too pricey for instrument makers to want to utilize in beginner models. Koa has a density similar to black walnut, hard enough to give the notes definition but still allow enough resonance for a sweet sustain.

If these were solid wood instruments, the use of koa instead of mahogany would have a noticeable impact on the tone. However, since it’s koa laminate,  a lot of the distinctive qualities of the koa are down-played. In fact, the combination of Sapele and mahogany used in the Lohanu is almost indistinguishable from koa, especially to beginner's ears.

This is not to say the KUT-70 is a bad instrument. It offers a comparable sound and build quality to the Lohanu. The tone, one that is clear and articulate but still full and smooth. Tenor ukuleles, in general, are better for fingerpicking, and the particular tonewood used here is perfect for that technique, letting you hear each note you play distinctly.

The KUT-70 also has a unique design, with more decorative features than you might expect to find on a beginner ukulele. The cutaways in the headstock are one such distinctive touch, as is the green shell inlay around the soundhole. Some of these design features affect more than just the look. The smoothed fret edges give it a more polished look but also make it easier to play, and the same is true of the slim profile of the body.

The KUT-70 is a fine choice for both beginners and more advanced players. The accessories that come with it are useful, from the padded gig bag to the handy clip-on tuner. In terms of value, though, you can arguably get the same performance for less money from other brands.

Specs at a glance:

• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Body: Koa laminate
• neck: Mahogany laminate
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Nut/saddle: Ox bone
• Hardware: Die-cast classical tuners
• Included in the box: Gig bag, clip-on tuner, spare Aquila Nygut strings, shoulder strap, polishing cloth, picks, instruction book