Best Alto-/Baritone Horns 2025

Top-rated alto-/baritone horns 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Thomann AH-704GP Alto Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Thomann AH-704GP Alto Horn

Community Groups Educational Brass Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Good for intermediate players
  • • Educational value
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Thomann AH-704GP Alto HornAlto HornSuperior modelTuning: E flatBell Ø: 203.2 mm (8")Bore: Large 11.94 mm...

4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha YBH-301 Bb- Baritonhorn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Yamaha YBH-301 Bb- Baritonhorn

Traditional Ensemble Educational Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Affordable option
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • Stepping stone instrument
  • • Limited versatility

Yamaha YBH-301 Bb- BaritonhornBaritone Horn in BGold brass3 ValvesØ 12.8 mm BoreBell diameter: 211.4 mmClear lacquer...

4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Thomann BR 604 Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thomann BR 604 Baritone Horn

Brass Ensemble Community Groups Educational
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Thomann BR 604 Baritone HornBb Baritone Horn4 Perinet valvesarrangement 3 + 1Bore: 12.8 mmLeadpipe: Gold brassBody:...

4.7/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Thomann BR-802S Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Thomann BR-802S Baritone Horn

Brass Ensemble Community Groups Educational
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional band sound
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Stepping stone instrument
  • • May lack professional applications

Thomann BR-802S Baritone HornBaritone HornSuperior modelTuning: B flatBell Ø: 241.30 mm (9.5")Bore: 13.89 mm...

4.6/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Thomann BR-802GP Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Thomann BR-802GP Baritone Horn

Band Community Groups Educational
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Affordable option
  • • Good for intermediate players
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Thomann BR-802GP Baritone HornBaritone HornSuperior modelTuning: B flatBell Ø: 241.30 mm (9.5")Bore: 13.89 mm...

4.7/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Thomann BR 801GP+ Superior Baritone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Thomann BR 801GP+ Superior Baritone

Educational Band Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Affordable option
✓ PROS
  • • Good for intermediate players
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Stepping stone instrument

Thomann BR 801GP+ Superior BaritoneBb Baritone Horn"Superior" modelMain tuning slide trigger4...

4.8/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Besson BE2050-2 Prestige Alto Horn S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Besson BE2050-2 Prestige Alto Horn S

Educational Band Brass Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Essential ensemble voice
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Besson BE2050-2 Prestige Alto Horn SAlto Horn in Eb-Prestige modelBore Ø: 11.84 mmBell diameter: 203 mm3 Perinet Monel...

4.9/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Thomann BR 801GP Superior Baritonhorn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Thomann BR 801GP Superior Baritonhorn

Band Brass Ensemble Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Affordable option
✓ PROS
  • • Good for intermediate players
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Basic instrument category
  • • Limited versatility

Thomann BR 801GP Superior BaritonehornBb Baritone Horn"Superior" model4 ValvesArrangement: 3 + 1Bore: 12.80...

4.9/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Thomann AH-702SL Alto Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Thomann AH-702SL Alto Horn

Community Groups Band Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Traditional band sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Thomann AH-702SL Alto HornAlto HornSuperior modelTuning: E flatBell Ø: 203.2 mm (8")Bore: Large 11.94 mm...

4.7/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Thomann BR-802SL Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Thomann BR-802SL Baritone Horn

Supporting Voice Community Groups Educational
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Affordable option
  • • Traditional band sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Thomann BR-802SL Baritone HornBaritone HornSuperior modelTuning: B flatBell Ø: 241.30 mm (9.5")Bore: 13.89 mm...

4.5/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Besson BE2056 Baritone Horn S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Besson BE2056 Baritone Horn S

Supporting Voice Community Groups Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Stepping stone instrument

Besson BE2056 Baritone Horn SBaritone HornIn Bb-Bore: 13.80 mmBell diameter: 241 mm4 Stainless steel Perinet...

4.7/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Thomann BR-802L Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Thomann BR-802L Baritone Horn

Educational Band Community Groups
Key Feature:
• Educational value
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional band sound
  • • Essential ensemble voice
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Limited versatility

Thomann BR-802L Baritone HornBaritone HornSuperior modelTuning: B flatBell Ø: 241.30 mm (9.5")Bore: 13.89 mm...

5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Thomann AH-702S Alto Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Thomann AH-702S Alto Horn

Traditional Ensemble Brass Ensemble Band
Key Feature:
• Affordable option
✓ PROS
  • • Good for intermediate players
  • • Affordable option
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility
  • • Basic instrument category

Thomann AH-702S Alto HornAlto hornSuperior modelTuning: E flatBell: 203.2 mm (8")Bore: Large 11.94 mm...

4.4/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha YAH-203 S Eb- Althorn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Yamaha YAH-203 S Eb- Althorn

Supporting Voice Brass Ensemble Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Traditional band sound
✓ PROS
  • • Traditional band sound
  • • Educational value
✗ CONS
  • • May lack professional applications
  • • Basic instrument category

Yamaha YAH-203 S Eb- AlthornEb Alto HornStraight build type3 ValvesTop actionBell Ø: 204.7 mmBore Ø: 11.73...

4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Thomann BR 603 Baritone Horn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Thomann BR 603 Baritone Horn

Supporting Voice Educational Traditional Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Good for intermediate players
✓ PROS
  • • Educational value
  • • Traditional band sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Stepping stone instrument

Thomann BR 603 Baritone HornBb Baritone Horn3 ValvesBore: 12.8 mmLeadpipe made of gold brassBody made of brassOuter...

4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best Alto-/Baritone Horns

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced alto-/baritone horns typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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