Best Alto Saxophones 2026

Top-rated alto saxophones 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Blues For Pop For Classical For Rock For Smooth Jazz

BRANDS: Thomann Yamaha Selmer Forestone Rampone & Cazzani Keilwerth Yanagisawa

Rampone & Cazzani Solista Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Rampone & Cazzani Solista Alto Sax

by Rampone & Cazzani

Blues Classical Smooth Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Can be loud for apartment practice
• Requires regular maintenance

Rampone & Cazzani Solista Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneSolista ModelLarge boreCompletely made of copper (including neck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 461586

$7,237

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto Sax

by Rampone & Cazzani

Pop Smooth Jazz Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both lead and harmony
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Quality instruments are expensive

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBody and keys made of brass in vintage finish (brushed and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 511162

$2,914

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Alto Sax OTS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Alto Sax OTS

by Rampone & Cazzani

Blues Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Great for beginners and professionals
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for proper embouchure
• Reed replacement costs add up

Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Alto Sax OTS, Alto Saxophone, Special model with handmade engraving, Body made of gold...

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 288764

$8,468

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone RX Unlacquered Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone RX Unlacquered Alto Sax

by Forestone

Pop Blues Smooth Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of available music
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Can be loud for apartment practice

Forestone RX Unlacquered Alto SaxEb Alto SaxophoneVery easy response and brilliant soundFlexible use - suitable for all...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422823

$4,806

Buy at Thomann View Details

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set

by Startone

Smooth Jazz Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Wide variety of available music

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Reed replacement costs add up

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*Tuning: EbWith high F#...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 509155

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUS

by Selmer

Smooth Jazz Rock Classical

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of available music
• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Reed replacement costs add up

Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUSAlto SaxophoneWith exclusive "Supreme" engravingNew bell and S-bow boreNewly...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 522282

$9,458

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann MK IV Handmade Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Thomann MK IV Handmade Alto Sax

by Thomann

Blues Rock Smooth Jazz

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of available music

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both lead and harmony
• Perfect pitch range for most music

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Learning curve for proper embouchure

Thomann MK IV Handmade Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneCopper body (92% copper)High F# keyBrass keysBody and keys in matte...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 276964

$1,538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto Sax Set

by Buffet Crampon

Blues Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Great for beginners and professionals
• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Learning curve for proper embouchure

Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*Material:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 614402

$988

Buy at Thomann View Details

Keilwerth SX 90R "Shadow" Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Keilwerth SX 90R "Shadow" Alto Sax

by Keilwerth

Jazz Classical Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Requires regular maintenance
• Quality instruments are expensive

Keilwerth SX 90R "Shadow" Alto SaxophonAlto SaxophoneModel "Shadow"Body made of nickel silverBlack...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 169252

$6,324

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YAS-280 Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha YAS-280 Set

by Yamaha

Jazz Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both lead and harmony
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Requires regular maintenance
• Quality instruments are expensive

Yamaha YAS-280 Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*New model with improved S-bow...

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 169372

$1,143

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rampone & Cazzani Metals Alto Sax SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Rampone & Cazzani Metals Alto Sax SB

by Rampone & Cazzani

Blues Pop Classical

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Great for beginners and professionals
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for proper embouchure
• Reed replacement costs add up

Rampone & Cazzani Metals Alto Sax SBAlto SaxophoneBody made of unlacquered bronzeS-bow and keys made of...

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 266361

$5,938

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OT

by Rampone & Cazzani

Pop Smooth Jazz Jazz

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Can be loud for apartment practice

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OTAlto SaxophoneMade of unlacquered gold brassLarge boreHand-hammered S-bowbody...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 266498

$4,618

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto Sax

by Forestone

Classical Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for beginners and professionals

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of available music
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Can be loud for apartment practice

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneCompactwarm and modern sound that is very flexibleSuitable for all...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422810

$3,188

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann TSA-500 Straight Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Thomann TSA-500 Straight Alto Sax

by Thomann

Blues Classical Jazz

Key Feature:

• Perfect pitch range for most music

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both lead and harmony
• Perfect pitch range for most music

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Learning curve for proper embouchure

Thomann TSA-500 Straight AltoAlto SaxophoneStraight designWith high F# keytilter and adjustable thumb restBody made of...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 358629

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YAS-875 EX Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha YAS-875 EX Alto Sax

by Yamaha

Pop Smooth Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Great for beginners and professionals
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for proper embouchure
• Reed replacement costs add up

Yamaha YAS-875 EX, Alto SaxophoneYamaha saxophones of the Master Class represent the 'non-plus-ultra' in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 167088

$5,554

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Alto Saxophones

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 saxophones 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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Best Alto Saxophones 2026

Rampone & Cazzani Solista Alto Sax

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto Sax

Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Alto Sax OTS

Forestone RX Unlacquered Alto Sax

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set

Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUS

Thomann MK IV Handmade Alto Sax

Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto Sax Set

Keilwerth SX 90R "Shadow" Alto Sax

Yamaha YAS-280 Set

Rampone & Cazzani Metals Alto Sax SB

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OT

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto Sax

Thomann TSA-500 Straight Alto Sax

Yamaha YAS-875 EX Alto Sax

How to Choose the Best Alto Saxophones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best Diatonic Harmonicas

Best Bb Trumpets

Best Tenor Trombones with F-Attachment

Best Chromatic Harmonicas

Best Open Hole Flutes

Best Tenor Saxophones

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