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Best Alto Saxophones Under $2,000 2025

Affordable alto saxophones under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

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 Rampone & Cazzani Forestone Yanagisawa Keilwerth
Keilwerth ST-110 Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Keilwerth ST-110 Alto Sax

by Keilwerth
Jazz Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Most popular and versatile saxophone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
✗ CONS
  • • Learning curve for proper embouchure
  • • Quality instruments are expensive

Keilwerth ST-110 Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneAdjustable thumb restRocker arm for left handHigh F# keyPisoni padBlue steel...

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 100541
$1,538
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann ASBGG Custom Line Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Thomann ASBGG Custom Line Alto Sax

by Thomann
Smooth Jazz Jazz Pop
Key Feature:
• Perfect pitch range for most music
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Thomann ASBGG Custom Line Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneGold lacquered bodyGold lacquer finish on mechanismNormal scaleHigh F#...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 165447
$1,814
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann ASBGM Custom Line Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thomann ASBGM Custom Line Alto Sax

by Thomann
Blues Pop Jazz
Key Feature:
• Most popular and versatile saxophone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Learning curve for proper embouchure

Thomann ASBGM Custom Line Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneVery robust and balanced toneGold brass bodyGold lacquer finish on...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 383013
$1,868
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax Set II - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax Set II

by Yamaha
Pop Jazz Classical
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Great for beginners and professionals
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 526088
$1,264
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann MK I Handmade Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Thomann MK I Handmade Alto Sax

by Thomann
Smooth Jazz Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Most popular and versatile saxophone
✓ PROS
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Quality instruments are expensive

Thomann MK I Handmade Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneGolden brass bodyHigh F# keyArtistic engravingBody: Black...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 226876
$1,318
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAS-280 Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Thomann MK II Handmade Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Thomann MK II Handmade Alto Sax

by Thomann
Classical Pop Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Wide variety of available music
✗ CONS
  • • Learning curve for proper embouchure
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Thomann MK II Handmade Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBrass bodyHigh F# keyBody and keys lacquered in Dark Gold varnishOriginal...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 276957
$1,318
Buy at Thomann View Details
Jupiter JAS700Q Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Jupiter JAS700Q Alto Sax

by Jupiter
Rock Pop Smooth Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
  • • Great for beginners and professionals
✗ CONS
  • • Reed replacement costs add up
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice

Jupiter JAS700Q Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBrass body and key systemNarrow scaleHigh F# keyAdjustable plastic thumb...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 343688
$1,187
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax

by Yamaha
Pop Smooth Jazz Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent for both lead and harmony
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
✗ CONS
  • • Quality instruments are expensive
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Yamaha YAS-280Alto SaxophoneNew model with improved S-bow receiver and improved deep H/Cis connectionNarrow scaleBody...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 279389
$1,098
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schagerl Academia Alto Sax A-920L-II - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Schagerl Academia Alto Sax A-920L-II

by Schagerl
Smooth Jazz Rock Classical
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of available music
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Quality instruments are expensive

Schagerl Academia Alto Sax A-920L-IIAlto SaxophoneAcademica series - anniversary modelHigh F# keylacquered body made...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 579073
$1,627
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann MK III Handmade Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Thomann MK III Handmade Alto Sax

by Thomann
Blues Pop Jazz
Key Feature:
• Excellent for both lead and harmony
✓ PROS
  • • Great for beginners and professionals
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
✗ CONS
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Thomann MK III Handmade Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBrass bodyHigh F# keyBody and keys: Vintage blackUnlacqueredOriginal...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 276962
$1,318
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann MK IV Handmade Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Hamaril Saxophone Set 2 Alt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Hamaril Saxophone Set 2 Alt

by Hamaril
Smooth Jazz Classical Pop
Key Feature:
• Perfect pitch range for most music
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice

Hamaril Saxophone Set 2 Alt*Bundle offer comprising*, Jupiter JAS700Q Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*Brass body and key...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 422772
$1,222
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Sax Set

by Yamaha
Smooth Jazz Jazz Classical
Key Feature:
• Excellent for both lead and harmony
✓ PROS
  • • Great for beginners and professionals
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice

Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*School modelNew model...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 528940
$1,484
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Yamaha YAS-280S Alto Sax

by Yamaha
Classical Pop Blues
Key Feature:
• Most popular and versatile saxophone
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of available music
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
✗ CONS
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice
  • • Quality instruments are expensive

Yamaha YAS-280SAlto SaxophoneSchool modelNew model with improved neck receiver and improved low B-C#...

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 279376
$1,374
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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