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Best Electric Cellos 2025

Top-rated electric cellos 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Contemporary For Rock For Pop For Jazz Fusion For Recording Studio For Amplified Performance
BRANDS: NS Design Harley Benton
Harley Benton HBCE 990RD Electric Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton HBCE 990RD Electric Cello

by Harley Benton
Rock Recording Studio Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Effects processing capabilities
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Requires amplification system

Harley Benton HBCE 990RD Electric CelloElectric CelloIncludes an active shadow pickup systemNeck: MapleFingerboard and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 417530
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton HBCE 990LH/BK Electric Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton HBCE 990LH/BK Electric Cello

by Harley Benton
Recording Studio Amplified Performance Pop
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
  • • Modern versatility across genres
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Limited acoustic projection

Harley Benton HBCE 990LH/BK Electric CelloElectric CelloLefthand / left-handed modelNeck: MapleFingerboard and pegs:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539450
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design WAV5c Cello Black Gloss High E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

NS Design WAV5c Cello Black Gloss High E

by NS Design
Amplified Performance Contemporary Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

NS Design WAV5c-CO-BK-E Black Cello5-String Electric CelloCoform fingerboardTuning: low C-G-D-A-EPickup: self-powered...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 554002
$2,079
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design WAV5c Cello Trans. Red High E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

NS Design WAV5c Cello Trans. Red High E

by NS Design
Jazz Fusion Rock Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• No feedback issues when amplified
✓ PROS
  • • Effects processing capabilities
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Requires amplification system
  • • Limited acoustic projection

NS Design WAV5c-CO-TR High E Cello5-String Electric CelloSelf-powered polar piezo pickupPizzicato / Arco...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 450537
$1,964
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR4-CO-AM Amber Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

NS Design CR4-CO-AM Amber Cello

by NS Design
Amplified Performance Pop Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
  • • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing feel
  • • Limited acoustic projection

NS Design CR4-CO-AM Cello4-String Electric CelloWith active pickup systemBuilt-in EQ and headphone outputNeck and body...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 194930
$5,049
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design WAV5c Cello Black Gloss Low F - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

NS Design WAV5c Cello Black Gloss Low F

by NS Design
Amplified Performance Pop Contemporary
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
  • • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Requires amplification system
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design WAV5c-CO-BK Black Gloss Cello5-String Electric CelloSelf-powered Polar piezo pickupPizzicato / Arco...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 412089
$1,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted Low F - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted Low F

by NS Design
Rock Amplified Performance Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • Modern versatility across genres
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted Cello5-String Electric CelloFrettedWith low F-stringDual mode active outputWith Polar...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 407882
$3,729
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design WAV5c Cello Trans. Red Low F - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

NS Design WAV5c Cello Trans. Red Low F

by NS Design
Recording Studio Amplified Performance Contemporary
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
  • • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing feel
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design WAV5c-CO-TR Trans Red Cello5-String Electric CelloSelf-powered Polar piezo pickupPizzicato/Arco switchCoform...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 412092
$1,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR6-CO-PB Poplar Burl Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

NS Design CR6-CO-PB Poplar Burl Cello

by NS Design
Amplified Performance Pop Contemporary
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
  • • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing feel
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design CR6-CO-PB Cello6-String Electric CelloWith active pickup systemBuilt-in EQ and headphone outputNeck and body...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 229956
$5,819
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR6-CO-AM Amber Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

NS Design CR6-CO-AM Amber Cello

by NS Design
Rock Amplified Performance Pop
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • Modern versatility across genres
  • • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design CR6-CO-AM Cello6-String Electric CelloWith active pick-up systemBuilt-in EQ and headphone outputNeck and body...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 194932
$5,709
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello RB

by Gewa
Contemporary Rock Amplified Performance
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello RBElectric CelloBasic dimensions were taken over from the classical celloVisible wood...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 567526
$2,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton HBCE 990AM Electric Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton HBCE 990AM Electric Cello

by Harley Benton
Pop Recording Studio Amplified Performance
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Limited acoustic projection

Harley Benton HBCE 990AM Electric CelloElectric CelloIncludes an active shadow pickup systemNeck: MapleFingerboard and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 417531
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton HBCE 990BK Electric Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Harley Benton HBCE 990BK Electric Cello

by Harley Benton
Jazz Fusion Amplified Performance Contemporary
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • Modern versatility across genres
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing feel
  • • Requires amplification system

Harley Benton HBCE 990BK Electric CelloElectric CelloWith an active shadow pickup systemNeck: MapleFingerboard and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 417528
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR5-CO-SG Low F Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

NS Design CR5-CO-SG Low F Cello

by NS Design
Contemporary Recording Studio Pop
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
  • • Modern versatility across genres
✗ CONS
  • • Requires amplification system
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design CR5-CO-SG Low F Cello5-String Electric CelloWith active pick-up systemBuilt-in EQ and headphone outputNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 407692
$5,489
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design CR4-CO-ZW Zebra Wood Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

NS Design CR4-CO-ZW Zebra Wood Cello

by NS Design
Rock Pop Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Different bowing feel

NS Design CR4-CO-ZW Zebra Wood Cello4-String Electric CelloWith active Polar Pickup SystemBuilt-in EQ and headphone...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 405850
$5,258
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Electric Cellos

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 electric cellos 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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