Best Electric Cellos 2026
Top-rated electric cellos 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level
Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026
#1
⭐
4.4/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton HBCE 990RD Electric Cello
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
#2
⭐
4.8/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
NS Design WAV4c Cello Transparent Red
by
NS Design
Rock
Recording Studio
Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
- • Silent practice with headphones
- • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
- • Limited acoustic projection
- • Requires amplification system
NS Design WAV4c-CO-TR Trans Red Cello4-String Electric CelloSelf-powered Polar Piezo PickupSwitch: Pizzicato /...
⭐
4.8/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 412086
$1,804
#3
⭐
5.0/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
NS Design CR5-CO-ZW Low F Cello
by
NS Design
Rock
Contemporary
Pop
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
- • Modern versatility across genres
- • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
- • Different bowing feel
- • Limited acoustic projection
NS Design CR5-CO-ZW Low F Cello5-String Electric CelloWith active pick-up systemBuilt-in EQ and headphone outputNeck...
⭐
5.0/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 407694
$5,489
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
NS Design CR5-CO-PB Low F Cello
by
NS Design
Amplified Performance
Rock
Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
- • Modern versatility across genres
- • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
- • Limited acoustic projection
- • Lacks acoustic resonance
NS Design CR5-CO-PB Low F Cello5-String Electric CelloWith active pick-up systemBuilt-in EQ and headphone outputNeck...
⭐
4.7/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 407695
$5,478
#5
⭐
4.8/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
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
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
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
#7
⭐
4.6/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
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
#8
⭐
4.5/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
NS Design WAV5c Cello Amberburst Low F
by
NS Design
Amplified Performance
Recording Studio
Contemporary
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
- • Effects processing capabilities
- • Modern versatility across genres
✗ CONS
- • Different bowing feel
- • Limited acoustic projection
NS Design WAV5c-CO-AB Amberburst Cello5-String Electric CelloSelf-powered Polar piezo pickupPizzicato / Arco...
⭐
4.5/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 412088
$1,969
#9
⭐
4.8/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton HBCE 990AM Electric Cello
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
#10
⭐
4.5/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
NS Design CR4-CO-SG
by
NS Design
Pop
Jazz Fusion
Rock
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
- • Lightweight compared to acoustic
- • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
- • Different bowing feel
- • Requires amplification system
NS Design CR4-CO-SG Slate Grey Cello4-String Electric CelloWith active Polar Pickup SystemBuilt-in EQ and headphone...
⭐
4.5/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 405847
$5,148
#11
⭐
4.6/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
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
#12
⭐
4.9/5
(5 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton HBCE 990WH Electric Cello
Pop
Jazz Fusion
Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
- • No feedback issues when amplified
- • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
- • Not suitable for classical orchestra
- • Different bowing feel
Harley Benton HBCE 990WH Electric CelloElectric CelloIncludes an active shadow pickup systemNeck: MapleFingerboard and...
⭐
4.9/5
(5 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 417529
$494
#13
⭐
4.6/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
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
#14
⭐
4.5/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
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
#15
⭐
4.8/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
NS Design WAV4c Cello Amberburst
by
NS Design
Rock
Contemporary
Pop
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
- • Effects processing capabilities
- • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
- • Limited acoustic projection
- • Not suitable for classical orchestra
NS Design WAV4c-CO-AB Amberburst Cello4-String Electric CelloSelf-powered Polar piezo pickupSwitch: Pizzicato /...
⭐
4.8/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 412083
$1,804
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.
