Best Tenor Saxophones Under $2,000 2025

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

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: 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 Rock For Soul For R&B For Big Band

BRANDS: Thomann Yamaha Selmer Yanagisawa Schagerl

Hamaril Saxophone Set 4 Tenor - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Hamaril Saxophone Set 4 Tenor

by Hamaril

Blues Big Band R&B

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✗ CONS

• Neck strap essential for comfort
• Requires more air support

Hamaril Saxophone Set 4 Tenor*Bundle offer comprising*, Jupiter JTS700Q Tenor Sax*Bb Tenor Saxophone*Brass body and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 422774

$1,682

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha

Big Band Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Perfect for solo work

✓ PROS

• Perfect for solo work
• Great projection and presence

✗ CONS

• Neck strap essential for comfort
• More expensive than alto models

Yamaha YTS-280Tenor SaxophoneNew model with improved neck attachment and improved low B/C# connectionBody and key...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 279381

$1,758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set

by Yamaha

R&B Rock Big Band

Key Feature:

• Perfect for solo work

✓ PROS

• Great projection and presence
• Classic saxophone literature

✗ CONS

• More expensive than alto models
• Larger and heavier than alto

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax*Tenor Saxophone*New model with improved...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 517422

$1,792

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann MK I Handmade Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann MK I Handmade Tenor Sax

by Thomann

Jazz R&B Soul

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Deep, rich tenor voice
• Classic saxophone literature

✗ CONS

• Requires more air support
• Larger and heavier than alto

Thomann MK I Handmade Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneGold brass bodyHigh F# keyArtistic engravingBody: Black...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 226877

$1,648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jupiter JTS700Q Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Jupiter JTS700Q Tenor Sax

by Jupiter

Big Band Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Perfect for solo work

✓ PROS

• Iconic jazz and blues sound
• Great projection and presence

✗ CONS

• More expensive than alto models
• Requires more air support

Jupiter JTS700Q Tenor SaxophoneBb Tenor SaxophoneBrass body and mechanismHigh F # keyAdjustable thumb hook made of...

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 343690

$1,648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann MK II Handmade Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann MK II Handmade Tenor Sax

by Thomann

Rock R&B Blues

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Great projection and presence
• Classic saxophone literature

✗ CONS

• Neck strap essential for comfort
• More expensive than alto models

Thomann MK II Handmade Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneBrass bodyHigh F# keyArtistic engravingBody and keys lacquered in Dark...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 276966

$1,648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann MK III Handmade Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann MK III Handmade Tenor Sax

by Thomann

Jazz Big Band Soul

Key Feature:

• Classic saxophone literature

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✗ CONS

• Larger and heavier than alto
• Neck strap essential for comfort

Thomann MK III Handmade Tenor SaxTenor saxophoneBrass bodyHigh F# keyArtistic engravingBody and keys in vintage...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 276967

$1,648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann MK IV Handmade Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann MK IV Handmade Tenor Sax

by Thomann

Jazz R&B Big Band

Key Feature:

• Perfect for solo work

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Great projection and presence

✗ CONS

• Larger and heavier than alto
• Requires more air support

Thomann MK IV Handmade Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneHandmadeCopper body (92% copper)High F# keyArtistic engravingBrass...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 276968

$1,758

Buy at Thomann View Details

BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone

by BetterSax

Blues Big Band Jazz

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Perfect for solo work

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Neck strap essential for comfort

BetterSax Classic Tenor SaxophoneTenor SaxophoneProfessional boreOctave key inspired by King and Yanagisawa...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 586859

$1,538

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Tenor 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 tenor 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.

Best Tenor Saxophones Under $2,000 2025

Hamaril Saxophone Set 4 Tenor

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set

Thomann MK I Handmade Tenor Sax

Jupiter JTS700Q Tenor Sax

Thomann MK II Handmade Tenor Sax

Thomann MK III Handmade Tenor Sax

Thomann MK IV Handmade Tenor Sax

BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone

How to Choose the Best Tenor Saxophones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying tenor saxophones?

How much should I spend on tenor saxophones?

Are expensive tenor saxophones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for tenor saxophones?

Should I buy tenor saxophones online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Diatonic Harmonicas

Best Bb Trumpets

Best Tenor Trombones with F-Attachment

Best Chromatic Harmonicas

Best Open Hole Flutes

Best Alto Saxophones

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies