AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $200 2026
The top pick is Ibanez URGT100 Tenor Ukulele ($166). Kala KA-20T Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $55. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 46 models across 12 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Nut width37 mm (1.46")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- Frets24 frets
- FingerboardPurpleheart fingerboard
You get a tenor ukulele with a spruce top, okoume back and sides, and an Ibanez undersaddle pickup, so you can plug it into an amp or sound system. It has 24 frets and a 17-inch scale, which gives you more room on the neck than a soprano or concert size. It comes with an Allen key and a gig bag, so you can take it to a jam or gig right away.
Pros
- Spruce top paired with okoume back and sides gives a clear wood build
- Ibanez undersaddle pickup lets you plug in and play amplified
- Purpleheart fingerboard and bridge give a dark, contrasting look
Cons
- Plastic nut instead of bone, so the nut is made of plastic
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor Ukulele
Makala Tenor Ukulele UB-T · Kala
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale429 mm (16.89")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Makala Tenor UB-T is a solid, well-voiced ukulele offering a good balance of quality and affordability. It's perfect for beginners and intermediate players looking for a warm, full-bodied tone without the premium price tag – a really great all-rounder for strumming and fingerpicking.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, balanced, and pleasing tone.
- Rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable playing experience and good note definition.
- Aquila Super Nylgut strings offer excellent projection and a classic ukulele feel.
Cons
- Plastic nut and bridge feel a bit basic for the price point; a potential upgrade path.
- Silk-matte finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and minor scuffs.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
The Kala KA-T is a solid choice for players looking for a well-built, affordable tenor ukulele. Its all-mahogany construction gives it a warm, classic ukulele sound, and the Graph Tech nut and saddle improve tuning stability. It's perfect for beginners or intermediate players wanting a reliable instrument for strumming and fingerpicking.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, resonant tone with good projection.
- Rosewood fretboard offers a smooth playing experience and pleasing visual contrast.
- Aquila Super Nylgut strings provide a bright, balanced sound and comfortable feel.
Cons
- Mahogany construction can be slightly less nuanced than more exotic woods.
- Satin finish, while attractive, may show fingerprints and wear more easily.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$175 now$175€157 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale428.6 mm (16.88")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This ukulele feels solid thanks to its full mahogany construction. The Graph Tech nut makes changing strings easier, and the open gears hold tune well. It lacks electronics or a listed weight, so it suits acoustic players who want a classic sound.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top and body for warm tone
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle for playability
- Open-gear tuners for stable tuning
Cons
- No electronics included for amplified use
- Weight not listed in description
-
- Nut width37 mm (1.46")
- Scale440 mm (17.32")
- Frets18 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This tenor uke feels solid with a mahogany body and a bright sapele top. The walnut fretboard stays stable under your fingers, and the laser engraving looks neat. It plays well for solo strumming but needs a pickup if you want to plug in.
Pros
- Solid mahogany back and sides for warm tone
- Sapele top offers bright, cutting clarity
- Laser engraving adds nice visual detail
Cons
- No electronic pickup included for amplification
- Enclosed heads may limit tuning adjustments
-
- Nut width35 mm (1.38")
- Scale430 mm (16.93")
- Frets18 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
The Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50T is a surprisingly good-sounding ukulele for the price. The acacia top gives it a nice warmth, and the built-in tuner is a real bonus. It's perfect for beginners or players wanting a solid-sounding, amplified tenor ukulele without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Acacia top delivers a warm, focused tone with good projection
- Ovangkol fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and pleasing aesthetics
- Built-in tuner is surprisingly accurate and convenient for quick adjustments
Cons
- Acacia body can be prone to slight cracking with humidity changes, requiring care
- Open gear tuners aren’t as precise as sealed ones, may need occasional retuning
57AudioFu
Index↓ 25.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$133 · Aug 17$99 now$99€89 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width37 mm (1.46")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- Frets18 frets
The Ortega RUGA-ORG is a surprisingly good-sounding ukulele for the budget-conscious player. It’s a great entry point for beginners or anyone wanting a fun, bright-sounding tenor uke without a premium price tag. The bright orange finish is a real eye-catcher, too!
Pros
- Agathis top offers surprisingly warm and resonant tones for the price.
- Okoum neck provides a comfortable, playable feel with good stability.
- Chrome machine heads allow for accurate and reliable tuning adjustments.
Cons
- Agathis wood, while decent, lacks the tonal complexity of mahogany or koa.
- ABS binding feels a bit plasticky compared to wood or other higher-end options.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 22.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$99 · Aug 17$77 now$77€69 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale430 mm (16.93")
- Frets18 frets
- Strings8-string
- BodyMahogany body
This ukulele packs eight strings into a warm mahogany body for deep bass. The fast Okoume neck and TUSQ nut make it easy to play, even up to the 18th fret. It suits players who want a bigger sound without the full guitar setup.
Pros
- Mahogany body gives warm, rich bass response
- Okoume neck provides a fast, stable playing feel
- TUSQ nut ensures smooth action and bright tone
Cons
- Okoume neck may lack the stability of solid wood
- Natural finish offers less protection than a coat
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale430 mm (16.93")
- Frets18 frets
- Strings8-string
- BodyMahogany body
This eight-string uke sounds like a big guitar with a warm mahogany body. The TUSQ nut helps you play all the extra strings cleanly. It works great for jazz players who want a full, rich sound without carrying heavy batteries.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body provides a warm, rich tone
- TUSQ nut ensures smooth intonation and easier string bending
- MAGUSX pickup offers built-in amplification for performance
Cons
- Eight strings make the fretboard wider than standard tenor sizes
- Natural finish may show dust or wear more easily than colored options
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale425 mm (16.73")
- Frets18 frets
This tenor uke has a beautiful burled meranti top that sounds warm and full. The satin finish feels nice to touch and the 18 frets make playing long songs easy. It is a great budget-friendly choice for players who want pure acoustic sound without extra gadgets.
Pros
- Solid burled meranti top and sides create a strong resonance.
- Graph Tech Tusq nut and saddle ensure smooth string action.
- 18 frets provide plenty of room for complex chord work.
Cons
- No onboard electronics or pickup system for amplification.
- Limited to standard acoustic sound without external effects.
50AudioFu
Index↓ 58.8%since Oct 23 · lowest so far$133 · Oct 23$55 now$55€49 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 46 tenor ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Flight NUT500 TenorFlight50↓ 5.1%$105€94$105€94Check ↗
- 12
Ortega RUGH-BKTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 13
Ortega RUGH-SRTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 14
Ortega RUGH-PLTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 15
Ortega RUGH-OCTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 16
Baton Rouge V2-T8 sunBaton Rouge · 3 finishes48Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 17
Ortega RUOX-TEOrtega48Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 18
Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight48Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 19
Ortega RUGA-SKY UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 20
Ortega RUGA-PLT UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 21
Ortega RUGA-GAP UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 22
Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 23
Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa UkuleleLeolani45↓ 10.1%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 24
Cascha Tenor Ukulele Premium Mah LHCascha44Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez UICT100-MGSIbanez44Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 26
Cascha E-Tenor Ukulele Premium MahCascha43↓ 3.0%$107€96$107€96Check ↗
- 27
Kala KA-TK-T-CE Teak Tri-Top TenorKala43Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 28
Kala Makala KA-AM-T-CE Amara T-UkuleleKala Makala43Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 29
Flight Iris Tenor Ukulele BKFlight43Stable$173€155$173€155Check ↗
- 30
Leolani Macassar Ebony Tenor UkuleleLeolani43Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor UkuleleHarley Benton42Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 32
Baton Rouge UTM-T Flamed MapleBaton Rouge42Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 33
Baton Rouge UTAS-T AshBaton Rouge42Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 34
Baton Rouge UTC-T CherryBaton Rouge42Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 35
Kala Makala KA-LEGACY-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala41Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor UkuleleHarley Benton39Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 37
Cascha Cedar Tenor UkuleleCascha39Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 38
Cascha Cedar Tenor Uku Solid Top EQCascha39Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel w/BagHarley Benton39Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 40
Kai KTI-30 Tenor UkuleleKai35Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 41
Thomann Tenor Ukulele with PUThomann35Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 42
Epiphone Ukulele Hummingbird Outfit FCSEpiphone35Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 43
Cascha Premium Mahogany Tenor Set BKCascha26Stable$83€74$83€74Check ↗
- 44
Kala KA-15-T BNDL Tenor Starter KitKala26Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 45
Cascha Premium Mahagoni Tenor BundleCascha25Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor BundleHarley Benton25Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 52 models we track, not a sample.
Median $144 — half of all tenor ukuleles here cost less.
median of 35 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")
median of 44 models · 380 mm (14.96")–440 mm (17.32")
median of 46 models · 18–24
most common · 20 models
How to choose the best tenor ukuleles
Sound Quality
At this price point, expect compromises. We're looking for a balanced tone - not necessarily a huge low-end thump, but something with a bit of warmth and sustain. Avoid anything that sounds overly brittle or has a harsh, ice-picky high end.
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
A playable action is critical. High action makes chords a struggle. A comfortable neck profile (often C-shape) makes a difference, especially if you're coming from guitar. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your enjoyment.
Intonation
This is where budget instruments often fall down. Check intonation up the neck - does it stay in tune as you fret higher? Poor intonation makes everything sound out of whack and makes recording a nightmare.
Build Quality & Materials
Don't expect solid wood everywhere. Laminates are common at this price - they're more stable but lack the resonance of solid wood. Look for decent bracing and hardware that feels solid, not flimsy.
Overall Value
It's not just about the specs; it's about the overall package. Does the uke feel like it's worth the money? Does it inspire you to pick it up and play?
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a tenor uke without breaking the bank? Smart move. Tenors offer a fuller voice than sopranos, and they're surprisingly versatile - I've used them for everything from backing vocals in folk bands to adding a quirky texture to indie rock recordings. Finding a good one under $200 takes some digging, but it's absolutely doable. Let's break down the best options I've found that don't sound like cheap toys.
Be realistic - a $200 uke isn't going to rival a KoAloha. Expect compromises. Laminate tops are the norm, and the finish might not be flawless.
Focus on playability and intonation above all else. A slightly rougher finish is a small price to pay for an instrument that actually plays well and sounds decent when mic'd up.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 52 tenor ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are solid wood tenor ukuleles possible under $200?
Rare, but occasionally you can find a good deal on a mahogany top. Be very careful about intonation - these can be hit or miss.
What does 'laminate' mean, and is it bad?
Laminate means multiple layers of wood glued together. It's more stable than solid wood (less prone to cracking), but generally doesn't resonate as well. It's a common compromise at this price.
Can I record a tenor uke with a decent sound?
Absolutely. A small-diaphragm condenser mic pointed at the soundhole can yield surprisingly good results. Experiment with mic placement to find the sweet spot.
What's the difference between geared and slotted tuners?
Geared tuners offer finer adjustments, making it easier to get perfectly in tune. Slotted tuners are simpler and often found on cheaper instruments - they're okay, but not as precise.
Is a gig bag included?
Most likely, yes, but expect a very basic nylon gig bag. It'll protect the uke from bumps, but don't expect heavy-duty protection for touring.
