Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $500 2026
Alright, so you're looking for a tenor uke that won't break the bank, but you also want something that actually sounds decent and can handle more than just campfire strumming. Finding that sweet spot under $500 can be tricky - a lot of cheap instruments sound, well, cheap. This list is about bang-for-your-buck, instruments that hold up to gigging and recording without needing a second mortgage. Let's get you something that sings.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
⚡ The best tenor ukuleles in 2026 are Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8 (top pick), Ortega RU4MM-TE-8 for tighter budgets, and Baton Rouge V2-TACE Sun for pros — selected from 15 options across 6 brands, priced $135–$382, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8
by
Ortega
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Strings
8-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Walnut fingerboard
Solo Performance
Jazz
Blues
Key Feature:
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
- • Rechargeable battery power eliminates the need for extra batteries
CONS
- • Eight strings make the fretboard wider than standard tenor sizes
- • Natural finish may show dust or wear more easily than colored options
- • No specific body depth or back wood details are listed in specs
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 633532
$204
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8
by
Ortega
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Strings
8-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Walnut fingerboard
Blues
Jazz
Folk
Key Feature:
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
- • 18 frets allow easy access to higher positions
CONS
- • Okoume neck may lack the stability of solid wood
- • Natural finish offers less protection than a coat
- • No pickup installed limits output for amps
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 633528
$136
Baton Rouge V2-TACE Sun
by
Baton Rouge
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Walnut fingerboard
Jazz
Fingerstyle
Folk
Key Feature:
This tenor uke has a nice mahogany body and a cutaway for easy high-note access. The rechargeable pickup makes it great for playing in noisy rooms. While it lacks a listed weight or top wood, the armrest and walnut fingerboard make it a solid choice for players who want a bit more range than a soprano or concert model.
PROS
- • Cutaway design lets you reach high frets easily.
- • Mahogany body offers a warm, rich tone.
- • Rechargeable UKB pickup adds volume for practice.
- • Armrest provides comfortable playing support.
CONS
- • Scale length is longer than standard ukulele size.
- • No top wood material is specified in text.
- • Weight is not stated in the provided description.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 644033
$227
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CE
by
Flight
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
19 frets
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Fingerstyle
Folk
Key Feature:
This uke sounds bright thanks to the maple top and warm thanks to the mango body. The bone nut makes sliding easy, but the Okoume neck needs care. It's great for players who want a solid sound without extra batteries.
PROS
- • Solid quilted maple top for bright tone
- • Solid mango back and sides for warmth
- • Bone nut and saddle for smooth play
- • Flight Passive System for clear output
CONS
- • Okoume neck may warp over time
- • No active power supply mentioned
- • Gig bag included but not top quality
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
4/10
Art. 646360
$382
Ortega RUHZ30TH-JF Tenor Ukulele
by
Ortega
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Jazz
Solo Performance
Blues
Key Feature:
This Ortega 30th Anniversary Tenor is a real looker and sounds fantastic. The all-solid wood construction gives it a mature tone that's surprisingly full, perfect for players who want a step up from entry-level instruments and appreciate a touch of visual flair. It's a great choice for intermediate players and beyond who want a beautiful, well-built ukulele for solo performance or gentle accompaniment.
PROS
- • Solid acacia top delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly complex tone.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides exceptionally smooth playability and precise intonation.
- • Inverted headstock and Jellyfish inlays add a unique, premium aesthetic appeal.
- • Solid acacia back and sides contribute to enhanced projection and sustain compared to laminate.
CONS
- • The solid acacia construction makes it potentially more susceptible to humidity changes than laminate models.
- • The 35mm nut width might feel slightly wider for players accustomed to smaller ukulele necks.
- • The natural finish, while beautiful, may require more careful maintenance to prevent scratches.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
4/10
Art. 580801
$363
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBK
by
Flight
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Jazz
Blues
Folk
Key Feature:
The Pathfinder TBK is a really interesting take on a tenor ukulele – it's got electric chops and a surprisingly refined sound. The flamed maple top adds a touch of class, and the humbucker pickup gives you some serious grit. It’s perfect for players wanting a versatile, stage-ready uke with a modern edge, especially those exploring blues, rock, or funk-influenced styles.
PROS
- • Flamed maple top provides a surprisingly warm, articulate voice
- • Roasted maple fretboard offers smooth playability and resists humidity
- • Humbucker pickup delivers a thicker, more aggressive tone option
- • Solid build quality; feels much more premium than the price suggests
CONS
- • Basswood body lacks the resonance of more exotic woods
- • Transparent black finish can show fingerprints easily
- • 3-way pickup switch limits tonal flexibility compared to dedicated controls
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 508505
$291
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBL
by
Flight
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Blues
Jazz
Solo Performance
Key Feature:
The Flight Pathfinder TBL is a seriously cool-looking and surprisingly versatile tenor ukulele. The pickup setup makes it great for gigging or recording, and the roasted maple neck is a joy to play. This is a fantastic choice for players who want a unique voice and amplified capabilities without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Flamed maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness to the tone.
- • Roasted maple fretboard offers smooth playability and resists humidity changes.
- • Humbucker/single coil pickup combination provides versatile tonal options for different styles.
- • Solid basswood body delivers a warm, resonant foundation for the ukulele’s voice.
CONS
- • Basswood, while warm, lacks the premium tonal complexity of mahogany or koa.
- • High-gloss finish may be prone to fingerprints and require diligent care.
- • The 3-way pickup switch limits tonal shaping compared to more complex controls.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 504815
$282
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SH
by
Leolani
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
433 mm (17.05")
Frets
18 frets
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Fingerstyle
Solo Performance
Blues
Key Feature:
This ukulele uses beautiful spalted mango wood for its top and sides, giving it a rich look and warm tone. The Cattle bone nut and 18 frets make it comfortable for players who want to reach higher notes easily. While the Okoume neck and reconstituted wood are fine, they are not as dense as solid tonewoods, and there are no pickups. It is a great choice for someone who loves exotic wood patterns and wants a classic tenor shape without needing electronics.
PROS
- • Exotic Hawaiian spalted mango wood on top and sides
- • Solid Cattle bone nut and saddle for smooth play
- • 18 frets allow easy access to high notes
- • Silk-matte finish feels smooth and looks unique
CONS
- • Okoume neck lacks the density of premium tonewoods
- • Reconstituted rosewood fingerboard may not age as well
- • No electronics listed for amplifying sound
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 622113
$273
Ibanez AUT10-OPN
by
Ibanez
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
19 frets
Fingerboard
Purpleheart fingerboard
Jazz
Blues
Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
The Ibanez AUT10-OPN is a surprisingly well-built tenor ukulele that offers a lot of bang for your buck. The solid paulownia back and spruce top combination gives it a pleasing, balanced tone that's great for beginners or players looking for a dependable, affordable instrument for casual playing and campfire singalongs.
PROS
- • Solid paulownia back & sides offer surprising warmth and resonance.
- • Spruce top provides clarity and projects well for a ukulele.
- • Okoume neck with open-pore finish allows for comfortable, fast playing.
- • Purpleheart fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive playing experience.
CONS
- • Plastic nut is a cost-saving measure; upgrade potential exists.
- • Open-pore finish, while nice, can be more susceptible to humidity changes.
- • Limited tonal versatility; best suited for strumming and fingerpicking.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 581596
$234
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SH 5
by
Leolani
Scale
433 mm (17.05")
Frets
19 frets
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Solo Performance
Professional Playing
Key Feature:
This ukulele looks stunning with its exotic spalted mango wood and natural silk finish. The bone nut and saddle help you stay in tune, but the Okoume neck is lighter than traditional rosewood. It is a great choice for players who want beautiful wood without needing built-in pickups.
PROS
- • Hawaiian spalted mango wood offers rich, exotic visual and tonal depth
- • Cattle bone nut and saddle ensure crisp intonation across all 19 frets
- • Sealed machine heads with black buttons provide stable tuning stability
- • Aquila Black strings deliver a balanced, professional tone out of the box
CONS
- • Okoume neck material lacks the density and sustain of rosewood or maple
- • Reconstituted rosewood body components may age unevenly over time
- • No electronics or output jack listed for modern recording or stage use
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 622114
$227
Flight Iris Calantas Tenor
by
Flight
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
19 frets
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Professional Playing
Jazz
Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
This tenor ukeletone offers a bright spruce top paired with warm mahogany sides. It comes with a smooth rosewood fingerboard and a nice gig bag. The softer Okoume neck might not hold up as well as other woods. It suits players who want a classic sound without extra electronics.
PROS
- • Solid Calantas spruce top offers bright attack
- • Warm mahogany back and sides add depth
- • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge feel smooth
- • Includes a deluxe gig bag for travel
CONS
- • Okoume neck is a softer, less stable wood
- • Natural finish shows wear quickly over time
- • 19 frets may be excessive for standard play
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 634167
$170
Ibanez URGT100-BK
by
Ibanez
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard
Purpleheart fingerboard
Professional Playing
Jazz
Folk
Key Feature:
This tenor uke offers a bright spruce top paired with a dark purpleheart fingerboard for a balanced tone. The undersaddle pickup keeps volume steady, making it great for beginners or small gigs. While the Okoume body is budget-friendly, the plastic nut and gloss finish limit long-term playability.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers bright, cutting tone
- • Purpleheart fingerboard adds rich, dark harmonic depth
- • Undersaddle pickup ensures consistent output
- • Affordable price for quality tenor uke
CONS
- • Okoume back and sides may lack resonance
- • Plastic nut can cause fret buzz over time
- • High-gloss finish hides natural wood grain
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 557515
$170
Ibanez URGT100-SUY Ukulele
by
Ibanez
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard
Purpleheart fingerboard
Solo Performance
Fingerstyle
Professional Playing
Key Feature:
This tenor uke sounds lively thanks to its spruce top and purpleheart fingerboard. The plastic nut and Okoume body mean it won't sound like a premium wood instrument. It plays well with its built-in pickup, making it perfect for beginners who want a portable, budget-friendly option.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top for bright, punchy tone
- • Real purpleheart fingerboard adds unique color
- • Undersaddle pickup included for easy play
- • Compact tenor size fits small hands well
CONS
- • Plastic nut feels cheap and slippery
- • Okoume back and sides are not dense
- • No weight listed makes balance hard to guess
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 650958
$170
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50T Bundle
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerstyle
Professional Playing
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50T is a fantastic entry point for ukulele players looking for a full-size sound with amplified capabilities. The acacia construction gives it a surprisingly rich tone, and the included accessories make it truly ready to play right out of the box. It's a great option for beginners or anyone wanting a versatile, affordable tenor ukulele for strumming and light fingerpicking.
PROS
- • Acacia top delivers a surprisingly warm and resonant tone, exceeding expectations for the price.
- • Ovangkol fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience with good note definition.
- • Built-in tuner is genuinely useful for beginners and quick adjustments on the go.
- • The arched back design enhances projection and adds a touch of visual appeal.
CONS
- • Acacia body might exhibit slight movement with humidity changes; requires some acclimation.
- • Chrome hardware, while visually nice, can feel a little lightweight and potentially prone to wear.
- • Mahogany neck, while comfortable, might be a bit thicker than some players prefer.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 543679
$147
Ortega RU5CE-TE Tenor Ukulele
by
Ortega
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
440 mm (17.32")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Professional Playing
Solo Performance
Jazz
Key Feature:
The RU5CE-TE is a solid, affordable tenor ukulele – a great option for beginners and intermediate players looking for a stage-ready instrument. The spruce top gives it a brighter voice, while the mahogany body keeps things grounded and warm. It's particularly well-suited for folk, Hawaiian, or light strumming styles where a clear, amplified sound is needed.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers a bright, articulate tone with good projection
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, balanced foundation to the sound
- • Ortega MagusUke pickup system offers surprisingly clean amplified sound
- • Walnut fretboard and bridge contribute to a smooth playing feel and sustain
CONS
- • Mahogany construction can be slightly 'woody' – lacks some tonal complexity
- • Cutaway access to higher frets is a bit cramped for larger hands
- • The matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can feel a little plasticky
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 389781
$147
Every tenor ukuleles that matches
93 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Ortega RUOX-TE | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 440 mm (17.32") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Walnut fingerboard | $147 |
| 17 | Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50T | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck | $136 |
| 18 | Ortega RUGH-BKT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $113 |
| 19 | Ortega RUGH-SRT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $113 |
| 20 | Ortega RUGH-PLT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $113 |
| 21 | Ortega RUGH-OCT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $113 |
| 22 | Flight NUT500 Tenor | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $107 |
| 23 | Cascha Tenor Ukulele Premium Mah LH | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets · Body Mahogany body | $90 |
| 24 | Cascha Premium Mahogany Tenor Set BK | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets · Body Mahogany body | $84 |
| 25 | Kala Makala MK8 Tenor Ukulele | Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $227 |
| 26 | Leolani Macassar Ebony Tenor Ukulele | Scale 433 mm (17.05") · Frets 18 frets · Body Ebony body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $181 |
| 27 | Ortega RUACA-TE | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $273 |
| 28 | Fender Dhani Harrison Ukulele Tq | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 19 frets | $254 |
| 29 | Baton Rouge UTAP-T Apple Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $250 |
| 30 | Ortega RUNAB-TE | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 440 mm (17.32") · Frets 18 frets | $226 |
| 31 | Flight Iris Tinta Tenor TDB | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $216 |
| 32 | Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NA | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $209 |
| 33 | Ibanez URGT100-SUR Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 24 frets | $170 |
| 34 | Baton Rouge UTC-T Cherry | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $147 |
| 35 | Höfner Ukulele Violin Bass Size | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 445 mm (17.52") · Frets 18 frets | $147 |
| 36 | Baton Rouge UTM-T Flamed Maple | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $136 |
| 37 | Baton Rouge UTAS-T Ash | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $136 |
| 38 | Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor Bundle | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $131 |
| 39 | Cascha E-Tenor Ukulele Premium Mah | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets | $113 |
| 40 | Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $113 |
| 41 | Ortega RUGA-SKY Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets | $86 |
| 42 | Ortega RUGA-PLT Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets | $86 |
| 43 | Ortega RUGA-GAP Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets | $86 |
| 44 | Cascha Premium Mahagoni Tenor Bundle | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets | $74 |
| 45 | Kala KA-RES-BRS Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428 mm (16.85") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $432 |
| 46 | Kala CT-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele | Scale 433 mm (17.05") · Frets 19 frets · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $421 |
| 47 | Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TPP | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Body Mahogany body | $375 |
| 48 | Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TBK | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Body Mahogany body | $375 |
| 49 | Kala KA SB ACA T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 429 mm (16.89") · Frets 18 frets · Body Okoume body | $375 |
| 50 | Kala KA-SB-EBY-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 429 mm (16.89") · Frets 18 frets · Body Okoume body | $375 |
| 51 | Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CE | Nut width 39 mm (1.54") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $341 |
| 52 | Kala KA-SDH-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 429 mm (16.89") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $330 |
| 53 | Kala KA-TE Satin Mahogany Tenor EQ | Scale 428 mm (16.85") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $295 |
| 54 | Ortega NEO-U-TGB | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Body Okoume body | $238 |
| 55 | Ortega NEO-U-TSB | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Body Okoume body | $235 |
| 56 | Kala KA-JTE-BKGN Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428 mm (16.85") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $227 |
| 57 | Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa Ukulele | Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $193 |
| 58 | Kala Makala KA-AM-T-CE Amara T-Ukulele | Scale 445.5 mm (17.54") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $170 |
| 59 | Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 431 mm (16.97") · Frets 19 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $147 |
| 60 | Kala Makala Tenor Ukulele UB-T | Scale 429 mm (16.89") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $136 |
| 61 | Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428.6 mm (16.88") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $113 |
| 62 | Flight Victoria Tenor Soundwave | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $455 |
| 63 | Flight Diana Soundwave Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Frets 18 frets | $398 |
| 64 | Kala KA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428 mm (16.85") · Frets 18 frets | $398 |
| 65 | Flight Nighthawk Tenor EQ-A | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 19 frets | $384 |
| 66 | Flight Victoria CEQ-A Tenor | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $318 |
| 67 | Kai KTI-5000 | Nut width 36.5 mm (1.44") · Frets 18 frets | $318 |
| 68 | Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428 mm (16.85") · Frets 18 frets | $307 |
| 69 | Flight Diana TE Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Frets 18 frets | $257 |
| 70 | Kai KTI-700 Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 34 mm (1.34") · Frets 18 frets | $216 |
| 71 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel Bundle | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $211 |
| 72 | Cascha Cedar Tenor Uku Solid Top EQ | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") | $181 |
| 73 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel w/Bag | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $181 |
| 74 | Kala KA-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428 mm (16.85") · Frets 18 frets | $179 |
| 75 | Flight Iris Tenor Ukulele BK | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 19 frets | $177 |
| 76 | Kala KA-TK-T-CE Teak Tri-Top Tenor | Scale 425 mm (16.73") · Frets 18 frets | $170 |
| 77 | Cascha Cedar Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") | $159 |
| 78 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $159 |
| 79 | Kala KA-15-T BNDL Tenor Starter Kit | Scale 431 mm (16.97") · Frets 18 frets | $159 |
| 80 | Kala Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele | Scale 431 mm (16.97") · Frets 18 frets | $74 |
| 81 | Thomann Tenor Ukulele with PU | Scale 402 mm (15.83") · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $193 |
| 82 | Epiphone Ukulele Hummingbird Outfit FCS | Frets 19 frets · Body Mahogany body | $170 |
| 83 | Kala Makala KA-LEGACY-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428.6 mm (16.87") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $170 |
| 84 | Baton Rouge V2-T8 sun | Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body | $147 |
| 85 | Baton Rouge V1-TCE goth | Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body | $113 |
| 86 | Kai KTI-30 Tenor Ukulele | Frets 18 frets | $136 |
| 87 | Ortega RTPX-U-FMA | Body Okoume body | $253 |
| 88 | Ortega RTPX-U-ACA | Body Okoume body | $250 |
| 89 | Ortega RTPS-U-NAT | Body Okoume body | $238 |
| 90 | Ortega RTPS-U-SBK | Body Okoume body | $235 |
| 91 | Ortega RTPS-U-SBK-L | Body Okoume body | $235 |
| 92 | Baton Rouge V2-T sun | Body Mahogany body | $111 |
| 93 | Ortega RU5-TE | Body Sapele body | $88 |
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 93 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $181
from $86 to $384
Nut width
median 37 mm (1.46")
from 35 mm (1.38") to 38 mm (1.5") · 59 models
Scale
median 430 mm (16.93")
from 380 mm (14.96") to 440 mm (17.32") · 71 models
Frets
median 18
from 18 to 22 · 77 models
Body
mahogany, okoume, basswood
most common · 26 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, walnut, purpleheart
most common · 32 models
How to Choose the Best Tenor Ukuleles
1
Tonewood
Mahogany tends to give a warmer, more fundamental tone, great for mellow fingerpicking. Koa offers a brighter, more complex sound with a little more 'honk,' but can be a bit more brittle at the lower end. Spruce is a versatile option, often leaning towards a balanced sound. Expect cheaper instruments to use laminate woods which lack the resonance and complexity of solid wood.
2
Neck Profile & Action
A comfortable neck is crucial, especially if you plan on playing for extended periods. Look for a C-shape or a slimmer profile. Low action (the distance between the strings and the frets) is key for easy playing, but too low and you'll get fret buzz. Finding that balance is essential.
3
Intonation
This is where a lot of cheap instruments fall down. Intonation refers to how accurately the ukulele plays in tune as you move up the neck. Poor intonation means you'll be constantly correcting your tuning on stage, which is a massive pain. Check it carefully before you buy.
4
Bracing Pattern
Internal bracing affects the ukulele's tone and projection. A well-designed bracing pattern will allow the top to vibrate more freely, resulting in a louder and more resonant sound. Cheaper instruments often have simpler, less effective bracing, impacting the overall tone.
5
Hardware Quality
Tuners are often overlooked, but cheap tuners can make even a good ukulele frustrating to play. They'll slip, making it difficult to stay in tune. Solid, geared tuners are a worthwhile upgrade if you can find them in your budget.
Buying Guide
At this price point, expect some compromises. Laminate woods are common, which means a less vibrant tone, but they're more durable. Don't get hung up on fancy inlays or bindings - focus on the fundamentals: a comfortable neck, decent intonation, and a tone that speaks to you. If you can, try before you buy, or at least check return policies. A uke that feels awkward or sounds lifeless won't inspire you to play.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 93 tenor ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid wood resonates better, producing a richer, more complex tone. Laminate is layered, making it more durable and often cheaper, but the tone is generally thinner and less vibrant.
Most pickups in this range are basic piezo systems - they'll amplify the sound, but don't expect studio-quality voicing. They're fine for gigging, but the tone won't be spectacular. Consider an external preamp if you want better results.
Fret buzz is a rattling sound caused by the strings vibrating against the frets. It's often due to low action or uneven frets. A setup from a qualified tech can usually fix it, but be aware it's a common issue on budget instruments.
You might find some, but be wary. Often, they'll be partially Koa (a Koa top with a different wood back and sides) or have lower-grade Koa. Read the descriptions carefully and look for photos showing the wood grain - it's a visual indicator of quality.
Keep it out of extreme temperatures and humidity, wipe it down after playing, and occasionally oil the fretboard. Proper care will extend its lifespan and help maintain its tone.
