Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $500 2026

• Scale428 mm (16.85")
• Frets18 frets
• FingerboardRosewood fingerboard

This is a tenor ukulele made from mahogany, with a rosewood fingerboard and a satin finish. It has a built-in Kala UK-300TR pickup, so you can plug it into an amp when you want to play louder. It suits you if you want an electric-ready tenor that comes with a bag.

• 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.

• Scale429 mm (16.89")
• Frets18 frets
• FingerboardRosewood fingerboard

This is a tenor ukulele with a solid mahogany top, back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard. The longer 16.875 inch scale gives you a bit more space between the frets than a smaller ukulele, so it suits you if you want a little extra room to play. It is a good pick if you want an all-wood ukulele with a classic look, and it comes with a PRS gig bag to carry it around.

• Scale433 mm (17.05")
• Frets19 frets
• FingerboardEbony fingerboard

This is a tenor ukulele, a bit bigger than a soprano, with a solid mahogany top, back and sides. If you want an all-wood ukulele with an ebony fingerboard and a high-gloss natural finish, this one fits the bill. It comes with a gig bag, so you can carry it straight to your next session or outing.

• Nut width35 mm (1.38")
• Scale432 mm (17.01")
• Frets19 frets

This Dhani Harrison signature uke is a solid choice for players wanting a good-sounding, amplified tenor. The Ovangkol construction gives it a richer tone than many entry-level models, and the Fender preamp is a convenient bonus. It's ideal for singer-songwriters or anyone looking for a versatile, easily amplified ukulele with a unique aesthetic.

• 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.

• 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.

• Scale428 mm (16.85")
• Frets18 frets

This Kala SMH-TG is a seriously nice tenor – the all-mahogany build gives it a rich, woody voice that’s a step up from entry-level ukes. It’s ideal for players looking for a comfortable, well-built instrument with a classic tone, perfect for folk, blues, or fingerstyle playing. The slotted headstock is a nice touch, adding a touch of elegance.

• 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.