AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $800 2026

Q: Is koa really worth the extra money?

Koa can sound beautiful, but it's often overhyped. Mahogany, acacia, or even sapele can offer similar tonal qualities at a lower price. Focus on the overall instrument, not just the wood type.

Q: What about laminate vs. solid top?

Solid tops resonate better and offer a richer tone. A solid top with laminate back and sides is a decent compromise if your budget is tight, but a fully laminate instrument will feel and sound noticeably cheaper.

Q: How important are reviews?

Reviews are helpful, but take them with a grain of salt. Everyone's ears and playing styles are different. Try to find reviews that mention specific tonal qualities or playability issues.

Q: Can I realistically expect a 'studio-quality' sound for under $800?

Absolutely not. You'll get a usable, gig-worthy sound, but you'll likely need to EQ and process the signal to get it sounding truly polished in a recording. Think of it as a good starting point.

Q: What's the deal with 'high-G' tuning?

High-G tuning uses a re-entrant G string - it's higher pitched than the other strings. It creates a unique, almost nylon-string guitar-like voicing. It's a matter of personal preference - some players love it, others don't. Experiment and see what you like.

The top pick is Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele ($84). Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 106 models across 17 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 18, 2026

106models in this chart

17brands

$232median price

34price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Tenor Ukuleles Showing: Under $800 · clear

Price

Skill level

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Brand

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele · Kala
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale431 mm (16.97")
- Frets18 frets
This is a straightforward tenor uke built from solid mahogany for a warm, full tone. The rosewood fingerboard feels good under your fingers, and the included bag makes it easy to carry. It works great for players who want a classic acoustic sound without any extra electronics.
Pros
- All solid mahogany wood throughout body and neck
- Rosewood fretboard provides warm tone and grip
- GraphTech Nubon nut and saddle for smooth action
Cons
- No pickup system for amplification
- No adjustable bridge or truss rod mentioned
71AudioFu
Index
- Demand80
- Lineup43
- Price100
- Specs33
- Maker100
↓ 46.0%since Aug 20
$156 · Aug 20$84 now

$84€75 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Kala KA-JTE/2TS Archtop Tenor Ukulele
KA-JTE-BKGN Tenor Ukulele · Kala
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This tenor uke sounds warm thanks to its mahogany body. The pickup makes it ready to plug in without needing extra batteries. It feels solid under your fingers with the rosewood fingerboard. Great for players who want a classic sound that works in any setting.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top and sides for rich tone
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and bridge for playability
- UK-300TR electronics capture acoustic dynamics
Cons
- No volume or tone control knobs included
- Lacks built-in tuner functionality
69AudioFu
Index
- Demand70
- Lineup43
- Price100
- Specs50
- Maker100
↓ 55.7%since Aug 20 · lowest so far
$505 · Aug 20$224 now

$224€199 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- 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.
67AudioFu
Index
- Demand82
- Lineup43
- Price71
- Specs33
- Maker100
↓ 7.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$190 · Aug 14$177 now

$177€157 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
KA-TE Satin Mahogany Tenor EQ · Kala
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The KA-TE is a solid choice for serious ukulele players wanting a well-built, amplified tenor. The mahogany provides a lovely, mellow tone, and the pickup is surprisingly decent for the price point. This is a great option for performers or anyone looking to expand their ukulele versatility.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant tones with natural sustain.
- Kala UK-300TR pickup provides a usable, amplified signal for stage or recording.
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle improve sustain and tuning stability.
Cons
- Satin finish, while attractive, can feel a little less refined than gloss finishes.
- Mahogany's inherent brightness might require EQ adjustments for certain playing styles.
66AudioFu
Index
- Demand80
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$291 now

$291€259 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SDH-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale429 mm (16.89")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Kala SDH-T is a really sweet-sounding tenor – the all-mahogany build gives it a lovely warmth and depth. It's a great step up from entry-level ukuleles, perfect for players wanting a more refined instrument with a traditional aesthetic. It’s an excellent choice for fingerstyle players or those seeking a mellow, inviting tone.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly complex tone.
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle noticeably improve sustain and intonation.
- The 'Salt & Pepper Doghair' finish is aesthetically pleasing and unique, showcasing the wood grain.
Cons
- The aged cream binding, while visually appealing, can be prone to chipping with rough handling.
- Solid mahogany can be slightly heavier than laminate, potentially tiring for extended playing.
66AudioFu
Index
- Demand82
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$325 now

$325€289 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-CT-SA-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale433 mm (17.05")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Kala Contour is a serious step up for the intermediate player. The all-acacia build gives it a beautifully warm and balanced voice, and the ebony fingerboard makes it a joy to play. It’s ideal for players wanting a premium tone without the complexity of electronics – perfect for solo performance or ensemble work.
Pros
- Solid acacia top delivers warm, rich tone with excellent projection.
- Ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and precise intonation.
- Bone nut and saddle enhance sustain and improve overall tone quality.
Cons
- Solid acacia construction makes it a premium-priced ukulele.
- High-gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and require more maintenance.
66AudioFu
Index
- Demand82
- Lineup43
- Price47
- Specs50
- Maker100
↑ 1.1%since Aug 14
$505 · Aug 14$511 now

$511€454 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Ibanez URGT100 Tenor Ukulele
URGT100-BK · Ibanez
7 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width37 mm (1.46")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- Frets24 frets
- FingerboardPurpleheart fingerboard
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
Cons
- Okoume back and sides may lack resonance
- Plastic nut can cause fret buzz over time
65AudioFu
Index
- Demand63
- Lineup86
- Price50
- Specs67
- Maker49
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$168 now

$168€149 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
This Kala SMH-TG-CE is a serious step up for the experienced ukulele player. The all-mahogany build gives it a rich, mellow voice that's fantastic for fingerstyle and vocal accompaniment. It's an excellent choice for performers wanting a quality amplified sound without excessive feedback.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Fishman Kula electronics offer a clean, amplified sound suitable for stage performance.
- Venetian cutaway allows comfortable access to higher frets for expanded range.
Cons
- Solid mahogany can be prone to movement with significant humidity changes.
- Premium-priced point may be prohibitive for beginner ukulele players.
64AudioFu
Index
- Demand82
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs33
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$652 now

$652€579 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fender Dhani Harrison Tenor Ukulele
Dhani Harrison Ukulele Tq · Fender
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- 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.
Pros
- Solid Ovangkol top delivers a surprisingly warm, resonant tone.
- NATO neck offers comfortable playability and good stability.
- Fender UKE preamp provides clean amplified sound, easy to shape.
Cons
- Ovangkol can be a bit dense, resulting in a slightly heavier ukulele.
- The NATO neck, while stable, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or koa.
63AudioFu
Index
- Demand100
- Lineup43
- Price30
- Specs50
- Maker21
↑ 6.6%since Aug 14
$258 · Aug 14$275 now

$275€244 at Thomann · in stock
Check 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.
62AudioFu
Index
- Demand70
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs50
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$134 now

$134€119 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 106 tenor ukuleles

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala

Index 61↑ 6.1%
61
↑ 6.1%$393€349
$393€349Check ↗
12
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleCT-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala

Index 61↑ 12.2%
61
↑ 12.2%$415€369
$415€369Check ↗
13
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleCT-SSRW-TG-C Tenor Ukulele · Kala

Index 61↑ 11.1%
61
↑ 11.1%$562€499
$562€499Check ↗
14
Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala

Index 59Stable
59
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
15
Ortega RU5MM-TE UkuleleOrtega · 3 finishes

Index 57Stable
57
Stable$89€79
$89€79Check ↗
16
Kala Makala CTD-SMH-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala

Index 57Stable
57
Stable$505€449
$505€449Check ↗
17
Baton Rouge V2-TACE SunBaton Rouge · 3 finishes

Index 56Stable
56
Stable$224€199
$224€199Check ↗
18
Ortega RUGH-BKTOrtega

Index 55↓ 28.8%
55
↓ 28.8%$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
19
Ortega RUGH-SRTOrtega

Index 55↓ 28.8%
55
↓ 28.8%$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
20
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBLFlight · 2 finishes

Index 54↓ 3.1%
54
↓ 3.1%$278€247
$278€247Check ↗
21
Kala Makala KA-CTD-SA-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala

Index 54Stable
54
Stable$730€649
$730€649Check ↗
22
Ortega RUGA-SKY UkuleleOrtega

Index 53↓ 24.2%
53
↓ 24.2%$84€75
$84€75Check ↗
23
Ortega RUGA-PLT UkuleleOrtega

Index 53↓ 24.2%
53
↓ 24.2%$84€75
$84€75Check ↗
24
Ortega RUGA-GAP UkuleleOrtega

Index 53↓ 24.2%
53
↓ 24.2%$84€75
$84€75Check ↗
25
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8Ortega

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$134€119
$134€119Check ↗
26
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8Ortega

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$201€179
$201€179Check ↗
27
Kala KA-SB-EBY-T Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 53↓ 15.9%
53
↓ 15.9%$370€329
$370€329Check ↗
28
Martin Guitar T1 FSC Tenor UkuleleMartin Guitar · 4 finishes

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$652€579
$652€579Check ↗
29
Ortega NEO-U-TSBOrtega

Index 52↓ 13.8%
52
↓ 13.8%$232€206
$232€206Check ↗
30
Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NAFlight · 2 finishes

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$206€183
$206€183Check ↗
31
Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TPPFlight · 2 finishes

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$370€329
$370€329Check ↗
32
Flight NUT500 TenorFlight

Index 50↓ 5.1%
50
↓ 5.1%$106€94
$106€94Check ↗
33
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 50↓ 4.8%
50
↓ 4.8%$224€199
$224€199Check ↗
34
Flight Diana TE Tenor UkuleleFlight

Index 50↓ 15.1%
50
↓ 15.1%$253€225
$253€225Check ↗
35
Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 49↓ 7.2%
49
↓ 7.2%$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
36
Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele GRFlight · 2 finishes

Index 49↓ 1.6%
49
↓ 1.6%$708€629
$708€629Check ↗
37
Ortega RUGH-PLTOrtega

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
38
Ortega RUGH-OCTOrtega

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
39
Ortega RUOX-TEOrtega

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
40
Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$168€149
$168€149Check ↗
41
Ortega RUHZ30TH-JF Tenor UkuleleOrtega

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$358€318
$358€318Check ↗
42
Kala KA SB ACA T Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 48↓ 5.7%
48
↓ 5.7%$370€329
$370€329Check ↗
43
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CEFlight

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$377€335
$377€335Check ↗
44
Ortega RTPS-U-SBKOrtega

Index 47↓ 13.8%
47
↓ 13.8%$232€206
$232€206Check ↗
45
Ortega RTPS-U-SBK-LOrtega

Index 47↓ 13.8%
47
↓ 13.8%$232€206
$232€206Check ↗
46
Ortega NEO-U-TGBOrtega

Index 47↓ 3.7%
47
↓ 3.7%$235€209
$235€209Check ↗
47
Ortega RTPX-U-ACAOrtega

Index 47↓ 15.4%
47
↓ 15.4%$246€219
$246€219Check ↗
48
Ortega RUACA-TEOrtega

Index 47↓ 4.0%
47
↓ 4.0%$269€239
$269€239Check ↗
49
Flight Nighthawk Tenor EQ-AFlight

Index 47↓ 8.7%
47
↓ 8.7%$379€337
$379€337Check ↗
50
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 47↓ 2.0%
47
↓ 2.0%$539€479
$539€479Check ↗
51
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 46↓ 6.9%
46
↓ 6.9%$303€269
$303€269Check ↗
52
Kala KA-RES-BRS Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 46Stable
46
Stable$426€379
$426€379Check ↗
53
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBFlight

Index 46↓ 0.8%
46
↓ 0.8%$546€485
$546€485Check ↗
54
Kala Ziricote Super Tenor UkeleleKala

Index 46↓ 1.7%
46
↓ 1.7%$652€579
$652€579Check ↗
55
Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa UkuleleLeolani

Index 45↓ 10.1%
45
↓ 10.1%$201€179
$201€179Check ↗
56
Ortega RUNAB-TEOrtega

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$223€198
$223€198Check ↗
57
Höfner Ukulele Violin SizeHöfner

Index 45↓ 26.0%
45
↓ 26.0%$224€199
$224€199Check ↗
58
Ortega RTPX-U-FMAOrtega

Index 45↓ 10.8%
45
↓ 10.8%$250€222
$250€222Check ↗
59
Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CEFlight

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$336€299
$336€299Check ↗
60
Ortega ECLIPSE-TE8Ortega

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$426€379
$426€379Check ↗
61
Kala Revelator Night Owl Acacia Te.Kala

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$505€449
$505€449Check ↗
62
Kala Revelator Night Owl Mango Ten.Kala

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$505€449
$505€449Check ↗
63
Flight Songbird Mango EQ-A TenorFlight

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$652€579
$652€579Check ↗
64
Flight Songbird TPP Tenor EQ-AFlight

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$674€599
$674€599Check ↗
65
Cascha Tenor Ukulele Premium Mah LHCascha

Index 44Stable
44
Stable$89€79
$89€79Check ↗
66
Kala KA-TK-T-CE Teak Tri-Top TenorKala

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$168€149
$168€149Check ↗
67
Kala Makala KA-AM-T-CE Amara T-UkuleleKala Makala

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$168€149
$168€149Check ↗
68
Flight Iris Tenor Ukulele BKFlight

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$174€155
$174€155Check ↗
69
Leolani Macassar Ebony Tenor UkuleleLeolani

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$179€159
$179€159Check ↗
70
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SH 5Leolani

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$224€199
$224€199Check ↗
71
Ibanez AUT10-OPNIbanez

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$231€205
$231€205Check ↗
72
Ortega RTPS-U-NATOrtega

Index 43↓ 4.6%
43
↓ 4.6%$235€209
$235€209Check ↗
73
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SHLeolani

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$269€239
$269€239Check ↗
74
Flight Victoria CEQ-A TenorFlight

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$314€279
$314€279Check ↗
75
Flight Diana Soundwave Tenor UkuleleFlight

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$393€349
$393€349Check ↗
76
Flight Mustang EQ-A Tenor UkuleleFlight

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$595€529
$595€529Check ↗
77
Kala Makala KA-3CD-ACA-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$787€699
$787€699Check ↗
78
Cascha E-Tenor Ukulele Premium MahCascha

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
79
Baton Rouge UTM-T Flamed MapleBaton Rouge

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$134€119
$134€119Check ↗
80
Baton Rouge UTAS-T AshBaton Rouge

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$134€119
$134€119Check ↗
81
Baton Rouge UTC-T CherryBaton Rouge

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
82
Baton Rouge UTAP-T Apple Tenor UkuleleBaton Rouge

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$246€219
$246€219Check ↗
83
Flight 4SB Sammy Turton Tenor UkuleleFlight

Index 42↑ 2.7%
42
↑ 2.7%$607€539
$607€539Check ↗
84
Martin Guitar 0X Tenor Uke Black LHMartin Guitar

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$652€579
$652€579Check ↗
85
Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor UkuleleHarley Benton

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
86
Kala Makala KA-LEGACY-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$168€149
$168€149Check ↗
87
Flight Victoria Tenor SoundwaveFlight

Index 41↑ 3.9%
41
↑ 3.9%$449€399
$449€399Check ↗
88
Kala Makala KA-POI-ACA-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$787€699
$787€699Check ↗
89
Flight Fireball Tenor EQ-AFlight

Index 40Stable
40
Stable$629€559
$629€559Check ↗
90
Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor UkuleleHarley Benton

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
91
Cascha Cedar Tenor UkuleleCascha

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
92
Cascha Cedar Tenor Uku Solid Top EQCascha

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$179€159
$179€159Check ↗
93
Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel w/BagHarley Benton

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$179€159
$179€159Check ↗
94
Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style TSBRisa

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$595€529
$595€529Check ↗
95
Kala ASFM-T-CE Tenor UkuleleKala

Index 38↑ 21.3%
38
↑ 21.3%$640€569
$640€569Check ↗
96
Luna Guitars Uke Vineyard Koa Bevel T PULuna Guitars

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$674€599
$674€599Check ↗
97
Kai KTI-700 Tenor UkuleleKai

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$213€189
$213€189Check ↗
98
Kai KTI-5000Kai

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$314€279
$314€279Check ↗
99
Kai KTI-30 Tenor UkuleleKai

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$134€119
$134€119Check ↗
100
Epiphone Ukulele Hummingbird Outfit FCSEpiphone

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$201€179
$201€179Check ↗
101
Thomann Tenor Ukulele with PUThomann

Index 32↑ 6.3%
32
↑ 6.3%$190€169
$190€169Check ↗
102
Cascha Premium Mahagoni Tenor BundleCascha

Index 29↓ 15.6%
29
↓ 15.6%$73€65
$73€65Check ↗
103
Kala KA-15-T BNDL Tenor Starter KitKala

Index 28↓ 6.7%
28
↓ 6.7%$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
104
Cascha Premium Mahogany Tenor Set BKCascha

Index 26Stable
26
Stable$83€74
$83€74Check ↗
105
Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor BundleHarley Benton

Index 25Stable
25
Stable$129€115
$129€115Check ↗
106
Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel BundleHarley Benton

Index 24↓ 1.6%
24
↓ 1.6%$208€185
$208€185Check ↗

Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers

Measured across all 119 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $232 — half of all tenor ukuleles here cost less.

<$100$100–150$150–200$200–300$300–400$400–500$500–750$750+

Nut width37 mm (1.46")

median of 73 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")

Scale430 mm (16.93")

median of 92 models · 402 mm (15.83")–440 mm (17.32")

Frets18

median of 100 models · 18–22

Bodymahogany, okoume

most common · 26 models

How to choose the best tenor ukuleles

Tonewood

Solid wood (like mahogany or koa) is a HUGE upgrade over laminate. You'll hear it in the warmth and responsiveness. Laminate is fine for beginners, but solid wood will give you more dynamic range and a more complex tone - less 'plinky,' more 'singing.'

Neck Profile & Action

This is critical for comfort. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your chops. Lower action (string height) is easier to play, but too low and you'll get fret buzz. Finding the sweet spot is key. Test play if you can!

Intonation

Does the uke play in tune as you move up the neck? Poor intonation makes everything sound off, even if you're playing perfectly. It's a common issue on cheaper instruments, so listen closely.

Electronics (if applicable)

Many of these will have built-in pickups. Don't expect boutique preamp voicing at this price - the goal is usable, not amazing. Listen for harshness or muddiness when plugged in; a little EQ can fix a lot, but a bad pickup is a bad pickup.

Bracing Pattern

Internal bracing affects sustain and tone. A well-designed bracing pattern will resonate more efficiently, giving you more volume and a more balanced sound. This is hard to assess visually, but listen for a more 'open' and sustained tone.

Buying guide

So, you're in the market for a tenor uke that won't make your wallet weep? Good choice - the tenor size offers a sweet spot of portability and tonal richness. Finding something genuinely good under $800 can be tricky, but it's absolutely doable. We're not talking about instruments that'll rival a KoAloha custom, but solid, gig-worthy options that'll sound decent plugged in and feel good in your hands.

At this budget, you're making trade-offs. Solid wood is the biggest upgrade you can make, but be prepared for slightly higher action or a less refined finish. Electronics are often a compromise - they'll get you heard, but don't expect studio-quality sound.

Don't chase 'koa' - mahogany can sound fantastic and is often more affordable. Focus on playability and a pleasing tone, not just the label on the headstock.

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 119 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

Is koa really worth the extra money?

Koa can sound beautiful, but it's often overhyped. Mahogany, acacia, or even sapele can offer similar tonal qualities at a lower price. Focus on the overall instrument, not just the wood type.

What about laminate vs. solid top?

Solid tops resonate better and offer a richer tone. A solid top with laminate back and sides is a decent compromise if your budget is tight, but a fully laminate instrument will feel and sound noticeably cheaper.

How important are reviews?

Reviews are helpful, but take them with a grain of salt. Everyone's ears and playing styles are different. Try to find reviews that mention specific tonal qualities or playability issues.

Can I realistically expect a 'studio-quality' sound for under $800?

Absolutely not. You'll get a usable, gig-worthy sound, but you'll likely need to EQ and process the signal to get it sounding truly polished in a recording. Think of it as a good starting point.

What's the deal with 'high-G' tuning?

High-G tuning uses a re-entrant G string - it's higher pitched than the other strings. It creates a unique, almost nylon-string guitar-like voicing. It's a matter of personal preference - some players love it, others don't. Experiment and see what you like.