The alto saxophone is pitched in Eb, smaller and lighter, with a brighter sound. The tenor is pitched in Bb, larger and heavier, with the deep, breathy voice of jazz ballads and rock solos. Both use the same fingerings, so a player who learns one can switch to the other in weeks.
Most teachers start beginners, and almost all children, on alto: it's easier to hold, needs less air and costs less. Adults who already love the tenor sound can start on tenor without problems.
Alto vs tenor at a glance
| Alto | Tenor | |
|---|---|---|
| Key | Eb | Bb |
| Size and weight | Smaller, about 2.4 kg | Larger, heavier |
| Sound | Bright, agile | Deep, warm |
| Best for | Beginners, children, classical, concert band | Jazz, rock, funk |
| Models at Thomann | 105 | 79 |
| Cheapest | $335 | $505 |
| Median price | $3,149 | $4,264 |
Prices are Thomann's on October 19, 2026. The alto weight is the Yamaha YAS-280's.
Same series, both sizes
Yamaha YAS-280 Alto, $1,083
Yamaha's student alto with a high F# key, about 2.4 kg. One of the highest-ranked altos we track: #3 of 67 alto saxophones.
Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor, $1,785
The tenor version of the same student series, also with a high F# key. #7 of 58 tenor saxophones.
Thomann TAS-180 Alto, $368
A budget alto with high F# and front F keys. #2 of 67 alto saxophones.
Thomann TTS-180 Tenor, $556
The matching budget tenor. #4 of 58 tenor saxophones.
Questions
Is alto or tenor sax easier for beginners?
Alto, for most people: smaller hands and less air. Adults set on the tenor sound can start on tenor.
Can I switch from alto to tenor later?
Yes. The fingerings are identical; you adjust to a bigger mouthpiece, more air and a lower pitch.
How we measured. Every alto (105) and tenor (79) saxophone Thomann listed as in stock on October 19, 2026, converted from euros at the European Central Bank rate. Specs from Thomann's product data. Products show today's price and rank, updated every night.
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Denis Kataev runs AudioFu. Every night the site records the prices of more than 38,000 instruments and studio tools at Thomann, and he writes about what those numbers show: what got cheaper, what just arrived, and which discounts are real.
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