Are you planning to buy a new ukulele? Or you want to buy a ukulele to study and master playing it?
Whatever your reason is for reading this, I know you are interested in the ukulele.
So, before we proceed with the list of the best ukuleles, let us answer the first questions that might help you decide what to buy.
This article can also give you tips on how to choose the best ukulele that fits your budget.
Contents
Ukuleles Defined
A ukulele is a four-stringed musical tool and looks like a small version of a guitar. It is a member of the lute family of instruments and generally employs nylon or gut strings.
Some ukulele strings may be paired in courses, giving the instrument a total of six up to eight strings.
Obviously, guitars are bigger than ukuleles. Also, the standard guitar has 6 strings, while the ukulele has 4.
In addition, the fretboard of the ukulele is significantly thinner than the guitar, as well as being much shorter. That is why the sound of the ukulele produces a slicker sound.
Today, the popularity of ukuleles shouldn’t be surprising. In fact, more and more are learning how to use this cute instrument. And for a beginner player like you, here is a list of the best ukuleles under $300.
10 Best Ukuleles Under $300 (Top Budget Ukes in 2024)
- Bondi Concert Ukulele Bundle
- Hola! Music HM-424SMM+ Concert Ukulele
- Luna Fauna Series Dolphin Concert Ukulele
- Enya EUT-X1 Tenor Ukulele
- Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
- Donner DUB-1
- Enya Pineapple Soprano Ukulele
- Amumu AM-SPFM-C Concert Ukulele
- Martin 110XKUKE Ukulele
- Oscar Schmidt OU220SWK Concert Ukulele
Runner Up | Editor's Choice | Also Great |
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Bondi Concert Ukulele Bundle
If you are a beginner player, then this Ukulele Starter Kit is for you. Aside from the ukulele guitar itself, you will also have the necessary equipment for you to be more familiarized on how to use a ukulele.
The kit includes a compression sponge case, Aquila strings, felt picks, tuner, chord stamp, chord chart, and a slather strap. Aside from live lessons you can watch through Skype, you can also have a lifetime warranty.
Bondi’s Concert Ukulele is made up of quality materials, Sapele, Mahogany, Handmade Deluxe Saddle with an engraved sound hole. Each of the freebies has their own features that you will definitely love.
As such, the tuner included in the kit can work in the dark, the leather strap has a rainbow etched design which is good for men and women.
- Complete kit
- Very good for beginners
- Beautiful design
- Instructions on the live lesson is confusing
Hola! Music HM-424SMM+ Concert Ukulele
This ukulele is from Hola! Music, a well-known company that produces good quality musical instruments. A part of limited edition professional concert ukulele bundle, this solid Mahogany Top, Mahogany Back & Sides, Beveled Armrest with Aquila Strings, comes with Padded Gig Bag, Strap, and three pieces of Picks – Satin Finish.
Close to perfection, the fingerboard of HM-424SMM+ Concert Ukulele is made up of Rosewood. With an overall length of this Concert Ukulele is 24 inch, very advisable for beginners.
Unlike the other cheap ukulele, this one doesn’t have a glossy finish, which makes the design luxurious and professional.
- Eye-catchy design
- Padded bag is durable
- Good for beginners
- Good for traveling
- Longers than usual concert ukulele
Luna Fauna Series Dolphin Concert Ukulele
This concert body ukulele has a length of 23” and features an attractive 3-ply maple binding for design and durability. With its complete 14 frets, it is partnered with an easy-playing C-shaped maple neck, which features a rosewood fretboard that sports 19 frets
In terms of great-looking uke, Luna Fauna Series Dolphin is in its top position. The firm shows good craftsmanship and playability to match other ukuleles in the market. Regarding the sounds, it produces a bright and crisp tone, although it’s nicely rounded and not overly harsh.
- Made with high-quality components
- Sports a simple design
- Promises easy playability and comfortability
- Inconsistent craftsmanship
- Strings need to be constantly tightened
Enya EUT-X1 Tenor Ukulele
Enya is a company that is known for its durable products such as guitars and ukuleles. EUT-X1 is one of the many goods they have, it is quality made with HPL with KOA pattern thin, strong and firm material under any humidity or temperature.
Aside from that, the whole series used BT junction technology which could adjust string height and then take well hand feeling for a good musical instrument.
When you buy this ukulele, you will also have a 15mm padded ukulele bag, Tuner, Capo, Strings, Fingershaker and more accessories you might need. It also comes with a beautiful gift box that is why it is a good choice for a present.
This is a Tenor sized ukulele with 26-inch body measure, the most popular size for mastery.
- Produces good sound
- Durable and stylish
- Fretboard not stable
- Tuner slips
Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
Kala is one of the biggest company that produces good quality ukuleles around the world. And this Baritone size ukulele they have is one of the most popular Mahogany made body and neck.
With its Walnut fingerboard, cream binding, and satin finish, this really gives justice to the musical world.
This Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele bundle is one of a kind and can save yourself the hassle and save some money while you’re at it. Aside from the accessories, you will get an instructional DVD is also part of the package so you can pick up some tips while learning your new instrument.
- With accessories when bought
- Aquila strings included
- Fretboard not stable
- Tuner slips
Donner DUB-1
The Donner DUB-1 is a limited edition professional level baritone uke. It is 30 inches in size with its body and neck made with high-quality mahogany for a rich and bright sound. The DUB-1 comes with an EQ and a preamp for amplified use, featuring volume, bass, mid, and treble control.
It has 18 brass frets with accompanying fret position marks at the 5th, 7th, 10th, and 12th frets on the neck – perfect for beginners who are still practicing their chords. Together with the comfort and easy hold, both advanced players and beginners will find that the Donner DUB-1 is always a treat to play.
I also like that the DUB-1 comes with Aquila Nylgut strings, assuring the accuracy and stability of its tunes. Plus, it also comes with an integrated tuner in case further tuning is needed.
Overall, I would recommend this bass ukulele as a practice uke. It’s easy to hold, simple to learn songs with, and most of all, comfortable enough for long hours of practice.
- Sports a beautiful and classic design
- Made with select high-quality woods for a richer and brighter sound
- Stable tuning
- Accurate tone
- Sounds wonderful acoustically and with electronics
- The low string creates a lot of buzz
Enya Pineapple Soprano Ukulele
The very first thing that caught my eye on the Enya Pineapple Soprano is its fun and unique shape. True to its name, this soprano ukulele wears a body that’s similar to the shape of a pineapple – perfect for those who are looking for something a bit different from other ukes.
Made with impressive craftsmanship from Enya, the Pineapple Soprano is built with HPL Koa materials that promise long-lasting durability, no matter the humidity or the temperature.
And to top it all off, it has a beautiful matte finish that supports the longevity of the Enya Pineapple. If you’re looking for an affordable uke that’s in it for the long haul, this is the option for you.
Additionally, the Enya Pineapple also comes with a unique BT neck junction. Not only does it give players a more comfortable hold, but it also allows the ukulele to produce premium sound.
This ukulele also has a Richlite fingerboard, high-end tuning pegs, and the Enya carbon strings – tuned to G, C, E, and A. Overall, this ukulele is a perfect solution for those who want something simple, affordable, yet fun and unique.
- Made with HPL Koa
- Temperature or humidity does not affect its quality
- Sports a fun and unique design that will help you stand out from the rest
- Comes with a unique BT neck junction for a comfortable hold
- Produces a warm and defined sound
- Similar to a guitar
- Plenty of accessories included
- Case
- Strap
- Strings
- Capo
- Sand shaker
- Picks
- Cloth
- Strings included can be better in terms of quality
- The accessories included are subpar
Amumu AM-SPFM-C Concert Ukulele
What I love most about the Amumu AM-SPFM-C is its rustic look and feel. This concert ukulele has plenty of character and style, thanks to its exotic spalted maple back and sides.
The solid spruce top gives it excellent sound and projection while the walnut fingerboard is all about responsiveness and easy playability.
Plus, the Aquila strings on this uke guarantees nothing but full, rich, and warm sounds.
I believe this guitar is the best one to get if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution – beautiful design, comfortable hold, easy playability, and best of all, it is also very affordable.
Its beautiful body is made complete with a Sapele binding with Paua abalone purfling. Topped with a glossy finish, the Amumu AM-SPFM-C is all about good looks and great sound. I also love the small details on this uke, such as the cattle bone nut and saddle and the die-cast chrome machine head.
- Great craftsmanship
- Impeccable attention to detail
- And made with high-quality woods
- Produces beautiful sound with excellent projection
- A true concert ukulele
- Comes with a high-quality gig bag with a special design handle
- The top is not one solid piece
- May be prone to cracking depending on the humidity
Martin 110XKUKE Ukulele
Traveling with a ukulele can be very stressful, especially if your ukelele changes its sound quality due to the weather. If temperature and humidity is your enemy and would like to get a guitar that can sound good no matter the weather, then there’s plenty of reason to purchase the Martin 0XK Uke.
In my opinion, it is one of the best ukuleles for travel simply because of its solid material and rugged form. The Martin OXK is made with durable Koa-patterned HPL for its top, back, and sides, making this soprano-sized uke resistant to humidity or temperature changes – but that’s not all it can offer.
This ukulele also features a sturdy Strata bond neck and a Morado freeboard that provide players the ultimate playing experience. And if the easy playability and comfort do not win you over, just wait until you hear the way it sounds.
Despite being one of the smaller-sized options on this list, the Martin OXK still manages to produce full and loud sounds. Having said all this, I highly recommend this ukulele for both travelers and beginners – or for anyone who wants something reliable, light, and affordable at the same time.
- Made with good quality materials
- Resistant to temperature change and humidity
- Comes in a travel-friendly size
- Perfect for players who are always on the road
- Has a neck and freeboard that promise easy playability and comfort
- One of the more pricier options compared to the others on this list
Oscar Schmidt OU220SWK Concert Ukulele
The Oscar Schmidt OU220SWK is a crowd favorite among ukulele players. This 4-string concert uke is known for its classic warm tone and impressive sustaining volume – a legacy of the earlier ukes that are now so hard to find.
But thanks to Oscar Schmidt, ukulele fans can now enjoy this nostalgic sound through the OU220SWK.
Interestingly, the Oscar Schmidt OU220SWK is actually manufactured in Java. This handmade uke is made of a beautiful ribbon striped solid quartersawn mahogany and topped with a satin finish.
It also has an attractive mosaic rope rosette and top binding along with a 19-fret flame nyatoh neck and an ebony headstock and bridge. Plus, the pearl snowflake inlay and the pearl logo and fingerboard looks so great together, I honestly think this is one of the best ukes in terms of design and quality.
instrument design. The models come with deluxe Grover GH305 tuners with ebony buttons, bone nut and saddle and Aquila strings. Deluxe hard shell case included.
Features: 4 String Concert Ukulele by Oscar Schmidt Handcrafted quality Solid Quartersawn Mah top, back & sides Mozaick rope rosette and top binding Ebony headstock and bridge Pearl logo and snowflake fingerboard inlay Ivory body binding Synthetic bone nut and saddle 19 fret neck
Satin finish Aquila strings Deluxe Grover GH305 tuners with ebony buttons Deluxe hard shell case included Dimensions: 24 1/2 x 8 x 2 3/4 Lifetime Warranty through Oscar Schmidt Model OU220SWK
- Made with high-quality wood and components
- Impeccable details and design
- Produces a classic warm tone with excellent projection
- Comes with a beautifully-made deluxe hardshell case
- One of the more expensive items on this list
Tips on Buying Ukulele
When you are on a tight budget, it is really hard to decide which ukulele to buy. However, nowadays, you do not have to worry that much since there are lots of choices you can choose from.
What is the price range of a good ukulele?
Actually, ukuleles are very cheap, however, it really depends on the brand, quality, and design. In fact, you can find a ukulele as cheap as $50. But as far as experience is concerned, a good ukulele has a price range from $100 to $300 – that scale is reasonably well-made instruments that sound good and are comfortable to play.
You can certainly spend more, but it’s not necessary to get a great beginner ukulele. Kala, Luna, Oscar Schmidt and more are some of the most expensive ukuleles – but of course, with a really good quality. If you have a limited budget, then you might want to avoid these names in the store.
What are the body sizes of a Ukulele?
Ukuleles come in a handful of sizes, but the most common are soprano, concert, and tenor. Any of these sizes are fine for a beginner like you, but of course, it really depends on your purpose and skills. For very small children – or anyone with petite hands, the soprano size is a good bet.
However, if a kid already knows the basics, he can jump to concert ukuleles and tenor ukuleles with larger adults.
What do you think is a good age to start playing the ukulele?
Ukulele is one of the easiest musical instrument to learn since it is small and just have fours strings. As far as history is concerned, many Hawaiians start as young as 3 or 4 because learning uke is a part of their cultural heritage. Nowadays, some started at their teenagers, some are in their 30’s – it doesn’t matter.
As the saying goes, “it’s never too late and “now” is always the best time to start.”
Effects of Ukulele Size to the Tone
Just like other stringed musical instruments, a bigger body means a bigger tone. Concert and tenor ukuleles tend to produce warmer, richer, and more resonant sound than soprano size. The larger body sizes also deliver more bass and volume.
On the other hand, soprano size ukuleles are typically a little quieter and have a softer sound. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth thinking about before you buy a ukulele. Again, the choice of the ukulele size depends on many factors so you need to consider them all.
What are baritone-sized ukuleles?
Another common size of the ukulele is called a baritone. It’s a notch up from a tenor and is the largest of the four most common ukulele sizes. Experts consider this size as the ukulele for pros.
A baritone-sized uke has a tuning that’s a little different from the three other ukuleles. The unique tuning of this size isn’t really practical for most standard ukulele music. Actually, it has tuning that is closer to an acoustic guitar.
Our Choice
Planning to buy a ukulele but on a tight budget? Try the Bondi Concert Ukulele Bundle which you can get with complete accessories. Aside from a player-friendly ukulele and affordable price, most beginners are looking for a convenient way to get started on their new instrument.
This ukulele starter kit from Bondi combines all the elements to deliver a package with true value to any ukulele beginner. With lots of inclusions, this offer really suits you best.
In terms of sounds, Bondi ukulele has a very nice sound that’s great for beginners, while more experienced players would also enjoy the richness on offer.
