The Cheapest Ukuleles on the Market

Many great budget ukuleles offer the same quality as more expensive models. We like these cheap ukes because they give us plenty of options, no matter how limited our budget is.

If you wish to learn to play the Ukulele, one of these low-cost models from a recognized brand is a great place to start. We’ve chosen the best ones for you, so you don’t end up with a ukulele that sounds fantastic only on paper.

Quick Picks: The Cheapest Ukuleles on the Market

Product Name

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Kala KA-S Ukulele

Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele

Kmise Ukulele

Makala MK-C Ukulele

Top 7 Cheap Ukulele

1. Kala KA-S Ukulele


Kalas are some of the cheapest ukuleles on the market, but they still cost more than other brands. Kalas is well-made and sounds great, so they are a good value for the price.

It’s hard to find a better ukulele than the Kala KA-S. It boasts a mahogany body with cream binding, a mahogany neck, a walnut fingerboard, and a satin finish that is smooth and sophisticated. The price range for this Ukulele is often between $150 and $200. Still, you can acquire it along with a protective case, a cleaning cloth, and a tuner for approximately $100. That’s a great deal!

The Kala KA-S is a soprano-size uke that is just 20.875 inches long. It has a scale length of 13.625 inches and a nut width of 1.375 inches. Even though it is tiny, it has a good sound and stays in tune well. Plus, it costs just $100, which makes it an excellent value for the price.

Pros

  • Available bundled with a hard case, tuner, and polishing cloth
  • They stay in tune well after the strings have stretched
  • Classic looks

Cons

  • Some reports of fret buzz
  • The included tuner is not that accurate

2. Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele


The Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele is a very eye-catching ukulele. It is like a traditional Les Paul Standard but not an electric guitar. The Les Paul Ukulele has electronics, making it an acoustic-electric ukulele.

The Les Paul Acoustic/Electric Ukulele Outfit is like the Les Paul Standard. It has a cutaway and a solid mahogany body. The neck is also made of mahogany, and the fingerboard is made of poplar.

The neck on this Ukulele is a SlimTaper profile with a ‘D’ shape. It makes it comfortable to play. The neck is also bolted onto the body to stay in place. The Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele has a concert-size scale length of 15 inches. It also has a rosewood bridge, PVC saddle, nickel hardware, and black nylon strings.

It is an electro-acoustic uke that has a piezo film under saddle pickup. It is a passive system, so there is no preamp or digital tuner built-in. You will still be able to have hours of fun playing the Ukulele.

Pros

  • Iconic Les Paul styling
  • It comes with a pickup
  • Has strap buttons

Cons

  • No preamp for tone shaping or volume control
  • It doesn’t resonate as well as purely acoustic ukuleles

3. Kmise Ukulele


Suppose you want to start playing the Ukulele but don’t have much money. In that case, you can buy the Kmise Soprano Mahogany Ukulele. For $50, you get the Ukulele, a gig bag, a digital tuner, a ukulele strap, and extra strings. You also get a booklet for beginners. That’s a great deal!

Considering how affordable it is, the Kmise Ukulele is a great purchase. The body and neck of the Ukulele are both made of mahogany, which not only gives the instrument an appealing appearance but also contributes to its full sound and superb tone. The conventional aesthetic is set off well by the walnut fretboard and bridge, which completes the instrument.

The Kmise soprano ukulele also has pure copper gears for tuning pegs, unlike other budget ukes with only brass-plated gears. It helps to keep the tuning stable, especially after the initial period of string stretching.

The Kmise uke is designed with a bridge that makes it easy to change strings if they break or need to be replaced. It also looks cool and sounds great, making it easy for players to enjoy themselves.

Pros

  • Great ukulele starter kit for a low price
  • Excellent design and good construction
  • Impressive sound

Cons

  • Stock strings are not the best
  • Some minor cosmetic flaws

4. Makala MK-C Ukulele


Just as Epiphone is to Gibson, Makala is to Kala. Makala offers great ukuleles at a more affordable price, and Epiphone does the same with guitars. The Makala MK-C, part of the brand’s Classic line of entry-level offerings, is a concert ukulele that beginners and experienced players will love.

The Makala MK-C concert uke is made with mahogany for the body and neck. The finish is satin, which makes it easy to play. The Ukulele also looks nice because it has a light-colored walnut fingerboard with 18 frets.

The MK-C is a comfortable size for players of all ages who may find soprano ukuleles too small. It has a scale length of 14.875 inches and an overall length of 24.125 inches.

Suppose you are looking for a quality ukulele at a low price. In that case, the Makala Classic ukulele is perfect for you. It is a reasonably priced option with outstanding quality. You can also get more out of your money by buying the Makala MK-C bundle, which includes the Ukulele. A Ukulele strap, a clip-on chromatic tuner, an instructional DVD, a polishing cloth, extra strings, two months of online lessons, and a gig bag.

Pros

  • Available bundled with everything beginners need
  • Sweet sound with good projection for its size
  • Classic design

Cons

  • Decorative plastic covers around the tuners are pretty loose and rattle when playing
  • Stock strings are not the best for beginners

5. Kala KA-TG Ukulele


Tenor ukuleles are usually more expensive than their smaller-bodied siblings. Still, the Kala KA-TG is a great option that doesn’t cost a lot. This Ukulele’s body and neck are composed of wood, and its natural gloss finish and cream binding contribute to its visual appeal.

The Kala KA-TG has a rosewood fingerboard with 18 frets. This Ukulele is comfortable to play with a scale length of 17 inches and an overall instrument length of 26.125 inches.

The Kala KA-TG tenor ukulele has a rich and full sound. It is made of mahogany, which makes it more resistant to sudden changes in temperature or humidity. The body is also more durable, making it the perfect Ukulele to travel with.

The KA-TG uke from Kala is an excellent instrument for its price. It sounds and feels great and can compare with more expensive ukes. You’ll want to play it as often as possible once you get your hands on one!

Pros

  • Looks beautiful with the mahogany wood grain and gloss finish
  • Comfortable and easy to play
  • It sounds like a more expensive uke

Cons

  • Gloss finish muffles the sound a bit
  • No gig bag included in the purchase

6. Luna TT Ukulele


The Luna ukulele makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island. It’s perfect for playing your favorite tunes. Even if you’re in a cold place, seeing it will make you feel good. Playing it will make you feel even better.

The Luna Tattoo Tenor is a tenor ukulele with a mahogany body and neck. There is a laser-etched Polynesian tattoo design on the soundboard. The artwork, which is based on waves, was designed by Luna Artist Alex Morgan. He also designed the artwork for Luna’s first Henna guitar. The fingerboard of the Luna TT is made of rosewood, and it has stylized ‘shark teeth’ for fret markers.

The Luna TT ukulele is an excellent choice for people who want an instrument that is less likely to be affected by temperature and humidity changes. It makes it a good choice for people who wish to take it with them on trips to the beach, the mountains, or anywhere else they want. The included gig bag also makes it easy to transport the Ukulele wherever you go!

Pros

  • Tattoo design gives the Ukulele a striking appeal
  • Easy and comfortable to play
  • Excellent mellow sound with excellent projection and tone

Cons

  • Tuners not good – replacement recommended
  • Factory-installed strings take time to settle down – replacement is also recommended

7. Aklot Ukulele


The Allot AKC23 concert ukulele is one of the best cheap ukuleles you can get. The top of the Ukulele is made of mahogany, which delivers a warm and rich sound with good sustain. The sound will also improve with age the more the Ukulele is played. If you’re a beginner, you can be sure that this uke will sound better over time as you become a better player.

For increased longevity, the sides and back of the guitar are constructed from laminated mahogany. The neck is made from Okoume wood. The fretboard is rosewood. An excellent design feature is the soundhole rosette, which has a simple but elegant pattern laser-engraved into it. The rosewood bridge is also worth mentioning because it is shaped like a dove/pigeon with its wings outstretched.

The Ukulele costs about $60. You also get an instruction booklet, online lessons, and a complete set of accessories. It includes a gig bag, spare strings, a clip-on tuner, ukulele picks, a strap, and a cleaning cloth.

Pros

  • It comes complete with ukulele accessories as well as playing instructions and basic lessons
  • Laser-etched designs and logo add to the aesthetic appeal
  • Rolled soundboard edges add to playing comfort

Cons

  • Included neck strap doesn’t make use of the strap buttons on the Ukulele
  • It would require more humidity maintenance because of the solid top
  • The instructional booklet needs improvement

Finding the Best Cheap Ukuleles

Cheap ukes can be great! Not all cheap ukes are good, but the ones we have chosen for you are some of the best ones we have ever seen. Many musicians look for low-cost or budget instruments that can serve as beater guitars and ukuleles. In contrast, others go for cheap instruments simply because those are all they can afford at the moment.

The ukuleles on our list are of good quality and are not cheaply made. They are a good value for the price, and they perform well. The best ukes for beginners to more skilled players are included on our list. They are great for many people in many situations, like the following:


Cheap Ukuleles Are Ideal for Aspiring Musicians on a Tight Budget.

If you have a limited budget, you don’t need to worry. You can find a good ukulele for a low price. Just because the uke is cheap doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Consider how nicely it is constructed, how it sounds, and how simple it is to play. The ukes on this list are all excellent choices for anyone on a budget.

Budget Ukes Are Recommended for Players With GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)

If you play the Ukulele, you know how hard it can be to say no to a new one. It is especially true if the new Ukulele is a different size or construction than your current Ukulele. For example, suppose you have a soprano ukulele with a spruce top. In that case, you might want to try out a soprano with a mahogany top, a concert with a spruce top, a tenor with a mahogany body, and so on.

Ukulele players often suffer from Gear Acquisition Syndrome or GAS. It happens when you buy a new ukulele even though you don’t need it. A cheap ukulele can help satisfy your hunger for another uke.

Cheap Ukes Make Great Gifts and Giveaways

If you want to give a present to someone who helped you or if you wish to souvenirs for wedding attendants, a good ukulele would be a lovely gift. You have several to choose from, depending on your budget. If you don’t want to spend too much because you’re buying several, go for the cheap ukulele starter kits. Choose products from Luna, Kala, or Epiphone to make the gift more special. We guarantee that none of the ukuleles on this list will disappoint.

A Good Budget Ukulele Is Excellent for Kids and Adults Testing the Waters

Ukuleles that are cheap but still of good quality are suitable for people who aren’t sure if they want a ukulele. It goes for both adults and kids who are just starting. If you decide that the Ukulele isn’t for you, you can give it to someone else who may want to play one.

But if you find the uke is the perfect instrument, you can continue practicing. As you learn more about the Ukulele, you’ll also have a better idea of what kind of Ukulele you want next.

You Can Practice Your Mad Skills on a Cheap Uke

When you research cheap ukuleles, you will find that some parts or features need improvement. The strings, fretboard, tuning pegs, finish, and saddle are just some components that can be improved with modifications or upgrades.

If you like to modify your ukes to make them sound and look the best they can, then cheap ukes are an excellent option. By making modifications, you can turn a $60 uke into one that sounds like several hundred dollars more.

Budget Ukes Make Fantastic Travel Companions

Many budget ukuleles are made with laminate construction. Their sound may not be as rich and full as those of ukes with solid tops, but they are less likely to warp in different humidity or temperature spikes. It makes them good travel companions because you won’t have to worry too much about the wood warping during transit.

The Ukulele is a pretty inexpensive instrument, so you won’t feel too horrible if it gets damaged during transport. However, we advise you to contact a good case for your uke to keep it safe and protected from the elements.

It’s Always Good to Have a Spare

It would be great to have a uke in every room in your house. It would let you play the uke whenever you want, no matter where you are in the house. You could even have more than one uke in case one of them is not available.

You can buy a lot of ukuleles with not a lot of money. This way, you can have one wherever you want. It will help motivate you to practice more because you will always have one nearby. And it’s always good to have a few extra ukuleles around in case friends or family come over.

As you can see, cheap ukuleles have a lot of benefits and can be great for many things. We hope this helps you find the one that would meet your needs and budget.

Read more: Uke Can Do It! How to Get Started With the Ukulele

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheapest Ukuleles

Are Cheap Ukuleles Any Good?

Cheap ukuleles often have poor quality. It means that the sound of the instrument might be sacrificed. A good quality ukulele has a bright, sharp sound, whereas a cheap Ukulele might sound lifeless and dreary. They’re also tricky to tune.

What Is the Average Price of a Ukulele?

You can expect to spend $50-$150 on your first Ukulele. You can trust essential when looking for a ukulele and finding a brand. Brands like Lanikai and Cordoba are known for their affordable instruments that are perfect for beginners. Ukuleles come in various sizes and shapes, so choosing the right one for you is critical.

Is a Tenor Ukulele Good for a Beginner?

Tenor ukuleles are often better for beginners because they are more comfortable to play. Beginners can make mistakes and get better over time. Tenor ukuleles offer a more significant and louder tone than other types of ukuleles, which is advantageous.

Do Expensive Ukuleles Sound Better?

The sound quality is the most significant difference between a laminate ukulele and a wood Ukulele. Laminate ukuleles often produce a lower-quality sound, whereas Wood Ukuleles have a richer, warmer tone. It is because the wood used in high-end ukuleles is higher than those used in lower-end models.

Can I Teach Myself the Ukulele?

People with musical history, such as singing in a chorus or performing in a band as a child, can usually train themselves to play an instrument. It is better than someone who has never done anything musical before. It is because they have experience with learning and making music, which makes the process easier for them.

Is Ukulele Easier Than Guitar?

The Ukulele is less challenging to learn than the guitar or other stringed instruments. It is because the Ukulele has softer nylon strings that are gentler on your fingertips and don’t create finger pain like guitars do. The small size also reduces wrist tension because the notes are reachable without stretching.

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