No, before you assume that, Ukulele is not a guitar. Ukulele and Guitar are two different instruments that are just similarly shaped. However, many of you may pick up a best budget ukulele for your children before they graduate to learning the acoustic guitar its pretty much easier to learn at lot cheaper.
At the end of the day, best budget ukulele gives out perfect holiday beach vibes that you often see in pop culture inspiring people around the world to pick up and learn the instrument.
HOW TO PICK THE BEST BUDGET UKULELE?
As long as you do not pick a plastic but a full-bodied wooden ukulele can satisfy you with the classic sound. There are many good models out there in the market which range between 50 to 100 dollars.
Obviously, a high-end model will cross 150 but starting with an affordable one is the right choice if you are a beginner. Many brands focus on just producing ukulele like Kala that makes quality ukuleles at affordable prices which can be your sweet spot as a buyer. But, If you are searching ukulele for recording and live concert, you've to choose the authenticate concerts ukulele.
As you go through my list you will come across various sizes, shapes, the type of wood etc. Every aspect of the instrument makes a difference and when buying a new one, it's best to do your research. Here is the list of 10 best budget ukulele we shortlisted after 15 hours of research.
BEST BUDGET UKULELE REVIEW
1) POMAIKAI - BEST BUDGET SOPRANO UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
The name Pomaikai translates to good luck in Hawaii that was established 25 years ago inspired by the seaside which became globally popular for its craftsmanship, synonymous sound, and travel-friendly tools. Their motto is to create best budget ukulele that cater to all age groups irrespective of their experience.
They come with smooth frets for easy transitioning, nylon strings that do not hurt fingers and thick pain for extra resonance. This 21-inch basswood body has a maple neck and a hardwood fretboard with five color options to choose from.
It comes with a travel-friendly case and is lightweight and portable making it the perfect travel companion.
Pros
Cons
2) DIAMOND HEAD DU-101 - BEST BUDGET UKULELE
product details
Diamond head is another winning export from the calm beaches of Hawaii. Have you ever felt like being transported to an island beach vacation? Playing this best budget ukulele will get you close to that at the very least. This particular model has a full maple Soprano body with nickel-plated tuners and a vinyl bag that matches the varied number of colors that you can choose from.
So if you are looking for a mid-level instrument that gives you good sound without sounding like a toy and easy to play for the beginners then this is the perfect tool for you.
Pros
Cons
3) DELUXE SERIES BY HOLA - BEST BUDGET CONCERT UKULELE
This is one of the best budget ukulele on this list and with good reason. Categorized as the perfect learning tool, the highlight of this model is you will receive a 2-month free video lesson guide with an expert. While exploring the hardware, it has a concert body made of mahogany, with a walnut bridge and Nato neck.
Unlike most ukulele that use plain nylon strings that are hard to tune, this model comes with premium quality, Italian Aquila strings which are famous for creating the most eye-pleasing sound. With 18 frets and ox bone nut, every bit of this best budget ukulele has been built to perfection so that the sound is not compromised.
Pros
Cons
4) HONSING - BEST UKULELE FOR BEGINNERS
product details
Are you looking for an eye-catching multi-color and best budget ukulele that you could play at the next beach party? Honsing answers your prayers with this multi-color model with many design options and attractive finish that uses environment-friendly paint i.e. no harmful chemicals.
Moving on to its hardware, with its traditional soprano body, basswood top, maple wood bridge, nickel silver fret, you are assured with premium craftsmanship that does not compromise on the tone. Although it has nylon strings, it also comes with guitar style gears that make the tuning process a lot simpler.
Pros
Cons
5) DONNER SOPRANO UKULELE SPRUCE DUS-3 - BEST SOUNDING UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
The first thing you notice about a Donner ukulele is its design that resembles the sun around the sound-hole. It also has distinct Chinese auspicious clouds and natural glossy finish.
Other than its appearance, this model has a clear and full-bodied sound because of the mahogany body and rosewood fingerboard. The strings used are premium Aquila nylon strings which are soft to play and have a distinct tone.
Every best budget ukulele is handmade to ensure that there are no compromises in the craftsmanship. And at the end of the day the instrument is smooth, with no design faults and durable.
Pros
Cons
6) MAKALA SURF GREEN SHARK SOPRANO UKULELE
product details
I cannot do the best budget ukulele list without a Kala model. Even celebrities like Vance job, 21 pilots and ZAC brown play a Kala that is known for its value for price, attractive design and the choice for professionals.
The versatility lies in the fact that many people first learn how to play on a Kala than any other brand. Its hardware features a soprano body, mahogany neck, quirky shark-shaped bridge, smooth walnut fingerboard, and premium Italian Aquila Super Nylgut strings.
It is also known for being the classic travel ukulele whether it is the beach-side, on top of a mountain, campfire or some professional performance.
Pros
Cons
7) TENOR UKULELE ENYA - BEST UKULELE BRANDS FOR PROFESSIONALS
PRODUCT DETAILS
A lot of the best budget ukulele on the list have certain humidity and climatic limitations that might affect the sound or the wood. If you live in an area with unpredictable weather then this is the perfect one for you. It is made with premium HPL materials that are made to be long-lasting.
It comes with a mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, fluorocarbon strings for tone clarity, high-quality tuning pegs, and a free accessory package that includes a strap, case, capo, extra strings, picks, shaker, and polish. What more could you ask for?
Pros
Cons
8) VIVICTORY CONCERT UKULELE
product details
Have you ever thought about experimenting with an instrument? Ever wanted to check if it is the right fit? VIVICTORY has a 30 days money-back guarantee for those unsure decisions. This particular model has a concert body made of mahogany and a special arched back which aids resonance and that full-bodied sound that you often look for.
Unlike most ukulele tuners, this one has die-cast tuners that are slip-free which means you do not need to tune your instrument frequently. With vivictory, you can be rest assured about the highest quality of materials used which focus on sound and comes with a kit of tuners, strap, gig bag and picks so you are equipped for your musical journey.
Pros
Cons
9) Balnna TENOR UKULELE (UL-26C)
product details
Do you want a ukulele that has a rich backstory spanning back 50 years which involves history with the royal family? The Balanna known for its distinct colorful frets and made with the highest quality of tiger maple that is known for its bright sound and maintaining its natural state without disintegration for over 20 years.
Other than the fretboard, even the strings used, come in four separate colors and die-cast tuners so that it retains the tone. So if you are looking for an attractive colorful ukulele that is durable with a solid sound and easy for beginners then Balanna will do the trick.
Pros
Cons
10) Caramel BARITONE ELECTRIC UKULELE
product details
Do not underestimate the last one on the list as it also has the most features of the list. From a 3-band EQ to a tuner with LCD display, this instrument is your answer to whether ukuleles can be used for a more professional setting.
While most ukuleles are small for musicians with large hands, this fits perfectly and is versatile enough for kids and adults alike.
With more frets than the other, it has a rich and deep sound that you would not normally find in a concert or soprano instrument. It also comes with an adjustable truss rod and a wrench so you can alter it to your needs.
So, if you are looking for an investment to last you a long time, look no further.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Buying the best budget ukulele is a creative pursuit so, you need to prioritize your budget and needs. Is it casual use or are you looking for something a little bit more professional? Compile a list of your favorite brands and their respective models then create a budget.
Are you looking for an investment piece? Or a gifting one? If you want an established brand but you do not have the budget then you can even look into second-hand options. Hopefully, my list gave you a little insight into what you should be looking for.
Greetings, I am Scott Shetler, a Senior Instrument expert, and Guitarist. My hobby and passion are all about music, and I like to explore new gadgets and instruments available in the market. From my experience, I reviewed and showcase the best products on our site to ensure the worth of readers’ expectations and money.