The 10 Best Ukuleles For Beginners

The Kala Learn to Play Starter Kit (appx. $60) comes from one of the leading brands in the industry. It's loaded with everything a newbie could possibly need, including a handy educational booklet, a series of online tutorials, and an app that features a tuner and play-along songs.

The Donner DUC-1 (around $60) boasts a lovely, full tone, an aesthetically pleasing mahogany body and neck, and a natural cattle bone nut and saddle. The wide rosewood fingerboard makes it easier to form chords, and the bridge is designed to simplify the restringing process.

For folks who don't mind the higher-than-usual price, the Cordoba 15CM (about $99) is a truly elegant and exceptionally playable entry-level model. It's handcrafted from durable and rigid quarter-sawn wood, which allows for greater tonality and ample projection.

The Kala KA-15S (about $57) is a good way to introduce yourself to the world of the uke. It's simple, well-made, and affordable, with a vivid, rich sound. The soprano body is ideal for players with smaller hands, and the open-gear tuners are solid and accurate.

If you're hoping to stand out from the crowd, take a look at the Pyle PUKT55 (around $50). Whether you're noodling on a tropical beach or enhancing the vibes of a luau party, its flamed, matte-finished wood is sure to turn more than a few heads.

While it’s certainly not the fanciest option out there, the Hola! Music Deluxe Soprano (around $50) is a reliable and well-built instrument, perfect for novices who want to get their feet wet. The full package includes a gig bag, a strap, and three colorful picks.

Sometimes it's nice to kick back and strum away the worries of the day. The Lanikai LU-21C (appx. $100) gives you the opportunity to do exactly that, thanks to its figure-eight shape. It'll rest comfortably on your lap while you work on your rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

The cult-favorite Kala Makala Dolphin (about $50) is available in several eye-catching colors, including pearl white, red burst, and purple. It derives its name from the dolphin-shaped bridge, a cute little detail that kids will surely appreciate.

The Luna Tattoo Concert (appx. $95) is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship with a distinctive, appealing design. The top features laser etched patterns inspired by Hawaiian body art, while the mother-of-pearl inlays are modeled after sharks' teeth.

The Mahalo Kahiko Series Soprano (about $29) is about as basic as you can possibly get, but it's fairly sturdy and produces a decent sound. And it won't set you back too much, so you don't have to feel bad if it ends up collecting dust in a corner.