The ideal time to pick up any instrument is at a young age. Children are more receptive to things we often miss as adults, and they have incomparably more time to have fun while learning something new every day.
Basses are heavy, and guitars are often too big for the petite fingers and hands of our youngsters. This is why I recommend checking out my review of the best ukuleles for kids.
Quick Look: Best Ukuleles for Kids
★ #1 Best Ukulele For Kids Overall: Luna Tattoo Mahogany ★
- Best Beginner Ukulele for Kids: Makala MK-SD/YLB Yellow Burst
- Best Intermediate Ukulele for Kids: Cordoba 15CM-E Edge Burst
- Best Professional Ukulele for Kids: Luna High Tide Exotic Mahogany
- Best Cheap Ukulele for Kids: Hola! Music HM-21BU Soprano
- Best Ukulele for Kids Under $1,000: Kala KA-SA-T Solid Acacia Tenor
- Best Ukulele for Kids Under $500: Ortega Guitars Earth Series
- Best Pineapple Ukulele for Kids: Kala KA-MK-P Makala Pineapple
- Best Concert Ukulele for Kids: Caramel CC103A Concert Ukulele
- Best Tenor Ukulele for Kids: Hricane Tenor Ukulele UKS-3
The models I’ve included are all perfectly suited for children of all ages, and I’ve made sure to pick something for everyone’s pocket. So let’s get to it, shall we?
About Ukuleles for Kids
First of all, there’s a difference between toy ukuleles and ukuleles for kids. The former only look like ukes, while the latter are down-sized instruments that are specifically crafted for children.
A quality children’s ukulele should stand on equal footing with adult ukes in terms of sound quality, performance, and durability.
There are only a couple of notable differences between regular ukuleles and models made for kids. Their scale length is often quite a bit shorter, and they’re much lighter than average.
Types of Ukuleles for Kids
Of the four ukulele categories, I’d single out baritones as the only ukulele type that isn’t well-suited for children.
They’re big and heavy, and often baritone ukuleles have larger frets and a massive scale length. These are just some of the reasons why I don’t recommend them for children. This leaves us with:
Pineapple Ukulele
Essentially, the pineapple is a style rather than a ukulele type. However, it’s perfect for children because it has the slimmest body and weighs the least compared to ukes from other categories.
Sopranino Ukulele
This ukulele type is slightly larger than most pineapple-sized ukes, but it’s still petite.
I recommend sopranino ukes to youngsters under the age of 10, mainly because they offer a relatively similar experience to playing regular ukes while also being much more playable.
Soprano Ukulele
The smallest “traditional” ukulele type is the soprano. It has a 2-inch taller fretboard than the sopranino and it weighs a couple of ounces more. As far as sound is concerned, my personal take on soprano is that it’s superior to both pineapple and sopranino ukes.
Concert Ukulele
If you have a teenager that wants to learn how to play the ukulele, a concert uke may be the right choice. The heavier feel of a concert uke’s body and slightly wider frets are ideal for kids over 12.
Tenor Ukulele
Although tenor ukes aren’t my first choice for children, they’re suitable for students who demand a good-sounding instrument at the expense of somewhat reduced playability. Although heavier, tenor ukes are remarkable instruments in skilled hands.
10 Best Ukuleles for Kids
Now that I’ve covered the very basics of the best ukuleles for kids, it’s time to check out some of the finest models that the market has to offer.
You’ll see children’s ukuleles from reputable brands such as Luna, Kala, Ortega Guitars, and other titans of the industry.
1. Luna Tattoo Mahogany Soprano Pineapple Ukulele Pack
- Frets: 12
- Body shape: Pineapple soprano
- Included in the box: Gig bag, chord lessons
- Material & finish: Mahogany construction, natural finish
- Best for: Best ukulele for kids overall
The Luna Pineapple Tattoo Bundle is among my favorites for children. The uke is sturdy and sounds remarkably great for the buck, and to top it off, your little one will also receive a chord book and a gig bag. In short, it’s an affordable high-quality ukulele pack that was specifically designed for children.
✅ Tremendous value for the buck
✅ Engaging lesson book
✅ Quality nylon gig bag
✅ Sturdy mahogany construction
❌ Flimsy stock strings
❌ Potential problems with intonation
Luna’s Tattoo Pineapple uke is light, sturdy, and decently cheap. These just happen to be my main three criteria for the best ukulele for kids, which is the reason why it’s my top pick.
2. Makala MK-SD/YLB Yellow Burst Soprano Ukulele
- Frets: 12
- Body shape: Soprano
- Included in the box: Nylon gig bag
- Material & finish: Composite back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, yellow burst finish
- Best for: Best beginner ukulele for kids
Makala’s MK-SD Yellow Burst is an excellent starter uke for numerous reasons. It has a highly playable rosewood fretboard and a sturdy neck, and it sounds decent while being among the cheapest models on the market.
✅ Beautiful design
✅ Gentle mahogany neck
✅ Durable composite construction
✅ Complementary gig bag
❌ Not many accessories are included in the box
❌ Subpar sonic performance
Why I Recommend It
Even though the MK-SD Yellow Burst may not be the best-sounding uke ever built, it’s definitely one of the better-sounding ones in its price range. It also looks attractive and has the durability required to withstand years of use and abuse.
3. Cordoba 15CM-E Edge Burst Acoustic-Electric Concert Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Body shape: Acoustic-electric concert, Edge Burst finish
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Mahogany construction
- Best for: Best intermediate ukulele for kids
Cordoba is well-renowned for manufacturing high-quality ukuleles, and Cordoba 15CM-E Edge Burst is an excellent example of their fine craftsmanship.
It has a strong all-mahogany construction and is outfitted with great-sounding factory strings. I also like the fact that it features a Cordoba pickup system, allowing youngsters to ramp up its volume when it’s plugged into an amp.
✅ Built to last
✅ Excellent sound quality
✅ Decently light
✅ Acoustic-electric design
❌ Slightly pricier than average
❌ Relatively weak tuning pegs
Why I Recommend It
I mainly recommend 15CM-E Edge Burst for its remarkable sound quality. Additionally, it looks and feels great, although you’ll need an amp to realize its full potential.
4. Luna High Tide Exotic Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Body shape: Tenor
- Included in the box: Gig bag
- Material & finish: Mahogany construction, walnut fingerboard, natural finish
- Best for: Best professional ukulele for kids
The Luna High Tide Exotic Ukulele is what I recommend to kids who are looking for a quality ukulele for their music classes. It brings impeccable intonation to the table alongside superb sonic performance, a sturdy body, and an extended scale length with access to additional frets.
✅ Single cutaway design
✅ Unique inlays
✅ Remarkably sturdy
✅ Rich, full-bodied sound
❌ Inferior playability for inexperienced children (atypical inlays)
❌ Pricy
Why I Recommend It
Luna’s High Tide offers an extended scale length, tremendous sound, and a single-cutaway design that kids with a bit more skill will certainly appreciate. However, I wouldn’t recommend it to immediate beginners since the inlays may appear confusing to them.
5. Hola! Music HM-21BU Soprano Ukulele Bundle
- Frets: 12
- Body shape: Soprano
- Included in the box: Gig bag, three picks, ukulele strap
- Material & finish: Rosewood fretboard, maple top, back & sides, spray-painted finish
- Best for: Best cheap ukulele for kids
The Hola! Music HM-21BU is the first maple ukulele on my list, and I was absolutely shocked to see how inexpensive it was. Even though it’s too light and petite for my taste, it sounds absolutely wonderful.
On top of that, the HM 21BU bundle is fairly impressive, sporting several picks, a decent-quality gig bag, and an uke strap. These add a bit more value to the already valuable box set.
✅ Excellent sound quality for a cheap uke
✅ Plenty of accessories included
✅ Inexpensive
✅ High playability
❌ Flimsy construction
❌ Unwieldy gig bag
Why I Recommend It
I want to emphasize the value of maple ukuleles, especially if we’re talking about cheap models. They’re pretty rare on the market (and rightly so – they sound absolutely fantastic), so I warmly recommend the HM-21BU package to kids of all ages.
6. Kala KA-SA-T Solid Acacia Tenor Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Body shape: Tenor
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Acacia construction, mahogany neck, walnut fretboard, gloss finish
- Best for: Best ukulele for kids under $1,000
The Kala KA-SA-T Ukulele is an acacia-made tenor. It’s one of the most versatile tonewoods used in the uke manufacturing process, as well as one of the sturdiest materials out there.
This uke is outfitted with premium-quality Aquila Nylgut strings and NuBone nut and saddle, so you can rest assured that it sounds bombastic.
✅ Gorgeous aesthetics
✅ Perfect intonation and action
✅ Pre-strung with Aquila Nylgut strings
✅ Built to last for decades
❌ Expensive
❌ No accessories included
Why I Recommend It
If your kid wants a great-sounding pro ukulele, I suggest going with Kala’s KA-SA-T. It’s a bit bigger than some of the models we’ve seen so far, but it offers a dramatically better sound and exceptional levels of durability and playability to compensate for it.
7. Ortega Guitars Earth Series RUOCEAN-CE Concert Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Body shape: Concert
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Okoume construction, walnut fingerboard, spray-painted finish
- Best for: Best ukulele for kids under $500
The Earth Series RUOCEAN-CE is one of Ortega’s finest generations of ukuleles. I chose this particular model from it, as it stands out in pretty much every field of performance.
Aside from being incredibly sturdy and sounding great, it also sports a single-cutaway semi-electric design. Furthermore, this ukulele comes pre-strung with UWNY-CC strings, a built-in tuner, and the Magus Pro pickup system.
✅ Superb onboard features
✅ Excellent sound quality
✅ Durable construction
✅ Pre-strung with UWNY-CC strings
❌ Fairly expensive
❌ Slightly heavier than average
Why I Recommend It
If you want to buy a ukulele that both you and your kid can play, I’d say go for the Ortega Ruocean-CE. It’s supplied with a variety of remarkable onboard features (integrated tuner, preamp, and pickup system), and it’s a lot sturdier than the average mid-range uke.
8. Kala KA-MK-P Makala Pineapple-Style Soprano Ukulele
- Frets: 12
- Body shape: Pineapple
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Agathis top, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck, gloss finish
- Best for: Best pineapple ukulele for kids
Small, light, and decently cheap, the Kala KA-MK-P Makala is arguably one of the best pineapple ukuleles for kids that the current market has to offer. It features a blend of exotic tonewoods and a highly navigable neck, which are just some of the many reasons why it’s perfectly suited for the petite hands of smaller children.
✅ Light as a feather
✅ Much smaller than average soprano ukuleles
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Robust construction
❌ Weak volume
❌ Requires frequent re-tuning
Why I Recommend It
Kala’s KA-MK-P is a beautiful instrument that sounds and feels as great as it looks. I recommend it because it’s not as loud as some of the ukes I’ve covered so far, so you’ll have peace of mind while your kid explores the vast world of ukulele playing.
9. Caramel CC103A Concert Ukulele Bundle
- Frets: 18
- Body shape: Concert
- Included in the box: Gig bag, replacement strings, clip-on tuner, ukulele strap, three picks, Caramel instructional video
- Material & finish: Zebrawood
- Best for: Best concert ukulele for kids
Caramel’s CC103A is made of high-quality zebrawood, which boasts impeccable sturdiness while being just a bit heavier than average. It comes with a plethora of quality accessories, including a nylon bag, a set of replacement strings, a clip-on tuner, and a few picks.
✅ An exquisite selection of tonewoods
✅ All-encompassing package of complementary accessories
✅ Decently affordable
✅ Built to last
❌ Heavy
❌ Slightly bigger than average
Why I Recommend It
Concert ukuleles are best for slightly older kids, so I recommend Caramel’s CC103A to children above 12. The value bundle has got you covered in terms of accessories, while I’m certain your young one will adore its sound and look.
10. Hricane Tenor Ukulele UKS-3
- Frets: 18
- Body shape: Pineapple concert
- Included in the box: Gig bag
- Material & finish: Sapele construction, natural finish
- Best for: Best tenor ukulele for kids
The Hricane Tenor Ukulele UKS-3 bundle offers excellent value for the money. It’s outfitted with several high-quality accessories and features a sturdy sapele-made uke that sounds incomparably better than similarly priced models.
✅ Pre-strung with quality strings
✅ Decently cheap
✅ More durable than most tenor ukes
✅ Equipped with a variety of high-quality accessories
❌ Requires frequent re-tuning
❌ High initial action
Why I Recommend It
Hricane UKS-3 is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a tenor uke. It’s a bit bigger than average, but it’s decently affordable and offers a strong sound with excellent sustain.
Best Ukulele Brands for Kids
Numerous brands manufacture ukuleles for kids, but I’ve only singled out a few of the most reputable ones.
Luna, Kala, Cordoba, Hola! Music, and Caramel are, in my humble opinion, the most reliable uke-crafting brands, which is also the reason why the majority of my review is contains their models.
Luna
Luna Guitars is a brand founded in Florida, United States of America, by Yvonne de Villiers. This brand offers a magnificent selection of top-grade ukuleles, and the bulk of their catalog is composed of entry-level and student models.
I warmly recommend starting your search for the best ukuleles for kids here, mainly because Luna-made ukes sound awesome, feel excellent, and generally offer a lot in terms of sturdiness while being decently affordable.
Kala
Kala has been on the ukulele market for a relatively short time, and they managed to enter the big leagues relatively quickly. Traditional and modern features meet in Kala’s uke models, as each model they put out offers remarkable sonic performance and playability.
Cordoba
Cordoba ukes are well-crafted, durable, and often equipped with unique features, such as exotic tonewoods or special electronic systems. You can rest assured that your child will have fun with a Cordoba ukulele.
Hola! Music
I recommend going to this brand if you don’t want to spend too much cash on a child’s ukulele. In all fairness, Hola! Music ukes are not among the best-sounding ones, but they’re cheap and often come in value bundles.
Caramel
Much like Kala, Caramel is a fresh addition to the forces of uke manufacturers. Although their selection of ukuleles is modest (to say the least), each instrument they’ve manufactured brims with quality.
Caramel ukuleles sound great, they offer excellent intonation, and they’re generally pretty cheap.
Things to Consider When Choosing Ukuleles
In comparison to standard ukes, ukulele models for children are a bit different in terms of design, size, and weight. Obviously, they also sound a bit different and their price is typically a bit lower.
These are just some of the most notable factors you ought to consider:
Level of Experience
A teen partaking in national music-playing competitions won’t have the same uke as a six year old who’s playing for the fun of it. The level of experience should be taken into account mainly because it’s tightly correlated to the uke’s price, playability, and design.
Beginner Ukuleles for Kids
Children who were just introduced to ukuleles may find pineapple-shaped models the most enjoyable. The low weight and easy fretboard navigation provided by these ukes are simply unparalleled.
Intermediate Ukuleles for Kids
I recommend sopraninos and soprano ukuleles for children who’ve had some experience with a stringed instrument before. They’re remarkably light and have a mellower, more chirpy tone compared to tenors and baritones.
Pro Ukuleles for Kids
Investing in a professional ukulele for children may be a good idea if your kid is taking music lessons or going to a music school. Pro ukes offer a superior tone and are by far the sturdiest instruments in the category.
Size
Pineapple and sopranino ukuleles are absolutely ideal for children of all ages. Alternatively, sopranos and concert ukulele types may be worth considering if your child wants a bigger, sturdier instrument.
I’d recommend tenor ukuleles for older youngsters (above 12). Baritones may be too big for kids, and even some adults don’t find them particularly comfortable.
Wood
Tonewoods heavily influence the sound and durability of any ukulele. While koa is the type of wood original ukuleles were made of, koa-made ukes aren’t all too common these days.
My recommendations include mahogany as an all-rounder, rosewood for extra playability, and abalone for the rosette. Some manufacturers use spruce for the uke’s headstock, which in my opinion is a tonewood more suitable for guitars.
The Overall Tone & Sound
As I mentioned above, tonewoods are called as such due to the fact that they dictate the tonal characteristics of an ukulele. Let’s have a quick recap of how most typical tonewoods sound:
- Koa is one of the most aesthetically pleasing tonewood types. It’s incredibly versatile tone-wise, although it leans towards the warmer end of the sound spectrum.
- Mahogany is warm-sounding tonewood that is durable and has a decent sustain.
- Walnut heavily improves the acoustics of an ukulele. It sounds fairly bright and is just slightly heavier than average.
- While maple is typically used for guitars, some ukuleles feature this tonewood as well. It’s one of the brightest-sounding wood types on the market.
- Rosewood is remarkably sturdy and exceptionally responsive to varnishes. It offers a well-balanced, warm tone.
- Ebony costs a fortune, but there’s hardly a more elegant tonewood out there. It’s almost as bright as maple.
Price
Ukuleles for kids normally cost far less than adult ukes. You can find a high-quality model if you’re willing to spend up to a hundred dollars, although the vast majority of models that the market has to offer are significantly cheaper.
Ukulele Parts
If you aren’t too familiar with ukulele jargon, this section will certainly be helpful. This section is dedicated to the anatomy of a kid’s ukulele, so let’s start with:
Head/Headstock
The topmost part of the uke. It’s equipped with tuning pegs that are used to either change or set the instrument to a particular tuning.
Tuners
Tuners have numerous synonyms, such as machine heads, tuning pegs or tuning gears. A standard uke features the 2×2 tuner setup, while certain models rock all four on the upper side.
Fretboard
The top-side of the neck is where the frets lie. The fretboard determines the playability of the ukulele. The length of the fretboard is measured from the soundhole to the nut (bottom end of the headstock).
Strings
Ukuleles normally feature four strings (A-E-C-G) that are made of either steel or nylon material.
Body
The bottom end of ukulele. The body features the bridge (a groove the strings are anchored to), a soundhole (for proper acoustics and vibrations), and in some cases, a saddle. The back and sides are also counted as uke body parts.
What’s in a Ukulele Box?
Ukulele bundles for children, in my humble opinion, offer a bit more value than standalone ukes. However, non-musicians are often dissuaded by their heftier price tag, regardless of the accessories they contain.
Let’s discuss some of the most notable ukulele accessories that uke boxes are supplied with:
Gig Bag
This is a necessary item that basically houses all of the other accessories alongside the ukulele itself. Cheaper bundles include nylon-made bags while better packages offer thoroughly padded bags with multiple carrying options (handles and straps).
Ukulele Strap
This is another typical accessory that offers the most value to young students who want to play the ukulele while standing. In this particular case, this is not an absolutely necessary item because pineapple, sopranino, and soprano ukuleles are super lightweight.
Tuner
Most companies include a clip-on tuner in the bundle. Even though you may need to show your kid how to use it, it’s definitely a valuable tool to have, even if your child isn’t a beginner.
Lessons in Various Formats
Whether it’s a chord sheet or an instructional DVD, beginner lessons are without any shadow of a doubt among the best additions a uke kit can be outfitted with. Personally, I think DVDs are a bit better mainly because they’re more engaging.
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In Conclusion
Even though I’ve shared my thoughts on what I consider to be some of the best ukuleles for kids, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what your child’s needs and demands are.
A good-sounding uke is an educational tool, while a great-looking one is more akin to a toy (and is often treated as such). Be that as it may, I wish you all the luck in finding the best uke for your little one.
