Best Saxophones – [Alto, Tenor, Soprano, and Bari]

Our 10 picks for the best saxophones are as follows:

Best Alto Saxophones:

  1. Jean Paul USA AS-400 Student Alto Saxophone
  2. Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone
  3. Kaizer 1000 Series Alto Saxophone 
  4. Eastrock Alto Saxophone
  5. Ammoon E-Flat Bend Alto Saxophone
  6. Glory Professional Alto Eb Saxophone

Best Tenor Saxophones:

  1. Jean Paul USA Intermediate Tenor Saxophone TS-400
  2. Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor Saxophone

Best Soprano Saxophone:

  1. Kaizer Soprano Saxophone 

Best Baritone Saxophone:

  1. Yamaha YBS-62 Professional Baritone Saxophone

Read on to learn more about the best saxophones, including their specs and features.

Also, we hope you find the links here useful. We may get a commission if you purchase something through a link on this page, so thank you!

Best Alto Saxophones

1. Jean Paul USA AS-400 Student Alto Saxophone

First on our list of the best alto saxophones is the Jean Paul USA AS-400 Student Alto Saxophone:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Beginner and intermediate music students would love the Jean Paul AS-400 Alto Saxophone. Any saxophonist would feel relaxed with its fluid key work, action, and placement. It also offers a warm sound and well-rounded intonation.

This Jean Paul alto sax features a stunning brass body construction, strong bell brace, power-forged keys, and tapered pivot keys for smooth operation. Aside from its durability and ease of play, this alto saxophone is also made affordable without compromising sound and value. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Eb key 
  • Comes with a durable contoured carrying case for effortless mobility and transport
  • Nickel-plated mouthpiece cap
  • Nylon resonators
  • Gorgeous brass body construction (with Lacquer finish)
  • Includes accessories (1 Rico reed, cork grease, carrying case, cleaning cloth, gloves, swabs, and mouthpiece)
  • High F# auxiliary keys

Jean Paul is one of the leading manufacturers and brands of high-quality band instruments specifically designed for beginner and intermediate musicians.

The company makes the best intermediate saxophones and the best professional saxophones. They take pride in their musical instruments and take customer satisfaction seriously. All of their instruments are bench-tested with a second round of testing by highly skilled technicians. Jean Paul’s commitment to quality guarantees a positive user experience with a year of parts and labor warranty.

2. Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone

Next on our list of the best alto saxophones is the Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Mendini saxophones are teacher-approved, making it an excellent instrument for both student musicians and any level players. Young players can get a full-bodied sound because of the instrument’s large bore. All level players may also appreciate the fast action keys, which allow them to play the sax easily. Moreover, this alto saxophone offers a rich, deep tone and even intonation throughout the full range. 

The package includes a plush nylon hard case with a backpack strap, a zippered pocket, a neck strap, and a mouthpiece with a reed and cap. It also comes with a box of 10 2.5″ reeds, a polishing cloth, a cleaning rod, and a pair of white gloves so you can keep your instrument spot-free when being played.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Gold lacquered body and Eb keys 
  • High F# key
  • Rib construction
  • Stainless steel springs
  • High-quality leather pads
  • Metal resonators
  • Includes a mouthpiece with ligature, tuner, hard case, one box of 2.5 reeds, neck strap, cleaning rod, polishing cloth, gloves, and pocketbook
  • Offers a year of warranty against manufacturing defects

Each musical instrument is assembled with over 300 handcrafted parts – all made exclusively by Cecilio. There are no off-the-shelf parts too. Every saxophone is play tested at Cecilio’s factory and re-tested at their Los Angeles distribution center. These processes ensure that their high-quality standards are met. It’s the very reason why thousands of instructors have approved these saxophones. 

3. Kaizer 1000 Series Alto Saxophone

If you want to learn saxophone playing easily, you’ll be impressed with the Kaizer Alto Saxophone:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Kaizer 1000 Series Alto Saxophone introduces versatility, high functionality, and excellent playability to beginners at a practical price point. This alto sax also eliminates the need for another intermediate or step-up instrument. When players are ready to transition, they can then move on to a professional-level instrument.

Kaizer used similar design elements and functionality and applied them to three different saxophone platforms: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, and tenor saxophone. 

The Kaizer Student 1000 Series instruments are also built to last aside from being low maintenance. Moreover, this saxophone features a high-quality solid yellow brass for durability and enhanced tonality compared to any other type of material. 

It also prevents corrosion wear with its professionally padded leatherette, providing the perfect seal every time. This alto sax’s premium steel springs also offer a fast response, full control, and player confidence.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • The package includes a molded case, complete mouthpiece and ligature set, polishing cloth, cleaning rod, gloves, and lubricant for the mouthpiece
  • Limited Kaizer Welcome Kit (Ultra-Pure Alto Sax Care Kit)
  • High-quality solid yellow brass that enhances tonality 
  • Premium steel springs (for faster action)
  • Advanced sensitive response
  • Professional leatherette pads for maximum intonation control and comfort
  • In the key of E flat (Eb) 
  • Ideal for beginners, school bands, and orchestra players
  • Free trial of 45 days 
  • Lifetime (no-hassle) warranty against manufacturing defects

4. Eastrock Alto Saxophone

Another best alto saxophone is the Eastrock Alto Saxophone:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Eastrock alto sax is ideal for beginners, students, and any level players. This instrument uses premium h68 copper material and top-quality shell buttons for ease of use. Surely, it is a beautiful instrument with outstanding quality and performance.

This saxophone also has a rich, deep tone with uniform tank vibration and amazing sound conduction resonance. Moreover, the trumpet design enhances its dynamic performance. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Uses high-quality h68 copper material
  • Adjusted professionally before leaving the factory
  • Advanced design (uses premium leather and top quality copper needle spring)
  • Great for all level saxophone players
  • Bb, Eb, High F# key
  • Good feedback buttons
  • Value for money
  • 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects
  • The package comes with one soprano saxophone, lightweight hard case, a mouthpiece, neck strap, Reeds, mouthpiece cushion pads, cleaning cloth & rod, gloves, alcohol pads. 

5. Ammoon E-Flat Bend Alto Saxophone

The Ammoon E-Flat Bend Alto Saxophone is another excellent addition to our list of best saxophones for the money:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This Ammoon E-flat Bend Alto Saxophone is suitable for professional saxophonists. It is made from high-quality bronze and abalone shell buttons with a beautiful antique carve pattern surface. Moreover, this alto sax is definitely a great instrument for classical and Jazz music or solo playing.

It also has comfortable shell key inlays with bluing steel needle and water-resistant leather pads. Its key decoration comes in two colors: red and green. This alto saxophone is easy to play. It weighs 5.8 lbs. and measures 24.4 x 10.6 x 5.9 inches. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Alto saxophone with Eb bent and high F#
  • Bronze, antique finish
  • Special surface carve pattern design
  • Comes with water-resistant leather pads and bluing steel needle
  • Comfortable shell key inlays
  • The package comes with a mouthpiece, carrying case, straps, cleaning cloth, and brush 

6. Glory Professional Alto Eb Saxophone

The Glory Professional Alto Eb Saxophone is another of our favorite alto saxophones.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Whether you’re looking to buy a sax for yourself, your friends, or others, this alto saxophone fits the bill because of its cost-effective price and high-quality craftsmanship. It is one of the best intermediate saxophones or beginner saxophones for anyone starting out.

The Glory Professional Alto Eb Sax is the perfect choice for players who don’t want to spend way too much on buying a professional instrument. This sax also offers a good deal for the price. It is easy to play and looks good with a divine sound.

It features a gold lacquer finish and comes with 11 reeds, a care kit, a case, and eight pad cushions. You can also play it directly as there won’t be a need for tuning. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Eb, high F# alto saxophone 
  • The package includes 11 reeds, a hardshell case, mouthpiece, 8-piece cushion, neck strap, a pair of gloves, grease, screwdriver, rod, and a cleaning cloth
  • High-quality leather pads
  • Hand-engraved bell decoration
  • Metal resonators
  • Adjustable key height screws 
  • Metal thumb rest
  • Accurate sound hole positions that enable the player’s fingers to rest comfortably
  • Easy to play because of its compact design and reasonable key layout
  • Great for both children and adult players
  • Tested by professional quality inspectors before delivery

Best Tenor Saxophones

1. Jean Paul USA Intermediate Tenor Saxophone TS-400

Our first pick for the best tenor saxophones is the Jean Paul USA Intermediate Tenor Saxophone TS-400:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This tenor saxophone is a great instrument for both beginner and intermediate sax players. Developing musicians achieve success with this tenor sax because of its even key action and placement, not to mention its superior tone in its class. 

It features an aesthetic yellow brass body construction. Other features include tapered pivot keys (for ease of use), durable bell brace, and power forged keys. This saxophone also comes with a convenient carrying case for easy transport and mobility. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Bb key
  • Easy playability due to its power forged and tapered pivot keys 
  • Attractive yellow brass body construction with lacquer finish
  • Engraved bell pattern for an extra touch of class and quality 
  • With a contoured carrying case for convenient mobility
  • Accessories include one Rico reed, a carrying case, cork grease, a cleaning cloth, mouthpiece, and swabs

2. Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor Saxophone

Next on our list for the best tenor saxophone is the Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor Saxophone:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This professional tenor saxophone has been popular among band directors for decades due to its durability and superior quality at a reasonable price. The Yamaha YTS-62III continues the tradition of excellence of the previous YAS-62 and YTS-62 affordable saxophones introduced in 1979.

This tenor sax also offers new features such as a slightly narrower bore for greater control and faster response. It is one of the best professional saxophones due to its high-quality build and sound.

Its style also allows a comfortable airflow so players can achieve a solid tonal core. Moreover, the design of this saxophone is more detailed and elaborate. It also has an improved low B-C# mechanism, ensuring the right seal for these notes. Because of this connection, the instrument promotes a clear response throughout its low range. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Superior quality at an affordable price
  • Impressively durable 
  • New engraving design
  • Style neck offers a more comfortable airflow
  • Improved low B to C# connection
  • Comes with a semi-hard backpack case for a more contemporary look and ease of transport
  • Weighs 24.1 pounds
  • Measures 36 x 16.5 x 10.75 inches

Best Soprano Saxophones

1. Kaizer Soprano Saxophone

We pick the Kaizer Soprano Saxophone as the best soprano saxophone:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This best soprano saxophone offers excellent playability, high functionality, and versatility. The Kaizer 1000 Series is also great for beginners due to its reasonable price point. Moreover, it employs the same functionality and design elements to three types of sax platforms: alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones. 

This saxophone also eliminates a player’s need for an intermediate or step-up instrument. Once sax players are ready for their transition, they can successfully advance to a professional instrument

Kaizer products come from reliable factories that also produce other leading brands. That’s why the company offers one of the most dependable services and products your money can buy. Aside from top-quality manufacturing and production, Kaizer products are of incredible value with an unbeatable warranty, providing unparalleled peace of mind to customers. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Comes with black nickel gold keys
  • It has a molded case, a complete mouthpiece, ligature set, cleaning rod, polishing cloth, lubricant for the mouthpiece, and gloves
  • Built with high-quality solid yellow brass 
  • Has enhanced tonality compared to other types of materials
  • Advanced sensitive response and premium steel springs for faster action
  • Professional leatherette pads for maximum intonation control and comfort
  • In the key of Bb and ideal for beginners, school bands, and orchestra players
  • 45-day free trial 
  • Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

Best Baritone Saxophones

1. Yamaha YBS-62 Professional Baritone Saxophone

One of the best baritone saxophones on our list is the Yamaha YBS-62 Professional Baritone Saxophone:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This best baritone saxophone continues to receive excellent reviews as it consistently gives the highest quality sound due to its annealed bell. It has a rocker-style low B flat mechanism, low A, front F key, and high F#.

This sax also has an engraved bell, a gold epoxy lacquer finish, mother-of-pearl key pearls, and an adjustable thumb rest. It weighs 44.2 lbs., measures 48 x 18.5 x 12.75 inches, and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. 

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Eb key, rocker-style low B flat mechanism, low A, front F key, and high F#
  • Annealed and engraved bell
  • Gold epoxy lacquer finish and mother-of-pearl key pearls
  • Comes with an adjustable thumb rest
  • Yamaha 5-year (limited) warranty

Conclusion – Best Saxophones – Top 10 Picks

Our top 10 picks for the best saxophones are as follows:

Best Alto Saxophones:

  1. Jean Paul USA AS-400 Student Alto Saxophone
  2. Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone
  3. Kaizer 1000 Series Alto Saxophone  
  4. Eastrock Alto Saxophone
  5. Ammoon E-Flat Bend Alto Saxophone
  6. Glory Professional Alto Eb Saxophone

Best Tenor Saxophones:

  1. Jean Paul USA Intermediate Tenor Saxophone TS-400
  2. Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor Saxophone

Best Soprano Saxophone:

  1. Kaizer Soprano Saxophone 

Best Baritone Saxophone:

  1. Yamaha YBS-62 Professional Baritone Saxophone

Related reading:

How to Play Saxophone [Learn by Yourself]

What Instrument Does Kenny G Play? [Kenny G Instrument]

Different Types of Saxophones [4 Most Common and 6 Less Common]

Pros and Cons of Playing Saxophone

Selmer Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone Specs and Review