Name: ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner kit
Brand: ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner kit

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Choosing the perfect instrument for your kids to develop great musical skills can be difficult. Ukuleles are amazing for kids to get started with their musical training. They are more user-friendly for little ones because they are smaller than guitars and are also very easy to play, not to mention that they come at a budget-friendly price.

We examined 36 models on the market to help parents who want to improve the musical skills of their little ones to find the best ukulele for their kids. We’ve chosen the ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit as our favorite because of its high-quality construction, and it comes complete with a gig bag with a hook-in strap. We like that this ukulele kit includes a tuner with an LED display so your little ones can get started right away. If you want to take a look at something else, we also gathered seven other popular models that are great for children.

When reviewing the best ukuleles for kids, we considered multiple factors, with size being one of the most important because this is a defining feature for little players. We also looked at the number of frets, materials, and colors to identify high-end ukuleles for children. We spent days reading reviews from users and asked experts who actually tested the ukuleles and gathered all the information into the comparison table below. You will also find a detailed review of each of the ukuleles that made it to our top and a buying guide to help you make your final choice.

Quick Summary

Editor's Choice: ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner kit

"An outstanding ukulele that comes with a lot of extras, including the clip-on tuner. Your kids can easily get used to this wonderful instrument."
Customers’ Choice: AKLOT Soprano Ukulele Solid Mahogany Starter Kit

"A very popular instrument that comes with a complete package of useful accessories. It includes a comprehensive manual with free online lessons to help your child learn the basics."
Best Eye-catching Design: Kala Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele

"Your kids will love the bright colors of this top-notch uke, and it will make them want to come back to practice more frequently."
Best Balanced Sound: Mahalo U Smile Soprano Ukulele

"An incredible ukulele for kids with a perfect sound provided by the Aquila strings. It is easy to tune and make accurate adjustments."
Best Traditional Design: Kala KA-S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele

"If your kid doesn’t want the uke to look too fancy, consider this model with a magnificent traditional appearance. Its beautiful sound will definitely catch the attention of the listeners."
Best Package: Barcelona Soprano Ukulele

"If you want to get the ukulele for your kids that comes ready to play and has all the accessories included in the bundle, this is your pick."
Best Durable Ukulele: Diamond Head DU-151 Ukulele

"If your kid is a complete beginner, check this wonderful ukulele. It has a sturdy construction and sounds better than you might expect."
Budget Pick: POMAIKAI Soprano Wood Ukulele

"If you don’t want to invest much in the first instrument for your kid, consider this option. There are many different colors available, and you will love the quality of this ukulele."

Top 8 Ukuleles for Kids in 2021

ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner kit – Editor's Choice

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: wine red, black, blue, brown, green, natural, pink, purple, light brown, mocha, yellow-brown
Material: basswood fingerboard, top, linden back and side
Number of frets: 12

More features: comes with nylon case, clip-on tuner, hook-in straps, polishing cloth, extra set of strings, plectrums

Price on Amazon

The ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner kit made it to the top as our editor’s choice because it combines ease of use with high-quality, sturdy construction. It also comes with all the accessories your little one might need to get started, including a clip-on tuner, extra set of strings, a nylon case, polishing cloth, and hook-in straps.

This ukulele is suitable for beginners and professionals alike, and we like the fact that it can be used both by children and adults. It is, in fact, a kit suitable for anyone who wants to play a musical instrument, even if they don’t have any musical experience at all. Thanks to the basswood top and the linden back and sides, these ukuleles provide you with a distinctive tone. One of the most common problems children have when they learn to play ukuleles is tuning, but with the clip-on tuner with LED display included in this kit, they can learn to tune easily. The ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit received a lot of praise from reviewers for the sound it delivers, as well as the user-friendly experience it provides. However, some customers didn’t like the plastic frets.

What makes it stand out?

Easy to use
Lots of accessories
Clip-on tuner with LED display

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

Plastic frets

AKLOT Soprano Ukulele Solid Mahogany Starter Kit – Customers’ Choice

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: mahogany
Material: mahogany
Number of frets: 12

More features: rounded edges, bundle includes tuner, strap, picks, gig bag, extra set of string, instruction booklet and free online lessons

Price on Amazon

9.8

Another starter kit suitable for children of all ages, the AKLOT Soprano Ukulele Solid Mahogany Starter Kit has a very neat and durable construction for an entry-level instrument. Coming complete with a range of accessories including a tuner, gig bag, picks, and an extra set of string, this ukulele set is perfect for beginners, but the sound quality is bound to satisfy intermediate users as well.

While boasting high tuning accuracy, this uke is sturdy and comes with an affordable price tag. The premium-quality full copper gears and high-end tuners received very positive feedback from users who tested the kit. Nevertheless, some people found it hard to change the strings on this ukulele.

We liked that the kit comes with a free 45-day warranty, so you can change your mind about it if your kid wants to try something else. The rounded edge of the instrument makes for comfortable playing, and you get a comprehensive manual with instructions on how to play as well. With its help, your little one can get started right away and master the basics in less than half an hour.

What are our favorite features?

Durable construction
Multitude of accessories
Comprehensive instructions

What could be better?

Some players may find it difficult to change the strings

Kala Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele – Best Eye-catching Design

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: red, black, blue, green
Material: mahogany neck, walnut fingerboard, kauri top, composite back and sides
Number of frets: 12

More features: Aquila Super Nylgut strings, high quality, manufacturer provides Kala Ukulele App

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.7

Boasting an eye-catching design that is sure to draw attention, the Kala Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele is available in multiple colors, which makes it easy to pick an instrument in your child’s favorite hue. This ukulele looks and sounds great and is the perfect choice for kids who are only getting started on their musical journey.

This instrument features a twist in the classical ukulele style and has a mahogany neck completed by a walnut bridge and fretboard. It comes with a gig bag for easy transportation and has a common soprano size, so it works well for children who are already playing beyond beginner’s level. The Kala Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele is made by well-known company Kala, which produces a wide range of high-quality musical instruments. Unfortunately, your kid will have to tune it very often.

Users who tested these ukuleles liked the rich sound you can achieve with it thanks to the Aquila strings that can take your musical experience to the next level. An app is available to get kids started straight out of the box.

What do we love it for?

Choice of vibrant colors
Easy to play right away
Great sound

What were we disappointed with?

Comes out of tune quite often

Mahalo U Smile Soprano Ukulele – Best Balanced Sound

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: green, pink, red, white, light blue, yellow
Material: sengon body, jabon neck, mahogany fingerboard and bridge
Number of frets: 12

More features: gold plated strings, smooth and accurate tuning, balanced sound

Price on Amazon

9.5

One of the most affordable ukuleles for children on the market, the Mahalo U Smile is a soprano uke with a body made of sengon. The fingerboard and the bridge are made from mahogany, and the size of the instrument makes it highly playable for children of all ages. Every part of it is carefully crafted, which makes it ideal for beginners.

This ukulele produces a sound that many users might not expect from an instrument with this price tag. Users who tested it mentioned how good it sounds even in the hands of a complete beginner. The frets are made of brass, while the strings made by Aquila are gold plated and provide enhanced sound. The Mahalo U Smile Soprano Ukulele comes complete with a black gig bag for easy storage and transportation, although many customers didn’t like the quality of the bag.

We also liked how the NuBone saddle contributes to the balance of the sound. Users who tested this instrument mentioned that it is an excellent choice for those who want to travel from one place to another, and for children who love string instruments and want to have their ukuleles with them wherever they go.

What makes it special?

Great sound
Perfect size for children
Affordable

What cons did we find?

Cheap case

Kala KA-S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele – Best Traditional Design

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: mahogany
Material: mahogany body and neck, walnut fingerboard
Number of frets: 12

More features: includes a gig bag, clip-on digital tuner, instructional DVD, and polishing cloth

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.4

The Kala KA-S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele is a suitable choice for those who are looking for an affordable, yet reliable ukulele that can deliver wonderful sound. The uke features a walnut fingerboard and a mahogany body and neck. This instrument has 12 frets and comes complete with a clip-on digital tuner and a gig bag, so you can store and transport it effortlessly.

We liked that the Kala KA-S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele comes with an instructional DVD, which makes it very easy to get started even if you haven’t played the ukuleles before. The 21″ soprano size makes it ideal for both younger and older children and allows adults to practice on it as well. However, many reviewers concluded that this ukulele is fantastic for first-time players, but more advanced users might find it a bit underperforming and always coming out of tune.

The satin finish and mahogany color give this instrument a classic, timeless appearance that received lots of praise from users. The instrument is overall easy to play and has beautiful sound.

What makes it special?

Beautiful design
Comes with instructional DVD
Amazing sound

What cons did we find?

Not for advanced players

Barcelona Soprano Ukulele – Best Package

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: green, mahogany, red, light blue
Material: basswood/mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard and bridge
Number of frets: 12

More features: open-geared tuning pegs, includes a gig bag or a hard case, clip-on digital tuner, instructional DVD, and polishing cloth

Price on Amazon

9.3

A colorful choice that is bound to make children happy, the Barcelona Soprano Ukulele is available in multiple shades to suit your little one’s preferences. Made from basswood and mahogany, this is a high-quality model that children will have lots of fun learning to play on. Moreover, it is an instrument that still sounds and feels great even after the child has evolved from the beginner phase.

The Barcelona Soprano Ukulele is a well-constructed instrument that comes with an instructional video to help first-time players start their musical journey. Other accessories that come with the ukulele include a clip-on tuner, a gig bag, and a polishing cloth to keep the instrument in tip-top condition.

Many customers adore the tuner that comes with the Barcelona Soprano Ukulele because it makes the instrument very easy to use. It is actually not difficult to master even if you haven’t tried to tune the instrument before. Some users received this ukulele with cosmetic flaws, but overall, it’s a sturdy instrument that your kid can enjoy for a long time.

Why is it special?

Easy to play
Affordable
Wonderful package

What are the flaws?

Potential cosmetic flaws

Diamond Head DU-151 Ukulele – Best Durable Ukulele

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: mahogany
Material: maple body and neck
Number of frets: 12

More features: comes with the colorful Aquila educational ukulele strings, pocket instruction guide, gig bag, 3 picks

Price on Amazon

9.2

It can be difficult to find a reliable and affordable instrument, but with the Diamond Head DU-151 Ukulele, you can get a budget-oriented model for your child that sounds better than you might expect to. Even though this is not an instrument that works well for those who are beyond the beginner’s level, it is a good durable option for parents who are looking for ukuleles as the first musical instrument for their kid. Many of them admitted that this instrument is a great investment to let their smaller ones try it. You will want to find an upgrade as soon as your kid progresses.

The Diamond Head DU-151 Ukulele has a standard soprano size, and the sturdy body and neck are made of maple. Although you can hear the difference between this model and premium ukuleles, it has decent tonal properties, and it looks well at the same time. The sound of the strings has its shortcomings, and many people recommend changing them. Overall, since the build quality of this instrument is very nice, it’s a lovely choice for a beginner.

What are its best features?

Affordable
Decent sound
Sturdy construction

What could be improved?

Cheap strings
Not for more advanced kids

POMAIKAI Soprano Wood Ukulele – Budget Pick

Features

Size: 21″ soprano
Color: black, brown, pink, dark blue, blue, bright brown, sapele mahogany, USA-flag, light blue, UK-flag
Material: basswood body, black hardwood fingerboard
Number of frets: 12

More features: 30-day money-back &12-months warranty, comes with gig bag

Price on Amazon

9.0

POMAIKAI is often the brand of choice for parents who are looking to purchase their child’s first musical instrument. The POMAIKAI Soprano Wood Ukulele is suitable for little ones due to its compact size and also very lightweight so they can play it comfortably.

This is our budget pick because it provides a decent quality for the price tag and comes with a real basswood body and a high-gloss finish. The ukulele is available in multiple colors and features 12 frets on the hardwood fingerboard. Some of the users who tested it mentioned that the strings might feel and sound a bit cheap, but the instrument is quite durable and offers decent sound for beginners. The POMAIKAI Soprano Wood Ukulele comes with a 12-month warranty, so you don’t have to worry about your investment. We liked that the side fingerboard is smooth, so it will be harmless for your kid to learn. Even though the instrument doesn’t come with a digital tuner, the tuning is fast, and it can stay in tune for a long time.

What makes it special?

Good sound
Available in multiple colors
Affordable

What cons did we find?

Strings could be better

Things to Consider

A ukulele is one of the best instruments available out there for the children to get introduced to playing music. This string instrument can be an engaging hobby for children of all ages, and ukuleles are often a better choice than guitars because they are smaller and easier to play. Moreover, they are more affordable than guitars, so parents don’t have to fork out that much money for something that might seem boring to their kids after a while. We compiled this useful buying guide to help you choose the best ukulele for kids.

How to pick the best ukulele for kids

Before making a purchase, you need to consider the types of ukuleles available. Next, it’s important to consider the materials and quality, design, and any accessories that might come with the instrument to help your little one get started on the right foot. The right approach to finding the best ukulele for your children can help them to progress faster.

Size

The four main types of ukuleles, according to size, are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The smallest model is the soprano, also known as the traditional ukulele size, measuring about 21 inches long. This is an amazing type for kids who are only starting out because it is compact enough for them to hold and play easily, and this is why we featured it exclusively in our reviews. Next on the sizing scale is the concert ukulele, which is slightly bigger and has a deeper tone. Concert ukuleles are 2 inches longer and have a bigger body. Tenor ukuleles are approximately 26 inches in size and are great for children and adults who already have musical experience. Finally, the baritone ukulele produces sounds similar to those of a guitar and is also the largest type available.

Materials

The materials and build quality of the ukuleles are essential for determining how pleasant the sound coming from the instrument is.

If you are looking for a durable instrument that also sounds great, even if your child is only a beginner, solid wood construction is highly desirable.

Mahogany and walnut are two types of words often used in the manufacturing of high-end ukuleles, but you can also choose a more budget-friendly model that comes with the laminated top. Some models, such as the Diamond Head DU-151 Ukulele, have a body and neck made of maple. In contrast, others, such as the Barcelona Soprano Ukulele, sport a body made from mahogany or basswood and a bridge made from rosewood.

Design

Many ukuleles for children are available in different colors because little ones prefer instruments with bright and attractive designs. There are several shapes of ukuleles available, with standard ones being the most readily available. Standard ukuleles have a body shape similar to that of an acoustic guitar, while pineapple ones are more on the oval side. Many parents choose to buy standard models for their children because they are comfortable to play with since their size suits little hands.

Frets

The quality and number of frets are important because they contribute to how easy it is to play. Most models designed for children come with 12 frets because they are less likely to go past the 12th fret compared to experienced musicians. You will find that the frets can be made of brass or plastic.

It is essential to check the customers’ feedback to find whether the frets create rattling or buzzing sounds that can irritate the player or not.

Tuners

Ukuleles have tuners on their heads, many of which are similar to those you can expect to find on a guitar. Ensure that the tuners are easy to use and that your kid can adjust them smoothly and correctly so the instrument doesn’t go out of tune every few minutes.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect the uke to remain in tune for up to two weeks.

Starter kit

Most of the ukuleles we reviewed come with bundles that may include a gig bag or a hard case for easy storage and transportation, a polishing cloth for cleaning the instrument, and instructional DVDs or booklets to get you started right away. Some also come with clip-on tuners and an extra set of strings, like our Editor’s Choice, the ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit, for example.

Warranty

You generally expect the ukuleles to come with a warranty, and that is available for the vast majority of the models we reviewed. Some instruments have a 30-day money-back guarantee and 12-month warranty against manufacturers’ defects, such as the POMAIKAI Soprano Wood Ukulele. The warranty covers any defective parts and manufacturing errors but does not include misuse or wear and tear.

Prices

The selection of ukuleles we reviewed covers all price ranges. Many brands offer high-quality ukuleles that come with a higher price tag, and they are often suitable for children who already know how to play and need an instrument to improve their technique.

Higher-priced ukuleles can go up to $80 and more. They often include many accessories and have more natural sound, as well as stylish designs. An example is the Kala KA-S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele. However, if you don’t want to spend a lot, you can try one of the ukuleles in the under $50 price range, which offers decent sound and colorful designs, such as the POMAIKAI Soprano Wood Ukulele. It can make your little ones want to start their musical journey, and the bright colors are sure to please your kids.

FAQ

Is ukulele for kids easier to learn to play than the guitar?

The ukuleles are generally easier to learn by children because they are smaller than a guitar and thus more suitable for their little hands. Moreover, they only come with four strings, which means that they’re easier to master. Some of the kits we reviewed here have booklets or DVDs to help your kid learn the basics and progress. The ukuleles are more portable compared to a guitar, so your kids can take it wherever they want to play and enjoy the sound.

How can I tune the ukulele for kids?

Most of the ukuleles available on the market have four strings that need to be tuned, and you can do that in multiple ways. You should start by locating the tuning pegs on the head of the instrument and tighten them to raise the pitch or loosen them to lower it. You can also tune the ukuleles using a piano or keyboard or with an electronic tuner that might be included in the kit or bought separately. Remember to adjust the tuners occasionally, because all string instruments come out of tune sooner or later.

Should my child go for music lessons to learn the basics of playing the ukulele?

Mastering the basics of ukuleles doesn’t necessarily require lessons, particularly if the instrument you purchase comes with an instructional DVD or booklet. All you need is a child interested in playing and maybe some videos that can help them master the chords in no time. If it seems to be quite difficult to learn with videos or online lessons, your kid might want to try music lessons.

Our Verdict

From the ukuleles we reviewed, the ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit seemed the best for kids on the market. This instrument combines a quality build and beautiful design with premium sound. It also comes with all the accessories your kid might need to get started right away.

A second one close to it was the AKLOT Soprano Ukulele Solid Mahogany Starter Kit, which is made from mahogany and brings a crisp sound while also being very easy to master.

Finally, if you want to get an instrument with a rich sound, the Kala Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele is an excellent choice. It is also available in a selection of vibrant colors that are sure to please the children.

We hope that this article was helpful for you and you finally found the best ukulele for your kid.