Best Alto Horns of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Aug 29, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Alto horns are brass instruments with a unique sound that is often described as warm and mellow. They are commonly used in brass bands and orchestras, and are also popular in jazz and blues music. Alto horns are smaller than other brass instruments, such as the tuba or baritone horn, and are pitched in the key of E-flat. They have a conical bore, which gives them a rich sound that is perfect for blending with other instruments. Alto horns are a great choice for musicians looking for a versatile brass instrument that can be used in a variety of musical settings.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Conn 8DS CONNstellation Series Double Horn Cover #TOP 1
Conn 8DS CONNstellation Series Double Horn
ftb score rating icon 9.8
LE BLANC Alto Horn, black (L7181) Cover #TOP 2
LE BLANC Alto Horn, black (L7181)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Roy Benson Eb Altohorn MOD.AH-301 lacquered finish with Light weight form shaped case, Yellow,Gold,Silver (RB701464) Cover #TOP 3
Roy Benson Eb Altohorn MOD.AH-301 lacquered finish with Light weight form shaped case, Yellow,Gold,Silver (RB701464)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Alto Horns

#TOP 1

Conn 8DS CONNstellation Series Double Horn

Conn
Nickel,Silver
Conn 8DS CONNstellation Series Double Horn Cover
Conn Alto Horn, Nickel,Silver (8DS)

The Conn 8DS CONNstellation Series Double Horn is a popular choice among professional players. It features a 12.25 large throat bell and nickel finish that produce a dark sound with a subtle response. With a 468 bore, this double French horn offers excellent control and intonation.

What We Like
Popular among professional players
Produces a dark sound with a subtle response
468 bore offers excellent control and intonation
#TOP 2

LE BLANC Alto Horn, black (L7181)

LE BLANC
L7181
black
LE BLANC Alto Horn, black (L7181) Cover
LE BLANC Alto Horn, black (L7181)

Features
Resotone Plastic With Wood-Like Finish
One-Piece Body
Nickel-Plated Keys, Neck, And Bell
#TOP 3

Roy Benson Eb Altohorn MOD.AH-301 lacquered finish with Light weight form shaped case, Yellow,Gold,Silver (RB701464)

RB701464
Yellow,Gold,Silver
Roy Benson Eb Altohorn MOD.AH-301 lacquered finish with Light weight form shaped case, Yellow,Gold,Silver (RB701464) Cover
Roy Benson Eb Altohorn MOD.AH-301 lacquered finish with Light weight form shaped case, Yellow,Gold,Silver (RB701464)

Features
11,73 Mm Bore, Yellow Brass Body, Bell Ø 20 Cm
Gold Brass Leadpipe, Nickel Silver Outer Slides, 3 Top-Action Valves
Stainless Steel Pistons, Lacquered Finish
Light Weight Form Shaped Case
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What key is an alto horn in?

It is a brass instrument that plays in the alto range, similar to a horn, but is pitched in the key of Eb. It resembles a baritone or a euphonium in appearance but is smaller in size. The alto horn is commonly used in brass bands and marching bands but is usually replaced by the horn in concert and symphonic ensembles.

2. Where is the alto horn from?

The instrument known today as the tenor/alto horn was developed in the 1840s by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax who, among other instrument design activities, designed two similar families of valved brass instruments, the saxhorn and the saxotromba.

3. Is French horn alto?

The way I understand it, French horn is itself an alto instrument, or at least one that more often than not plays within the alto range.

4. What is an Altonium?

Altonium" is a King model name for an alto horn designed to be used with a French horn mouthpiece. It's the same pitch as an ordinary Eb alto horn.

Editor's Notes

During our alto horn research, we found 10 alto horn products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,154 customer reviews through our big data system to write the alto horns list. We found that most customers choose alto horns with an average price of $2,575.14.

The alto horns are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of alto horns, including Conn, LE BLANC, Roy Benson. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 386 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.