Best Alto Saxophone Reeds of 2025

"I find these saxophone reeds to be exceptional! They provide a perfect balance of strength and flexibility, resulting in a smooth, rich tone with every note. I've experienced better response and control, particularly in the lower registers, and they last longer than many other brands I've tried. I highly recommend these for anyone seeking reliable, high-quality options for their tenor saxophone!"

"I recently bought alto saxophone reeds with a strength of 3.5 for my daughter in the high school marching band. These reeds are of excellent quality, and both of us are thoroughly pleased with their performance. This is my second time purchasing this brand, and it consistently delivers outstanding results. The durability and consistency are commendable, making it a reliable and smooth playing experience for musicians. I wholeheartedly recommend these reeds!"

"My 13-year-old daughter plays the saxophone and absolutely loves these reeds! For beginners, I suggest starting with a 2 to 2.5 strength reed. They are durable and produce a nice sound quality. They fit the mouthpiece perfectly, and the protective covering is great so they won't break in the case. They are perfect for the alto sax and are of superior quality!"

"I've been switching between Vandoren green and red box for 10 years, but these reeds work really well on my Select Jazz alto mouthpiece. I enjoy a nice, warm sound and can navigate the registers evenly. After all this time, I keep coming back to Rico (D'Addario) Royals. I love the smaller pack options, though they are a bit more expensive per reed."

"As a middle school student playing alto saxophone for 4 years, I can confidently say that these are my favorite reeds! Plus, the price is pretty reasonable!"

"I've used Royals on tenor for years and now switched to alto. I appreciate the value they offer and prefer them over Vandoren's standard blue boxes. I've never received a bad reed out of the box. My go-to strength is 2.5, which provides the right balance of easy playability and great sound quality. Also, I love the rewards program; I’ve gotten a free reed case by entering the code!"

"I bought these Rico 2.5 reeds for my son, who is learning to play the alto saxophone, and they've been fantastic. The reeds are durable, affordable, and provide a consistent sound, which is perfect for a beginner. They hold up well to regular practice and are easy to play, making them ideal for students. Highly recommended!"

"These were recommended by my son's saxophone teacher, and we are repeat customers because they consistently produce good quality sound. Top notch!"

"Great product for the price! My daughter's music teacher recommended it, and so far, I have no complaints. I will definitely buy again!"

"These reeds make my sax sound really cool, and there's no annoying squeaky noise. Plus, they came super fast from Amazon. If you need to get me some sax stuff, these reeds are the way to go. They're not too pricey and make my music sound way better."

"I have a box full of expensive reeds that do not play. Rico always plays perfectly."

"I bought these for my son who's just starting to play. His sax came with a #3 reed. He said it's easier to play these than what came with the sax. His teacher mentioned that they are easier to break too."

"As a beginner saxophonist, I was initially uncertain about these reeds, but after trying them out, I found them to be fantastic. They produce a great sound and are incredibly easy to play. Now, they’re my go-to reeds in my saxophone case!"

"My daughter, who is just starting to learn the saxophone, was recommended to use 2.5 Vandoren reeds. I was initially worried since I read that kids should start with lower sizes. However, after discovering that the Juno 2.5 is similar to 1.5 - 2.0, I realized she plays better with them. A comparison chart on the website would be helpful for beginners like us!"

"I bought these reeds because I found a great deal at 16€. To my surprise, they are excellent and match the high quality of Vandoren. They are very responsive and easy to play, giving a sound comparable to standard Rico reeds."

"I truly believe these reeds are fantastic! The V16 was a game changer for me, elevating my sound and performance. I highly recommend them to beginners, producers, and professionals alike. Vandoren stands out for its long-lasting quality compared to other brands."

"I got these to explore which reeds I preferred for my jazz band, and I must say, $15 for four different cuts is quite reasonable!"

"As a beginner, I didn't expect to notice much difference between the reeds, but I was surprised. The Java red reed provided a richer sound that I really liked. This was a great way to discover the sound I want."

"I’ve been using these reeds for over 25 years! Depending on my mouthpiece, I select a 2.5 or 3. Once broken in, they provide a nice response and enhance the sound's edge and body. They can be a bit pricey, but occasionally I find a great deal."

"My son is quite particular about the sound from his alto saxophone. After trying various brands, he consistently returns to these for the sound he prefers. I have no complaints—his sound is fantastic, and they are more affordable than some other options he considered."

"I received a recommendation from my saxophone instructor, and I couldn’t be happier! It arrived just in time as my previous reed was failing while preparing for a solo at my wedding. The sound was clean and beautiful, and I managed to play a great solo that astonished my wife and guests! Totally worth it!"

"I've been using the Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed for almost two years now, and it has truly transformed my saxophone playing experience. The reed is soft and easy to play, allowing me to produce clear, consistent tones effortlessly. It saves me time since it requires no pre-soaking and holds up well over time, providing me with consistent performance much longer than traditional reeds. I highly recommend it!"

"As a band director, I was hesitant about plastic reeds due to previous warnings. However, upon trying this one, I was extremely surprised! It responded clearly and pleasantly without being squeaky. It’s so easy to play and has become a valuable tool for me, especially as someone who doesn’t play brass often."

"I love these reeds! They last so long and always work well for me. Just a little caution needed not to break them, as some can become useless after that. Overall, they provide a fantastic playing experience!"

"Vandoren is among the best brands for reeds, and I can vouch for that with the SR263R Alto Sax JAVA Red Reeds. My kids, who play in a large high school band, keep requesting these specific reeds over and over. The sound quality is amazing and provides excellent tone control. They are durable and reliable for regular use. I highly recommend them to anyone serious about playing!"

"I enjoy using these red JAVA reeds for my jazz pieces. They really shine with my 6c mouthpiece and are perfect for vibrato. The quality is top-notch, making them a worthwhile investment."

"These reeds have been a staple for me. They give me a sharp sound and allow me to play louder. I wouldn't want to play without them!"

"As a sax player, I swear by Vandoren reeds. Depending on the instrument, I use different ones, but I always choose Vandoren. They offer the best sound and durability at an affordable price. We’ve checked many stores, but Amazon consistently has the best pricing for me!"

"I've been using these reeds for a few years, as recommended by my clarinet teacher. I'm very satisfied with their quality and the value they provide."

"After searching for the right setup, I discovered these reeds. The V12s are significantly better than the standard Vandoren reeds. Out of the box, they are playable and responsive, providing a rich low register and a clear upper register with great tone in the altissimo range. I've been using them daily for months and couldn't be happier."