Best Ouds of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Ouds are a traditional musical instrument that originated in the Middle East. They are similar in shape to a lute and are made of wood with a rounded back. Ouds are played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, and they produce a unique and haunting sound that is often used in traditional Middle Eastern music. Ouds come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they are often intricately decorated with inlaid wood or mother-of-pearl. Whether you are a professional musician or just a music enthusiast, an oud is a beautiful and unique instrument that is sure to add a touch of exoticism to your music.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Arabic Handmade Walnut String Instrument Oud Ud AAO-108 Cover #TOP 1
Arabic Handmade Walnut String Instrument Oud Ud AAO-108
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zaza Percussion Foldable Oud Stand Cover #TOP 2
Zaza Percussion Foldable Oud Stand
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Corsaro Music 11 String Oud Cover #TOP 3
Corsaro Music 11 String Oud
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Ouds

Arabic Handmade Walnut String Instrument Oud Ud AAO-108

trirmusic
AAO-108
Walnut
Arabic Handmade Walnut String Instrument Oud Ud AAO-108 Cover
Arabic Handmade Walnut String Instrument Oud Ud AAO-108

The Arabic Handmade Walnut String Instrument Oud Ud AAO-108 is a deeply resonant musical instrument that comes with a comfortable action for playing. It is made of walnut bowl, spruce face, and ebony pegs, and handmade with a bridge to nut of 60cm, bowl of 51cm, and width of 38cm. This oud also comes with extra strings, plectrum, and a soft case, making it easy and convenient to carry around.

What We Like
Deeply resonant sound with good projection
Comfortable action for playing
Comes with extra strings, plectrum, and soft case
#TOP 2

Zaza Percussion Foldable Oud Stand

Foldable Wooden Oud Stand
Brown
Zaza Percussion Foldable Oud Stand Cover
Zaza percussion - Portable Foldable Wood Oud Stand

The Zaza Oud Stand is a convenient and stylish way to display your oud. Its foldable design means you can easily transport it wherever you go. The padded edges protect the sensitive varnish of your instrument, ensuring it stays in great condition. With a high-quality strap, your oud will remain secure, preventing any slips or falls. This is particularly helpful in homes with children, as it minimizes the risk of accidents. Weighing only 3 lbs and measuring 28 inches tall, this lightweight stand is perfect for any setting.

What We Like
Foldable for easy transport
Padded edges for protection
Secure strap for stability
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 3

Corsaro Music 11 String Oud

Corsaro Music
CRSR-WLNT-ARB-OUD
Corsaro Music 11 String Oud Cover
Corsaro Music® 11 String Acoustic Mahogany Arabian Oud + Gigbag + Istanbul™ Rishas (6) + Nubuck Risha Wallet + LaBella OU80-A String Set

The Corsaro Music Oud is a beautifully handcrafted instrument made from mahogany and features a spruce top, offering rich sound quality. The ebony pegs enhance tuning stability, ensuring your music stays in pitch as you play. Since it’s made in Turkey, you can expect traditional craftsmanship that resonates with authenticity. Additionally, this oud comes with a range of accessories valued at over $90, including a soft gig bag for easy transport and protection, making it convenient for musicians on the go.

What We Like
Handcrafted quality
Rich sound with spruce top
Includes valuable accessories
Stable tuning with ebony pegs
#TOP 4

AHMED Dam Watani Oud Spray

AHMED
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
AHMED Dam Watani Oud Spray Cover
AHMED Dam Watani 90 mL (Spray) Blended Oud with Intense Profile, Leathery Floral Oudh for Men and Women

AHMED Dam Watani Oud is a unisex fragrance that combines leathery and floral notes, making it suitable for everyone. Inspired by the mysterious essence of Oud, this scent transports you to exotic lands, creating an alluring atmosphere. Ideal for cooler seasons like winter and fall, it enhances your presence with its warm and rich profile. This versatile parfum is perfect for confident individuals looking for a signature scent that reflects their strong character. You can also layer it with other fragrances to create a unique and personalized aroma that suits your day.

What We Like
Unisex fragrance
Warm, rich scent
Versatile for all occasions
Layerable with other scents

Corsaro Music Walnut Stand

Corsaro Music
walnut
Corsaro Music Walnut Stand Cover
Walnut Stand for Ouds Elegant Portable & Foldable (Fits all Turkish and Arabic Ouds)

The Corsaro Music Walnut Stand is an elegant and chic accessory that will make your Turkish or Arabic Oud the centerpiece of any room. Handcrafted in Turkey, this stand is made from high-quality walnut wood, ensuring durability and a sophisticated look. The stand is designed to securely hold your Oud, providing stability and preventing any accidental falls or damage. Its portable and foldable design allows for easy transportation and storage, making it ideal for musicians on the go. With the Corsaro Music Walnut Stand, you can proudly display your Oud while keeping it safe and accessible, whether you are at home or on stage.

What We Like
Elegant & Chic
High-quality Walnut Wood
Portable & Foldable
#TOP 6

Les Élixirs Oud Extrait

Les Élixirs

Les Élixirs Oud is a luxurious fragrance presented in a convenient 100ml bottle, perfect for those who appreciate a rich scent. The natural spray feature allows for easy application, letting you enjoy the captivating aroma without any hassle. Made in the USA, this product ensures high quality and craftsmanship. With its enticing oud characteristics, this fragrance can elevate your presence, making it a great choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Experience the depth and warmth that Les Élixirs Oud brings to your fragrance collection.

What We Like
High-quality American craftsmanship
Convenient natural spray application
Rich, captivating fragrance
Generous 100ml size
#TOP 7

10 X Oud Pick by Zaza Percussion

zaza oud pick 0.71mm
Color May Vary
Medium
10 X Oud Pick by Zaza Percussion Cover
Professional 10 X Oud Pick Oud Plectrum, Oud Risha ZAZA Aoud Pick

The Zaza Oud Picks are a professional set designed for oud players. Each pick is medium in thickness, approximately 0.71mm, offering a balanced feel that enhances your playing experience. This thickness is ideal for achieving a rich sound while maintaining control over your strumming. Additionally, the picks come in various colors, adding a touch of personalization to your music gear. With this set, you can ensure that you always have a reliable pick on hand, making it convenient for practice or performances. Elevate your oud playing with these high-quality picks.

What We Like
Medium thickness for control
Variety of colors available
Professional quality
Convenient for practice

Ethnic Musical Electric Oud

Ethnic Musical
OUD-GTC-G12
Walnut
Ethnic Musical Electric Oud Cover
Professional Electric Oud Semi-Hollow Walnut with Equalizer & Mechanical Pegs Electro Turkish Oud

Are you looking for a top-notch electric Oud? The Ethnic Musical Electric Oud, crafted from solid walnut, is the perfect choice for you. Equipped with a Fishman PRESYS 301 pickup system, this oud allows you to simply plug in and start playing. The guitar pegs feature ensures an effortless tuning experience, making it convenient for you to fine-tune your instrument. Additionally, it comes with a free case and picks, adding extra value to your purchase. Experience the ease of playing and tuning with the Ethnic Musical Oud.

What We Like
Solid Walnut Build
Fishman Pickup System
Effortless Tuning
#TOP 9

MUSICAL STRING Ebony Oud Pegs

MUSICAL STRING
black
Standred
MUSICAL STRING Ebony Oud Pegs Cover
MUSICAL STRING 12 pcs Natural Ebony OUD Pegs Swiss Model A quality Rod masurment 55/9/7 mm

The MUSICAL STRING Oud Pegs are crafted to enhance your musical experience. These pegs improve the overall tone of your oud, allowing you to enjoy a richer sound. Made from natural ebony, they ensure durability and longevity, meaning you won’t have to replace them frequently. With a package containing 12 pegs, you have enough for a complete set, making it convenient for musicians. Plus, the Swiss model design provides a precise fit, ensuring stability and reliability while you play.

What We Like
Enhanced sound quality
Durable natural ebony
Complete set of 12
Precise Swiss model design
#TOP 10

Mid-East Arabic Electric Oud

Mid-East
OUDFLP-BK
Silver
Mid-East Arabic Electric Oud Cover
Arabic Electric Oud w/Pegs - Gig Bag, Picks, Book & Extra Strings

The Mid-East Electric Oud comes with a padded gig bag, picks, book, and extra strings. The 19.5-inch body size and 25-inch scale length provide a comfortable playing experience. With a nut width of 1.5 inches, it offers easy string manipulation. The included oud book helps beginners learn to play. The extra strings ensure you have replacements when needed.

What We Like
Comfortable size
Easy string manipulation
Includes beginner's book
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is oud so expensive?

Oud is expensive due to its rarity. Only a small percentage of wild agar trees produce oud, and the best oud comes from the oldest trees, which are even more scarce. This limited supply drives up the price, with some oud selling for $5,000 per pound or more.

2. What do Muslims use oud for?

Muslims use oud for various purposes. They believe that oud has medicinal properties and can be used to cure certain diseases. Additionally, oud is also used to enhance spiritual experiences and create a connection to the divine.

3. Is an oud harder to play than a guitar?

Playing the oud can be more challenging compared to playing a guitar. Unlike the guitar, the oud does not have frets, making it harder to determine where to place your fingers to produce the correct tones. It takes practice to get used to the fretless neck of the oud.

4. Is the oud a hard instrument to learn?

Learning to play the oud can be challenging, but it is not as difficult as learning to play the piano. With dedication and practice, one can become proficient in playing the oud.

Editor's Notes

During our oud research, we found 24 oud products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,075 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ouds list. We found that most customers choose ouds with an average price of $139.76.

The ouds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ouds, including trirmusic, Zaza Percussion, Corsaro Music, AHMED, Ethnic Musical. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 32 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.