Best Alto Recorders of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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

Alto recorders are a popular type of recorder that is often used in schools and music programs. These instruments are great for beginners because they are easy to play and have a warm, mellow tone. The alto recorder is a mid-sized instrument that is larger than the soprano recorder but smaller than the tenor recorder. It is made of wood or plastic and has a range of about two octaves. The alto recorder is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a wide range of music, from classical to folk to popular songs. It is also a great instrument for ensemble playing, as it blends well with other instruments.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F Cover #TOP 1
Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F Cover #TOP 2
Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Yamaha Alto Recorder with Simulated Rosewood Finish Cover #TOP 3
Yamaha Alto Recorder with Simulated Rosewood Finish
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Alto Recorders

#TOP 1

Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F

YRA-302B
Brown
one size
Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F Cover
Yamaha YRA-302B Alto Recorder, smooth brown finish, key of F

The Yamaha YRA-302B Alto Recorder is a 3-piece instrument made of ABS plastic with a smooth brown finish, designed for players of all levels. It features baroque fingering and an arched windway for improved breath control and tone production. The double toneholes on the lowest two notes (F and G) provide better intonation and accuracy.

What We Like
Baroque fingering for enhanced playability
Arched windway for better breath control and tone production
Double toneholes for improved intonation and accuracy on lower notes
#TOP 2

Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F

YRA-28B
White
Yamaha Alto Recorder, Key of F Cover
Yamaha YRA-28B Alto Recorder, Key of F

The Yamaha YRA-28B Alto Recorder is a three-piece instrument with double holes and baroque fingering in the key of F. This recorder is perfect for beginners and intermediate players. With its baroque fingering, you can easily learn the basics of recorder playing. The double holes give you more options to produce different notes and sounds. The three-piece construction makes it easy to clean and maintain.

What We Like
Easy to learn with baroque fingering
Double holes for more note options
Three-piece construction for easy maintenance
#TOP 3

Yamaha Alto Recorder with Simulated Rosewood Finish

YRA-312B
Rosewood
Yamaha Alto Recorder with Simulated Rosewood Finish Cover
Yamaha YRA-312B Alto Recorder, simulated Rosewood finish, Key of F

The Yamaha YRA-312B Alto Recorder in the key of F is a 3-piece instrument made from durable and long-lasting ABS plastic. It features an arched windway that gives experienced players more control, and a simulated Rosewood finish that gives the appearance of a wood grain texture.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Arched windway for more control
Simulated Rosewood finish for an attractive appearance
#TOP 4

Yamaha Alto Recorder made from Eco dear plastic

YRA-402B
Brown, White
Yamaha Alto Recorder made from Eco dear plastic Cover
Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder, Ecodear plastic, Key of F, Brown, White

The Yamaha YRA-402B Alto Recorder is a 3-piece recorder made from plant-based Eco dear plastic, which produces a rich, mellow tone similar to wood. The recorder is based on the popular Yamaha 300-series recorders, and the arched windway gives experienced players more control. The recorder is in the key of F.

What We Like
Made from environmentally friendly Eco dear plastic
Produces a rich, mellow tone similar to wood
Based on the popular and reliable Yamaha 300-series recorders
#TOP 5

Yamaha Alto Recorder YRA-314B

YRA-314B
#N/A
Yamaha Alto Recorder YRA-314B Cover
Yamaha YRA-314B Alto Recorder, simulated Ebony finish, Key of F

The Yamaha Alto Recorder is a 3-piece recorder in the key of F made from durable ABS plastic. Its arched windway provides experienced players with more control, while the simulated Ebony finish gives it a wood grain texture appearance. This recorder offers durability and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players alike.

What We Like
Durable ABS construction
Arched windway for control
Simulated Ebony finish
#TOP 6

Harmony H30A Recorder

H30A
Harmony H30A Recorder Cover
Harmony H30A F Alto Recorder

The Harmony H30A Recorder is designed with Baroque-English fingering, making it easier for you to play a variety of music styles. It comes with a sturdy bag, providing a safe way to transport and store your instrument, protecting it from dust and damage. A fingering chart is also included, serving as a helpful guide that can assist you in learning and mastering your notes. Additionally, the cleaning rod ensures that you can maintain your recorder easily, keeping it in top condition for optimal sound quality. With these features, you can enjoy a hassle-free playing experience.

What We Like
Baroque-English fingering
Durable carrying bag
Helpful fingering chart
Cleaning rod included
#TOP 7

ZAZA Alto Recorder with Accessories

ACD-108
black
Alto
ZAZA Alto Recorder with Accessories Cover
ZAZA- Quality Alto recorder with zipper bag, cleaning rod, and grease.

The ZAZA Alto Recorder is a fantastic choice for both new and experienced musicians. Its beautiful sound features rich, warm tones, making it ideal for practice and performances. With its eight-hole design, you can easily produce a variety of notes, enhancing your playing experience. The included cleaning rod simplifies maintenance, allowing you to keep your instrument in top shape by removing moisture. Additionally, the recorder comes with a convenient zipper case, making it easy to transport and store your instrument safely.

What We Like
Rich, warm tones
Easy maintenance
Convenient storage
Versatile for all skill levels
#TOP 8

Aulos 509B Alto Recorder

Brown
Aulos 509B Alto Recorder Cover
Aulos 509 B Symphony Alto/Treble Recorder

The Aulos 509B Alto Recorder is designed for advancing students and features a bright and rich tone quality. It comes with Baroque (English) fingering, a 3-piece body made from durable ABS plastic, and a zip-up leatherette bag for convenient transportation. A cleaning rod and fingering chart are also included to help you maintain and play your instrument with ease.

What We Like
Bright and rich tone quality
Durable ABS plastic construction
Comes with a zip-up leatherette bag for easy transportation
#TOP 9

Youngchang YARG-150 Alto Recorder

Youngchang YARG-150 Alto Recorder Cover
Youngchang Student Alto Recorder with Cleaning Rod, Case Bag Musical Instrument - (Black Alto German YARG-150)

The ZEESOON Alto Recorder is designed for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Its three-piece construction allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making cleaning a breeze with the included cleaning rod. The instrument features double holes for versatile playing options and produces a rich and expressive sound in the key of C, perfect for exploring various tones. With German style fingering, you will find it easy to control your airflow, ensuring accurate intonation and a pleasant playing experience.

#TOP 10

Music Recorder Instrument, Beginner Adult German/Baroque Alto Recorder

Music
Grabadora barroca
Primary color
Baroque
Music Recorder Instrument, Beginner Adult German/Baroque Alto Recorder Cover
Music Recorder Instrument,Beginner Adult GermanBaroque Alto Recorder, 8-Hole Wooden Professional Playing Flute Instrument, Storage Bag + Cleaning Stick + Lanyard, Primary Color

This music recorder instrument comes in two versions: German and Baroque. The German version is simple and easy to operate, suitable for school students, beginners or music lovers, while the Baroque version is more difficult to operate and suitable for professional performance teams or musicians. Made of natural and environmentally friendly maple, the recorder has a comfortable mouthpiece design, well-distributed finger holes, and a detachable design that comes with a storage bag, cleaning accessories, and a lanyard.

What We Like
Comes in two versions for different skill levels
Made of natural and environmentally friendly maple
Comfortable mouthpiece design and well-distributed finger holes
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a soprano recorder and an alto recorder?

The alto recorder is based on the pitch F and is a little longer and more expensive than soprano recorders. The soprano recorder is a fifth higher and based on C. The alto is great for older, advanced students and teachers, while the soprano is perfect for beginners and carrying the melody.

2. What are the best plastic alto recorder?

The best of the Zen-On plastic recorders are the Stanesby, Jr. soprano and the Bressan alto, patterned after those two famous English makers. Like the Aulos Haka models, they are baroque-style instruments with a overtone-rich, complex tone quality that is well-suited to 18th century solo music.

3. Is alto recorder good for beginners?

Probably the two most common recorder voices that beginners learn to play are soprano and alto; which one you might choose could depend on a number of factors. We recommend that you begin on the alto recorder. The alto is a great choice if you plan to play in a group with other recorder players.

Editor's Notes

During our alto recorder research, we found 24 alto recorder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,367 customer reviews through our big data system to write the alto recorders list. We found that most customers choose alto recorders with an average price of $28.61.

The alto recorders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of alto recorders, including YAMAHA, Harmony, Zaza Percussion, Aulos, ZEESOON. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.