Best Saxophones of 2025

"I bought the YAS-280, and it has amazing sound quality. It was the best purchase I could make for my kid, especially since renting was no longer a viable option. The packaging from Yamaha was perfect, and everything arrived on time. My child is thrilled with the instrument's beauty and sound."

"After a month in marching band, I can say the YAS-280 plays beautifully. I visited several stores, but Amazon offered it for over $1000 less than local shops. I did face a couple of minor issues, like the octave key needing adjustment, but the seller was quick and helpful with a replacement mouthpiece. Overall, my son loves the instrument!"

"I absolutely adore this instrument! The quality is outstanding, and I plan to purchase more Yamaha instruments in the future. Highly satisfied with my decision!"

"I’ve owned 5 or 6 Chinese saxophones, but none sounded like a real sax until I got my Glory alto sax. It’s rated number 2 for budget saxes in 2016, and it truly sounds like a sax! The beautiful design with golden keys adds to its appeal. I paired it with a Yamaha 4c mouthpiece for better sound and playability. It’s a great buy for beginners and even intermediate players!”

"As a semi-pro musician, I was skeptical about playing a Chinese sax. However, my second Glory alto sax has proven to be incredible. The engraved flower design and antique finish make it stunning, and it plays nearly perfectly. I love the clear sound and the metal tone boosters are fantastic for big band performances. For the price, it’s hard to beat!"

"I’m new to music and decided to buy this sax after seeing a deal. I’m thrilled with my choice! My instructor said it’s in great working order and will last for years. I highly recommend getting a new neck strap, but otherwise, it comes with everything you need to start playing. Ten reeds included are a nice bonus!"

"As a musician for over 30 years, I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of this alto sax right out of the box! Initially, I was skeptical due to its weird color and the thin cork on the neck, but tuning it was a breeze. I believe this saxophone could last a student through high school. If you're unsure about your kid’s commitment to playing, it’s worth the investment since you can resell it later."

"After a long break from playing, I took a chance on this affordable student saxophone. To my shock, the fit and finish were impressive. Most notes were in tune, except for a few minor issues. Despite a small soldering issue, the overall quality exceeded my expectations for the price. I was also pleased with the quality swab that came with it. I plan on investing time to relearn, and I think this sax is great for beginners or anyone returning to the instrument."

"After more than 50 years of playing saxophone, I was forced to give it up due to asthma and arthritis. The Yamaha YDS-120 has been a godsend for me. It's designed like an analog sax, making it easier on my breath and hands. I can finally enjoy playing again for just $450!"

"I find this instrument to be an excellent practice tool and MIDI controller. I love that I can use it with headphones and connect it to my iPad. The Yamaha app enhances the sound and lets me save settings, but I wish the upper octave key was more reliable. Overall, it's perfect for late-night practice sessions!"

"I had an issue with one key not functioning after just three uses, so I need to take it for service. However, the product met all my expectations, and the seller delivered it much earlier than anticipated."

"As someone who plays multiple instruments, I always wanted to try the saxophone. After much consideration, I decided on the Jean Paul tenor saxophone, and I couldn't be more pleased! The quality and craftsmanship are immediately noticeable, and as I progress, the rich tones I can produce confirm my choice was right. The case is also impressive, keeping the sax securely in place. I recommend upgrading the mouthpiece for even better results!"

"Having played various saxophones through the years, I recently purchased a Jean Paul Intermediate tenor. To my surprise, this $1200 tenor plays exceptionally well. The smooth key work and excellent sound remind me of my Selmer Mk 7. It’s a great option for any level, especially for those returning to music without breaking the bank. I genuinely recommend this saxophone!"

"After playing a Jericho alto for fun, I was ready to try a tenor. I didn't want to overspend, so I chose this one. It plays great straight out of the box, and I love how solid it feels. The deep low notes are particularly satisfying. I'm very happy with my choice!"

"My wife surprised me with this sax for my 59th birthday because I 'mentioned' wanting to play. I’m thrilled she did! This sax plays wonderfully for a beginner and achieves the notes I can play. Plus, it looks sexy! I'm bringing sexy back at 60. Thank you to my wife and the makers of this instrument—it's solid!"

"I purchased this sax for my 48-year-old son, who has never played an instrument but has always wanted to. It arrived in perfect condition and is a stunning black. After just three days, he’s making progress learning on his own. Great price for a beautiful saxophone for a beginner. I highly recommend this!"

"My 12-year-old granddaughter walks 1.5 miles to school, and she loves that this saxophone is easy to carry. She can practice well at home with it, and she thinks it will work for her even if she switches to a tenor sax. No more heavy lifting!"

"I was hesitant at first, but this horn is amazing! It plays better than my $2000 saxophone. The keys feel wonderful, and it's very free-blowing. I would recommend it for anyone on a budget under $700. Five stars for sure!"

"As a clarinet player transitioning to saxophone, I found this instrument to be a fantastic starter. The set includes everything a beginner needs, and the red color and gold trim are stunning. It's not top-notch quality, but perfectly fine for practice."

"I can't believe the excellent tonal quality of this sax! It has truly exceeded my expectations in terms of sound and construction. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a solid beginner instrument."

"I have a saxophone, but my son wasn't ready for it. I wanted him to have an instrument that was easy to manage and a step up from recorders. He loves it! I find it a bit light and awkward as an adult, but I adore the sound. I hope he enjoys it until he’s ready for a real saxophone."

"I rolled the dice on this instrument. While I can play notes, it struggles in the lower keys. I thought it might just be my playing, but I’ve missed the return window. If you’re considering this for an older child, I recommend a regular sax instead! I've spent over $100 and can’t enjoy it, but maybe you'll have better luck."

"My grandson absolutely loved this sax! He’s self-taught on almost any instrument, and this was no exception. He enjoys the different sound options, and the size is perfect for him."

"As a beginner, I’ve been playing the Eastar AS-II for several months, and it’s officially cheaper than renting. I can hit all the notes from low Bb to high F. The saxophone came with cleaning supplies, a sax stand, and a case, making it a complete package. The only downside is the reeds that came with it; I found better ones that play much easier. Overall, a great value for the price!"

"We grabbed this saxophone at half off on Prime Day. My child, a beginner, uses it for band, and it does the trick! The sound quality is good enough that her band teacher, who played alto sax in college, approved of our purchase. Just a tip: you might want to buy different reeds, as the ones included aren't the best."

"Je suis débutant et je suis satisfait de la qualité sonore et esthétique."

"I've been impressed with the high quality materials used. They really feel built to last!"

"The durability of this product is exceptional. I've had it for months and it still looks new."

"I absolutely love the comfortable fit. It feels like it was made just for me!"