Strum-Worthy Ukes: Top Ukulele Brands to Check Out!

The ukulele, with its rich, vibrant sound and portability, has become a beloved instrument for music enthusiasts worldwide. Finding the perfect ukulele often starts with choosing a reputable brand that offers quality craftsmanship and a variety of styles to suit different playing needs. Some brands have distinguished themselves in the industry for their exceptional attention to detail, consistent sound quality, and innovative designs. For those interested in exploring the top brands that craft these wonderful instruments, look below to discover our curated list.

Illustration of ukulele

Best brands of ukulele in 2025

Kala

Kala Brand Music Co. is renowned as the world's leading ukulele brand, founded by Mike Upton in 2005 in Petaluma, California. Known for its innovative products, Kala introduced the U*BASS(r) and offers a diverse catalog of ukuleles in various sizes, styles, and tonewoods, emphasizing quality and affordability. The brand has gained global recognition, with instruments sold in over 50 countries and endorsed by artists like Vance Joy and Twenty One Pilots. Kala's commitment to quality and accessibility has made it a favorite among both beginners and professionals, with notable initiatives such as the donation of over 10,000 Waterman ukuleles to schools. The brand continues to innovate, having introduced the Kala(r) Elite USA Series in 2015.

Kamaka

Kamaka Ukulele, founded in 1916 by Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest ukuleles, including the iconic pineapple-shaped ukulele patented in 1928. The brand has been celebrated by musicians such as George Harrison and Jake Shimabukuro, and it marked its 100th anniversary in 2016 with special events and products. Kamaka ukuleles are crafted from high-quality, aged Hawaiian koa wood, ensuring durability and exceptional sound. The company has a strong commitment to quality, with no customer complaints in 77 years of manufacturing. Kamaka's legacy includes numerous awards, such as the Holo I Mua Award for Excellence and induction into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. For more information about their products, visit the Kamaka Ukulele website.

Martin

Martin & Co is renowned as one of the best producers of ukuleles, with a rich history dating back to 1917 when they sold nearly 2,000 ukuleles, a number that rivaled their guitar and mandolin sales. By 1922, Martin produced almost 5,000 ukuleles, and by 1925, this number peaked at approximately 15,000 orders, though only about 11,000 could be fulfilled that year. The company's success was so significant that by the end of 1926, Martin had produced nearly twice as many ukuleles as guitars in its entire 93-year history. Despite a decline in ukulele sales in the late 1920s and 1930s, Martin's ukulele production saw a resurgence in the 1950s, thanks in part to promoter Arthur Godfrey. Martin's commitment to quality and innovation has maintained its position as a leading ukulele brand. You can learn more about Martin's ukuleles history.

Lanikai

Lanikai is a premier ukulele brand, celebrated for its two decades of innovation and commitment to quality, making it a favorite among musicians from beginners to professionals. Since its introduction in 2003, Lanikai has been dedicated to delivering instruments that inspire and elevate performances, offering a wide range of ukulele sizes including soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, as well as innovative bass ukuleles launched in 2020. The brand is known for its high-quality sound and easy playability, particularly through its LU Series designed for entry-level musicians. Lanikai ukuleles are crafted with various tone woods and premium features, attracting artists like Julia Michaels and Alec "Cheef" Poletsky. The brand continues to grow, with its instruments featured in various media, including the video game Tchia in 2024. For more information, visit the Lanikai official website.

Cordoba

Cordoba is renowned as one of the best producers of ukuleles, particularly noted for their balance of quality, build, and affordability. Their 15CM and 15TM models, for example, are highly praised for their layered mahogany construction, which offers a rich and full sound, even though they are not as loud as solid wood ukuleles. These models, priced below $150, are ideal for beginners and casual hobbyists, showcasing Cordoba's ability to strike a perfect balance between materials and price. The 15TM tenor ukulele, in particular, features premium Aquila strings, silver tuners with pearl buttons, and an abalone rosette, enhancing its aesthetic and playability. With a long history of specializing in classical guitars, Cordoba has successfully imparted some of that feel and sound into their ukulele lineup. You can explore more about the 15TM tenor ukulele on their website.

Kanilea

Kanile'a is renowned as one of the best ukulele brands, particularly favored by intermediate and professional musicians. Founded in 1998 by Joe Souza and his wife Kristen, Kanile'a has evolved from a garage-based operation into a top-tier brand known for its high-quality instruments made from premium curly koa, a material indigenous to Hawaii. The brand stands out for its excellent customer service and offers a lifetime warranty on all its ukuleles. Kanile'a's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a preferred choice, with its sister brand, Islander, also contributing to the reforestation of Hawaiian rainforests by planting a koa tree for each ukulele built.

Ohana

Ohana is a renowned ukulele brand, headquartered in Long Beach, CA, and has been dedicated to producing high-quality ukuleles since 2006. Known for their commitment to quality, playability, and value, Ohana meticulously inspects and sets up every instrument before shipment. Their ukuleles are crafted from rich tonewoods and innovative constructions, ensuring the best possible sound. Ohana's attention to detail, such as the use of laminate mahogany bodies and classy inlays, enhances the aesthetic and functional appeal of their instruments. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Ohana continues to innovate and improve their products based on customer feedback. For more details, visit their official website.

Pono

Pono is a highly regarded brand in the ukulele market, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and affordable pricing. Founded as an extension of the renowned Ko'olau Guitars and 'Ukuleles, Pono instruments are made in Java, Indonesia, leveraging local expertise honed from European settlers. Pono ukuleles are constructed from all solid woods, feature bone nuts and saddles, and use high-quality Grover tuners, ensuring a sound and build quality close to their premium Ko'olau counterparts. This balance of quality and affordability has made Pono a favorite among musicians, with many professional players endorsing their instruments. The global ukulele market, which includes brands like Pono, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.84% until 2031, reflecting the increasing popularity of ukuleles worldwide. More information about Pono can be found on their official company website.

Flight

Flight Ukuleles, a Slovenian-based brand, has established itself as one of the top producers of ukuleles, known for their consistent improvement and innovation. Founded by the husband-and-wife team Primoz and Juliana, Flight Ukuleles are primarily made in China but are distinguished by their high quality and reliability. Their models, such as the Fireball EQ-A and Victoria CEQ, have received high praise for their build, finish, and tone, often competing favorably with other brands like Pono. Despite supply issues during the pandemic, Flight's steel-strung electric ukuleles, introduced in 2020, have been highly successful and sought after. Their commitment to listening to the market and continuously improving their offerings has made them a favorite among ukulele enthusiasts.

Fender

Fender, although not exclusively a ukulele manufacturer, is a renowned brand in the music industry that also produces high-quality ukuleles. The global ukulele market, valued at USD 4998.89 million in 2021, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.81% until 2027, and brands like Fender contribute to this growth with their diverse product offerings. Fender's ukuleles are popular among both professional and amateur players due to their excellent craftsmanship and sound quality. While Fender is not listed as one of the top key players in the ukulele market, their presence in the broader musical instrument market is significant. The market's segmentation includes various types such as soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles, with Fender offering models that cater to different player preferences.