The Quest for the Best Tenor Ukulele Under $250 – UKE Republic’s Top Picks

At UKE Republic, we believe you don’t have to break the bank to play a tenor ukulele with great tone, craftsmanship, and stage-worthy looks. Whether you're a newbie with taste or a seasoned player on a budget, we’ve curated a lineup of tenor ukuleles under $250 that punch far above their price point.

This isn’t a ranked list—it’s a carefully curated lineup of our top tenor uke picks based on value, tone, features, and style. Each one brings something special to the table (or the stage).

Let’s dive in and help you find your next favorite uke—without giving your wallet performance anxiety.

🥇 Top Tenor Ukuleles $250 & Under at UKE Republic

1. Kala KA‑EBY‑T Striped Ebony Tenor Ukulele – $199

Kala KA-EBY-T Striped Ebony Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Kala KA-EBY-T Striped Ebony Tenor Ukulele

Tone & Build: Full striped ebony body gives you bright, crisp tone with bold projection. Maple binding + abalone rosette = visual wow.
Why It Rocks: Looks and sounds like a much pricier instrument. Great for clear leads and percussive strumming.

2. 🌺 KoAloha KoAlana KTA-10SP Sapele Tenor Ukulele w/ Gig Bag – $215 (On Sale!)

KoAloha KoAlana KTA-10SP Sapele Tenor Ukulele w/ Gig Bag at UKE Republic
KoAloha KoAlana KTA-10SP

The Prestige Pick: Brings legendary KoAloha quality to a broader audience. Laminated sapele, fluorocarbon Low G strings, abalone rosette, and the Masubi soundhole—plus a padded KoAloha gig bag.

Why It Stuns: Exceptional playability and aesthetics with professional setup included.

3. Kala KA‑EBY‑TE2006 Tenor w/ Pickup – $249

Kala KA‑EBY‑TE2006 Tenor w/ Pickup at UKE Republic
Kala KA-EBY-TE2006

Tone & Build: Same striped ebony tonewood, now with a built-in pickup and EQ.

Why It’s Rare: A performance-ready uke under $250? Yes, please.

4. Islander MT‑4‑HNS Mahogany Honu Tenor Ukulele – $185

Islander MT-4-HNS Mahogany Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Islander MT-4-HNS

Tone & Build: All-mahogany body, mellow tone, and honu (turtle) motif.

Why It Shines: Soulful tone, gorgeous aesthetic, and budget-friendly price.

5. Kala KA‑TG Mahogany Gloss Tenor Ukulele – $159

Kala KA-TG at UKE Republic
Kala KA-TG Gloss Mahogany Tenor Ukulele

Tone & Build: Mahogany warmth and a clean gloss finish.
Why It Works: Smooth, reliable, easy to play—perfect for starters or everyday jammers.

6. Islander MT-4-HNS Mahogany Tenor Ukulele – $249

Islander MT-4-HNS Mahogany Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Islander AT-4EQ

Tone & Build: Bright, balanced tone with Fishman pickup.

Why It’s Special: Plug-and-play performance without the price tag.

7. Kala KA‑BMB‑T Solid Bamboo Tenor Ukulele – $169

Kala KA‑BMB‑T Solid Bamboo Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Kala KA-BMB-T

Tone & Build: Solid bamboo = eco-conscious, snappy tone.

Why It’s a Vibe: Lightweight, bold, sustainable.

8. Kala KA-SMH-T Solid Mahogany Tenor Ukulele – $249

Kala KA-SMH-T Solid Mahogany Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Kala KA-SMH-T

Tone & Build: Solid mahogany construction.

Why It’s a Winner: Boutique tone with an accessible price tag.

9. Makala MK82105 Mahogany 8‑String Tenor Ukulele – $159

Makala MK82105 Mahogany 8‑String Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Kala MK82105 8-String Tenor Ukulele

Tone & Build: 8 strings = natural chorus effect.

Why It Intrigues: Rich, textured strumming with added shimmer.

10. Ohana TK‑180M Flame Okoume Tenor Ukulele – $189

Ohana TK-180M Flame Okoume Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Ohana TK-180M Flame Okoume Tenor Ukulele

Tone & Build: Flame okoume + slot-head for vintage flair.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Under-the-radar greatness with sparkle.

11. Ohana TK‑70R Solid Spruce & Rosewood Tenor Ukulele – $249 (On Sale!)

Ohana TK‑70R Solid Spruce & Rosewood Tenor Ukulele at UKE Republic
Ohana TK-70R

Tone & Build: Solid spruce top and rosewood back/sides for bold clarity and depth.

Why It’s a Powerhouse: Arched back, slot-head, abalone accents, and refined style—this uke sounds as stunning as it looks.
Who It’s For: Advanced tone seekers and budget boutique lovers.

🧠 How to Pick the Right One

Your PriorityYour Match
Bright, focused toneKala KA-EBY-T or KA-EBY-TE2006
Warm, mellow vibeIslander MT-4-HNS or Kala KA-TG
Ready to plug in and playIslander AT-4EQ or KA-EBY-TE2006
Eco-conscious & bold lookKala KA-BMB-T
Lush, full 8-string soundMakala MK82105
Unique tonewood and styleOhana TK-180M
Solid mahogany warmthKala KA-SMH-T
Bright top-end + premium tonewoodsOhana TK-70R
Prestige brand at an unbeatable priceKoAloha KoAlana KTA-10SP 🌺

🛠 Every Uke Gets the UKE Republic Pro Setup Treatment

We professionally set up every ukulele before it ships—no sharp frets, no buzzing, no sloppy action. Just a smooth, playable, intonation-perfect instrument worthy of the UKE Republic name.

Prices listed are current at time of posting and subject to change. Inventory moves quickly—especially at this price point.
🛞 Order now and get the best bang-for-your-buck tenor uke, with that handcrafted UKE Republic touch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles?
A: Tenor ukuleles are larger than soprano and concert sizes, offering deeper tone and more room on the fretboard—perfect for adults and performers.

Q: Are these ukuleles good for beginners?
A: Absolutely. Many on this list are beginner-friendly but built to last. Plus, UKE Republic includes a Pro Setup for easy playability right out of the gate.

Q: What’s a Pro Setup?
A: Our Pro Setup includes fret dressing, action adjustment, intonation checks, and string optimization—so your uke is smooth, buzz-free, and stage-ready.

Q: Does the KoAloha KoAlana really include a gig bag?
A: Yes! And it’s a padded KoAloha-branded bag with backpack straps and front pocket—perfect for travel and protection.

Location: 5000 Austell Powder Springs Rd SW STE 250, Austell, GA 30106, USA

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