Best Recorders Instruments of 2026

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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

Recorders instruments are a popular choice for musicians and music enthusiasts alike. These instruments belong to the family of woodwind instruments, and are known for their distinct sound and ease of use. They come in various sizes and are played by blowing air into them through a mouthpiece. Recorders are commonly used in schools and music classes due to their affordability and simplicity, but they are also used by professional musicians in various genres of music. With their wide range of notes and unique sound, recorders are a great addition to any musical ensemble.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

World Rhythm WR-805 Descant Recorder with Accessories Cover #TOP 1
World Rhythm WR-805 Descant Recorder with Accessories
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Yamaha YRS302BIII Superior Soprano Recorder Cover #TOP 2
Yamaha YRS302BIII Superior Soprano Recorder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Percussion Plus Colourful Soprano Recorder Cover #TOP 3
Percussion Plus Colourful Soprano Recorder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Recorders Instruments

#TOP 1

World Rhythm WR-805 Descant Recorder with Accessories

WR-805
Black and Ivory
World Rhythm WR-805 Descant Recorder with Accessories Cover
World Rhythm WR-805 Descant School Recorder with Bag, Cleaning Rod and Fingering Chart - Soprano - English/Baroque Fingering - Black & Ivory

The World Rhythm WR-805 Recorder is a versatile 3-piece descant school recorder designed for easy finger positioning, making it perfect for beginners like you. Its stylish black and ivory design is a popular choice for after school clubs, ensuring you stand out while playing. You'll also appreciate the included fingering chart, which simplifies the learning process and helps you master notes quickly. For added convenience, a carry bag is provided, making storage and transport to and from school hassle-free.

What We Like
Easy finger positioning
Stylish black and ivory design
Includes fingering chart
Carry bag for transport
Tough plastic construction
#TOP 2

Yamaha YRS302BIII Superior Soprano Recorder

YRS302BIII
Brown
Yamaha YRS302BIII Superior Soprano Recorder Cover
Yamaha YRS302BIII Soprano Recorder

The Yamaha YRS302BIII Recorder is a superior descant instrument crafted from durable ABS resin. Its three-piece construction makes it easy to assemble and transport, offering convenience for students and musicians alike. The attractive brown design with white trim not only looks appealing but also complements its functionality. With an arched windway, this recorder enhances the clarity of notes and improves intonation, ensuring your music sounds its best. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to develop their musical skills.

What We Like
Durable ABS resin material
Three-piece construction for portability
Attractive design
Improved note clarity
Baroque fingering system
#TOP 3

Percussion Plus Colourful Soprano Recorder

PP1611
Blue
Percussion Plus Colourful Soprano Recorder Cover
Percussion Plus PP1611 Colourful Soprano Descant Recorder - Blue

The Percussion Plus Soprano Recorder is a vibrant two-piece instrument that comes in seven striking colours, making it ideal for young musicians. Its eye-catching design not only attracts attention but also encourages children to engage with music. The recorder is easy to clean, thanks to the included cleaning rod, ensuring that you can maintain it effortlessly. Additionally, it is supplied in a convenient carry pouch, allowing you to take your musical adventures anywhere with ease.

What We Like
Available in multiple bright colours
Easy to clean
Portable carry pouch included
Great for young musicians
#TOP 4

Tiger REC2-BK Descant Recorder for Beginners

REC2-BK
Black
Tiger REC2-BK Descant Recorder for Beginners Cover
Tiger REC2-BK Descant Recorder – Three Piece School, Beginners Recorder with Bag and Cleaning Rod and Fingering Chart - Black

The Tiger REC2-BK Recorder is an excellent choice for students and beginners. Favoured by teachers, this descant recorder is designed specifically for young learners, making it lightweight and easy to carry. Its three-piece construction allows you to adjust the recorder for a comfortable playing position. With Baroque fingering, it is ideal for those just starting their musical journey. Plus, it comes with a cotton carry bag, a cleaning rod, and a fingering chart for added convenience.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Adjustable for comfort
Baroque fingering for beginners
Includes carry bag and accessories
#TOP 5

Aulos 205A Brown Descant Recorder with Support

brown/ivory colored
Robin
Aulos 205A Brown Descant Recorder with Support Cover
Aulos 205A Descant Recorder – THE School Recorder for Beginners, Made in Japan – 3-Piece Soprano with Case & Cleaning Rod – Strong, Clear Sound – Trusted by Teachers.

The Aulos 205A Descant Recorder is designed for ease of use and comfort. Its synthetic resin construction ensures durability, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players. The detachable thumbed support provides additional comfort while playing, allowing you to focus on your music. With its three-part body and ivory-coloured mouthpiece, this recorder offers a pleasant aesthetic and enhances sound quality. Plus, it comes complete with a bag and cleaning rod, making maintenance and transport hassle-free.

What We Like
Durable synthetic resin construction
Detachable thumbed support
Three-part body design
Includes bag and cleaning rod

Eastar Soprano Recorder for Kids, Model ERS-21BN

EB038
Woonden
Baroque
Eastar Soprano Recorder for Kids, Model ERS-21BN Cover
Eastar Soprano Recorder Instrument for Kids Beginner, Baroque Fingering C Key with Cleaning Kit, Thumb Rest, Cotton Bag, Fingering Chart, ERS-21BN, Natural, School-Approved

The Eastar ERS-21BN Recorder is crafted from food-grade ABS resin, making it non-toxic and moisture-proof for safe use by children. Its lightweight design ensures durability during play, while producing a bright sound that is easy to control. The polished surface and detachable thumb rest provide a comfortable grip, perfect for young beginners. Additionally, the Baroque-style mouthpiece enhances airflow control, allowing for melodious and warm tones, suitable for both practice and performances.

What We Like
Durable, lightweight construction
Comfortable grip for beginners
Beautiful, melodious sound
Sleek, attractive design
#TOP 7

Yamaha YRS 32B Soprano Recorder with Baroque Fingering

YRS-32B
brown
Yamaha YRS 32B Soprano Recorder with Baroque Fingering Cover
Yamaha YRS 32B Soprano Recorder - Baroque Fingering System - Brown

The Yamaha YRS 32B Recorder offers a delightful musical experience for beginners and seasoned players alike. With its key of C, you'll find it easy to play a wide range of melodies. The Baroque Fingering System is particularly beneficial as it allows for more advanced techniques and smoother transitions between notes. The arched windway design enhances sound quality, giving you a clearer and more resonant tone. Made from durable ABS resin, this recorder ensures longevity and reliability, making it a great choice for frequent use.

What We Like
Durable ABS resin construction
Baroque Fingering System
Clear and resonant tone
Easy to play in key of C
#TOP 8

Heysland Professional Detachable Soprano Recorder

HEY101K
Black
Heysland Professional Detachable Soprano Recorder Cover
Heysland Descant Recorder Professional Detachable ABS Soprano 8 Hole Baroque Style Recorders Instrument with Thumb Rest Storage Bag Fingering Chart Classroom Wind Instruments Coffe

The Heysland Soprano Recorder is a professional 8 hole Baroque style instrument designed for comfort and ease of use. Its finely polished ABS resin nozzle ensures a safe and pleasant playing experience, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players. The three detachable sections allow for easy cleaning and portability, perfect for taking to lessons or performances. With carefully measured holes, you can enjoy accurate pitch and a beautiful sound, enhancing your musical experience.

What We Like
Comfortable and labour-saving design
Easy to clean and portable
Accurate pitch and sound quality
Adjustable finger rest for beginners
#TOP 9

Eastar ERS-21GSB Beginner Soprano Recorder C Key

EB0033
Lake Blue
German
Eastar ERS-21GSB Beginner Soprano Recorder C Key Cover
Eastar Soprano Recorder Instrument for Kids Beginner, German Fingering C Key 3 Piece with Thumb Rest, Cotton Bag, Fingering Chart, ERS-21GSB, Sky Blue, School-Approved

The Eastar ERS-21GSB Recorder is perfect for beginners who want an easy-to-play instrument. Its design allows you to control airflow smoothly, helping you produce clear, stable notes. The comfortable mouthpiece and detachable thumb rest make holding the recorder simple, giving you better handling and less fatigue. Made from high-quality ABS material, it is lightweight and durable, so you can practise without worry. The recorder also produces a warm, pure sound that suits both practice and performance, making it a reliable choice for learners starting their musical journey.

What We Like
Easy airflow control
Comfortable mouthpiece
Durable, lightweight material
Warm, clear sound
Detachable thumb rest
#TOP 10

TIGER REC7-PK Soprano Recorder with Accessories

REC7-PK
Pink
TIGER REC7-PK Soprano Recorder with Accessories Cover
TIGER REC7-PK Descant/Soprano School Recorder with Bag, Cleaning Rod and Fingering Chart, English/Baroque Fingering - Pink

The TIGER REC7-PK Recorder is an ideal choice for beginners. Its three-piece design ensures precise tuning and better intonation, making it easier for you to produce clear notes. With a carry bag included, you can conveniently store your recorder and cleaning rod, keeping everything together. This soprano/descant recorder is recommended by schools, ensuring it meets educational standards. Additionally, the cleaning rod helps you maintain a presentable instrument, allowing you to play confidently at any time.

What We Like
Precise tuning and intonation
Includes a convenient carry bag
Perfect for beginners
Recommended by schools
Cleaning rod for easy maintenance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the four main types of recorders?

Recorders of all sizes, from small to large Also, in general, ensembles are quartets that perform with the four types of recorders; soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

2. What recorder should I buy for a beginner?

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.

3. How many different sizes of recorders are there?

Recorders vary in length depending on their type. The Four main types of recorders are the soprano(descant), alto(treble), tenor, and bass. You also have the Garklein and Sopranino recorders that are smaller. And the great bass and of course the largest recorder in the world which has its own section below.

4. How much is a good recorder?

Pretty much every recorder player I know has a set. The soprano runs around $20, the Tenor is around $65. The 300 series also has altos and sopraninos and basses. If you want a renaissance style recorder, the Mollenhauer Dream plastic is great to start.

Editor's Notes

During our recorders instrument research, we found 118 recorders instrument products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 104,216 customer reviews through our big data system to write the recorders instruments list. We found that most customers choose recorders instruments with an average price of £7.59.

The recorders instruments are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of recorders instruments, including World Rhythm, Yamaha, Percussion Plus, Tiger, Aulos.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.