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Top 10 Best Ukulele Case in 2023

As any musician knows, it’s really important to take good care of our instruments. Unfortunately, when we travel, it’s not always easy to do so. Airlines, bus drivers, even other passengers are not always careful with our precious cargo!

We always protect ourselves when we go out, so why wouldn’t we protect our ukuleles too? Well, my friend, you’re in luck! We’ve looked around, and then put together this list to answer that burning question: Which is the best ukulele case?

So, let’s go through them and find the perfect case for your uke…

best ukulele case

Contents

Top 10 Best Ukulele Case of 2023


1 Gator Cases Gig Bag For Tenor Style Ukuleles

Soft but strong…

First up, a soft bag from Gator Cases. Widely known and well respected, Gator bags are a popular choice for the traveling musician.

But can this bag live up to their reputation?

The short answer? Yes, it can! Designed for a tenor uke, this is a larger bag. At almost 27 inches long and just over 10 inches wide, it’s seriously roomy. This could be the bag for you if you have an unusually shaped or extra-wide instrument.

As this is a soft bag, it is not too weighty. Reliable nylon construction means it can be depended on not to break or tear. It is sturdy yet delicate, making this a great portable option for transporting your ukulele.

But how does it protect our instrument?

10 mm of internal padding take care of that. Plus, the interior is reinforced around the headstock, removing the risk of damage and ensuring that you can travel, safe in the knowledge that your ukulele is taken care of.

Of course, many musicians need a lot of accessories, and that’s where this bag lets us down. It only has one pocket, which does not offer a lot of storage space. If you’re someone who travels with lots of extras, you may need to look at limiting what you bring with you.

Versatile and reliable…

But that’s a minor criticism! All in all, this a reliable bag. Its adjustable straps make it ideal for just about anyone to travel with, and we can bank on it protecting our instrument.

And of course, it comes in fashionable, classic, black.

Gator Cases Gig Bag For Tenor Style Ukuleles
Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Roomy interior.
  • Reinforced headstock.
  • Adjustable straps.

Cons

  • Limited storage space.

2 Gator Cases Deluxe Hard-Shell Wood Case For Concert Style Ukuleles

Another offering from Gator Cases, however, this is a hard case rather than a soft bag.

So how does it measure up?

At around 25 inches long, this case comfortably fits a concert ukulele. Measuring 8.5 inches at its widest, it is quite a close fit, meaning your uke stays safely snuggled up like a bug in a rug at all times.

Well-built from sturdy plywood, we have here a really durable case. It is covered with Telex PVC offering great protection from scratches, bumps, and bruises. Are you accident-prone? No problem. Your uke will be well guarded against trips, tumbles, or falls.

The covering also keeps your ukulele safe from water. No more worries about carrying it in the rain, this case resists moisture and dampness. Handy for bad weather and stormy days!

So, that’s the outside sorted. But how about the interior?

The luxurious, silky lining offers excellent cushioning for your instrument. Its ample padding is sure to keep the uke safe and secure. Plus, it has a big internal storage compartment, perfect for tuners, plectrums, and extra strings.

Of course, it’s heavier than a soft case. And while its ergonomic handle offers some comfort, it could be less convenient to transport than a case with straps.

This is by no means the cheapest option out there. But for what it offers, it is not that expensive either. This is a solid, practical, buy, and a strong contender for the most robust ukulele case around!

Gator Cases Deluxe Hard-Shell Wood Case For Concert Style Ukuleles
Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Solid and well-built.
  • PVC covering keeps out moisture.
  • Roomy storage.

Cons

  • Heavy.
  • Features a handle, but no straps.

3 Carrion C-1640 Black Hardshell Soprano Ukulele Case

Safe and secure…

Security is the watchword with this case. Unlike some, this one features a middle lock as well as three chrome-plated brass latches. Perfect for defending your uke against would-be thieves or anyone trying to mess with your tuning!

This case is extremely well padded. Thick foam covered in a dense black plush, it gives your uke a cozy, comfortable nest to lie in. You can be sure your instrument will be well protected and happy on its journey!

The foam padding is strengthened by a multi-ply wood core. Solid enough to stand up against accidental drops or falls, your ukulele is preserved from damage and safe from harm. With a black Tolex covering and heavy-duty stitching, not only is this case practical, it looks great too. It protects against the elements and offers a stylish, moisture resistant home for your instrument.

How about the weight?

Aren’t hard cases usually heavier? Actually, no! This weighs just 2.8 pounds. If you have your heart set on a hard shell, this might be the best travel ukulele case.

But, there’s a catch. As it’s so lightweight, it can seem a flimsier than other hard cases.

Only 22.5 inches in length, this is a soprano ukulele case. Although it is compact, it does manage to squeeze in a surprisingly roomy storage compartment. Just enough space for everything your ukulele might need on its travels!

Oh, and it’s pretty easy on the wallet too.

Carrion C-1640 Black Hardshell Soprano Ukulele Case
Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Lockable.
  • Thickly padded.
  • Lightweight.

Cons

  • Its weight can give the impression that it’s weaker than other hard-shell cases.

4 Hola! Heavy Duty Soprano Ukulele Gig Bag With 15 mm Padding

Padded protection…

Let’s look at another soft gig bag with this next item! This case is suitable for pineapple or standard-sized soprano ukuleles only. Over 21.5 inches? Sorry, this isn’t the case for you!

Featuring both a side handle and an adjustable strap, this gig bag is extremely portable and great for travel. If you’re a musician on the go, a case like this is definitely a great option.

Inside and outside…

On the inside, we have a super soft fabric lining. This material is scratch-resistant, offering a defense against clumsy or careless handling. Plus, we get a reinforced headstock pad for extra support around the most fragile part of your uke.

On the outside, we have more fabric, but this is made from tougher stuff! Sturdy but soft 400D Oxford nylon covers a whopping 15 mm of padding. And although it’s hardy, it doesn’t feel too heavy-duty or rough.

What else?

Well, we’ve got strong, dual opening, metal zippers. Having double zips is handy for security. Just provide your own padlock, and you’ve got an extra line of defense.

So is there anything we don’t like about this bag?

Honestly, there’s not much. OK, maybe it’s not as pretty as other cases. But it sure does the job well.

Wait, we almost forgot the best bit! Across the front is a massive accessory pocket. Plenty of room for all your traveling ukulele needs!

Hola! Heavy Duty Soprano Ukulele Gig Bag With 15 mm Padding
Our rating:4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)

Pros

  • Great storage space.
  • Lots of padding.
  • Constructed from tough material.

Cons

  • Not the most attractive case we’ve seen.

5 Gearlux Concert Ukulele Case (25 Inch Length)

Best of both worlds…

A hard-shell case that looks like a soft gig bag? How can this be? Let’s find out!

Made by the well-respected Gearlux brand, this a really interesting item. It offers the safety and structure of a hard case, but has the outer covering of a soft bag. And it has some really distinctive features. On the inside, a thick black plush covers a poly-foam. This plush is soft and scratch-resistant. Your uke will be safe and warm, gently cushioned by the material.

And then, there’s that poly-foam. It contracts around your ukulele, molding to its shape. There’s even a specially crafted slot to hold the neck of the instrument and keep it safe.

The interior sounds pretty great, huh?

But there’s a catch. At 25 inches long, it’s bigger than some concert ukes. Your ukulele might move around a bit inside.

Now, most hard-shell cases are covered in a PVC type material. Not this one! Here we find a softer textile, giving the case a more casual look while remaining moisture resistant.

Of course, while it might look like a gig bag, it doesn’t feel like one. As it is a hard-shell, it’s bulkier and heavier than a soft case.

What else? This has loads of storage space!

A pocket on the outside and a compartment on the inside gives us a massive amount of room for accessories, bus fare, or anything we might need to carry with us!

And this is probably one of the best quality ukulele cases for traveling we’ve looked at here. As well as the handle, it has a detachable strap that can clip onto the side or the back. You can choose the easiest way to carry it.

Gearlux Concert Ukulele Case (25 inch length)
Our rating:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Pros

  • Great for travel.
  • Lots of storage space.
  • Poly-foam interior.

Cons

  • Bigger than some concert ukuleles.

6 HOT SEAL 10MM Sponge Padding Waterproof Durable Colorful

Bright and bold…

Wow! This bag is seriously eye-catching! With its striking colors and unusual patterns, you’ll be sure to stand out in a crowd!

We have here another soft gig bag. It is constructed from an unconventional knitted fabric, which offers a really interesting quality. It is then reinforced with 10 mm of soft cotton padding for extra security and safety from harm.

Can it compete with others for portability? It sure can!

This bag is super lightweight. It’s still strong enough to carry your uke with ease, but the case itself weighs next to nothing — ideal for anyone trying to avoid too much bulk.

And then we have the straps. Similar to a backpack, this high-density harness gives us an extremely convenient way to travel with our instrument. The soft sponge handle is a bonus too.

Again, this is another bag with a large front pocket. While it is a little tight, it still offers a reasonable amount of space for accessories.

All sounds good so far, right?

Well, yes, it is! Honestly, when we first saw this bag, we thought it would sacrifice design for practicality. But it’s light, portable, keeps out moisture, and looks cool too.

And really, there’s not much more we could ask for in a bag like this.

HOT SEAL 10MM Sponge Padding Waterproof Durable Colorful Conventional Ukulele Case Bag
Our rating:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • Super striking design.
  • Great for travel.

Cons

  • Minimal amount of padding.

7 Hot Seal 10 mm Leather Handles Thick Durable Ukulele Case Bag

Durable but dainty…

And now for another Hot Seal bag! This one has a more professional look, instead of the dazzling designs of our previous offering.

How does it measure up?

We have here another easily transportable option. It’s strong, leather, handle gives the kind of reinforcement that we do not always find with cloth bags. We can be sure that this case will stand up to accidental rips or tears.

With the straps, we again find a backpack style fitting. This is surely one of the most convenient ways to carry a uke. We do not need it dangling from our shoulders; just strap it across your back and off you go!

We get a pretty decent amount of storage space with this case. Another one with a front pocket, it’s easy to reach and gives convenient access to all our bits and pieces. Handy if you need to grab a tuner in a hurry!

Come rain, come shine…

Another great bonus of this case is the outer material. It’s soft and pliant, but also dependable and tough. Plus, it’s water repellent, making it perfect for players in cities with rainy climates.

Like the previous case, underneath that outer fabric is 10 mm of cotton padding, which is a great material to use here. It’s gentle on the body of your uke, reducing the risk of scratching.

Ideally, we’d like a bit of extra padding around the headstock. But hey, we can’t have everything! And even without it, this remains a solid contender for the title of the best ukulele case.

Hot Seal 10 mm Leather Handles Thick Durable Ukulele Case Bag
Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Tough, water repellent, outer fabric.
  • Sturdy leather handle.
  • Backpack straps.

Cons

  • Lacks additional support around the headstock and neck.

8 CloudMusic National Hawaiian Ukulele Bag

Fun and fashion…

We all know how music brings people together. Whether family, friends, or strangers, playing an instrument is a great bonding experience. And that’s exactly what the founder of this brand set out to achieve. CloudMusic’s watchwords are love, happiness, fun, and fashion.

Can a ukulele case really deliver all these things?

Most of these ideas are covered by the design alone! After reconnecting with his daughter over the ukulele, the founder hoped to produce designs that she would love. And that’s exactly what he’s done here!.

This is a really vibrant, dynamic bag. Its colors and patterns certainly give off the sense of fun that comes from playing a ukulele. We’re sure that the founder’s daughter approved of her dad’s designs!

Safe and secure…

With polyester sides and a cotton top, it is unfortunately not waterproof. But it is well constructed. And the fabric is durable and tough, as well as being fun and funky. Inside is more of that cotton padding. Though just 10 mm thick, it still offers a decent level of protection for your uke. Plus, with an interior length of 21.65 inches, it’s the perfect size to tightly tuck your instrument in.

Again, we have here another case similar to a backpack. The straps offer a convenient way to transport your ukulele. And above them is a loop of material, to hang your case safely out of the way, when not in use.

Traveling light…

It would be nice to have slightly more storage. The accessible front pocket is wide but not particularly deep. This bag is for the musician who prefers to travel light.

But to be honest, we almost don’t care about that. This is a really fun, funky little item. And it definitely captures the spirit of the ukulele!

CloudMusic National Hawaiian Ukulele Bag
Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Awesome designs.
  • Convenient backpack straps.
  • Great size.

Cons

  • Small storage space.
  • It is not waterproof.

9 Tosnail 26 inch Heavy Duty Ukulele Cases Ukulele Padding Bag

Hippy chic…

Another fun, offbeat design. This one gives off more of a hippy vibe! Perfect for strolling along the beach in Hawaii.

With an interior 27 inches long, this case is suitable for a tenor ukulele. Its roomy compartment offers a comfortable, secure, resting spot for your uke. And its soft inside material prevents scratches or dings to the ukulele’s surface.

Well padded…

The best thing about this case has to be the padding. It offers a massive 15 mm of dense foam, giving it a huge advantage over many other soft cases. And though dense, it’s still quite pliable, meaning it can be easily folded away when not in use.

Another bonus of this bag is the protection around the headstock. It’s constructed with a reinforced pad. That extra little line of defense can really make all the difference when we are traveling.

On the outside, we find a small yet functional storage pocket. And it’s all covered in an eye-catching, cotton, fabric.

Want something both functional and attractive?

If so, then this might be the case for you. With both backpack straps and a side handle, this is a versatile bag for travel. However, the cotton exterior means it might not repel bad weather as well as other cases out there when you’re on the road. Then again, if you’re on the beach in Hawaii, who cares?

Tosnail 26 inch Heavy Duty Ukulele Cases Ukulele Padding Bag
Our rating:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • Ample padding.
  • Reinforced headstock pad.
  • Cool, hippy style design.

Cons

  • Tight storage pocket.
  • Not as moisture resistant as other models.

10 HOT SEAL Waterproof Durable Colorful Ukulele Cotton Case Bag

Colorful, cute, and convenient…

Our final contender for the best value ukulele case is this cheap but cheerful item. At 21 inches on the inside, it’s ideal for a soprano ukulele. And this is a very wallet-friendly option, great for those on a budget.

Hardy, waterproof, fabric covers the exterior of this bag. Soft but tough, it comes in a range of bright colors. Choose the one that matches your eyes!

Its high-density straps make it another great choice for transit over short distances. The backpack design allows you to carry your uke with comfort and ease. And those straps are adjustable, giving it a level of versatility we don’t always find with ukulele cases.

So, it’s waterproof, it’s colorful, it’s convenient. There has to be a catch, right?

Sadly, yes. It really does not offer the same level of protection as other bags. With just 5 mm of padding, this case, unfortunately, lets us down in this area.

But it still has some advantages. It’s a great size! Enough room for your uke without running the risk of it moving about too much. And that interior fabric is gentle on the body of your instrument.

All in all, this is a solid product. OK, we wouldn’t use it with a super high-end instrument due to the lack of padding. But for everyday use, it’s still a perfectly decent option for the casual player.

HOT SEAL Waterproof Durable Colorful Ukulele Cotton Case Bag
Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Waterproof.
  • Adjustable backpack straps.
  • Great color.

Cons

  • Only offers 5 mm of interior padding.

Best Ukulele Case Buying Guide

The most important thing to think about when buying a ukulele case is the level of protection it offers. Whether it’s a soft bag or a hard-shell, the case needs to prevent as much damage as possible.

So How Can We Ensure This?

If it’s a soft bag, we need at least 10 mm of padding. Any less and our uke won’t be guarded against drops and falls. It also needs to have a soft, scratch-proof, lining to avoid scrapes.

ukulele case

A hard case offers far more safety against damage. The tough outer shell gives a much higher degree of protection. Plus, it should have a thick layer of stuffing covered in gentle fabric to prevent scuffing.

Of course, the most fragile part of the uke is the neck and headstock. Ideally, we want a case that provides extra support in this area. A reinforced pad or added scaffolding can help.

Traveling Concerns

Next, our ukulele should be portable. We’re unlikely to have it just sitting in a bag at home; we want to play our uke! So think about how the case will stand up to travel.

For a strenuous journey, a hard case might be the better option. We all know how luggage can get knocked and thrown around! A hard shell can minimize damage from baggage handlers.

If you’re just making a short trip and keeping your uke with you, a soft case can have more benefits. They usually have straps as well as a handle. This offers ease and comfort as you hang it across your body or over your shoulder.

Another benefit of the soft bag when traveling is its size. Hard-Shell cases can be bulky and awkward to carry. With a gig bag, you can avoid having that extra weight to contend with.

Does It Rain a Lot In Your Locality?

We can never really trust what the weather report says! So, it might be a good idea to look for a water-resistant bag. Both hard and soft cases can have moisture-proof properties, but choose wisely!

Generally, the PVC covering usually found on hard-shell cases will be best for keeping out water. The softer materials gig bags are constructed from are also often effective. But beware, extremely soft, or knitted fabrics are unlikely to repel moisture as well.

And Then, There’s Storage Space

Are you the kind of musician that likes to be prepared for anything? Well, you’re going to need a large storage compartment for strings, tuners, and anything else in between!

Now, of course, we want to look good when we travel. But it’s important not to let a beautiful design get in the way of practicality. And let’s face it; a ukulele makes anyone look cool anyway!

We’ve given you a lot to think about! Who knew there was so much to consider when buying a ukulele case? But with a bit of luck, you’ve now got a better idea of which case is most suitable for you.

Are You Looking To Also Upgrade Your Ukelele?

If so, check out our reviews of the Best Tenor Ukuleles, the Best Concert Ukuleles for Beginners, the Best Baritone Ukuleles, the Best Lanikai Ukeleles, and the Best Bass Ukuleles on the market.

Also, you may be interested in our reviews of the Best Electric Ukuleles and the Best Kids Ukuleles currently available.

So What’s The Best Ukulele Case?

Well, having gone through all that, our champion is the…

We love that this offered so much storage space! With both an outside pocket and an internal compartment, we can carry everything we need!

The soft poly-foam interior gives our uke that extra level of protection. Padding is great, but the poly foam really holds the instrument in tight. Plus, the extra support around the headstock gives in a serious advantage.

Hopefully, this list has offered an insight into selecting the ideal case for your needs. Good luck, and remember, the perfect ukulele case for you is out there!

Happy strumming!

5/5 - (108 votes)

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About Joseph L. Hollen

Joseph is a session musician, writer, and filmmaker from south Florida. He has recorded a number of albums and made numerous short films, as well as contributing music to shorts and commercials. 

He doesn't get as much time to practice and play as he used to, but still manages (just about!) to fulfill all his session requests. According to Joseph, it just gets harder as you get older; you rely on what you learned decades ago and can play without thinking. Thankfully that's what most producers still want from him.

He is a devout gear heat and has been collecting musical instruments all his life. As his wife, Jill, keeps on saying, "You're very good at buying nice instruments, but terrible at selling them!".

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