The 25 Best Flute for Beginners
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Lightweight and portable, the flute is a very popular instrument that’s well-suited to a variety of musical genres.
Whether you’re hoping to join your local orchestra, participate in your school’s marching band, or simply enjoy the opportunity to make beautiful music on your own, the flute might be the ideal instrument for you.
Just like other instruments, flutes are available at different price ranges, and as always, you tend to get what you pay for.
Our reviews of the best beginner flutes omit some of the cheapest models out there as these tend to disappoint. While your budget is definitely a top concern, we want to help you decide on the best student flute for your money – so we’re keeping quality in mind when recommending beginner flutes.
You’ll find the best of the best beginner flutes on our top 10 list. We’re including fifteen additional choices with shorter reviews below the top ten.
These are great for your budget but might not last as long or sound quite as nice as a better-quality instrument. At the same time, even a cheap beginner’s flute will help you get started and learn the basics while you save up for a better one.
What's Here
Best Rated Flute for Beginners Reviewed
Best Student Flute Overall  | Best of the Best | Jean Paul USA Silver Plated Flute |
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Runner Up  | Runner Up | Cecilio High Grade Student C Flute Package |
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Best Affordable  | Best Affordable | EastRock Closed Hole Flute |
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Best Vintage  | Best Vintage | Mendini by Cecilio Premium Grade Closed Hole C Flute |
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Best for Beginners  | Best for Beginners | Glory Closed Hole C Flute |
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What is the Best Flute for Beginners?
We aren’t going to take up tons of your time – but we do want to make sure that you’re happy with your choices! We’ve done everything possible to ensure that our recommendations will make you happy, so we’ve paid close attention to a few very important features including:
- What’s included – will you have to buy anything extra?
- Quality of the case, when one is included
- Quality of the pads
- Materials used in manufacturing
- Ease of maintenance
- Durability
- Sound quality
Now that you know a bit more about what to look for in a good beginner’s flute, take a look at our reviews!
The Best Rated Flutes for Beginners Reviewed
Jean Paul USA Silver Plated Flute – Best Student Flute Overall
Product Specs:
- Silver-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
Pros:
- High-quality instrument with a beautiful sound
- Power-forged keys are durable and responsive
- Silver-plated finish offers a clearer, brighter tone than nickel
- Beginner-friendly design makes learning easier
Cons:
- Priced a bit higher than some other options
Genuine silver plated finish? Check. Power-forged French-style keys? It’s got them. High-quality embouchure plate? Absolutely. These are just a few features that make the Jean Paul USA FL-220 flute our top choice. Easy to hold, designed with the needs of beginners in mind, and capable of producing beautiful, clear notes, this flute has everything new musicians need to begin their journey with confidence.
The Jean Paul USA C flute comes with a padded, contoured carrying case. White gloves, a cleaning cloth, and a cleaning rod are included. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. While the Jean Paul USA student flute isn’t hundreds or thousands of dollars, it is of far better quality than most other beginner flutes on the market, and that’s reflected in a higher price point. If you’re concerned that buying a cheap flute might mean throwing good money after bad, then you’ll definitely want to shortlist this instrument. It (and its manufacturer) have an excellent reputation. As student flutes go, this one is among the best on the market.
Cecilio High Grade Student C Flute Package
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Stand included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Complete beginner’s flute kit
- High-quality components
- Good sound
- 1-year warranty included
Cons:
- Gloves are one size; might not fit all players
Great sound, quality materials, and lots of extras make the Cecilio High Grade Student C Flute one of the best choices for beginners, as well as for intermediate players who are ready to step into a better-quality instrument.
While this flute is priced a little higher than some other options, it has a good reputation for longevity. The bladder pads and bumpers are of good quality, and the sound is sweet and clear, with plenty of volume.
The Cecilio High Grade Student C Flute features a closed hole design and 16 keys, just as you’d expect. You have the option of choosing from a nickel-plated or silver-plated body. The package includes an introductory music book, a foldable flute stand, a flute adjustment screwdriver, joint grease, a cleaning rod and cleaning cloth, and a pair of gloves. A durable padded case s part of the package.
EastRock Closed Hole Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Stand included
- Warranty: Yes – 2 years
Pros:
- Great value
- Fun colors are available as well as traditional finishes
- Lots of great extras
- Good intonation and sound overall
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Some flutes arrive with manufacturing residue still inside; be sure to clean well before playing
- Colored finishes may show accelerated wear
Affordability and good sound quality make this 16-key C flute an excellent choice for beginners. The cupronickel body offers durability, while the 16 closed hole keys, offset G, and split E key are standard.
This flute comes in seven different finishes including blue, fuschia, and purple; a silver-plated version is available as well.
The EastRock C Flute is packaged in a zippered, padded case that provides protection for your instrument everywhere you go. In addition, this flute comes with a cleaning kit, a screwdriver, a pair of white gloves, and a flute stand.
Mendini by Cecilio Premium Grade Closed Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Stand included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
Pros:
- Complete starter kit with good-quality components
- Beautiful sound
- Many attractive finishes to choose from
Cons:
- Pad shimming and spring tension may need to be professionally adjusted for best possible sound
Looking for a small step up in overall quality, and don’t mind paying a bit more for one of the best beginner flutes on the market right now? The Mendini C flute has a premium grade nickel plated body and high-quality double bladder pads. It comes in your choice of six different finishes including gold lacquer and genuine silver plate.
Not only is this a good-quality student C flute with 16 keys and all the standard features required to get any beginner started on the right foot, it comes with quite a few nice extras including a premium padded case, a foldable flute stand, white gloves, a cleaning rod and cloth, a beginning flute music book, and a tube of joint grease.
Mendini has a good reputation for quality and responsiveness. This flute is backed by a one-year warranty that covers any manufacturing defects and inspires confidence in the manufacturer.
Glory Closed Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: None
Pros:
- Huge array of colors to choose from
- Comes with everything a beginning flute player needs to get started
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Some colors are prone to chipping
- Good sound in middle range, but very low and very high notes lack clarity
If you’ve been looking high and low for a colorful flute to match your marching band uniform or suit your personality, then you’ll definitely want to take a peek at this one. The Glory Closed Hole C Flute comes in twelve different colors including red, purple, green, pink, lacquered white, and more. Of course there are traditional finish options, too!
Like many other instruments that made their way onto our list of the best beginner flutes, this one features a cupronickel body, which lends a combination of durability and pleasant tone. The 16-key closed hole design is standard, and the leather pads are of good quality.
Even though this is one of the more affordable beginner flutes available, it comes with some great extras including a case with a shoulder strap, white gloves, a flute screwdriver for making adjustments, a cleaning rod and cleaning cloth, and a tube of joint grease. In case you’re comparing this flute to others, it’s worth noting that no stand is included. That’s definitely not a dealbreaker, but it is something you’ll want to keep in mind.
Eastar EFL-1B C Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Multiple colors available
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Stand included
- Warranty: 31-day satisfaction guarantee
Pros:
- Traditional silver color as well as a few other colors
- Lots of nice extras including a fingering chart
- High-quality pads
- Good combination of affordability and durability
Cons:
- Silver nickel colored finish is prone to tarnishing
- Fit and finish aren’t the best
Whether you prefer the look of polished silver nickel, or if you’re hoping for a more colorful blue or purple flute, you’ll want to take a look at the Eastar EFL-1B 16-key flute. Designed with durability, good sound, and affordability in mind, this is easily one of the best beginner flutes in its price range.
The cupronickel body offers a bright, clear tone while lending durability to the overall design. True, the sound isn’t quite on par with what you’ll get with a pricier silver or silver-plated flute, but it’s pleasing and pretty – definitely satisfactory for most beginners!
The bladder pads are a step up from those you’ll find on some similarly priced instruments; they are made with Italian felt double sheep casings, materials which are typically reserved for more expensive, high-performance flutes. Unfortunately, the keys themselves are not the best; as with the keys on other cheap flutes, they really are not repairable. Still, if you’re looking for an inexpensive beginner’s flute and you want to spend under $100, it’s likely that this one will get you started and keep you playing until you’re ready for something a bit nicer.
Like most of the instruments that made their way onto our “best flute for beginners” list, this one comes with a few extras including a very nice padded case with a detachable shoulder strap, a flute stand, white gloves, and cleaning supplies. An adjustment screwdriver is included, along with a useful fingering chart.
Lazarro Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Multiple colors available
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: No
Pros:
- Great combination of beginner-friendly quality and good sound
- Keys have a smooth, responsive feel
- Quality hard-sided case & accessories
Cons:
- Not suitable for those with nickel allergies
- Colored versions show signs of wear fairly quickly
Designed with the needs of complete beginners in mind, the Lazarro closed hole C flute is a good choice for those just starting out with a marching band or orchestra. This flute comes in eight different colors including a couple of hard-to-find options such as hot pink and purple. The silver nickel keys offer some contrast to the flute’s body, giving your instrument a distinctive appearance.
Made with durable cupronickel, this flute offers a pleasing sound. It comes complete with a traditional padded hard case, a pair of white gloves, a cleaning cloth and cleaning rod, joint grease, and a screwdriver for making adjustments as necessary.
Libretto Silver-Plated Closed Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Silver-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: No
Pros:
- Looks and sounds beautiful
- Surprisingly low price point for a silver-plated flute
- A few appealing extras are included
Cons:
- Protection plans cost a little extra
- Fairly new brand; not much data available re: instrument longevity
A silver-plated flute for under $100? Call us crazy, but we managed to find one! While the Libretto brand is fairly new to the market, it’s quickly gaining popularity. This flute features durable cupronickel tubes for good sound quality. The sound is further enhanced by the flute’s silver plating, which contributes to its pleasing, traditional appearance.
Stainless steel springs lend durability to the overall design, and a few nice extras are included: You get a lightweight nylon carrying case with a zippered outer pocket and a convenient shoulder strap. In addition, the flute comes with a cleaning cloth and rod, a pair of gloves, and joint grease.
Lexington Advanced Silver Plated Closed Hole C Flute with Carrying Case
Product Specs:
- Silver-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: No
Pros:
- Good balance between quality and affordability
- Beautiful silver-plated finish
- Essential accessories included
Cons:
- Silver finish requires frequent polishing to maintain shine
Designed by Aileen Music with a combination of affordability, beginner-friendliness, and pleasing sound in mind, the Lexington Advanced Silver-Plated C flute features a durable cupronickel body and 16 closed keys in a traditional offset array for easier playing. The head, body, and foot are all silver-plated for a beautiful appearance as well as a brighter, clearer sound.
This instrument package includes a hard case with a plush, padded interior. An adjustment screwdriver, white gloves, a cleaning cloth, and a cleaning rod are included, as is a tube of joint grease.
Glory Hand-Engraved Silver Plated High-Grade Flute
Product Specs:
- Silver-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 17 holes – open & closed hole design
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: No
Pros:
- Looks great
- Plenty of volume
- Crisp, clear notes
- Attractive price point – good for beginners or those who want a second flute for playing outdoors
Cons:
- Some players dislike the way the engraving feels
- Doesn’t offer as much longevity as a more expensive intermediate flute
An excellent choice for anyone who needs an inexpensive flute that’s suitable for marching band or orchestra, this one is designed for beginners as well as for intermediate players. Sometimes compared to far pricier models, this flute offers plenty of volume as well as crisp, clear notes and a responsive feel.
Durable keys with leather pads prevent air leaks, and beautiful engraving lends a touch of uniqueness to its attractive appearance.
15 More Beginner’s Flutes We Reviewed
These beginner flutes may not be the best of the best, but they’ll help you learn how to play without breaking the bank. All of these flutes are priced well below $100.
QStyle Closed Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: None
The QStyle closed hole C flute features a durable cupronickel body with a bright, polished finish. Leather pads and high-grade springs contribute to reliable performance. Despite its low price point, this flute come with some nice extras including a padded carrying case with a detachable shoulder strap, a cleaning cloth and cleaning rod, a pair of white gloves, and a flute screwdriver.
Ammoon Concert Flute
Product Specs:
- Multiple colors availabe
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: None
The Ammoon C key flute features 16 holes, a durable cupronickel body, and a few extras including a padded case with a shoulder strap, a cleaning rod and a cleaning cloth, and a container of joint grease. A pair of gloves and a flute screwdriver are included as well. It’s an affordable option for beginners who aren’t quite sure if they prefer to make the flute their instrument of choice.
Ammon 16-hole C Flute – 8 Colors
Product Specs:
- Multiple colors availabe
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: None
Want a red, black, purple, or pink flute? The Ammon 16-hole C flute may be exactly what you’re looking for – in all, there are eight colors to choose from. Another affordable option, this flute comes complete with a padded case, a flute screwdriver for making adjustments, a pair of gloves, cleaning supplies, and joint grease.
Nuvo Flute
Product Specs:
- Black finish
- Synthetic body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: None
While the Nuvo Flute isn’t exactly traditional looking, it does offer the same functionality you’ll find in a silver or cupronickel flute. Made with molded plastic rather than metal, it’s also a good choice for those with metal allergies. This flute is lightweight and waterproof, so it’s a good alternative for marching band participants who want to protect their primary instrument from rain. A carry case is included, along with a cleaning cloth.
White Nuvo Flute N220JFGN
Product Specs:
- White finish
- Synthetic body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: None
Similar to the Nuvo flute in black, this version features lightweight plastic construction and a fully waterproof design. A good choice for the youngest players, it also comes with a “First note” mouthpiece that makes it easier for beginners to produce a good sound. The key extensions are removable, and the key caps are color-customizable. This flute comes with a carrying case, a cleaning cloth, and a few other extras.
Jody Blues Closed Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
The Jody Blues C closed hole flute is a traditional flute at a surprisingly low price. 16 keys, an offset G, and detachable split E are primary features. This flute comes with a number of accessories including a hard-sided carrying case, a flute screwdriver, a cleaning rod and cloth, and a pair of white gloves.
Hisonic Signature Series 2810N Closed 16-hole Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Brass body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
While this isn’t a well-known brand, the Hisonic signature series 2810N C flute offers traditional performance. Fitted with American-made PRESTINI key pads and featuring power forged keys for added durability, this nickel-plated flute comes with a padded hard carrying case, a cleaning rod, and a cleaning cloth.
Sky C Flute with Lightweight Case
Product Specs:
- Many finish options available
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Stand included
- Warranty: Yes – Manufacturer warranty
Available in A total of 23 appealing colors, the Sky C flute offers traditional features including an offset G and split E keys. The soft-sided carrying case might not be the best of the best but it does have a helpful front pocket that allows you to keep accessories separate from the instrument. A stand, cleaning rod, cleaning cloth, and flute screwdriver are part of the package.
Kaizer Flute 3000 Series Rose Gold Brass Student Flute
Product Specs:
- Rose gold finish
- Nickel silver body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: Yes – Lifetime warranty
While the Kaizer flute 3000 series isn’t exactly traditional, it might be the perfect choice for a beginner who wants something different. This rose gold flute is made with brass and features nickel-silver keys with closed holes. It is in the key of C, and is equipped with standard configuration keys including an offset G and split E. A case and cleaning rod are included. This flute does come with a lifetime warranty and a 45-day free trial period.
PAITITI Open Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Many finish options available
- Cupronickel body
- 16 holes; open hole design
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
The Paititi open hole C flute comes in ten different colors – if you ever wanted a pink, blue, or purple flute, here’s your chance to play one! This flute features an ergonomic open hole design, and is in the key of C. A hard shell carrying case with a waterproof case cover is included, along with a cleaning rod, cleaning cloth, and some other nice extras.
Sky 24k Gold Plated C Flute
Product Specs:
- 24k gold-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
In search of a gold flute? This one from Sky might be exactly what you’re looking for. Priced a touch higher due to its 24k gold plated finish, this flute offers reliable performance along with great looks. It is covered by a one-year warranty, and comes with a lightweight case and all the essential accessories including a cleaning rod and a cleaning cloth.
Eastar EFL-1 Closed Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Moderate pricing and standard key configuration make the Eastar EFL-1 C flute a great choice for beginners. Lightweight enough for kids to play, this flute features an attractive nickel finish. It comes with everything you need to get started including a padded carrying case, a fingering chart, white gloves, a flute screwdriver, and cleaning essentials.
Glory Silver Plated Intermediate Open Hole C Flute
Product Specs:
- Silver-plated finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 holes; open hole design
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Warranty: None
Thanks to a silver plated finish, this cupronickel flute from Glory offers a pleasing sound. The keys are fitted with genuine leather pads, which is a nice touch and something that we don’t see a lot of in more affordably-priced flutes. This flute comes with a complete accessory package including cleaning supplies and a padded carrying case.
Mendini Closed Hole C Flute with Stand
Product Specs:
- Nickel-plated finish
- Many colors available
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Stand included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
Despite having an affordable price tag, this closed hole C flute from Mendini is protected by a 1-year warranty. Featuring a 16-key layout, this flute is fitted with an offset G key and a split E key. The embouchure has a beveled undercut design for greater comfort and the keys are fitted with rubber bumpers and double bladder pads. A stand and case are included, along with a beginning flute book and other accessories.
Mendini by Cecilio Closed Hole Gold C Flute
Product Specs:
- Gold-lacquer finish
- Cupronickel body
- 16 closed holes
- Key of C
- Padded carrying case included
- Cleaning / care accessories included
- Stand included
- Warranty: Yes – 1 year
With an attractive gold lacquered finish that’s protected by a plush, lined case when you’re not playing it, this Mendini C flute has 16 keys, an offset G, and a split E key, along with a comfortable undercut, beveled embouchure. A one-year warranty provides protection against defects and all the extras are included – you get a beginner flute book, a flute stand, white gloves, and cleaning supplies.
Final Thoughts
While the best flutes for beginners certainly are not the best flutes overall, they do provide new players with a pleasant learning experience at an approachable price. Be sure to check our intermediate and professional flute guides for higher-quality instruments if you’re looking for a flute that will take your playing to the next level! If you’re just starting out though, or if you need an inexpensive flute to travel with or use for marching band, then it’s likely you’ll find exactly what you need in this category.
We hope you enjoyed our reviews – and we wish you all the best as you and your new flute begin a new, musical journey together.
