When you think of the ocarina, the first thing that comes to mind is probably ‘The Legend of Zelda’, a famous video game. However, the ocarina is actually an ancient instrument.
I’ve created a guide to help you pick the perfect ocarina. You’ll find various sizes and shapes available today. I’m sure this top 5 list has something for you.
My top recommended Ocarina is the Night By Noble Plastic Ocarina. This 12-hole Ocarina, made of rubber, offers excellent value for the price.
My second recommended Ocarina is the Ocarina 6 Hole Strawfire Triforce Ocarina. If you want an affordable instrument to learn the basics, this one will suffice.
The 5 Best Ocarinas (2026)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
I start the list with a superb plastic ocarina. Night by Noble created a well-crafted instrument. The ocarina has a classic sweet potato shape and a 10-hole system. It’s tuned in Alto C and plays in a 442Hz range.
The ocarina is made of plastic with a rubbery texture, ensuring it won’t slip or become uncomfortable during extended use. The mouthpiece, made from smooth plastic, prevents any rubber or plastic taste while playing.
This ocarina produces a mellow sound. While it’s not the loudest or the quietest, it hits the perfect sweet spot. This sturdy ocarina is a great investment, and at a reasonable price, you should get one now.
2. Ocarina 6 Hole Strawfire Triforce Ocarina
The Legend of Zelda ocarina on this list is unique with its tear shape and 6-hole system. Straw-fire Triforce Ocarina includes a songbook with several songs and a neck strap for easy carrying.
The ocarina is made from porcelain clay, giving it a beautiful, full, and mellow sound. It’s tuned to standard Alto C, ensuring a great purchase.
Visually, it looks fantastic with its bright yellow finish. Overall, this is an excellent, low-budget ocarina for you.
The finest ocarina on this list is the OcarinaWind 12 Hole Ocarina. Made by a renowned ocarina maker, this ceramic ocarina boasts a gorgeous teal cracked ice finish. It’s a 12-hole instrument that includes a beautiful jade neck strap and a songbook with tabs for about 20 songs.
You also get a protective pouch for your ocarina. It’s padded, so you don’t have to worry about minor falls or hits breaking it.
This ocarina is tuned for Alto C, including sharps and flats, producing a rich, mellow sound. Its sweet potato classical form ensures the holes are spaced well, making it easy to play, even with large hands.
This ocarina is perfect for both amateurs and professionals, offering a clean and pleasant sound suitable for all skill levels.
4. Woodnote New Style Burgundy
Woodnote New Style Burgundy is a great beginner plastic ocarina made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene with a 12-hole design. However, it doesn’t include a carrying pouch or songbook.
A protective pouch is great for taking your ocarina with you, ensuring safe travel without damage.
Although this specific ocarina has a drawback, it’s still a solid entry-level choice.
This standard Alto C tuned Ocarina fits well with others. The plastic construction still offers an appealing finish. It’s perfect for beginners to learn the basics without spending much.
5. TOTMC Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
This ocarina is made for Legend of Zelda fans. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular on the market. Despite its popularity, this is also a high-quality instrument suitable for serious music play.
Ocarina of Time is crafted from ceramic, featuring 12 holes and Alto C tuning. It beautifully mirrors the game’s design and delivers a soft, loud sound. This ocarina comes with a necklace and a small textbook with game song tabs.
The great thing about this ocarina is that it’s a pitch-bending instrument. It might be harder to hit the right note, as the pitch can change based on how you blow air into it. However, with practice, you’ll gain more control than you would with a standard ocarina.
The Ocarina
Besides percussion instruments like drums and rattles, early humans created wind instruments first because they were the easiest to make.
The ocarina is nearly 12,000 years old and appeared independently across various regions, including Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. It came in different shapes and sizes, but its core design remained consistent.
Flutes usually have a body with various holes to create different notes. They’re simple to make and produce a mild, pleasant sound, making the instrument popular.
Check out this video of an ocarina being played:
More about Ocarinas
Ocarinas are typically made from clay or ceramic, but modern versions use wood, bone, metal, glass, or plastic. There are two main systems: the Taylor system (4-6 holes) and the sweet potato system (10 holes). Ocarinas vary in shape and size, with the sweet potato and pendant shapes being the most common.
Ocarinas are often overlooked today, yet they remain excellent instruments, mainly for teaching children music basics. Professional musicians also use them, usually for their subtle sound or in indigenous music.
What to look for in an Ocarina when buying?
When buying an Ocarina, consider a few key factors. Start with the quality as they are sensitive instruments. Next, think about the number of holes, the pitch, and finally the price.
Quality
You may find various materials like metal, plastic, wood, ceramics, and silicone. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. A wood Ocarina is light, a ceramic one is often handmade and unique, and a metal Ocarina is the most durable choice.
Holes
The number of holes affects the Ocarina’s sound and flexibility. Beginners should start with a 6-hole Ocarina to learn the basics. Seasoned players might prefer a 10 or 12-hole Ocarina for more versatility.
Pitch
The pitch of the Ocarina depends on the number of holes. It’s usually in Alto C tuning. The more holes it has, the wider the pitch range.
Price
Ocarinas are quite affordable, so they won’t strain your budget. If you’re learning at a relaxed pace, a budget-friendly option is best. This way, you can see if you enjoy the instrument and are willing to commit.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you pick the right ocarina. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, you’ll find what you need here—be it shape, size, or sound. Any of these ocarinas will be a great choice.
My top Ocarina pick is the Night By Noble Plastic Ocarina. This fantastic rubber 12-hole Ocarina offers excellent value for its price.
My budget pick is the Ocarina 6 Hole Strawfire Triforce Ocarina. If you’re after an affordable option, this one’s solid to start with.
Featured image by 0x010C [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons