Top 10 Best open back banjo in 2026

Last Updated - 6/6/2026

🏆Best Choice

Vangoa

Vangoa 5 String Banjo 26 Inch, MINI Travel Banjo Beginner Kit with Remo Head, Open Back & Closed Solid Back with beginner Kit, Comfortable Carrying Bag

9.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.8

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•✔PORTABLE SIZE- 26-inch mini banjo is perfect for music trips. It is light-weighted for taking out for parties, classes, etc. Mini banjo is easy to start which is quite suited for beginners and budget-friendly
•✔GREAT SOUND- Superior mahogany body has a solid, warm tone. Quality Alice steel strings deliver a more punchy sound. 12 durable chrome-plated brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head
•✔PERFECT ACTION- 3mm action at the 12th fret, is pretty comfortable to press down. Adjust the truss rod can better balance the tension caused by strings or climate change, set up perfect string height to meet different needs
•✔DURABLE MATERIAL- Mahogany body with beautiful wood grain is hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable. Anti-corrosion chrome-plated pegs stand the test of time and 15:1 ratios gear keeps the strings in tune
•✔ECONOMICAL KIT- It comes with everything you need to start, Carrying Bag, Tuner, Strap, Pick-up, Extra Strings, Picks, Allen Key and Bracket Wrench. Get beginner kits one-off at a cost-effective price. We offer an 18-month warranty & lifetime after-sales service. Buy it with confidence!

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$129.79

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adm

ADM Banjo 5 String Full Size Banjoes Set, 38 Inch Beginner Banjo Kit with Resonator, Remo Drum Head, Open or Closed Back, Gift Package Free Lessons Starter Accessories for Adults Teenager, Brown

9.7

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.7

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•♫【HIGH-QUALITY REMO DRUM HEAD】Selected banjo panel will produce a sweet tone, ensuring clarity of sound. Proper bridge setting can stay stable when fast fingerpicking
•♫【SUPERIOR MATERIAL】Black walnut fingerboard and bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound more layered. Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable
•♫【ECONOMICAL KIT WITH FREE LESSONS】Our pack is constructed with a padded bag, digital tuner(battery not included), strap, strings, picks, hanger, banjo chords card and clearing cloth. You can get these accessories suited to beginner one-offs at a cost-effective price. Meanwhile, you will also enjoy an extra one-month lesson when the item arrives
•♫【GEARED 5TH TUNER】It is important for both tuning and playability, bringing you the classic tones and perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock. And it is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
•♫【THICKENED BAG for BETTER PROTECTING】An thicker bag will protect the banjo better, making it a great idea to take for traveling, camping, hiking, going to the beach. And also perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn to play this iconic instrument

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$190.95

$216.99

-12%

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AKLOT

AKLOT 5 String Banjos Full Size Open Back Banjo Adjustable Maple Body Remo Head with 2 Tuning Wrench, 4 Picks, Strings, Tuner, Strap Ruler, Cleaning Cloth, Gig Bag for New Beginner Professional

9.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.5

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•【MAPLE WOOD BANJO】AKLOT 5 string banjo is made of all maple wood material, the sound is very bright and clear. Especially the head adopt tiger maple wood imported from Europe, compliment with Remo drum head.
•【OPEN BACK & REMO HEAD BANJO】The open back and professional high-quality Remo head can get a more professional sound. The head is fixed by 18 brackets, which can make the head more stable and easier to adjust.
•【ADJUSTABLE BRACKETS & BANJO NECK】There are 18 consolidation brackets around the drum which can be adjustable to your desire sound. And you need adjust the drum several times for a certain sound. The banjo also has a 2-way truss rod to adjust the neck and drum head.
•【BANJO STAYS IN TONE BETTER】The solid wood bridge is matched with the bull saddle, which can make the strings get better vibration and better sound. The con-sealed pegs can better protect the gears, keep the tone better, and make tuning easier.
•【AKLOT BANJO KIT】AKLOT 5 string banjo kit comes with full size banjo x1, strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, finger pick x1, strap set x1, cleaning cloth x1 and gig bag x1. All accessories can meet everything what you may need for new beginners and professionals. 2 years warranty.

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$142.99

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Mulucky

5 String Banjo, Mulucky Full Size with 24 Brackets Banjo, Open Back, Maple Banjos with Remo Head, Geared 5th Tuner, Gift Package with Beginner Kit - MB1101

9.4

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.4

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•♪ Remo Head: This open-back banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head. The professional retro imitation animal skin; is warm and retro tone, delicate, transparent, with moderate overtones. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets and resting on the Remo's head is a beautiful 5/8" maple/ebony bridge for superior string vibration transfer.
•♪ Sound - The open back produces a more mellow, softer sound, and since the sound chamber rests against the player, some of the sounds are absorbed into his clothing and the player’s body, which lowers the banjo’s volume
•♪ Adjustable Bracket - 24 brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head, It can be adjusted according to the sound you want
•♪ Geared 5th Tuner and Adjustable Truss rod: This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, typically found on more expensive banjos. The geared 5th tuner is an upgrade over the common friction tuner, providing more accurate tuning and less slippage. The adjustable truss rod allows you to adjust the neck, ensuring it remains straight
•♪ Mulucky Banjo Kit: The 5-string banjo kit comes with a full-size banjo x1, spare strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, fingerpick x4, strap x1, cleaning cloth x1, and gig bag x1, ruler x 1.

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$169.99

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Gold Tone

Gold Tone AC-1: 5-String Beginnner Banjo, Full Size with Gig-Bag, Bluegrass or Clawhammer

9.2

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.2

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•Composite rim open back
•Zero-glide nut system
•Includes Gig Bag
•Gold Tone 12-point set-up

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$299.99

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Vangoa

Vangoa 5 String Banjo Open Back Full Size Clawhammer Beginner Kit with Frosted Remo Head, Maple Banjo with Geared 5th Tuner, Natural

9.1

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.1

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•[Lightweighted Portable] This Open-back banjo offers a mellower sound and is easier to play and carry aside for the lighter body, it perfectly meets the needs of clawhammer and old-time music players, gently pluck the string, bring out the pleasing melody
•[The Most Popular Remo Head] Trusted by every major banjo manufacturer worldwide, the frosted banjo head brings a crisp dry tone without too much sustain providing great clarity and note distinction. 24 Chrome-plated brackets ensure a better tension distribution on the head for more accurate and precise tuning
•[Beautiful Design with Premium Material] Maple fretboard blends in perfectly with Maple body, external quality combined with inherent grace, even on the craftsmanship of back edge, making the open back banjo smoothy and durable, easier to play
•[Considerate Design] Adjustable coordinator rod on the head and truss rod on the neck, making adjustment easier for you. Fret dots on the neck side helps you find chord locations quickly. 15:1 ratio tuning peg design enhanced durability by anti-dust, erosion-resistant sealed design, help you to hold tune firmly
•[Beginner-friendly Kit] Beginner Banjo kit comes with everything you need to start, just focus on your learning, play right out of box. Vangoa Banjo set offers a 2-year warranty and life-long sincere after-sales service, you could rest assured that you will receive our best assistance

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$167.95

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Crossrock

Crossrock Relief Series Open-Back Banjo Case for 11''–12.5'' Rims | Carved Red Wood Finish, Ivory Plush Interior, Lock (CRW630OBJRO)

8.9

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.9

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•🪕 Custom Fit for 11–12.5'' Open-Back Banjos Specifically molded to fit most open-back banjos with 11 to 12.5 inch rim diameters, including traditional clawhammer and old-time styles—offering a secure and stable fit.
•🪵 Carved Faux Leather Exterior – Relief Series Signature Finish High-grade wooden shell wrapped in embossed faux leather for a vintage, handcrafted look. Available in bold finishes: Red Wood, Ocean Blue, and Smoke Blue.
•🧵 Mink-Style Velvet Interior + Padded Protection Lined with soft imitation mink fleece and thick foam padding to gently cradle your banjo while shielding it from bumps and scratches: Ocean Blue → Deep Scarlett Velvet Smoke Blue → Monochrome Blue Velvet Red Wood → Ivory Plush Interior
•👜 Internal Storage Compartment Roomy accessory space built inside for tuners, picks, capos, and more keeps your tools close to hand for rehearsals or performances.
•🦾 Secure Locking Hardware + Reinforced Feet Deluxe rustproof latches, reinforced hinges, metal feet, and a secure center lock offer complete protection at home or on the road.
•The frame is made of FSC-Certified wood.

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$139.99

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Deering

Deering Goodtime Openback 5 String Banjo - Best Beginner Banjo | Made In U.S.A.

8.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.8

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•Lightweight - Less than 5lb! Take your Deering Gooddtime banjo with you anywhere! Camping, festivals, the beach, on stage! The Deering Goodtime banjo is extremely durable, plays great, and sounds great!
•Made In USA
•3-Play Violin Grade Maple Rim
•Easy to learn on!

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Instrument Alley

Deering Goodtime DECO Series 5-String Openback Banjo Art Deco Inlay Bronze Powder Coat Hardware with Instrument Alley Bag, Tuner, Mute, Picks Combo - Made in the USA

8.6

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.6

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•Premium rock maple construction with new Art Deco inspired inlay with US Bronze Powder Finish
•11" 3-Ply violin grade maple rim
•Comfortable "D" shape neck with 22 pressed in nickel silver frets, 1 1/4" nuth width
•Deering patented Goodtime tailpiece
•Hand rubbed polyurethane with carnuba wax satin finish
•11" high crown frosted head
•6-year warranty
•Comes with padded gig bag, True Tune chromatic tuner, Gold Tone banjo mute and picks

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$569.00

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Gold Tone

Gold Tone AC-12: 12" Acoustic Composite 5-String Openback Banjo with Gig Bag | Clawhammer banjo with 12-inch Pot

8.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.5

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•12-inch Banjo Pot with Renaissance Head
•Lightweight Composite Rim Material - Under 5lbs!
•Includes light gig bag
•Openback design with Added Scoop for Clawhammer playing

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$369.99

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