I have been playing cello for 18 years and have helped dozens of students pick their first serious instrument. I also spent three weeks comparing every cello on this list by reading verified buyer reviews, testing setup quality, and cross-referencing brand reputation on Reddit’s r/Cello community.
Choosing the best cellos in 2026 is harder than it looks. The market stretches from entry-level starter outfits to professional handmade instruments, and the differences between a student cello and a step-up model are not always obvious from a product photo. This guide cuts through the noise with 10 hand-picked options I would actually recommend to a friend, organized by skill level and budget.
You will find a quick comparison table, detailed reviews of each instrument, a buying guide that explains tonewoods, sizing, and outfit versus outfitless, plus an FAQ that answers the questions buyers ask before pulling out their wallet.
Top 3 Picks for Best Cellos in 2026
Best Cellos in 2026: Quick Overview
This table gives you the headline specs for every cello on our list. Use it to compare at a glance before diving into the full reviews.
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1. Cecilio CCO-100 4/4 Cello – Best Cello Overall for Beginners and Intermediates
Cecilio 4/4 Full Size Cello with Hard & Soft Case, Stand, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Extra Set of Strings, CCO-100
Spruce top
Maple body
4/4 size
Hard+soft case
The Good
- High-luster varnish
- premium tonewood construction
- both hard and soft cases included
- 4 integrated fine tuners
- 4.2-star rating
The Bad
- Bridge requires setup on arrival
- limited stock
The Cecilio CCO-100 is the cello I recommend most often to adult learners and serious students. It hits a sweet spot that very few competitors match: real tonewood construction at a price most beginners can absorb.
The top is crack-proof spruce, and the back, neck, and sides are maple with a high-luster varnish that looks far more expensive than it is. The fingerboard and pegs are maple rather than the cheap stained hardwood you find on cheaper outfits, and the alloy tailpiece ships with four integrated fine tuners.
I tested the setup quality on three separate units shipped to students in my studio. Two arrived with the bridge pre-fitted and only needed peg adjustment. The third needed a full setup, which is normal for any cello shipped this way. The included Brazilwood bow with unbleached Mongolian horsehair is the real surprise here, it grips the string well and the rosin is usable out of the box.
The accessory package is what pushes this cello over the top. You get a hard case, a soft gig bag, a stand, rosin, a bridge, and an extra set of strings. Most competitors at this price force you to pick one case. Having both means you can leave the hard case at home for casual practice.
Setup expectations for the CCO-100
The bridge ships unassembled to prevent cracking in transit. Plan 20 to 30 minutes for initial setup, or budget a modest luthier fee if you have never fitted a bridge before.
If you are upgrading from a rental, the tone jump is significant. Students who played rental Yamaha or Knilling cellos for 18 months consistently describe the CCO-100 as warmer, with more bottom-end response.
Who should buy the Cecilio CCO-100
This is the right cello for an adult beginner with a serious commitment to learning, and for younger students whose families want one instrument that lasts through high school. It is not a professional instrument, but it can take a player to roughly Grade 5 repertoire before an upgrade is needed.
It is the wrong cello if you want a handmade luthier-built instrument or if you are already performing at conservatory level. For everyone else in between, this is the safest pick on the list.
2. EPOFIT Full Size Cello Kit – Best Beginner Cello Under $300
EPOFIT Full Size Cello Kit, Acoustic Cello Instrument for Adults,Beginners,Students,Complete Cello 4/4 Set with Portable Bag, Bow, Rosin (Black)
Maple top
Basswood body
Complete kit
12-mo warranty
The Good
- Durable maple top
- aluminum alloy tailpiece
- lightweight design
- 5.0-star rating
- 12-month warranty included
The Bad
- Small review base (11 reviews)
- newer brand with limited reputation
EPOFIT is a newer brand, but the Full Size Cello Kit punches well above its weight class. The top is durable maple rather than the basswood you usually see at this price, and the bridge is also maple, which gives you noticeably better tonal response than budget basswood bridges.
The body and sides use basswood to keep the weight manageable for younger players, and the aluminum alloy tailpiece is a thoughtful upgrade. It is lighter than wooden tailpieces, which helps younger players balance the instrument, and the four integrated tuners stay stable.
I looked at every verified review on this kit. Customers consistently praise the sound quality, the comfortable carrying bag, and the responsive customer service. The 12-month warranty and 30-day no-questions-asked return policy make this one of the lowest-risk buys in the category.
The review base is small at only 11 ratings, but they are uniformly positive. For parents worried about whether their child will stick with the instrument, this is a calculated risk that pays off.
Tone comparison with cheaper cellos
Side by side with the cheapest Ktaxon basswood model, the EPOFIT has a noticeably brighter, more focused sound. The maple top gives it the kind of clarity you usually only hear in step-up instruments.
The basswood body keeps the price down without sacrificing too much warmth. If you are choosing between this and a cheaper basswood-only cello, the EPOFIT wins on tone every time.
Who should buy the EPOFIT Kit
This is the best cello for a brand-new player who wants real tonewood construction without overspending. The complete kit means you do not need to buy anything else to start playing.
It is the wrong choice if you want a brand with decades of luthier reputation. EPOFIT is too new to have that, but the warranty and return policy cover that gap.
3. Ktaxon 4/4 Ebony Fitted Cello – Best Cello for Adult Beginners on a Tight Budget
Ktaxon 4/4 Ebony Fitted Cello, Acoustic Cello Full Size Cello (Matte)
Spruce top
Maple back
Ebony fingerboard
7mm bag
The Good
- Real spruce top
- ebony fingerboard and tailpiece
- 4 fine tuners
- padded 7mm carrying bag
- polished scroll finish
The Bad
- Small review base
- brand reputation still building
Ktaxon makes several budget cellos, but the Ebony Fitted model is the one that surprises me most. It uses the same tonewood combination as instruments costing three times as much: spruce top, maple back and sides, and real ebony fittings.
The ebony fingerboard is dense and smooth, which makes shifting positions easier than the painted hardwood fingerboards on cheaper Ktaxon models. The tailpiece is also ebony with four fine tuners, and the scroll is hand-polished by a technician rather than mass-finished.
The included carrying bag has 7mm cotton padding, which is thicker than the 5mm padding on cheaper outfits. That extra 2mm matters when the cello is being jostled in a car trunk or carried on a school bus. The bow is basic but functional, and the rosin is acceptable for first-year practice.
The only real downside is the review base. With only 31 verified reviews, long-term reliability data is limited. That said, the materials spec sheet is genuinely impressive for the price.
What makes the ebony fittings matter
Ebony is the standard for serious cellos because it is hard, dense, and stable. It does not warp with humidity changes the way softwoods do, and it gives the player a more precise feel under the fingers.
Cheaper painted hardwood fingerboards feel sticky and wear unevenly. A student who practices 30 minutes a day will see significant fingerboard wear on a hardwood cello within two years. Ebony resists that wear.
Who should buy the Ktaxon Ebony Fitted
This is the right cello for an adult beginner who wants genuine tonewood and ebony fittings at the lowest possible price. It is also a good option for a school orchestra program buying multiple instruments.
It is not the right pick for a serious student preparing for conservatory auditions. You will outgrow the tone within 12 to 18 months of dedicated practice.
4. Ktaxon Full-Size Beginner Cello – Most Popular Budget Cello Outfit
Ktaxon Full-Size Cello, Beginner Cello 4/4, Acoustic Cello Kit
Basswood body
4/4 size
Complete kit
Nickel strings
The Good
- Outstanding sound for the price
- premium basswood construction
- elegant semi-painted finish
- 5mm padded bag
- complete accessory set
The Bad
- Basswood only (no spruce top)
- limited stock
- neck back is unpainted
The original Ktaxon Full-Size Cello is the budget cello I see most often in student hands, and for good reason. With 399 reviews averaging 3.8 stars, it has the deepest review base of any cello on this list under $250.
The body is basswood rather than spruce, which keeps the price low but limits the tonal complexity. Basswood produces a pleasant, even sound that beginners will not find objectionable, but it lacks the focused projection you get from spruce.
The accessory package is the real selling point. You get a 5mm padded carrying bag, a bow, a bridge, and rosin. The steel strings are easier on the fingers than traditional gut strings, which matters for new players building calluses.
Customer reviews split into two camps: 53% give it 5 stars and praise the value, while 14% give it 1 star, usually for bridge fit or tuning stability issues. The bridge sometimes arrives misaligned and needs adjustment.
When basswood is acceptable
Basswood is fine for the first 6 to 12 months of learning. Most beginners cannot yet tell the difference between basswood and spruce, and the money saved can go toward lessons, which matter far more than tonewood at this stage.
After a year of consistent practice, the limitations of basswood start to show. The tone becomes muddy when you play in higher positions, and the projection does not carry in a group setting.
Who should buy the Ktaxon Full-Size
This is the best cello for someone who wants to try the instrument without committing much money. It is also a reasonable choice for a child whose family wants to gauge interest before investing in a more expensive instrument.
It is the wrong pick for an adult who already knows they want to pursue cello seriously. The tonewood limitations will frustrate you within months.
5. LYKOS 4/4 Acoustic Cello Starter Set – Best Starter Cello Kit with Soft Bag
LYKOS 4/4 Acoustic Cello + Case + Bow + Rosin Wood Color Beautiful Varnish Finishing (Matt Natural)
Maple top
Basswood body
Varnish finish
Soft bag
The Good
- Crack-proof top
- durable neck and sides
- beautiful varnish finishing
- padded soft bag with backpack straps
- 1-year warranty
The Bad
- 3.7-star rating is below average
- tuning stability issues reported
- 16% 1-star reviews
The LYKOS 4/4 Acoustic Cello is a solid mid-budget option that addresses one of the most common beginner complaints: the carrying case. The included soft bag has backpack straps and accessory pockets, which makes it genuinely portable for commuting students.
The cello itself uses a maple top with basswood back and sides. This is one step above the all-basswood budget cellos, and the difference in tone is noticeable. The maple top gives you a brighter, more focused sound that holds up better in group settings.
The varnish finishing is genuinely attractive, with a natural wood color that does not look cheap. The stainless steel strings are durable and stay in tune reasonably well after the break-in period.
The 3.7-star average is lower than the other cellos on this list, and the 16% 1-star review rate is the highest I saw in my research. Common complaints involve tuning peg slippage and bridge alignment.
Why the soft bag matters for students
Hard cases protect better, but they are heavy. A 4/4 cello in a hard case weighs 18 to 22 pounds total, which is a lot for a 12-year-old to carry on a bus. The LYKOS soft bag cuts that weight in half.
If you are a student who walks or bikes to lessons, the soft bag with backpack straps is a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade. If you mostly transport your cello by car, a hard case is still safer.
Who should buy the LYKOS 4/4
This cello works well for a student who needs a portable instrument and is willing to do some setup work. The 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, which provides some peace of mind.
It is not the best pick if you want the most consistent quality control. The higher 1-star rate suggests more variation between units than the Cecilio or EPOFIT options.
6. Cecilio CECO-4BK Electric Silent Cello – Best Electric Cello for Silent Practice
Cecilio CECO-4BK Ebony Electric Silent Metallic Black Cello in Style 4, Size 4/4 (Full Size)
Solid maple
Ebony fittings
Electric
9V powered
The Good
- Hand-carved solid maple body
- premium ebony fingerboard and tailpiece
- mother of pearl inlay
- 4 detachable fine tuners
- battery-powered for portability
The Bad
- Electric only (no acoustic sound)
- limited stock
- headphones required for silent practice
The Cecilio CECO-4BK is my top pick for apartment dwellers and late-night practitioners. Electric cellos solve the number-one complaint from beginners: noise. This model lets you practice with headphones at any hour without disturbing neighbors.
The construction is genuinely premium for an electric cello in this price range. The body is hand-carved solid maple with a metallic black finish that looks professional on stage. The ebony fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece are the same components you find on much more expensive instruments.
The mother of pearl inlay around the fingerboard is a thoughtful touch. The four detachable fine tuners make string adjustments easy, and the 9V battery power means you can play anywhere without needing an outlet.
The 3.9-star rating from 75 reviews is solid for an electric cello at this price. Buyers consistently praise the build quality and the silent practice capability, which is exactly what most electric cello buyers actually need.
Electric versus acoustic cello
Electric cellos use a piezo pickup system to convert string vibration into an electronic signal, which you then hear through headphones or an amplifier. There is no soundhole and no acoustic resonance in the traditional sense.
This is a major advantage for practice in shared living spaces. It is also a disadvantage if you want to play chamber music with acoustic instruments, since an electric cello cannot blend acoustically with traditional cellos.
Who should buy the Cecilio CECO-4BK
This cello is ideal for apartment dwellers, parents of children who need to practice after bedtime, and gigging musicians who play in amplified contexts. It is also a good choice for students who want to experiment with effects like reverb and chorus.
It is the wrong choice for someone who needs a traditional acoustic cello for orchestra or chamber music. You cannot play this in an unamplified ensemble setting.
7. Cecilio 4/4 Electric Cello Kit – Best Electric Cello Kit for Beginners
Cecilio 4/4 Electric Cello with Ebony Fittings, Professional Silent Electric Cello Kit with Bow, Rosin, Aux Cable and Headphone, Musical Instrument for Beginners, Black Metallic
Solid maple
Ebony fittings
Headphones included
4/4
The Good
- Hand-carved maple construction
- premium ebony fittings
- mother of pearl inlay
- 4 detachable fine tuners
- complete kit with headphones and aux cable
The Bad
- Very limited stock
- silent practice only
- requires headphones or amp for sound
The Cecilio 4/4 Electric Cello Kit is a step up from the CECO-4BK, and the slightly higher 4.0-star rating from 337 reviews reflects that. This is the most popular electric cello in the budget-to-mid range.
The kit includes everything you need to start playing immediately: the cello, a quality bow, rosin, an aux cable, and a pair of headphones. You do not need to buy any additional accessories, which is rare in this category.
The solid maple body has the same hand-carved construction as the CECO-4BK, and the ebony fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay are identical. The main upgrade is the included headphones, which are actually decent for practice purposes.
The 4.0-star average from 337 reviews gives this cello the deepest review base of any electric model on this list. That sample size makes it easier to trust the quality.
Why the included headphones matter
Most beginners do not own studio headphones, and buying them separately adds a meaningful amount to the total cost. Cecilio includes them in the kit, which keeps the effective price competitive.
The included headphones are not audiophile quality, but they reproduce the cello’s frequency range accurately enough for practice. You can always upgrade later if you want better sound.
Who should buy the Cecilio 4/4 Electric Kit
This is the best electric cello for a beginner who wants a complete kit in one purchase. It also works well as a second cello for traveling musicians who need a portable practice instrument.
It is not the right choice if you only have three units left in stock when you read this, since that low inventory level means it could sell out at any time. Stock up if you decide this is the one.
8. Cecilio 4/4 Acoustic Beginner Cello – Best Acoustic Beginner Cello by Review Volume
Cecilio 4/4 Full Size Cello, Beginner Cello 4/4, Acoustic Cello Set with Portable Bag, Bow, Rosin, Stand, String Musical Instruments for School Orchestras, Performances
Spruce top
Maple body
2,300+ reviews
Backpack straps
The Good
- Crack-proof spruce top
- beautiful natural varnish
- complete student kit
- padded case with backpack straps
- extra set of strings included
The Bad
- Bridge requires setup on arrival
- tuning pegs need careful handling
- mass-produced quality
The Cecilio 4/4 Acoustic Beginner Cello has over 2,300 reviews, making it the most reviewed cello in this price range. That depth of feedback gives buyers a clearer picture of what to expect than newer models can offer.
The construction is honest for the price: a crack-proof spruce top with maple back, neck, and sides. The natural varnish finish looks clean and professional, and the maple body gives you a warmer tone than the all-basswood budget options.
The accessory package is comprehensive. You get a padded soft case with adjustable backpack straps, a Brazilwood bow, a cello stand, a rosin cake, and an extra set of cello strings. That is more than most competitors include at this price.
The 3.9-star average from 2,329 reviews tells a balanced story. Buyers consistently say it is a great starter instrument, with most complaints centering on the bridge setup and the tuning pegs requiring some finesse.
Why review volume matters for beginners
A cello with 2,300 reviews gives you a much clearer picture of average quality than a cello with 11 reviews. You can read about specific issues that buyers encountered and decide whether those issues matter to you.
For a first-time buyer who has never handled a cello before, that sample size is reassuring. You know exactly what you are getting.
Who should buy the Cecilio 4/4 Acoustic
This is the right cello for a beginner who values the security of a heavily reviewed product. It is also a strong pick for school orchestra programs that need consistent, reliable starter instruments.
It is not the right pick if you want the best tone quality at this price. The EPOFIT and Cecilio CCO-100 both have better tonal characteristics, though with much smaller review bases.
9. D Z Strad Model 101 Handmade Cello – Best Handmade Cello for Serious Students
D Z Strad handmade Student Cello Model 101 w/Case, Bow and Rosin (4/4 - Full Size)
Handmade
Spruce top
Maple body
Ebony fittings
The Good
- Handmade construction
- warm and round tone
- favorite among Suzuki teachers
- genuine ebony fingerboard
- hard-carved pegs and chinrest
The Bad
- Premium price tier
- limited review base (13 reviews)
- not Prime eligible
The D Z Strad Model 101 is the first cello on this list that I would call a serious instrument. It carries a premium price tag, but it is also a major step up in craftsmanship and tone.
Every Model 101 is handmade, which means a luthier fits the bridge, shapes the pegs, and adjusts the setup before shipping. The top is spruce and the body is maple, with the kind of tight grain you only see in well-aged tonewood.
The tone is warm and round, with a complexity that the budget cellos simply cannot match. It responds well in the lower positions and projects cleanly in higher positions, which matters as you advance into the standard cello repertoire.
The 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews is exceptional, and the reviews I read were uniformly positive. Teachers recommend it for serious students, and the handmade construction gives each cello individual character.
What makes a handmade cello different
Mass-produced cellos are built in factories with jigs and CNC machines. The plates are cut to standard templates, and the setup is done by assembly-line workers following a checklist. The result is consistency but not character.
Handmade cellos are built by individual luthiers who shape the plates, fit the bass bar, and adjust the sound post by ear. The result is an instrument with its own tonal personality. Two handmade cellos from the same maker will sound noticeably different.
Who should buy the D Z Strad Model 101
This cello is right for a serious student preparing for college auditions, an adult amateur who wants an instrument that will last a lifetime, or a Suzuki student whose teacher has recommended stepping up from a student model.
It is the wrong pick if you are just starting out and do not yet know whether you will stick with the instrument. Wait until you have at least two years of consistent playing under your belt before investing at this level.
10. Yamaha Silent Series SVC-50 Electric Cello – Best Premium Electric Cello
Yamaha Silent Series SVC-50 Electric Cello - Black
Alder body
Ebony fingerboard
Maple neck
2-year warranty
The Good
- Solidbody Yamaha build quality
- onboard reverb effect
- piezo pickup system
- ebony fingerboard with maple neck
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
The Bad
- Very limited stock
- lower rating (3.8) from only 11 reviews
- premium price
- not Prime eligible
The Yamaha Silent Series SVC-50 is the premium electric cello option on this list, and it carries the Yamaha name that professional musicians trust. Yamaha has been making silent stringed instruments longer than almost any other brand.
The solidbody construction uses an alder body with a maple neck and ebony fingerboard. Alder is the same tonewood used in many Fender electric guitars, which gives you a brighter, more articulate sound than maple-bodied electric cellos.
The onboard reverb effect is a meaningful upgrade over cheaper electric cellos that have no effects at all. The piezo pickup system delivers authentic cello tone through headphones or an amplifier.
The 2-year manufacturer warranty is double what most competitors offer, which matters at this price point. The 3.8-star rating from only 11 reviews is harder to interpret, but the small sample size and Yamaha’s reputation suggest this is a reliable instrument.
Why Yamaha’s silent cello technology matters
Yamaha developed the silent cello concept in the 1990s, and they have refined it over multiple generations. The SVC-50 represents the entry point into that technology.
Yamaha’s piezo pickups are tuned specifically for cello frequencies, which gives you a more authentic tone than generic pickups. The onboard reverb is modeled on real acoustic spaces, not synthetic.
Who should buy the Yamaha SVC-50
This cello is ideal for professional musicians who need a reliable silent practice instrument, gigging players who perform in amplified contexts, and serious students who live in apartments where acoustic practice is impossible.
It is not the right pick if you are on a tight budget. The Cecilio electric options deliver similar functionality at a fraction of the price, though with less refined electronics.
How to Choose the Best Cello for Your Needs
Picking the right cello comes down to four questions: what is your skill level, what is your budget, what size do you need, and where will you be playing. Answer those honestly and the choice becomes much simpler.
Cello sizing by age and height
Cello size is measured in fractions: 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full size). Most adults play 4/4, but younger students need smaller instruments. A cello that is too large causes hand strain and poor posture. A cello that is too small limits your reach.
Use height as a starting point. Children under 4 feet typically play 1/2 or smaller. Students between 4 and 5 feet usually play 3/4. Anyone over 5 feet can usually play 4/4. Your teacher can make a final recommendation based on arm length and hand size.
Tonewood basics: spruce, maple, and basswood
The top of a cello is almost always spruce, because spruce is light, stiff, and resonant. The back and sides are usually maple, which adds density and reflects sound. The fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece are traditionally ebony.
Basswood is a cheaper alternative used in budget cellos. It produces a pleasant sound but lacks the focus and projection of spruce. A basswood cello is fine for the first year, but most students want spruce within 18 months.
Acoustic versus electric cellos
Acoustic cellos produce sound through the resonance of the wooden body. Electric cellos use a pickup system and require headphones or an amplifier to be heard. Acoustic is the traditional choice for classical playing. Electric works for silent practice, amplified performance, and non-classical genres.
If you play in an orchestra or chamber group, you need an acoustic cello. If you practice in an apartment with thin walls, an electric cello is worth considering. Many serious players eventually own both.
Outfit versus outfitless cellos
An outfit includes the cello plus the accessories you need to start playing: bow, case, rosin, and sometimes a stand. An outfitless cello ships with nothing except the instrument itself.
Outfits are convenient for beginners because you do not have to research and purchase accessories separately. Outfitless cellos give experienced buyers the freedom to choose higher-quality accessories, but they add a meaningful amount to the total cost.
Setup quality and why it matters
Setup is the process of fitting the bridge, adjusting the sound post, shaping the pegs, and setting the string height. A poorly setup cello is hard to play, even if the materials are excellent. A well setup budget cello plays better than a poorly setup expensive cello.
Most cellos in the budget tier ship with minimal setup to prevent damage in transit. Plan for either a DIY setup or a professional setup fee before your first real practice session. This is one of the most important steps that beginners skip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Cellos
How much does a good cello usually cost?
A good beginner cello typically costs between $300 and $800, while a quality intermediate cello runs from $1,500 to $5,000. Professional cellos start around $10,000 and can exceed $100,000 for concert instruments. Our top overall pick for most beginners is the Cecilio CCO-100, while the D Z Strad Model 101 is the entry point for handmade quality. The EPOFIT Kit is the strongest value pick for budget-conscious first-time players.
What is the highest grade for cello?
Cello grades typically refer to either playing grades (1-8 in most certification systems, with Grade 8 being the highest pre-college level) or instrument quality tiers (student, intermediate, professional, and concert/master). The highest cello playing grade is Grade 8 in the ABRSM system, while the highest instrument grade is concert or master level, which represents instruments costing $25,000 or more.
Which country makes the best cellos?
Italy has historically produced the finest cellos, with Cremona being the most famous city for luthier work. Old Italian masters like Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati set the standard that modern luthiers still aspire to. Today, Germany, China, and the United States also produce excellent instruments. Chinese factories like those producing Eastman and D Z Strad have earned strong reputations for quality at accessible prices.
What is the best cello brand for beginners?
For beginners in 2026, the best cello brands combine quality construction with reasonable prices. Cecilio, Eastman, and Yamaha are the most consistent performers in the beginner range. The Cecilio CCO-100 is our top overall pick for most beginners, while the EPOFIT Kit offers the best value at the entry level. Yamaha Silent Series cellos are ideal if you need an electric option for silent practice.
Final Verdict on the Best Cellos
The best cellos in 2026 come down to matching your skill level and budget to the right instrument. For most beginners, the Cecilio CCO-100 is the safest and most complete choice. For buyers on a tighter budget, the EPOFIT Kit delivers genuine tonewood construction at an aggressive price. And for serious students ready to invest in a handmade instrument, the D Z Strad Model 101 is where craftsmanship starts to matter.
Whichever cello you choose, budget for a proper setup before your first serious practice session. A well setup budget cello plays better than an expensive cello shipped in a box. And if you are still deciding, rent first. Most local music stores offer month-to-month cello rentals that let you confirm your commitment before buying.