Few things are more relaxing than a gentle breeze and the sound of wind chimes on a summer evening. These ornate instruments also make lovely decorations for a Southern front porch, garden, or gazebo.

When shopping for wind chimes, material is the most important factor to consider—it will have an impact on both the sound quality and longevity of your chimes.

Jen McDonald, gardening expert and co-founder of Garden Girls in Houston, says she likes bamboo and wooden wind chimes because they offer a deeper, more natural tone and create a zen atmosphere. “However, these materials are more prone to cracking, so they should be placed under an outdoor porch if possible,” she adds. For a highly durable wind chime, aluminum won’t rust and can withstand high winds.

Meet The Experts Jen McDonald is a gardening expert and co-founder of Garden Girls in Houston.

Autumn Hilliard-Knapp is a horticulture specialist at Perfect Plants Nursery in Monticello, Florida.

Ahead, you’ll find our favorite wind chimes for sound, durability, aesthetics, and more.

Our Top Picks Best Overall Wind Chimes: Astarin Wind Chimes at Amazon ($36) Jump to Review Best Budget Wind Chimes: Epartswide Wind Chimes at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Splurge Wind Chimes: Cosanti Originals #1 Ceramic Bell Assembly at Cosanti.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Small Wind Chimes: Astarin Temple Wind Bells at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Large Wind Chimes: Vanquer Wind Chimes at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Colorful Wind Chimes: BottlesUncorked Wine Bottle Wind Chimes at Etsy (See Price) Jump to Review Best Unique Wind Chimes: Etta Avenue Farrah Mirror Abstract Wind Chime at Wayfair ($30) Jump to Review Best Design: Garden Outside The Box Fairy Garden Art Chime at Etsy ($34) Jump to Review Best Sound: Woodstock Chimes Original Amazing Grace Chime 24" at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Durable Wind Chimes: Musubi Kiln Owl Wind Chime Nambu Ironware at Musubikiln.com (See Price) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall Wind Chimes

Astarin Wind Chimes

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Precision-tuned to a pentatonic scale

Three sizes available

Durable, rust-resistant aluminum

What Could Be Better Some may prefer a deeper, more natural tone

The Astarin Wind Chime earned our Best Overall spot for its low price, precision-tuned tubes, and elegant look. This wind chime is 30 inches long, which is suitable for most porches and patios, but it’s also small enough to use indoors as well. The brand also sells 36-inch and 44-inch sizes for anyone looking for a larger wind chime with deeper tones. 

The wind chime is a combination of rust-resistant aluminum tubes and beechwood. The tubes are longer and thicker, which helps create richer sounds. However, it might not sound deep enough to some—but this boils down to personal preference. It is tuned to a pentatonic scale which provides soft melodic tones while it sways in the wind. 

It also comes with a wooden striker that’s crafted from durable beechwood. (FYI: The striker is the piece suspended between the tubes that helps to make the sound.) We also think it’s handy that it comes with an S-hook so you can hang and use it as soon as you unbox it. The wind chime comes in six colors: black, blue, copper, green, silver, and rose gold

Material: Aluminum, beechwood | Size: 30 x 5.9 inches; 36 x 6.1 inches; 44 x 8 inches | Weight: 1.5–2.5 pounds

　　 Best Budget Wind Chimes

Epartswide Wind Chimes

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Weather-resistant aluminum

Larger tubes for amplified sound

Adjustable striker produces sounds in different scales

Good value

What Could Be Better Might get tangled in high winds

Whether you’re considering these wind chimes as a gift for someone else or just for yourself, this is one is our favorite to achieve a peaceful ambiance without pulling on the purse strings.

This wind chime is made from hard-anodized aluminum that’s been coated to protect against water and wind. It consists of a metal hook for easy hanging and six tubes in either black or silver. It is 37 inches in length with individual tubes ranging from 9.8 inches to 14.2 inches. Because it is larger, expect the sound to be amplified, especially on windy days. 

The wind chimes also have water-resistant nylon strings and a wooden striker which you can adjust to hear sounds in different scales. Note that this wind chime is light and may get tangled on particularly windy days.

Material: Aluminum, wood | Size: 37 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds

　　 Best Splurge Wind Chimes

Cosanti Originals #1 Ceramic Bell Assembly

View On Cosanti.com What’s Great About It Handcrafted from clay

Hollow sound with strong resonance

Intricate, mobile-like design

What Could Be Better Matching extension rods and wall brackets must be purchased separately

Because the Cosanti Originals #1 is handmade from clay, you’ll have to spend a little more to get it. But, if you desire a wind chime that features an intricate design, a hollow sound, and a strong resonance, it could be worth it. 

This wind chime looks similar to a baby mobile consisting of three clay wind bells in staggered lengths on metal chains. It also comes with a brass fin windcatcher at the bottom which adds a luxurious touch. The platform where it is suspended is also bell-shaped. At 27 inches, it’s short and compact which makes it easy to hang in most places. 

Keep in mind that you might need an extension rod and wall brackets to hang it up. If you want them to match your ​​Cosanti Windbell, the brand sells matching accessories including replacement fins and chains from its collection. 

Material: Ceramic, brass | Size: 27.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds

　　 Best Small Wind Chimes

Astarin Temple Wind Bells

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Unique tiered design

Develops a patina overtime

Great for small outdoor spaces

Weatherproof

What Could Be Better May require more wind to chime

According to ancient Chinese traditions, feng shui wind chimes are a symbol of good luck and also bring good energy to your home—which might be a valid reason to hang this Temple Wind Chime outdoors. 

At 26 inches long, it is smaller than many standard wind chimes on the market. It features three tiny bells on a braided nylon cord and a sturdy hook to hang it up. Whenever the bells flutter in the breeze it makes a pleasantly soft tinkling sound. 

The wind chime is made from copper alloy and designed specifically for outdoor use. While it is a weatherproof material that won’t rust, expect it to patina over time. The wind chimes come in three- and five-bell options, and also five different colors including dark green, copper, and yellow. 

Material: Copper alloy, nylon | Size: 26 x 2.4 inches | Weight: Not listed

　　 Best Large Wind Chimes

Vanquer Wind Chimes

View On Amazon What’s Great About It More resonant thanks to extra-thick and extra-long tubes

Professionally tuned to pentatonic C major scale

Powder coated

Available in 48- and 58-inch versions

What Could Be Better Only comes in black

For deeper tones, a robust wind chime with extra-thick and long tubes will get your more resonance. The all-black Vanquer Wind Chime is available in jumbo 48- and 58-inch models, with tubes ranging from 16.5 to up to 23.6 inches. The tubes also feature a wide diameter which causes it to chime louder. The whole thing comes with six heavy-duty aluminum tubes, a windcatcher, and a lattice suspension platform held up by durable nylon strings. 

The tubes are professionally tuned to a pentatonic C major scale which results in deep, rich chime rings. They are also powder coated which guards against corrosion, especially when the weather is rainy or humid. You can also adjust the melody or quiet it by moving the wooden striker at the top. We just wish that it was available in different colors.  

Material: Aluminum | Size: 48 x 7.1 inches; 58 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.2–8 pounds

　　 Best Colorful Wind Chimes

BottlesUncorked Wine Bottle Wind Chimes

View On Etsy What’s Great About It Handmade from repurposed glass wine bottles

Sold individually or as a set of seven

Heart-shaped acrylic windcatcher

Makes a statement without being too large

What Could Be Better Gift wrapping is pricey

Handmade in Fredericksburg, Virginia, these wind chimes come in multiple bright and vibrant colors to make a prime addition to your patio or backyard decor. The wind chime consists of a repurposed glass wine bottle with copper accented rims, plus a wooden striker attached to a heart-shaped acrylic windcatcher that makes a soft, tinkling sound. An S-hook and a zinc-coated steel chain are attached to it for easy hanging. 

There are seven colors to choose from: clear, amber, frosted, yellow, red, green, and blue. But if you want a complete look, it might be worth it to get the complete set that has all the colors. If you plan on gifting this wind chime, you have the choice of selecting a gift box with a bow to wrap it inside. However, doing that will add an extra $20 to the price.

Material: Glass, copper, acrylic, wood, zinc-coated steel | Size: 27 x 3 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

　　 Best Unique Wind Chimes

Etta Avenue Farrah Mirror Abstract Wind Chime

View On Wayfair What’s Great About It Word “garden” welded in gold metal finish

Whimsical design

Mirrored geometric shapes reflect light

What Could Be Better No S-hook included

Prone to damage in strong winds

If you’re looking for a wind chime that stands out without being gaudy, we recommend the Etta Avenue Garden Wind Chime. Made out of iron, it’s 36 inches tall and spells out the word “garden” in gold letters. Below the word, there are nine chains consisting of assorted mirrored pentagon, octagon, and triangle shapes. 

Although the wind chime is weather resistant and can safely be placed outside, it’s pretty slim and delicate, so there’s a chance that it can get damaged in heavy rain, wind, or snow.  And while it comes pre-assembled, an S-hook is not included and needs to be bought separately to hang it up.

Material: Mirror, gold-finished metal | Size: 36 x 15 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

　　 Best Design

Garden Outside The Box Fairy Garden Art Chime

View On Etsy What’s Great About It Delicate, soothing chime

Unique, whimsical design

Copper-colored metal lends rustic feel

What Could Be Better Protective coating may weather over time

This best-selling wind chime is a great pick if you’re looking for one that doesn’t have a traditional tube shape. In place of hollow tubes, this 26-inch wind chime features two dozen fairy bells on metal chains that clank together in the wind. 

It makes a delicate, soothing sound, which could be appealing if you’re not into noisy wind chimes. That said, you can increase or decrease the sound depending on how you hang it. When you attach it to something movable like a tree limb the volume increases, but if you hang it on a stationary object like an awning or fence, the wind chime will be much quieter. 

It is crafted from copper-colored metal and also has a protective coating. However, the coating might break down over time. 

Material: Treated copper-colored metal | Size: 26 x 6.5 inches | Weight: Not listed

　　 Best Sound

Woodstock Chimes Original Amazing Grace Chime 24"

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Target What’s Great About It Plays the opening notes of “Amazing Grace”

Windcather can be engraved

Durable aluminum

Includes a gift box

What Could Be Better Very basic design

The brainchild of Grammy award-winning musician Garry Kvistad and his wife Diane, the Woodstock Chime is the only wind chime on this list that belts out the opening bars of the popular hymn “Amazing Grace.” 

It’s on the smaller side, measuring around 24 inches in length (although the brand offers more sizes), and includes a hanging loop at the top and a windcatcher at the bottom. The windcatcher can even be engraved via the manufacturer for a personalized gift. Additionally, it comes in a gift box, making it easy to give it to friends or family.

The wind chime is a combination of teak-finished ash wood and aluminum, making it weatherproof enough to withstand wind, rain, and snow. 

Material: Aluminum, wood | Size: 24 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds

　　 Best Durable Wind Chimes

Musubi Kiln Owl Wind Chime Nambu Ironware

View On Musubikiln.com What’s Great About It Made from durable Japanese Nambu ironware

Unique owl design

Paper strip catches the wind and moves the striker

Produces a soft, relaxing sound

What Could Be Better Will rust if exposed to moisture

This small owl wind chime is crafted from Japanese Nambu ironware which is known for its strength and durability. The wind bell is simple and features an owl figurine sitting on a branch with a bell beneath. It also includes a paper windcatcher that helps the clapper (also known as a striker) move to make sounds. 

When the wind blows, it makes a soft dinging sound, that’s more relaxing than glass wind chimes. It has the same noise frequency as a murmuring stream or birds chirping. While you can hang it outdoors on a porch or balcony, it’s also a great option to hang inside near a window or breezy place in your home.

Keep in mind that the wind chime is not corrosion resistant and will rust if exposed to moisture. It’s important to keep it dry by wiping off water with a paper towel or dry dishcloth.

Material: Cast iron | Size: 22.8 x 4.3 inches | Weight: Not listed

　　 Best Bamboo Wind Chimes

Nalulu Classic Bamboo Wind Chime

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Low, hollow chime

Three sizes available

Stainless steel S-hook

Large striker produces stronger sound

What Could Be Better Bamboo will fade over time

Not everyone finds metal wind chimes to be melodious, which is why bamboo wind chimes like the Nalulu Classic Bamboo Wind Chime could make a great alternative. Instead of the endless ringing sound that aluminum tubes are known to produce, bamboo wind chimes make low, hollow sounds that have a calming effect. 

The wind chime is an eco-friendly option that’s handcrafted by Indonesian skilled artisans. It is one of the larger wind chime options on our list, measuring 44 inches in length (but there are also smaller 35-inch and 42-inch sizes available). 

To protect it against the elements, the chime is double coated with varnish and has a strong stainless steel hook to hold it in place. Additionally, it is designed with a large clapper, so the sound should be stronger. Keep in mind that bamboo is not as weather resistant as aluminum and will start to fade if exposed to the elements all year round.

Material: Bamboo, stainless steel | Size: 35 x 4 inches; 42 x 5 inches; 44 x 6 inches | Weight: 14.1 ounces–2.6 pounds

　　 Best Aluminum Wind Chimes

Upblend Outdoors Wind Chime Large

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Available in two different sizes, each producing different tones

Tubes come in six different colors

Rust-resistant aluminum

Includes an engraved stone for gifting

What Could Be Better You cannot choose or customize the message on the stone

Wind chimes are known for their calming effect and can visually enhance any space that they are in. The Upblend Outdoors Wind Chime features a wood plate and rust-resistant aluminum tubing in six eye-catching color options. 

It’s available in both 41-inch and 29-inch versions, each producing a different tone. If you’re looking for something deeper, we recommend getting the larger 41-inch wind chime. But if you need a lighter tone, the 29-inch wind chime is better.

Each wind chime comes with an engraved stone, making it a great choice for a gift (although you cannot choose the message on the stone).

Material: Aluminum, wood | Size: 29 x 5.5 inches; 41 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.77–3.3 pounds

　　 Best Shell Wind Chimes

Bellaa Rainbow Sea Glass Chime

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Cheery, coastal design

63 painted capiz shells

Produces a gentle tone

What Could Be Better Shells can be damaged in strong winds

The low tinkle of the Bellaa Wind Chimes will be music to your ears. This 27-inch wind chime is coastal inspired, consisting of 63 painted capiz shells. The gentle sound of this wind chime comes from the glass colliding whenever there is a strong breeze. While the best place for it is hanging on a porch or garden, it could work as an indoor wind chime, too. 

The wind chime is available in eight shell arrangements including multi-color patterns and a stars and stripes-themed mode. The shells and the strings that connect it are delicate, so it might not hold together or even break if the wind is too strong (or if there’s a storm) — in that case, you might want to take it down until the weather has passed. 

Material: Capiz sea glass shells, bamboo | Size: 27 x 6 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces

　　 Best Tube Arrangement

Corinthian Bells by Wind River 36 inch

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Handcrafted in Virginia

Tubes are precision-tuned to a pentatonic E scale

Longer tubes produce deeper resonance

Sturdy aluminum with powder coating

What Could Be Better Heavy, may need strong wind to produce sounds

The 36-inch Corinthian Bells by Wind River is made up of six tubes, each of which is tuned to a pentatonic E scale for better sound and harmony. Each tube has been hand-tuned and then tested for clarity and pitch. 

Handcrafted in Virginia, the wind chime is known for its resonance and durability thanks to its length (longer wind chimes have deeper resonance) plus a sturdy aluminum build and powder coating. It is quite hefty though, and may require a strong breeze for it to get going. 

This wind chime comes in nine finishes, so you should be able to find a color that matches your backyard decor. Colors range from neutrals such as black and copper to brightly colored options like ruby and patina green. In addition, the nylon cords that hold the tubes together are UV treated for outdoor use. The wind chimes come with a five-year warranty. 

Material: Aluminum | Size: 36 x 8 inches | Weight: 4 pounds

　　 Best Wind Chimes With Light

Shang TianFeng Solar Wind Chimes

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Crescent design with an LED light attached

Solar powered

Durable aluminum tubes

Large tubes produce stronger sound

What Could Be Better Light is not very bright

The Shang TianFeng Solar Wind Chimes sounds melodious and lights up, offering a beautiful nighttime ambiance on your patio. It features a decorative hanging crescent located above the wind chime, symbolizing wealth and good fortune, with an LED golden light ball in the middle of it. 

The light is solar powered and equipped with a light sensor that charges during the day and automatically switches the bulb on when it gets dark. Once fully charged, it runs for eight to 10 hours. However, you may not find the light bright enough to your liking.

The wind chime is rather large, measuring 42 inches long. Each of the five aluminum tubes is capable of making a unique sound when it hits other tubes. 

Material: Aluminum | Size: 42 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds

　　 The Bottom Line

Our Best Overall pick is the Astarin Wind Chime, because it’s precision tuned and features aluminum tubes that sound soft and melodious. It comes in three lengths: 30 inches, 36 inches, and 44 inches.

For an even cheaper option, we recommend checking out the Epartswide Wind Chimes. It offers excellent value thanks to its waterproof features, resonant sound, and low price point.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Wind Chimes

Material Wind chimes come in a variety of materials including aluminum, copper, wood, shell, and glass. However, you should pick a wind chime that can withstand weather conditions all year round if you plan on keeping it outdoors. Metals like aluminum will offer the most durability, while wood will produce a deeper, more natural tone. 

Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, a horticulture specialist at Perfect Plants Nursery in Monticello, Florida, offers great advice for anyone unsure of which type to go for: “Consider choosing a wind chime that complements the environment you are in. For instance, if you are near a beach, a wind chime made out of seashells may blend beautifully with the surroundings.”

Size and Weight According to Hilliard-Knapp, most wind chimes range from 12 to 36 inches. There are also bigger options that measure over 40 inches if you prefer to have an extra-large wind chime in your garden or porch. 

Picking the right size also depends on where you plan on hanging it and the type of sound you prefer. “Wind chimes with longer tubes produce deeper and slower tones, while wind chimes with shorter tubes produce higher and faster tones,” explains Hilliard-Knapp.

You’ll find wind chimes ranging in weight from around 1 to 5 pounds. While a heavy wind chime typically has longer tubes and is more durable, it might be hard to hang up if you don’t have the proper tools or someone to help. “Alternatively, a wind chime that’s too light might not produce sufficient sound,” says Hilliard-Knapp. 

Sound and Tone A wind chime’s sound is determined mainly by tube length, tube thickness, and the material used. Wind chimes with longer tubes often have a deeper and richer sound. And, they can be tuned according to different scales, just like musical instruments. Wooden wind chimes, such as ones made from bamboo, make a hollow, clacking sound that is soothing to the ears.

“Shell tubes, or Capiz chimes, are another pretty alternative,” says McDonald. “They emit a clapping sound as the shells strike together in the blowing breeze. However she has a word of caution for shoppers: “Although they are beautiful, they are the least durable of all options.” 

　　 Questions and Answers

What makes wind chimes sound the best? For the best sounding wind chimes, Hilliard-Knapp advises shoppers to buy models made with quality materials. Look for wind chimes made from aluminum, copper, and bamboo that produce clean and resonant tones when the wind blows. 

Also, factors such as tube length, diameter, and design determine the quality of sound a wind chime produces. Location is also an important consideration, as wind chimes need to be in a place where wind can reach them.

Should wind chimes be taken down in the winter? It’s better to bring wind chimes indoors during winter months, especially If you’re living in areas that experience heavy snow or strong winds. However, Hilliard-Knapp says that isn’t always necessary as some wind chimes are specifically designed to withstand winter conditions. “It is a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific wind chime,” she says.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living?

Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer based in North Carolina who specializes in writing product reviews. To determine the best wind chimes, she evaluated top wind chimes on material, size, weight, sound, and tone. She also spoke to Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, a horticulture specialist at Perfect Plants Nursery in Monticello, Florida, and Jen McDonald, a gardening expert and co-founder of Garden Girls in Houston.