The soprano sax can be compared to the clarinet; it generally has a louder and more penetrating sound than the clarinet in the extreme high notes. Due to the smaller bore of the soprano, it is less forgiving with respect to intonation, though an experienced player will use alternate fingerings or vary breath support or embouchure to compensate. Due to its similarity in tone to the instrument, the soprano saxophone is sometimes used as a substitute for the oboe.

Soprano saxophones are usually straight, but sometimes have slightly or fully curved necks and bells. The fully curved variety looking much like a small alto saxophone with a straighter crook.

In 2001, François Louis created the aulochrome, a new woodwind instrument that is made of two soprano saxophones joined together, which can be played either in unison or in harmony.

Musicians especially known for playing the soprano saxophone include jazz musicians Sidney Bechet, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Joe Farrell, Steve Lacy, Branford Marsalis, Paul Winter and Dave Liebman; smooth jazz saxophonists Kenny G, Dave Koz and Grover Washington, Jr.; and Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Fela Kuti.

her et billede af klarinetten:

Two soprano clarinets: a B♭ clarinet (left, with capped mouthpiece) and an A clarinet (right, with no mouthpiece). These use the Oehler system of keywork.