Whether you’re looking for your entry into the world of six-strings, or you’re simply after a reliable instrument that doesn’t break the bank, the best cheap acoustic guitars cover a range of bases, and cater for everyone.
There’s no denying that costs have gone up everywhere, including in the world of musical instruments, but in some sort of role reversal, it’s actually never been easier to get hold of a good cheap acoustic.
Generally we’re talking about instruments between $/£130-500. Anything under that runs the risk of being more a toy than a real instrument, and spending more than $/£500 defeats the point of a cheap guitar.
The best cheap acoustic guitars come in all shapes and sizes too. From compact parlor and concert guitars perfect for smaller players, to big, bold jumbos that provide those that need volume, there’s something here for everyone.
But if you want my no.1 choice right off the bat, then I've given the top spot to the Yamaha F310 thanks to its excellent build quality, ease of use and staggeringly good price. For more, read on!
Our top picks
For sheer affordability, it's hard not to recommend the Yamaha F310. This classy-looking dreadnought has all the hallmarks you'd expect from a Yamaha guitar, with an insanely playable neck, superb build quality, and rich, complex tone, all for a wallet-friendly price.
If you're looking for your first acoustic guitar, the Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 is a popular choice. It has a large acoustic voice, comes in three colors, and is phenomenal value for money. It's likely too big for very young players however, as it is a dreadnought-size acoustic.
The stylish-looking D'Angelico Premier Gramercy LS looks fantastic and plays well too. A versatile instrument that can cover a lot of styles, it features a built-in preamp and tuner that'll make playing live, and your general playing life, a lot easier.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want an excellent, no fuss acoustic: With its excellent build quality, price and comfort, the Yamaha F310 is hard to beat. Simply an excellent guitar.
❌ Avoid if you find large acoustics hard to play: The Dreadnought size might be too large for some players.
Build quality rating: ★★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Yamaha is no stranger to reasonably priced instruments, with the likes of the FG800 and APX series popping up in many of our buyer’s guides. Still, neither of these can compete with the price of the Yamaha F310. Sitting comfortably below the $250 mark, there's a reason many budding guitarists flock to this beautiful entry-level dreadnought.
Combining a laminate spruce top with a meranti back and sides, this guitar produces a rather traditional tone, and the rosewood fingerboard and bridge just seal the deal for me.
I found the Yamaha F310 to be of very high quality in my tests – not that I would expect any less from a music instrument giant such as Yamaha.
In my opinion, if you are looking for the finest acoustic guitar you can buy for under $250, the Yamaha F310 is undoubtedly at the top of the list.
Best for beginners
✅ Buy if you're just setting out on your acoustic journey: The Epiphone DR-100 is a fantastic place to start if your just getting to grips with acoustics - and it's a great price.
❌ Avoid if you're a more experienced player: The DR-100 is a neat option, but guitar veterans will be better suited with something a little different.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
The Epiphone DR-100 has long been a staple of guitar stores worldwide, offering new guitarists an affordable entry point into the bright world of acoustic guitars. A lot like the Yamaha above, the Epiphone is a large-bodied Dreadnought that, despite its minuscule price tag, delivers a fantastic tone.
Utilizing the tried and true formula of a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the DR-100 brings the classic sound of an Epiphone guitar in spades, couple that with nicely finished fret ends and reasonable hardware, and you have a guitar that's perfect for kicking off your musical journey or reigniting the passion for guitar that you once lost.
While it's fair to say that the Epiphone has "better" guitars in its vast catalog – the Epiphone Hummingbird studio springs to mind – it's still mind-boggling to see how much guitar you get for your money with the humble DR-100. This stylish six-string is affordable, playable, and sounds excellent – and is easily one of the best acoustic guitars under $500.
"The Epiphone DR-100 is a full-sized dreadnought that boasts a dynamic, rich and full sound, with superb playability. It represents excellent value for money."
Read more: Epiphone DR-100 review
Best electro
✅ Buy if you're looking for an acoustic for open mic nights: The inclusion of preamp and tuner makes this ideal for playing in front of a crowd.
❌ Avoid if you're on a tight budget: The Gramercy LS sits at the top end of what I consider budget, so if money's tight, there are more wallet-friendly options available.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
D'Angelico has been going from strength to strength since they made their triumphant return to the world of guitars, and the Premier Gramercy LS proves the company can do entry-level acoustic as well as anyone else – if not better.
The Gramercy LS employs a satin mahogany body for a timeless aesthetic, which produces a warm and mellow tone. In my view, this is a great guitar for strummers or finger-pickers alike, as it has a tone that feels equally at home with either technique. In addition, the neck has the familiar slim profile I've come to expect from D'Angelico and will most certainly fit the hands of most players.
As we are at the top-end of the "cheap" price bracket, we'll start to see extras included with our new guitar, mostly in the form of onboard electronics. The Gramercy LS comes loaded with a D'Angelico branded preamp and tuner, which transforms this entry-level, beginner-friendly guitar into something that is capable of taking center stage at an open mic night.
It's also worth noting that this beautiful guitar comes in three distinct finish options, natural Mahogany, aged Mahogany, and Satin Vintage Sunburst.
Best for playability
✅ Buy if you want to add a splash of color to your playing: While the Newporter is a solid performer, I particularly like the wide range of colors available.
❌ Avoid if you're looking for a more traditional design: The funky finishes won't be for everyone so perhaps something a little more traditional will suit you better.
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
One look at the stylish Newporter, and you know it breaks the rather uptight mold of the traditional acoustic guitar. Gone is the usual color palette of beige and brown in favor of the legendary custom finishes Fender is known for, with the likes of Candy Apple Red, Champagne, Olive Satin, and Ice Blue Satin all making an appearance.
But wait, the radical changes don't stop at a mere paint job. The Newporter also benefits from a super-thin – almost electric in style – neck, which features the iconic Fender 6-in-line headstock to complete the look.
Don't worry, it isn't all style over substance. We found that this solid top Fender acoustic is well made, super reliable, and, better yet, it sounds phenomenal. Throw in a Fishman preamp system, and you have a guitar that is sure to last you a lifetime – all for a price that's as attractive as its gorgeous finish.
"Its generous cutaway makes it easy to play all the way up the neck, making this model ideal for guitarists who like to play acoustic lead lines."
Read more: Fender California Newporter Player Acoustic review
Best for comfort
✅ Buy if you're after a nice acoustic for younger players: The Blackbird Super Folk's size makes in a top choice for younger players.
❌ Avoid if you're looking for something bigger: Go for a Dreadnought rather than this if you have larger hands. It may be a little too small for you.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
For many players, when they think of cheap – but well-made – acoustic guitars, they immediately think of Tanglewood, especially our brothers over the pond, where Tanglewood is officially Britain's best-selling acoustic guitar maker.
In truth, there were several different guitars from Tanglewood that myself and the wider Guitar World team could have chosen for this list of the best cheap acoustic guitars, but the smoky charcoal finish of the Blackbird series drew us all in with its understated charm – not to mention its tiny price tag.
I find the super folk body to be extremely comfortable, especially for those who struggle with the cumbersome nature of a dreadnought or jumbo.
Also, the smaller size delivers a tighter, more focused tone, ideal for fingerpicking and an ideal choice for younger players.
Best for gigging
✅ Buy if you want a solid and reliable gig-ready acoustic: This dreadnought has power and an onboard pickup and preamp system, so you can plug straight into an external amp.
❌ Avoid if you want a super cheap acoustic: It's definitely not the cheapest model in the list, but the Alvarez AD30CE is a high quality, option.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
Here’s a solid-top dreadnought that offers all of the power and projection associated with this body shape, complete with onboard pickup and preamp system to allow you to plug into an external amp or PA system.
With a solid spruce top and laminate sapeli back and sides, you get a clear, defined but warm sound. Not too bright, but still with some nice clarity.
On its own it’s a really nice sounding guitar and responds beautifully to both fingerpicking and strumming. Plug it in and you’ve got a fantastic amplified tone too, making it a superb option for gigging.
The build quality is impressive and it’s great to play – I’d be happy taking this out on the road as my main live guitar. While it isn’t super cheap, it’s still a high quality, affordable option.
Best jumbo
✅ Buy if you want an acoustic that delivers dynamic range: The Custom Line King-CE sounds wonderful no matter if you're diving into chords or playing a more mellow style.
❌ Avoid if a jumbo is just a little to big for comfort: It's size might put a few players off, so something else from the list might just suit you better.
Build quality rating: ★★★★
Playability rating: ★★★★
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★
Inspired by a legendary model sported by numerous guitar legends over the years, this jumbo electro-acoustic offers big, bold tones with a wide dynamic range. Strum hard and you’ll be able to get some serious volume from it. Attack it with a softer touch though and it will respond more delicately.
This guitar features a solid spruce top and laminate maple back and sides. This gives it a nice, bright, clear tone. If you’re a singer-songwriter then the guitar isn’t too intrusive in the frequencies where your vocals sit, and if you’re playing in a band then it should pop out of the mix nicely. It’s also got a pickup on board, meaning you can just plug in and play.
Jumbos aren’t necessarily for everyone – smaller players just starting out might find the body a bit too cumbersome, but for players seeking volume and power, then this is one of the best cheap acoustic guitars around.
FAQs
How do I choose the best acoustic guitar for me?
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a cheap acoustic is the tone of your new guitar, and with acoustics, this comes from the shape of the body and the materials used.
Let's start with the shape of the guitar. The general rule of thumb is that the bigger the body, the bigger the sound. Jumbos and dreadnoughts will produce a deeper, more bass-heavy tone, while the grand auditorium, folk, or parlor guitars will benefit from a tighter low-end, and more focused mid-range.
The wood used to construct the guitar also plays a massive role in the instrument's overall tone, with different wood types bringing their unique sonic characteristics to the table. Mahogany, for example, is favored for its mellow, smooth tone, while maple produces a brighter, snappier sound. Tried and true combinations such as a spruce top and rosewood back and sides offer a well-balanced tone that the majority of players enjoy. As to which is suitable for you? Our advice is to try a few out and see what speaks to you the most.
Which brands make the best cheap acoustic guitars?
As with many of our buyer’s guides here on Guitar World, some of the biggest names in the industry make some great budget-friendly options. The likes of Fender, Yamaha and Epiphone offer excellent guitars in exchange for not a lot of money.
There are also some lesser known but still well established brands including Takamine and Alvarez knocking it out of the park when it comes to bang-for-buck. These give you incredible value for money and a solid, reliable but affordable instrument.
What wood is best for a budget acoustic guitar?
When looking for the best cheap acoustic guitar, the type of wood used for the body is a great way of identifying whether or not it’s right for you.
Solid wood is generally preferred to laminated wood with acoustics as it vibrates more freely, creating a better sound. The downside to that is the cost. All solid wood guitars – i.e. the top, back and sides are all made using solid wood – are probably not an option on a budget. You might however find some great instruments featuring a solid top and laminate back and sides – a nice compromise!
The actual type of wood has a huge impact on the tone you hear too. Spruce is a very popular choice for the top of an acoustic guitar as it has a great, even, natural tone – it’s neither too bright nor too mellow and it projects nicely. Woods like mahogany and sapele will yield a warmer, woodier sound.
Does the shape of the guitar matter?
The shape of the body affects not only how it feels physically but how it sounds too. Generally speaking, larger bodied acoustics like jumbos and dreadnoughts will offer more volume and more low end.
Conversely, smaller guitars such as concert and parlor guitars might not be able to reach the same volumes, but will respond really nicely to players with a lighter touch. They’ll also have fewer bass frequencies and more going on in the mids and trebles.
How we test
It's not good enough for a guitar just to be cheap, it must also meet our exceedingly high standards before we feel comfortable recommending it to our readers. So, for us at Guitar World, we are looking for a guitar that is enjoyable to play, looks the part, and, of course, sounds as good as other guitars in a higher price bracket.
We strongly believe that just because you are looking at guitars at the bottom end of the price spectrum, it doesn't mean you should miss out on a quality instrument. The best cheap acoustic guitars feature comfortable necks, well-dressed frets, impeccable finishes, and valuable extras such as an onboard preamp and acoustic pickup.
When testing cheap acoustic guitars we'll do all the same tests as we would on one costing thousands of pounds, ensuring they're the right tool for the job at hand. We examine each guitar in detail beforehand, looking at the overall construction, making sure that everything is joined nicely together.
Next, we'll try a wide variety of playstyles to see how it holds up to strumming, fingerpicking, and other acoustic techniques. We'll look at the profile of the neck to determine how comfortable it is, playing for an extended amount of time before we make a judgment.
Then it's on to the sound quality. Using our years of experience playing acoustic guitars, we'll try a wide variety of music on it to see how it reacts in the low end, the mids, and the highs. Obviously, with a cheap acoustic we're not expecting Martin or Taylor levels of harmonic complexity, but it should have enough quality that it's inspiring to play nonetheless.
Read more about how we test products and services and how we make our recommendations.
Why you can trust us
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☑️ 1,200+ reviews on GuitarWorld.com
☑️ 30+ years of product testing at Guitar World
Guitar World boasts more than 44 years of expertise and stands as the ultimate authority on all things related to guitars. The magazine and website feature expertly written gear round-ups and top-quality, authoritative reviews penned by a team of highly experienced industry professionals.
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Furthermore, GuitarWorld.com continues this legacy online and serves as the hub of the world's foremost authorities on guitar playing. The site not only hosts content from Guitar World but also showcases articles from respected publications such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques, and Bass Player.
With a reach extending to 3.8 million players each month, GuitarWorld.com is a go-to destination for guitar fanatics globally.
Meet the experts
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at MusicRadar, and is responsible for writing and maintaining buyer's guides on the site as well as testing out products for reviews. Before writing for MusicRadar, Daryl worked for many years in music retail, helping musicians of all ages find the best gear for them. Whether it was a beginner's first keyboard or a top-of-the-range digital piano for the pros, Daryl was there to help steer players in the right direction.
Matt has been recording bands since the mid-noughties, cutting his teeth with an M-Audio M-Track 2 and a copy of Cubase on Windows XP. Since then he's used countless audio interfaces to record music for bands across the UK, covering everything from djent to jazz. As a MusicRadar writer, Matt has reviewed 15 audio interfaces in the past year alone, and over 50 different products including guitars, amps, and pedals. Before becoming a writer, he spent five years in the music retail industry working for Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars, providing expert advice to musicians. He’s currently studying Music Production at Spirit Studios in Manchester, UK.
After spending a decade in music retail, Richard is now a freelance writer for MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar World and Reverb, specialising in electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and almost anything else you can make a tune with. When his head’s not buried in the best of modern and vintage gear, Richard runs a small company helping musicians with songwriting, production and performance, and plays bass in an alt-rock band. Otherwise, you'll probably find him out walking the dog!
Latest updates
07/05/25: The guide has been updated to include three new acoustic guitars: Yamaha F310, Alvarez AD30CE and Harley Benton Custom Line King-CE. Each product entry now has "At a glance" information boxes along with star ratings. Expert verdict panels have also been added where applicable along with expanded FAQs. A section detailing why you can trust the Guitar World team has also been included along with a "Meet the experts" section showing you details about the writers behind the guide.
Read more
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
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