Best Budget Acoustic Guitars Under $200 That Don't Suck!

Last Updated: November 19, 2019 It’s not always easy to mix affordability and quality, which is why we are very careful in what we recommend in this budget-focused article. In our latest refresh, we removed a few lesser-seen guitars such as the Fender FA-100 and the Maestro by Gibson, instead adding three new models. These comprise the fantastic Ibanez AW54OPN and the Yamaha FG800, as well as the compact Yamaha JR1 FG.

Whether you are on a strict budget or just want something to bash around on, if you are in the market for ‘the best cheap acoustic guitar’, it’s important to try out as many as you can – in particular the models you are considering purchasing. However, unless you own a guitar store (or know somebody who does), it can be tricky to try every guitar on your shortlist. This is why reading reviews – like those outlined below – can really help. We have researched and reviewed some of the most popular steel-string acoustic guitars on the market, rating them on what we liked and what we didn’t. The charts below feature guitars that offer a blend of both quality and value that are perfect for beginners, or experienced guitarists looking for something to practice on or travel with.

Top 10 Budget Acoustic Guitars Under $200:

You’ll notice throughout the summaries, we rarely used the word ‘cheap’. That’s because the word is usually associated with things that are low-quality, plasticky and easy-to-break. Thankfully, none of the guitars on the list above fall into any of these categories, and – as such – are better described as:

• Affordable
• Value
• Budget
• Low-cost

The reason there are so many good quality, affordable entry-level acoustics these days is because some of the biggest brands have entered this budget market, producing guitars of quality and durability. Beginners no longer have to settle for a generic ‘Acoustic Guitar’ when they can have a real Epiphone or Fender!

What to Look for in a Budget Acoustic

Firstly, you’ll want to decide whether you want a nylon-string or steel-string guitar, as they are technically two different instruments. The easiest way to determine your instrument is to figure out what style of music you’ll be playing. If you are planning to play classical music or Latin styles such as flamenco, a nylon-string guitar – with its mellow, rich tones – our article on the top budget classical guitars is perfect for you. However, if you are looking to learn rock, pop, country and blues, a steel-string acoustic will suit you best, as you get that lovely crisp, clear, twangy sound. If you can’t decide, go with a nylon-stringed guitar – they are slightly easier on beginners’ fingers, and much more comfortable to learn and progress on. If you are a beginner, you may have heard of electro-acoustic models. In the future you may want to consider one of these, as they will allow you to plug into an amplifier and project your sound across a room, concert hall or stadium (well, you have to dream big!). However, for now it’s wise to stick with a solely acoustic model, which will be cheaper and less complicated to use. It’s also worth looking out for – and avoiding – guitars with plastic components, such as tuners, bridges and saddles. While very cost-effective, they are prone to snapping and offer nothing when it comes to tone. Steer clear!

The Final Word

If you are on the hunt for a low-cost entry-level acoustic, chances are it’s either your first one, you are looking for something else to practice on, or you want a travel guitar. Whatever your reason, as you have seen, there are some fantastic affordable guitars out there, that look and sound great. Having a cheaper guitar is good, as it won’t bother you if they get scratched, dinked or dropped (although you’d prefer this didn’t happen!). However it’s worth considering whether you can stretch your budget further, because buying in a slightly higher price range can give you a better selection of styles, construction methods, tone woods, and playability, than the variety you’d find in the budget bracket. Buying cheap, just because it’s all you can afford at the moment, may end up being false economy if you find yourself wanting to upgrade in the next year after you progress with the instrument. Whatever price range you choose, good luck with your new purchase!