Published on this page in the GuitarFella archive — what our editors chose at the time, not a lab test.
Last Updated: November 19, 2019
We made several changes to this chart in the latest refresh, including saying goodbye to two models that had increased in price – the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS, and the Oscar Schmidt OE20. However, these were replaced with a similar Strat in the Squier Affinity Stratocaster SSS, as well as the cool Squier Bullet Mustang HH and the ESP LTD Viper-10.
Looking for a back-up axe on a budget? Just starting out? This is the page for you! We’ve tried and tested some of the most affordable guitars around, and have compiled a list of those that impressed us the most
Notice how we’ve said ‘affordable’ instead of ‘cheap’? That’s because cheap guitars have connotations of being… well, pieces of junk. Cheap can mean ‘barely capable of producing a sound’, ‘plasticky components’ and ‘hardware that threatens to break at any given moment’. Not what anyone needs.
So we went for affordable, which still means budget-friendly, but with a bit more emphasis on quality. There’s no need to splash out
$1000 dollars on a guitar – everything on this page is within the $200 price range, and are all excellent solutions for both beginners and experienced players alike.
The 10 Best Budget Electric Guitars Under $200:
As you are about to read, there are some incredible options that offer superb playability, clear and toneful sounds, and good craftsmanship, even in the lowest price range.
However the process of picking and separating the good from the bad can be tiresome and littered with pitfalls. Fear not – check out some of our reviews below and go from there. Here are the best affordable electric guitars that will not break your bank:
Are These Budget Guitars Only For Beginners?
No! There’s no reason advanced players couldn’t enjoy using them either – especially with the performance that some of them offer. As they are so affordable, I wouldn’t bet against experienced players fancying a couple to add to their collections.
Having said that, the guitars in the under $200 market are targeted more towards beginners. In this budget price range, the woods, finishes, hardware, and electrics all tend to be pretty basic. Not necessarily bad, but basic.
If you have been playing for a year or two and are looking at something to replace your current model, it would be wise to save a little more and go for a mid-range guitar that may cost between $300 and
$500.
On this kind of guitar you’ll notice a big difference in sound, as well as the feel of the instrument and the overall playability. Use
this page as a starting point to find something that may suit you. Until then, you are probably best off sticking with your current guitar.
What to Look For in a $200 'Cheap' Guitar
Even though the choice in this budget range is not as expansive as, say, the $300 to $500 range, there are still many different manufacturers and styles on offer.
Ultimately your style and musical tastes will define the best kind of affordable guitar to go for. For example, if classic rock n’ roll is your thing, a Squier Telecaster will definitely suit you, whereas if metal is your passion, a Warlock from B.C. Rich will be worth checking out.
The woods used on the body and neck are worth considering too, although are unlikely to be a defining factor when you consider your purchase. Basswood features heavily as the body wood of many guitars in this price range because it’s affordable and has decent tonal properties.
You will also find cheaper to produce woods like poplar and alder, although the traditionally more premium mahogany is also found on budget guitars these days.
You’ll also find mahogany on some necks, while maple is the most popular in this price range. Both are sturdy, strong and smooth, which is everything you need from a neck.
Looking at the hardware and a good fixed bridge is sometimes more important than a tremolo-style bridge – especially if you are a beginner. Save the vibrato effects and epic divebombs for later on, when you’re a more confident player. A fixed bridge will also help keep your tuning in tact.
Another consideration, and something you’ll read a lot about, is the pickups, which give the guitar its voice. There are two kinds of pickup in this price range: the single-coil (which gives a bright, sparkly sound) and the humbucker (which is fuller, meatier and perfect for rock and
metal).
Both are as common as each other in this budget range, and a guitar with a mix of both will offer you the best versatility.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure you have
the accessories you need to get up and playing fast. A strap, spare strings (they do break from time to time), and some plectrums are all essentials – and don’t forget an amplifier!
You’ll also want a case (preferably hardshell, but soft and padded will do) to store and transport your guitar, and an electric tuner to keep it sounding good. These can all be picked up from your local guitar store, although if you are starting from scratch, you may want to consider a combo kit, which usually offer good value and convenience.
The Final Word
Firstly, we advise sticking with a brand name you can trust. We’ve established that there’s nothing particularly premium about the guitars on offer at $200, but by sticking with Fender, Ibanez, Yamaha, Epiphone, Oscar Schmidt and the others on this list, you at least guarantee a guitar from a renown guitar manufacturer with some history, instead of something thrown together by a company who don’t specialise in instruments.
Also, you’ll want to buy new, instead of used. While that model you see in the thrift store window may look appealing, you’ll have more peace of mind buying from a reputable guitar dealer or an online store, such as Amazon. Plus you will have a warranty should something go wrong.
Good luck and happy shopping!