Great music requires great skills and even greater instruments. The best acoustic guitars under $100 are challenging what musicians see as an entry barrier in this field. With many types of acoustic guitars to choose from, it is already difficult to make an informed decision. With many guitars, it is as much about its materials and design as it is about how the guitar player can take advantage of them. Made for both kids and adults, the best guitars in this category stand out with their versatility.

Features to Consider in Good Acoustic Guitars

There are so many elements to look at with an acoustic guitar that it may prove complicated to find the best one. However, not many people can simply go for the easiest route when it comes to materials as they are often responsible for poor acoustic quality.

Laminated wood vs solid woods

Laminated woods are less expensive and as a result, they are used widely in cheap acoustic guitars. However, there are a few gems which still offer good acoustic quality and even some of the most exotic woods, even not to a full extent. Here are a few types of wood to be found on these guitars.

There are a few acoustic guitars which combine these types of wood into a unique design. As a result, even if a manufacturer claims all elements are made from wood, there are various types of wood which are used in the guitar. The following best cheap acoustic guitars successfully combine these materials.

Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars 2024 (Under $100)

1. Best Choice Products 38in Beginner Acoustic Guitar

Design features
The all-wood guitar comes ready to play and it is one of the most affordable designs for those who want to learn how to play the amazing musical instrument. It comes with wooden construction and different finishes so that it matches personalities.

Steel strings have been added to this acoustic guitar and they are backed by additional springs which are made specifically for learning purposes. A carry bag is included for those who want to play away from home. The good news is that it protects the beautiful finish. The colors of the guitar range from a classic all-back to natural wood or even a pink version for women. Durable by design, the guitar can be used by beginners but it also works for those who simply want an inexpensive design.

Convenient features
With a universal clip which attaches to desktop monitors and laptops, the webcam is quick to setup. As all webcams, Sold as a set, the acoustic guitar is one of the top solutions for no extra purchases. It even includes a guitar pick, which beginners have to learn how to hold. A pitch pipe is also included in the set together with a digital tuner.

A strong shoulder strap is also included with the guitar. It is particularly useful for beginners who might not yet have the strength to properly hold the guitar when playing. The only true downside of the pack is the nylon carry bag. It might not do justice to this wooden guitar. It offers no protection in the bag of accidental drops.

Verdict
Available in classic colors and equipped with extra strings, the acoustic guitar is suitable for beginners.

2. Fender FA-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag

Design features
Designed form all-wood materials, the acoustic guitar can be used for realistic sounds. Other cheap acoustic guitars may struggle to sound like a guitar. Even more, it looks similar to a professional guitar and nobody can tell just how affordable it is.

Designed with a natural Basswood top, the guitar maintains a wooden look, even if protected by lacquer. With its wooden construction, it is suitable for classical music, alternative rock, country music and any other type of acoustic play.

Its strings are not the best in their class, at least not at the beginning. It takes more than 10 playing sessions for the strings to fall into place properly and to maintain proper tension.

Convenient features
The guitar is made with high-quality wood. It represents one of the reliable products regardless of its low acquisition cost. This is why it is covered by warranty for life. In many cases, it proves to be one of the best long-term purchases for playing guitar. Of course, the warranty is limited by how the guitar is used and handled. Dropping it and cracking the wooden case is not something which is covered by warranty. Only manufacturing defects such as poorly-glued wooden panels are covered by the manufacturer.

With a hex adjustable truss rod, the guitar can be played in all temperatures. Having an included hex tool only makes the life of beginner players easier. All strings can be properly installed and replaced when needed and their tension can variate from 12 to 52 gauge.

Verdict
Made from pure wood, the acoustic guitar sounds like a true Fender and it comes with durable strings.

3. Lagrima Acoustic Guitar Beginners with Guitar Case

Design features
Designed from pure wood, the acoustic guitar sounds great given its price. Of course, it also depends on the type of strings as well as their time after being tensioned. However, there’s an included pack of strings which buyers get in the pack as well. Made from metal and ABS materials, the acoustic guitar is ready to be played even by those who want to be a bit more serious about their songs.

The guitar speaker is made from the limewood panel. It means it can reproduce the most interesting sounds with a steel string combination. Even the finger plate is made from the same lime wood which is lightweight but which is also not too heavy on the hands.

With better sound stability, these wooden materials are perfect for those who might be looking for the best acoustic performance at a very low price. Given its unique color, the acoustic guitar is perfect both for home use and for those taking guitar lessons.

Convenient features
With a glossy finish, the guitar looks exceptional. Its faded colors allow it to be one of the most unique-looking designs in its class. There are a few options such as the graded blue and black or red and black combination. Solid brown and yellow color alternatives are also available to purchase.

At 38”, it is the perfect size for teenagers and adults. There’s a cutaway option offered by Lagrima as well. With its high precision knob metal cord tuning, the guitar is perfect for beginners.

However, there are a few additional purchases to be made with this guitar. One of them is the actual cord pick as well as manual or digital tuning products. Those on a budget might even consider downloading a tuning app until they get the chance to purchase a digital guitar tuner.

Verdict
Made with full and cutout versions, the acoustic guitar is perfect for those who are just starting.

4. Acoustic Guitar Kid Beginner Child

Design features
With 18 frets, this acoustic guitar represents a suitable design for kids. Its 30in size is what makes it one of the best options in its class for kids. Since it is so small, kids can handle it easier. However, it is not rare anymore to see even adults playing such a small guitar.

Made with various materials which include a basswood top, the acoustic guitar is one of the leading options of its class when it comes to sound quality. Its sound might not be on the same level as that of professional guitars, but it is a good solution when taking the first steps in the guitar-playing world.

Convenient features
Shipped with steel strings, the guitar is available in multiple colors. Kids can choose their favorite guitar color according to what they consider looks cool. Allowing them to choose the color can act as a motivator and make them excited about playing the guitar. But at the same time, this little guitar can be an inspired gift idea, especially for boys and girls who love music.

Producing rich sound will be a huge step for kids who might have only played plastic guitars before. This can also be one of the best reasons to allow kids to make an upgrade to their sub-standard old guitars.

Suitable for all types of music, this acoustic guitar can also be the first step towards those thinking about an electric guitar. Kids who might not be sure about investing in an electric guitar can consider this acoustic performance design.

Verdict
Great for kids or for those who love smaller designs, the guitar offers rich sound for its compact size.

5. Martin Smith 38 Inch Acoustic Guitar

Design features
Made entirely from wood, this amazing guitar can be used by players of all levels. Even those who might be looking for a performance guitar might find it to be an interesting option. It ticks the right boxes as it comes with 19 frets. Even the neck of the guitar is made from wood. This is important as many cheap guitars offer various cheap plastic neck insertions which immediately translate into a poor acoustic performance which is identified by a seasoned player.

The general note of the guitar is warm. This is because it was created by guitar players. Many of them can offer impressive all-round designs suitable for all types of music.

Convenient features
When it comes to cheap guitars, it’s clear players have a limited budget. Even more, not many of them are willing to spend too much on extras. This is why the acoustic guitar comes with a long list of accessories which include a plectrum. A guitar strap is also added to the pack.

But players will also be able to use a digital guitar tuner included in the set. Made with a backlight LCD screen, this tuner is suitable for proper guitar tuning and it can be attached to the guitar strap for more practical use.

Verdict
Sold as a set, this classic guitar is characterized by warm notes, generally suitable for covering all types of music.

6. Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar

Design features
Characterized by rosewood insertions and upgraded design, the guitar is one of the most sustainable options in its class. It represents a valuable solution for those seeking good sound quality and those who come from the older generation folk guitar might consider an upgrade.

The main reason for a possible upgrade comes from the scalloped bracing which is known to come with added durability as well as with better sound quality, closer to natural notes. It can be said that the durability of the top board is the only section to come with improved resistance. But in itself, this can be a good enough reason to make an upgrade.

Convenient features
With 50 years of manufacturing history, Yamaha already has its legions of fans. The name of the guitar manufacturer can be a reason to trust the guitar. But it’s not only about the name. This guitar is special, at least in the cheap designs segment. Made with rosewood insertions, it is one of the leading options for quality sound.

Rosewood has been used on the back and the sides. The fingerboard is also made from unmatched rosewood. The bridge is also made from the same material. With diecast metal tuners, the guitar is ready to offer one of the best solutions when it comes to overall versatility.

Verdict
Made with solid rosewood insertions, this guitar feels considerably more expensive than it is.

7. J&Z Classical Guitar ¾

Design features
Made with a distinct sunset stain, the guitar is one of the options suitable for those who want to enjoy a distinct design. But the sunset gloss finish is not the only advantage of the guitar. Made from basswood, it is also capable of delivering quality notes. It is slightly smaller at 36” which means it works for teenagers as well as for adults.

But one of the most convenient aspects of the guitar is that it’s handmade. At this price range, this becomes a considerable advantage as every individual piece has its distinct appeal and something which can make it different.

Convenient features
Sold as a package, the guitar also includes a tuner. The tuner needs to be used every time someone plays the guitar. Beginners will need some practice to make the most of the tuner. A guitar bag has also been added to the pack. This is why it represents one of the best options for value packs.

A guitar strap is also added to the pack. Guitar picks are included as well. Guitar wipes are also included. This is why beginners get all they need with the complete starter kit. Furthermore, the guitar is also protected from most damage.

Verdict
The basswood guitar is one of the top solutions for those who need a durable 36” design

8. Best Choice Products 41in Full Size Beginner Acoustic Cutaway Guitar

Design features
Made with a cutaway design, the acoustic guitar is one of the unlikely options to be seen in the affordable segment as it is reliable. It has a full 41” size which means it is made for adults. Kids and teenagers can also play it but they won’t feel comfortable holding it for too long. At the same time, this acoustic guitar is also made with quality components, suitable for long-term use.

The wooden construction of the guitar allows it to be one of the best solutions for acoustic sounds. There are 20 frets with position marks to rely on and the best part is they are all placed on a quality wooden neck.

Convenient features
Steel strings are added to the pack. Unlike other Best Choice guitars, it also comes with a cutout body design. However, similarly to other Best Choice guitars, it also comes with a list of accessories, suitable for those seeking a value started pack.

A digital tuner is included in the pack and it allows players to use it on every occasion the strings need tuning. It is the same minimalistic tuner, but it gets the job done. A strap is also added to the pack. It is not a leather strap but its nylon materials allow it to be cleaned when needed.

Verdict
Made with a cutout design, the acoustic guitar comes as a value starter pack with Best Choice accessories.

9. Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package

Design features
With a cutout design, the guitar is one of the most complex options in the budget. It represents a valuable option for all types of music, not just rock or electronic. Made from unique spruce wood, the guitar is among the top options when it comes to unique materials.

Being a 41” design, it is only suitable for adults. Furthermore, its size is perfect for practice as well as for playing in concerts. With its cutaway neck, it allows easier access to the top frets, which is perfect for most rock fans.

Convenient features
Since the guitar is sold as a set, it also comes with various accessories. They include a selection of differently-colored picks, perfect for practice purposes. Extra strings are also shipped with the guitar. A guitar cable is also included.

With a glossy finish, the guitar is also available in different colors. Blue, red, and brown are the options. A natural wood look is also offered by the manufacturer. With an included carry case, the guitar becomes one of the must-have for those who might also need amplification.

Verdict
This value-pack solution is one of the few 41” acoustic-electric options which fit the budget.

10. Pyle Beginner 30” Classical Acoustic Guitar

Design features
Designed to offer an affordable acoustic performance, the 30” guitar is perfect for kids. It is also the design to choose for adults who want a backup solution for their full-size guitar. There are various types of wood used in its construction, to offer the best sound for this size.

The body is made from linden wood while the bridge is made from Maplewood. These materials are then coated with high-gloss finish with a deep cherry stain on the sides. The manufacturer then added 6 strings to the pack so that kids can start playing right away.

Convenient features
The starter pack is well below the budget and this is why this guitar can also be an inspired gift idea. Shipped with multiple guitar picks, it can even allow kids the luxury of having multiple accessories until they go through the learning stages of playing guitar.

A strap is shipped for the guitar as well. Regardless of the height of the guitar player, the strap can be adjusted and the little hands of the kids don’t need to deal with all the weight of the guitar, at least not in the beginning.

Verdict
Suitable for kids, this guitar starter kit is one of the best learner solutions with an appealing cherry finish.