Best Cheap Electric Guitars: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Finding a quality instrument without breaking the bank can be a daunting task for any aspiring musician. After extensive testing and comparative analysis of the current market, we have identified the best options that balance affordability with playability. Our top recommendation is the LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Starter Kit Bundle. We found this kit to be the most comprehensive offering available, featuring a superior 20W amplifier and a build quality that punches far above its weight class. Whether you are buying for a student or picking up the hobby yourself, this guide will help you navigate the nuances of budget-friendly axes.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Cheap Electric Guitars

#1 LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Starter Kit Bundle – Ideal for: The complete beginner who wants a high-quality, all-in-one package with a powerful practice amp.

When it comes to value-packed bundles, the LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Starter Kit Bundle is our undisputed champion. During our hands-on testing, we were immediately struck by the resonance of the Phoenix wood body and the smooth feel of the Canadian maple neck. Unlike many budget kits that include a flimsy 5-watt or 10-watt amp, this package includes a legitimate 20W amplifier. This extra power provides much better headroom and a cleaner tone, which is vital when a beginner is trying to distinguish between different notes and chords.

Our experience was confirmed by several users who noted that the guitar itself is of excellent quality for the price point. We found the S-S-S (three single-coil) pickup configuration to be classic and versatile, producing that signature “twang” perfect for rock, blues, and pop. A minor issue we also encountered, which some users pointed out, was that the included gig bag is a bit of a tight fit. However, considering the inclusion of a digital clip-on tuner, spare strings, and a comfortable strap, the overall utility of this kit is exceptional. We recommend a quick string change to premium nickel-plated steel to truly unlock the potential of this instrument, as the factory strings can be a bit lackluster.

#2 Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit – Perfect for: Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a sleek, matte-finish guitar with essential accessories.

The Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a staple in the entry-level market, and for good reason. We found the jet-black finish to be surprisingly well-applied, giving the instrument a professional appearance. The guitar features a classic tremolo bridge system that allowed us to experiment with subtle pitch bends, though we suggest tightening the springs if you plan on doing heavy “dive bombs.” The 10W amp is sufficient for bedroom practice, although it doesn’t offer the same depth as the 20W models.

We noticed that the fretboard arrived feeling a bit dry, a sentiment echoed by some users who recommended conditioning the wood upon arrival. Once we applied a little lemon oil and replaced the stock strings with a reputable brand, the playability improved significantly. We also appreciated that this kit includes a whammy bar and extra strings, which are often the first things a new player needs. While the packaging has been a point of contention for some, the instrument itself represents a solid foundation for anyone’s musical journey.

#3 Donner DST-100S Full Size Electric Guitar Kit with Amplifier – Suits: Players who want a versatile H-S-S pickup configuration for heavier rock and blues tones.

The Donner DST-100S Full Size Electric Guitar Kit with Amplifier stands out because of its pickup arrangement. While most cheap guitars stick to three single-coils, this Donner model features a humbucker in the bridge position. In our tests, this humbucker provided a much thicker, punchier sound with less “hum” than the single-coils, making it the better choice for high-gain rock or metal. The Sunburst finish is classic and looks stunning under stage lights.

Our findings align with users who praised the quality of the packaging; Donner clearly takes pride in ensuring the instrument arrives safely. We did encounter some minor fret buzz on the lower strings, which is common in this price range and can usually be fixed with a simple truss rod adjustment. The “C” shaped neck profile felt very natural in our hands, facilitating easy movement across the 22 frets. The included mini-amp is extremely portable, though its small speaker naturally lacks bass response.

#4 Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar Starter Kit – Ideal for: The intermediate beginner who wants advanced features like coil-splitting in a stunning Metallic Ice Blue finish.

Moving slightly up the Donner hierarchy, the Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar Starter Kit offers a level of sophistication rarely seen at this price point. The standout feature for us was the coil-split function on the bridge humbucker. This allowed us to toggle between a thick humbucker sound and a brighter single-coil tone with the push of a button. We found the Metallic Ice Blue finish to be breathtaking, with a depth of color that rivals much more expensive instruments.

We should note, as some users have mentioned, that the quality control on the accessories can be hit or miss—specifically, we’ve heard reports of the gig bag zippers needing care. However, the guitar itself is a gem. The Laurel wood fretboard felt smooth, and the vintage-style tuning machines held their pitch surprisingly well during our evaluation. It feels like a “real” guitar rather than a toy, which is the highest praise we can give a budget instrument.

#5 Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit – Perfect for: Beginners who want the prestige and reliability of the Fender name with a complete accessory set.

The Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit is perhaps the safest bet for any new player. Because it is designed by Fender, the ergonomics are spot-on. We found the 10G Frontman amp included in this bundle to be punchy and clear, outperforming generic amps found in other kits. The matte black finish on the body is modern and hides fingerprints better than gloss finishes, a detail we appreciated during long sessions.

Users have frequently mentioned how easy this guitar is to tune, and our experience was identical. The Laurel fingerboard and “C” shaped neck are perfect for smaller hands or those just starting to build finger strength. While it is one of the more expensive “cheap” guitars on our list, the inclusion of free lessons via Fender Play adds significant value that shouldn’t be overlooked. This is an instrument that can stay with a player for years before they feel the need to upgrade.

#6 Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar Pack – Suits: Serious students who want a higher tier of Squier quality and a powerful 15W amplifier.

The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar Pack represents a step up from the “Debut” line. We immediately noticed the thinner, more comfortable body, which reduces weight—a huge plus for younger players. This model uses an HSS pickup configuration, giving you that bridge humbucker for more aggressive tones. The Charcoal Frost Metallic finish we tested looked incredibly high-end, far exceeding our expectations for a budget pack.

We found that this guitar stays in tune remarkably well for a tremolo-equipped instrument, likely due to the improved vintage-style tuners. Our assessment was supported by experienced players who noted that with a professional setup, this guitar can compete with instruments twice its price. While some users reported “fret sprout” (sharp fret edges), we found this to be minimal on our unit. The Frontman 15G amp is a significant upgrade over the 10G, offering a larger 8-inch speaker for fuller sound.

#7 Grote Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Stainless Steel Frets – Ideal for: Experienced players looking for a budget-friendly semi-hollow body with premium stainless steel frets.

The Grote Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Stainless Steel Frets is a bit of an anomaly in the budget world. Finding stainless steel frets on a guitar at this price is almost unheard of; they are harder, smoother, and will virtually never wear out. In our testing, the P-90 pickups delivered a unique, growly tone that sits perfectly between a single-coil and a humbucker. The semi-hollow body provides a rich, woody resonance that we absolutely loved for jazz and blues.

Many users have expressed amazement at the quality of this “335-style” copy, and we have to agree. The finish is beautiful, allowing the wood grain to peek through. We did find the tuning machines to be a bit “mushy,” and they are likely the first thing an owner would want to upgrade. However, as one user pointed out, the core of the guitar—the neck and body—is so solid that it serves as an incredible platform for future modifications.

#8 LyxPro Left Hand 3/4 Size Electric Guitar Kit – Perfect for: Left-handed children (ages 6-12) who need a properly sized and oriented starter instrument.

Finding a quality left-handed guitar for kids can be difficult, but the LyxPro Left Hand 3/4 Size Electric Guitar Kit fills this niche perfectly. At 30 inches, it is much easier for a 7 or 8-year-old to wrap their hands around the neck. We were impressed that LyxPro didn’t cut corners on the materials just because it’s a smaller size; it still features a real maple neck and a solid wood body.

Our experience was mirrored by many parents who found this to be a hit with their children. The 20W amp is a generous inclusion for a kit of this size, providing enough volume for any student performance. We did notice some issues with color matching—the blue guitar we saw didn’t quite match the blue of the amp—but for a child’s first instrument, this is a minor aesthetic gripe. The most important thing is that it is a functional, tunable left-handed guitar that makes learning accessible.

#9 Pyle Electric Guitar Kit with Amplifier Beginner Bundle – Suits: Beginners who want the extra “oomph” of dual humbucker pickups for a heavier rock sound.

The Pyle Electric Guitar Kit with Amplifier Beginner Bundle is built for the aspiring rock star. By using two humbuckers instead of single-coils, this guitar is naturally quieter (less electronic hum) and much more powerful. We found it handled distorted settings on the included 10W amp quite well, making it a great choice for playing along to classic rock tracks. The solid Paulownia body is remarkably light, making it comfortable for players of all ages.

We found that the tuner included in the box was very intuitive for a first-time user. However, our testing revealed some inconsistencies in the finish—we noticed a small chip near the strap button on our evaluation unit, a sentiment echoed by a few users. Despite these minor cosmetic flaws, the electronic components are solid. If you want a “meaner” sound right out of the box, the dual humbuckers here make it a strong contender.

#10 Donner DST-80 Electric Guitar Beginner Kit with Amp – Ideal for: Aspiring players who want a sleek, modern matte black look and a compact practice setup.

Finally, the Donner DST-80 Electric Guitar Beginner Kit with Amp offers a very streamlined entry into the world of electric guitar. The matte black finish gives it a stealthy, modern look that we found quite appealing. It features a traditional SSS pickup configuration, which we found provided bright, snappy tones that work well for clean melodies and light overdrive.

The 5W amp is the smallest in our list, which has pros and cons. It is incredibly portable and even includes an overdrive switch, but it won’t fill a large room. We found the neck to be surprisingly smooth for such an inexpensive instrument. As some users noted, the included picks are quite thin, so we’d recommend buying a pack of medium or heavy picks separately. Overall, it’s a sturdy, honest beginner guitar that provides everything you need to start your first lesson today.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Key Factors to Consider

When shopping for a cheap electric guitar, you must prioritize the “bones” of the instrument over the accessories. Look for a straight neck and frets that don’t feel sharp when you slide your hand along the edge. The weight of the guitar is also important; while heavy wood like ash can provide great sustain, a lighter wood like poplar or Paulownia is much easier for beginners to practice with for extended periods.

Single-Coil vs. Humbucker Pickups

The pickups are the “microphones” of your guitar. Single-coils (found on most Strat-style guitars) are known for their bright, clear, and “twangy” sound. However, they can produce a 60-cycle hum when used with high distortion. Humbuckers are two coils joined together to “buck the hum.” They produce a warmer, thicker sound and are generally preferred for heavy rock, metal, and jazz.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the Setup: Almost every budget guitar will benefit from a professional setup. Spending $50 at a local music shop to adjust the string height and intonation can make a $150 guitar feel like a $500 instrument.
• Buying Based on Color Alone: While aesthetics are important, check the material of the neck and the wattage of the included amp first.
• Forgetting the Tuner: An out-of-tune guitar is the fastest way to get discouraged. If your kit doesn’t include a digital tuner, buy one immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find a good electric guitar under $200?

Yes, absolutely. Many of the options on our list, like the LyxPro and Donner kits, fall well under the $200 mark. The key is to look for kits that include an amp, as buying them separately will usually push you over that budget.

What are the best budget electric guitars?

The best budget guitars are currently being produced by brands like Squier, Donner, and LyxPro. These brands have mastered the art of mass-producing reliable instruments that stay in tune and sound great for a fraction of the cost of professional gear.

How do I know if a cheap electric guitar is good quality?

Check the neck for any warping and ensure the electronics (knobs and switches) don’t make a “scratching” noise when you turn them while plugged in. Also, look for reputable wood types like maple for the neck and ash, poplar, or basswood for the body.

What are the trade-offs of buying a cheap electric guitar?

The primary trade-offs are usually in the hardware (tuners and bridges) and the quality of the included strings and accessories. You may also find that the frets aren’t perfectly polished, which can lead to a “scratchy” feeling when bending strings.

Can I find a good electric guitar at a garage sale or thrift store?

It is possible, but risky for a beginner. Without experience, it’s hard to tell if a guitar has a twisted neck or faulty wiring. For your first instrument, we recommend buying new from a reputable brand to ensure you have a warranty and a functional starting point.

What are the best cheap electric guitar brands?

Squier (by Fender) is the gold standard for budget guitars. However, Donner and LyxPro have become very competitive in recent years, often offering more included accessories and higher-wattage amps for the same price.

Are cheap electric guitars good for beginners?

Yes. In fact, we recommend them. A beginner doesn’t need a multi-thousand-dollar instrument to learn the basics of chords and scales. A modern budget guitar is more than capable of taking a student from their first day through their first year of playing.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After reviewing the top contenders in the budget market, we stand firmly behind the LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Starter Kit Bundle as the best choice for most people. What sets it apart is the total package value; while other kits provide the bare minimum, LyxPro includes a legitimate 20W amplifier that sounds significantly better than the standard 5W or 10W offerings. Combined with the solid wood construction and the high-quality rosewood fingerboard, it provides the most “real” guitar experience for the money. If you want an instrument that won’t just sit in the corner but will actually inspire you to play, this is the one to get.