The best affordable acoustic guitars: Dreadnoughts, juniors and hybrids that won’t break the bank
While the term “quality acoustic guitar” would once conjure images of vintage Martins and boutique builds that cost more than your car, the truth is we’re now living in a golden age for budget-friendly acoustics.
READ MORE: The best value electric guitars: 10 affordable options for beginners and players on a budget
Thanks to modern manufacturing, better quality control, and a growing market of savvy players, affordable doesn’t have to mean “entry-level” anymore. In fact, some of today’s best value acoustics are packing tonewoods, hardware, and features that would’ve been unthinkable at these prices even a decade ago.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to make a confident first step, an electric player dabbling in the unplugged realm, or a seasoned guitarist after a reliable backup or travel companion, there’s never been a better time to buy an affordable acoustic.
In this guide, we’ve hand-picked a lineup of models that offer serious bang for your buck. We’ve included everything from stripped-back vintage vibes to stage-ready giggers and even some clever hybrids that blur the line between electric and acoustic. Each guitar here has been selected not just for price, but for build quality, tone, and how inspiring it is to actually pick up and play.
So whether you’re strumming around the campfire, laying down tracks at home, or prepping for your next open mic, these are the best affordable acoustic guitars you can buy right now.
At a glance:
Our Pick: Guild D-320
Best budget acoustic: Cort Earth L60M OP
Best affordable mid-sized acoustic: Martin 000-X2E
Best affordable vintage-style acoustic: Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought
Best affordable dreadnought: Martin D-X2E
Best mid-priced acoustic: Fender PO-220E
Best affordable small-bodied acoustic: Martin Shawn Mendez 000Jr-10e
Best affordable classical-style guitar: Cordoba Stage
Best affordable gigging acoustic: Taylor 50th Anniversary GS Mini-e Rosewood SB LTD
Best affordable hybrid acoustic: Fender Acoustasonic Player Jazzmaster
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Our Pick: Guild D-320
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Guild has long been one of those names that guitarists, especially acoustic players, hold in high regard. With a legacy stretching back decades and a list of notable players that include legends like Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley, Guild knows how to build guitars that sing. The D-320 brings that same old-school Guild magic into the budget-friendly realm, and it does so without cutting corners.
With a solid mahogany top and laminate mahogany back and sides, the D-320 delivers a warm, woody tone with a lovely midrange focus – perfect for strummers, fingerpickers, and singer-songwriters alike. The open-pore satin finish keeps the sound lively and responsive while giving the guitar a smooth, broken-in feel right out of the box.
Playability is spot-on, too. The C-shaped mahogany neck is super comfortable, and the rosewood fingerboard feels familiar under the fingers. Vintage-style open-gear tuners and a tortoiseshell pickguard round out the aesthetic with a nice nod to Guild’s heritage.
At just around £279, it’s kind of ridiculous what you’re getting here. Whether it’s your first acoustic or your next go-to beater, the D-320 is a standout pick for players who want timeless tone and quality on a real-world budget.
Need more? Read our Guild D-320 review.
Best budget acoustic: Cort Earth L60M OP
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If you’re after a solid-top acoustic that punches well above its price point, the Cort Earth L60M OP is one to take seriously – though not too seriously, because this thing is all about fun, no-fuss playing. It’s got that laid-back, old-school vibe thanks to its open-pore finish and all-mahogany construction, and sounds as warm and woody as it looks.
With its slightly smaller OM-style body, the L60M OP is a comfortable fit whether you’re on the sofa, in the studio, or jamming at your mate’s place. That solid mahogany top brings out plenty of earthy mids, while the matching back and sides keep things smooth and balanced – great for both gentle fingerpicking and hearty strumming.
The neck is a dream too: satin-smooth, nicely shaped, and easy on the hands even after a long session. At this price (around £199), it’s kind of outrageous how much tone and quality Cort has managed to pack in here. Add some classic black binding, a tortoiseshell pickguard, and rock-solid hardware, and you’ve got yourself one seriously loveable little workhorse.
Need more? Read our Cort Earth L60M OP review.
Best affordable mid-sized acoustic: Martin 000-X2E
Martin 000-X2E
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The Martin 000-X2E is a great way to step into the world of Martin acoustics without the price tag, which, to be frank, can be challenging to most budgets. With its comfortable mid-sized auditorium body, it offers a sweet balance of projection and nuance – ideal for fingerstyle and vocal accompaniment alike.
It features a solid Sitka spruce top for brightness and clarity, paired with mahogany-pattern HPL back and sides that are rugged and resonate surprisingly well. Playability is top-notch too, thanks to the Performing Artist neck and shorter 24.9″ scale that gives a slinky, approachable feel.
And yes, it’s gig-ready: the onboard Martin E-1 electronics, often confused for Fishman MX-Ts probably due to its striking resemblance in all areas, do a solid job of capturing the guitar’s natural tone when plugged in. Throw in tasteful detailing, like mother-of-pearl pattern inlays and a tortoiseshell pickguard, and you’ve got a sharp-looking, amplifiable acoustic.
At around £649, it’s a versatile, well-built workhorse that lets you enjoy that classic Martin character without blowing your budget.
Need more? Read our Martin 000-X2E review.
Best affordable vintage-style acoustic: Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought
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Gretsch’s Jim Dandy series has long been a favorite for players seeking vintage aesthetics without the vintage price tag. The Dreadnought model continues this tradition, offering a larger body for those who prefer a bit more volume and presence.
Inspired by the mail-order guitars of the 1930s and ’40s, the Jim Dandy Dreadnought features a slope-shouldered body, a 24.75″ scale length, and a “C”-shaped neck, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions. The X-braced body, crafted from select lightweight laminate tonewoods, delivers a warm, woody tone that’s perfect for blues, folk, and country.
Period-accurate details like the vintage-style pinned bridge, “G”-graphic pickguard, and open-gear tuning machines add to its nostalgic appeal. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable first guitar or a seasoned player seeking a charming couch companion, the Jim Dandy Dreadnought offers exceptional value and character.
Granted, you’re not getting a Martin D-18 in terms of projection here, but at around £189, it’s a delightful blend of past and present, proving that great tone and style don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Need more? Read our Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought review.
Best affordable dreadnought: Martin D-X2E
Martin D-X2E
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On that note, If you’re chasing that classic, booming dreadnought sound but don’t have the budget for a D-28 or 18, the Martin D-X2E might just be your new best friend.
Despite its more accessible price point, the D-X2E doesn’t cut corners where it counts. The dreadnought body delivers powerful lows and crisp highs – perfect for flatpicking and fingerstyle players – and has the kind of projection that fills the room with ease.
Much like the 000-X2E, the D-X2E also comes fitted with Martin electronics and E-1 pickups, so those looking to plug in and play live can do so without sacrificing the guitar’s natural tone. The neck is sleek and modern with Martin’s Performing Artist profile, making it surprisingly comfortable for a dread.
At around £699, the D-X2E gives you that iconic Martin dreadnought feel and sound in a reliable, road-ready package – without rinsing your bank account in the process.
Need more? Read our Martin D-X2E review.
Best mid-priced acoustic: Fender PO-220E
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If you think “Fender” only means Strat-shaped silhouettes and surf rock riffs, the PO-220E might make you think again. Part of the refreshed Paramount series, this orchestra-bodied beauty leans hard into vintage cool but with playability and tone that feels very 2025.
It’s all-solid wood – Sitka spruce up top with mahogany back and sides – and the tone is as classy as the visuals. It’s articulate and responsive, with a slightly scooped midrange that gives chords plenty of breathing room and fingerpicked lines real definition. The offset X-bracing helps enhance resonance and clarity, and the neck – finished in satin and topped with an ovangkol fingerboard – feels effortless in the hand.
Fitted with a discrete Fender/Fishman pickup with soundhole-mounted controls, the PO-220E sounds great plugged in but doesn’t comprise its sleek vintage appearance to get that capability, It also comes with a proper hardshell case, which you don’t always get in this price range (around £649).
Need more? Read our Fender PO-220E review.
Best affordable small-bodied acoustic: Martin Shawn Mendez 000Jr-10e
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The Martin 000JR-10E Shawn Mendes signature model is a build centred around thoughtful design and sustainability. Crafted entirely from FSC®-certified tonewoods, this guitar not only sounds great but also aligns with environmentally conscious values. Its Junior-sized 000 body offers a comfortable playing experience, especially suited for younger players or those seeking a more manageable instrument without sacrificing tone.
Visually, the guitar stands out with unique features: swallows etched into the bridge, inspired by Mendes’ hand tattoo, and his signature inlaid at the third fret – a nod to his personal aesthetic. Adding a touch of mystery, hidden song lyrics are laser-etched inside the body, making each guitar subtly unique.
Equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup, the 000JR-10E is stage-ready, and delivers a clear and balanced amplified tone. The included navy blue gig bag, made from recycled polyester no less, ties up the guitar’s sustainable ethos.
Priced around £869, this model offers a blend of playability, distinctive design, and environmental responsibility, making it an excellent choice for not only Mendes’ fans, but environmentally focused guitarists, lovers of junior builds, or anybody who just loves a beautifully designed guitar.
Need more? Read our Martin Shawn Mendez 000Jr-10e review.
Best affordable classical-style guitar: Cordoba Stage
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The Cordoba Stage is a game-changer for players seeking the expressive tone of nylon strings without the traditional bulk. Its thinline, chambered mahogany body topped with a flamed maple veneer not only looks stunning but also reduces feedback, making it ideal for live performances. The innovative design includes three soundholes inspired by the arches of Spain’s Mezquita Cathedral, adding a unique and elegant touch..
Equipped with a Fishman/Cordoba Stage pickup system, the guitar offers a blend of under-saddle and body sensors, controlled via intuitive volume, EQ, and body blend knobs. This setup delivers a rich, natural amplified tone that captures the nuances of your playing.
The Fusion Neck, featuring a 48mm nut width and a 16” fretboard radius, provides a comfortable transition for steel-string players and those with smaller hands. The 14-fret-to-body design enhances upper fret access, catering to modern playing styles.
Priced around £625 and including a padded gig bag made from recycled materials, the Cordoba Stage is a versatile, eco-conscious choice for performers seeking classical tones in a contemporary package.
Need more? Read our Cordoba Stage review.
Best affordable gigging acoustic: Taylor 50th Anniversary GS Mini-e Rosewood SB LTD
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Taylor’s 50th Anniversary GS Mini-e Rosewood SB LTD is a compact powerhouse that defies its size. With a torrefied Sitka spruce top and layered Indian rosewood back and sides, it delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that’s perfect for both practice and performance.
The GS Mini body shape is renowned for its portability without compromising on tone, making it an ideal choice for musicians on the go. The limited-edition sunburst finish adds a touch of elegance, ensuring you stand out wherever you play.
Equipped with Taylor’s ES-B pickup system, this model offers a natural amplified tone, making it stage-ready right out of the box. The built-in tuner and tone controls provide added convenience during live performances.
Priced around £799, the Taylor 50th Anniversary GS Mini-e Rosewood SB LTD offers exceptional value for its quality, portability, and unique design.
Need more? Read our Taylor 50th Anniversary GS Mini-e Rosewood SB LTD review.
Best affordable hybrid acoustic: Fender Acoustasonic Player Jazzmaster
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The Fender Acoustasonic Player Jazzmaster is a masterclass in versatility. It’s a guitar designed for musicians who refuse to be boxed in by traditional categories. Whether you want the organic resonance of an acoustic or the punch of an electric, the Acoustasonic delivers both in a seamless package. The body combines a solid Sitka spruce top with a lightweight mahogany back and sides, offering a surprising amount of projection for its slim design.
But it’s the hybrid nature of this guitar that truly sets it apart. It’s equipped with Fender’s cutting-edge Acoustasonic electronics, which blend a piezo pickup with an internal body sensor, allowing for a wide range of tones – from rich, woody acoustic sounds to punchy electric tones, all controlled via a simple five-way selector switch. A Shawbucker humbucker pickup gives it that Fender electric edge, letting you dial in everything from bluesy warmth to sharp rock tones.
The offset Jazzmaster body is a nod to Fender’s legacy, but it feels fresh and modern, making it a great option for players who like to experiment across genres. With its intuitive controls and stage-ready tone, this guitar is a great choice for players who need adaptability, whether at practice or performing live. At around £1,099, the Acoustasonic Player Jazzmaster is certainly not chump chage, but it offers exceptional flexibility, making it a smart choice for musicians looking to cover all bases without swapping guitars.
Need more? Read our Fender Acoustasonic Player Jazzmaster review.
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