Best Guitar Under $100
The best guitar under $100 is the Ashthorpe 41-inch starter kit at ~$89. We compare 4 budget guitars from ~$60 to ~$89 that stay in tune.
The best full-size option under $100: a 41-inch steel-string cutaway that arrives with gig bag, tuner, strap, picks, and spare strings, so there is nothing else to buy.
Quick Answer:
The Ashthorpe 41-inch starter kit (~$89) is the best guitar under $100 - a full-size steel-string cutaway with gig bag, tuner, strap, and spare strings included. For kids 5-8, the ADM 30-inch classical (~$67) is the best value, and the Best Choice Products 38-inch kit (~$60) is the cheapest playable option.
Quick Comparison: Best Guitars Under $100
| Model | Price | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Ashthorpe 41-Inch Acoustic Guitar Kit | ~$89 | Teens and adults starting on the tightest budget | Full-size steel-string |
| ADM 30-Inch Kids Classical Guitar | ~$67 | Children ages 5-8 | Kid-sized 30-inch scale |
| ADM 38-Inch Classical Guitar Kit | ~$61 | Ages 9-13 or anyone wanting nylon strings | Nylon strings, easy on fingers |
| Best Choice Products 38-Inch Kit | ~$60 | Testing interest at minimum cost | Lowest price |
Buying a guitar under $100 used to mean accepting a wall decoration that wouldn't stay in tune. That's changed. Today's budget guitars from brands like Donner, Jasmine, and Fender's entry lines offer genuinely playable instruments that won't hold back a beginner. We've researched over 20 guitars in this price range against manufacturer specs and verified owner reviews to find the ones worth your money - and the ones to avoid.
Why Trust Our Recommendations
We track the beginner guitar market continuously and re-verify every recommendation against manufacturer specifications, current Amazon listings and verified owner reviews. We have not played every guitar here ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. What we do is read the specifications that matter at this price, scale length, nut width, tuner type and body construction, and weigh them against what owners consistently report months after buying.
How We Researched This Guide
We researched each guitar against manufacturer specs and verified owner reviews, comparing them on: tuning stability (can it hold tune for a 30-minute practice session?), action height (is it painful to play?), intonation (does it sound in tune up the neck?), build quality (will it survive normal use?), and included accessories (do you need to buy more stuff immediately?).
What to Realistically Expect from a Sub-$100 Guitar
- Tuning stability that requires adjustment every practice session (not every 5 minutes)
- Playable action out of the box, though a $30 professional setup makes a huge difference
- Laminate or lower-grade solid wood - fine for learning, won't have premium resonance
- Functional hardware that works, though tuning pegs may feel less smooth than premium guitars
- Sound quality adequate for learning chords, scales, and songs - you won't be recording albums
- A guitar that can genuinely take you through your first 1-2 years of learning
Red Flags: What to Avoid in Cheap Guitars
- No-name brands with zero reviews or only fake 5-star reviews
- Guitars with 'toy' in the description - these are not instruments
- Painted/colored finishes that hide wood quality issues
- Suspiciously complete kits with amp, stand, and 15 accessories for $50
- Any guitar that doesn't specify wood types (spruce, mahogany, etc.)
- Sellers with no return policy - reputable brands stand behind their products
In-Depth: Ashthorpe 41-Inch Acoustic Guitar Kit Review
Under $100, the goal is simple: a guitar that stays in tune, plays without fighting you, and includes the accessories every beginner needs on day one. The Ashthorpe 41-inch kit hits all three. It is a full-size steel-string dreadnought with a cutaway, so adult and teen beginners are not stuck on a cramped small-scale instrument, and the box includes a gig bag, clip-on tuner, strap, picks, and a spare string set. Tuning stability is decent once the strings stretch in - use the included tuner daily for the first two weeks. The trade-offs are honest ones for the price: laminate construction, basic hardware, and factory setup that can vary, so be ready to have the action checked if strings feel high. As a test-the-waters first guitar it is the strongest complete package under $100.
More Great Options Under $100
ADM 30-Inch Kids Classical Guitar
The right size for ages 5-8, with soft nylon strings that are gentle on small fingers. Includes gig bag, tuner, and strap.
Pros
- Kid-sized 30-inch scale
- Soft nylon strings
- Kit included
Cons
- Kids outgrow it in a few years
- Quiet voice
ADM 38-Inch Classical Guitar Kit
A 7/8-size nylon-string for older kids and smaller adults who want easier fingering than steel strings.
Pros
- Nylon strings, easy on fingers
- Good size for ages 9-13
- Complete kit
Cons
- Nylon tone won't suit rock or country
- Basic tuners
Best Choice Products 38-Inch Kit
The cheapest kit we would still call playable. Fine for testing interest, but expect to tune often and upgrade within a year if practice sticks.
Pros
- Lowest price
- All-wood build
- Kit included
Cons
- Tuning drift
- Highest action of the group
Buying Tips for Guitars Under $100
- At this price, solid top guitars are rare - the Donner is an exception
- Always budget $10-15 for new strings - factory strings are usually poor
- A clip-on tuner ($5-10) is essential if not included
- Check reviews for tuning stability - the #1 issue with cheap guitars
Who Should Buy a Guitar Under $100?
Budget guitars serve specific purposes well. Understanding whether you fit the target audience helps avoid both overspending and buyer's remorse.
This guide is perfect for:
- ✓ Complete beginners testing if guitar is right for them
- ✓ Parents buying for children who may lose interest
- ✓ Travelers needing a beater guitar for camping or road trips
- ✓ Students on strict budgets who need a functional instrument
Consider spending more if:
- → You're committed to learning and want a 'buy once' guitar
- → You're an adult learner who will practice daily
- → Sound quality matters significantly to you
- → You plan to play with others or perform
The Bottom Line
For under $100, the Ashthorpe 41-inch kit is the clear winner for teens and adults - full-size, complete accessories, and the best tuning stability in its class. If buying for young kids (5-8), the ADM 30-inch is the right size at a great price. One update worth knowing: the Donner DAG-1 bundle, our former pick, now sells for ~$160 and has moved to our under-$200 guide. Don't go below ~$60 - guitars cheaper than that rarely hold tune and usually end musical interest rather than starting it.
Essential Guitar Accessories
Don't forget these — most guitar players need these from day one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best guitar under $100?
The Ashthorpe 41-inch starter kit (~$89) is the best guitar under $100 for teens and adults - a full-size steel-string with every accessory included. For kids ages 5-8, the ADM 30-inch classical (~$67) is the best fit.
Can you get a good guitar for under $100?
You can get a playable one. Under $100 means laminate construction and basic hardware, but kits like the Ashthorpe stay in tune and play comfortably enough to learn on. What you're really buying is a low-risk way to find out if guitar sticks.
Should I buy used instead?
A used $150-200 guitar (Yamaha, Fender, Epiphone) bought for under $100 is often better than anything new at this price - if someone experienced can check the neck and action for you. Buying used blind as a beginner is riskier than buying new with a return policy.
What's the difference between $50 and $100 guitars?
Mostly hardware and setup. Near $100 you get workable tuners, acceptable action, and included accessories. Below ~$50, tuning machines slip and the action is usually so high that chords hurt - which is why we don't recommend going that low.
How long will a cheap guitar last?
With basic care, 2-5 years of regular practice. Most players who stick with it upgrade within 1-2 years anyway - the under-$100 guitar's job is to get you far enough to know an upgrade is worth it.
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