Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $100 2025

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $100 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

Harley Benton D-120VS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton D-120VS

Singer-Songwriter Folk Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Great for strumming
✓ PROS
  • • Great for strumming
  • • Rich bass response
✗ CONS
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable

Harley Benton D-120VSAcoustic GuitarStandard SeriesDreadnought with dovetail constructionTop: SpruceX-BracingBody:...

4.8/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton D-120CE VS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton D-120CE VS

Campfire Sessions Folk Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Great for strumming
✓ PROS
  • • Powerful projection and volume
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
✗ CONS
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking
  • • Requires good playing technique

Harley Benton D-120CE VSAcoustic Guitar with PickupDesign: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: SpruceX BracingBack and sides:...

4.8/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton D-120BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton D-120BK

Bluegrass Country Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Balanced across all frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Rich bass response
  • • Great for strumming
✗ CONS
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity
  • • Less comfortable for smaller players

Harley Benton D-120CE BK Acoustic Guitar BlackAcoustic GuitarType: DreadnoughtDovetail constructionTop:...

4.8/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton D-120CE BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton D-120CE BK

Folk Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Balanced across all frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Great for strumming
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton D-120CE BKAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: SpruceBody: MahoganyNeck:...

4.7/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton D-120NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton D-120NT

Bluegrass Folk Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Powerful projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Powerful projection and volume
  • • Rich bass response
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good playing technique
  • • Less comfortable for smaller players

Harley Benton HBD120NT Acoustic Guitar naturalAcoustic GuitarType: DreadnoughtSpruce topX-BracingBody and sides:...

4.5/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton D-120CE NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton D-120CE NT

Folk Singer-Songwriter Country
Key Feature:
• Classic dreadnought tone
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
  • • Powerful projection and volume
✗ CONS
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable

Harley Benton D-120CE NTAcoustic GuitarType: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and Sides: MahoganyNeck:...

4.6/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton D-120CE TB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton D-120CE TB

Campfire Sessions Country Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Rich bass response
✓ PROS
  • • Rich bass response
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less comfortable for smaller players
  • • Requires good playing technique

Harley Benton D 120CE TBSteel-String Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayBody: MahoganyTop: SpruceNeck:...

4.7/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced dreadnought acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more