AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Electric Guitar Sets Under $500 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA w/Soran Tiny Stomp ($144). Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 120 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 9, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
This guitar feels like a solid workhorse for players who want a classic vibe without breaking the bank. It comes with a great pedal that mimics tube amps, which adds a lot of character. The Candy Apple Red finish pops, and the Modern C neck is easy to reach for anyone. It's perfect for beginners or gigging musicians who need reliable gear for the road.
Pros
- Includes a DSM amp modelling pedal in the bundle
- Modern C neck profile for comfortable playing
- Double action truss rod for stability
Cons
- Lacks a master volume control
- Uses plastic Laurel fingerboard material
67AudioFu
Index↓ 27.9%since Oct 18 · lowest so far$200 · Oct 18$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Sonic Stratocaster
Sonic Strat HSS Black Set · Squier
225 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
- Weight4.2 kg
You get a complete starter set here: a black electric guitar with a maple neck, three pickups and a tremolo, plus an amp, gig bag, tuner, strap, cable and picks. It suits you if you are new to playing and want everything in one box. The 10-watt amp with clean and overdrive channels is a good fit for practicing at home.
Pros
- Poplar body with a bolt-on maple neck and maple fingerboard
- Two ceramic single coils and one ceramic humbucker, selected with a 5-way switch
- Six-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo with block saddles
Cons
- The bundled HB-10G amp is rated at 10 watts, so it suits home practice more than loud stages
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$289 now$289€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
- Weight4.2 kg
This set gives you the guitar, a 10-watt combo amp with clean and overdrive channels, a gig bag, a clip tuner, a strap, a cable and picks. The guitar has three ceramic single coil pickups, a 5-way switch and a tremolo bridge, so you can play a range of electric styles. It suits you if you are new to electric guitar or want a practice setup with everything in one box.
Pros
- Poplar body with a maple bolt-on neck and maple fingerboard
- Three ceramic single coil pickups with a 5-way switch
- Six-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo with block saddles
Cons
- The amplifier is 10 watts, which suits practice rather than large stages
65AudioFu
Index↓ 1.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$295 · Aug 17$291 now$291€261 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat MN LPB Set · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
This set gives you everything to start playing. You get a Squier Strat with a poplar body and maple neck, plus a 10-watt combo amp, gig bag, clip tuner, strap, cable and picks. It suits beginners or anyone who wants a ready-to-play setup with a tremolo bridge and five pickup positions.
Pros
- Poplar body and maple neck with maple fretboard for a classic Strat build
- Three ceramic single-coil pickups with a 5-way switch for varied pickup combinations
- Includes a 10-watt combo amp with clean and overdrive channels and 3-band EQ
Cons
- The 10-watt amp has one gain control and a 3-band EQ, with no further controls listed
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$363 now$363€325 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat MN OW Bundle · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight7 kg
You get a complete starter setup here: a Strat-style guitar with a poplar body, maple neck and three single-coil pickups, plus a 20 W amp with clean and overdrive channels. It suits you if you are starting out and want everything in one box, or if you want a guitar with a tremolo for experimenting with pitch. The amp has an 8-inch speaker, so it fits practice and small rooms best.
Pros
- Poplar body with a maple neck and maple fretboard
- Three ceramic single-coil pickups with a 5-way switch
- Includes a 20 W combo amp with clean and overdrive channels and digital reverb
Cons
- Clip tuner needs a 3 V lithium button cell, which is not included
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$367 now$367€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat FM HSS S Set · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
You get a complete starter setup here: a Sienna Sunburst guitar, a 10 watt amp with clean and overdrive channels, and the gig bag, tuner, strap, cable and picks you need to begin. The guitar has a tremolo bridge and three pickups, so you can try a range of sounds with one instrument. It suits you if you want everything in one box and plan to practice at home or in a small room.
Pros
- Poplar body with a maple veneer top, plus a maple neck and fretboard
- One ceramic humbucker at the bridge and two ceramic single coils for varied sounds
- Five-way switch with one volume and two tone controls for flexible control
Cons
- The amp is only 10 watts, so it fits practice and small rooms best
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
You get a complete starter package here: a black electric guitar with a basswood body, a maple neck, and a mix of single coil and humbucker pickups, plus a 10-watt amp with clean and overdrive channels, a gig bag, a strap and a cable. This suits you if you are starting out and want everything in one box, or if you need a second setup for practice at home. The guitar also has a synchronised tremolo, which lets you bend the pitch with the bar.
Pros
- Basswood body with bolt-on neck of vintage caramelised Canadian maple
- Two Roswell STA Alnico 5 single coils and a Roswell SHR Hot Blade ceramic humbucker
- Included HB-10G combo amp with Clean and Overdrive channels and a 3-band EQ
Cons
- Amp is rated at 10 watts, which suits smaller rooms rather than large stages
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$245 now$245€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This guitar feels great to hold with its smooth maple neck and sturdy poplar body. The two single coils give you that classic clean tone many players love. It's a budget-friendly choice that gets the job done without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Poplar body paired with maple bolt-on neck for solid stability
- Modern C neck profile offers comfortable playing for most hands
- Two TE-style single coils deliver a classic, crisp tone
Cons
- Only two knobs limit basic tone shaping options significantly
- Single pickup configuration lacks the versatility of humbuckers
61AudioFu
Index↓ 17.8%since Oct 18 · lowest so far$189 · Oct 18$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Mini Stratocaster V2
Mini Strat V2 BK IL Bundle · Squier
180 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width40.6 mm (1.6")
- Scale578 mm (22.76")
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
If you want an easy way to start playing, this bundle gives you a black Mini Stratocaster with a short 578 mm scale, a 10-watt amp, and the extras you need to get going. It suits beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a compact guitar for practice at home. The clip tuner, gig bag, strap, cable and picks mean you have the basics in one box.
Pros
- Poplar body and maple neck with an Indian Laurel fretboard
- Three standard single coil pickups with a 5-way toggle switch
- Includes an HB-10G combo amp with clean and overdrive channels
Cons
- Short 578 mm scale may feel different if you are used to full-size guitars
- The HB-10G amp is rated at 10 watts, so it is best suited to practice
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Squier Mini Stratocaster V2
Mini Stratocaster IL DR Bundle · Squier
180 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width40.6 mm (1.6")
- Scale578 mm (22.76")
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
You get a short scale Stratocaster style guitar with a maple neck and three single coil pickups, plus a 10 watt amp and the basic accessories in one box. This bundle suits beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a compact setup to practise at home. The 578 mm scale is shorter than standard, so the neck may feel easier to reach for smaller hands.
Pros
- Poplar body and maple neck with Indian Laurel fretboard give a simple, light build
- Three standard single coil pickups and a 5-way switch offer several pickup combinations
- Bundle includes a 10 watt combo amp with Clean and Overdrive channels and a 3-band EQ
Cons
- The 10 watt amp and short 578 mm scale suit practice rather than large stages
- The gig bag is made for short scale guitars and has no room for the amp
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$284 now$284€254 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 120 electric guitar sets
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Squier Sonic StratocasterSonic Stratocaster Pack 2TSB · Squier · 2 finishes61↑ 6.9%$293€262$293€262Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton SC-400 GT w/Soran Dual LiteHarley Benton · 4 finishes56↓ 22.0%$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton SC-500 BK w/Soran Dual StompHarley Benton · 3 finishes55↓ 20.5%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton WL-20BK Rock Series Set 1Harley Benton · 3 finishes54↓ 10.8%$248€222$248€222Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton TE-62CC LH SP BundleHarley Benton · 6 finishes54↓ 4.2%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton R-446 Plum Metallic SetHarley Benton · 11 finishes54Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF BundleHarley Benton · 10 finishes54Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton TE-52 NA /Mooer Hornet SetHarley Benton · 5 finishes53Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton CST-24T LH Ocean Flame SetHarley Benton · 7 finishes53Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton DC-200 CH w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton · 2 finishes52↓ 25.1%$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton R-457 BK Bundle 1Harley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton SC-450 CB Classic Bundle 1Harley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton JA-60LH SB Vintage Seri SetHarley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton MA-5 Miniamp Set 4Harley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton TE-30 BE Standard Serie BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton SC-450PlusLH GT Vintage SetHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton HB-35 CH Vintage Series SetHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton HWY-25BKS Progressive S BundleHarley Benton · 4 finishes50↓ 5.0%$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 29
Thomann Guitar Set G13 SunburstThomann · 3 finishes49↓ 13.4%$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton D-120CE BK Joyo BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK SetHarley Benton49↓ 12.6%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton RG-Junior w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton49↓ 17.8%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton TE-40 TBK Bundle 1Harley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton TE-90FLT VW Deluxe Seri BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series SetHarley Benton49Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton HBWY-25 BKS w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton48↓ 25.1%$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton R-10 BK Rock Series Bundle 1Harley Benton · 3 finishes48Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton TE-70RW Deluxe Set 1Harley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton SC-1000 SBK Bundle 1Harley Benton · 5 finishes48Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton DC-Custom II Cherry Set 2Harley Benton47Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 44
Thomann Guitar Set G2 BlackThomann · 4 finishes46Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton DC-Junior Pelham Blue BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted Mul SetHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus MN HSS L SetHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard S BundleHarley Benton45Stable$117€105$117€105Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton ST-Junior BK St. Series PackHarley Benton45Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 50
Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard Bundle 1Harley Benton45Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
Electric Guitar Sets by the numbers
Measured across all 275 models we track, not a sample.
Median $274 — half of all electric guitar sets here cost less.
median of 273 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 270 models · 565 mm (22.24")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 206 models · 21–24
most common · 252 models
How to choose the best electric guitar sets
Pickup Voicing
This is HUGE. In this price range, you're often getting generic humbuckers or single coils. Listen for a balanced response - not too ice-picky in the highs, but with enough clarity to cut through a band. A muddy, indistinct low-end is a common problem to watch out for.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is critical. Look for a profile that fits your hand - whether it's a slim C, a thicker D, or something in between. A rough fret job or high action can make even a decent guitar unplayable.
Hardware Quality (Tuners, Bridge)
Cheap tuners will have you retuning every other song. A flimsy bridge will impact sustain and intonation. These are the components that often get skimped on, so pay attention to their build quality - even if it's just visually.
Body Wood & Construction
Don't expect mahogany or ash. Most sets will use basswood or nato, which are fine for the price but won't offer the same tonal complexity. Bolt-on necks are the standard; set necks are a rare find at this price point.
Overall Build Quality & Finish
Check for sharp fret edges, uneven paint, and sloppy hardware installation. These are signs of a rushed manufacturing process. A few minor cosmetic flaws are acceptable, but structural issues are a red flag.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for an electric guitar set under $500? It's a common quest, and honestly, it's totally doable if you know what to look for. You're not gonna get a boutique custom shop axe, but you can get a decent instrument that'll let you practice, jam with friends, and even gig a few times without breaking the bank. Let's cut through the hype and find some sets that offer real value for your money.
At this price, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect stellar tone right out of the box - most guitars will benefit from a setup (adjusting the action, intonation, and neck relief). Upgrading the pickups down the line is also a common path.
Prioritize playability and build quality over flashy aesthetics; a guitar that feels good in your hands is more important than a fancy finish.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 275 electric guitar sets from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are these sets good for recording?
They can be, but be realistic. You'll likely need to EQ and process the signal to get a professional sound. A decent interface and some amp sims will go a long way.
What's the difference between a 'starter pack' and a 'set'?
Often, not much. Both typically include a guitar, amp, cable, picks, and maybe a gig bag. 'Set' often implies slightly better quality components, but do your research.
Can I upgrade the pickups on these guitars?
Absolutely! It's a very common upgrade. Just make sure the new pickups are compatible with the guitar's wiring and hardware.
What does 'setup' mean, and do I need one?
A setup is adjusting the guitar's action, intonation, and neck relief to make it play better. Yes, you almost certainly need one - most guitars ship with a less-than-ideal setup.
Are these guitars suitable for heavier genres like metal?
It depends. Some sets with hotter pickups can handle it, but you'll likely be limited in terms of clarity and articulation. Expect a bit of muddiness in the low-end - upgrading the pickups and amp would help.





