Best Folk Acoustic Guitars Under $100 2025

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

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Harley Benton CG-45E Vintage Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton CG-45E Vintage Sunburst

Classical Crossover Indie Folk
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
  • • Clear note separation
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Harley Benton CG-45E Vintage SunburstSteel-String Guitar with PickupStandard seriesDesign: Folk StyleMahogany bodyX...

4.8/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton DS-10 Mini - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton DS-10 Mini

Singer-Songwriter Fingerpicking Folk
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone across frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Clear note separation
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought
  • • Lower volume projection

Harley Benton DS-10 MiniMini Steel-String GuitarConventional guitar tuningDesign: Mini dreadnoughtTop: SpruceBody:...

4.9/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton CG-45 NS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton CG-45 NS

Indie Folk Acoustic Pop
Key Feature:
• Clear note separation
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
  • • Clear note separation
✗ CONS
  • • Lower volume projection
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Harley Benton CG-45 NSSteel-String GuitarStandard SeriesStyle: Folk-styleBody: MahoganyX-BracingNeck:...

4.5/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Delta Blues T - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton Delta Blues T

Acoustic Pop Indie Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Clear note separation
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming

Harley Benton Delta Blues TAcoustic GuitarStyle: Vintage Style Travel SizeMahogany body with quarter sawn tapered...

4.7/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton CG-45E Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton CG-45E Natural

Classical Crossover Folk Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
• Easy to handle and transport
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
  • • Easy to handle and transport
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • Lower volume projection

Harley Benton CG-45E NaturalSteel-String Guitar with PickupStandard seriesDesign: Folk StyleMahogany bodyX...

4.8/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton EAX-10 Pinky - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton EAX-10 Pinky

Classical Crossover Folk Indie
Key Feature:
• Easy to handle and transport
✓ PROS
  • • Clear note separation
  • • Great for fingerpicking
✗ CONS
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Harley Benton EAX-10 PinkyAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Mini jumbo with cutawayTop: SpruceBody: BasswoodNeck:...

4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10

How to Choose the Best Folk 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 folk 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.

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