Best Folk Acoustic Guitars Under $100 2026
Affordable folk acoustic guitars under $100 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026
#1
⭐
4.8/5
(23 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
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
Art. 490946
$98
#2
⭐
4.9/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
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
Art. 321012
$76
#3
⭐
4.5/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
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
Art. 142800
$87
#4
⭐
4.8/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
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
Art. 321014
$98
#5
⭐
4.7/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
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
Art. 451682
$98
#6
⭐
4.8/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
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
Art. 490947
$98
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.
