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Best Folk Acoustic Guitars Under $300 2026

Affordable folk acoustic guitars under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Folk For Fingerpicking For Singer-Songwriter For Classical Crossover For Indie For Acoustic Pop
BRANDS: Harley Benton Martin Guitar Baton Rouge Fender Sheeran by Lowden Gibson Taylor Furch Gretsch Journey Instruments Applause Ibanez Yamaha
Harley Benton TravelMate-E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton TravelMate-E

by Harley Benton
Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Indie
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • Lower volume projection

Harley Benton TravelMate-EAcoustic Travel Guitar with PickupSize: 1/2 (89 cm)With carbon fibre bodyBluetooth and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 575732
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE Bundle

by Harley Benton
Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Acoustic Pop
Key Feature:
• Clear note separation
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
  • • Clear note separation
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE*Acoustic Guitar with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 537054
$273
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton CLF-200 WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN

by Harley Benton
Acoustic Pop Folk Indie
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Clear note separation
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Harley Benton CLF-200 WNAcoustic GuitarSolid Standard SeriesStyle: ParlorTop: solid sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 425372
$252
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez PN12MHE-OPN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ibanez PN12MHE-OPN

by Ibanez
Indie Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Ibanez PN12MHE-OPNSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: ParlorBody: OkoumeNeck: NyatohFingerboard and bridge:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 605821
$244
Buy at Thomann View Details
Applause Jump OM CE Celeste - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Applause Jump OM CE Celeste

by Applause
Acoustic Pop Indie Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Clear note separation
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Clear note separation
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Applause Jump OM CE CelesteAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: OM - Orchestra with cutawayTop: solid spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 560069
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Applause Jump OM CE Lagoon - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Applause Jump OM CE Lagoon

by Applause
Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover Folk
Key Feature:
• Easy to handle and transport
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Applause Jump OM CE LagoonAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: OM - Orchestra with cutawayTop: solid spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 560074
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Indie
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Clear note separation
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • Limited low-end presence

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME*Steel-String...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 540469
$296
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Monterey Standard BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender Monterey Standard BLK

by Fender
Indie Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover
Key Feature:
• Easy to handle and transport
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Great for fingerpicking
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Fender Montery Standard BLKSteel-String Guitar with PickupBody: Laminated SapeleNeck: Sapele with satin urethane...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 570934
$263
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Monterey Standard MAH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fender Monterey Standard MAH

by Fender
Singer-Songwriter Folk Indie
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming

Fender Montery Standard MAHAcoustic Guitar with PickupBody: Laminated SapeleNeck: Sapele with satin urethane finishNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 570937
$273
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M

by Harley Benton
Indie Acoustic Pop Classical Crossover
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Limited low-end presence

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15MAcoustic GuitarStyle: 00-12 with dovetail constructionOkoume topScalloped...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 370305
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender CC-60SCE Nat WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender CC-60SCE Nat WN

by Fender
Folk Indie Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Fender CC-60SCE Nat WNSteel-String GuitarBody style: concert with cutawayClassic designTop: Solid spruce (scalloped...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 457725
$285
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton CLF-200 WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Fingerpicking Indie Classical Crossover
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone across frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
  • • Great for fingerpicking
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • Lower volume projection

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLF-200 WN*Acoustic Guitar*Solid Standard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539018
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender FA-135CE Concert WN Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Fender FA-135CE Concert WN Black

by Fender
Acoustic Pop Fingerpicking Indie
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming

Fender FA-135CE Concert WN BlackSteel-String Guitar With PickupAlternative seriesDesign: Concert with cutawayBack &...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 524512
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch JD LTD Parlor ST HRTG BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Gretsch JD LTD Parlor ST HRTG BRST

by Gretsch
Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
• Clear note separation
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • Lower volume projection

Gretsch JD LTD Parlor ST HRTG BRSTSteel-Steel ~String GuitarStyle: ParlorTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 609331
$285
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Folk Indie Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
  • • Easy to handle and transport
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 540497
$241
Buy at Thomann View Details

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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