Best Humbucker Pickups Under $200 2025

Affordable humbucker pickups under $200 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Jazz For Blues For Hard Rock For Heavy Genres

BRANDS: Seymour Duncan DiMarzio EMG Bare Knuckle Gibson Mojotone Fishman Suhr Tesla Lollar Fender TV Jones PRS

Seymour Duncan Alex Skolnick Humbucker Neck - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Alex Skolnick Humbucker Neck

by Seymour Duncan

Blues Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• Great sustain characteristics

✗ CONS

• Less vintage character
• May overpower small amps

Seymour Duncan Alex Skolnick Humbucker NeckPickup for Electric GuitarAlex Skolnick (Testament) signature...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572435

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Exciter Humbucker Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan Exciter Humbucker Black

by Seymour Duncan

Hard Rock Blues Metal

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Great sustain characteristics
• Thick, powerful tone

✗ CONS

• May overpower small amps
• Different mounting requirements

Seymour Duncan Exciter Humbucker BlackPickup for Electric GuitarHumbucker6-String versionFor the bridge positionBased...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 571759

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis 7 Bridge BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis 7 Bridge BK

by Seymour Duncan

Heavy Genres Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• High output for distortion
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness of single-coils
• Can be too thick for some styles

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis 7 Bridge BKPickup for 7-String Electric GuitarActive humbuckerJeff Loomis signature modelFor...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553790

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Bridge H Ni - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Bridge H Ni

by Seymour Duncan

Jazz Metal Blues

Key Feature:

• Cancels electrical interference

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• Great sustain characteristics

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• Different mounting requirements

Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Bridge H NiPickup for Electric GuitarHumbuckerFor bridge positionMedium outputDual...

⭐ 4.4/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 557767

$193

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Bridge Pickup BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Bridge Pickup BL

by Seymour Duncan

Heavy Genres Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• High output for distortion
• Cancels electrical interference

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• Less vintage character

Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Bridge Pickup BLPickups for Electric GuitarT-style humbuckerFor the bridge positionDelivers...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 561209

$193

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge BK

by Seymour Duncan

Hard Rock Metal Blues

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Cancels electrical interference
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• May overpower small amps
• Can be too thick for some styles

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge BKPickup for Electric GuitarBilly Gibbons (ZZ Top) Signature ModelHumbuckerFor bridge...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602340

$193

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge Trem BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge Trem BK

by Seymour Duncan

Blues Jazz Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Great sustain characteristics
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• Different mounting requirements
• May overpower small amps

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge Trem BKPickup for Electric GuitarBilly Gibbons (ZZ Top) Signature ModelTrembuckerFor...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602403

$182

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SH1B NCover 2C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan SH1B NCover 2C

by Seymour Duncan

Jazz Heavy Genres Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• Thick, powerful tone

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness of single-coils
• Less vintage character

Seymour Duncan SH1B NCover 2C, PickupsThe classic in its original form: many experts are of the opinion that a single...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 150633

$171

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SH-18 Bridge Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan SH-18 Bridge Black

by Seymour Duncan

Heavy Genres Metal Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• Thick, powerful tone

✗ CONS

• Different mounting requirements
• Can be too thick for some styles

Seymour Duncan SH-18 Bridge BlackHumbuckerBridge positionReplica of the late '70s wound for JP originalsAlnico V...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 315747

$171

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SH2B-4C GC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan SH2B-4C GC

by Seymour Duncan

Metal Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• Less vintage character
• May overpower small amps

Seymour Duncan SH2B-4C GC, Jazz Bridge Pickup, Produces a clear and articulated, sleek yet warm sound, Four-conductor...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 185041

$187

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SH-16 The 59 Custom BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan SH-16 The 59 Custom BK

by Seymour Duncan

Heavy Genres Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many genres

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• Great sustain characteristics

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• Different mounting requirements

Seymour Duncan SH-16 The 59 Custom BK, Pickup for Electric Guitars, Hybrid humbucker, For bridge position, 4-Wire,...

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 279550

$160

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck ZEB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck ZEB

by Seymour Duncan

Rock Blues Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High output for distortion

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful tone
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness of single-coils
• Less vintage character

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck ZEBPickup for Electric GuitarBilly Gibbons (ZZ Top) Signature ModelHumbuckerFor the...

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602379

$193

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SH-6b Bridge HU 8Str PM BKC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan SH-6b Bridge HU 8Str PM BKC

by Seymour Duncan

Hard Rock Metal Jazz

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful tone

✓ PROS

• Great sustain characteristics
• High output for distortion

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• Less vintage character

Seymour Duncan SH-6b Bridge HU 8Str PM BKCPickup for 8-String Electric GuitarHumbuckerFor bridge positionHigh...

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 558265

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SH-1B 59 Bridge H Zebra - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan SH-1B 59 Bridge H Zebra

by Seymour Duncan

Rock Heavy Genres Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many genres

✓ PROS

• High output for distortion
• Versatile for many genres

✗ CONS

• Can be too thick for some styles
• May overpower small amps

Seymour Duncan SH-1B 59 Bridge H ZebraPickup for Electric GuitarHumbuckerFor bridge positionMedium-High OutputDual...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 557797

$144

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge ZB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge ZB

by Seymour Duncan

Blues Rock Heavy Genres

Key Feature:

• Great sustain characteristics

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many genres
• Cancels electrical interference

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness of single-coils
• May overpower small amps

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge ZBPickup for Electric GuitarBilly Gibbons (ZZ Top) Signature ModelHumbuckerFor the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602363

$193

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Humbucker Pickups

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 humbucker pickups 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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Best Humbucker Pickups Under $200 2025

Seymour Duncan Alex Skolnick Humbucker Neck

Seymour Duncan Exciter Humbucker Black

Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis 7 Bridge BK

Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Bridge H Ni

Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Bridge Pickup BL

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge BK

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge Trem BK

Seymour Duncan SH1B NCover 2C

Seymour Duncan SH-18 Bridge Black

Seymour Duncan SH2B-4C GC

Seymour Duncan SH-16 The 59 Custom BK

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck ZEB

Seymour Duncan SH-6b Bridge HU 8Str PM BKC

Seymour Duncan SH-1B 59 Bridge H Zebra

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Bridge ZB

How to Choose the Best Humbucker Pickups

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying humbucker pickups?

How much should I spend on humbucker pickups?

Are expensive humbucker pickups worth the investment?

What are the best brands for humbucker pickups?

Should I buy humbucker pickups online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Best 4-String Basses

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