Best Magnetic Pickups for Acoustic Guitars Under $300 2026
Affordable magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars under $300 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
L.R.Baggs M1 Activ Soundhole Pickup
by
L.R.Baggs
Feedback Resistance
Live Performance
Recording
Key Feature:
• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction
✓ PROS
- • No battery power required
- • Less susceptible to handling noise
✗ CONS
- • Can pick up magnetic interference
- • Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
L.R.Baggs M1 Activ Soundhole Pickup, Soundhole Pickup, Active magnetic pickup (humbucker), For soundhole mounting,...
⭐
4.6/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 219558
$256
#2
⭐
4.6/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
EMG ACB (Banjo)
by
EMG
Live Performance
Feedback Resistance
Recording
Key Feature:
• Good feedback resistance for live use
✓ PROS
- • No battery power required
- • Good feedback resistance for live use
✗ CONS
- • May not capture full acoustic resonance
- • Positioning critical for optimal sound
EMG ACB (Banjo)Pickup For 5-String BanjoConstruction: HumbuckerAlnico magnetsNoise FreeIncluded accessories: 3 acoustic...
⭐
4.6/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 381925
$285
#3
⭐
4.6/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Bartolini Acoustic Soundhole Pickup
by
Bartolini
Natural Tone
Country
Feedback Resistance
Key Feature:
• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction
✓ PROS
- • No battery power required
- • Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction
✗ CONS
- • May sound less bright than piezo systems
- • May not capture full acoustic resonance
Bartolini Acoustic Soundhole PickupSoundhole Pickup for Acoustic GuitarsNatural soundEasy installationCoils arranged on...
⭐
4.6/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 602312
$201
#4
⭐
4.4/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Fishman Rare Earth Mic Blend
by
Fishman
Folk
Feedback Resistance
Natural Tone
Key Feature:
• Warm, organic sound character
✓ PROS
- • No battery power required
- • Less susceptible to handling noise
✗ CONS
- • Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
- • Can pick up magnetic interference
Fishman Rare Earth Mic Blend 2017Pickup SystemHumbucker pickup and flexible cardioid microphoneMicrophone/Pickup...
⭐
4.4/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 175657
$274
#5
⭐
4.4/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
L.R.Baggs M1 Soundhole Pickup
by
L.R.Baggs
Natural Tone
Feedback Resistance
Recording
Key Feature:
• Warm, organic sound character
✓ PROS
- • Less susceptible to handling noise
- • Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction
✗ CONS
- • Can pick up magnetic interference
- • Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
L.R.Baggs M1 Soundhole PickupSound Hole PickupPassive magnetic pickupFor soundhole mountingMinimum sound hole width: 90...
⭐
4.4/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 219557
$238
#6
⭐
4.9/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2
by
Mojotone
Live Performance
Natural Tone
Feedback Resistance
Key Feature:
• Warm, organic sound character
✓ PROS
- • Warm, organic sound character
- • Good feedback resistance for live use
✗ CONS
- • Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
- • May not capture full acoustic resonance
Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2Pickup and Pre-Amp for Acoustic GuitarConstruction: magnetic and mikedFor pickup mounting in...
⭐
4.9/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 555504
$263
#7
⭐
4.7/5
(37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
DiMarzio The Black Angel DP 234
by
DiMarzio
Feedback Resistance
Recording
Country
Key Feature:
• Good feedback resistance for live use
✓ PROS
- • Warm, organic sound character
- • No battery power required
✗ CONS
- • Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
- • Positioning critical for optimal sound
DiMarzio The Black Angel DP 234, Soundhole Pickup for Steel-string Guitar, Passive humbucker, Phase reverse switch, For...
⭐
4.7/5
(37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 417760
$219
#8
⭐
4.5/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-1 Ac. Pickup
by
Mojotone
Folk
Country
Feedback Resistance
Key Feature:
• Good feedback resistance for live use
✓ PROS
- • Less susceptible to handling noise
- • No battery power required
✗ CONS
- • May sound less bright than piezo systems
- • Can pick up magnetic interference
Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-1 Ac. PickupPickup & Pre-Amp for Acoustic GuitarConstruction: MagneticPickup mounting: In...
⭐
4.5/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 524183
$219
How to Choose the Best Magnetic Pickups for 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 magnetic pickups for 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.
