Best Mandolins Under $500 2025

Affordable mandolins under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 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 Bluegrass For Folk For Celtic For Classical For Country For Traditional Music

BRANDS: Harley Benton Ortega Ibanez Richwood Gold Tone Gewa

Richwood RMA-110-VS A-Style - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Richwood RMA-110-VS A-Style

by Richwood

Folk Country Classical

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Great for melody and rhythm
• Essential bluegrass instrument

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end frequency range
• Requires specific playing technique

Richwood RMA-110-VS A-Style8-String MandolinSolid A-style MandolinNeck: Flamed mapleTop: Solid spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 519457

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACB

by Fender

Bluegrass Country Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end frequency range
• Small size may be challenging

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACBMandolin with PickupStyle: A-StyleTop: Laminated spruceBack and sides: Laminated...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537616

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Mandobird Vintage Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Mandobird Vintage Sunburst

by Epiphone

Folk Classical Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Compact, portable size
• Essential bluegrass instrument

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Small size may be challenging

Epiphone Mandobird Vintage Sunburst4-String Electric MandolinInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 588323

$366

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hamaril Mandolin Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Hamaril Mandolin Set

by Hamaril

Country Celtic Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile across many genres

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Great for melody and rhythm

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing technique
• Needs frequent tuning

Hamaril Mandolin Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBMA-100E- VS*Electric Mandolin*Bluegrass SeriesFlorentine...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 422340

$381

Buy at Thomann View Details

Richwood RMA-90-NT Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Richwood RMA-90-NT Mandoline

by Richwood

Bluegrass Folk Celtic

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Great for melody and rhythm
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• String tension can be high

Richwood RMA-90-NT MandolineMandolinSolid A-style modelTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid mapleBody binding:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 561872

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMAE40SBK-L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega RMAE40SBK-L

by Ortega

Country Celtic Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• String tension can be high

Ortega RMAE40SBK-LMandolin with pickupLeft-handed modelConstruction: A-StyleTop: spruceBack & sides: MapleNeck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513789

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline

by Richwood

Celtic Classical Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile across many genres
• Essential bluegrass instrument

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Small size may be challenging

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline8-String F-style MandolinBuilt completely out of solid woodNeck: Indonesian mahoganyTop:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 523936

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMF30-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega RMF30-WB

by Ortega

Classical Traditional Music Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Requires specific playing technique

Ortega RMF30-WBMandolinStyle: F-StyleBody depth: 50 mmTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleNeck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556963

$310

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez M522S-DVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez M522S-DVS

by Ibanez

Celtic Classical Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Requires specific playing technique

Ibanez M522S-DVSMandolinDesign: A-style with carved topBody: MapleTop: Carved spruceNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 617263

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa Pro Natura Mandola - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Gewa Pro Natura Mandola

by Gewa

Celtic Classical Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Great for melody and rhythm
• Essential bluegrass instrument

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• Requires specific playing technique

Gewa Pro Natura MandolaFlat MandolaPortuguese shapeTop: Solid spruceInlaid wooden pickguardBack and sides: WalnutNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 115609

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa VGS Mandoline F-1 Select - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Gewa VGS Mandoline F-1 Select

by Gewa

Celtic Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end frequency range
• String tension can be high

Gewa Mandoline F-1 SelectMandolinSpruce topF-holesBack and sides: MapleBound fingerboardNut width: 30 mmScale: 350 mm24...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 558725

$408

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa Pro Natura Mandolin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Gewa Pro Natura Mandolin

by Gewa

Celtic Classical Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Compact, portable size
• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• Limited low-end frequency range

Gewa Pro Natura MandolinFlat MandolinPortuguese shapeTop: Solid spruceInlaid wooden pickguardBack & Sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 115608

$340

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMFE30-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ortega RMFE30-WB

by Ortega

Traditional Music Folk Classical

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Versatile across many genres
• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Requires specific playing technique

Ortega RMFE30-WBMandolin with PickupType: F-StyleBody depth: 50 mmTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleNeck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556968

$365

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-Antique - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-Antique

by Gewa

Classical Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Versatile across many genres

✓ PROS

• Great for melody and rhythm
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• String tension can be high

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-AntiqueMandolinTop: solid spruceF-holesBack and sides: MapleFlamed backWooden rim on top and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 558723

$389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Richwood RMF-60-VS F-Style Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Richwood RMF-60-VS F-Style Mandoline

by Richwood

Country Celtic Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Compact, portable size
• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Needs frequent tuning

Richwood RMF-60-VS F-Style MandolineMandolinF-StyleTop: Spruce laminatedBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 515562

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Mandolins

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 mandolins 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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Mandolins Under $500 2025

Richwood RMA-110-VS A-Style

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACB

Epiphone Mandobird Vintage Sunburst

Hamaril Mandolin Set

Richwood RMA-90-NT Mandoline

Ortega RMAE40SBK-L

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline

Ortega RMF30-WB

Ibanez M522S-DVS

Gewa Pro Natura Mandola

Gewa VGS Mandoline F-1 Select

Gewa Pro Natura Mandolin

Ortega RMFE30-WB

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-Antique

Richwood RMF-60-VS F-Style Mandoline

How to Choose the Best Mandolins

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying mandolins?

How much should I spend on mandolins?

Are expensive mandolins worth the investment?

What are the best brands for mandolins?

Should I buy mandolins online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies