Picture this: you’re all set to shred your way into the rockstar hall of fame, but your wallet says, “Not today.”
Fear not, my friend! Affordable electric guitars have come a long way, and you don’t need to sell your soul (or your kidney) to get something solid.
Here’s my take on eight best cheap electric guitars that pack a punch without leaving you broke. And yes, I personally tested these!
TL;DR – Best Cheap Electric Guitars
- Best Budget Strat Clone: Squier Sonic Stratocaster
- Best Budget Tele Clone: Harley Benton TE-62DB CAR
- Best Semi-Hollow for Beginners: Ibanez AS53-TF
- Best LP Style: Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF
- Best SG Option: Epiphone SG Special P-90
- Best All-in-One Kit: Donner DST-152
- Best Offset Design: Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster
- Best HSS Option: Squier Affinity Strat FM HSS SS
Here’s a cool graph to visualize it 😉 Scroll down to listen to my sound samples!
Squier Sonic Stratocaster
The Squier Sonic Stratocaster is the gateway drug into Fender’s iconic Stratocaster world. Known for its crisp tones and timeless design, this model delivers the vibe of a classic Strat without forcing you to remortgage your house.
If you’re into versatility, this guitar is a solid start for blues, rock, funk… heck, even metal if you push it.
You can watch my video review below (or you can read about the HSS version instead).
Features
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple (bolt-on)
- Pickups: 3 Ceramic single coils
- Bridge: 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo
- Frets: 21 narrow tall
Why I Recommend It
It’s a Strat—a classic. The ceramic pickups aren’t the most refined, but they get the job done. Plus, it’s available in a gorgeous 2-Color Sunburst, so you’ll look cooler than you probably are (just kidding… or am I?). For the price, this is a killer deal for budding guitarists.
Looking for acoustic guitars instead? Have a look on these eight cheap acoustic guitars for beginners.
Harley Benton TE-62DB CAR
If Fender Teles make your heart skip a beat but their prices give you palpitations, Harley Benton’s TE-62DB CAR might just be your savior. With retro aesthetics and impressive specs, this Tele-style guitar punches way above its weight.
Watch my video review below!
Features
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Caramel maple with a modern D profile
- Pickups: Roswell Alnico 5 single coils
- Bridge: Hardtail
- Frets: 21 medium jumbo
Why I Recommend It
The Roswell pickups give this guitar a surprisingly authentic Tele twang. Add in the double binding and Kluson-style tuners, and you’ve got yourself a looker. It’s smooth to play and oozes vintage vibes—ideal for country or clean, jangly chords.
Ibanez AS53-TF
Ready to dip your toes into the semi-hollow world? The Ibanez AS53-TF is a classy choice for jazz, blues, or indie tones. Think of it as your sophisticated, slightly artsy friend who can also party when needed.
Sound demo:
Features
- Body: Basswood (semi-hollow)
- Neck: Nyatoh (set-in)
- Pickups: Infinity R Humbuckers
- Bridge: ART-ST bridge and tailpiece
- Frets: 22 medium
Why I Recommend It
Semi-hollows can get pricey, but Ibanez keeps it real with the AS53-TF. The humbuckers are warm and punchy, perfect for mellow jazz licks or overdriven rock rhythms. Plus, the Tobacco Flat finish looks straight-up elegant.
Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF
The Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF screams “Les Paul” without screaming “I’m broke!” With its chambered body and flamed maple top, this guitar is a stunner, both visually and tonally.
Features
- Body: Chambered meranti with flamed maple top
- Neck: Glued-in meranti
- Pickups: Tesla Opus-1 Alnico humbuckers
- Bridge: DLX Tune-O-Matic
- Frets: 22 stainless steel
Why I Recommend It
For a Les Paul-style guitar, this is an absolute steal. The chambered body adds resonance and reduces weight (your back will thank you). The Tesla pickups deliver a smooth, balanced tone—great for rock, blues, or classic rock.
Epiphone SG Special P-90
Let’s cut to the chase: P-90 pickups rock. The Epiphone SG Special P-90 combines these legendary pickups with a lightweight mahogany body for an aggressive tone that’s perfect for punk, rock, or garage.
Features
- Body: Mahogany
- Pickups: 2 P-90 Pro SoapBar single coils
- Bridge: Lightning bolt wraparound
- Frets: 22 medium jumbo
Why I Recommend It
This guitar snarls—literally. The P-90s deliver a raw, gritty tone that’s perfect for when you need some attitude in your playing. Plus, the Sparkling Burgundy finish is just chef’s kiss.
Donner DST-152
The Donner DST-152 is the ultimate beginner-friendly guitar. Not only does it sound decent, but it also comes with everything you need: amp, gig bag, tuner, strap, and even picks. No excuses now!
You can watch my full video review below. I also recommend checking out these 5 reasons why Donner guitars are worth it!
Features
- Pickups: HSS configuration with coil-splitting humbucker
- Neck: Satin-finished maple
- Extras: Includes amp, capo, and more
- Frets: 22
Why I Recommend It
It’s an all-in-one deal. The humbucker adds versatility, and the coil-split feature is a nice touch. If you’re starting out and don’t want to spend hours hunting for accessories, this is your guitar.
Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster
Offset lovers, rejoice! The Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster offers dreamy tones and retro coolness in spades. With its unique pickup configuration and floating tremolo, this guitar stands out in both sound and style.
Features
- Body: Poplar
- Pickups: Fender-designed Alnico single coils
- Bridge: Floating with Dynamic Vibrato
- Frets: 22 narrow tall
Why I Recommend It
The Jazzmaster’s tone is unmatched for surf, shoegaze, or indie vibes. The offset body is super comfy, and the Alnico pickups are surprisingly articulate. It’s quirky in the best way possible.
Squier Affinity Strat FM HSS SS
Want Strat tones but crave the beefiness of a humbucker? The Squier Affinity Strat FM HSS SS has you covered. It’s the versatile workhorse every player needs.
Features
- Body: Poplar with maple veneer top
- Pickups: HSS configuration (ceramic)
- Bridge: 2-point synchronized tremolo
- Frets: 21 medium
Why I Recommend It
This guitar can do it all—clean, crunchy, heavy, you name it. The humbucker gives it extra kick for heavier styles, while the single coils handle everything else. A great choice for players who want versatility.
My Rating
| Model | Rating |
|---|---|
| Squier Sonic Stratocaster | 8/10 |
| Harley Benton TE-62DB CAR | 9/10 |
| Ibanez AS53-TF | 8.5/10 |
| Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF | 9.5/10 |
| Epiphone SG Special P-90 | 9/10 |
| Donner DST-152 | 7.5/10 |
| Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster | 8.5/10 |
| Squier Affinity Strat FM HSS SS | 8/10 |
Why These Ratings?
- Squier Sonic Stratocaster (8/10): It’s a great intro to the world of Strats, but the ceramic pickups could be better. Still, it’s unbeatable for the price.
- Harley Benton TE-62DB CAR (9/10): This one is a hidden gem. Classic Tele tone with amazing build quality for its price. Plus, it looks vintage and plays smooth.
- Ibanez AS53-TF (8.5/10): A semi-hollow that’s warm and versatile. It doesn’t have the flashiest hardware, but it delivers where it counts: sound and playability.
- Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF (9.5/10): The best value here. Gorgeous flamed maple, lightweight chambered design, and killer tone. Almost feels unfair to other guitars.
- Epiphone SG Special P-90 (9/10): Those P-90s are fire—raw, edgy, and unique. Perfect for anyone who likes an aggressive, gritty tone.
- Donner DST-152 (7.5/10): Great starter guitar, but the pickups feel a bit basic. Still, the all-in-one bundle is fantastic for beginners.
- Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster (8.5/10): It’s a niche choice, but the dreamy, surfy tone makes it stand out. Super fun to play if you like experimenting.
- Squier Affinity Strat FM HSS SS (8/10): Versatile and well-built. The humbucker adds some beef to the classic Strat sound. Great for players who want variety.
If you’re into gear talk, check out my YouTube channels: Best Guitars Now (English) and Strefa Gitar (Polish) for detailed reviews and demos!
FAQ
Can I gig with these guitars?
Absolutely! While they’re budget-friendly, most of these guitars are gig-worthy with proper setup. Consider upgrading pickups for an extra edge.
Which is best for a beginner?
The Donner DST-152 is the most beginner-friendly with its all-in-one kit, but the Squier Sonic Stratocaster and Harley Benton TE-62DB CAR are also great picks.
What’s the most versatile guitar on this list?
The Squier Affinity Strat FM HSS SS wins for versatility, thanks to its HSS pickup configuration.
Are these guitars good for recording?
Yes! Some of these, like the Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF or the Ibanez AS53-TF, can give you studio-worthy tones. You might need to tweak or upgrade pickups for perfection, though.
How do these compare to higher-end guitars?
Of course, they don’t have the same refinement or hardware as higher-end models. But for their price, they’re surprisingly good and definitely giggable.
Do I need to upgrade anything right away?
Not necessarily, but upgrading pickups or hardware can enhance their sound. A professional setup always helps, too.
Which is the lightest guitar here?
The Harley Benton SC-550 II FTF is chambered, making it lighter than your typical Les Paul-style guitar. Great if you don’t want to strain your shoulders.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Affordable guitars that don’t suck. Whether you’re just starting out or adding to your collection, these options prove you don’t need a fat wallet to sound good. Grab one and get shredding—your future self (and audience) will thank you!
