Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Every Budget (2025 Guide)

Ever tried playing an acoustic guitar for a crowd, only to realize it’s not loud enough? That’s where acoustic-electric guitars come in.

They look and sound like regular acoustics, but they are acoustic guitars with electronics that let you plug into an amp or PA system. This means you can go from playing in your room to performing on stage without losing the natural acoustic tone.

In this guide, I will help you find the best acoustic electric guitar for your style and budget. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the right guitar can make all the difference.

Quick Recommendations: Top Acoustic-Electric Guitars

If you want the best electro acoustic guitar without compromise, go for the classic Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe.

It blends vintage Martin tone with modern updates, offering rich projection, deep resonance, and premium Fishman electronics. It’s a serious investment, but if you want a guitar that sounds and feels incredible, this is it.

If you’re looking for a top-quality guitar under $2000, the Yamaha A5R ARE Dreadnought acoustic electric guitar is a fantastic choice, right behind my top pick. It delivers a big, warm tone, solid wood construction, and pro-level electronics at a price that makes sense.

Yamaha is one of the top brands for value, and this one plays like a dream. You also get premium features at a much lower price than the Martin.

Review of Best Electric-Acoustic Guitar

Let’s explore some great options that give you both the warm sound of an acoustic and the power of an electric setup.

1. Taylor Academy 10e – Best for Beginners

Key Specifications:

• Body Shape: Dreadnought (Shorter Scale)
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back & Sides: Layered Walnut
• Neck Wood: Mahogany / Maple
• Scale Length: 24.87 inches
• Electronics: ES-B Acoustic Electronics
• Standout Feature: Torrefied top for vintage tone

If you’re looking for the easiest guitar to play as a beginner, the Taylor Academy 10e is a fantastic choice. It’s smaller than a full-sized dreadnought, making it super comfy to hold. The built-in armrest? A total game-changer—it makes long practice sessions way easier on your strumming arm.

The solid Sitka spruce top and layered walnut back give it bright, crisp acoustic tones that sound great for strumming or fingerpicking.

The ES-B electronics come with a built-in tuner, so you won’t have to fumble with a clip-on tuner before playing. Plus, the low action and slim neck make it feel smooth and easy to play—perfect for a first guitar.

It’s an affordable acoustic from Taylor, but it still delivers quality sound and playability. Whether you’re just starting or want a reliable practice guitar, the 10e is a solid pick.

Pros:

• Comfortable armrest for long playing sessions
• Easy-to-play neck and low action
• Clear, balanced sound with good projection
• Built-in tuner and EQ for quick adjustments

Cons:

• Minimalist design may not appeal to everyone
• Slightly smaller neck may not suit larger hands
• Electronics could sound a bit thin with heavy strumming

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2. Yamaha FGX820C – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Key Specifications:

• Body Shape: Traditional Western Cutaway
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Nato
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Electronics: SYSTEM66 + SRT Piezo Pickup
• Standout Feature: Proprietary under-saddle piezo pickup with an analog preamp

The Yamaha FGX820C is hands down the best budget-friendly acoustic-electric guitar I’ve played. It’s got a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a dreadnought guitar body with a cutaway.

This combination produces a loud, warm tone while making upper-fret access easier. The 25.5” scale length gives it great tension, so chords ring out clear, but the action is still comfortable for beginners.

Plug it in, and the System-66 pickup system does a solid job of keeping the natural sound intact. The built-in tuner is a lifesaver, and the 3-band EQ lets you tweak your tone for any setup. The plastic nut and saddle aren’t the best, but those are easy upgrades.

For the price, you’re getting a seriously well-built guitar that sounds way better than a “cheap” one should. If you’re looking for an acoustic-electric at an accessible price point, this is a no-brainer.

Pros:

• Solid top for rich tone
• Comfortable cutaway design
• Good electronics with onboard EQ & tuner
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• Plastic nut and saddle
• Limited color options

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3. Yamaha A5R ARE – Best for Stage Performances

Key Specifications:

• Body Shape: Cutaway Dreadnought 
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce 
• Back & Sides: Solid Rosewood 
• Neck Wood: African Mahogany 
• Scale Length: 25.6 inches
• Electronics: SRT2 Preamp with Blendable Piezo & Mic Modeling 
• Standout Feature: Stage-ready Amplified Versatility

The Yamaha A5R ARE Dreadnought is a workhorse built for serious players. It has a solid Sitka spruce top with Yamaha’s A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treatment. This makes the guitar sound like an older, well-played instrument right from the start.

The solid rosewood back and sides add extra warmth and depth. Whether strumming or fingerpicking – this guitar handles both really well.

The coolest part is the electronics. The SRT2 system uses a unique mic blend by combining a regular piezo pickup with digital mic models.

This means when you plug in during stage performances, you get a natural sound. It has the flexibility to sound like some fancy microphones like a Neumann or Royer Ribbon. The controls are simple – just knobs for volume, bass, treble, and blend.

The slim mahogany neck and ebony fretboard make the guitar comfortable to play. Besides beauty, this Japanese guitar delivers where it matters most – sound, feel, and reliability.

Pros:

• Rich, full tone with solid woods
• Versatile for different playing styles
• Amazing plugged-in sound and exceptional mic simulation
• Reliable build and hardware

Cons:

• No non-cutaway version available
• Aesthetically, some might consider the design a bit plain

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4. Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster – Best Hybrid Model

Key Specifications:

• Body Shape: Modified Telecaster
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back and Sides: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Electronics: Fender Noiseless Magnetic Pickup, Fishman Under-saddle Transducer and Acoustasonic Enhancer
• Standout Feature: 10 different acoustic and electric voices that can be blended with a Mod knob

The Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster combines acoustic and electric guitar features, giving players different sounds in one instrument.

It has a unique hollow body with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, making it lightweight and easy to hold. I like the mahogany neck with a contoured heel and ebony fingerboard because it feels smooth and lets me play fast.

The guitar produces a deep, rich acoustic sound thanks to Fender’s String Instrument Resonant System (SIRS). The best part is the Acoustic Engine system that Fender created with Fishman.

It has three pickups and 10 different tones that can sound like various guitar body styles and tone woods. The noiseless N4 magnetic pickup gives a clear electric sound without buzzing.

While the Acoustasonic Telecaster is expensive, it’s well built and offers a lot of versatility. Whether I’m playing live, recording guitar, or performing, this guitar gives me plenty of tones to explore and makes playing more fun.

Pros:

• Smart design, build and execution
• Very credible plugged-in acoustic voices
• An inspired clean-to-crunch magnetic voice
• Lightweight and comfortable Tele platform

Cons:

• No left-handed option
• Some minor issues with the acoustic voice balance
• Expensive

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5. Taylor GS Mini-e Koa – Best for Travel

Key Specifications:

• Body Shape: Scaled-down Grand Symphony
• Top Wood: Hawaiian Koa
• Back & Sides: Layered Koa
• Neck Wood: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
• Scale Length: 23.5 inches
• Electronics: ES-B Electronics
• Standout Feature: Hawaiian koa for vibrant sound and organic beauty

If you need a guitar that’s small enough to take anywhere but still packs a full sound, the Taylor GS Mini-e Koa is a top pick.

This compact, non-cutaway acoustic-electric guitar has a shorter scale length, making it easy to play while still delivering the depth and warmth Taylor is known for.

The solid Hawaiian Koa top not only looks stunning but also gives the guitar a rich, midrange-heavy tone that gets sweeter with time. Thanks to Taylor’s ES-B electronics, it sounds great plugged in, and the built-in tuner is handy for quick adjustments.

Whether you’re jamming at home, on the road, or around a campfire, this is easily the best mid-range acoustic electric guitar for travel.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight – perfect for travel
• Beautiful Koa top with unique grain patterns
• Surprisingly big sound for a small body
• Easy to play, great for all skill levels

Cons:

• Higher price than other GS Mini models
• Limited bass response due to its smaller size
• Koa’s tone takes time to open up

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6. Gibson 50s J-45 Original – Best for Professionals

Key Specifications:

• Body Style: Round shoulder dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Scale Length: 24.75 inches
• Electronics: LR Baggs VTC pickup w/ tone & volume controls
• Standout Feature: Iconic workhorse acoustic tone

The Gibson J-45 Original is a great pick if you want the best sounding acoustic electric guitar with a warm, balanced tone. It’s made with solid tonewoods like sitka spruce and mahogany, which gives it a rich and dynamic sound that works for all kinds of guitar playing.

The slim neck makes it easy to play, and the LR Baggs pickup keeps the J-45’s distinct acoustic tone when plugged in.

This guitar sounds pretty amazing, feels smooth to play, and is built to last. With its timeless design and modern reliability, this high-end acoustic electric guitar is a solid choice for singer-songwriters and guitarists on stage or studio use.

Pros:

• Balanced and warm acoustic tone
• Quality handmade construction
• Slim neck for comfort

Cons:

• High price tag

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7. Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe – Best Overall Choice

Key Specifications:

• Body Shape: 000 
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back & Sides: Solid East Indian rosewood
• Neck Wood: Select hardwood
• Scale Length: 24.9 inches
• Electronics: Fishman Aura VT Blend
• Standout Feature: Torrefied top for vintage tone

The Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe is a fresh take on a classic orchestra model guitar. It’s made with solid Sitka spruce and Indian rosewood to achieve the balanced and intimate triple-O tone.

Modern upgrades like a torrefied top, Liquidmetal bridge pins, and carbon fiber bridge plate help it sound louder and more vibrant. The Fishman Aura system blends the clear piezo pickup sound with custom mic’d tones for a rich, full amplified tone.

The 000-28E guitar offers exceptional touch sensitivity and dynamic range. With a smaller body and slim neck, it’s easy to play whether you’re strumming or fingerpicking.

If you want a high-end acoustic with Martin’s classic design and modern features, this guitar is a great choice. But if you’re on a tight budget and thinking about used Martin guitars, keep in mind that this isn’t the cheapest Martin guitar—even used ones can still be pretty expensive.

Pros:

• Loud and vibrant acoustic voice
• Premium woods and modern updates
• Versatile Fishman electronics

Cons:

• Too much expensive

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Key Factors to Choose an Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Picking the right acoustic-electric guitar is more than just grabbing the coolest-looking one off the wall. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:

The Need for Amplification

An acoustic-electric guitar is all about volume control. If you’re playing in a small room, a regular acoustic might be enough. But if you plan to perform on stage, jam with a band, or even record, an acoustic-electric is a much better choice.

It gives you the freedom to amplify your sound without needing a mic, which can sometimes pick up too much background noise and cause feedback.

Pickup Systems and Electronics

The pickup system in your acoustic-electric guitar captures your sound and sends it to an amp or PA system. Different pickups give different sounds.

Undersaddle piezo pickups produce good sound while strumming. They’re great for live performances because they don’t pick up much feedback.

Transducer pickups sound natural but might feedback at high volumes. They’re perfect for fingerstyle and solo performances.

Soundhole pickups fit in your guitar’s soundhole and they are easy to install or remove. These work great for blues or rock styles.

Mic blend systems give the most natural sound by using multiple pickup types. They’re best for recording or quiet venues.

Besides pickups, check out the preamp and EQ controls. A built-in preamp boosts the signal, making sure that the guitar sounds strong and clear. Some guitars also have onboard tuners and feedback suppressors, which can be really handy for live playing.

Although more controls let you shape your sound better, but it increases the guitar price. So choose a pickup and electronic system based on how and where you’ll play.

Body Shape and Guitar Body Wood

The shape of the guitar affects how comfortable it is to hold and how it sounds. A small body guitar, like a parlor or grand concert, is easier to play, especially for fingerpicking.

A dreadnought or jumbo guitar has a louder and fuller sound, great for strumming and big performances. If you need to reach higher frets, look for a cutaway design.

The wood used for the guitar also affects the tone. A solid top guitar usually sounds richer and improves over time.

For top wood, Sitka spruce is common—it’s strong and gives a balanced sound. Mahogany tops add warmth and punch, while cedar makes the tone softer and great for fingerpicking.

Woods on the back and sides, shape the overall tone. Mahogany gives a warm, even sound. Rosewood makes the lows deep and the highs clear. Maple keeps everything bright and focused, and walnut sits somewhere in between.

If you’re on a budget, a guitar with a laminate body can still be a good choice, though it won’t have the same depth of tone as a solid-wood guitar.

Most guitar necks are mahogany because it’s strong and feels smooth. The fingerboard is often rosewood or ebony, which makes playing easy and adds a bit of extra snap to the sound.

Playability and Guitar Setup

A guitar should feel good in your hands. The neck profile matters—a slim neck is easier for small hands, while a thicker neck gives a more solid grip.

The action, or how high the strings sit above the fretboard, affects how easy it is to press the strings down. If the action is too high, the guitar will be hard to play; if it’s too low, it might buzz.

A proper guitar setup can fix these issues, so consider getting one done if needed.

Budget and Brand Choices

If you’re looking for an entry level acoustic-electric guitar, brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone have solid options that sound great without breaking the bank. If you want something more high-end, brands like Taylor, Martin, and Gibson make excellent professional guitars.

Whatever your budget, always check how the guitar sounds both unplugged and amplified before making a decision.

Guitar Accessories

Think about the extra gear you might need. A good guitar case keeps your guitar safe. If your guitar doesn’t have a built-in tuner, you’ll need an external tuner. You might also want a strap, extra strings, and a capo to get the most out of your playing.

Investing in a decent amp made for acoustic guitars will also make a big difference in your sound quality.

A great acoustic-electric guitar fits your playing style, sounds great when plugged in, and feels comfortable in your hands. Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll find a guitar that’s perfect for you.

Final Verdict

Acoustic-electric guitars give you the best of both worlds. You get the rich, natural sound of an acoustic guitar with the ability to amplify it when needed.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a guitar that fits your style and budget. From affordable options like the Yamaha FGX820C to high-end choices like the Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe, every guitar in this guide offers something unique.

If you need a reliable, great-sounding guitar for home, stage, or studio, an acoustic-electric is a smart choice. Pick one that feels comfortable, sounds great, and works for your needs, and you’ll be set for years of playing.