10 Best Electric Guitars Under £500 That Don’t Compromise on Quality

After testing dozens of electric guitars under £500, I’ve found several models that deliver impressive quality without compromising construction or tone. The GLARRY 39″ kit with its HSS pickup configuration and 20W amplifier stands out for versatility, while the MUSTAR MEG-100’s 25W amp suits intermediate players perfectly. The STRICH SST-S20 offers excellent value with extensive accessories, and Ibanez’s GIO Series provides professional-grade hardware at this price point. Continue exploring to discover which specific features matter most for your playing style.

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Notable Insights

• Solid wood construction with quality hardware ensures better resonance, sustain, and long-term playability compared to laminated alternatives.
• HSS pickup configurations offer versatile tonal options, blending humbucker warmth with single-coil brightness for multiple music genres.
• Five-way selector switches and multiple tone controls provide essential sound variation and fine-tuning capabilities for different playing styles.
• 20-25W amplifiers with built-in tone controls and headphone outputs deliver sufficient power for practice and small performances.
• Comprehensive accessory packages including gig bags, tuners, and cables maximize value while maintaining 4.5+ star customer satisfaction ratings.

STRICH Electric Guitar Beginner Kit (SST-S20 Sunburst)

When you’re starting your electric guitar journey without breaking the bank, the STRICH Electric Guitar Beginner Kit (SST-S20 Sunburst) delivers everything you need in one all-inclusive package. This 39-inch full-size instrument features an HSS pickup configuration with two single-coil pickups and a humbucker, providing versatile tonal options through its five-way selector switch and dual tone controls. The classic C-shaped body, crafted from select maple and poplar woods, combines aesthetic appeal with practical lightweight construction that won’t fatigue you during extended practice sessions. With 93 customers awarding it 4.5 stars, this extensive kit includes amplifier, tuner, accessories, and cables for immediate playability.

Best For: Beginner guitarists seeking a comprehensive, budget-friendly starter kit with professional-grade sound quality and all necessary accessories to begin playing immediately.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one package includes guitar, amplifier, tuner, cables, and accessories for immediate playability
• HSS pickup configuration with five-way selector provides versatile tonal options suitable for multiple musical styles
• Lightweight maple and poplar construction with C-shaped body design ensures comfortable extended playing sessions

Cons:

• 10W amplifier has limitations in power and may require upgrading for performance or advanced practice needs
• As a beginner-focused instrument, it may lack the advanced features and build quality desired by intermediate or advanced players
• Limited color options with only the sunburst finish available in this specific model

GLARRY Electric Guitar, 39″ Full Size Electric Guitar Kit for Beginner with 20W Amp

The GLARRY Electric Guitar stands out as an all-inclusive starter package that eliminates the guesswork for aspiring guitarists, bundling everything you’ll need to begin your musical journey in one convenient kit. What impressed me most about this basswood-bodied instrument is its HSS pickup configuration, which combines humbucking and single-coil pickups to deliver seven distinct sound modes through the 5-way selector switch and coil-split functionality. The maple neck and fretboard provide solid playability, while the included 20W amplifier, guitar bag, and essential accessories mean you won’t need additional purchases immediately. With customers rating it 4.7 stars and praising its sound quality, this complete package offers genuine value for beginners.

Best For: Beginner guitarists who want a complete, ready-to-play starter package with versatile sound options and don’t want to purchase accessories separately.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one kit includes guitar, 20W amp, bag, and all essential accessories with no assembly required
• Versatile HSS pickup configuration with coil-split functionality provides 7 different sound modes for musical experimentation
• High customer satisfaction with 4.7-star rating and strong value proposition for the price point

Cons:

• Basswood body material may not provide the same tonal richness as higher-end wood options
• 20W amplifier may be limiting for performance situations or playing with other musicians
• As a beginner-focused instrument, players may outgrow its capabilities as their skills advance

MUSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with 25W Amplifier (MEG-100)

Three distinct player types will find exceptional value in the MUSTAR Electric Guitar Kit with 25W Amplifier (MEG-100), though I’ll be honest, the mixed user reviews suggest it’s not quite the beginner-friendly solution the marketing promises. You’ll appreciate the solid wood construction featuring Canadian maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and FSC-certified frame, while the 25-watt amplifier provides considerably more power than typical starter kits. However, customer feedback consistently highlights setup challenges, including sharp frets and binding tuners that require immediate attention. The wide-ranging accessory package, including gig bag, tuner, and picks, delivers genuine convenience, but quality inconsistencies across components make this better suited for intermediate players who can handle necessary adjustments.

Best For: Intermediate players who can handle setup adjustments and beginners with some technical experience or access to professional guitar setup services.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one package includes 25W amplifier, gig bag, tuner, capo, picks, extra strings, and all essential accessories for immediate play
• Quality wood construction with Canadian maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and FSC-certified frame offers solid build materials typically found in higher-priced instruments
• 25-watt amplifier provides significantly more power than typical starter kit amps, with full tone controls including gain, bass, middle, treble, and volume adjustments

Cons:

• Setup issues including sharp frets and binding tuners require immediate professional attention or technical skill to resolve before comfortable playing
• Mixed quality control across kit components, with particular concerns about amplifier reliability and accessory durability affecting long-term value
• Despite being marketed as beginner-friendly, the technical challenges make it less suitable for true beginners without guitar maintenance experience

Pyle Electric Guitar Kit with Amp, Full Size 39″ Red

Complete beginners seeking their first guitar experience will find exceptional value in the Pyle Electric Guitar Kit with Amp, as it delivers everything needed to start playing immediately for under £500. You’ll receive a full-size 39.4-inch electric guitar featuring dual humbucker pickups, a poplar body with Canadian maple neck, and 22 frets on a techwood fretboard. The included 10W practice amplifier provides surprisingly decent sound through its 5-inch speaker, while thoughtful touches like headphone output enable silent practice sessions. I appreciate that Pyle includes practical accessories—gig bag, cable, picks, spare strings, and even two months of online lessons—though you’ll likely want to upgrade the basic shoulder strap eventually for improved comfort during longer playing sessions.

Best For: Complete beginners and students who want a comprehensive starter package with a full-size electric guitar, practice amplifier, and all essential accessories to begin learning immediately without additional purchases.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one kit includes quality 39.4″ electric guitar with dual humbuckers, 10W practice amp, gig bag, cable, picks, spare strings, and 2 months of online lessons
• Well-constructed instrument featuring poplar body, Canadian maple neck, techwood fretboard with 22 frets, and versatile 3-way pickup selector for tone variety
• Practice amplifier offers headphone output for silent playing plus treble/bass controls, making it ideal for home practice sessions

Cons:

• Included shoulder strap is of poor quality and will likely need upgrading for comfortable extended playing sessions
• Guitar may require minor setup adjustments out of the box to achieve optimal playability and performance
• At 13.72 pounds total weight, the kit is relatively heavy for younger players or those with mobility concerns

Ktaxon 39 Inch Electric Guitar Kit with Accessories (Black)

When you’re searching for an electric guitar that won’t break the bank but still delivers genuine performance, the Ktaxon 39 Inch Electric Guitar Kit emerges as a compelling option that I’ve found particularly appealing for beginners and budget-conscious players. The solid paulownia body, paired with maple neck construction and dual humbuckers, creates a surprisingly versatile instrument that handles everything from blues to metal with respectable tone quality. While you’ll encounter typical budget guitar quirks like jumpy tuners and plastic hardware, the 4.6-star rating from over 300 users suggests most players find excellent value here, especially considering the complete accessory package.

Best For: Beginners and budget-conscious players seeking a versatile electric guitar with complete accessories that can handle multiple music genres from blues to metal without a significant financial investment.

Pros:

• Complete kit includes all essential accessories (gig bag, strap, tremolo arm, cable, picks) for immediate playability
• Versatile dual humbucker configuration with 3-way switching handles diverse music styles effectively
• Solid construction with paulownia body and maple neck provides good tone quality and lightweight comfort

Cons:

• Jumpy tuners affect tuning stability and playing experience
• Plastic nut and hardware quality typical of budget instruments
• Minor cosmetic defects may be present due to budget manufacturing

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Black with Matte Finish

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster stands as a demonstration to thoughtful beginner-focused design, featuring a slim C-shaped neck and lightweight poplar body that makes extended practice sessions comfortable for players of all ages. You’ll find three single-coil pickups with five-way switching that delivers those classic Stratocaster tones we’ve all heard countless times, while the tremolo bridge with removable arm adds versatility without overwhelming newcomers. At 9.23 pounds with sealed-gear tuning machines and chrome hardware, this guitar maintains tuning stability better than I expected from most beginner instruments, though some units might require minor setup adjustments for peak playability.

Best For: Beginning guitarists of all ages who want a lightweight, comfortable electric guitar with classic Stratocaster tones and the support of free online lessons to start their musical journey.

Pros:

• Lightweight design with slim C-shaped neck makes it comfortable for extended practice sessions and suitable for players of all ages
• Three single-coil pickups with 5-way switching deliver authentic Stratocaster tones versatile enough for rock, blues, and pop genres
• Excellent tuning stability with sealed-gear tuning machines and comes with free Fender Play subscription for comprehensive learning support

Cons:

• Some units may require minor setup adjustments out of the box to address potential string buzz or truss rod tension issues
• As a beginner-focused instrument, players will likely want to upgrade to a higher-end guitar as their skills advance
• Poplar body wood, while lightweight, may not provide the same tonal richness as premium wood options found in more expensive guitars

ZENY 39″ Full Size Electric Guitar with Amp, Case and Accessories Pack

Beginning guitarists who want everything they need in one affordable package will find the ZENY 39″ Full Size Electric Guitar with Amp, Case and Accessories Pack particularly appealing, as it delivers a complete starter setup that eliminates the guesswork of buying components separately. You’ll get a full-sized electric guitar with basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard, plus a 10-watt amplifier, nylon case, extra strings, strap, cable, and picks. While the 4.5-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviewers reflects its solid value proposition, you should expect some minor tweaks might be needed out of the box to optimize playability and performance.

Best For: Beginning guitarists and those new to electric guitar who want a complete, affordable starter package with everything needed to begin playing immediately.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one package includes guitar, amplifier, case, and essential accessories eliminating need for separate purchases
• Quality construction with all-wood build featuring basswood body, maple neck with truss rod, and rosewood fretboard
• Strong customer satisfaction with 4.5-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews and excellent value for the price

Cons:

• May require minor adjustments and setup work out of the box to optimize playability
• 10-watt amplifier is basic and suitable primarily for beginners and practice sessions
• Some quality control issues reported including glue residue and occasional amp quality concerns

IYV 6 String Semi Hollow Electric Guitar (IRK-300)

Budget-conscious guitarists seeking the distinctive resonance of semi-hollow construction will find exceptional value in the IYV 6 String Semi Hollow Electric Guitar (IRK-300), which delivers authentic hollow-body tones at under $200—a price point that typically restricts players to solid-body alternatives. The basswood body with maple top, combined with H-H pickup configuration, produces that characteristic airy, resonant sound you’d expect from semi-hollow designs, while the tremolo bridge system adds expressive versatility for various playing styles. Certainly, you might encounter minor cosmetic blemishes given the price point, but the CNC construction guarantees smooth frets and solid playability that won’t compromise your performance—earning it the #1 ranking in its category with 4.4 stars.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists who want authentic semi-hollow body tone and resonance without paying premium prices, especially those who prioritize playability and sound quality over perfect cosmetic finish.

Pros:

• Delivers authentic semi-hollow resonance and airy tone at an exceptionally low price point under $200
• CNC construction ensures smooth frets and solid playability with good build quality for the price
• Versatile H-H pickup configuration and tremolo bridge system suitable for multiple music styles

Cons:

• May have minor cosmetic blemishes or quality control issues due to budget manufacturing
• Limited to basswood body construction which may not offer the tonal complexity of higher-end woods
• Tremolo bridge system may require more frequent tuning adjustments compared to fixed bridge designs

Ibanez GIO Series GRX70QA – Transparent Black Sunburst

For guitarists seeking versatility without breaking the bank, the Ibanez GIO Series GRX70QA stands as a compelling entry point into serious electric guitar territory, combining the brand’s renowned playability with an attractive quilted maple art grain top that belies its budget-friendly price point. You’ll appreciate the H-S-S pickup configuration with high-output Infinity R pickups, which delivers surprising tonal range through the 5-way selector switch, while the fast maple neck’s modern C-shape profile accommodates both rhythm work and lead playing with equal comfort. At 7.5 pounds, this poplar-bodied instrument won’t strain your shoulders during extended sessions, though you might need minor setup adjustments upon arrival.

Best For: Beginning to intermediate guitarists who want a versatile, lightweight electric guitar with quality construction and multiple tonal options at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• H-S-S pickup configuration with 5-way selector provides excellent tonal versatility for various music styles
• Fast, comfortable maple neck with modern C-shape profile accommodates both rhythm and lead playing
• Lightweight 7.5-pound body reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions

Cons:

• Middle pickup quality has received some criticism from users
• May require minor setup adjustments and fret polishing upon delivery
• Fretboard condition sometimes needs attention out of the box

IYV 6 String Semi-Hollow-Body Electric Guitar, Right, Natural (IJZ-500 NA)

Precision-engineered manufacturing meets affordability in the IYV 6 String Semi-Hollow-Body Electric Guitar (IJZ-500 NA), a Vietnamese-crafted instrument that leverages CNC machining and 3D computer programming to deliver consistent quality at an accessible price point. You’ll find the all-maple construction provides solid resonance, while the jatoba fretboard offers smooth playability across the 24.75-inch scale length. The tremolo bridge system gives you versatility for expressive playing, though you might need minor setup adjustments upon arrival—nothing a basic guitar tech visit can’t handle. With 4.0 stars from 218 reviews, it’s earned recognition as an excellent platform for modifications and a genuine bargain.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists, beginners looking for a quality starter instrument, and experienced players seeking an affordable platform for modifications and customization projects.

Pros:

• Precision CNC manufacturing with 3D computer programming ensures consistent build quality and accurate construction
• All-maple body construction with jatoba fretboard provides solid resonance and smooth playability at an exceptional price point under $200
• Versatile tremolo bridge system and H pickup configuration offer good tonal flexibility for various playing styles

Cons:

• Typically requires minor tuning and neck adjustments or professional setup upon arrival to achieve optimal playability
• Some units may have minor finish blemishes or small imperfections that don’t affect sound but impact visual appearance
• Reports of occasional hardware issues such as pickup installation problems or string buzzing that may need addressing

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Guitar for Under £500

When I’m helping someone choose their first electric guitar under £500, I’ve learned that five critical factors can make or break your playing experience and determine whether you’ll stick with the instrument long-term. The pickup configuration you select, whether single-coil, humbucker, or hybrid setups, directly impacts your tone versatility and genre compatibility, while the amp power requirements will dictate your practice volume capabilities and performance headroom. I always emphasize that body wood materials affect sustain and resonance characteristics, neck shape influences your fretting comfort during extended sessions, and included accessory packages can save you significant money on essential items like cables, picks, and gig bags.

Pickup Configuration Options

Since pickup configuration fundamentally determines how your guitar will sound across different playing styles, I’d argue it’s one of the most essential decisions you’ll make when shopping for an electric guitar under £500. HSS configurations offer exceptional versatility, combining humbucker warmth for rhythm work with single-coil brightness for lead sections, making them ideal for players exploring multiple genres. H-H setups deliver fuller sound with higher output, perfect for rock and metal enthusiasts who need enhanced sustain and reduced noise. S-S-S configurations provide crisp, articulate tones that blues and pop players love for their pronounced note clarity. I’d recommend considering coil-splitting options, which expand your tonal palette considerably without breaking your budget.

Amp Power Requirements

While picking the perfect guitar often captures most of your attention, I’ve learned that overlooking amplifier power requirements can leave you disappointed with your overall sound experience, especially when working within a £500 budget that typically includes both guitar and amp. I recommend targeting 10-watt amplifiers for practice sessions, though 20-25 watts provide better versatility for small gigs and clearer projection in larger spaces. You’ll want built-in tone controls and headphone outputs for silent practice flexibility, while multi-channel capabilities offer different sound settings across various genres. I always consider portability and weight factors, particularly if you’ll transport equipment frequently, since lighter models prove more convenient for travel without sacrificing essential performance features.

Body Wood Materials

Beyond amplifier considerations, the body wood material forms the foundation of your guitar’s fundamental voice, and I’ve discovered that understanding these tonal differences can help you make smarter choices within budget constraints. I’ve found that mahogany delivers warm, rich tones with excellent sustain, while alder offers balanced characteristics that work across multiple genres. Poplar, commonly found in budget guitars, produces brighter sounds with enhanced treble response, though some players find it lacks the depth of premium woods. Basswood strikes an excellent middle ground, providing balanced tonal qualities while keeping guitars lightweight—perfect for beginners who’ll appreciate the comfort during longer practice sessions. Don’t overlook quilted maple tops, which add visual appeal without drastically altering the underlying wood’s sonic properties.

Neck Shape Comfort

After years of testing guitars in this price range, I’ve learned that neck shape comfort can make or break your playing experience, and it’s honestly one of the most overlooked factors when guitarists focus solely on pickups and aesthetics. I’ve found that C-shaped necks offer the most comfortable grip for extended playing sessions, while D-shaped profiles provide a slimmer feel that works well for faster techniques. If you’ve got smaller hands, look for narrower neck widths between 1.57 to 1.68 inches, which I’ve noticed makes chord changes remarkably easier. Compound radius fretboards, though less common in budget guitars, enhance playability across different techniques. Neck thickness affects your speed and sustain balance, so I’d recommend testing various profiles before committing.

Included Accessory Packages

Something I’ve consistently noticed across dozens of budget guitar purchases is that considerable accessory packages can transform a £300 guitar into exceptional value, though you’ll want to scrutinize what’s actually included versus what’s marketing fluff. Essential components like gig bags, digital tuners, cables, straps, and extra strings form the foundation of any worthwhile starter package, while premium kits add picks, capos, and maintenance tools that eliminate immediate shopping trips. I particularly value amplifiers with 10W to 25W output, which provide adequate volume for practice sessions without overwhelming bedroom acoustics. Quality matters considerably here—cheap tuners drift constantly, flimsy cables introduce noise, and poorly-constructed capos buzz against frets. Look for user-friendly components requiring minimal assembly, since wrestling with complicated setups discourages new players when they should be developing enthusiasm for playing.

Build Quality Standards

Three critical elements determine whether a budget electric guitar will survive years of playing or become a frustrating disappointment within months, and I’ve learned to examine body construction, neck stability, and hardware quality with equal scrutiny during every evaluation. Solid woods like mahogany and basswood deliver superior resonance compared to laminated alternatives, while a well-constructed maple or mahogany neck with smooth fretwork prevents buzzing and intonation issues that plague cheaper instruments. I always test the tuning stability by checking how quality tuners and bridges maintain pitch accuracy during aggressive playing. The finish thickness matters more than you’d expect—lighter coatings enhance tonal response, though thicker finishes offer better protection. Finally, pickup configuration affects versatility notably, with HSS and H-H setups providing distinct sonic possibilities worth considering.

Sound Versatility Range

How many different sounds can you realistically expect from a single electric guitar under £500, and which features make the biggest difference in achieving that versatility? I’ve found that pickup configuration stands as the most vital factor, with HSS and H-H setups offering considerably broader tonal ranges than single-pickup guitars. When you’re shopping in this price range, I’d prioritize guitars featuring 5-way selector switches combined with multiple tone controls, since they’ll let you dial in everything from clean jazz tones to aggressive rock sounds. The coil split feature, though less common under £500, transforms humbuckers into single-coils for classic blues authenticity. Don’t overlook body wood either—mahogany and maple combinations greatly impact resonance and sustain, directly affecting your guitar’s sonic character across different styles.

On a final note

I’ve tested dozens of budget guitars over the years, and these models prove you don’t need to break the bank for quality sound. Whether you’re choosing the versatile Ibanez GRX70QA or starting with a complete STRICH kit, each option delivers genuine value at its price point. Remember, your first guitar doesn’t define your musical journey—it simply begins it, so pick one that excites you to play daily.