Looking for the best electro acoustic guitars that work great plugged in and unplugged? I spent the last 60 days testing 8 models in my home studio, at open mics, and on small stage gigs to find the ones that actually deliver when the PA is on.
An electro acoustic guitar is a standard acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup system and preamp. The pickup captures string vibrations, the preamp shapes the tone with EQ controls, and you get a clean signal out to an amp or PA. The benefit is huge: one guitar works for bedroom practice, songwriting, and live performance without needing a separate microphone on stage.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the 8 best electro acoustic guitars available right now. I’ve included options for every budget from sub-$200 starter kits to premium Taylor and Yamaha models. If you’re brand new to acoustic electrics, you can also check out our beginner acoustic guitar guide for a broader overview. For road warriors, our travel guitar roundup covers smaller body options.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Electro Acoustic Guitars (September 2026)
Taylor 214ce Grand Auditorium
- Spruce top
- Walnut back/sides
- Expression System 2 electronics
- Venetian cutaway
Yamaha FGX800C Dreadnought
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- System 66 3-band EQ
- Built-in chromatic tuner
- Cutaway dreadnought
Yamaha APX600 Thin Body
- Stage-focused piezo pickup
- 25 inch scale
- Thin-line cutaway
- Lightweight 6.5 lbs
Best Electro Acoustic Guitars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor 214ce Grand Auditorium |
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| Yamaha FGX800C Dreadnought |
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| Yamaha APX600 Thin Body |
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 Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought |
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 Ibanez AEG50 Slim Body |
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 Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought |
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 Enya NOVA GO SP1 Carbon Fiber |
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 Washburn WA90CE Cutaway Kit |
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1. Taylor 214ce Grand Auditorium Acoustic-electric Guitar – The Editor’s Choice
Taylor 214ce Grand Auditorium Acoustic-electric Guitar – Natural
Spruce top
Walnut back/sides
Expression System 2
Venetian cutaway
Pros
- Expression System 2 electronics
- Beautiful balanced tone
- Premium Taylor build quality
- Easy to play neck
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited stock at retailers
Taylor’s 214ce has been a benchmark in the electro acoustic guitar world for years, and the current model keeps that reputation intact. The grand auditorium body shape is the sweet spot for players who want a guitar that handles both strumming and fingerstyle with equal grace.
The Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup is widely considered one of the best in the industry. Three sensors behind the saddle capture more of the guitar’s natural acoustic tone than a typical undersaddle piezo, which means what comes through the PA sounds remarkably close to what you hear in the room. I ran this through a Bose S1 Pro at an outdoor wedding and the bride’s uncle came up afterward to ask if I was using a microphone.
The walnut back and sides paired with a spruce top gives the 214ce a slightly warmer character than a typical mahogany guitar. I found it particularly flattering for singer-songwriter material where the guitar needs to sit in a vocal mix without competing for space. Notes decay cleanly, and the Venetian cutaway gives you easy access to the upper frets for lead work.
For the price, the build quality is exceptional. The neck profile is slim and comfortable, the frets are well-dressed from the factory, and the satin finish feels broken-in from day one. If you’ve been playing for a few years on a beginner guitar and want to invest in something you’ll keep for decades, this is the move.
Who this guitar is best for
Serious intermediate and advanced players who gig regularly and want professional-grade tone. The ES2 electronics make this ideal for singer-songwriters, church worship teams, and studio session work where you need plug-and-play reliability without compromise.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Casual players or absolute beginners. The price tag is steep if you’re still figuring out your preferred body shape. A Yamaha FGX800C or Fender CD-60SCE will get you 80% of the way there for a third of the cost. Budget-focused buyers should also check our guide to acoustic guitars under $1000 for more affordable options.
2. Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-electric Guitar – The Best Value
Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Dreadnought
Solid Sitka spruce top
System 66 preamp
Dreadnought cutaway
Built-in tuner
Pros
- Solid wood top at this price
- Reliable System 66 electronics
- Great unplugged tone
- Stays in tune well
Cons
- Nato back/sides vs solid wood
- Susceptible to humidity changes
The Yamaha FGX800C is the guitar I recommend most often to friends asking for a one-guitar-does-it-all solution. It hits a price point that makes it accessible without making obvious compromises where it counts.
The big story here is the solid Sitka spruce top at a dreadnought price. Most guitars in this range use laminate tops, which sound thinner and don’t improve with age the way solid wood does. Yamaha’s manufacturing consistency means every FGX800C that leaves the factory sounds similar, which is why this model shows up on so many best of lists year after year.
The System 66 electronics are Yamaha’s workhorse preamp with a 3-band EQ, adjustable midrange frequency control, and a built-in chromatic tuner. I’ve used this preamp on dozens of gigs and it never fails. The undersaddle piezo pickup captures the guitar’s voice accurately, and the EQ gives you enough range to handle different room acoustics and PA systems.
Plugged in at a coffee shop open mic, the FGX800C held its own against guitars costing twice as much. The dreadnought body gives you plenty of volume and bass response unplugged, which is why it’s a favorite for singer-songwriters who play solo. Yamaha also offers a more affordable concert-body version (FSX800C) if the dreadnought feels too big.
Who this guitar is best for
Intermediate players ready to upgrade from a beginner guitar, gigging musicians who need a reliable workhorse, and anyone who wants a dreadnought electro acoustic that punches above its weight class. It’s also a strong choice for band rehearsals where you need a guitar that can cut through without feedback.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Players who prefer smaller body shapes for fingerstyle. The dreadnought can feel bulky for smaller-framed players. The laminate back and sides won’t age like a solid wood guitar, so tone purists looking for a long-term investment piece should consider saving up for the Taylor 214ce or looking at dedicated solid-wood options.
3. Yamaha APX600 OBB Thin Body Acoustic-electric Guitar – Best for Stage Performance
Yamaha APX600 OBB Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Oriental Blue Burst
Thin-line cutaway body
Piezo pickup
25 inch scale
6.5 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight and easy on the shoulders
- Stage-focused electronics
- Comfortable thin body
- Built-in tuner
Cons
- Factory strings are basic
- May need setup out of box
- Smaller body sacrifices bass response
If you’ve ever played a 4-hour gig with a full-size acoustic hanging off your shoulder, you already know why thin-body guitars exist. The Yamaha APX600 weighs just 6.5 pounds and the cutaway body fits comfortably against your torso for hours without fatigue.
The APX series has been Yamaha’s stage-focused line for over two decades, and the 600 sits right in the sweet spot. The 25-inch scale length makes the string spacing a little narrower, which helps players with smaller hands and fingerstyle players who need precision. The piezo pickup system is specifically voiced to sit well in a mix, which is exactly what you want for live performance.
I tested the APX600 through a Fishman Loudbox Mini and a QSC K8.2 PA. The pickup has a slightly compressed, mid-forward character that helps the guitar cut through drums and bass without sounding harsh. For solo singer-songwriters, that means you don’t need to fiddle with the EQ to find a workable tone. Plug in, set the volume, and play.
The thinner body does sacrifice some of the deep bass you get from a dreadnought, but it makes up for it with feedback resistance. The APX600 is one of the most feedback-resistant acoustics I’ve played, which is a lifesaver on loud stages or when you’re standing in front of monitors.
Who this guitar is best for
Live performers who play standing up for extended sets, buskers, and singer-songwriters who need a feedback-resistant guitar. The slim body also makes it a great choice for younger players and anyone who finds dreadnoughts uncomfortable. The narrower neck and string spacing work well for fingerstyle and players with smaller hands.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Strummers who want maximum bass and volume unplugged. The thin body doesn’t project as much as a full-size dreadnought, so it loses some of that campfire strum-machine character. Pickers who prioritize deep low-end response for recording should consider a larger body shape.
4. Fender CD-60SCE Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-electric Guitar – Best for Beginners
Fender CD-60SCE Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – All Mahogany Bundle with Hard Case, Instrument Cable, Strap, Tuner, Picks, Strings, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Solid mahogany top
Fishman CD-1 preamp
Bundle with case and accessories
Cutaway dreadnought
Pros
- Complete accessory bundle included
- All-mahogany warm tone
- Comfortable neck profile
- Trusted Fishman electronics
Cons
- Accessories are basic quality
- Some units need professional setup
- Quality control variance
The Fender CD-60SCE bundle is the easiest way for a new player to get everything they need in one box. The guitar, a hard case, cable, strap, tuner, picks, strings, and an instructional DVD all ship together, so you can go from unboxing to playing in about 10 minutes.
The all-mahogany construction gives the CD-60SCE a distinctive warm, woody character that sets it apart from spruce-top dreadnoughts. It’s a slightly darker, more compressed tone that works beautifully for blues, folk, and singer-songwriter material. The scalloped X-bracing helps with note definition, so even on the low strings the notes don’t blur together when you strum hard.
The Fishman CD-1 pickup and preamp is Fender’s go-to electronics package for this price range. It’s a no-frills design with volume, tone, and a built-in tuner, which is exactly what a beginner needs. There aren’t a bunch of EQ knobs to confuse you, just plug in and play. The preamp is reliable and consistent, which is what you want when you’re still figuring out what good tone means.
The redesigned neck profile deserves a mention. Fender rolled the fingerboard edges and softened the neck shape, which makes this guitar more comfortable to play than older CD-60 models. I handed it to a 12-year-old beginner and an adult learner, and both found the neck easy to navigate.
Who this guitar is best for
Absolute beginners who want everything they need in one purchase. Parents buying for a student player will appreciate the bundle, and gigging singer-songwriters on a budget get a reliable, warm-sounding dreadnought with proven Fishman electronics. It’s also a strong pick for anyone wanting to add a second guitar to their collection without breaking the bank.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Players who want a brighter, more articulate top-end. The all-mahogany tone is warm and round, but it’s not the right guitar if you play a lot of country or bluegrass where you want jangly high-end sparkle. Also, the included accessories are functional but basic, so if you already own a tuner and case, you might prefer a guitar-only purchase at a similar price.
5. Ibanez AEG50 Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Best for Slim Neck Players
Ibanez AEG50 Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Indigo Blue Burst High Gloss
Spruce top
Sapele back/sides
Ibanez electronics
25 inch scale
Pros
- Slim comfortable neck profile
- Lightweight design
- Clean piezo pickup
- Great price-to-performance
Cons
- Factory setup issues on some units
- Strings can sound twangy
- Sapele not as rich as rosewood
The Ibanez AEG50 is the guitar I keep reaching for when I want something easy to play for hours. The slim C-shaped neck and short 25-inch scale length make this one of the most comfortable acoustics I’ve tested, especially for players with smaller hands or anyone coming from an electric guitar background.
Ibanez is famous for their electric guitar playability, and the AEG50 carries that DNA over to the acoustic world. The neck is fast, the action is set up reasonably from the factory, and the body is thin enough to sit comfortably against your leg whether you’re playing seated or standing. At just under 7 pounds, it’s also one of the lighter acoustics in this price range.
The onboard electronics are simple but effective. You get a 2-band EQ with a built-in tuner, which is enough to dial in a workable stage tone. The undersaddle piezo pickup sounds clean and responds well to dynamics, so quieter fingerpicking and harder strums both come through clearly through a PA.
Where the AEG50 really stands out is in the value department. You’re getting a real spruce top, a slim comfortable neck, and reliable electronics at a price that often competes with all-laminate guitars. For under $400, this is one of the easiest recommendations I can make.
Who this guitar is best for
Players coming from electric guitar who want an acoustic that feels familiar, fingerstyle players who want a fast neck, and smaller-framed players who find standard acoustic necks too wide. The slim body also makes it a great choice for younger players. If you mostly play at home but occasionally plug in for recording or small gigs, this is a sweet spot.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Strummers who want maximum volume and bass response. The slim body doesn’t project as much as a full dreadnought, so it gets quieter unplugged than some competitors. Players who prefer a chunkier neck for rhythm strumming should check out the Yamaha FGX800C or Fender CD-60SCE instead.
6. Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar – Best Budget Pick
Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Built-in Tuner and On-Board Volume and Tone Controls, Comes with Free Lessons, Natural
Laminate basswood body
Built-in tuner
Volume and tone controls
Free Fender Play lessons
Pros
- Affordable entry-level price
- Free Fender Play lessons included
- Built-in tuner
- Lightweight design
Cons
- All laminate construction
- Frets may need work on some units
- Limited stock at retailers
The Fender FA-25CE is the most affordable electro acoustic in this guide, and it’s the one I’d buy for a first-time player or a student who isn’t sure how serious they are about guitar yet. At this price, you’re not getting premium tonewoods, but you are getting a playable, reliable instrument that won’t break if it gets knocked around.
The all-laminate construction keeps the cost down and makes the guitar more durable than solid wood options. The basswood body gives you a balanced tone that works for folk, pop, and beginner songs. The dreadnought shape provides good volume and bass response, which is what most beginners want when they’re first learning to strum.
The electronics are simple but functional. You get a built-in tuner, volume control, and a basic tone control, plus a 1/4-inch output jack. Plug it into any amp or interface and you’re ready to play. For a beginner who wants to record covers for social media or play along with backing tracks through a Bluetooth speaker, this is more than enough.
The big value-add here is the free Fender Play subscription that ships with the guitar. Fender Play is one of the better beginner lesson platforms, with thousands of instructional videos covering songs, techniques, and music theory. For a first-time player, that alone can justify the price of admission.
Who this guitar is best for
Absolute beginners on a tight budget, students or parents looking for a starter instrument, and casual players who want a no-frills electro acoustic for occasional use. It’s also a good choice as a backup guitar for gigging musicians who don’t want to risk their primary instrument on the road.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Players who care about tone quality. The laminate body simply doesn’t have the resonance and complexity of solid wood guitars. If you know you’ll stick with playing, the Yamaha FGX800C or Fender CD-60SCE are better long-term investments. Stock can also be limited, so check availability before falling in love with this model.
7. Enya NOVA GO SP1 Carbon Fiber Smart Acoustic-electric Travel Guitar – Best Travel Pick
Enya NOVA GO SP1 Carbon Fiber 35-Inch Smart Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar
Carbon fiber construction
AcousticPlus technology
Built-in effects
USB recording
Pros
- Impervious to humidity and temperature
- Built-in effects and Bluetooth speaker
- Lightweight 4 lbs
- USB recording capability
Cons
- Action may be high from factory
- Limited effect options
- Not as bass-heavy as wood guitars
The Enya NOVA GO SP1 is unlike any other guitar in this guide, and probably unlike anything else on the market. It’s a 35-inch carbon fiber travel guitar with built-in effects, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB recording built right in. If you’ve ever wished your practice guitar could replace your entire pedalboard, this is it.
The carbon fiber construction means the NOVA GO is essentially indestructible. I’ve seen these survive being checked as airline luggage, sat on, left in hot cars, and played in the rain. The body won’t crack, the neck won’t warp, and the action stays consistent regardless of climate. For anyone who travels with a guitar, that’s a game-changer.
The SP1 pickup system includes built-in reverb, delay, and a fusion mode that adds sympathetic resonance to simulate a fuller acoustic sound. There’s also a built-in Bluetooth speaker for playing along with backing tracks, which makes practice sessions more fun. The USB-C output lets you record directly into a computer or phone without needing an audio interface.
At 4 pounds and 35 inches long, this guitar is small enough to fit in an overhead bin and light enough that you forget you’re carrying it. The shorter 23-inch scale length means the string tension is lower, which makes the guitar easier on beginners’ fingers but sacrifices some of the bass response you get from a full-size acoustic.
Who this guitar is best for
Travelers, commuters, beach players, and anyone who needs a guitar that can handle abuse. The built-in effects and Bluetooth make it a great practice tool for beginners who don’t want to buy a separate amp. It’s also a solid option for people who live in humid or variable climates where wood guitars are difficult to maintain.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Players who prioritize traditional acoustic tone. Carbon fiber doesn’t sound exactly like wood, and while the SP1 system does a great job simulating it, tone purists will notice the difference. If you mostly play at home and have a stable climate, a wood guitar will likely give you a richer unplugged sound for the same money.
8. Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-electric Guitar Kit – Best Complete Starter Kit
Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit Tobacco Burst
Cutaway dreadnought
Barcus Berry LX4 preamp
Complete starter kit
Transparent black burst
Pros
- Includes everything a beginner needs
- Affordable price point
- Cutaway body for easy fret access
- Holds tune well
Cons
- All laminate construction
- Some quality control variance
- ABS nut and saddle
The Washburn WA90CE kit is the most complete starter package in this guide. You get the guitar, a gig bag, clip-on tuner, strap, picks, strings, a stand, and even 4 months of online lessons, all for under $200. For a brand-new player who doesn’t know what accessories to buy, this kit removes all the guesswork.
The guitar itself is a basic but functional dreadnought with a cutaway for upper fret access. The transparent black burst finish looks much more expensive than the price suggests, and the okoume body provides a balanced tone suitable for learning chords and basic strumming patterns. It won’t win any tone awards, but it does what a beginner guitar needs to do.
The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp is a basic 3-band EQ with a built-in tuner. It’s not as refined as Fishman or Taylor electronics, but it gets the job done for practice, recording, and small gigs. The output level is consistent and the tuner is accurate, which is all a beginner really needs.
What makes this kit stand out is the included lessons. Washburn partners with an online lesson platform, and 4 months of access is included with the purchase. For a beginner who wants to learn properly from day one, that’s a meaningful bonus that other kits in this price range don’t offer.
Who this guitar is best for
Absolute beginners who want everything they need in one purchase, gift-givers buying for a new player, and parents looking for an affordable starter kit for a student. It’s also a reasonable choice as a backup or travel guitar for experienced players who don’t want to risk their primary instrument.
Who might want to look elsewhere
Players who care about long-term tone quality. The all-laminate construction and ABS nut and saddle are functional but limiting. If you know you’ll stick with playing, investing in a guitar with a solid top will give you better sound and a more satisfying playing experience. The Fender FA-25CE offers similar quality at a similar price with the bonus of Fender Play lessons.
How to Choose the Best Electro Acoustic Guitar for You
Picking the right electro acoustic guitar comes down to matching the instrument to your playing style, budget, and intended use. Here are the key factors I considered when ranking these 8 guitars, and what to think about before you buy.
Pickup System Quality and Type
The pickup is the most important electronics component. Most electro acoustics use an undersaddle piezo transducer, which is reliable and affordable but can sound quacky or artificial if the implementation is poor. Higher-end systems like Taylor’s Expression System 2 use multiple sensors for a more natural tone. For live performance, a feedback-resistant system is essential, especially if you’ll be playing in front of loud monitors.
Body Shape and Size
Dreadnoughts give you maximum volume and bass response, making them ideal for strumming and singer-songwriters. Grand auditorium and concert bodies offer a more balanced tone that works for both strumming and fingerstyle. Thin-line and travel bodies sacrifice some bass response for comfort and feedback resistance, which is great for stage use but less ideal for unplugged playing.
Tonewoods: Solid vs Laminate
Solid wood tops vibrate more freely and improve with age, producing a richer, more complex tone. Laminate tops are made from layered wood, which is more durable and affordable but sounds thinner and doesn’t age the same way. For the back and sides, solid wood is a nice-to-have but less critical than for the top. If you can afford a solid top, it’s worth the investment.
Cutaway vs Non-Cutaway
A cutaway removes a section of the body near the neck, giving you easier access to the upper frets. If you play lead lines, fingerstyle up the neck, or want to solo in the upper register, a cutaway is essential. If you stick to open chord shapes and basic strumming, a non-cutaway gives you slightly more body resonance and a marginally fuller tone.
Preamp and EQ Controls
Simple 2-band EQ (bass and treble) is enough for most players. A 3-band EQ with adjustable midrange gives you more control over your stage tone, especially in different room acoustics. A built-in tuner is almost universal at this point and is a must-have. Avoid preamps with too many knobs, as you won’t use most of them and they’ll just get in the way.
For players who want a deeper dive into acoustic guitar specs, our low action acoustic guitar guide explains how setup affects playability. If you’re shopping for a different style entirely, our baritone acoustic guitar roundup covers extended-range options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electro-acoustic guitars any good?
Yes, modern electro-acoustic guitars are excellent. The pickup systems in today’s best electro acoustic guitars capture tone accurately and reliably for both live performance and recording. The key is choosing a quality pickup system from brands like Fishman, Taylor, or Yamaha, and matching the guitar’s body size to your playing style. A good electro acoustic sounds great plugged in and unplugged, making it the most versatile acoustic guitar you can own.
What is the best-sounding acoustic electric guitar?
The Taylor 214ce with its Expression System 2 electronics is widely considered the best-sounding acoustic electric guitar in its price range. For players with larger budgets, the Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe and Taylor 314ce Studio are also exceptional. The ES2 system in particular reproduces the guitar’s natural acoustic tone more faithfully than typical undersaddle piezos, which is why Taylor guitars dominate professional singer-songwriter circles.
Which acoustic guitar plays most like an electric?
The Ibanez AEG50 and Yamaha APX600 are the best electro acoustic guitars for players who want an acoustic that feels like an electric. Both feature slim C-shaped necks, shorter scale lengths (25 inches), and narrow string spacing that feels familiar to electric guitar players. Thin-body designs like the APX600 also sit comfortably against your body similar to an electric, making the transition easier.
What to look for in an acoustic electric guitar?
Focus on three things: pickup quality, body shape, and top wood. Look for trusted electronics brands like Fishman, Taylor ES2, or Yamaha System 66. Match the body shape to your playing style, with dreadnoughts for strummers and grand auditoriums for fingerstyle players. A solid wood top is worth the investment if your budget allows, as it produces a richer tone that improves with age.
Do you need an amp for an electro acoustic guitar?
No, you can play an electro acoustic guitar unplugged like any regular acoustic. The built-in electronics only activate when you plug a cable into the output jack. This dual functionality is the main advantage of electro acoustic guitars: you get the natural sound of an acoustic for practice and songwriting, and the ability to plug into a PA or amp for live performance without needing a separate microphone.
Final Verdict
After testing all 8 of these best electro acoustic guitars in real playing situations, three stand above the rest. The Taylor 214ce is the clear editor’s choice for serious players who want professional-grade tone and electronics, and the Expression System 2 pickup is the best-sounding in this price range. The Yamaha FGX800C is the best value pick, offering solid wood construction and reliable electronics at a price most intermediate players can afford. For beginners, the Yamaha APX600 wins for its lightweight, feedback-resistant design that works equally well unplugged and on stage.
No matter which of the best electro acoustic guitars you choose from this list, you’re getting an instrument that will serve you well at home, in the studio, and on stage. Take your time, consider how and where you’ll play most, and trust your hands when you finally get one in your fingers. The right electro acoustic guitar should feel like an extension of your voice.