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10 Best Travel Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Perfect Beginner Guitar for Kids that is Easy on Fingers, Includes 3 Months of Free Lessons, Natural

The Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar is a compact and lightweight option, ideal for beginners and travelers. Its smaller 3/4 size makes it easy to handle, especially for players with smaller hands or those on the move. Weighing only 6.38 pounds, it's quite portable, and its dimensions allow for easy transport and storage.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,216
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
1131 reviews

Size and Weight
Perfect size for players who are not tall, offering comfort and ease of use.
Build Quality
The tuning accuracy and sturdy build make it a pleasure to play, with an excellent sound that feels much more expensive.
Sound Quality
Replacing a Martin D-28 as a go-to guitar speaks volumes about its quality and sound.
Playability
A budget-friendly Fender that impresses with smooth frets, level neck, and rich tone right out of the box.
#2
9.6 score

Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, Natural

The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar is designed with portability and ease of play in mind, making it a great choice for young players or those with smaller hands. One of its major strengths is its compact size and lightweight design, weighing just under 5 pounds, which makes it highly portable and suitable for travel. The smaller body and shorter neck also enhance playability for beginners or those who find full-size guitars cumbersome.

Rating
9.6
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
1231 reviews

Size and Weight
The guitar's small size might feel more like a half-size than a 3/4 size, potentially being a tight squeeze for those taller than five feet or with larger hands.
Build Quality
Its build quality and finish are impressive for the price, with no major adjustments needed out of the box.
Sound Quality
The Yamaha JR1 offers good intonation and a rich sound, making it far from a 'toy' guitar.
Playability
It holds its tune well after a few initial adjustments, with low action that benefits tender fingertips.
Portability Features
The included gig bag and strap pegs are thoughtful additions, enhancing portability and convenience.
#3
9.4 score

Yamaha APX600 VW Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Vintage White

The Yamaha APX600 VW Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Vintage White is a solid choice for those looking for a travel-friendly instrument. One of its standout features is its thin-line cutaway body design, which makes it exceptionally playable and easy to handle, especially for beginners or players with smaller hands. The 25-inch scale length and narrower string spacing further enhance comfort during extended playing sessions.

Rating
9.4
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
930 reviews

Size and Weight
The guitar is light yet feels substantial, and it looks good.
Build Quality
Well built and solid, with plastic edging around the body to prevent dents.
Sound Quality
Really great sound, both as an acoustic and when plugged in – bright and full with very good steel string sound.
Playability
The action was high out of the box, but after adjustments, it now has really great action like a well-set-up electric guitar.
Portability Features
Thin body and tuning function are sweet, making it great for beginners.
Electronics
The electric features are very good, with low, mid, and high tone controls, and a fabulous built-in tuner.
Price
It's hard to believe you can get a guitar of this quality and tone for this price.

Top 10 Best Travel Guitars 2025 in the United States

Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Size and Weight: 33.25 x 15.31 x 3.5 inches
Build Quality: Spruce top, Mahogany back
Sound Quality: Decent acoustic tone for its size
Playability: Enhanced for beginners, smaller hands
Portability Features: Compact, lightweight, gig bag included
Electronics: None
Price: Reasonably priced

Yamaha APX600 VW Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Vintage White

Size and Weight: 42.2 x 5 x 19.7 inches
Build Quality: Spruce top, Mahogany back
Sound Quality: Enhanced bass response
Playability: Thin-line cutaway body
Portability Features: Travel-friendly, light
Electronics: Stage-focused pickup system
Price: Reasonably priced

Donner HUSH X Electric Guitar Kit - Featherlight Headless Guitar, Great for Travel and Practice, Mahogany Solid Body with Easy Assemble Stands, Gig Bag, All Accessories, Sunburst

Size and Weight: 11 x 1.9 x 35 inches, 4.4 pounds
Build Quality: Mahogany body, Mahogany neck, HPL fretboard
Sound Quality: Versatile tone control, H-S pickup
Playability: Ergonomically designed neck
Portability Features: Lightweight, headless, gig bag, easy stands
Electronics: Built-in battery, 50 hours playtime

Donner HUSH I Guitar For Travel - Portable Ultra-Light and Quiet Performance Headless Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany Body with Removable Frames, Gig Bag, and Accessories Natural

Size and Weight: 33.5 x 6.7 x 2.2 in, 7.13 lbs
Build Quality: All-mahogany body and neck
Sound Quality: Piezo pickup, preamp, natural acoustic sound
Playability: Asymmetrical neck, beginner-friendly rounded frets
Portability Features: Headless, removable frames, fits overhead bin
Electronics: Piezo pickup, preamp, anti-phase, 9V battery

Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black

Size and Weight: 3/4-size, 5.29 pounds
Build Quality: Solid, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard
Sound Quality: System 68 pick-up, piezo pickup
Playability: Comfortable neck from nato/mahogany
Portability Features: Lightweight body, gig bag included
Electronics: System 68 pick-up, piezo pickup
Price: Reasonably priced

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light 6 String Solid-Body Electric, Right, Matte Black, (ULE BKM)

Size and Weight: 28 x 1.5 x 5.25 inches, 3 lbs
Build Quality: Solid maple body, neck-through, walnut fretboard
Playability: 24.75-inch scale, 22 frets, comfortable play
Portability Features: Lightweight, compact, In-Body Tuning, gig bag
Electronics: Dual-rail humbuckers, standard 1/4” jack

Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar – PJ410N Traveling Acoustic Guitar with Collapsible Patented System – Portable Backpack Case (African Mahogany)

Size and Weight: 33.58 inches, 3.74 pounds
Build Quality: African Mahogany body, Spruce top
Sound Quality: Rich, warm sound, X-bracing
Playability: Ovangkol fretboard, Mahogany neck
Portability Features: Collapsible neck, TSA backpack case
Electronics: No pickup
Price: Moderate
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Buying Guide for the Best Travel Guitars

Choosing the right travel guitar can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Travel guitars are designed to be portable and convenient for musicians on the go, but they come with a variety of features and specifications that can affect your playing experience. Here’s a guide to help you understand the key specs and how to choose the best travel guitar for you.
Size and WeightSize and weight are crucial factors for a travel guitar because they determine how easy it is to carry around. Travel guitars are generally smaller and lighter than regular guitars, making them more portable. If you plan to carry your guitar on flights or long trips, look for a model that is compact and lightweight. However, if you prefer a fuller sound and don't mind a bit more bulk, you might opt for a slightly larger travel guitar.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and craftsmanship of the guitar. A well-built travel guitar will be more durable and able to withstand the rigors of travel. Look for guitars made from high-quality woods and with solid construction. Laminated woods are often used in travel guitars for their durability, but solid woods can offer better sound quality. Consider your travel conditions and how much wear and tear your guitar will endure.
Sound QualitySound quality is important because you want your travel guitar to sound good despite its smaller size. Travel guitars typically have a smaller body, which can affect the volume and tone. Some models are designed to maximize sound quality with innovative bracing and body shapes. If sound quality is a top priority for you, try out different models to see which one offers the best tone and projection.
PlayabilityPlayability refers to how comfortable and easy the guitar is to play. This includes the neck shape, string action, and overall feel of the guitar. A travel guitar should be comfortable to play for extended periods, especially if you plan to practice or perform while traveling. Test out different neck shapes and string setups to find what feels best for your playing style.
Portability FeaturesPortability features include any additional design elements that make the guitar easier to transport. This can include detachable necks, foldable designs, or built-in storage compartments. These features can make a big difference in how convenient the guitar is to travel with. Consider how often you will be packing and unpacking your guitar and choose a model with features that suit your travel habits.
ElectronicsSome travel guitars come with built-in electronics, such as pickups and preamps, which allow you to amplify your sound. This can be useful if you plan to perform or record while traveling. If you need an amplified sound, look for a travel guitar with good quality electronics. If you prefer to play acoustically, you can skip this feature.
PriceWhile price is not a spec, it is an important consideration. Travel guitars come in a range of prices, and it's important to find one that offers good value for your money. Higher-priced models often offer better build quality and sound, but there are also affordable options that perform well. Determine your budget and look for a guitar that meets your needs within that range.

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