Best Electric Guitars Under $500 of 2026
We tested beginner and intermediate electrics from Squier, Ibanez, Donner, and Grote to find the best under $500 for playability, tone, and value.
Explore audio & music reviews focused on performance, usability and value. Compare the features, compatibility and trade-offs that matter for your setup.
We tested beginner and intermediate electrics from Squier, Ibanez, Donner, and Grote to find the best under $500 for playability, tone, and value.
We tested six electric guitars for beginners and intermediate players, from complete starter kits to guitar-only picks that play cleanly out of the box.
We tested quiet mesh kits for apartment practice and picked the ones that keep stick noise, floor thump and neighbors out of your playing.
We tested kid-friendly electronic drum pads and beginner kits to find quiet, sturdy picks for young kids and teens, from roll-ups to mesh sets.
We tested wired IEMs and wireless gaming earbuds for positional audio, fit and durability. These are the pairs worth buying for FPS, chat and long sessions.
Our picks pair clear positional sound with secure fits and replaceable cables, including a standout budget option and a bass-forward alternative.
We tested gaming headsets for big heads and found five that reduce clamp and weight without giving up sound, mic clarity, or platform flexibility.
We tested wired and wireless gaming headsets for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch to find the best for chat clarity, comfort, and battery life.
We tested headband headphones for side sleepers and all-night wear, comparing fit, speaker comfort, battery life, and washability to find the best picks.
We tested DECT headsets for desk phones and computers to find clear mics, dependable range, and batteries that last a full shift.
We tested desktop DACs for headphones, speakers, and gaming, from budget starters to balanced R2R hubs, so you can match inputs, power, and tone to your setup.
We tested digital mixers for live sound, streaming, and studio work to find the best choices for solo acts, full bands, and volunteer-run rooms.
We tested 88-key beginner digital pianos for key action, sound, and value — from the Yamaha P71 to budget picks that still feel like a piano.
We tested kid-friendly digital pianos and keyboards, from toddler toys to weighted 88-key instruments, to find a fit for your family.
We tested 88-key digital pianos under $500 to find the ones with convincing weighted actions, usable speakers, and a footprint that fits a real room.
We tested 88-key digital pianos for touch, tone, and value, from the Yamaha P71 to furniture-style and arranger models.
We tested closed-back DJ headphones for loud booths, one-ear cueing, and long sets. These picks keep the cue clear and the fit comfortable.
We tested powered PA speakers for DJ sets and parties, from a 15-inch workhorse to a battery portable, so you can match output, inputs, and weight.
We tested dynamic mics for gaming and streaming, from plug-and-play USB models to XLR broadcast mics, to find the best fit for your desk.
We tested powered and passive bookshelf speakers for TV, music, and desktop listening. Here are the pairs we recommend for every room and budget.
We tested boom-arm mics for podcasting, streaming, and gaming, from complete budget kits to XLR voice-isolation picks that reward a better interface.
We tested portable cassette players and recorders for clean playback, tape safety, and useful extras like MP3 conversion, Bluetooth, and radio.
We tested CB antennas for trucks, cars, and RVs, from stud-mount whips to magnetic kits, and picked the ones that tune cleanly and hold up.
We tested closed-back headphones for isolation, imaging, and long-session comfort to find the best wired picks for PC and console gaming.