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10 Best Travel Guitars Acoustic 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Black Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,325
Build Quality
Sound Quality
Playability

Most important from
2875 reviews

Build Quality
Great quality guitar that tunes easily and comes with a user-friendly tuner.
Sound Quality
Fender makes quality guitars with a great sound, perfect for beginners.
Playability
Handles nicely and is perfect for learning different chords.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle offers a comprehensive package suitable for beginners and seasoned players alike. It’s a full-size guitar, which may not be the most compact option for travel, but it comes with a gig bag that aids portability. The all-laminate construction with a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for frequent use.

The guitar boasts a classic, appealing look and an ergonomic design with a slim neck that enhances playability. The sound quality is noteworthy, thanks to the scalloped 'X'-bracing, delivering a full-bodied dreadnought tone that is both rich and vibrant.

The bundle is well-equipped with essential accessories like a tuner, strap, extra strings, string winder, and picks, plus online lessons and a DVD for tutorials, making it an excellent starter kit. However, as a full-size model, it might be less convenient for travel compared to smaller, more compact travel guitars. Additionally, the price might be slightly higher than other entry-level options, but the added value of accessories and learning materials justifies the cost. This guitar is ideal for beginners looking for a complete set to start their musical journey or for anyone needing a reliable, good-sounding instrument with all necessary accessories included.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,325
Build Quality
Sound Quality
Playability

Most important from
2875 reviews

Build Quality
Great quality guitar that tunes easily and comes with a user-friendly tuner.
Sound Quality
Fender makes quality guitars with a great sound, perfect for beginners.
Playability
Handles nicely and is perfect for learning different chords.
#2

Enya NOVA Go SP1 Carbon Fiber Acoustic Electric Guitar with Smart AcousticPlus 35 Inch Travel Acustica Guitarra Starter Bundle Kit of Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Charging Cable, Instrument Cable(Black)

Rating
10.0
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
1314 reviews

Size and Weight
This is a quality little guitar. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel, though it does have a 'ukulele' tone that differs from traditional wood-bodied guitars.
Build Quality
I love that I don't have to worry about low humidity damaging the guitar, making it ideal for various environments.
Sound Quality
Plugging it into an amp or PA produces a quality sound, and it's great for quiet practice at home.
Playability
After a professional setup, it plays like a much nicer guitar, proving it's a great value despite its compact size.
Portability Features
The USB-C charging port is extremely convenient, adding to the guitar's modern features.

The Enya NOVA Go SP1 Carbon Fiber Acoustic Electric Guitar is a travel-friendly instrument that stands out for its durability and innovative features. Made from carbon fiber, this guitar is resistant to temperature and humidity changes, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Its compact 35-inch size and lightweight design enhance its portability, while the carbon fiber build ensures it won't warp or crack under varying conditions.

Sound quality is elevated by the SP1 pickup system, which offers built-in reverb, delay, and fusion effects without requiring external pedals or amps. You can also use it for music playback via Bluetooth. The solid build includes a one-piece molded body and a zero fret feature for smoother tuning, along with a factory-optimized truss rod for adjustable string action. This makes the guitar easy to play and maintain over time.

The starter bundle kit adds extra value with a gig bag, strap, strings, charging cable, and instrument cable, making it a great gift option. Its price might be on the higher side due to the advanced features and carbon fiber construction. The Enya NOVA Go SP1 is a versatile and durable choice for musicians who need a reliable travel guitar with high-quality sound and modern conveniences.

Rating
10.0
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
1314 reviews

Size and Weight
This is a quality little guitar. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel, though it does have a 'ukulele' tone that differs from traditional wood-bodied guitars.
Build Quality
I love that I don't have to worry about low humidity damaging the guitar, making it ideal for various environments.
Sound Quality
Plugging it into an amp or PA produces a quality sound, and it's great for quiet practice at home.
Playability
After a professional setup, it plays like a much nicer guitar, proving it's a great value despite its compact size.
Portability Features
The USB-C charging port is extremely convenient, adding to the guitar's modern features.
#3

Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural with Black Pickguard

Rating
9.7
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
15 reviews

Size and Weight
The volume of sound compared to the size is amazing, and it’s incredibly comfortable to play.
Build Quality
The mahogany wood gives the guitar a beautiful look and a warm, rich sound.
Sound Quality
Even though I don't usually play amplified, the sound quality when plugged into a small amp was impressive and easy to adjust.
Playability
A little setup can adjust the action at the 10th fret and up, enhancing playability.
Portability Features
It's a perfect travel companion, fitting everywhere you go without compromising on quality.

The Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany Acoustic-electric Guitar is a compact and travel-friendly instrument that offers a lot of features in a small package. Weighing 11.13 pounds and measuring 42 x 18 x 7.5 inches, it is relatively easy to carry around. The guitar’s build quality is impressive, featuring a tropical mahogany top and layered sapele back and sides, which contribute to its durability and aesthetics. The ebony fingerboard adds a touch of elegance and smooth playability, which is something both beginners and more experienced players will appreciate.

Sound quality is another strong point; the mahogany top provides a warm and rich tone, while the phosphor bronze strings enhance the sound clarity. This guitar also includes an electronic pickup system, making it suitable for both unplugged practice sessions and amplified performances. However, one potential drawback is the price. Taylor guitars are generally on the higher end of the price spectrum, and this model is no exception. While it offers great value in terms of build and sound quality, it may be a bit pricey for some budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, its 'right-hand only' orientation limits its accessibility for left-handed players.

Portability is enhanced by its smaller size and lighter weight compared to standard guitars, making it a great option for traveling musicians. The Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany is a well-built, great-sounding, and highly portable acoustic-electric guitar, ideal for musicians who need an instrument that can travel with them without compromising on quality.

Rating
9.7
Size and Weight
Build Quality
Sound Quality

Most important from
15 reviews

Size and Weight
The volume of sound compared to the size is amazing, and it’s incredibly comfortable to play.
Build Quality
The mahogany wood gives the guitar a beautiful look and a warm, rich sound.
Sound Quality
Even though I don't usually play amplified, the sound quality when plugged into a small amp was impressive and easy to adjust.
Playability
A little setup can adjust the action at the 10th fret and up, enhancing playability.
Portability Features
It's a perfect travel companion, fitting everywhere you go without compromising on quality.

Buying Guide for the Best Travel Guitars Acoustic

Choosing the right travel acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know what to look for. Travel guitars are designed to be portable and convenient for musicians on the go, but they still need to sound good and be comfortable to play. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a travel acoustic guitar, along with explanations to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Size and WeightSize and weight are crucial for a travel guitar because you want something that is easy to carry around. Travel guitars are typically smaller and lighter than standard guitars. Sizes can range from 1/2 to 3/4 of a full-sized guitar. If you plan to carry your guitar on planes or long hikes, a lighter and more compact model will be more convenient. However, if you want a richer sound, you might opt for a slightly larger travel guitar. Consider how you will be using the guitar and choose a size and weight that fits your travel style.
Build QualityBuild quality affects both the durability and the sound of the guitar. Look for guitars made from solid wood rather than laminate, as solid wood generally produces a better tone. However, laminate can be more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, which is a plus for travel. Check the craftsmanship, including the neck joint, fretwork, and overall finish. A well-built guitar will last longer and provide a more enjoyable playing experience. If you plan to travel to different climates, consider a guitar with a more robust build.
Sound QualitySound quality is important even in a travel guitar. While they may not have the same resonance as a full-sized guitar, a good travel guitar should still produce a pleasing tone. Test the guitar to see if it has a balanced sound with clear highs and warm lows. The type of wood used for the top, back, and sides can significantly affect the sound. Spruce tops are common for their bright sound, while mahogany offers a warmer tone. Choose a guitar that sounds good to your ears and suits the style of music you play.
PlayabilityPlayability refers to how comfortable the guitar is to play. This includes the neck shape, string action (the height of the strings from the fretboard), and overall feel. A guitar with a comfortable neck and low action will be easier to play, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands. Try playing a few chords and scales to see how the guitar feels. If you plan to play for extended periods, comfort is key. Choose a guitar that feels good in your hands and is easy to play.
Portability FeaturesPortability features can make a big difference when traveling with a guitar. Look for features like a built-in tuner, a gig bag or hard case, and strap buttons. Some travel guitars come with collapsible or detachable necks, making them even more compact. A good gig bag with padding will protect your guitar from bumps and scratches. If you plan to travel frequently, these features can add convenience and peace of mind. Choose a guitar with the portability features that best suit your travel needs.
PriceWhile budget is not the focus here, it's important to consider the value you are getting for the price. Higher-priced guitars often offer better build quality, sound, and playability. However, there are many affordable options that still provide good performance. Think about how often you will use the guitar and what features are most important to you. Investing in a quality travel guitar can enhance your playing experience and ensure you have a reliable instrument on your journeys.

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