Affordable banjo guide • Best budget banjos [Updated 2025] • Handpicked by Paraic McNeela
Quick Picks: Best Value Banjos for Every Budget
Quick Cost Overview
- Best beginner banjo under $500 (Irish trad)
- Affordable upgrades under $1000
- Best open back banjo for folk & bluegrass
- Why ultra-cheap banjos under $200 aren’t worth it
- Best budget 5-string option
The Expert’s Note
By Paraic McNeela, Founder of McNeela Music
“What’s the best affordable banjo for beginners? Is $500 enough to start? Can you really get a decent banjo under $300?…”
I hear these questions all the time. Beginners worry about overspending, while others risk buying something so cheap it holds them back. Over the years, I’ve seen both mistakes many times. The truth is, a reliable entry-level banjo doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but it should inspire you to keep playing. In this guide, I’ll share the best value options for 2025 and help you find a banjo that fits your budget and your musical goals.
My advice? Don’t go too cheap — aim for a solid, reliable starter banjo that helps you enjoy learning and progress with confidence.
And of course, whenever you’re ready, you can browse our full range of affordable banjos for sale.
Cheap Banjos Comparison
Price ranges shown are approximate. McNeela regularly offers seasonal discounts (autumn, summer, Christmas) with up to 40% off. Always check the McNeela Banjo Collection for the latest offers.
| Model | Type | Strings | Fret Count | Price Range | Key features |
| Celt Banjo | Tenor | 4 | 19 | ~€400–€500 | 19-fret, 4-string tenor banjo |
| Celt 17 Fret | Tenor | 4 | 17 | ~€400–€500 | 17-fret, short scale tenor banjo |
| Renegade | Bluegrass | 5 | 22 | ~€400–€500 | Beginner bluegrass, warm, rich tone from day one |
| Viking | Tenor | 4 | 19 | ~€700–€800 | Intermediate, 4-string tenor banjo, planetary tuners |
| Freedom | Bluegrass | 5 | 22 | ~€700–€800 | Intermediate bluegrass, bright highs, deep lows |
| Norseman | Tenor | 4 | 19 | ~€900–€1000 | Trad upgrade, 4-string, 19-fret tenor banjo |
| Liberty | Bluegrass | 5 | 22 | ~€900–€1000 | Advanced 5-string |
Best Banjos Under $500
McNeela Celt Banjo (19-Fret) – Great Starter Value
The Celt Banjo is our most popular entry-level Irish tenor banjo. It’s designed with beginners in mind, offering a comfortable 17-fret neck, mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard, and a crisp Remo head. Lightweight and easy to play, it delivers the authentic sound needed for traditional Irish music without breaking the bank.
Price range: usually between €450–€500. Seasonal sales may lower it.
Product Highlights:
- Session-ready sound: 24-bracket closed-back design delivers punchy Irish trad tone with warm projection.
- Reliable tuning: Fitted with professional planetary tuners for precision and stability.
- Trad playability: Hand-set action, GDAE tuning, and D’Addario strings for comfort and responsiveness.
- Irish heritage build: Wooden rim, maple bridge, and Remo head give that crisp, authentic trad sound.
- Best for: Those looking for affordable options, great tone for Irish trad, and an easy-to-play instrument for small hands.
Customers describe it as…
“Rich tone, easy to play, perfect for beginners.” ★★★★★ (83 reviews)
“My new Celt banjo is exactly what our session group needed — warm tone, great volume, solid feel.” – Keith B.
The Celt 17 Fret Banjo (Tenor, 4-String)
With a shorter scale, the Celt 17 Fret is perfect for students or players with smaller hands. It offers the same tonal quality as the standard Celt while making fingering more comfortable.
Price range: falls between $450–$500
Best for: Students, players with smaller hands, and absolute beginners.
Product Highlights:
It’s compact and comfortable, with the same tonal quality as the Celt 19-fret model. Great for first-time learners.
Customers describe it as…
“Beautiful sound and easy to handle — my daughter loves it.” ★★★★★ (40 reviews)
“Great buy and great service! I have a more expensive banjo, but this one actually has better sound and feel.” – Bernard H.
The Renegade 5-String Banjo
For those interested in bluegrass or old-time music, the Renegade is McNeela’s most affordable 5-string option. It offers stable tuning, a smooth rosewood fingerboard, and a warm tone.
Price range: Generally priced around $500, though McNeela often runs seasonal sales worth checking.
Best for: Beginners looking for a budget 5-string.
Product Highlights:
McNeela’s most affordable 5-string option, perfect for those starting out in bluegrass or old-time music.
Customers describe it as…
“Confidence from the first strum — great starter banjo for bluegrass.” ★★★★☆ (3 reviews)
Best Banjos Under $800
The Viking Tenor Banjo (19 Fret)
A flamed maple body and rosewood fingerboard give the Viking Tenor a strong, resonant tone that cuts through in sessions. It’s a mid-range model that offers great value for advancing Irish trad players.
Price range: usually around $1000, but McNeela’s seasonal discounts often bring it below $800.
Product Highlights:
- Powerful tone: Zinc alloy tone ring with double-footed bridge for warm sustain and strong projection.
- Tuned to perfection: Planetary tuners with reinforced steel ensure stable tuning during long sessions.
- Irish tradition design: Flamed maple back with Celtic motif, Remo head and clamshell tailpiece.
- Professional setup: Adjusted by McNeela experts for ideal action and comfort.
Best for: Intermediate Irish trad musicians. A solid upgrade under $800.
Customers describe it as…
“Distinct, resonant sound — perfect for sessions.” ★★★★★ (18 reviews)
“It’s a beautiful instrument, solidly built, with a fantastic sound. Delighted with my Viking!” – Ronald T.
The Freedom 5-String Banjo (22 Fret)
Designed for bluegrass, the Freedom offers bright highs and deep lows, making it ideal for ensemble playing. It balances affordability with a powerful sound.
Price range: Typically falls between $600–$700
Best for: Intermediate bluegrass players.
Customers describe it as…
“Absolutely beautiful! The sound is outstanding.” ★★★★★ (16 reviews)
Best Banjos Under $1000
McNeela Premium Irish Tenor
For players ready to upgrade, the Premium Irish Tenor Banjo strikes the balance between affordability and performance. With superior craftsmanship and projection, it’s ideal for intermediate players looking for a reliable session instrument without moving into professional price ranges.
Price range: (~$950)
Pros: Rich tone, session-ready, still within budget for serious learners.
Cons: Higher investment compared to entry-level options.
The Norseman Tenor Banjo
With Celtic design motifs and upgraded craftsmanship, the Norseman delivers power, clarity, and a touch of style. It’s a great choice for players ready to step up from beginner and intermediate models.
Price range: (~$950)
Best for: Trad musicians seeking a stylish upgrade.
Product Highlights:
- Upgraded design: Celtic motif and flamed maple back make this a standout visually and tonally
- Precision tuning: Planetary tuners ensure stability during long sessions.
- Classic tone: 40-hole arch top tone ring inspired by Gibson tradition, paired with Remo head for volume and clarity.
- Trad consistency: Fitted with D’Addario strings and Remo head for reliable tone every time.
Customers describe it as…
“Looks stunning and sounds even better. A joy to play.” ★★★★★ (14 reviews)
The Liberty 5-String Banjo (22 Fret)
The Liberty combines ornate detailing with professional-level sound quality, making it one of McNeela’s top 5-string options under €1000.
Price range: usually between $900–$1000
Best for: Advancing bluegrass players.
Product Highlights:
- Premium build: Flamed maple and bone nut deliver superior sustain and tonal depth.
- Extended range: 22 frets strung with D’Addario strings for clean intonation and melodic playing.
- Style & detail: Celtic motif, pearl inlay fingerboard, zinc flange and clamshell tailpiece for pro-level look and feel.
Customers describe it as…
“A beautiful banjo with stage presence and powerful tone.” ★★★★★ (10 reviews)
“The Norseman is beautifully set up, a pleasure to play, and audiences love it.” – Thomas L.
Banjos Under $200–$300: Why We Don’t Recommend Them
Yes, you can find banjos advertised for under $200 — but most suffer from poor construction, unstable tuning, and lackluster tone. Many beginners who start with ultra-cheap instruments quickly give up due to frustration.
While you can find banjos in this price range, most suffer from poor build quality, unstable tuning, and uninspiring tone. Beginners often feel discouraged by these instruments.
If your budget is tight, consider waiting and saving for a Celt or Renegade. These start from around €400 and deliver far better tone and playability.
From user discussions (Reddit, forums), many say the same: “Spend a bit more — a €200 banjo may sound okay at first, but within months you’ll want to upgrade.”
Our Recommended Selection of Banjos
The McNeela Favorites
The Freedom 5
String Banjo
The Liberty
5-String Banjo
The Renegade
5-String Banjo
The Viking 4 String
Banjo
Watch the Celt Banjo in Action
Hear the Celt Banjo in action and see why it’s one of the best affordable instruments for beginners.
With a mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, maple bridge and Remo top, it’s lightweight, comfortable, and a favorite for beginners and intermediate players alike.
Ask Our Expert: Your Questions Answered by Paraic McNeela
Got questions about choosing your first affordable banjo? Reach out to the McNeela team — we’re happy to guide you.
FAQs About Budget Banjos
Can I buy a banjo under 100 dollars?
There are banjos advertised for under $100, but they are usually little more than decorative instruments. They rarely stay in tune, often sound thin, and can frustrate beginners.
Can I get a decent banjo under $300?
It’s possible, but not ideal. Most under $300 lack stability and sound quality. Beginners often end up upgrading quickly. Better to wait, or look for a used Celt or Renegade, than buy a no-name cheap model.
What’s the difference between a cheap banjo and a quality beginner model?
A cheap banjo may look similar, but the difference is in sound and playability. A good beginner model stays in tune and produces a clear, inspiring tone. Cheap ones often discourage players, while the Celt is designed to support progress.
Are open back banjos cheaper than resonator models?
Usually, yes. Open backs are lighter and often more affordable, popular for folk and clawhammer styles. Resonators project louder, so they cost more. For Irish trad, you’ll want a tenor banjo, but for bluegrass, an open back is the cheaper entry point.
Ready to buy?
Looking to buy your first banjo or upgrade to a professional model?
Explore our full range of banjos
Further reading & shopping
If you’re just getting started or planning an upgrade, don’t miss these resources:
- Learn the difference between 5-string and 4-string banjos
- The Ultimate In-Depth Banjo Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
- Irish Tenor Banjo Buyer’s Guide
- Ready to shop? Explore our full collection of String Instruments — professionally set up and safely shipped worldwide.
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