Guitar cables …let’s face it, they can be annoying. I like to think of them more like a leash that consistently gets tangled up.
The good news is, these easily tangled inconvenient leashes (guitar cables) are relatively cheap. Especially if you’re in the earlier days of a startup band, than why spend hundreds of dollars on a wireless guitar system?
Cheaper wireless guitar systems got a horrible reputation in the past. However, with the current technological advances in wireless systems, things have changed drastically for the better. Competition in the arena rose dramatically, and wireless systems became much higher quality and less expensive!
After extensive research and personal experience, we formulated a list of 10 wireless guitar/bass systems under 200 dollars!
In Short, Here Are The 10 Best Cheap Wireless Guitar Systems Under $200
- Xvive Audio U2
- NUX B-2
- Line 6 Relay G10
- Donner DWS-3
- BOSS WL‑50
- JOYO JW-01
- Line 6 Relay G30
- Samson AirLine 88
- Samson Concert 88
- Nady U-1100 GT
1. Xvive Audio U2
The Xvive Audio U2 Digital Wireless is an effortless setup and convenient wireless solution. It delivers a 20hz-20kHz frequency response meaning you will hear your guitar or bass tone in great detail with very little latency (6ms). With the ability to cover 70 feet of range without the signal dropping out, the Xvive Audio U2 Digital Wireless is rightfully so one of the most popular and affordable wireless systems. It is easy to use, with a receiver plugging directly into the amp or pedal board and the transmitter directly into your guitar with no extra cables.
The transmitter and receiver units are made with ABS plastic. ABS plastic is of the top 4 of most durable plastics, able to withstand the harsh climate, and well known for the low cost to manufacture. Without the extra cords, this unit is straightforward to use when switching instruments. The environmentally friendly Li-ion batteries charge with a USB cable that comes with the system meaning, no consistent purchasing of batteries!
Features
- Over 70 feet of Range
- Optimal for guitar wireless at 2.4GHz band digital wireless
- Environmental friendly Rechargeable Lithium Battery
- USB charged (no need for constant battery purchases)
- 4-5 hours of Battery life
- Made with ABS plastic Casing transmitter and receiver
- No wires or bodypack (very convenient for switching instruments)
- 4 Channels
- Less than 6ms of latency
Pros
- No extra cables or batteries needed (USB CHARGE)
- Very lightweight
- Easy plugin, stays plugged in regardless of movement
- Quick recharge time
- Unit able to fold Forward and backward to fit most instruments
- 20Hz–20kHz frequency response digital wireless (not as prone to signal interference)
- Cool colors/design
- Excellent reviews on instrument tonality for guitar or bass (including 5 string)
- Very convenient for practice use, and many/most claim reliable for live performance
Cons
- Lose/flimsy plug
- Not compatible with active pickups
- Hard to switch channels
- Need to turn both units on before playing and off after. (most wireless systems only need to turn the transmitter on)
- Inconvenient USB charge compared to line 6 G10, and Boss WL-50
- Not a perfect transmitter to fit the jack for all instruments, some need to purchase 12-inch male/male patch cord, and a female/female coupler for a better fit.
- Some reviewers say they have dropouts on gigs(many say otherwise)
- Some say it adds slight distortion, high pitched squeal or noise when guitar boost circuit activated
- little battery life (3-5 hours)
2. NUX B-2
The Nux B-2 is a digital wireless guitar system that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. With a rare 32-Bit/48 kHz frequency response, unlike many wireless systems in this price range, there is a higher chance of little to no tonality coloration. It has a wide dynamic range of 110 dB so you can hear full frequency whether you play bass or guitar. Many claim this unit delivers the same sound quality as a high-quality cable.
You can plug the Nux B-2 directly into your amp or pedal board making it easy to use for practice with your amp at home or for a show with your pedalboard. To recharge the units, you connect the USB cable to the transport-coupled transmitter and receiver. To set this system up, you choose the channel on the transmitter and match it with the receiver. The transmitter is adjustable to match your guitar’s build needs.
Features
- Operates on 2.4G Hz
- 50 feet of Range, In the open air up to roughly 98 feet
- USB charged (no need for constant battery purchases)
- Under 5ms of latency
- Wide dynamic range of over 110db
- Designed for Passive Pickups
- 32-bit Digital wireless
- 48 kHz frequency response (able to hear detailed instrument tone)
Pros
- No extra cables or batteries needed (USB CHARGE)
- A rare 32-bit digital wireless sound quality and 48 kHz frequency response
- Wide dynamic range of 110Db (good for guitar and bass)
- Great design and quality
- High reviews on sound quality and tonality
- Easier channel setup than Xvive u2
Cons
- Inconvenient USB charge compared to line 6 G10 and Boss WL-50.
Only one USB charging connector - Some Claim there is high pitched squeal when guitar boost activated
- Low battery life (reviews show 2-4 hours nonstop playing)
- High recharge time (reviews show 2.5 hours)
- Some people claim 2-3 dropouts per gig, yet others say channels 2,3,4 have a lower possibility of wifi/signal interference
3. Line 6 Relay G10
The Line 6 G10 operates in the 2.4 GHz digital transmission. It uses an auto-encoded Digital Channel Lock which helps to lower the risk from frequency interference. As a longtime owner of this unit and touring musician, I must say, there is no other wireless as convenient and easy to use as this one. This unit is abnormally suitable to change instruments considering there are no menus, settings, on and off buttons, or channel settings.
The line 6 G10 eliminates unpleasant pops when plugging in or unplugging the transmitter. The unit is a very easy-to-use plug-in and play wireless guitar system that’s an excellent bang for the buck. It is compatible with all stringed instruments. Most transmitters will die within hours if you forget to shut them off. With the line 6 G10’s new technology, the transmitter automatically goes into sleep mode when it’s not in use after a few minutes. The extended battery life is up to 200 hours when the transmitter is not in use. During the long and dreadful 4 hour gigs, the receiver makes it easy to view battery status at just a glance.
Features
- Easy charge plugging the transmitter into the receiver (no batteries needed)
- Up to 8 hours playing fully charged
- Easy to use with Pedalboard
- 2-3 ms Latency
- 24-bit digital wireless
- Optimum auto-setup (no channel/settings to choose from)
- Indoor 50 feet of range
- 180-degree rotatable transmitter head
Pros
- 2.4 GHz Digital Guitar Wireless System with Rechargeable Transmitter
- Recharge the transmitter by docking it on the receiver
- Up to 8 hours playing time and 200 hours sleep time per charge
- Abnormally convenient for a wireless system (by far most convenient and easy to use wireless I have ever owned)
- Very lightweight transmitter
- Reliable for live performance use (not as convenient for practice use unless you practice with a pedalboard, but if you have a separate mini amp for practice, there are other more convenient wireless solutions for practice)
Cons
- 50-foot range indoors
- A very slight coloring of bass tone
- Week USB adapter on the receiver that is susceptible to breaking (mine broke)
- Not preferred for instruments with active pickups.
- Easily susceptible to breaking from moisture or sweat (I used this with my bass until it died from sweat/water damage.)
4. Donner DWS-3
The Donner Dws-3 is a digital wireless system that has raving reviews on no loss of sound quality and a very low latency of 2.5ms. Something that makes this system stand out compared to most on this list is that it’s compatible with active pickups! Unlike Donner’s previous version Dws-2, it has a much better battery life of 6 hours using rechargeable environmentally friendly Li-ion batteries. The transmitter’s head can rotate 180 degrees for a comfortable fit for your instrument. The DWS-3 offers four channels to choose from. Therefore if another band member is using wireless, the four-channel choices may come in handy.
This system delivers your tone with zero compression with a response time very close to a guitar cable. The Donner Dws-3 is very convenient wireless for at-home practice with an amp, to band practice/show with a pedalboard.
Features
- Compatible with Active Pickups!
- Latency 2.5 ms
- 180 degrees rotatable transmitter head
- 4 channels to choose from
- 6 hours of battery life, lithium rechargeable batteries (recharge time 2 hours)
- Made with durable ABS plastic
- Over 100 feet of range
- Antenna attached to the transmitter
Pros
- Great reviews on Donner’s customer service
- 6-hour battery life (significantly better than donner Dws 2)
- USB Charge (no need for consistent battery purchases)
- Great reviews on Tonality
- Compatible with Active Pickups
- The transmitter has a +5dB which increases the volume
- Very convenient for practice use
Cons
- Some reviews claim poor signal strength/dropouts
- Inconvenient USB charge compared to line 6 G10, and Boss WL-50
- Need to turn both units on before playing, off after (most wireless-only need to turn the transmitter on)
- Some claim unreliable for a gig, I personally recommend this unit for a more convenient practice
5. BOSS WL‑50
The Boss Wl-50 Wireless Guitar System is explicitly designed to attach to any pedalboard easily. This system is very convenient and easy to use, considering there are no menus, settings, on and off buttons, or channel settings. Like the line 6 G10 in many ways with plugin and play, convenience with a pedalboard, and auto channel settings the Boss Wl-50 makes an excellent bang for the buck.
However, the Line 6 G10 and Boss Wl-50 do have differences. The Boss WL-50 gives you the option to add 2 AA batteries if you prefer to make it portable along with the ability to change cable tone (short, long, and bypass). A unique feature the Boss Wl-50 has to offer that I have not seen in a wireless system yet is its function to use it as a power supply.
You can power other pedals with this system using a daisy-chain cable. It’s safe to say the Wl-50 is a 2 in 1 deal! Using 2.4GHz digital frequency, very little latency of 2.3 ms, and high battery life of 12 hours, many musicians claim the Boss Wl-50 is live performance-ready and capable.
Features
- Easy to use with Pedalboard
- Optimum auto-setup (no channels to choose from)
- Latency 2.3 ms
- 65-foot range line of sight
- Works best with passive pickups
- Easy charge plugging the transmitter into the receiver (no batteries needed)
- Built-in rechargeable battery in the transmitter.
- 12 hours of battery life
- Ability to select cable tone (short, long, and bypass)
- With PSA-S adaptor power, the receiver’s DC output can distribute power to one or more pedals using an optional PCS-20A daisy-chain cable
Pros
- A very convenient wireless solution, no extra batteries or cords, and has an auto channel setup
- Ability to select cable tone (short, long, and bypass)
- Built-in rechargeable battery in the transmitter
- 12 hours of battery life
- Pedalboard attachable
- Recharge the transmitter by docking it on the receiver
- The receiver can act as a multi-pedal power supply with a daisy chain power cable
- 12 hours of battery life
- Reliable for live performance use (not as convenient for practice use unless you practice with a pedalboard)
Cons
- 65 feet of range
- Not built for active pickups
- Many reviews on lower battery life than 12 hours
- Slightly higher tone coloration than the Line 6 G10, Line 6 G30, Xvive Audio U2, Nux B-2
6. JOYO JW-01
Quite possibly the most stable wireless unit for the abnormally low price. The Joyo Jw-01 is, in my opinion, the best bang for your buck if you are only using it for practice situations whether at home or with a band. This device can also very well be used for smaller venues if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to cut the cable.
The Joyo Jw-01 runs on 2.4GHz frequency, for a reliable and robust signal within 15 feet, but 10 for safety. It uses a USB to charge, no consistent battery purchases needed. This device is simple to use with only one button, the sync button to sync both the receiver and transmitter.
Features
- Operates on Blue Tooth Digital Technology
- 2.4 GHz
- Rechargeable Batteries by USB cable
- Range 15-30 feet
Pros
- Best convenience and bang for the buck when only used for practice situations
- Abnormally cheap for a wireless
- It has a sync feature able to connect to multiple amps
- Reviews claim great wireless for price
- A simple/cheap option for practice
- No extra purchases of disposable batteries (USB Charged)
Cons
- Many reviews claim it highly colors guitar/bass tone (not as good tone as a cable)
- Cheap build quality (I recommend this for practice only)
- 3 hours of battery life
- Colors tone (especially for bass)
- Many claim noise and cracks in audio
- A possibility of heat overload with high output pickups
7. Line 6 Relay G30
The Line 6 G30 is the number 1 selling wireless guitar system in the United States. I used to be the owner of this wireless unit for about one year as I traveled the entire east coast with this system. I must say from experience, the reliability, durability, signal quality, 100 feet of range, and instrument tonality for the price is very hard to beat.
The transmitter’s shell is made up of rugged polycarbonate for increased durability. The receiver gives you the option of cable tone between 30 ft, 15 ft, or bypass.
When I would walk to the other side of the stage (bigger stages), the signal will remain clear and strong. The Line 6 G30 has a full frequency response from 10 Hz-20kHz and an incredible dynamic range of 118dB. I recognized no difference in tone between a regular instrument cable and this system for my bass.
The Line 6 G30 uses 2.4GHz digital transmission with the encrypted data stream for signal protection. You are also able to switch between 6 channels in case of interference. The receiver can sit on top of your amp, but it is small enough to fit in a pedal board as well (which is how I used it).
The Line 6 G30 may not be as convenient as the Line 6 G10 with its need for AA batteries, but it is more durable and produces better tonality. This system comes with all the accessories it needs, power supply, batteries, and cable.
Features
- 100 feet of range
- Encrypted data stream for more signal protection
- 6 Channels to choose from
- 2.4GHz band
- Rugged polycarbonate shell for added durability
- Broad 10Hz – 20kHz frequency response
- 118 dB dynamic range
- Runs on AA Batteries, 8 hours of battery life
- 24-bit delta-sigma, 128 times oversampling
- Digital Wireless
- Built-in antenna within the transmitter
Pros
- 100 feet of range (able to use on big stages)
- unnoticeable tone coloration
- Digital wireless (less Prone to interference)
- 24-bit delta-sigma, 128 times oversampling
- Incredible durability for the price (polycarbonate shell)
- Antenna is inside the transmitter
- Able to attach Receiver to the pedalboard
- 6 channels to choose from
- 3 cable tone knobs to choose from on receiver (30 ft cable, 15 ft cable, bypass)
- Broad 10Hz – 20kHz frequency response
- Very reliable for live performance use
Cons
- Needs 2 AA Batteries (less convenient than line 6 G10, and Boss WL-50)
- Not the best range compared to higher quality wireless guitar systems. (when the guitarist and I would go into the crowd for our fun solo battle, it would cut out at times)
- Batteries within the transmitter would go lose at times and would cut out
- The transmitter will fall off the strap at times (I had to tape mine before discovering the Neotech Wireless Pouch)
- Flimsy battery cover
- Susceptible to sweat damage, mine broke due to sweat damage. (Again, before I discovered the Neotech Wireless Pouch)
8. Samson AirLine 88
The Samsung Airline 88 wireless guitar system has an incredible range of 300 feet. It is convenient to use considering the transmitter plugs directly into your instruments without an extra cable. It only needs 1 AA battery for a staggering 12 hours of playtime. It is a frequency-agile UHF analog wireless system. It can use up to 16 operating channels across 24MHz bandwidth.
The receiver and transmitter frequency is matched using IR sync. The Transmitter comes with a mute button which can be helpful while switching instruments. The Samson Airline 88 is designed for multiple instruments from guitar, bass, electric violin, acoustic-electric, and accordions.
Features
- Rackmount Receiver
- 16 operating channels across 24MHz bandwidth
- Up to 8 AirLine 88 systems can share the same frequency band
- 300 feet of range (line of sight)
- Antenna on transmitter
- Analog wireless
- 1 AA battery for transmitter (12 hours battery life)
- Frequency-agile UHF system
Pros
- 300 feet of range line of sight
- Mute switch for silent instrument swaps
- True Diversity and tone key features help prevent dropouts and interference
- Up to 8 Airline 88 systems can share the same frequency band-no cables needed
Cons
- Uses 1 AA battery (according to reviews, dies quicker than the 12 hours it’s supposed to)
- 1 review claimed their guitar tone was more hollow
- Not able to attach to the pedalboard (less convenience)
9. Samson Concert 88
This is basically the exact same as the Samson Airline 88 listed right above except for the different types of transmitters. The choice between the 2 is entirely up to you depending on the type of transmitter you prefer.
Features
- 8 hours of battery life using 2 AA batteries
- Analog Wireless System
- 50 Hz-15 kHz frequency response
- Fixed Antenna
- Rackmount receiver
- 300 ft of range line of sight
- 16 simultaneous channels
Pros
- Range 300 Feet
- Infrared set links the receiver and transmitter channels
- Up to 16 systems can be operated simultaneously
- Tone key and auto mute functions eliminate background noise during dropouts
Cons
- Needs 2 AA Batteries (less convenient than line 6 G10, and Boss WL-50)
- Annoying antenna popping out
- UHF Wireless (needing a more clear path to the receiver than digital wireless)
- Rackmount receiver and batteries (not very convenient)
10. Nady U-1100 GT
The Nady U-1100 GT has the highest range on this list with a staggering 500 feet. This is a UHF wireless guitar system that uses IF filtering to use multiple systems in the same location. The dynamic range is 120 dB.
Features
- Incredible 500 feet of range
- 120db dynamic range
- 100 different UHF frequencies to choose from
- IF filtering for simultaneous operation of up to 10 transmitters in the same location
- Antenna attached to the transmitter
- Minimal compression
- UHF Wireless (needing a more clear path to receiver than digital wireless)
Pros
- Has a locking connector
- intuitive controls
- A flawless 500 feet of range
- 120db dynamic range
- Able to operate 10 transmitters same location
Cons
- Some say there is a slight buzz/feedback
- Flimsy battery cover
- rackmount receiver and batteries (not very convenient)
- Minimal compression
- Higher possibility of signal interference, UHF Wireless (needing a more clear path to receiver than digital wireless)
Which Wireless Guitar System Is The Most Convenient Under $200?
The most convenient wireless guitar system under $200 is the Boss wl-50 and the Line 6 G10. These units are literally plugin and play wireless systems. There is no extra transmitter cables, no switches of any kind on the transmitter, and no batteries needed to use these units. They also have automatic optimum channel settings. Therefore, they automatically find the clearest open channel without you needing to connect the receiver to the transmitter manually.
To set it up with your pedalboard, you attach the receiver unit to the pedalboard using Velcro. That’s unless there is another method you prefer. After that, power the USB to the power supply connected to either your pedalboard or a power outlet. Finally, plug the transmitter into your receiver to charge it. When you want to play, you take the transmitter out of the receiver and plug it into your instrument. When your done playing, you take the transmitter out of your instrument and plug it back into the receiver. Simple as that.
Now they do have their slight advantages against each other. The Line 6 G10’s transmitter is smaller for more convenience while the Boss Wl-50’s battery life lasts 12 hours compared to G10’s 8 hours. In all, both of these guitar wireless systems are very convenient, especially for the price.
What is the Best Wireless Guitar System to use for Live Performance under $200?
Our choice for the best wireless guitar system for live performance under $200 is the Line 6 G30. With its 24-bit delta-sigma, 128 times oversampling, 6 channels to choose from in the case other band members use wireless, polycarbonate shell for durability, 10hz-20kHz frequency response, 118 dB dynamic range, and fantastic popularity/reviews…. the line 6 G30 is the best choice for live performance in terms of reliability, guitar/bass tone, and durability. Although I recommend a higher level unit for touring/pro musicians willing to invest an extra $150-300 for a wireless, the line 6 G30 is the best wireless guitar unit for under $200.
The Bottom Line
These are our top 10 wireless guitar systems under $200. However, we do not recommend any of these systems for touring musicians. If your planning on purchasing one high-quality wireless that will possibly last you many years of vigorous touring, I highly recommend you to see Our Top Wireless Instrument Pick For 2019.
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