The Best Cheap Active Pickups of 2022 – Reviewed and Top Rated

After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, we find out the Best Cheap Active Pickups of 2022. Check our ranking below.

2,865 Reviews Scanned

Rank No. #1

2pcs Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup Set 81/85 Enclosed Potentiometer w/ 2 Coil Line

One set contains two pickups for ease of use.
Environmentally friendly material, sturdy and durable.
Can be used as a spare accessory and replaced at any time.
Smooth,warm sound with great vitality .
Good bass guitar pickups replacement/upgrade part. Compatible with bass guitar or other similar instruments.

Rank No. #2

Mxfans 2Pieces Double Coil Ceramic Magnet Active Pickup fits Electric Guitar Black

Purpose: The thicker frame is used for the bridge; the thinner frame is used for the neck; the distance between the pickup poles of the neck is 50mm; the distance between the pickup poles of the bridge is 52m;
Purpose: The thicker frame is used for the bridge; the thinner frame is used for the neck; the distance between the pickup poles of the neck is 50mm; the distance between the pickup poles of the bridge is 52m;
The sound is smooth, warm, clear and full of vitality. It's very easy to install and is a great alternative;
Less interference: It can eliminate unwanted electromagnetic interference and improve the quality of the output signal, thereby producing rich and warm guitar tone;
High performance: Coil guitar pickup has high power and low distortion noise when used, which is very suitable for rhythm performance scenes.

Rank No. #3

Bass Pickups,Guitar Bass Pickup,3 Band Active & Passive EQ Equalizer Electric Bass Preamp Circuit Pickup Replacement for Active Bass Pickup Bass Guitar Wiring Harness Bass Pickups

【Comprehensive Jazz Bass Upgrade Kit】Bass Pickup,This complete kit includes a high-performance circuit and a premium pickup specifically designed for jazz bass, enhancing your instrument’s sound quality.
【Effortless Installation】Electric Bass Pickup,Designed for user-friendly setup, this kit allows you to easily install and use it, delivering professional performance for musicians of all levels.
【Adjustable Sound Control】Bass Preamp Circuit,The circuit features bass, treble, volume, and balance controls, providing you with intuitive adjustments to tailor your sound with precision.
【High-Quality Sound Capture】Bass Wiring Pickup,Our advanced pickup is engineered to accurately capture the bass’s rich tones, ensuring a high-quality signal that elevates your music.
【Ideal Replacement Solution】Bass Preamp Pickup,Upgrade your setup with this excellent replacement for your old, broken pickup, restoring your jazz bass to its full sonic potential.

Rank No. #4

HH Active Humbucker Pickups, Compatible with 81 85 Style, Matte White, for Fender Strat Electric Guitar (Pickups Set 4 Pot)

This humbucker pickup set is designed to deliver tight bass, searing highs, and massive output. Compatible with 81/85 style active humbucker pickups, it provides the powerful sound needed for aggressive playing styles.
These electric guitar pickups are optimized for installation in Strat style guitars (ST) with humbucker routing, and similar models built for active electronics.
Choose from complete wiring kits (1 to 4 pots) or pickups-only options, allowing for full installs or simple upgrades. These humbucker pickups are perfect for custom mods, full rewires, or replacing existing active-style pickups.
Each humbucker pickup set includes 25K short shaft potentiometers, specifically designed for active pickup systems. The stereo output jack features smart power switching, engaging the 9V power when plugged in and disengaging when unplugged to save battery life and protect the circuit.
Enjoy extremely low noise, ultra-fast dynamic response, and consistent high-output clarity with these electric guitar humbucker pickups. The matte white finish offers a sleek.

Rank No. #5

Guitar Prewired Loaded Pickguard Set for Fender ST Guitar, Compatible with EMG-Style Active Humbucker Pickups Systems, High Output Ceramic Pickups, Solderless Wiring (Black Pearl)

Perfect Fit for Fender Stratocaster USA/Mexico Guitars:This loaded HH prewired pickguard is engineered to drop right into Strat USA and Mexico bodies without routing. It’s the ideal upgrade for players wanting to convert to active pickups, offering a direct fit that preserves the iconic Strat feel and playability.
Compatibility with EMG Style Active Humbucker Pickups :Designed to work seamlessly with EMG style active humbucker systems, this prewired pickguard delivers modern clarity, tight low end, and ultra-low noise. Whether you're upgrading an old Strat or building a new metal guitar, it provides studio-quality active tone with no hassle.
Bridge Pickup: High-Gain Precision & Cutting Attack：Powered by an active preamp, the bridge humbucker delivers explosive output with ultra-tight low-end, cutting high-end clarity, and fast, aggressive attack. Designed for modern high-gain performance, it slices through dense mixes with surgical precision — perfect for palm-muted metal riffs, rapid-fire leads, and solos that demand maximum articulation and sustain.
Neck Pickup: Focused Power & Modern Clarity：Equipped with an active preamp, the neck humbucker delivers tight, punchy lows and crystal-clear highs with zero noise. Its boosted output gives your Strat a powerful modern voice — perfect for expressive solo lines, saturated high-gain riffs, and smooth clean passages with extended sustain. From soulful melodic runs to aggressive metal rhythm, this active pickup provides precise response and dynamic headroom.
Complete Active Circuit with Solderless Wiring:Equipped with an active preamp circuit and solderless connectors, this loaded pickguard makes installation a breeze. Simply plug in power and ground — no advanced wiring skills needed. Perfect for quick swaps or clean professional builds.

Rank No. #6

White HSH Active Electric Guitar Pickup Set – Humbuckers Single Coil Pickup, for Fender Strat RG Type Guitar (Black Pckups 1 Pot)

This HSH active guitar pickups set marries humbucker pickups with a dynamic single coil, giving your Strat-style the high-output punch, tight rhythm grind, and crystal-clear cleans demanded by modern metal and rock.
Engineered for HSH Strat routes yet a perfect drop-in for RG, and custom builds, these electric guitar pickups come to match any stage or studio aesthetic while instantly leveling-up to pro active electronics.
Configure your dream rig: 4-, 3-, 2-, or 1-pot wiring kits with battery box. Every kit—ships with 25 K pots, 5-way switch, stereo jack, battery box, and all hardware for a painless install.
Optimized 25 K pots and smart stereo output jack keep the active circuit noise-free and battery-savvy. Expect massive active tone with ultra-low noise for both recording sessions and live gigs.
Everything you need is in the box: bridge & neck humbucker pickups, middle single coil, 3-way blade, screws, wires, and a secure 9 V battery box.

Rank No. #7

Luejnbogty 2 Band Active Bass Guitar EQ Equalizer Preamp Circuit Pickup Black, 156724

1 Volume + 3 Tone pots with balance volume
Balance volume for pickup
,never used
Volume: Master
: +/-12dB at 85Hz

Rank No. #8

Black HSH Active Electric Guitar Pickup Set – Humbuckers Single Coil Pickup, for Fender Strat RG Type Guitar (White Pckups 2 Pot)

This HSH active guitar pickups set marries humbucker pickups with a dynamic single coil, giving your Strat-style the high-output punch, tight rhythm grind, and crystal-clear cleans demanded by modern metal and rock.
Engineered for HSH Strat routes yet a perfect drop-in for RG, and custom builds, these electric guitar pickups come to match any stage or studio aesthetic while instantly leveling-up to pro active electronics.
Configure your dream rig: 4-, 3-, 2-, or 1-pot wiring kits with battery box. Every kit—ships with 25 K pots, 5-way switch, stereo jack, battery box, and all hardware for a painless install.
Optimized 25 K pots and smart stereo output jack keep the active circuit noise-free and battery-savvy. Expect massive active tone with ultra-low noise for both recording sessions and live gigs.
Everything you need is in the box: bridge & neck humbucker pickups, middle single coil, 3-way blade, screws, wires, and a secure 9 V battery box.

Rank No. #9

EMG 81 Active Guitar Humbucker Bridge/Neck Pickup, Black

Utilizes powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils
The tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut, and fluid sustain
In the bridge position of your guitar, it will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix
When used in both neck and bridge positions the sound can only be described as blistering
Other recommended pairings include the classic 81/85 setup and the versatile 81/60 combo

Rank No. #10

EMG PA-V2 P-Bass Active Pickup Set w/Preamp, Black

EMG PA-V2 P-Bass Active Pickup Set, Black
Vintage Tone, Less Noise, More Signal
Alnico V Magnets, Short Coils, Solderless Quik-Connect System
Two Year Warranty

Last update on 2025-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How Do You Buy The Best Cheap Active Pickups?

Do you get stressed out thinking about shopping for a great Cheap Active Pickups? Do doubts keep creeping into your mind? We understand, because we’ve already gone through the whole process of researching Cheap Active Pickups, which is why we have assembled a comprehensive list of the greatest Cheap Active Pickups available in the current market. We’ve also come up with a list of questions that you probably have yourself.

We’ve done the best we can with our thoughts and recommendations, but it’s still crucial that you do thorough research on your own for Cheap Active Pickups that you consider buying. Your questions might include the following:

Is it worth buying an Cheap Active Pickups?
What benefits are there with buying an Cheap Active Pickups?
What factors deserve consideration when shopping for an effective Cheap Active Pickups?
Why is it crucial to invest in any Cheap Active Pickups, much less the best one?
Which Cheap Active Pickups are good in the current market?
Where can you find information like this about Cheap Active Pickups?

We’re convinced that you likely have far more questions than just these regarding Cheap Active Pickups, and the only real way to satisfy your need for knowledge is to get information from as many reputable online sources as you possibly can.

Potential sources can include buying guides for Cheap Active Pickups, rating websites, word-of-mouth testimonials, online forums, and product reviews. Thorough and mindful research is crucial to making sure you get your hands on the best-possible Cheap Active Pickups. Make sure that you are only using trustworthy and credible websites and sources.

We provide an Cheap Active Pickups buying guide, and the information is totally objective and authentic. We employ both AI and big data in proofreading the collected information. How did we create this buying guide? We did it using a custom-created selection of algorithms that lets us manifest a top-10 list of the best available Cheap Active Pickups currently available on the market.

This technology we use to assemble our list depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:

Brand Value: Every brand of Cheap Active Pickups has a value all its own. Most brands offer some sort of unique selling proposition that’s supposed to bring something different to the table than their competitors.
Features: What bells and whistles matter for an Cheap Active Pickups?
Specifications: How powerful they are can be measured.
Product Value: This simply is how much bang for the buck you get from your Cheap Active Pickups.
Customer Ratings: Number ratings grade Cheap Active Pickups objectively.
Customer Reviews: Closely related to ratings, these paragraphs give you first-hand and detailed information from real-world users about their Cheap Active Pickups.
Product Quality: You don’t always get what you pay for with an Cheap Active Pickups, sometimes less, and sometimes more.
Product Reliability: How sturdy and durable an Cheap Active Pickups is should be an indication of how long it will work out for you.

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FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between active and passive pickups?

A: Pickups can be split into two categories: passive pickups and active pickups. The difference between passive pickups and active pickups is active ones are battery-powered while passive pickups are not.

Q: How are active pickups different to passive pickups?

A: What’s the Difference Between Active and Passive Pickups? Active Pickups Rely More on Electronics. … You Get a More Consistent, Powerful Sound with Active Pickups. … Passive Pickups Have More Wires, Thus Making Them More Susceptible to Background Noise. … Passive Pickups Deliver a Greater Dynamic Range. … Passive Pickups Have More Tonal Expression and Brightness. …

Q: What is a passive and Active pickup?

A: Like passive pickups, active pickups are constructed by wrapping copper wire around a magnet, but there are a few important differences between the two pickup types. In a passive pickup, there are usually between 7000 or 10 000 turns of copper wire wrapped around a magnet. Active pickups on the other hand use far less copper.

Q: Can active pickups be made passive?

A: Active pickups still use coils of wire, like their passive counterparts. However, they use far fewer coils. Instead, their circuitry incorporates an active preamp (usually powered by a 9V battery) to boost the signal level, filters and EQ.