Best overall budget microwave
Toshiba EM131A5C
~$110–$140 at time of writing
What we like
- Also on our overall microwave list
- Sensor cooking and a 1.2 cu ft cavity
Keep in mind
- Can exceed $120
Best compact
Black+Decker EM720CB7 (0.7 cu ft)
~$70–$90 at time of writing
What we like
- Also on our overall microwave list
- Small footprint for dorms and small kitchens
Keep in mind
- Small turntable
Best smart pick
Amazon Basics Microwave (works with Alexa)
~$80–$110 at time of writing
What we like
- Also on our overall microwave list
- Voice control with an Echo
Keep in mind
- Only 700 watts
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Best small Toshiba
Toshiba ML-EM09PA
~$90 at time of writing
What we like
- 0.9 cu ft with mute button (maker)
Keep in mind
- Smaller interior
Best big-brand basic
GE Countertop Microwave 1.1 cu ft
~$110–$130 at time of writing
What we like
- GE build and service
Keep in mind
- Few presets
Best Panasonic on a budget
Panasonic NN-SB458S
Price varies see current price at the retailer
What we like
- Panasonic quality in a compact size
Keep in mind
- Not inverter
Best 0.9 cu ft
Black+Decker EM925A5A
~$90–$110 at time of writing
What we like
- Simple keypad and presets
Keep in mind
- Loud beeps
Best retro style
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave
~$80–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- Simple controls
Keep in mind
- Average evenness
Best value controls
Comfee' 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
~$70–$90 at time of writing
What we like
- Mute function and presets (maker)
Keep in mind
- Lesser-known brand
Best looking
Nostalgia Retro Microwave (0.7 cu ft)
~$80 at time of writing
What we like
- Retro colors
Keep in mind
- Small and low power
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toshiba EM131A5C | Best overall budget microwave | ~$110–$140 | — |
| 2 | Black+Decker EM720CB7 (0.7 cu ft) | Best compact | ~$70–$90 | — |
| 3 | Amazon Basics Microwave (works with Alexa) | Best smart pick | ~$80–$110 | — |
| 4 | Toshiba ML-EM09PA | Best small Toshiba | ~$90 | — |
| 5 | GE Countertop Microwave 1.1 cu ft | Best big-brand basic | ~$110–$130 | — |
| 6 | Panasonic NN-SB458S | Best Panasonic on a budget | See retailer | — |
| 7 | Black+Decker EM925A5A | Best 0.9 cu ft | ~$90–$110 | — |
| 8 | Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave | Best retro style | ~$80–$100 | — |
| 9 | Comfee' 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave | Best value controls | ~$70–$90 | — |
| 10 | Nostalgia Retro Microwave (0.7 cu ft) | Best looking | ~$80 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: Our overall microwave research (Wirecutter, Consumer Reports and maker specs), plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate (checked Oct 19, 2026) and change often. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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