Best Microwaves Under $200

Spend $150 instead of $80 and you stop guessing when food is done. The jump from sub-$100 to this tier buys you sensor cooking, 1000W+ heating, and the build quality that survives years of daily reheating instead of months.

• ✓ Sensor cooking is the most worthwhile upgrade at this price — it stops automatically when food is done, preventing overcooked edges.
• ✓ 1000W is the sweet spot for heating speed; 1100W models heat noticeably faster for dense foods like potatoes.
• ✓ Look for at least 10 power levels — more precision means better results for delicate reheating and defrost.
• ✓ OTR models in this range are possible, but expect to trade capacity or features for the lower price.

176 models in this guide