The Best Starter Cigar Setup Under $100 (Yes, It Can Be Done)

What’s the best beginner cigar setup under $100?

That’s the mission I set out to tackle today—because let’s be honest, getting into cigars can feel like stepping into a hobby where everyone suddenly owns a $400 cutter and 13 humidors.

But here’s the truth:

You don’t need to spend crazy money to start enjoying premium cigars properly.

What we’re aiming for here is simple:

So the big question becomes:

Where does the money go first?

Do you splurge on the humidor and cheap out everywhere else?
Or invest in a fancy cutter and lighter and figure out storage later?

You can go a million directions with this quest, but here’s exactly how I’d spend my first $100. And yes, I actually still use a version of this setup on my desk to this day.

1. Best Beginner Humidor: 50-Count Acrylic Desktop

First things first—we need a home for the cigars.

My pick is a 50-count acrylic desktop humidor with:

Why acrylic?

Because when you’re new to cigars, you want to see them.

A clear humidor sitting on your desk just looks cool. It’s like a mini cigar showcase that reminds you, “Yes, I’m becoming a cigar person now.”

Even better, acrylic humidors don’t require the seasoning rituals that traditional wood humidors often do. No worrying about wiping cedar down or babysitting humidity for a week.

Just toss in your humidity pack, load up the cigars, and you’re in business.

There are other storage options we could have chosen, such as the humidor jar or the Tupperware-style container (both pictured below), and while these are acceptable solutions, each comes with drawbacks. The jar style works fine, but it doesn’t hold many cigars, and grabbing a shorter cigar often requires removing everything inside. The Tupperware style offers an excellent seal, but it also has limited capacity and can be tricky to open and close. That said, either option can be a solid choice for reconditioning dry cigars or allowing overly moist cigars to settle back into balance.

One thing I would avoid is the catalog-special wooden humidor that “comes bundled with 20 cigars for $40” (or similar deals). These humidors are often made with low-quality materials and can warp within weeks. Even worse, some may arrive with mold issues due to poor manufacturing and storage conditions. As for the cigars included in these bundles, they’re typically low-grade, harsh, and not representative of what a well-made cigar should taste like.

2. Best Humidity Pack for Beginners: Oasis Pak 69%

Speaking of humidity…

You’re going to need at least one two-way humidity pack to keep things stable.

Normally, I’d point beginners toward 65% RH (relative humidity), but with acrylic, I’ve found that the 69% pack works a little better. This is probably due to the fact that this humidor doesn’t have a super tight seal. If you choose a different type of humidor with a tighter seal you might go with 65-67%.

And remember—these packs protect both ways:

Bonus points if you live somewhere swampy.

3. Best Budget Cigar Cutter: Original Palió

Now for the most important tool in your kit:

A cutter that doesn’t turn your cigar cap into shredded lettuce.

My budget GOAT is the Original Palió Cutter.

It’s:

The blades hold up better than some cutters that cost three times as much. If you’re more of a V-cut person, Palió makes one of those too. The one pictured is the custom Cigar Dojo version, but you can buy the plain version at most cigar retail locations.

4. Best Affordable Cigar Lighter: Vertigo Cyclone Triple Torch

Now we need fire.

This is where I go cheap on purpose.

Why?

Because in my experience, lighters are the first thing to:

I’m not trying to build my starter kit around a $200 lighter that’ll disappear the first time I take it on a trip.

My pick: Vertigo Cyclone Triple Torch Lighter

Reliable, affordable, and punches way above its weight.

Once you’re deeper in the hobby, sure—go nuts with luxury lighters.

But for now?

This gets the job done.

5. Best Butane for Cigar Lighters: Xikar High Performance

Last but not least… you’ll need something to keep that lighter alive.

I stick with Xikar High Performance Butane. If you’re in a high-altitude region, this version is especially effective.

Clean fuel = fewer clogging issues.

Complete Starter Cigar Setup Under $100: Cost Breakdown

Total Cost: $96.63

Under budget, beginner-proof, desk-worthy.

Is This the Right Starter Cigar Setup for You?

Will you upgrade all of this eventually?

Absolutely.

Because the cigar hobby is fun, it’s addictive, and I’m not talking about nicotine—I’m talking about the lifestyle!

Before long, you’ll be eyeing wineadors, fancy cutters, and lighters that cost more than your first car payment.

But here’s what’s interesting:

After all the years, all the gear, all the high-end nonsense…

I still love having a simple little humidor setup on my work desk.

Because the best part is always the same:

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