This Is By Far The Best Cheap Beer Brand — And It's The Cheapest Per Ounce

Just because a beer is cheap doesn't mean it's inherently bad. Sure, some bottles are lackluster, but others offer surprisingly crisp flavors at low costs. To separate the bad from the best, we ranked cheap beer brands from the least drinkable to the absolute best. According to our research, Miller High Life is by far the best cheap beer brand — and it's the cheapest per ounce.

At some stores, a 32-ounce tallboy of Miller High Life retails for $3 (just 9 cents per ounce), which makes it one of the cheapest choices around. It's not just the tall boys that are affordable; a 12-pack of 12-ounce bottles retails for 8 cents per ounce, and a 24-ounce can goes for the same price. For reference, a 24-ounce can from competitors Coors Banquet and Budweiser retails for 12.5 cents per ounce. That's about 50% more per ounce. Not only is Miller High Life cheap, but the flavor is refreshing and well-rounded. Its approachable flavor means it can please beer enthusiasts or skeptics alike, as well as pair well with many recipes. It isn't called the Champagne of Beers for nothing. This brand is also available nearly anywhere, from corner stores to high-end markets. Clearly, the brand has a lot going for it.

Made with a simple blend of hops, malted barley, and yeast, Miller High Life is still brewed using the brand's original recipe. Created in 1903 by Frederick Miller, the beer was considered a luxury when it was first produced, in part because bottled beer was a new concept. Still, in time, the drink became available to all. Now, it's just as affordable as it is delicious. 

The recipe's focus on simplicity makes for an effervescent American-style lager, and the easy-drinking choice remains one of the cheapest beers on the shelf. The flagship beer costs even less than Miller's light beer, Miller Lite, which snagged the 12th spot on our list of the best and worst cheap beers. Enjoy High Life chilled or turn it into a laidback summer cocktail, the choice is up to you. If you're curious to try more cheap beers that didn't make our list, here are 12 red flags to look for when shopping for beer.