When looking for budget-friendly chainrings for your mountain bike, you have several options that offer good performance without straining your wallet. Here’s a list of some of the cheapest chainring options, along with their features and estimated prices.

### Cheapest Chainring Options

1. **Sunrace Chainrings**
   - **Type**: Available in various sizes for 1x and 2x setups.
   - **Material**: Aluminum or steel.
   - **Features**: Sunrace offers durable chainrings that fit a variety of bike models and come in multiple sizes. They're known for being reliable and cost-effective.
   - **Price Range**: $15 - $25.

2. **Race Face Narrow Wide Chainrings**
   - **Type**: 1x setup, narrow-wide design.
   - **Material**: Aluminum.
   - **Features**: These chainrings feature a narrow-wide tooth profile, which helps keep the chain in place on rough terrain. They come in various sizes and colors.
   - **Price Range**: $30 - $40.

3. **FSA Chainrings**
   - **Type**: Available in both 1x and 2x configurations.
   - **Material**: Aluminum or steel.
   - **Features**: FSA offers a range of chainrings that provide good durability and performance for XC and trail riding. They're compatible with various cranksets and come in different sizes.
   - **Price Range**: $15 - $35.

4. **SRAM X1 Chainring**
   - **Type**: 1x setup.
   - **Material**: Aluminum.
   - **Features**: The SRAM X1 chainring is designed for 1x drivetrains and features a narrow-wide tooth design to help keep the chain secure. It's a reliable option for XC riding.
   - **Price Range**: $30 - $50.

5. **Shimano Deore Chainrings**
   - **Type**: 1x or 2x options.
   - **Material**: Aluminum.
   - **Features**: Shimano's Deore chainrings are known for their reliability and compatibility with various Shimano drivetrains. They come in various sizes to suit your gearing preferences.
   - **Price Range**: $20 - $40.

6. **Wolf Tooth Components Chainrings**
   - **Type**: 1x setup, narrow-wide design.
   - **Material**: Aluminum.
   - **Features**: Wolf Tooth chainrings are designed to be lightweight and durable, with a narrow-wide tooth profile to improve chain retention. They also come in various sizes and colors.
   - **Price Range**: $40 - $50.

### Tips for Choosing Budget Chainrings

- **Compatibility**: Ensure that the chainring is compatible with your crankset and drivetrain. Check for the correct bolt pattern and spacing.
- **Material**: While aluminum chainrings are lightweight and affordable, steel chainrings tend to be more durable but may add weight.
- **Size**: Choose a chainring size that suits your riding style. Larger chainrings offer higher speeds, while smaller ones provide better climbing efficiency.
- **Tooth Profile**: Consider narrow-wide chainrings for single-chainring setups, as they help prevent chain drops, especially in rough terrain.

### Conclusion

These options represent some of the cheapest chainrings available on the market that offer solid performance for XC and trail riding. Always check local bike shops and online retailers for discounts, sales, or bulk purchase options to find the best deals. Upgrading your chainring can significantly enhance your bike's performance without costing you a fortune!