Welcome to GT..
I have an acoustic-electric and very seldom plug it up since I got an electric..
I use the acoustic-electric when I play out side in the yard and when I go on trips.
I have never thought my acoustic-electric either plugged or unpluged to have any quality of sound problems. I had a friend/player/instructor try it and thought it had good sound quality..
If you have the time, try as many brands and style acoustic-electric as you can.
For an add-on pickup I had a sound hole pickup that did a good job.
For example, Seymour Duncan Woody SC Single-Coil Soundhole Pickup runs around $40..
While, it all depends on your guitar addicton.
Have Great Day and Keep on Pickin'
Gordon