Since I got my first Squier Strat over twenty years ago, I've been a Strat fan through and through. I've played a huge variety of Fender's most popular guitar over the years, which gives me a great insight into what goes into making one of the best Stratocasters in 2025.
Fender's ubiquitous instrument looks similar across its range of options, but there are a lot of subtle differences between the models that aren't immediately noticeable at first glance. Between myself and the Guitar Player team, we've tested a huge range of Fender Strats over the years, so we know the ins and outs of them intimately.
To make it easier to select the Strat best suited to your needs and playing style, I've narrowed down the choices via use case and budget to help you make the right choice. We've also put together a comprehensive FAQs section that will answer any burning questions you might have about probably the most famous guitar of all time.
My top picks
If you’re looking to buy one of the best Stratocasters on a budget, or for beginner guitar players, the Squier Affinity Stratocaster remains my top choice. I started on one of these twenty years ago and I still have it to this day which is a testament to the build quality.
For those with a bit more to spend, we’d recommend you go for the Fender Player II Strat. Fender’s Player series has been one of the company's most popular since its introduction, and the Player II range takes that success to a new level. Think upgraded pickups, rosewood fingerboards, and new finishes.
The Ultra Luxe offers players an impressive and modern playing experience, whether that’s from the Ultra noiseless vintage single-coils, “D”-shaped neck with Ultra satin finish, the 10”-14” compound fingerboard radius, or any other aspects of the Ultra Luxe’s design. For the modern Strat enthusiast, it doesn’t get much better.
Best budget
For those guitarists who are trying to do things on a budget – whether you’re just starting out, or a seasoned player looking for a great backup electric guitar – the Affinity Strat is one to pay attention to.
Sitting in Squier’s second tier of electric guitars above the super-budget Bullet series, the Affinity range offers a level of finish that you wouldn’t usually see on a guitar under $250. While it sits a fair way down the Stratocaster family tree, this thing screams traditional Strat – whether it’s the looks, the chunky headstock or the sound it produces thanks to the three standard Strat single-coil pickups.
Best of all, this guitar is reliable – and much more so than most other Strat clones at this price point. The tremolo, while not the most smooth, does a stellar job considering the cost. The tuners are also solid enough that you needn’t worry too much about your tuning stability once your strings are settled and you’ve played a song or two. One thing we would say is that if you can afford it, go for the next range up. In the budget guitar sphere, a couple of hundred bucks can really make a difference.
Best under $1,000
The Player series - now into its second generation - is the entry point into Fender’s catalog, but that doesn’t mean it is half-baked; this is a proper Fender instrument. Featuring the same Alnico V single coil pickups that were well thought of on the original Player Strat, there’s still a surprising amount of guts, along with the clarity you’d expect from any good Strat.
Whilst the pickups remain the same, the Player II series has brought some subtle, but welcome improvements over the original Player Strat, including replacing the Pau Ferro fretboard with rosewood, rolling fretboard edges for even better playability, using a slight neck tint for a more vintage look, and introducing some great new colors to choose from. The tuning machines have also been changed, though there doesn’t seem to be a dramatic improvement in the already solid tuning stability.
It doesn’t feel that long ago that the entry point for Fender guitars was around $500 and the price point of the Player II Stratocaster is a little steep for our liking, particularly as there haven’t been dramatic upgrades on the original Player models. However, if you need to have a Fender guitar, the Player II Stratocaster still offers the cheapest new Fender option out there.
Best high-end
If taking a visit to Fender’s Custom Shop is taking things a little too far, then the Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is the guitar you should be paying attention to. It’s one of the most expensive mass-produced guitars that Fender makes, and with the price tag comes entry to a seemingly pretty elite club. The Ultra Luxe has a few features that set it apart from the rest – and it’s these features we liked the most.
As also featured on the standard Ultra Strat, the Ultra Luxe comes with a set of three Ultra noiseless vintage Strat single-coils. We found that these pickups sound incredible both clean and dirty during our testing, but that they added an extra warmth and low-mid bump to our tone which felt super supportive whilst playing. Strats can often sound a little hollow, but the pickups on this guitar do quite the opposite. The S-1 switch on the volume control adds in the neck pickup when in any other pickup position – again providing that extra low-end to our tone.
We were able to play the augmented “D” profile neck and compound 10”-14” radius fingerboard happily for hours on end, and it’s the sheer comfort of this guitar which sets it apart from the others. It feels utterly effortless to play, and has all of that iconic Strat tone up its sleeve for when it’s required. We felt that, at times, the noiseless pickups sounded a bit too perfect, but it’s hard to criticize when something is just a bit too good.
Best HSS Strat
If the Player series wasn’t quite enough modernism to suit you, then you’ll be thankful for the Player Plus range of Stratocasters. Taking a classic guitar and giving it a serious makeover is always a dangerous task for manufacturers, but we think that with the Player Plus, Fender has done a great job.
The bones of the guitar are mostly identical to the Player series. An alder body and maple neck are standard, as is the case with the vast majority of Strats, and three single-coil pickups continue the traditional theme… or not. Three noiseless single-coil pickups adorn the Player Plus Strat, delivering a thoroughly modern take on the Strat sound. When playing the Player Plus Strat we found these pickups to be our only real criticism, as they, in their perfection, were just a bit too… well… perfect. We like Strats because they’ve all got their own personality, and this one does too, but the cleanliness may put some people off.
If that is your thing, though, then this is emphatically the Strat for you. For a whiff over a grand you can have the iconic Strat, with all of the modernizing modifications you’d want to make. We’re talking locking tuners, super impressive gradient finishes, push/pull tone controls, along with a 12” fingerboard radius and rolled fret edges. Lovely stuff.
Best vintage
There are numerous vintage-inspired Strats we could have chosen for this guide but for us, the vintage allure of the Fender American Vintage II 1957 Strat is too good to turn down. Part of a brand new range of Fender instruments, it takes everything that was good about the original Strat and updates it for the modern player.
This retro-inspired instrument boasts a multitude of era-specific attributes, including an Alder or Ash body coated in Nitro lacquer finish, three Pure Vintage '57 single-coil pickups, and a robust 1957 'V' neck accompanied by a vintage 7.25" radius fingerboard.
Thanks to the vintage tall frets, this Strat ensures that executing those soulful blues bends becomes an effortless endeavor, making it the perfect match for those soul-searching lead guitar licks. If you're all about the nostalgic sound and feel of a golden-age Fender, the American Vintage II series is undeniably the best choice.
Best modern Strat
The most advanced of all Fender Strats available right now, the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster is for those players who aren't bothered about period-correct finishes and appointments, those who want the most modern Strat money can buy.
The headline here is the unbelievable playability of the neck, which is one of the fastest-feeling Fender models we've ever had our hands on. It's a 'D' profile neck composed of Quartersawn Maple, with a compound 10-14" radius and rolled edges. It means your hands will fly across the neck no matter what you're playing.
The pickups are Fender's Ultra II Noiseless Vintage, which combines the best of classic Strat tone with the low-noise performance of a modern pickup. They deliver fantastically well too, giving you all that Strat spank without any additional hum. The addition of S-1 switching unlocks different pickup configurations as well, making it a super versatile instrument no matter what you're playing.
Also consider
Squier’s Classic Vibe series has always been regarded as great and affordable range of instruments, and thankfully that’s still the case. While the price has increased a little in recent years, so has the quality – so what’s stopping you from buying one?
The CV ‘50s Strat offers players a glimpse into the Strat of yesteryear, while keeping some of the modern day’s more useful features, specs and manufacturing practices. A nyatoh body, while not a ‘50s inspired spec choice, provides the perfect base for a trio of frankly brilliant Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups which we feel bring the ‘50s vibe in droves. Lots of clarity, brightness and punch – with that signature ‘quack’ that the Strat has become so well known for.
21 narrow tall frets on a maple neck and maple fingerboard help to ignite that ‘50s charm, along with the finishes available – and while the fingerboard radius is a more modern 9.5”, we found the CV ‘50s to be more playable than budget guitars with more ‘old-school’ radii. As the price increases, we might be tempted to take a look at some of Fender’s made-in-Mexico guitars, but as far as electric guitars under $500 go, the Classic Vibe ‘50s Stratocaster is a hard one to beat.
Fender’s Player series took over from the Standard series in 2018 as Fender’s most affordable Mexican-made model – and in the four years following has enabled huge numbers of guitarists to make their mark. If having the big ‘F’ on your headstock is a must, then the Player series is where you’ll start.
The Player Stratocaster brings pretty much everything you could want in a modern Strat to an affordable price point. We found that the three alnico 5 pickups onboard create a powerful, gutsy tone that you just won’t find in a Strat with more classic appointments. The output is higher than that of most Strat sets, making the Player series a highly versatile choice for anyone looking to get a little more from their guitar.
As you’d expect from an $850 Strat, the hardware is solid, well made and reliable. During our testing, we found the two-point trem to be smooth while also prioritizing tuning stability, and while the bent steel saddles are a little crude when compared to the modern accoutrements on the Player Strat, they do their job with little trouble. We’d perhaps argue that we’d like more from the Player Series now it’s that much closer to a grand than before, but all in all we’ve no real complaints.
Read our full Fender Player Stratocaster review
H.E.R is best known for her Grammy-winning performances – stunning crowds with her smooth, soulful R&B. She’s also well known for being an utterly brilliant guitarist, with evidently great taste in guitars.
The H.E.R Strat starts out like any other great Stratocaster. The alder body/maple neck combination is one of legend, and with a maple fingerboard involved too? Well, this just got even better. The guitar is overall very well built, feeling very solid, well set-up and reliable straight out of the box. The stunning Chrome Glow finish is unique, but adds a tasteful level of spice to a guitar which can run the risk of looking a little boring.
Three vintage noiseless single-coils are mounted on this model, and although some noiseless pickups can cause an upset, these offer a thoroughly enjoyable vintage vibe – that just sounds much cleaner than usual. The hardware is vintage-inspired too, but the more modern 9.5” fingerboard radius enables straightforward playing with no issue. The paint job, along with the noiseless pickups, has the potential to cause a stir or two among die-hard Strat fans, but this Strat is all-in-all one of the best on the market. As a great blend of vintage and modern specs, the H.E.R Strat could be unbeatable.
The American Professional II range from Fender came as a bit of a surprise, as the not-too-old Professional series seemed to cover all the ground we could’ve asked for. Luckily for us, the upgrades between the original and mark two ranges were not only noticeable, but feel, sound and look great.
A tasteful blend of modern and classic, the Pro II range offers the traditional alder/maple combination, with a roasted pine body available on one iteration. The classic/modern features don’t end there, especially taking into consideration the 22 narrow tall frets that adorn the maple neck – the same maple neck that is coated in Fender’s new ‘Super-Natural’ satin finish to ensure you avoid those sticky-handed gigging moments. The neck profile is a gorgeous “deep C” – which is a comfortable handful.
The main upgrade on this model against the previous is the introduction of Fender’s V-Mod II pickups. During our testing we found they do exactly what we expected, rounding off the harsh top-end that is well known to plague most Strats. Instead, these pickups provide a rounded, fuller tone – still with plenty of Strat clarity and ‘breath’. If you’re in the market for a high-end Strat, but want something you won’t be tempted to mod yourself, then this could be the right guitar for you.
Read our full Fender American Professional II Stratocaster review
If you know the work of Eric Johnson, you won’t be surprised to find out that not just any Strat will do for him. He’s spent decades honing and refining his tone in order to create some of Blues’ most satisfying and luscious soundscapes, and with his signature maple-necked Strat, you’ve now got access to those tones too.
Speaking of tones, the three single-coil pickups onboard are specially voiced for the man himself. Thankfully, we found during testing that they still offer up plenty of chances for players to find their own sound within this guitar. The body – a lightweight two-piece Alder affair – is outrageously comfortable on a strap, and the acoustic resonance it has is simply astounding. The contours and cavities are carved to late ‘50s spec, and with the tinted soft “V” profile neck and the ‘57 style bridge setup? This guitar is about as ‘50s as it gets. Or is it?
The ‘50s specs finally end when we get to the fingerboard. A 12” radius and medium jumbo frets adorn this EJ model, and while we’re not surprised that one of the masters of legato playing prefers a flatter fingerboard, it really wasn’t our thing. If you’re a true fan of Eric Johnson, though – or just like a blend of vintage and modern specs, then you won’t go far wrong with this Fender Stratocaster.
FAQs
What should I know when buying a Strat?
The Stratocaster is undoubtedly the most copied electric guitar body shape that has ever existed, which means there are countless S-type (strat-type) guitars out there. Bear in mind that, whilst many manufacturers will have their own take on a Stratocaster, only Fender and Squier can produce a guitar with the Stratocaster name. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider S-type electrics from other manufacturers, but there may be subtle differences that set it aside from the genuine article, made exclusively by the Fender family.
The traditional Stratocaster configuration would feature three single coil pickups, but there are options that feature humbuckers in an HSS (humbucker in the bridge, single coils in the middle and neck) configuration, or even two humbuckers. Though the three single coils is the most recognizable setup, HSS strats—often referred to as “Fat Strats”—are beloved for their versatility.
What's the difference between a Squier and Fender Strat?
Squier is Fender’s more affordable brand, but it’s very much part of the same business and gives players the chance to get their hands on their favorite Fender shapes—such as the Stratocaster—at lower prices.
The differences between Fender and Squier Stratocasters will largely come down to the attention to detail, with time-consuming tasks such as rounding the frets typically only being available on Fender models. The hardware may also be of lesser quality on Squier guitars, with cheaper metals used for tuning machines and bridges, whilst the potentiometers in control knobs may not be as sensitive as on Fender guitars.
There may be a difference in finishes too, with Squier guitars tending to utilize the cheaper, polyurethane finish—though many Fenders also use this finish—compared to the desirable nitrocellulose finish that can be found on custom shop Fenders.
Perhaps the biggest thing remains the name on the headstock. Fender does inherently carry more prestige than Squier, though there is no shame in playing a Squier, with even huge names such as Mike Rutherford, Ed O’Brien, and countless others, opting for Squier instruments when they would have the choice of whatever guitar they wanted. This demonstrates the quality of Squier instruments, which should really be the only thing that matters when buying a guitar. Besides, we think there is something pretty cool about thrashing a Squier Strat around on stage, rather than being scared that your $2,000 guitar might pick up a tiny ding… that’s not very rock ‘n’ roll.
What's the difference between a vintage and modern Strat?
Many Strats may be referred to as ‘vintage’ models, despite being manufactured recently. This will be because they more closely adhere to the classic construction methods and styles in a bid to imitate guitars from a particular era—with guitars from the ’50s and ‘60s being the most commonly replicated. Modern Stratocasters won’t so closely stick to those older models’ construction and may have updated electronics, pickup configurations, and components, as well as ergonomic advantages, such as modern-shaped necks, which tend to be thinner than the fat, vintage Strat necks, and carved heel joints that make accessing the upper frets easier than on vintage models.
Though ‘vintage’ stirs images of classic Strat players and a belief that by simply buying vintage, you will be blessed with the ability of Clapton, Beck, or Hendrix, the reality is that a more modern Strat might be a better fit for you and your playing style. Neither style is better than the other, as such, they're just different styles for different kinds of players.
Where are Fender Stratocasters made?
Fender Stratocasters are generally crafted in Mexico, Japan, and the United States, with the prices of the models made in each location going up respectively. With price comes quality, and there is a consensus that Japanese and American Fender Stratocasters tend to be of a higher quality than their Mexican counterparts, though the gap has closed over recent years.
In the United States, Corona, California is Strat HQ and has been since 1985. Everything from the ‘standard’ line of US-made Strats to their high-end, custom shop guitars comes out of this legendary facility. Fender’s Japanese models come out of two factories, FujiGen Gakki and Dyna Gakki, whilst their Mexican line comes out of Ensenada, Baja California.
The Squier range of Stratocasters is crafted in the Far East, with mass manufacturing creating an economy of scale, with huge amounts of materials bought at once, meaning savings are passed on to the consumers. Historically far Eastern factories have had a bad reputation, but this simply isn’t true anymore, with countless manufacturers now creating high-end instruments from these factories alongside more budget-friendly options.
How much should I spend on a Strat?
This question is always going to be very personal to your own situation because there really is no limit to how much you can spend on a Strat. The cheapest full-size Squier option, the Sonic Strat, comes in at under $200, whilst David Gilmour’s infamous black Stratocaster used on the recording of The Dark Side of the Moon (and many others) fetched $3,975,000.
If you are on a budget Squier’s range of Stratocaster is hard to beat. The Classic Vibe range has long been a favorite of ours and stands up to even competition from Fender. You should have your pick of the majority of Squier’s range with a budget of up to $500.
If having a Fender name on the headstock is imperative, the Mexican-made line of Fender Player II series guitars is superb value for money if you’re desperate to get your hands on a bonafide Fender instrument. You’ll need to stretch your budget to upwards of $700 for this, but there are great options below the $1,000 mark.
Above the $1,000 price point, you begin to go into Japanese and American-made instruments, which can vary in price drastically. These guitars are another level when it comes to quality and if you’re looking for the very best from Fender’s standard production line, this is the budget you will be looking at.
If you have Gilmour-Strat money, there is no shortage of custom shop options from Fender, and you can even spec your Stratocaster to your own particular preferences. It should only set you back several thousand dollars, rather than millions—a bargain!
How we test
At Guitar Player, our team of devoted guitarists understands the iconic status of the Stratocaster. We have rigorously tested and evaluated numerous guitars to identify the best Stratocasters available and many of us play Stratocasters at live shows, in the studio, and at home.
To compile our list of top Stratocasters, we combine our extensive experience, meticulous research, and insightful discussions with our editorial team. We consider factors such as tone, playability, craftsmanship, hardware, and value for money, ensuring that we showcase the finest Stratocaster guitars on the market.
As passionate musicians ourselves, we recognize the significance of finding a guitar that captures your unique voice and style. Whether you're a blues purist, a rock virtuoso, or an experimental player pushing sonic boundaries, our goal is to provide reliable and informed recommendations that help you discover the perfect Stratocaster guitar for your musical journey.
Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.
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