Who else wants to find the best budget Stratocaster?
Finding the best budget Stratocaster can be a frustrating experience.
It’s difficult to choose which one will serve you best, and the different features can be confusing.
Plus, you don’t want to purchase one model only to discover it’s not the one for you.
But don’t worry! We’ve done the research, compared the models, discussed the features, and chosen the best budget Stratocasters for you.
Check it out!
The Best Budget Stratocaster: Best Overall
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that’s friendly to your budget, and packed with features? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster.
It has a poplar body in classic Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish making it packed with easy to play classic Strat-tones.
The maple neck is in a slim “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it has a vintage-style playing feel like a classic Stratocaster.
With 21 medium jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard adds a classic look and a comfortable feel.
The 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups in the neck, middle and bridge positions ensure you can play classic Stratocaster tones. Plus, with a master volume control, and separate tone controls for the neck pickup, and one for the middle pickup you’ll easily be able to craft your sound.
Lastly, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo adds vibrato to your sound while ensuring intonation is easy.
Pros
- Also Available with Maple Fretboard
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Comes with Free Guitar Lessons
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster has the classic Stratocaster sounds and playing feel you’re after, at a very affordable price.
We think you’ll agree that it’s the best Stratocaster available under $300.
Why wait? Click here to get yours now.
The Best Budget Stratocaster: Best Budget
Squier Bullet Strat HT HSS
Are you interested in a Stratocaster that is stylish, versatile, and very budget friendly? Then check out the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS.
It has a Poplar body and a bolt-on neck in classic Stratocaster shape so it’s lightweight and comfortable to play but still has that classic Strat playing feel.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″. As a result, it has a very vintage-style playing feel and is comfortable to play.
Plus, the Indian laurel fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets and white Pearloid dot inlays so it looks classic and delivers a modern playing experience.
With single-coil pickups at the neck, and middle positions, and a Standard humbucker at the bridge, this Stratocaster offers a wide variety of classic and modern tones and is well suited to playing distorted sounds.
Lastly, the bridge is an individual saddle hardtail so it doesn’t have the hassle and tuning problems of a tremolo.
Pros
- Comes in 3 Colors
- Also Available With a Single Coil Bridge Pickup
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- Only Comes with an Indian Laurel Fretboard
All in all, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS is a very versatile guitar that’s friendly to your wallet and has the classic Strat looks and tones.
We think you’ll find it’s perfect for anyone looking for a Stratocaster that can play contemporary tones at a very affordable price.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Budget Stratocaster: Best Runner-Up
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS
Are you looking for a budget Stratocaster that has contemporary looks and modern features? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS.
It has a poplar body with a bolt-on neck and a sparkle pickguard so it’s lightweight, resonant, and has a contemporary look.
The maple neck is in a slim “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″. As a result, it’s very comfortable to play on and has a vintage-style feel.
With 21 medium jumbo frets and simple dot inlays, the Indan laurel fretboard adds a classic look, and tone to your sound.
Additionally, two single-coil pickups at the neck and middle positions ensure a classic Strat sound while the humbucker at the bridge adds the adds versatility and fatter, warmer tones.
Lastly, the vintage style 6 saddle tremolo ensures the classic Stratocaster sounds while adding tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in 4 Finishes
Cons
- Only Comes with an Indian Laurel Fretboard
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS delivers a contemporary look, and sound at an affordable price.
We think you’ll agree that it’s an excellent budget Stratocaster for anyone who wants contemporary looks, tones, and features.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Budget Stratocaster: Best Under $200
Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica
Are you looking for a high-quality, versatile guitar that’s easy to play? Then check out the Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica.
While not strictly a Stratocaster, it is a Strat-style guitar that’s got the qualities and features of a Stratocaster.
It has a mahogany body with a bolt-on neck so it has a great tone and similar playability to a Strat.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape with a radius of 13.75″ so it’s very comfortable for your hand and very playable.
With a rosewood or walnut fretboard that has 22 medium frets and dot inlays, it has a classic look, and a solid tone similar to a Stratocaster.
Additionally, it features single-coil pickups at the neck and middle positions, and a humbucker at the bridge giving you extra tonal versatility.
Finally, the vintage-style tremolo lets you add some vibrato while helping with tuning stability and keeping intonation straightforward.
Pros
- Comes in Multiple Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica is a great option if you’re looking for a budget Stratocaster.
We think you’ll find that it has the features and playability that make Strats great, and the quality and affordability that Yamaha is known for.
See for yourself. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Budget Stratocaster: Best Under $100
Z ZTDM Electric Guitar
Are you ready for a very wallet-friendly electric guitar that is inspired by the Stratocaster and is available for under $100? Then check out the Z ZTDM Electric Guitar.
While it’s not made by Fender or Squier, it does have the features and design of a Stratocaster at a rock bottom price.
It has a Strat-shaped body made of basswood and a bolt-on neck making it lightweight, resonant, and comfortable to play.
The maple neck has a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets and small dot inlays so it adds a classic tone to your sound and has a classic Stratocaster look.
Plus, the 3 single-coil pickups are controlled by a 5-way switch, a master volume control, 2 tone controls just like on a Strat, so it has the tonal versatility and configuration to play Strat-style sounds.
Finally, the tremolo features individual saddles so intonation is a breeze, plus you’ll be able to add some vibrato to your sound.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Comes in a Package with Gig Bag, Strap, and Cables
Cons
- Quality Control can be Hit or Miss at this Price Point
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Z ZTDM Electric Guitar has all the Strat looks and features you’re after at a price that’s very friendly to any budget.
We think you’ll find that it’s an excellent choice for a budget Stratocaster.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Budget Stratocaster: FAQ
- What is the best Stratocaster for the money?
- See our Best Overall pick. Also, this post, and this one for more Stratocaster recommendation.s
- What is the cheapest Stratocaster?
- That would be our Best Budget pick.
- Who makes the best Stratocaster copy?
- See this post for our recommendations.
- Is a Stratocaster good for a beginner?
- Yes. It has a timeless design and lots versatility. See this post for our recommendations.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
