Who else wants to find the best Stratocaster under $300?
Finding the best Stratocaster under $300 can be a frustrating experience.
The different models and options can be confusing, and take the joy out of buying a new guitar.
Plus, you don’t want to make the wrong decision and buy a guitar that you won’t enjoy playing.
You can put your worries to rest! We’ve done the research, and chosen the best Stratocasters that are available on the market today.
True, two of our recommendations are not Stratocasters, they’re Strat-type electric guitars that are excellent choices if you’re on a budget.
We think you’ll agree that these are the best ones available today.
Check it out!
The Best Stratocaster under 300 Dollars: Best Overall
Squier Affinity Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that’s affordable and packed full of value? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster.
It has a poplar body in the classic Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish so it’s got the classic Strat-tones and is easy to play.
The maple neck has a slim “C” shape, and a radius of 9.5″ so it’s comfortable and has a vintage-style playing feel like a classic Stratocaster.
With 21 medium jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has a classic look and a comfortable feel.
The 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups in the neck, middle and bridge positions ensure classic Stratocaster tones with a master volume control, and a tone control for the neck pickup, and one for the middle pickup.
Finally, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while ensuring intonation is easy.
Pros
- Also Available with Maple Fretboard
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Comes with Free Guitar Lessons
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is a value-packed electric guitar that embodies the classic Stratocaster tones and playing experience.
We think you’ll agree that it’s the best Stratocaster available under $300.
Why wait? Click here to get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster under 300 Dollars: Best Budget
Z ZTDM Full Size 39″
Are you ready for a well-reviewed Stratocaster-inspired electric guitar that is available for under $100? Then the Z ZTDM Electric Guitar is for you.
While it’s technically not a Stratocaster, it does have all of the features that make a Stratocaster such a popular electric guitar.
It has a Strat-shaped body made of basswood and a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, resonant, and easy to play.
The neck is made of maple and has a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets and small dot inlays so it has a classic tone and a Stratocaster-look.
Additionally, the 3 single-coil pickups are controlled by a 5-way switch, a master volume control, 2 tone controls so it has the versatility and time-tested configuration to play a wide variety of styles.
Finally, the tremolo features individual saddles so intonation is a breeze, and you can add some vibrato to your playing.
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
All in all, the Z ZTDM Electric Guitar has all the Strat-style looks and features you’re looking for at a price that’s very friendly to your budget.
We think you’ll find that it’s an excellent alternative to a Squier Stratocaster.
Don’t wait! Click here and get yours today.
The Best Stratocaster under 300 Dollars: Best Runner-Up
Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS
Are you looking for a more modern Stratocaster that has the looks and features modern players prefer? Then you’re looking for the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS.
It has a poplar body with a bolt-on neck and a sparkle pickguard so it’s resonant, has a contemporary look, and a classic playing feel.
The “C” shaped maple neck is slim and comfortable to play. Plus, it has a vintage playing feel thanks to its radius of 9.5″.
With 21 medium jumbo frets and simple dot inlays, the Indan laurel fretboard is easy to play and has a classic look.
Plus, two single-coil pickups at the neck and middle positions and a humbucker pickup at the bridge mean it has a wide range of tones. The addition of a bridge humbucker makes this Strat especially suited to playing fatter, warmer sounds.
Lastly, the vintage style 6 saddle tremolo adds the classic Stratocaster sound while making intonation a breeze.
Pros
- Available in 4 Finishes
Cons
- Only Comes with an Indian Laurel Fretboard
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS adds contemporary looks and features to an already iconic design
We think you’ll find it’s well suited to players who are looking for more modern looks, and features.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster under 300 Dollars: Best Under $200
Squier Bullet Strat HT HSS
Are you interested in a Stratocaster that is affordable, versatile, and looks great? 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, and still has that classic Strat sound.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ giving it a very vintage-style playing feel, while still being comfortable to play.
Additionally, the Indian laurel fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets and white Pearloid dot inlays so it looks classic, and plays smoothly.
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 tones and is well suited to playing distorted sounds.
Lastly, the bridge is an individual saddle hardtail so you can easily intonate your guitar, without the hassle and tuning stability 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
As can be seen, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS is an affordable Stratocaster that has classic looks and versatile tones.
We think you’ll find it well suited to beginners who are looking to play contemporary music.
Don’t hesitate! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster under 300 Dollars: Best Under $150
Ibanez Gio GRX20Z
Are you looking for a very affordable Strat-type electric guitar that’s easy to play and is ready to play heavier tones? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRX20Z.
Although this isn’t strictly a Stratocaster, you can see for yourself that it’s a Super-Strat design that’s suited to more heavy styles of music.
It has a poplar body in Ibanez’s classic RG shape with a bolt-on neck, so it’s lightweight, resonant, and easy to play up the neck.
The GRX-shaped maple neck has a 12″ radius which is flat enough for chords and very comfortable for playing leads.
With dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the jatoba fretboard adds a rich mid-range and a crisp high-end tone to your sound.
The Ibanez Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions are controlled by a master volume knob, master tone knob, and a 5-way switch. This makes them perfect for playing heavier, distorted tones as well as cleaner tones thanks to the split-coil wiring of the 5-way switch.
Finally, the T106 tremolo lets you add vibrato to your playing while making intonation easy and keeping your tuning stable.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Ibanez Gio GRX20Z is a great choice if you’re looking for a very affordable Strat-style guitar that’s designed to play heavier tones.
We think you’ll find that it has exceptional quality and easy playability at a very affordable price.
Don’t delay! Click here and order yours now!
The Best Stratocaster under 300 Dollars: FAQ
- What is the best Stratocaster for the money?
- See our Best Overall and our Best Budget recommendations.
- Is Les Paul or Stratocaster better?
- That depends on who you ask. Les Pauls are great guitars, but for a beginner or a first guitar, we’d recommend a Stratocaster. See this post for more recommendations.
- Who makes the best Strat-style guitar?
- Is HSS better than SSS?
- If you’re looking for more classic tones or playing traditional music, you’ll probably be happier with SSS. If you’re playing through distortion, or want more modern tones, try HSS. See our Best Runner-Up recommendation for a quality HSS Stratocaster.
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.
