Quick answer: The best Fender guitar for most players is the Fender Player II Stratocaster, a versatile, well-built Strat at a mid-range price. Beginners should look at the Squier Sonic or Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster, while the American Professional II Strat is the pro choice. For acoustic, the Fender CD-60S is a solid starter.
Fender gave the world the Telecaster and the Stratocaster, two of the most copied electric guitars ever made. Today, Fender and its Squier brand cover every budget, from beginner packs to American-made instruments, plus a line of affordable acoustics.
Here are seven currently sold Fender and Squier guitars, with who each suits and how Fender’s series compare.
New to this? Start with our guide on how to choose an electric guitar.
Related: best offset guitars, how to identify a Fender Custom Shop guitar, and best jazz guitars.
New to this? You may also like my guides to best electric guitars and best strings for a Stratocaster.
Our top picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fender Player II Stratocaster | Most players | Three Player Series Alnico 5 single-coils, 2-point tremolo, modern C neck | Check current price |
| Fender Player II Telecaster | Worship, country and rock rhythm | Two single-coils, 3-way switch, string-through body | Check current price |
| Fender American Professional II Stratocaster | Professional players | V-Mod II pickups, Deep C neck with rolled edges, cold-rolled steel tremolo block, case | Check current price |
| Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster | Best value vintage-style Strat | Fender-designed Alnico single-coils, vintage tint neck, vintage-style tremolo | Check current price |
| Squier Sonic Stratocaster | Beginners on a budget | Thin, light body, slim C neck, three single-coils | Check current price |
| Fender CD-60S | Budget Fender acoustic | Solid spruce top, dreadnought, easy-to-play neck | Check current price |
| Fender CP-60S Parlor | Small-bodied acoustic | Solid spruce top, parlor body | Check current price |
Best Fender Guitars: reviews
1. Fender Player II Stratocaster — best for most players
Key features: Three Player Series Alnico 5 single-coils, 2-point tremolo, modern C neck
The Player II Stratocaster is Fender’s core mid-range Strat. It has three single-coil pickups, a five-way switch and a two-point tremolo, giving you the classic glassy cleans, quacky in-between positions and bluesy bite that made the Strat famous.
It’s versatile enough for worship, blues, pop and rock, and it’s the Fender I’d recommend to most people buying their first serious electric guitar.
Pros:
- Classic Strat versatility
- Good build quality for the price
- Comfortable neck
Cons:
- Single-coils can hum with high gain
- Gig bag not included
2. Fender Player II Telecaster — best for worship, country and rock rhythm
Key features: Two single-coils, 3-way switch, string-through body
The Telecaster is simple, tough and bright. Its bridge pickup cuts through a band mix, and the neck pickup gives warm, round tones. Many worship guitarists use a Tele with delay and reverb for ambient parts.
The Player II Tele keeps the classic formula with modern playability.
Pros:
- Cuts through a mix
- Simple controls
- Sturdy design
Cons:
- Fewer tones than a Strat
- Bridge pickup can be sharp
3. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster — best for professional players
Key features: V-Mod II pickups, Deep C neck with rolled edges, cold-rolled steel tremolo block, case
The American Professional II is Fender’s flagship modern Strat, made in Corona, California. It has V-Mod II single-coil pickups, a comfortable neck with rolled fingerboard edges and an upgraded tremolo.
If you gig regularly and want an instrument for the long haul, this is the Strat to aim for.
Pros:
- American-made quality
- Refined pickups
- Includes case
Cons:
- Expensive
- More than beginners need
4. Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster — best for best value vintage-style Strat
Key features: Fender-designed Alnico single-coils, vintage tint neck, vintage-style tremolo
The Classic Vibe series is often praised as some of the best value in electric guitars. The ’60s Strat has vintage styling, Alnico pickups and a tinted neck at a Squier price.
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