Best Electric Guitars of 2026

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Electric guitars are a popular choice for musicians of all genres, from rock to jazz to country. These instruments use pickups to convert the sound of the strings into an electric signal, which can then be amplified and manipulated to create a unique tone. With a wide range of styles and brands available, there is an electric guitar to suit every player's preferences and budget. Some of the most iconic electric guitars include the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul, both of which have been used by countless famous musicians over the years. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, an electric guitar is a versatile and exciting instrument to explore.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit Cover #TOP 1
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit Cover #TOP 2
DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster Cover #TOP 3
Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Electric Guitars

#TOP 1

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit

0379800006
Black
Full Size
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit Cover
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, with Padded Gig Bag, Frontman 10G Amp, Strap, and More, Includes Free Lessons, Black

The Fender Guitar Kit includes a Squier Debut Series Stratocaster electric guitar, Frontman 10G amp, padded gig bag, strap, cable, picks, clip-on tuner, guitar stand, and extra strings. Perfect for beginners, this kit offers comfort and playability with its iconic design, comfortable neck, and lightweight body. You also get free lessons with a Fender Play subscription to enhance your skills. Backed by a 2-year warranty, this kit ensures quality and craftsmanship for both kids and adults.

What We Like
Complete beginner kit
High quality accessories
Great sound and amp
Easy to tune and play
Free online lessons
What We Don't Like
Minor string buzzing
Volume knob placement
#TOP 2

DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit

DST-80
Matte Black
DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit Cover
DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar 39” Beginner Electric Guitar Kit with Amp, Classic SSS Pickup Complete with Gig Bag, Tuner, Capo, Strap, Picks, and Free Online Lessons

The DONNER Electric Guitar Set is designed for beginners, offering everything you need to start playing right away. This complete package includes the DST-80 electric guitar, a custom 5W amplifier, and essential accessories like a gig bag, tuner, and picks. The amp features two settings, allowing you to jam along with your favorite media effortlessly. With its classic SSS pickup configuration, this guitar produces bright tones perfect for various genres. Plus, the comfortable neck and user-friendly design enhance your playing experience, making it easy to practice and perform. You’ll feel inspired to explore your musical creativity!

What We Like
Beginner-friendly
Durable build
Affordable price
Complete accessory set
Clear sound quality
What We Don't Like
Minor amp issues
Basic strap and case
#TOP 3

Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster

0379600506
Black
Full
Fender Squier Debut Stratocaster Cover
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish

The Fender Debut Stratocaster is an ideal choice for beginners of all ages. With its comfortable "c" shaped neck and lightweight body, you can play for hours without discomfort. The guitar features three single-coil pickups that provide a variety of classic tones, enhancing your musical experience. Plus, you’ll receive a free subscription to Fender Play, offering thousands of lessons that help you learn your favorite songs. With a 2-year warranty, you can feel confident in your purchase, knowing it’s backed by Fender’s legacy of quality craftsmanship.

What We Like
Affordable price
Good build quality
Beginner-friendly setup
Comfortable and lightweight
Classic Stratocaster tone
What We Don't Like
Minor quality control issues
Slight pickguard color oddity
#TOP 4

ZENY 39" Electric Guitar Starter Package

FBA_Zeny01015
Blue
39''
ZENY 39" Electric Guitar Starter Package Cover
ZENY 39" Full Size Electric Guitar with Amp, Case and Accessories Pack Beginner Starter Package, Blue Ideal Christmas Thanksgiving Holiday Gift

The ZENY 39" Full Size Electric Guitar with Amp, Case and Accessories Pack Beginner Starter Package is the perfect choice for aspiring guitarists. This right-handed electric guitar is made of an all wood construction, steel strings, and an attractive, smooth finish. It comes with a nylon carrying case, extra strings, strap, cable, and guitar picks, as well as an amplifier, making it ready to use out of the box. Customers have praised the product for its quality and value, making it an ideal gift for any holiday.

What We Like
Great value for price
Full starter kit included
Solid and comfortable build
Clear, powerful sound
Attractive aesthetics
What We Don't Like
Minor setup adjustments needed
Amp has low volume
#TOP 5

Gretsch Electromatic Jet Guitar

Gretsch
EMJETDCM
Gretsch Electromatic Jet Guitar Cover
Gretsch Electromatic Jet Electric Guitar - Dark Cherry Metallic

The Gretsch Electromatic Jet offers powerful sound thanks to its two humbucking pickups, which help reduce unwanted noise while delivering rich tones. Its solid body, topped with maple, adds durability and brightens your sound, making it ideal for various music styles. The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface, enhancing your comfort and control during performances. Additionally, the mahogany body offers warmth and depth to your guitar’s overall tone. With the Gretsch Electromatic Jet, you get a well-balanced guitar designed for both comfort and versatile sound quality.

What We Like
Humbucking pickups
Maple top
Rosewood fingerboard
Mahogany body
#TOP 6

Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar Kit

EC1417
Ice Blue
Full Size
Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar Kit Cover
Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar, 39" Beginner Electric Guitar Kit, HSS Pickup with Coil Split, Guitar Starter Set with Amp, Bag, All Accessories, Metallic Ice Blue

The Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar Kit is a beginner-friendly guitar that includes HSS pickups with coil split function, C-shaped neck profile, vintage style tuning machine, and an all-in-one bundle with everything you need to start playing. The humbucking pickups and coil split function allow for 7 modes sound, while the C-shaped neck with built-in neck stiffener and Laurel Wood fingerboard provide comfortable playability. The vintage style tuning machine ensures maximum tuning stability, and the all-in-one bundle includes an amp, bag, capo, strap, string, tuner, Allen wrench, guitar rocker, cable and pick.

What We Like
Impressive sound quality
Comfortable neck and fretboard
Great value for beginners
Solid build quality
Versatile tone options
What We Don't Like
Basic stock strings
Minor tuner or machine head issue
#TOP 7

Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Electric Guitar Kit

DST-100S
Sunburst
39" Right Handed
Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Electric Guitar Kit Cover
Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst, Beginner Starter, with Amplifier, Bag, Capo, Strap, String, Tuner, Cable, Picks

The Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit is the perfect starter package for aspiring guitarists. It features H-S-S pickups, a Canadian maple neck with “C” shaped profile, 22 copper-nickel frets, and a portable mini amplifier. The kit also includes a 600D quality bag, capo, strap, extra string, digital tuner, amp cable, and picks as gifts. With free online lessons, you can start playing right away!

What We Like
Affordable starter kit
Good sound quality
Rechargeable portable amp
Bluetooth connectivity
Complete beginner accessories
What We Don't Like
No battery in tuner
Slightly sharp fret edges
#TOP 8

Donner Kids Electric Guitar Beginner Kit

EC1376
Full Size
Donner Kids Electric Guitar Beginner Kit Cover
Donner 30 Inch Kids Electric Guitar Beginner Kits ST Style Mini Electric Guitar for Boys Girls with Amp, 600D Bag, Tuner, Picks, Cable, Strap, Extra Strings, DSJ-100, Red

The Donner Kids Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is designed for children with rock and roll dreams. The mini-size and ergonomic design make it easier for small learners to play, reducing muscle pressure and protecting their skin from damage. Despite its smaller size, the guitar produces a full sound, with a classic single-coil pickup suitable for most musical styles. The kit comes fully equipped with picks, cables, a gig bag, a strap, and a professional amp with both distortion and clean channels.

What We Like
Good sound quality
Perfect size for kids
Complete accessory kit
Sturdy build
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Minor fret edge roughness
Speaker quality could improve

Best Choice Products 39in Electric Guitar Starter Kit

SKY1032
Jet Black
39in
Best Choice Products 39in Electric Guitar Starter Kit Cover
Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/Case, Strap, 10W Amp, Strings, Pick, Tremolo Bar - Jet Black

The Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit is an all-in-one package for aspiring guitarists. It comes with an amplifier and cable, a nylon carrying case, extra strings, a pick, whammy bar, electronic tuner, and a shoulder strap with an attached pick holder. The guitar is custom designed and hand crafted with a Rosewood fretboard and maple neck to convert vibrations to a rich, quintessential rock sound. It features adjustable sound to play different styles and genres of music, and the tremolo bridge system allows you to bend the pitch as you play.

What We Like
Excellent value for money
Beginner-friendly setup
Good sound quality
Attractive color options
Includes useful accessories
What We Don't Like
Minor accessory durability issues
Occasional shipping or packaging problems
#TOP 10

AKLOT Metal V Electric Guitar

VAL-CF
VAL-CF Red
AKLOT Metal V Electric Guitar Cover
AKLOT Metal V Electric Guitar: HH Pickups, Roasted Maple Neck, Okoume Body, String-Through-Body, Stainless Steel Rounded Ball-End Frets, Beginner Electric Guitar Kit for Adult, Gig Bag,Lesson Book,Red

The AKLOT Metal V Guitar is designed for metal players who want powerful sound and solid build quality. Its okoume body and string-through design give you strong, lasting sustain and tuning stability, so your notes ring out clearly even during aggressive playing. The roasted maple neck and fingerboard add warmth and precise tone, helping your music sound full and clear. Plus, the custom humbucker pickups deliver rich, dynamic metal tones that can handle everything from heavy riffs to melodic solos. This guitar is built to help you play with confidence and express your style on stage or at practice.

What We Like
Lightweight and ergonomic design
Beautiful woodwork and finish
Clean, sustained sound quality
Good value for the price
Beginner-friendly features included
What We Don't Like
Lacks accessories like strap
Minor gig bag issue
Buying Guide Image

Decide Which Electric Guitars Are Best for You

Introduction

Electric guitars have been around for more than a century, yet they remain one of the most popular instruments among musicians of all genres. From classic rock to jazz to metal, they are a staple of the music industry. But with so many different models and types to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

Consider Your Style

The first step in choosing an electric guitar is to decide on the type of music you want to play. Different styles of electric guitar have different sounds, so it's important to find one that suits your style.

For example, if you're looking for a classic rock sound, you'll need a guitar with a humbucker pickup, which is a type of pickup that uses two coils to produce a thick, warm sound. If you're looking for a more modern rock sound, then a guitar with single-coil pickups will do the trick.

Price and Quality

Once you've decided on a style, the next step is to consider your budget. Electric guitars can range from the very inexpensive (under $100) to the very expensive (thousands of dollars). How much you're willing to spend will depend on the quality of the guitar you're looking for.

Generally, the more expensive guitars have better sound quality and craftsmanship. They also tend to have higher-quality pickups, which can make a huge difference in your sound.

Playability

The last thing to consider when choosing an electric guitar is playability. This refers to how easily the guitar is to play. If a guitar is too heavy or has too much tension on the strings, it can be hard to play and can become uncomfortable for long practice sessions.

To check playability, try a few different guitars at a music store and see which one feels the most comfortable.

Conclusion

Choosing an electric guitar can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and research, you can find the perfect guitar for your style and budget. Keep in mind the type of music you want to play, your budget, and the playability of the guitar to find the one that's right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 4 types of electric guitars?

There are four main types of electric guitars: solid-body guitars, hollow-body guitars, semi-hollow body guitars, and acoustic-electric guitars. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is suited for different styles of music and playing preferences.

2. Can I play electric guitar without an amp?

Yes, you can play an electric guitar without an amp. While it may not produce the same volume and tone as when played through an amplifier, you can still practice and improve your skills while playing unplugged. The only drawback is that it will be much quieter, so it's best suited for quiet environments where you can still hear the notes you're playing.

Editor's Notes

During our electric guitar research, we found 24 electric guitar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 108,958 customer reviews through our big data system to write the electric guitars list. We found that most customers choose electric guitars with an average price of $180.43.

The electric guitars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of electric guitars, including Fender, Donner, ZENY, Gretsch, Best Choice Products. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.

Electric Guitars Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Fender Donner Fender ZENY Gretsch Donner Donner Donner Best Choice Products AKLOT
Item Weight 29 pounds 16.17 pounds 9.92 pounds 17.52 pounds 11.4 pounds 13.8 pounds 14.47 pounds 6.73 pounds 5.5 pounds 7.94 pounds
Color Name Black Matte Black Black Blue Dark Cherry Metallic Ice Blue Sunburst Red Jet Black VAL-CF Red
Color Black Matte Black Black Blue Dark Cherry Metallic Ice Blue Sunburst Red Jet Black VAL-CF Red
Back Material Poplar Manchurian Ash Poplar Basswood - Poplar Wood Poplar Wood Poplar Popular Wood Okoume Wood
Body Material Poplar Ash Wood Poplar Wood - Poplar Poplar Poplar Solid Okoume
Fretboard Material Laurel Wood HPL Laurel Wood Rosewood - Laurel Wood Purpleheart Maple Engineered Wood Roasted Maple Wood
Guitar Pickup Configuration S-S-S S-S-S S-S-S S - H-S-S H-S-S S S H-H
String Material Nickel Nickel Plated Steel Nickel Alloy Steel - Nickel Plated Nickel Plated Nickel Plated Alloy Steel Alloy Steel
Top Material Poplar Wood Ash Wood Poplar Wood Basswood - Polar Poplar Wood Poplar Wood Maple Wood Okoume Wood
Neck Material Type Maple Maple Maple Wood - Maple Maple Maple Wood Roasted Maple Wood
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy