This　work　presents　comprehensive　experimental　studies　on　performance　comparisons　between　V-　and　Z-shaped　electrothermal　microactuators.　The　V-　and　Z-shaped　electrothermal　microactuators　are　fabricated　by　depositing　a　copper　layer　on　each　side　of　SU-8　photoresist.　The　steady-state　output　displacement　and　dynamic　responses　of　V-　and　Z-shaped　actuators　are　compared　based　on　experimental　testing.　In　addition,　a　unique　actuator　with　mixed　V-　and　Z-shaped　beams　is　designed　and　tested　to　further　compare　the　force　output　capabilities　of　the　V-　and　Z-shaped　beams.　Experimental　data　is　acquired　based　on　image　processing,　and　a　parallel　spring　model　is　proposed　to　analyze　the　experimental　results.　Comprehensive　discussions　are　given　to　provide　insights　and　guidance　on　the　selection　and　design　of　the　V-　and　Z-shaped　electrothermal　micoactuators.　©　2018　IEEE.