For most guitarists, investing in one of the best practise amps on the market is inevitable. Although acquiring a beautiful tone at a volume that won’t disturb your family or neighbours is rewarding, we are aware that it might be entertaining to acquire the biggest, loudest amp available.
Fortunately, the practise amp market is flourishing better than ever, and there are more high-quality items available every day. This directory includes amps from well-known brands like Marshall, Vox, and Fender as well as some ingenious new options from Line 6, Yamaha, Boss, and other manufacturers. Something in this collection will meet your needs and stay inside your budget.
There is something here for everyone, whether you want to spend a little or a lot, and none of these amps will set you back the earth. Practice amps are usually on the more affordable end of the spectrum by nature, but we’ve included several more expensive, all-tube models for you to consider.
Table of Contents
Yamaha THR30II Wireless Desktop Amp
- Realistic tube-amp tones and feel plus essential effects
- 15 Guitar amps, 3 bass amps, 3 mic models for acoustic-electrics, and flat...
- Bluetooth support for audio playback, editing via THR Remote, and more
The THR30II is a desktop-friendly guitar amplifier by Yamaha, designed to meet the needs of current computer-based home studios. This amp is still in demand, especially now that home recording via computer is the norm.
THR10 II’s powerful virtual circuitry modelling allows it to capture tube amp-like guitar tones. The THR10 II’s amp emulation and built-in sound effects are exactly what you need to make your guitar practise sessions simple and enjoyable. This combo amp’s sound is also louder than cabinets with similar ratings. It demonstrates Yamaha’s in-depth awareness of the needs of a rapidly developing community of guitarists.
With the THR Remote app installed on your phone, controlling the many presets, EQ settings, effects, and emulations is a breeze. Instead of utilising the physical knobs, you can adjust your tone using a smartphone touchscreen. Of course, the amp’s variety of buttons and dials on top may be used to fine-tune it. I also appreciate the thought of no longer having to rely on electricity outlets. This amp already has a rechargeable battery, making it ideal for touring guitarists.
It features the same Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) technology seen in previous THR amplifiers, which employs component modelling to improve realism. 15 guitar amp versions, 3 bass amp models, 3 mic models, and a flat mode are among the sonic options. Built-in reverb, delay, and modulation effects, as well as Bluetooth compatibility and USB direct recording, are among the other features.
Despite its high price, the THR10 II Wireless is one of the best amplifiers you can buy for your home. It’s a fantastic recording tool, with a great-sounding amp emulator, wireless connectivity, superb portability, and incredible playback. This is the Best Practice Amp in 2023.
Marshall Code 25
- Authentic modelling of Marshall tones with pro quality FX
- 14 MST preamps, 4 MST power amps, and 8 MST speaker cabinets
- Connect via Bluetooth to stream music from your iOS or Android device
It’s one thing to have the perfect practice combo amp; it’s quite another to have access to a multitude of inspiring sounds in a budget-friendly package. With over 100 high-quality presets to supercharge your creations at home, on the road, or in the studio, the Marshall Code 25 digital combo amp meets this description to a tee.
With 25 watts and a full-bodied 10-inch speaker, you may mix and match digitally modeled preamps, power amps, and speaker-cab emulations to your heart’s content for superb results at bar shows and small club gigs. With a silent headphone amp to keep the neighbor’s happy, it’s no wonder that the Marshall Code 25 is on our list of the best beginner amps this year.
Combine 14 preamps, 4 power amps, and 8 speaker cab emulations to create the ideal tone for any song, from sparkling clean to vintage Marshall crunch to high-gain metal mayhem. Then save any of the 24 digital effects, such as velvety reverb, shimmering chorus, or classic overdrive pedal versions, for quick recall during practise or onstage.
When you’ve created as many iconic guitar amplifiers as Marshall modeling amps has, it’s only natural to want to put those tones to good use. Why model other people’s amplifiers when you can have preamp models of the JCM800, Bluesbreaker Plexi, and Silver Jubilee? This is another example of the “best hits” approach; why model other people’s amplifiers when you can have preamp models of the JCM800, Bluesbreaker Plexi, and Silver Jubilee? Fans of ‘80s metal, Eric Clapton, and Slash should be ecstatic just by reading that.
The Marshall Code 25 is a travel-friendly combination amp that is the best deals in packing decades of legendary Marshall sounds. Mix and blend digitally modelled Marshall preamps, power amps, and speaker cab emulations to design realistic tones for the stage and studio, or browse over 100 presets for immediate inspiration at home or on the road for rock and metal at this price point. The Marshall Code 25 is perfect for small club gigs, with 25 watts and a full-voiced 10″ speaker. A silent headphone amp delivers classic Marshall crunch right to your ears without disturbing coworkers for some quick stress relief at the office. This is the Best Practice Amplifier in 2023.
Fender Mustang LT-25 Digital Guitar Amplifier
- The Fender Mustang LT25 Guitar Amplifier features 25 watts,...
- This amp comes with an 8 inch Fender special design guitar speaker for the...
- The simple user interface with 1.8 inch color display makes this amp an...
Fender’s entry-level digital modelling amp is a no-brainer for those searching for a hassle-free, budget-friendly practise amp with a lot more going on beneath the hood than its minimalist exterior suggests. Fender’s introduction into the low-level market continues to receive positive feedback, and the LT 25 is one of their most popular sub-$200 amps.
The tube combo amp tones given here are described by Fender as the “best hits” of guitar tones. You can choose from 20 amp models and 25 effects, which include modulation, filters, pitch-shifting, delay, and reverbs. When we think of Fender, we think of gleaming cleans and red-hot sizzle as the gain is turned up; the LT25 has all of that, plus the ability to perform high gain.
You may joyfully press down the encoder and save or scrub as you please, setting the LT25 up how you like it with 50 presets available, 30 preloaded from the factory. There’s a usb connectivity for recording your performance, a guitar tuner to keep you on track, and a headphones output for quiet practise. That’s all there is to it.
With its good combination of features and straightforward management, this tube tone is frequently referred to as a great practice amp. Many people use this as their main plug-and-play amp at home because of its portability. Users praise how well this amp emulates Fender’s clean tones, and some also praise how well it emulates overdriven tones.
Boss Katana Air
- 20W/30W Guitar Combo Amplifier
- With Stereo Speaker System
- Wireless Transmitter
The Boss Katana Air now gives home users the same independence while also providing a fantastic practise amp with a tonne of features. From the way the amp instantly turns on when it detects you picking up the guitar to the dock on the amp itself for charging the wireless module, there are a slew of unique features on exhibit here.
Tonally, the Katana Air is excellent, with a wide range of extendable effects and tones accessible bluetooth connectivity via the app. We appreciated how it doubles as a speaker for streaming conventional music over the two 3-inch speakers, which do an amazing job of generating stereo sounds
The BOSS Katana 30-Watt comes with a transmitter that may last up to 12 hours for a full day of guitar practice. Although, this may be a bit of an overstatement. It may be used with any guitar and recharges while docked in the amp’s docking bay.
It is motion actuated to provide you the best battery life possible and for convenience. When you take up your guitar, it automatically starts playing. The amp is powered by eight AA batteries, although it can also be used with a power converter.
It produces 20 watts of power when utilised with batteries. When utilised with a 30 watt mains power supply. For simplicity, all of the controls are located on the top of the machine. A headphone jack and an input jack socket are also included. The sound from the speakers is cancelled when the headphones are worn. It’s small and light, weighing only five pounds, making it easy to transport.
Line 6 Spider V 30 MKII
- NEW Classic Speaker mode for organic sound and feel
- NEW Artist, Iconic Song, and classic amp presets
- 200+ amps, cabs, and effects
Line 6 updated its Spider V portfolio with a number of enhancements. The presets were updated and improved, with Devin Townsend, Bill Kelliher, and Jeff Loomis among those who contributed presets. The amp modelling tones have been reworked to sound even more. amp-like, with a more realistic reaction to your playing. It’s simple to find a new tone to practise in, and the color-coded control panel is simple to use. There’s a 3-band EQ there, as well as controls for volume and drive, master volume, and an LED display with preset access settings.
The full-range speaker system, with Classic Speaker mode and a cab sim for a true “amp” experience, or full-range and listen back to your tone in high-fidelity as you would through a studio monitor, or plug in an acoustic, or play mp3s, was arguably the coolest improvement. The tone of the MkII has depth and shape, which is impressive for an eight-inch speaker and tweeter. There’s also an integrated tuner, as well as a metronome and drum to practise time. The effects are also rather impressive.
This practise amp is a great value for the money. You should try out the Spider V Remote app. This software gives you access to a huge library of amps and digital sound effects. This is in addition to the 16 that come standard with the MkII. You’ll never get tired of the sounds you make. The amp’s tones are both motivating and realistic, making it an excellent partner in your quest to polish your licks.
The Spider V 20 MkII is a continuation of Line 6’s legacy of high-quality, low-cost items. This is a fantastic practise amp for any guitarist, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran.
Blackstar FLY 3 3W Battery Powered Guitar Amplifier
- Refer the user manual below for troubleshooting
- Digital 'tape' delay effect; Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
- Sonic Performance The use of a full range driver eliminates the need of a...
Blackstar would pay you to take the Fly 3 if it were any cheaper. It’s comforting to know that you can still find a decent deal now and then. But, despite its low price and, let’s face it, diminutive size, the Fly 3 still delivers a punch when cranked up.
The Fly 3 may be placed in a briefcase and brought anywhere you’re carrying your guitar, powered by a 6.5V DC power supply or a half-dozen AA batteries. You can even leave your guitar at home and play some tunes over the 1/8” auxiliary input when you go to the beach; the choice is yours.
Fly 3’s dual channel design is also commendable. Pure, clear tones and the thrilling performance of an overdriven riff are both easily accessible. I don’t even need to be concerned about the power supply. I can operate the rig for several hours on a half-dozen AA batteries; however, the DC power source is really useful. This amplifier has a proprietary ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) function, stereo speaker expansion, gain, volume, EQ, delay, and overdrive, and may be powered by AA batteries or a 6.5-volt DC power source.
The Fly 3 is the best value for money in terms of performance, pricing, and portability. This is the ideal travel companion, capable of transforming any hotel room into a tiny studio.
Vox Pathfinder 10
- 10 Watt Practice Amplifier - The Pathfinder 10 pumps 10 watts out into a...
- All Analog - Fully analog signal path for warm and organic guitar tones....
- Distinctive VOX Looks - With its classic diamond grille cloth and...
Vox amps are known for their characteristic clean chime tone, and the Pathfinder 10 delivers the same sound, albeit in a smaller format with a more practice-friendly volume level. Most practice amps are centred on overdriven tone, acquiring a tiny amp with decent clean tone is a welcome change for many, especially Vox lovers.
It doesn’t stop there; this compact amp also has an overdrive channel that faithfully reproduces the sound of Vox’s overdrive channel, but in a more economical and practice-friendly style. This set includes a 10-watt amp, a 6.5-inch speaker, and a headphones output for silent practice.
The VOX V9160 Pathfinder produces powerful and warm distortion, as well as chime-y and clean tones, with no effort on your part. While it lacks sophisticated sound effects to inspire your creativity, it’s still a great investment for anyone looking for a simple performance-oriented amp for their house. Many people are impressed by how fantastic sounding the Pathfinder 10 is for a cheap small amp, and it does so at volume settings that are suitable for practise. As expected, the majority of customers are satisfied with the Vox clean tone, while some are equally pleased with the overdrive channel, especially when set to low to mid tier gain.
Roland Cube Street
- Great Sound to Go
- 8 Amps Onboard
- Bonus Features
The Roland Cube Street isn’t like any other modelling practise amplifier you’ve seen before. Roland chose a tilted form over the typical boxy upright design of the cabinet. It appears to be similar to the speakers used on concert venues. Cube Street is not to be taken lightly. It may only have 5 watts of power, but it can blow any stadium’s roof off. To go with the 8 COSM amp emulations, there are normal EQ controls. The Cube Street’s dual channel design is something I really like. There are four control settings available on the mic channel. When you switch the Cube Street to the guitar channel, you gain access to six more control settings.
This amp features 8 COSM amp models, 6 digital sound effects, a built-in chromatic tuner, and a 15-hour battery life (6xAA batteries). The Cube Street is ideal for spontaneous street performances. It’s simple to set up on the pavement and begin playing straight away. There are no plugs to be concerned about. There are no wires to be concerned about. It’s a gear made specifically for street performers and travelling guitarists.
The Roland Cube Street is a worthy compact rig that is equally at home in the studio as it is on the street for modest live performances. Its key selling point is its mic channel, which eliminates the need for a separate microphone device.
Orange Crush 35RT
- Footswitchable channels and an analogue signal path
- Cab Sim loaded headphone output
- Transparent fully buffered effects loop
The Orange Crush 35RT is a modest but nicely constructed example of what a good amp maker can do with a transistor-based 1×10 combo. We don’t have the effects or amp modelling bells and whistles here, but we do have a great feeling of space thanks to a fantastic digital reverb, as well as a very fearsome overdriven sound that is suited for the rockers out there.
Orange’s bread and butter is rock, but the cleans are also rather tasty (thanks, reverb). When it comes to tone, the 4-stage preamp performs a lot of the hard lifting, and we like how Orange has integrated their CabSim circuit into the headphones and line out, making silent practising and recording a little easier.
The build quality is excellent, and the layout is simple to operate, with a 3-band EQ providing lots of tone control. The best home practice amp offers a fantastic pedal platform because to its fully buffered effects loop. Sure, the lack of onboard effects is a drawback, but one of the delights of electric guitar is building your own signal path with stompboxes, and this modest practise setup offers a fantastic base camp for such tonal explorations.
One of the primary aspects that makes this the favoured practise amp of many guitarists is the solid build quality and constant tone. Many people are impressed by how responsive the amp’s voicing is to its basic controls, despite the amp’s lack of functionality. As a result, it has enough sound versatility to appeal to a wide range of players. Its crunch overdriven tone has received the most accolades, but its clean to low gain tone has also received a lot of praise. Many users also claim that it responds nicely to pedals in terms of tone, much like a classic solid state amp.
Positive Grid Spark Guitar Amplifier
- Smart Jam learns your style and feel, generating authentic bass and drums...
- Access to 50,000+ amp-and-FX presets on ToneCloud, powered by...
- Import your music from Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube and Spark’s smart...
The Positive Grid Spark has taken the world of the best practice amps by storm, and we can see why. It combines the already well-respected BIAS tone engine with some really fantastic smart technology.
The Spark is a catalog of excellent tones, with 30 amp types and 40 effects onboard – and with 10,000+ more tones in the internet library, you’ve got lots of possibilities. There’s Bluetooth for audio streaming, as well as Aux and headphone ports on the 18″ Aux. You’ll also find USB inputs and outputs on your Spark, allowing you to utilize it as an audio interface when you need to capture that next brilliant idea.
The Spark is the amp for you if you desire learning tools to help you develop your talent. ‘Auto Chords,’ for example, will find chord charts for whatever song you choose, and ‘Smart Jam,’ for example, will build an authentic backing track to accompany you no matter what you play.
NUX Mighty Air Wireless Stereo Modelling Guitar/Bass Amplifier with Bluetooth
- Wireless Stereo Modelling Amplifier with Bluetooth, Mobile App.Bluetooth...
- Build-in Wireless Receiver , Wireless Transmitter with the package.
- 2 x 2 inch speakers with a passive bass radiator, 4 + 4 watt power.
The Strong Air is a wireless stereo guitar amp that can produce some very mighty tones, as the name suggests. This compact desktop amp offers a tone for every occasion, with 13 amp variants (nine electric guitar, three bass, and one acoustic) available via the companion app. If you don’t believe us, try scrolling through the in-app effects menu’s 28 overdrive, distortion, reverb, chorus, or delay options to hear the Mighty Air deliver on its stereo promise.
A new amp modeling algorithm is included in the most recent firmware update, providing realistic and outstanding feedback and response. Despite the fact that we thought the best practice amp guitar update to be difficult, it immediately proved to be worthwhile. The highest gain tones were a little too much for the small speakers, but the rest of the tones were quite usable and pleasurable.
There are ten drum backing tracks and a ton of NUX and artist-provided jam tracks to play along to on the app, which you can listen to through your phone speakers, Bluetooth, or the amp aux-in. To be honest, we’d pass on some of these, while the bulk were a lot of fun to play along with and reminded us that we need to work on our modes a little more.
Buying Guide for Guitar Practice Amps
When shopping for a guitar practice amp, keep these key factors in mind:
Output Power
You should look for a power output between 5-30 watts, suitable for home volumes. Higher wattage provides more clean headroom if needed. Tube amps tend to be lower wattage like 10-15W. Solid state and modeling amps often range 15-30W. Mini micro-amp battery powered practice amps are also available with <1 watt output.
Speaker Size
For practice amp combos, 6″ to 10″ speaker sizes strike the best balance of portability and tone. You should make sure the speaker matches the power output. Mismatched combos will lack headroom or be underpowered. Open-back cabinets allow natural sound projection for practice. Closed-back cabs focus tone but reduce volume.
Amp Voicing
Modeling amps offer a wide range of tones. Tube amps excel at organic overdrive. Solid state aims for affordability. You should choose an amp voicing to suit your music genre needs – heavy distortion, shimmering cleans, lush reverb, etc. Onboard digital effects like reverb, delay and chorus allow further tone personalization.
Connectivity
You should look for headphone outputs, auxiliary inputs, USB out, emulated line outs, and headphone outs. These allow quiet practicing, recording to a DAW, and incorporating music playback.
Portability
You should ensure the size, weight and form factor fit your transportation needs. Mini battery powered pocket amps provide ultimate portability for travel practice sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should my practice amp be?
First and foremost, the size of your practice amp is something to consider. Although all of the practice amplifiers in this tutorial are small, there is still some variety to consider. Are you looking for a 1×10″ or 1×12″? Do you want something that can sit on your desk and fit in with the rest of your office? A larger speaker will produce a richer tone, but does it matter if you’re just practicing?
Should I get a head or a combo?
Many practice amps will be in the shape of a combo, which consists of a guitar amp and a speaker housed in the same cabinet — an all-in-one solution. Combo amps are the obvious choice because to their ease of use, but head and cab arrangements have their place as well.
While there are no dedicated headphone amplifiers in this list, amps like the Blackstar Fly 3, Yamaha THR10II, and Blackstar HT-1R MKII may all be used to drive an external speaker cabinet. This is especially beneficial if you jam with friends on occasion, but most home practice doesn’t necessitate the upmarket features of a head and cab setup.
How powerful should my practice amp be?
When training at home, you don’t have to be concerned about power. If you’re buying a practice amp just for the sake of practicing, we’d recommend anything around the 10-15 watt mark. That way, you may utilize the amp for a variety of practice circumstances – but bear in mind that it won’t be able to compete with a drummer.
If you’re going with a valve amp, even one watt will sufficient. Low power is crucial when it comes to practice-specific valve amplifiers. You want to be able to crank up the volume on your valve amp to obtain the best tone, therefore it’s preferable if you can do so without damaging your hearing.
What wattage do I need?
5-30 watts is ideal for home use. Mini pocket amps can be <1 watt. Higher wattages provide more clean headroom before breaking up when playing louder.
Will a practice amp be enough for gigs?
Practice amps may work for smaller coffee shop gigs but lack the power needed for club stages and full bands. Look into 20-50W amps for performing live.Do I need effects built into a practice amp?
Onboard effects like reverb and delay allow exploring different tones at low volumes and are nice to have, but not mandatory. Pedals can be added later.
Should I get a modeling practice amp?
Modeling amps offer a wide range of simulated amp tones in one unit. Great for trying different styles before buying dedicated amps.
How do I record with my practice amp?
Use the headphone or line out into an audio interface, or USB out into a DAW. Models with direct XLR recording outputs provide the best quality.
Can I play my music through a practice amp?
Yes, auxiliary inputs allow connecting a smartphone, tablet, or media player to jam along with songs or backing tracks through the amp.