If you’re a guitarist, you’ll know that the guitar amp is one of the most important components in your setup. However, they can be a difficult piece of kit to get to grips with; there are so many different types and specs to look out for!
So, to make upgrading your rig easier, we’ve compiled some of the best guitar amps for every budget.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three guitar amps:
| Fender Champion II | Incredibly versatile, tonnes of tonal manipulation. | Check the current price |
| Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 | Six original amp models, all customisable via the Catalyst Edit app. | Check the current price |
| VISION 10W Electric Guitar Amplifier | A great beginner amp, all the essentials at an affordable price. | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these guitar amps
The amps on this list have been chosen because they’re the cream of the crop when it comes to performance, features, and bang for buck! We’ve selected amps that suit a range of rehearsing and gigging scenarios, from small practice sessions to large-venue performances.
They also cover different experience and ability levels, meaning there are some with all the bells and whistles that a pro needs to amplify and sculpt their sound as well as some that offer the essentials without being overwhelming for beginners. If you’re just starting out on guitar, an amp that isn’t overly complex or prone to frequent DIY maintenance is your best bet.
As well as various abilities, it was important that we compiled a list that caters to various budgets – it really is a one-stop shop for guitar amps. But we have made sure that the amps at the lower end of the price range still feature top-tier build quality, giving you great sound and construction and affordability.
Despite the amps suiting a variety of performance and practice settings, there are two things they all have in common: they’re built by a reputable brand and the sound quality of the amp is up to a high standard.
The best guitar amps
1. Fender Champion II – The best amp at a budget
Key features
- Versatile clean and overdrive tones
- Built-in reverb, delay, chorus, and tremolo effects
- Three models, so you can choose a size and wattage that’s right for you
Pros
- Excellent versatility – clean and overdriven tones at your fingertips
- Great for both beginners and advanced players
- Straightforward controls that’ll get you straight into action
Cons
- Not the best for professional performances and studio recording
The Fender Champion II series is a solid-state, straightforward amp that’ll get the job done. If you’re looking for a trusty companion to join you in your musical endeavours then this is the best amp for you.
You’ll have plenty of fun with the Fender Champion II’s wide range of sounds. The clean channel provides a classic Fender sparkle, while the drive channel delivers a range of overdriven tones, from subtle warmth to heavier distortion. This flexibility allows the Champion II to slot into any genre that takes your fancy. Jazz, blues, or even chugtastic metal, you can dial in a tone that suits your situation.
The Champ also includes built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and chorus to spice up your sound without the need for additional pedals. It’s a great choice if you’re a beginner or don’t want to splash out on a huge pedal board.
Available in three sizes, the Champion II is a reliable budget option for a number of use cases. For bedroom practice and small jams, the 25 will do just fine, with the 50 giving more sonic oomph, and the 100 capable of competing at gigs and louder settings. So, the Fender Champion once again shows itself to be incredibly versatile, not only in terms of tone.
2. Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 – The best versatile digital amp
Key features
- 60 W of power
- Six original amp models for clean, crunch, and high-gain tones
- Onboard effects and USB recording capability
Pros
- Highly versatile with customisable tones via the Catalyst Edit app
- Compact yet powerful, great for practice, studio, and small gigs
- Digital functionality blends modern convenience with premium sound
Cons
- Lacks the traditional aesthetic of classic amps
The Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 combines modern innovation with a traditional amp feel, offering unparalleled versatility.
It crams in many of the Helix family’s amp and effect models to serve up an almost unending feast of tones – for players of all stripes and styles. This comprises 12 amp voicings which range from sparkly clean to a cutting-edge high-gain blast, in addition to 24 HX-quality effects to build virtually any sound without the need for additional pedals.
This unassuming combo makes the list as it ticks so many boxes for both the budding guitarists and seasoned professionals of today. It’s a great first step into the modelling world for any musician on a budget, as together with its massive arsenal of amp voicings, you have MIDI functionality, XLR out, tap tempo, a Power Amp input to use the CX as a powered speaker, a USB recording interface, and a free editing app for fine-tuning your sound. Deep breath!
3. VISION 10W Electric Guitar Amplifier – The best amp for getting started
Key features
- Headphone output
- Variable clean and drive tones
- Simple tone and volume controls
Pros
- Fantastic for beginners on a budget
- Easy to use, intuitive controls to get playing right away
- Headphone output means you won’t disturb the neighbours
Cons
- Limited tone controls and sound potential
If you’re a beginner, the VISION 10W amp is one of the smoothest and most affordable entries into the world of guitars. Its straightforward design and intuitive controls make it easily accessible, while a small but mighty 10W speaker provides a slew of sounds.
This VISION amp features both clean and overdriven tone controls, giving you access to the basics. When I started on my guitar journey, all I wanted to learn was those catchy classic rock riffs, the overdrive on this amp will let you do just that.
Equipped with a four-inch speaker, the VISION 10W provides the perfect power for home practice, and its compact size means it’ll fit pretty much anywhere. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to transport.
The humble headphone output is such an important feature on an amp for beginners – it means you can practise time, anywhere without disturbing others. The VISION has one, adding to its list of beneficial beginners’ features.
Ultimately, the VISION 10W is a great value-for-money amp. It gives you the essentials needed to start your guitar-playing journey.
4. G4M GA-30 30W Guitar Amplifier – The best beginner amp
Key features
- Two channels, clean and drive, alongside a three-band EQ
- Compact, lightweight amp
- Digital reverb for tonal experimentation
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, it can live anywhere
- Great for practice, with easy controls and headphone connectivity for silent sessions
- If you’re a beginner, you’ll get your first taste of effect experimentation with digital reverb
Cons
- Small 30 W, meaning you can’t really use this amp as a gigging companion
The G4M GA-30 30W Guitar Amp is a nifty little solid-state that’s brilliant if you’re a beginner looking for your first amp. Its compact design means you can pretty much take this thing anywhere.
There are two channels: a clean channel for natural tones and a drive channel for more aggressive, distorted sounds. Switching between these channels is straightforward, allowing you to adapt your sound as needed. The three-band EQ enables precise adjustments across bass, mid, and treble frequencies. It’s a simple, straightforward amp that does what it says on the tin.
Equipped with a 10-inch speaker, the GA-30 delivers all the sound you’ll need to learn your first riffs. Its closed-back design contributes to a tight, focused sound with powerful midrange and articulate low-end. The built-in reverb effect is a brilliant intro to effect experimentation for beginners. I wish I’d started on something like this, maybe I’d have saved a penny or two on pedals…
An auxiliary input for connecting external devices lets you play along with your favourite tracks, and there’s a headphone output for silent practice sessions.
All in all, the G4M GA-30 is the best guitar amp for beginners in 2024, giving you access to straightforward controls, a reliable sound, and reverb effects.
5. Boss Katana Mini X – The best portable effects amp
Key features
- Rechargeable battery
- Built-in BOSS effects (reverb, delay, modulation)
- Wooden enclosure
Pros
- A portable, on-the-go amp
- BOSS strikes again with a brilliant selection of built-in effects to unleash
- An amp at the forefront of music tech, with Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeability
Cons
- With only 10 W and a 5-inch speaker, you can’t take these awesome effects to large-scale performances
The Boss Katana Mini X is a portable 10-watt amp that lets you take your playing anywhere. It delivers signature BOSS Katana tones, covering clean, crunch, and high-gain sounds through its three amp modes. In typical BOSS fashion, they’ve given you more tones than you know what to do with!
Built-in effects such as chorus, tremolo, reverb, and delay allow you to experiment with your tone without the need for external pedals, and these effects are all derived from BOSS’s leading modellers, guaranteeing an immersive soundscape on such a small amp. The controls are intuitive, ensuring you can quickly dial in everything from subtle textures to lush, layered soundscapes.
Its Tube Logic technology ensures authentic, full-bodied tones that give the feel of a classic valve-driven setup.
The Mini X is powered by a rechargeable battery that offers an impressive 10 hours of play time. And it’s all charged via the ubiquitous USB-C so you don’t have to carry an extra cable with you. This portability, combined with a lightweight design and a custom five-inch speaker, makes it the perfect on-the-go amp. Bluetooth streaming and a headphone output provide additional flexibility.
The Boss Katana Mini X is the best amp if you’re looking for a portable effects amp that’ll give you plenty of freedom and flexibility.
6. Hartwood Interceptor Valve Vintage 30 Combo Amplifier – The best vintage aesthetic
Key features
- Boutique combo amp fitted with a Celestion speaker
- Vintage British racing green finish
- Three-band EQ system and a wooden cabinet
Pros
- A great amp if you want to explore vintage tones and aesthetics
- It’ll look awesome in your setup with its unique British racing green finish
- Plenty of classic tones to explore, from sparkling cleans to vintage crunch
Con
- If you’re a techy modern player this amp probably won’t suit you
The Hartwood Interceptor Valve Vintage 30 Combo has made the list because of its vintage-inspired tone and look. With 15 watts of power, a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and all-analog circuitry, this amp delivers rich harmonics and articulate clarity all in a lovely green racing combo.
Boasting three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL84 power tubes, the Hartwood provides warm, saturated tones. A high/low power switch allows you to toggle between 15 W for gigging and 1 W for quieter, cranked tones, making it equally suited for home practice, studio recording, or live performance.
A built-in analog spring reverb brings natural depth and character to your tone, making for rich authentic tones that’ll never sound the same twice. You’re certain to fall in love with this amp, as it reverberates much-loved classic tones.
Vintage goodness doesn’t stop at tone. Housed in a stylish British Racing Green finish with white piping and a basketweave grille, the Interceptor takes us back to the ’60s with its old-school aesthetics.
7. Marshall DSL20CR 20W 1×12 Valve Combo w/ Reverb – The best gigging amp
Key features
- Two channels – Classic Gain and Ultra Gain
- EL34 Power valves
- Natural ambience reverb
Pros
- You can achieve rock sounds easily, with two channels geared towards Gain
- Great for your practicing and performing needs
- Adjustable output levels give you precise control over power
Cons
- Valves might require occasional maintenance
The Marshall DSL20CR 20W 1×12 Valve Combo gives you a brilliant blend of rich valve tones, delivering quintessential British roars inspired by its Super Lead heritage. Built around EL34 power valves, this amp delivers organic, saturated tones that’ll be at home in any genre that needs a bit of sonic oomph. You’ll have definitely heard that classic valve warmth somewhere in the Rock and Blues Hall of Fame.
This Marshall has two independent channels – Classic Gain and Ultra Gain – that cover everything from a blues drawl to high-octane metal. This amp has the firepower to deliver!
The shared three-band EQ, alongside presence and resonance controls, allows precise tone shaping, while the built-in reverb adds a natural ambience for a polished sound. You’ll be tearing through a range of tones in no time. All of these features give you an amp that can take on loads of genres, it’s the best when it comes to offering tonal versatility.
With high and low power modes, the DSL20CR gives you authentic valve saturation at lower volumes for all the classic tonal warmth that’s best captured by valve amps.
Its 12-inch Celestion Seventy-80 speaker lets you play around with a power that’s capable of combating stage settings. Celestion speakers give you an amazingly articulate tone that’s sure to get your message across.
In a nutshell, Marshall DSL20CR’s power and volume levels will see you through any playing scenario. It’s the best guitar amp if you want a modern rock ‘n’ roll combo with plenty of classic Marshall character.
8. Boss Katana 100 Gen 3 1×12 Combo – The best do it all amp
Key features
- Pushed amp character
- Tube logic sound
- 12-inch speaker, delivering 100 W of power
Pros
- Advanced amp technology lets you shape your sound like no other amp
- It’s a proper powerhouse that can hold its own in large-scale performances
- Built-in BOSS effects work alongside Tone Studio app support, giving you the reigns over this amp
Cons
- The tech on this amp might be a tad too advanced if you’re a beginner
The Boss Katana 100 Gen 3 1×12 combo amp is at the forefront of amp tech, sporting an all-new Pushed amp character that accurately captures edge-of-breakup tones. They’re the kind of tones that guitarists crave.
With 100 watts of power and a custom 12-inch speaker, this amp delivers exceptional clarity and depth that can fill any room. Don’t let the portability fool you, this thing can still pack a powerful punch.
This BOSS features 12 amp characters, (including the aforementioned Pushed mode) and a three-way Contour switch to further shape your sound. The Pushed mode really makes this amp feel connected to your guitar, as your playing changes the tone that’s produced. Tube Logic technology emulates the response of classic tube amps, giving you a beautiful BOSS combo of classic sound with modern tech.
Five independent effects sections – Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb – provide a wealth of tonal options without having to spend loads on pedals. These effects can be tinkered with even further with the support of the Boss Tone Studio app, allowing absolute control over your sound.
Eight Tone Setting memories let you instantly recall your favourite setups during performances. This amp lets you blaze through performances with a plethora of tonal control and effects at your fingertips. It’s the best amp at using tech to achieve classic tube amp power.
9. EVH 5150 Iconic 40w 112 Combo, Ivory – The best tube amp for powerful performances
Key features
- Special boost lead control
- Two channels
- All-tube design, JJ valves for 40W of tube power
Pros
- One of the most legendary amps in existence – with no extra gear required
- Range of tonal control thanks to the dual channel design, giving you the reigns over clean, overdriven, and crunch tones
- Based on the ’90s EVH 5150 amp models, the Iconic gives all the power and prowess of these only at an affordable price
Cons
- Tones might be too harsh and heavy if you’re someone who prefers lighter, smooth clean tones
The EVH 5150 Iconic makes our list for modern players who need no-holds-barred searing tones. It’s incredibly easy to use in any setting – whether that’s providing your lead lines with enough firepower or even for professional studio settings.
This 40W 1×12 Combo distils the unmistakable EVH sound into one simple combo amp. Rebuilt for the modern player, this amp harnesses two JJ 6L6 power tubes and two JJ ECC83S preamp tubes, ensuring rich, dynamic tones with organic warmth and saturation. It’s the dream amp if you’re into the piledriving sounds of metal and rock music.
Dominate your tone with two channels. Channel 1 is dedicated to clean and crunch tones and Channel 2 is built for high-gain, saturated leads. Each channel has independent Gain and Volume controls, while the shared three-band EQ lets you shape your tone to your liking.
Additional controls for Resonance, Presence, Reverb, and Noise Gate take mastery of your sound even further.
The custom-designed 12-inch Celestion speaker gives you vast power at your fingertips, enough to dominate performances with ease. You have absolute mastery over your sound with the EVH 5150, the power attenuation feature lets you switch from 40 watts to 10 watts without losing tonal quality.
A speaker-emulated DI XLR output enables direct connection to a PA or mixing desk, preserving the amp’s authentic tone. Again, this is perfect if you’re someone looking for an amp that’ll support your professional performing or recording needs. It’s the best guitar amp when it comes to providing you with the piledriving power and slashing tones needed to see you through the most intense of performances.
10. Orange Rocker 15 Terror Head – The best small-scale performance amp
Key features
- Two channels
- Compact lightweight design
- EL84 power valves and 12AX7 preamp valves
Pros
- You can take the Rocker anywhere with ease due to its compact design and portability
- Great for intimate settings, with adjustable output and a bedroom switch that lets you knock the wattage down to 1 W
- Delivers classic valve tones and that iconic British crunch
Cons
- With a max of 15 W, it’s not the best when it comes to intense, large-scale performances
The Orange Rocker 15 Terror Head packs the legendary Orange tone into a portable and lightweight design, giving you iconic tones all within a nifty little unit. With its EL84 power valves and 12AX7 preamp valves, this amp head delivers lovely organic, warm tones with the unmistakable British crunch and harmonic richness Orange is known for.
Equipped with two channels, the Rocker 15 gives you plenty of tonal possibilities. The Natural channel is minimalistic, with just a single Volume control. This makes for a pure, crisp sound. The Dirty channel provides a wide range of gain levels, from light overdrive to full saturation, along with a three-band EQ for detailed tone shaping. Both channels respond well to your playing style.
If you’re looking for an amp that’ll adjust to your playing situation, look no further. With a power switching feature that reduces output from 15 watts to 7, 1, or even 0.5 watts via the Bedroom/Headroom switch, this amp is the best when it comes to catering to the demands of your environment.
The Orange Rocker 15 Terror Head delivers the best valve tone, tonal flexibility, and practicality in a lightweight package. It’s a great amp if you want the iconic Orange valve amp tones at a smaller scale.
11. PRS HDRX 20 “Hendrix” Circuit Head, Black Tolex – The best amp for Hendrix lovers
Key features
- “Authentic Hendrix” Touring Circuit and 5881 valves
- Three-band TMB tone stack, for adjustable bass, middle, and treble frequencies
- 20 W (a more compact version of its bigger 50 W and 100 W brothers)
Pros
- Hendrix’s legendary Woodstock Marshall stack, recreated in authentic detail
- Great tone controls are easy to use
- Compact and lightweight amp head means you can take the classic sounds of the ’60s anywhere
Cons
- If you aren’t a fan of Hendrix, this one probably isn’t for you
The PRS HDRX 20 “Hendrix” Circuit Head brings the iconic late-’60s British-inspired tones into a compact 20-watt package. Featuring the Authentic Hendrix Touring Circuit, this amp captures the spirit of Hendrix’s legendary Woodstock sound. It’s powered by 5881 power valves and 12AX7 preamp tubes, giving you that Voodoo Chile power.
With two channels, this amp boasts classic Hendrix tones. Channel 1 provides a warm, rounded sound with Bass and Volume controls, giving you those “Castles Made of Sand” sounds. Channel 2 delivers brighter, cutting tones with treble and volume adjustments, perfect if you want the sharp sounds heard on the likes of “Voodoo Chile”.
A two-way Bright switch adds sparkle when needed, letting you play “Little Wing” like Hendrix himself.
With premium black Tolex covering and professional-grade construction, the PRS HDRX 20 “Hendrix” Circuit Head is the best amp if you want access to all the iconic tones of Hendrix in a powerful little package.
12. Vox AC10 Custom (AC10C1) – The best all-rounder tube amp
Key features
- Celestion VX10 speaker
- All-tube design
- Built-in reverb
Pros
- Warm and powerful sound thanks to its all-tube design
- Perfect number of controls, including Gain and Reverb
- Great articulation
Cons
- All-tube design isn’t for someone who prefers the reliability of solid-state amps or the technology of digital amps
How could we not include a Vox on this list? The Vox AC10 Custom makes the cut because the brand are simply iconic – they’re the go-to for vintage and indie rockers.
The AC10 delivers an iconic British tube tone in a 10-watt combo amp. Its all-tube design gives you all the warmth, power and clarity that you could possibly ask for from a tube amp.
A 10-inch Celestion VX10 speaker brings out the amp’s signature tone, while a built-in reverb adds depth and atmosphere – great for adding more ambient tones. And to ensure you can quickly and easily dial in the correct tone, the AC10 is also equipped with a Gain control and Bass and Treble knobs.
The Vox AC10 is the best tube amp when it comes to providing you with a reliable rig that’ll conquer most musical genres. It has power, clarity, and tube technology.
13. Fender Mustang Micro Plus – The best headphone amp
Key Features
- 25 amp and 25 effect models
- 100 editable preset slots
- Bluetooth streaming to play along to your favourite tracks
Pros
- The most nifty, portable amp on the list
- Customise your perfect tone with a load of amp and effect models
- Rechargeable battery gives you up to four hours of continuous play time
Cons
- It’s a headphone-only amp
Our last entry on the list is something a little more unusual but possibly the most useful: the Fender Mustang Micro Plus Headphone Amp. It allows you to practise literally anywhere – as long as you have a pair of headphones with you.
The Micro Plus gives you plenty of amp and effects models to play around with. There are also 100 editable preset slots for saving your favourite tones.
The Micro Plus is at the forefront of portable amp technology, with Bluetooth streaming for playing along to tracks. It’s the best headphone amp out there.
Tube vs. solid state vs. digital
Now that you know the best guitar amps on the market, it’s probably worth understanding the difference between the types of amps that are available to you.
First came the mighty tube amp. These rely on vacuum tubes to amplify the audio signal. They’re mainly known for their warm, natural tone, with a hint of harmonic distortion for a little extra oomph. Tube amps are sensitive to your playing, enhancing the connection you feel with the amp. However, they require regular maintenance and tend to be heavier and less energy efficient.
Solid-state amplifiers use transistors for signal amplification. They’re durable and lightweight. You’ll get a clean, consistent sound with these, often at an affordable price, too. While they lack the harmonic warmth of tube amps, modern designs are trying to emulate tubes as closely as possible. In essence, solid-state amps keep things nice and simple.
Digital amplifiers process audio using digital signal processing (DSP). They’re a master of all tones. This technology lets them model the characteristics of both tube and solid-state amps. They tend to be lightweight and packed with onboard effects and preset storage. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether digital amps can truly capture the sound of other amps.
Best guitar amps for beginners
With such diversity of choice in terms of type, model, and design features, which amp is the best if you’re a beginner?
At Gear4music, we manufacture some great amps for beginners, offering affordable, easy-to-use models with a range of features to suit different experience levels.
The VISION 10W amp, for example, includes all the essential features: a simple control system, headphone output for silent sessions, and 10 W of power. These are ideal for guitarists just starting out.
Beyond our own-brand products, the Fender Champion II is a fantastic option for new musicians. It houses a plethora of controls and effects, meaning you can dive into pretty much any musical genre you want.
If you’re a beginner who wants to get straight into technicality, the Boss Katana Mini X might be right for you. It’s affordable, gives you tonnes of effects to play with, and has a compact, portable design.
How to choose the best guitar amp for you
Choosing the right amp can seem like a daunting task, but really, there are only a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, know what type of amp you want. A solid-state is always a great choice if you need something that’ll give you plenty of tone control and stand the test of time. Tube amps on the other hand are best if you’re chasing the iconic tones of times gone by. Tubes take some maintenance, but that’s the price you pay for a great tone.
Digital amps give you tonnes of effects and amp models to play with. You can go crazy with experimentation.
Next, consider where you’ll be using the amp. If you’re mainly using the amp at home or in a small rehearsal space, a compact combo amp with a lower wattage will fare best. For larger scenes such as gigs and concerts, you’ll need an amp that packs a lot more power. A head and cabinet setup is great in this regard.
You should also take into account the number of controls and features you want your amp to have. Do you need a basic get-it-done amp or do you want one with a few more tone-shaping options? To this end, also think about the kind of tone you want – do you want something that’s more neutral-sounding or do you want the punchiness and grit that comes with the likes of Marshall?
FAQs
What is the best guitar amp brand?
The best guitar amp brands are:
- Marshall – history dates back to its 1960s London family-run business
- Fender – provides the best clean tones. The iconic “Fender clean” sound is a testament to this
- Vox – played a huge role in shaping the sound of legendary bands The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
- Orange – an iconic brand with iconic aesthetics
Which amp do most guitarists use?
Most guitarists use combo amps. These amps are great for playing at home or taking your sound on the road. They’re compact and often crammed with features, such as in-built effects, headphone outputs, and aux inputs to jam along with your favourite tunes.
What amps did Jimi Hendrix use?
Jimi Hendrix used the Marshall Super Lead (commonly known as the Plexi) amp, combined with a couple of 4×12 cabinets. Rumour has it that he had a couple of these stacked in the event of one blowing.
Final thoughts
So, you’ve seen what the world of music has to offer for the best guitar amps of 2024. Hopefully, this collection has given you plenty of food for thought when looking into buying your next amp!
Read more about Hendrix in our guide to Jimi Hendix’s legendary setup. Or if you’re a bass player and feel left out in this list, our list of the best bass practice amps is definitely worth a read! On the other hand, if you primarily play acoustic guitars, check out our list of the best acoustic guitar amps.
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