The only way to fulfill your rock star dreams is by putting in the practice time. Work on your chops without driving everyone around you crazy with a good, personal practice amp. Here's our review so you can pick out the best practice amp for you.

Raise your hand if you have ever tried to play an electric guitar unplugged? Just about all of us are guilty of doing this. It sounds terrible and, even worse, can contribute to developing bad playing habits! If for no other reason, this is why you need a reliable practice amp.
The Best Practice Amp
What is a practice amp
It is an amp that has lower wattage and a smaller speaker. The wattage generally falls in the 3 watt to 50 watt range, depending on the size. Practice amps are smaller, lighter, and have lower volume so that they are more accessible and easier to just plug in and play.
Why Do You Need A Practice Amp?
There are three main reasons a guitarist needs a practice amp:
Work on your technique
There are sounds and nuances of playing that can only be heard if your guitar is amplified. Being able to hear what you truly sound like is a block in the foundation of good technique.
No Bad Habits
To piggy back on technique, a practice amp will help you recognize and correct habits. If you are playing without an amplifier, it is easy to dismiss poor playing as "I'm just not plugged in".
It Sounds Badass
We didn't start playing electric guitar because we wanted to be quiet and subdued. We picked up an axe because we dreamed of shredding a loud, screaming guitar solo. You can't play to millions of adoring fans if you don't learn to play through an amp first.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget Amp
Best Mid-Range Amp
3. Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, (Crush12)
7. Roland MICRO CUBE GX Portable 3-Watt Guitar Amplifier
Best Premium Amp
9. Line 6 Spider V 60 Wireless Ready Modeling Amplifier
10. Boss Katana-Air
11. Laney Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, Black/Brown (CUB-10)
Our Top Pick
Our top pick from this list is the Line 6 Spider V 60 Wireless Ready Modeling Amplifier. You get a ton of great amp modeling options. It has a built-in tuner, metronome, and live drum loops for the maximum efficiency in your practice time.
Best Practice Amp Review
We've split this list into three categories; Best Budget Amp, Best Mid-Range Amp, and Best Premium Amp.
Technically speaking, in-guitar mics are not actually pickups, but they do amplify your guitar's sound and serve the same purpose. For that reason, they are included on this list.
Best Budget Amp
1. Blackstar Fly 3
Description: We decided to start this review list off with a bang. The Blackstar Fly 3 is a perfect entry into the practice amp market. It is super lightweight coming in at just under 2 lbs. You can seriously take this thing with you everywhere!
It features 2 channels for your playing preferences; clean and overdrive. You can add in a tape delay for a bit of resonance. It also features a headphone line-in so you can play along to your favorite songs while practicing.
You can use AA batteries for power or use a power adapter and plug it in. For it's size, it packs a big punch and is an awesome little practice amp.
Dimensions: 7.59 x 5.59 x 4.29 inches
Weight: 1.98 pounds
Watts: 3w
Speakers: 1 x 3"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: no
Pros:
- great tone
- Overdrive is fantastic
- connect with Bluetooth
Cons:
- no handle
- uses 6 AA batteries instead of standard 9v
2. Boss Katana Mini
Description: Boss has forever been a trusted name in guitar pedals, as well as amps. The Katana is no different.
This amp is small in size but big in features. You can switch between three amp types; brown, crunch, and clean. All three amp options are customizable with volume and gain control.
The Katana features a three-band EQ as well as a built-in tape delay to give your playing a bit of a warmer tone. Like the Blackstar, this amp also has a Line-in so you can play music from your phone and jam along. It also features a recording output with cabinet voicing.
Dimensions: 4.21 x 2.68 x 3.66 inches
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Watts: 7w
Speakers: 1 x 4"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: yes
Pros:
- great tone for it's size
- variety of sounds adds to practice sessions
Cons:
- plastic case effects sound quality
- volume can be low
Best Mid-Range Amp
3. Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, (Crush12)
Description: As soon as you pull out your Orange Amp Crush 12 you just feel like a classic rock god. This amp is a no nonsense throw back to simpler times when you had to rely on your own skill and creativity to rock out a killer tune.
The Crush 12 weighs in at a respectable 12 lbs and boasts a single 6" speaker backed by 12 watts of power. The onboard controls feature your standard volume and gain controls, overdrive, and a three-band EQ.
There is nothing complicated with this amp. No app to download. No learning curve. Just plug your guitar in, crank the volume, and rock out!
Dimensions: 7.87 x 11.81 x 12.6 inches
Weight: 11.46 pounds
Watts: 12w
Speakers: 1 x 6"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: no
Pros:
- compact size
- good volume for a 12w practice amp
- overdrive, gain control, and 3-band EQ are great
Cons:
- not loud enough for performances
- volume over mid-range may distort
4. Peavey Solo 12W
Description: The Peavey SoloW is another 12 watt amp that packs a lot of punch. Peavey uses it's "TransTube" tube emulation circuitry with this amp. So, while it is a solid state amp, it does a pretty good job at giving you that sweet, warm, tube amp sound.
This amp features both clean and lead channels for your playing preferences. A passive three-band EQ, output for recording, and a headphone jack for silent practice.
This amp is one of the larger amps on the list weighing in at 14 lbs and almost 2 feet wide. But, it packs a lot of power in that frame and can get you the sound you are looking (or listening) for.
Dimensions: 16.12 x 9.75 x 14.87 inches
Weight: 14 pounds
Watts: 12w
Speakers: 1 x 8"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: no
Pros:
- tube emulation
- good volume for 12w
- good quality speaker can handle high volume
Cons:
- decent sound for practice, maybe not for live performance
- mids can get shakey
- no reverb
Best Premium Amp
5. Fender Champion 20
Description: With the Champion 20 , Fender makes their first appearance on this list. Featuring 20 watts of power and an 8" speaker, this amp should have no problem handling any highs or lows you try and pry out of it.
Choose between four different amp voicings, each fully controllable with volume, gain, treble and bass knobs. You can also choose between a whole host of FX with adjustable FX levels.
Plugging your earbuds into the ⅛th output jack mutes the speaker and allows you to practice in silence. You can also use the AUX port to play along with the song of your choice.
All in all, the Fender Champion 20 is a solid practice amp at a pretty decent price.
Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 16 inches
Weight: 6.6 pounds
Watts: 20w
Speakers: 1 x 8"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: yes
Pros:
- affordable
- simple controls
- good sounds
Cons:
- only 1 channel
- "Pop" sound when cutting power
6. Fender Mustang I v2
Description: If the Champion 20 is a little too basic for you, Fender has got you covered with their Mustang I v2. It still features 20 watts of power and a resilient 8" speaker.
This practice amp is also ideal for the home recorder. It has a ton of built-in effects, such as 17 different amp models and 24 onboard presets. It has easy USB connectivity so you can record with no hassle.
It relies heavily on Fuse software, so if you do not intend to use a computer with this amp, you may be out of luck. However, if you are more digitally inclined, you will love the customization and crafting of sound you can get with this amp!
Dimensions: 7.6 x 15.5 x 14.5 inches
Weight: 17 pounds
Watts: 20w
Speakers: 1 x 8"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: yes
Pros:
- Fuse software allows a lot of sound customization (but....see con #1)
- built-in tuner
- Aux/Earbud In requires no adapter
Cons:
- Fuse software support has been discontinued
- difficult to use presets and sounds without a computer
$500 and Up
7. Roland MICRO CUBE GX Portable 3-Watt Guitar Amplifier
Description: The Roland Cube looks like something you may find at a construction site. This thing is heavy duty and durable. Plus, with it's bright red/orange flare, you can't miss it.
It isn;t all style either. The Cube packs a TON of features into a 3 watt, ultra-compact amp. You have 8 different amp styles, like an Acoustic simulation, Brit combo, Classic stack, among others. For effects you can pick from chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo, as well, as some delay and reverb to sweeten the deal.
Adjust your volume, gain, and tone to your liking and control them all with a master knob. Stay in tune with the built-in tuner and keep all your settings saved with the Memory feature.
The Roland Cube packs a lot of amp into a small and rugged package!
Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 12.6 inches
Weight: 7.35 pounds
Watts: 5w
Speakers: 1 x 5"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: yes
Pros:
- lightweight
- multiple modeling options
Cons:
- sound quality not as good as older models
- customer service difficult to contact
8. Marshall Code25 Combo
Description: Is there a name more synonymous with guitar amps than Marshall? They keep up with their reputation with the Code 25.
This amp is just too cool. It combines their classic sound with brand new modeling technology. In one 25 watt, single 10" speaker amp, you get 100 presets and 24 effects. You can choose between 14 preamps models, 8 cabinet models, and 4 power amp models.
Download the Marshall Gatewayy app for free and control your amps features directly from your phone or tablet. Stream music through the speaker via Bluetooth and connect via USB for recording.
Dimensions: 15.98 x 8.86 x 14.49 inches
Weight: 7.34 pounds
Watts: 25w
Speakers: 1 x 10"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: yes
Pros:
- easy to use
- model any combination of Marshal amp, power, or cabinet
- good volume for use up to a small venue
Cons:
- Bluetooth can be finicky
- unreliable drivers when hooking to DAW
$250 - $500
9. Line 6 Spider V 60 Wireless Ready Modeling Amplifier
Description: At a whopping 20+ lbs and 60 watts of power, the Line 6 Spider is almost venturing out of the practive amp realm...but not quite.
This amp really gives you a ton of practicing options. You can choose from 128 custom presets; many modeled after famous rigs and artist sounds. Get your timing down with the built-in metronome, stay in tune with the built-in tuner, and jam with the built in drum loops.
Control everything with ease from your phone. You can even customize sounds and upload them to the Line 6 community where other Line 6 musicians can share their configurations.
You can connect to it wirelessly with a wireless transmitter and get the most from the effects with the companion pedalboard (both sold separately).
Dimensions: 9.1 x 17.4 x 16.9 inches
Weight: 20.5 pounds
Watts: 60w
Speakers: 1 x 8"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: yes
Pros:
- built in tuner, metronome, & drum loops
- good volume
- guitar connects wirelessly
Cons:
- could use some more low end
- modelers can sound muffled
10. Boss Katana-Air
Description: The BOSS Katana Air is another completely wireless practice amp option. It comes with a wireless transmitter and connects with your guitar immediately. In fact, you don't have to even turn the amp on; just pick up your guitar and it wakes up.
Choose from 5 different amp types; brown, lead, crunch, clean, and acoustic. Craft your sound with the three-band EQ and construct your own effects and tone using the free BOSS Tones Studio app, on iOS and Android.
This amp is a dream for those who hate clutter. There are no cables to mess with, nothing to plug in. The transmitter provides 12 hours of playtime between charges. The amp recognizes when you are no longer playing and goes into power saving standy-by mode.
BOSS has truly delivered with the Katana Air.
Dimensions: 13-13/16 x 5-11/16 x 7-⅛ inches
Weight: 4.54 pounds
Watts: 30w
Speakers: 2 x 3"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): solid state
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: yes
Pros:
- lightweight
- connect your guitar wirelessly
- great tone for it's size
Cons:
- Tone Studio requires Android 6+
- Bluetooth speaker (not amp) can be finicky
11. Laney Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, Black/Brown (CUB-10)
Description: Last, but not least, is the Laney Electric Guitar Power Amplifier CUB-10. This amp features 10 watts of power pumped through a single 10" speaker. This amp is also the ONLY true tube amp on the list. If you love the aunthenticity of a tube amp, this may be the amp for you.
Control your sound with volume, tone, and gain. Plug into a single channel through the high or low input. When you play this amp clean, it truly comes out clean. Crisp, no distortion, no hums, no buzz, just pure clean guitar.
The best part about this amp is, if you feel so inclined, you can use it as a head and plug it up to an external speaker through the jack on the back of the amp.
Dimensions: 8.66 x 14.37 x 13.98 inches
Weight: 18.19 pounds
Watts: 10w
Speakers: 1 x 10"
Type (Tube/Solid State?): tube
Onboard Effects/Modeling?: no
Pros:
- warm, clean tone sounds awesome
- high quality
- easy to use
Cons:
- not enough volume for playing with others
- heavy
- no modeling/onboard effects
Buying Advice
Your practice amp is likely the amp you will be using the most. It is what will help shape your sound and techniques as a musician. Since it is such a vital piece of your musicianship, there are a few things to think about when choosing the best practice amp for you.
Features
What do you really want to get out of your amp. Are you looking for something with a ton of cool features, Bluetooth connectivity, a companion app, and a drink holder (maybe no drink holder)? Or do you just want something simple with some volume, gain, and a tone knob?
Tube amp or Solid state amp?
Most veteran guitarists swear by tube amps. The problem is, tube amps are becoming more and more rare and are thus more and more expensive. Plus, with modern technology, you can get a solid state amp that can emulate the tub sound pretty well.
Size/Portability
A practice amp is meant to be convenient to just pull out and plug your guitar quickly. The bigger it is, the more difficult it will be to accomplish this. If you live in a small apartment or just have a single practice room, you may not want a large amp taking up a bunch of space.
Speaker Size
The size of the speakers can play a role in your sound, as well. A good rule of thumb is that smaller speakers handle highs well while bigger speakers are better for lows. You will want to take your own personal taste, sound, and playing style into consideration when choosing an amp with a certain size speaker.
Power/Wattage
Basically, the higher the wattage, the more sound you will get out of your amp. Typically, you want something with at least 100 watts for live performance. Anything under that should be decent for a practice amp. Depending on your living situation, we recommend you try and stay under 50 watts.
However, some practice amps are small, yet still have the wattage to be used in small venues and live performance. Figure out what you want to use your amp for and choose one accordingly.
Performance
How does it sound? How do you feel playing through that amp? If it feels good and sounds good, you have the right amp. You can read all the reviews and compare specs all day long, but if you hate how it sounds, then that amp sucks.
Effects
A lot of modern practice amps, and amps in general, have built-in effects. Some come with companion apps that allow you to model your amp after other amps. You can even model sounds from other heads, cabinets, and more.
Being packed full of effects can be a fun way to get your creative juices flowing, especially if you use your practice amp during songwriting sessions.
Price
Finally, you will want to make sure your amp fits into your budget. We all dream of the day when we can get any piece of gear we want and not even glance at the price tag. Unfortunately, that is not the case for most of us.
Don't blow your whole bank account on an amp and then not be able to afford a set of replacement strings (or food, or rent). Or go ahead and overspend. I'm not your mom!
Overall Top choice
Again, our top pick for best practice amp is the Line 6 Spider V 60 Wireless Ready Modeling Amplifier. It packs a ton of punch in 60 watts. You get great volume, tone, and a whole load of features. Personally, I think the live drum loops and wireless connectivity are the coolest features available.
Conclusion
Bottom line is you need a practice amp. We've reviewed a ton here with varying bells and whistles at a price point for just about anyone's budget. Let us know which one you picked up and how it goes in the comments below.
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