Top 5 Best Guitar Amps On Amazon 2024

Your amp determines the general nature of your tone more than anything else in your signal chain. To get your ideal guitar tone, even with the priciest custom shop guitar and all the boutique stompboxes you could ever want, you’ll still need one of the greatest guitar amplifiers.

In 2024, there will be a plethora of amplifier options available; ultimately, it will depend on your preferences and what works best for your specific arrangement. Having said that, we at Guitar World have reviewed a ton of guitar amplifiers, so we think we have a decent idea of what is genuine and what is just marketing speak. We’ve methodically tested the amplifiers in this guide by using them in our homes, in our practice spaces, and on stage to assess their suitability for the role. We will experiment with them using P90s, humbuckers, and single coils to see how they respond, and we will also use a range of stompboxes to see how well they handle effects.

Since purchasing an amplifier can be difficult due to the often high cost, our team of knowledgeable writers has categorized all of our top picks into certain areas to make your job easier. If you have any additional questions before choosing a new guitar amp, we’ve also put together a comprehensive buying advice section with lots of answers to frequently asked questions.

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Guitar Amps On Amazon 2024

1.Boss Katana-50 Gen 3

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Any guitarist would benefit from selecting an amplifier that will let them play around with various sounds, and the Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 offers you plenty of options. Not only is it an excellent low-cost guitar amplifier, but its integrated effects and networking capabilities also make it a viable choice for experienced musicians.

For most people, the Boss Katana is still the ideal “first” or backup amplifier with this update. With the addition of a new amp model and the traditional array of Boss effects, it can effortlessly transition from practice to a small-scale performance.

Deep parameter manipulation is possible when the Katana modeling amp is connected to a computer, and we also adored how it can record directly into a digital audio workstation via USB. The two channels let you instantly recall your favorite tones, whilst a host of connectivity options ensure it will fit seamlessly into your existing rig.

It always seemed like the ideal name for this state-of-the-art practice amplifier: Katana. When this feature-rich combo first hit the market in 2016, it easily outsold its rivals and quickly rose to the top of the list of amps ever sold. Boss is bringing back the series for its third edition in 2024, promising better sound quality, a new “pushed” amp type, and an expanded feature set. But will it live up to the excitement of the earlier iterations?

Only the 50, 100, and 100 212 models are on sale at launch, despite the fact that the whole Katana range is getting the Gen 3 treatment. We’ll look at the Katana 50 MKIII today and see how it stacks up against the older model.

Alright, it’s safe to say that this new Katana version is a minor progression of the previous edition rather than a total overhaul of the series. Though with noticeable improvements in overall clarity, the MKIII feels and performs just like its predecessor thanks to its smart Tube Logic technology and reactive Class AB analogue power section.

Even though we liked the earlier versions, it’s clear that Boss made significant efforts to enhance the Katana MKIII’s overall sound quality. The amplifier now sounds more alive, with richer midrange harmonics, sweetened highs, and a tighter, more defined low end.

This becomes more clear when you use the new Pushed setting. Physically and stylistically positioned halfway between Clean and Crunch, this amazing preset produces the bright, lively, and incredibly responsive sound of a modestly powered valve amp that is on the verge of breaking up. Together with our favorite ’54 Strat reissue, it was the perfect combination. As they dug in and played, single notes sounded as clear as a bell aggressively returned the perfect amount of grit – a seriously impressive feat for an affordable modeller.

2.Fender Tone Master Twin

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Few guitarists haven’t salivated over the idea of owning a real Twin, but most are unable to afford one due to its weight and the need to crank it. Introducing the Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb, designed to deliver all that badass tube sound without breaking your back or blasting your windows with volume.

Similar to the genuine thing, you get the well regarded slightly scooped, spacious, clear tone in the first half of the volume knob. The chime of overdrive begins to sneak into the tone once you’ve gone past the halfway point. When combined with the volume attenuation switch, this one can truly be turned up to ten, unlike a tube-driven Twin.

Though it’s technically a modeling amp, there’s not much in the way of editing, and certainly no companion app here. There is a cab simulation that can give you the sound of a Shure SM57 on the cabinet or a ribbon microphone, which will please sound engineers everywhere. It’s an incredible piece of digital tech, and while the tone isn’t exactly the same as a vintage Twin, it’s close enough for us.

Fender’s “Blackface” series of guitar amplifiers, which debuted in 1963, has come to symbolize the pinnacle of vintage American guitar amp design.

Due to Fender’s hegemony, two amp models in particular—the Deluxe Reverb and Twin Reverb combos—became indispensable pieces of gear for venues, recording studios, and clubs worldwide. Numerous times, Fender has reimagined the Deluxe and Twin, including digital versions with the Cyber-Twin and Cyber-Deluxe, which were originally released about twenty years ago.

Since then, digital technology has advanced significantly. Today, we’re accustomed to incredibly lifelike amp and effect models, countless cloud-based presets, Bluetooth audio streaming, Wi-Fi, and much more—many of which were made possible by Fender.

The Tone Master Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb, Fender’s newest digital products, shocked everyone when they were unveiled at the Nashville summer NAMM Show this year by abruptly deviating to the left of the digital mainstream and revealing themselves as modeling amplifiers with a significant difference. The two Tone Master amplifiers have a façade that is nearly identical to those from the 1960s. But since there are no presets to display, neither LED displays nor preset buttons are present.

Fender has achieved an unprecedented level of precision in digitally recreating a single amplifier by harnessing the powerful capabilities of contemporary quad-core processors. The combos’ features are also the same as those of the originals. The Deluxe Reverb features two pairs of high- and low-gain inputs feeding the Volume, Treble, and Bass controls, as well as non-switching Normal and Vibrato channels.

The digital magic is more evident on the rear panels: the Tone Master Twin Reverb utilizes 200 watts to imitate a quartet of 6L6s producing about 85 watts, while the Deluxe Reverb employs a 100-watt Class D output stage to simulate the 22 watts of the 6V6-powered original.

The Deluxe Reverb amp has six (simulated) settings: 22, 12, five, one, 0.5, and 0.2 watts; the Twin amp has 85, 40, 22, 12, five, and one watts. Both amps have a rotary switch to reduce output loudness. Additionally, there is a balanced three-pin XLR line out for line desk or microphone hookups, along with a ground lift and a volume control.

3.Fender Mustang LT25

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

In the end, all you really need in a beginner guitar amp is something that sounds fantastic and is simple to operate. For this kind of work, a modeling amp such as the Fender Mustang LT25 is an ideal tool because it offers a wide range of options without overwhelming newcomers.

There are lots of sounds to choose from, ranging from high-gain metal mayhem to classic Fender clean tones, thanks to the 30 onboard presets. Beginners may easily customize their unique sound with the abundance of premium effects available, ranging from pitch shifters and auto wah to compressors, reverbs, and delays.

Because it’s small, you can bring it along to jam sessions with pals, and it has enough power to play with another amplifier another guitarist, although it won’t outshine a drum kit. Add to all these features a rather modest price point, and you’ve got yourself a killer beginner guitar amp.

There is no lack of devices that we can connect to in order to practice playing the electric guitar: from rackmount modellers to tiny headphone guitar amplifiers.

The sheer variety of options—interfaces that can take the place of your amplifier, your amplifier that can also function as an interface, and pretty much everything you could possibly need—may be a little intimidating.

Fender has a long history in the modeling amp industry; we have always been pleased with the amount of features, sound quality, and use of their Mustang amps. What then is the purpose of the LT25? It’s a modeling combo, then, with an auxiliary input, USB connectivity, twenty amp models, and twenty five effects. The eight-inch speaker is included.

You’ll understand that, in a time when everything seems to be connected to everything else via Bluetooth, requires smartphone integration, and turns off lights when you press the wrong button, we’re feeling a little rejuvenated as we hook up our guitar to a jack cable and start experimenting with sounds.

That’s not to imply the Mustang lacks accessories; thirty on-board presets are meant to get you started and showcase the range of sounds available. Using the huge encoder to the right of the screen makes it simple to scroll between each one.

It’s simple to adjust the setup by switching up the amp models or effects by just pushing the encoder and navigating through each category.

After you’ve completed configuring you can save your sound or just jump presets to discard your changes. Operationally, it’s a joy in that we barely need to put our pick down – making our playing session uninterrupted.

However, the LT is more than just push or clean noises. In addition, there are some meatier, higher-gain emulations available, and at times they’re just as amazing as the more “Fender-like” tones.

The effects range from practical gates and compression to more unusual noises like auto-wah, octavers, and some surprisingly good delays and reverbs.

Call us dopes, but we believe the Mustang LT is presenting itself in the best possible light. According to Fender’s own description, it’s intended for novices and students. Although the feature set isn’t as extensive as other of the late-2019 products, it does what it does really well.

The intriguing noises and carefree simplicity were pleasing to us, but most of all, it inspired us to keep playing! In this segment of the market, there are some

That’s great, then. But it’s moot if the tonal weight isn’t there to back it up. When we think of Fender amps, we’re obviously transported to the super bright, clean spank of a Twin, or the smooth, mild breakup of a Champ being pushed into overdrive strong competition, but the ‘Stang has proved itself once more.

4.Positive Grid Spark 40

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The amp world is in full swing thanks to the Positive Grid Spark. It was always going to be a wonderful thing to combine the already highly regarded BIAS tone engine with some fairly amazing smart technology, and it didn’t let us down.

There are forty effects and thirty amp models on board. Both ⅛” aux and headphone inputs, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming, are present. When you need to record that next brilliant idea, you can use your Spark as an audio interface because it has USB inputs and outputs.

The Spark is the ideal practice amplifier since it is brimming with educational resources that will both help you grow as a player and have fun while doing so. Among these functions are “Auto Chords.”which will find chord charts for any song you choose – and ‘Smart Jam’ – which will generate an authentic backing track to accompany you, whatever you play.

Twenty-five thousand preorder sales is a big deal in the world of guitar amps. How then did the Positive Grid Spark persuade so many people to purchase one before they could give it a test? And what, in just a year after its introduction, has drawn in over 100,000 players to the Spark?

Perhaps the tone engine holds the key to the answer. Positive Grid’s BIAS modelling software and heads are excellent, as anyone who has used them will attest. That’s actually the big event here.

However, it goes beyond that. Positive Grid acknowledges a fundamental reality about guitarists: the majority of us practice at home. Additionally, this desktop amplifier is equipped with every feature you could possibly need for a stay-at-home amplifier.And then there’s the notion that the Spark is more than just an amplifier. Not in the traditional sense, anyway.Spark can analyze a music from YouTube, Apple Music, or Spotify and then transpose the chords so you can accompany it.

Of course, you’ve heard it all before when it comes to Bluetooth audio streaming and amp integration, etc. Indeed, the Spark performs all of that. Nevertheless, the Spark can also analyze a song you select from YouTube, Apple Music, or Spotify and then transpose the chords so you can accompany it.

Choose a speed, a chord progression or riff, and the genre you wish, and it will produce a background track for you to jam to.The Spark appears to be a legitimate guitar amplifier. Although it has a format that is suitable for tables, it is not attempting to pass for a hi-fi device in order to appeal to home gadget enthusiasts. It appears good, with its abundance of black and gold accents and a control panel, grill, and piping that should reassure any player.

It has an excellent polish and a detachable leather carrying strap for easy mobility (weighing only 5.2 kg). There are other channels available, such as acoustic and bass. With a three-band equalization, gain, master, and output, the controls are quite recognizable.

You may easily adjust an organic combination of effects to your taste with their own settings. Each is controlled by reverb, delay, and modulation have their own knobs. This amp is ready to rock-and-roll as soon as you plug in. No need for the app, or a manual.

It is nice to get a taste of what’s on offer without too much searching. The Spark’s tone recipe is additive – we were having too much fun playing to go experimenting at first.

With its 40 watts of power delivered through a stereo speaker arrangement, this small amp proved that it was capable of producing a significant amount of power. Play it through headphones or at house-friendly volumes, but if you’re in the mood, this amp can sound incredibly loud and spacious thanks to modeling technology that provides valve-like dynamics in a digital practice amp format.

All new options are available when you pair it with the Spark app. You can experiment with 30 various amp models, 5 compressor pedal models, 9 overdrives, 10 modulation pedals, 6 delays, and 9 reverbs to get the desired tone.

You have the option to create your own signal chain and then store your selections in one of the four preset banks’ seven amp sounds. It could require a while; not because it’s difficult, but it is easy to get carried away with so many tonal possibilities.

5.Line 6 Catalyst 200

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The all-conquering Boss Katana is rumored to have inspired the creation of the Line 6 Catalyst 200, a modeling amp with a ton of features that comes in just under $500. This amp is the best available at this price range if you’re searching for something that can provide high-quality tones and be used for live performances.

The six amp styles that make up the Catalyst 200 are clean, boutique, chime, crunch, dynamic, and high gain. When you turn up the volume, the two 12-inch speakers—which are based on vintage designs from Fender, Marshall, Vox, and other manufacturers—allow it to produce crystal-clear tones with exceptional clarity and raw power.

The effects in Line 6 have always been fantastic, and this is a terrific pick from the HX series with delay, chorus, reverb, phasers, and many more. One criticism is that you can only have two at one time, and one of those must be a reverb, so if you like making crazy effects chains, this might not be the one for you. If you’re using your own pedals though, that won’t be an issue.

The Line 6 Catalyst resembles the PRS considerably more than the EART. I have been using the Catalyst for my band for months, and it has shown to be a very useful and convenient guitar amp for my various demands. Practice quietly at home at 0.5 watts with ease thanks to the attenuation switch on the back. 50 or 100 watts will more than suffice for band practice, providing the power to compete with other instruments and drummers.

To be quite honest, I haven’t even started using their internet application to program any effects or other amp voicings. As a devoted Vox listener, the chime sound is pretty much my default amp option, and it sounds amazing. At low volume, it is identical to everything else in the room.

Buying advice

The three fundamental components of guitar amplification are the preamp, power amp, and speaker. The speaker produces the beautiful tone, the power amp amplifies the sound to the necessary volume to drive the speaker. The preamp shapes the sound.

Should I buy a tube, solid state or digital amp?

The first thing to consider is if the amplifier is digital amp modeler, solid-state, or tube. The advantages of a physical response in your playing are yours when you use tubes: real electrical artistry gushing from a series of shimmering glass tubes. Despite all of the advancements in digital and modeling technologies, people still adore the rich harmonic warmth and energy that tubes provide. Digital and modeling amps just can’t match the performance of tubes when you’re playing at stage volume and driving your amp’s power amp section.

When it comes to sheer diversity and rapid reward, modeling excels. Present-day modeling amplifiers are capable of storing incredibly precise replicas of hundreds of distinct models across all genres a way that gives the user a near-infinite tonal palette. As well as the amps themselves, modeling amps also give you plenty of options to tweak your cabinets and speakers, as well as typically having a whole host of built-in effects. This makes them great options for players in cover bands who need lots of different sounds, as well as beginners who are searching for their signature sound.

Do I want a combo or a head?

While heads need to be used with external speakers, combo amps integrate the pre-amp, power amp, and speakers into one unit. The advantage of a head is that it can power additional speakers if needed, but at a time when events close due to noise concerns and even your neighborhood bar has a respectable PA, the need for additional volume isn’t as important. You’re also at the mercy of the questionable quality of the venue’s own cabs if you use a head on the road and forget to pack your own cabinet.

If you want to carry your meticulously constructed sound with you when you travel, combo amps are fantastic. When you perform at the performance, you’ll know that your exact sound will be pumped out to front of house. However, this comes at a cost, as combo amps are typically very heavy, meaning lugging them up those narrow venue stairs might make you lust after that ‘lunchbox’ head.

Is guitar amp wattage important?

It is, indeed. More loudness usually equates to higher wattage. But there’s more to this than meets the eye. A tube amp’s perceived volume is far higher than its solid state or modeling equivalent due to some electrical magic that we won’t discuss here. To put it simply, that implies a 50-watt digital amplifier will have the same power as a tube amp that produces 10-15 watts. So before you buy that 100-watt tube head and 4×12 combo you’ve had your eye on, certainly keep that in mind.

How much gain does my guitar amp need?

Lastly, you should consider what your requirements are for gain. If you utilize a pedalboard, it’s possible that you already have a variety of distortion and overdrive pedals; all you need is a simple platform to enhance and balance those tones. But for some musicians, particularly those with a heavier approach, a high-gain amp is an absolute must-have since it creates a richer, more three-dimensional character than many stompboxes. Remembering how many channels an amplifier has is important, particularly if you want to be able to quickly transition from clean to distortion.

How we test the best guitar amps?

There are a few tests that we like to perform to really put an amplifier to the test. Having said that, it is important to note that different guitar amplifiers have different forms and sizes, thus the way we test them will vary based on what the amplifier is going to be used for. For instance, when it comes to practice amps used at home, loudness and projection are less important factors than they are for amps intended for use on stage or in a rehearsal space.

The first thing we look at is build quality, which shouldn’t vary between live and home amplifiers. All amplifiers, in our opinion, should be robust and well-made, regardless of their intended use.

We’ll start where most guitarists start, straight up the middle, to test the amps’ tonality. Usually, this lets us hear the amplifier at its sonically most honest. After that, we’ll get started and begin modifying the sound to our tastes, giving close attention to the EQ controls’ sweep in particular. Additionally, we’ll be sure to test the amplifier at both extremes of the gain spectrum—from maximal saturation to the purest state conceivable.

We will be care to test all additional functions, including effects and attenuators, if an amp has any, before putting it through its paces.