10 bestBudget Guitar Ampsof July 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1

Positive Grid Spark Live Smart Guitar Amp, Multi-Channel PA System & Bluetooth Speaker All-in-One for Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Keyboards and More.
Positive Grid

10.0
2

Donner Mini Guitar Amp, 5 Watt Wireless Small Electric Guitar Amplifier, Cyclops Guitar Combo Amp with 7 Amplifier Models 3 Types of Effects: Mod, Delay, Reverb and Drum Machine
Donner

10.0
3

Marshall Amps Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-MG10G-U)
Marshall

9.9
4

BOSS Katana Compact 7-Watt Guitar Amplifier, Black (KTN-MINI)
BOSS

9.9
5

Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier
Fender

9.8
Other
6

Positive Grid Spark Pearl 40-Watt Combo Practice Guitar Amplifier Electric Bass and Acoustic Guitar Amp with Spark Mobile App (Pearl)
Positive Grid

9.6
7

VOX V9106 Pathfinder Guitar Combo Amplifier, 10-Watt
VOX

9.4
8

Blackstar FLY3 3W Battery Powered Guitar Amplifier
BLACKSTAR

9.2
9

Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, (Crush12)
Orange

9.0
10

VOX AC15C1 Guitar Combo Amplifier
VOX

8.7
A Guide to Selecting the Best Budget Guitar Amps
Choosing a guitar amp, even on a budget, is an exciting step for any guitarist. The right amp can make a huge difference in how you sound and how much you enjoy playing. When shopping for a budget guitar amp, it's important to think about where and how you'll use it—whether that's practicing at home, jamming with friends, or playing small gigs. Understanding the key features will help you find an amp that matches your needs and style, so you get the most out of your playing experience.
Wattage
Wattage refers to how powerful the amp is, which affects both its volume and how it handles sound. Lower wattage amps (under 20 watts) are great for home practice because they can deliver good tone at lower volumes, making them ideal for bedrooms or apartments. Mid-range wattage (20-50 watts) can handle small rehearsals or jam sessions, offering more headroom and volume. Higher wattage amps (over 50 watts) are usually meant for live performances or larger spaces, but they can be too loud for home use. To pick the right wattage, think about where you'll mostly play—if it's just at home, lower wattage is usually best; if you plan to play with a band or in bigger spaces, consider something more powerful.
Speaker Size
The speaker size in an amp affects the sound's fullness and projection. Smaller speakers (6-8 inches) are common in practice amps and tend to sound brighter and more focused, which is good for home use. Medium speakers (10 inches) offer a balance between clarity and warmth, suitable for versatile practice and small gigs. Larger speakers (12 inches or more) provide a fuller, deeper sound and are often found in amps meant for performances. Choose a speaker size based on the kind of music you play and where you'll use the amp—smaller for portability and home use, larger for bigger sound and live settings.
Amp Type (Solid-State vs. Tube vs. Modeling)
There are three main types of guitar amps: solid-state, tube, and modeling. Solid-state amps use electronic circuits and are known for reliability, lower cost, and lighter weight, making them great for beginners and practice. Tube amps use vacuum tubes to create a warm, rich sound that many guitarists love, but they are heavier, require more maintenance, and are usually more expensive. Modeling amps use digital technology to imitate the sounds of many different amps and effects, offering lots of versatility in one package. For most budget buyers, solid-state or modeling amps are the most practical, but if you want classic tone and don't mind a bit more maintenance, a small tube amp could be worth considering.
Built-in Effects
Many budget amps come with built-in effects like reverb, delay, chorus, or overdrive. These effects let you experiment with your sound without needing extra pedals. Some amps offer just a few basic effects, while others have a wide range. If you like to play different styles or want to try out new sounds, look for an amp with more built-in effects. If you prefer a simple, straightforward sound, you might not need many effects at all.
Connectivity (Headphone Jack, Aux Input, USB)
Connectivity options can make your amp more versatile. A headphone jack lets you practice quietly without disturbing others, which is great for home use. An aux input allows you to plug in your phone or music player so you can play along with backing tracks. Some amps also have USB connections for recording directly to a computer or using amp software. Think about how you plan to use your amp—if you want to practice silently or record your playing, these features can be very helpful.
Portability
Portability is about how easy it is to move your amp around. Smaller, lighter amps are easier to carry to lessons, rehearsals, or gigs, while larger amps can be heavy and bulky. If you plan to keep your amp in one place, portability might not matter much, but if you need to move it often, look for a compact and lightweight model.

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