If you’re anything like me, you love to blast a cranked tube amp every time you practice. Unfortunately, it’s not always practical. My poor family members and neighbors just don’t appreciate the harmonically rich saturation and dynamic range of that 50-watt valve beast anyway, so what you need is one of the best practice amps to keep your licks fresh and your riffs chunky without causing any arguments.
A great practice amp will allow you to painstakingly pick apart the techniques of your favorite songs and apply them to your own creative endeavors. I know plenty about great practice amps, having worked in a guitar store for the best part of a decade, I have helped countless players select the best choice for them. Personally, I have had my fair share of practice amps; living in apartments made that a necessity, so I am putting that experience to use here.
There’s a boatload of choice when it comes to practice amps, and if you’re looking for a quick answer, check out the Boss Katana 50 Gen 3. It’s the latest iteration of the best-selling practice amplifier ever and is packed with everything you need. For keeping things totally silent, the Fender Mustang Micro Plus is the best headphone amplifier on the market, ideal for silent practice.
If you’re new to guitar amps or want to know a little more before you buy, check out our how to choose section at the end of this article. There’s also a handy glossary of key terms that clarifies any confusing jargon. If you just want to see the best practice amps available today, keep scrolling for my top picks.
My top picks
As one of the most popular guitar amps ever manufactured, the Boss Katana Gen 3 is a no-brainer for the vast majority of guitar players looking for a practice amp. It's got great sounds, loads of flexibility in connectivity, and enough oomph to take to your first shows.
If you need something low-cost and simple, the Orange Crush 20 is an excellent choice. Priced well below $200, it delivers a traditional amp feel with a clean and dirty channel alongside a 3-band EQ and a handy recording output.
If you can't do without a tube amp, the Blackstar HT-1R MKIII is a great little 1W combo that can do tube saturation at a relatively low volume. Able to jump between British and American tones, it's also got a USB recording option for extra flexibility.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a jack of all trades: And a master of them! There isn’t much to dislike about the Katana 50 as a practice amplifier.
❌ Avoid if you need something smaller: Although this isn’t massive, some players may prefer a desktop amp or a headphone amplifier.
Overview
The Katana series has been around for almost a decade now. For those 10 years, it has become the best-selling amplifier on the market. Generation 3 is the latest take on this modern classic and, pound for pound, is one of the best practice amplifiers you can get.
Power
With 50 watts at full blast, this can get loud if you want it to. However, with quieter home practice in mind, the onboard attenuator allows you to knock it down to 25 watts, and even 0.5 watts, which is incredibly family-friendly. All of this is played through a 12-inch custom-designed speaker, and you have an amplifier that covers many situations, from practicing at home to rehearsing if you want it to.
Amp models
Versatility is the Katana’s calling card. It has six onboard amp models, featuring Pushed, Lead, Clean, Crunch, Acoustic, and Brown, so there isn’t a genre the Katana can’t try its hand at. On the Gen 3, there is even a variation for each model, expanding the tonal library even further.
Effects & features
What’s not to love about 15 onboard classic Boss effects? From overdrive to delay, reverb, and modulation, there’s so much to experiment with, and that’s before diving into the Boss Tone Studio app, which unlocks up to 60 effects. Also, if you’re into USB recording at home, the Katana does that too. All in all, there isn’t a practice amp on the market that can beat it for features and value.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you want to cut out the faff: The Crush 20 does away with flashing lights, screen diving, and apps. It’s straightforward, effective, and cheap.
❌ Avoid if you want modern luxuries: There aren’t any Bluetooth or effect signal chain editing options here.
Overview
The Orange Crush 20 is a brilliant little practice amp that allows you to get that highly sought-after Orange tone at a reasonable volume and price. Available in classic orange or a nice little black number, the Crush 20 can do a surprising amount for a mere practice amp.
Power
With 20 watts on tap, the Crush 20 is perfect for home practice, but it’s got more volume than you might expect. It’s loud enough to feel punchy and responsive without becoming unbearable, and it performs particularly well at lower volumes. This makes it ideal for bedroom playing while still letting you push the amp hard enough to get the most out of its gain structure.
Amp models
Despite being a solid-state amp, the clean tone doesn’t stay clean when you crank it, giving you that tube-like natural breakup at higher settings. The dirty channel sounds phenomenal too, thanks to the four preamp stages, taking you from buttery overdrive to gnarled high gain tones.
Effects & features
Although there aren’t any effects, other features stand out with the Crush 20. The headphone out has more to it than meets the eye. Plug in and you get an Orange cab sim, emulating a 4x12 stack with Orange’s renowned Voice of the World speakers. An aux input lets you jam along to your favorite tunes, making this a perfect practice amp.
Best tube
✅ Buy if you want cranked tubes at home: Measuring in at 1 watts, sweet tube overdrive is achievable indoors.
❌ Avoid if you need more effects: Like any tube amp, there is not a bunch of built-in effects. Look elsewhere if you need that; otherwise, plug in your pedals and have fun.
Overview
The Blackstar HT-1R MKIII is a great little tube amp for the guitar player who must have the real deal. It’s got some brilliant connectivity options that make it a perfect companion for the home, as well as an excellent tonal palette.
Power
As the name suggests, the HT-1R maxes out at 1 watt. Now, this isn’t big and is suitable for the home; however, it still packs a punch. Don’t let the size fool you. If you deem it suitable, you can use the combo as a head thanks to the 4–16Ω extension speaker jack.
Amp models
The HT-1R features two channels, each with its own switchable voice, giving you the option of both American- and British-flavored sounds. If you do decide to turn it up, it sounds much bigger than you’d expect, but you can still get great tube tones at lower volumes. New to the MKIII are three CabRig simulations, expanding the palette of tones even further.
Effects & features
The built-in reverb sounds absolutely phenomenal, and Blackstar has newly voiced it for the MKIII iteration. Apart from that, there are no other built-in effects, so this is a practice amp aimed at players with an effects pedal collection. A headphone output lets you practice silently, while the USB recording option is ideal for capturing ideas or tracking your progress.
Best pedal amp
✅ Buy if you want to lighten the load: Unsurprisingly, this thing is super light, compact, and barely takes up any space.
❌ Avoid if you’re a traditionalist: Some will turn their nose up at a modern take on an amplifier.
Overview
Okay, so you’re probably thinking ‘that’s not an amp!’ and you’re half-right. The Strymon Iridium is one of those newfangled pedalboard amplifiers that are all the rage right now. Whilst it’s not an amp in the traditional sense, the range of tones on offer here is simply too good to ignore.
Amp models
For a player who can’t do without a tube amp but needs that warm saturation, the Strymon Iridium is one of the most convincing recreations we’ve heard thus far. Everything from Vox-like chime to Fender Tweed is available with this amazing little unit, and there’s a great selection of cabinets too, with 1x12, 2x10, 2x12, and even a 4x12 option.
Effects & Features
It may not have built-in effects, but you can stick it at the end of your pedalboard, and you can use your live rig at home with all your usual pedals. Also, what makes this such a great practice amp is its headphone input, allowing you to capture these gloriously recreated amp models without upsetting anyone else in the house. It’s so good you might find it replaces your regular amp at your live shows too!
"Despite its size and simple control interface, this box will do a lot more than can be fully covered in this space. Yet its cornerstone sounds and easy functionality are themselves enough to warrant an enthusiastic reception on the market, and an Editors’ Pick Award."
Read more: Strymon Iridium review
Best headphone amp
✅ Buy if you need to practice silently: Some living spaces are just too unforgiving; the Micro Plus allows a pair of headphones to cut you off from the world.
❌ Avoid if you can’t do without a speaker: Headphone playing isn’t for everyone and if you don’t like playing with them, look elsewhere.
Overview
The Fender Mustang Micro Plus may not look like much, but it’s actually a brilliant practice tool for the guitarist on the go. Small enough to fit in your backpack or gig bag, it’s packed with usable tones and a range of top-quality effects.
Amp models
The amp sounds emulate some of the most iconic amps of all time, starting at the Fender ‘65 Twin for your ultra clean sound, going right through to a Bogner Uberschall emulation for those heavy, drop-tuned riffs. With the release of the Micro Plus, Fender introduced 13 new amp models, expanding your options even further.
Effects & Features
A whole range of effects gives you spring reverb, 2290-style delay, and a swirling sine chorus, amongst many others. It’s wireless, so you can walk around the house with your headphones in, oblivious to anything other than your great guitar tone. The USB-C out serves as a charge point as well as offering USB recording options too, meaning you can plug it into your phone or laptop and record your ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
Best compact
✅ Buy if you want a compact practice amp: The Spark Mini is perfect for home use, jamming along to tracks, and exploring loads of tones without touching a pedal.
❌ Avoid if you prefer a traditional amp experience: If you don’t want to use an app or rely on a phone or tablet to unlock features, this probably isn’t for you.
Overview
Everything’s ‘smart’ nowadays, from smartphones to smart lightbulbs to smart clip-on tuners, even the guitar world isn’t immune to the traipse of technology. The Positive Grid Spark Mini is touted as a ‘smart amplifier’, mixing the analog sound of the old with the tech of the modern era.
Power
Despite its compact size, the Spark Mini delivers a surprising amount of volume and low-end. It’s clearly designed for home practice rather than rehearsals, but it feels full and punchy at sensible volumes, making it far more capable than its size suggests.
Amp models
It certainly looks like an amp with its black Tolex and gold piping, but there’s a huge amount of depth under the hood. With 30 different amp types, you get sounds from boutique clean through to modern high gain, all painstakingly modeled to deliver an incredible sound.
Effects & Features
Its tiny size means that it only has three controls, but thankfully, there’s an accompanying Spark app. Load up songs to jam along with from Spotify or YouTube, or use the Smart Jam feature, which listens to eight bars of your playing and generates a custom backing track for you. Oh, and it has 43 available effects. How’s that for smart?
"In the end, though, I found plenty to like about Spark, from its amp models and effects to the accompanying app and its versatility as a learning, jamming and recording tool. Spark looks and sounds great, and its Auto Chord Recognition and jamming features will undoubtedly make better players of us all."
Read more: Positive Grid Spark Mini review
Also consider
How to choose
If you’re looking for a new practice amplifier, you’ll want to consider a few important points. Having worked in a guitar store for around 10 years, I helped players choose a practice amp every day of my career; it was my bread and butter. These are the three steps I encouraged players to consider before making a practice amp purchase.
1. Volume
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One of the main reasons a player looks for a practice amplifier is to get an amp suitable for home use. As we all know, practicing at home is usually restricted by consideration for the people around you. You don’t want to buy a 100W tube amp head that will annoy those you live with, potentially damage your hearing, and possibly even get you in trouble with law enforcement.
So, keep an eye on the power rating, which is measured in watts. Anything between 10 and 20 watts is the sweet spot for home use. If the amplifier you’re looking at has a higher power rating, check to see if it has an attenuator that can reduce the output at the flick of a switch.
2. Effects
Next up, you should consider effects. Players looking for a practice amplifier tend to be near the beginning of their playing career and will likely benefit from experimenting with a variety of effects. Instead of going down the effects pedal route, which can be expensive, having a practice amp packed with effects is a cost-effective way of learning and figuring out what you like to play with.
If you’re an experienced player with a pedalboard, this may not be as necessary. However, thinking about effects will still help you make a more informed decision, so it remains an important factor regardless of your skill level.
3. Size
Alongside volume, size also comes into play when choosing a practice amplifier for home use. If you’re practicing in a bedroom or home studio, you may not have much space to work with. Smaller amplifiers, like the Yamaha THR10II, or even a headphone amp such as the Mustang Micro Plus, will fit into your life and living space much more easily. It’s a practical consideration, but an important one nonetheless.
FAQs
What wattage do I need for a practice amp?
This depends on how much noise you can make in your practice space. Typically, anywhere between 10 and 20 watts of solid-state power is the sweet spot. However, my favorite practice amplifier is the Boss Katana Gen 3 50, which comes with 50 watts of power. At full capacity, this may be too loud for most practice spaces, but the helpful attenuator reduces the output power to either 25 watts or 0.5 watts. Solid-state amplifiers aren’t as loud as tube-powered amplifiers, so don’t compare these types of amps like for like.
What speaker size is best?
Practice amplifiers don’t tend to have speakers any bigger than 12 inches. A 12-inch speaker will give you the best bass response and allow other frequencies more room to breathe, but this is at the larger end for a practice amp.
If you’re going for a lower-powered practice amp, between 10 and 20 watts, then an 8-inch speaker is a popular choice, and it helps keep the chassis smaller. There’s no hard-and-fast rule here, and speaker size shouldn’t be the first thing you worry about, as it’s usually dictated by the power and overall size of the amp.
Should I get a tube, solid-state, or modeling amp?
If you’re looking for a practice amp, most players will opt for a solid-state or modeling amp. These types of amplifiers are typically packed with effects and amp models, perform better at lower volumes, and are generally more lightweight.
With advances in technology, there are now very low-wattage tube amps that feature built-in attenuators. Even so, an attenuated tube amp will still likely be too loud for most homes. After all, you still need to get the tubes cooking for it to be worthwhile.
Can I just use a normal guitar amp for practice?
Yes. You can use just about any guitar amp for practice, as long as it fits your needs, isn’t too loud to annoy everyone around you, and sounds good enough for your tastes. This does depend on what you consider ‘normal,’ but if you’ve got an older guitar amp lying around that ticks all the boxes you need, then crack on. There shouldn’t be anything stopping you.
Should I get an amp with a headphone output?
Getting a practice amp with a headphone output is a great idea. Even the quietest amplifier, when played through a speaker, may still be too loud at 2 am when everyone is sleeping, and you’re still jamming away in your room. A headphone output allows you to keep playing while still using your amp's voices, effects, and EQ without pestering anyone.
When buying your next practice amplifier, keep an eye on the spec list. If it has a headphone output, great. Even if you don’t use it immediately, it’s better to have one than not.
What about an auxiliary input?
Even today, most guitar amplifiers don’t come equipped with Bluetooth, as latency is still too high. An auxiliary input is a great alternative if you want to hook up a device and jam along to backing tracks or your favorite songs. It isn’t a complete necessity, but it’s a useful feature if you enjoy playing along to music. Plus, it means your practice amplifier can double as a speaker when you need it to.
How important is portability?
Portability can be an important factor for practice amplifiers, particularly if you’re prone to playing with friends or need to take your amp to guitar lessons or a family member’s house. Having a lightweight amplifier will make your life a whole lot easier.
Today, there are fantastic practice headphone amplifiers that can fit in your pocket, such as the Fender Mustang Micro Plus, so if you really value portability, they’re well worth checking out. Tube amplifiers are always much heavier, even the small ones, so keep that in mind if you’ve got a bad back.
What features should a beginner prioritize?
Personally, I think beginners should prioritize versatility. When starting out, you’ll want to experiment with as many amp voices, effects, and tones as possible so you can develop your own tastes, figure out what you like the sound of, and practice a wide range of songs. Variety really is the spice of life, especially for a beginner.
Beyond that, features like a built-in tuner and a headphone output are also very useful and are things a new player will likely appreciate.
Do amps sound good at low volume?
Yes, modern amps generally sound very good at low volume, especially if they feature an attenuator or power control. While you will lose a bit of bass response when playing quietly, many practice amps are designed specifically to retain clarity and balance at lower levels. Modeling and solid-state amps, in particular, excel here, making them ideal for home use where volume needs to be kept in check.
Key terms
- Aux in (line in): This is an audio input, usually using a 3.5mm jack, that allows you to play music from external devices like a phone or tablet through your amp.
- Cabinet: This is the outer housing that encloses the amplifier’s speaker. On some setups, the cabinet is separate from the amp itself.
- Combo: A combo amp includes everything you need in one unit: a preamp, power amp, and speaker, all housed together.
- Channel: A channel is a separate signal path within an amplifier. Many amps have multiple channels, such as clean and dirty, which you can switch between.
- Direct out (line out): This is an output that sends the amp’s signal directly to a PA, audio interface, or recording device, bypassing the speaker.
- Effects: These are sound-altering tools like reverb, delay, or distortion that shape your guitar tone.
- EQ (equalization): EQ controls let you adjust different frequencies in your sound, typically bass, midrange, and treble.
- Gain: Gain controls how much the signal is let through to the preamp stage. Higher gain usually means more distortion.
- Input: This is where you plug your guitar into the amplifier.
- Modeling: Modeling refers to digital technology that recreates the sound and feel of tube amplifiers, cabinets, and effects.
- Power amp: The power amp boosts the signal from the preamp to a level strong enough to drive the speaker.
- Solid state: A type of amplifier that uses electronic components instead of tubes. Many practice amps are solid state as they work well at low volumes.
- Speaker: The component that changes the electrical signal from the amp into sound you can hear.
- Tube amp (valve amp): An amplifier that uses vacuum tubes to amplify the signal. Tube amps are known for their warm, dynamic sound, but are usually louder and heavier.
- Wattage: This refers to the amp’s power output.
How we test
At Guitar Player, we pride ourselves on our expertise in testing amplifiers, which comes from extensive real-world experience in various musical settings. As regularly recording and gigging musicians, we have put countless practice amps through their paces. This hands-on approach ensures that our reviews and recommendations are grounded in genuine, practical knowledge acquired from years of playing guitar.
When compiling our list of the best practice amps, we don't rely solely on speculation. Instead, we meticulously evaluate each amp by immersing ourselves in its sounds, features, and overall functionality. The demands of a practice amp are very much different from that of a guitar amp you'd play live, so our thorough testing process guarantees that our reviews and recommendations are based on authentic, firsthand experience.
To curate our selection of top practice amps, we draw upon our extensive knowledge, conduct meticulous research, and engage in insightful discussions with our esteemed editorial team. We carefully assess factors such as tonal versatility, responsiveness, build quality, features, and value for money. This ensures that our chosen practice amps represent the pinnacle of performance, craftsmanship, and practicality.
Each choice in this article is handpicked by an actual musician who understands the unique demands of a practice amplifier. We wouldn't recommend an amp that we don't genuinely believe in. As trusted authorities in the field, you can rely on Guitar Player to guide you towards the practice amp that will inspire your playing, enhance your skills, and accompany you on your musical journey.
Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.
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