1. The quick list
2. Best overall
3. Best on a budget
4. Best for beginners
5. Best for live performance
6. Best for professionals
7. Best for home
8. More options...
9. Buying advice
10. How we test
There invariably comes a point in a guitarist's life when we decide we want to do away with cables and fully embrace a cable-free life. Whether it's decluttering your home practice space or freeing yourself up to perform better on stage, the best wireless guitar systems can become an integral part of your rig.
Wireless guitar systems are now more accessible and affordable than ever before, meaning you can give a stadium-quality performance on a bar gig budget. Gone are the days of tripping on your cable, ripping it from the output jack, and putting a screeching halt to your band's encore - we’ve all been there.
At first glance, choosing a wireless guitar system can appear a little daunting – particularly when you start looking at technical specs like frequency response, latency rates, and operating bandwidths. So to help you find the best unit for your needs and cut through the tech speak, we've put together an exhaustive buying advice section with all the common questions answered by the experts here at Guitar Player.
The quick list
Well known for their durable build quality and reliability in pedals, it's only natural that the Boss WL-50 excels as a wireless guitar system, perfect for guitar players on stage or at home.
Good wireless systems don't have to cost the earth, as evidenced by the Behringer Airplay Guitar AG10, which delivers excellent performance for the guitarist on a budget.
Setting up guitar wireless systems can be complicated, but the AKG WMS 40 Mini Instrument ISM2 is one of the few truly 'plug-and-play' options on the market for guitarists.
If you're regularly playing live, it's much easier to have your wireless system mounted on your pedalboard which is where the brilliant Sennheiser XSW-D comes in.
For professional-level guitarists playing bigger stages and touring, the Shure BLX14 Wireless Guitar System is a robust and reliable wireless unit that will do the job night after night.
If you just want to do away with the cables whilst you're practicing or writing with your guitar at home, the excellent value Xvive Wireless System U2 will do a fantastic job.
Best overall
When it comes to music gear, Boss has to top the list for reliability. Whether it's a compact stomp box, a masterfully designed modeling amp, or, indeed, a wireless guitar system, their units are built like tanks – able to withstand anything you throw at them.
The Boss product we're looking at today is the WL-50, which was specifically developed for pedalboard players. Housing brand-new Boss tech, the WL-50 offers 65 feet of range, extremely low latency, and a very respectable frequency spectrum.
Of course, with this system being conceived by the world leader in pedals, you also get a few welcome extras such as a compact form factor, an onboard docking port for charging the transmitter, and a DC output, which allows you to power a few extra stomps on your board.
Best on a budget
Behringer is a leading force in affordable music gear, be that overdrive pedals and portable PA systems, synthesizers, and other accessories. Of course, that extends to wireless systems, with the Airplay AG10 offering outstanding value for money.
Like many of the other options on this list, the AG10 is truly plug-and-play – clearly, we guitarists like things as simple as humanly possible. As well as simple operation, this nifty wireless system also offers ultra-low latency of around 5ms, around 30 meters of range, and 24-bit / 48kHz signal transmission audio quality. The 6.5 hours of battery life is pretty generous, and it is made even better thanks to the auto sleep and wake-up function.
Offering 100ft of roaming capabilities, this affordable wireless system competes neck and neck with models twice its price in terms of range. So if you are looking for a cheap-as-chips option that certainly won't break the bank, you'll want to check this one out for sure.
Best for beginners
Setting out to create a "true plug 'n' play wireless solution", AKG's WMS 40 Mini Instrument ISM2 is a brilliant unit for those who want to avoid the faff of setting up this sort of device. At the end of the day, we aren't all audio engineers – we just want to plug in and rock!
Well, thankfully the AKG offers just that. With a professional 3-pin mini XLR connector, the PT40 Mini body-pack transmitter is compatible with electric guitars, bass guitars, headsets, and instrument mics – meaning it's appropriate for many different musicians. Being both lightweight and rugged it is easy to toss into a gig bag and move seamlessly from rehearsal room to gig venue without too much worry.
Better yet, with 30 hours of use – off a single AA battery, no less – the AKG will even keep on rocking through your never-ending, experimental jam sessions. You've also got a generous 100 feet to roam around, offering a newfound freedom that'll easily accommodate most, if not all, local venues.
Best for live performance
When it comes to pedalboard wireless solutions, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better example than the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set. To be fair, that's hardly surprising, considering Sennheiser makes some of the most renowned wireless microphones, headsets and headphones in the world.
This being said, world-class wireless technology isn't what sets this system apart from the rest. Rather it's the special functionality, specifically designed for guitarists, that got us interested in this unit. Namely, the purpose-built case that makes it pedalboard-friendly, while the incorporated tuner means it isn't just dead space on your 'board.
Now, of course, with this being a Sennheiser wireless system, you get a one-touch set-up, 2.4GHz digital transmission for worldwide operation, and a whopping 250ft of range. Wireless systems can often be a little flimsy, for lack of a better term, but Sennheiser has pulled out all the stops by housing the transmitter in a rugged, metal casing – it's super sturdy. So, if you’re looking specifically for a rock-steady wireless system for your pedalboard, look no further than the XSW-D.
Best for professionals
It makes sense if you want a truly outstanding live sound that you'd go to a pro audio specialist, and that's exactly what you get with the Shure BLX14. Okay, this unit from Shure isn't exactly the cheapest on this list, but it does seem you get what you pay for.
Delivering up to 14 hours of continuous use with AA batteries and an operating range of up to 100 meters, this system will handle myriad different venues and situations. At the same time, the hardy body-pack transmitter will endure even the most enthusiastic performance.
The brilliantly designed BLX4 receiver includes the One Touch-QuickScan feature which, as the name suggests, allows for effortless connectivity – meaning you never need to worry about linking to a weak frequency. Although 100 meters is fantastic, it may be overkill if you’re only playing small venues. That being said, this unit's reliability and ease of use tip the scales overwhelmingly in favor of this professional quality wireless system from Shure.
Best for home
If you’re after a super simple and affordable wireless system, there aren't many better options out there than the XVive U2. Don’t let the price fool you, however, as the U2 is capable of 24-bit / 48kHz digital audio, so you’ll barely notice the difference between this and a physical instrument cable.
With a latency as low as 5ms, there's no need to worry about irritating lag and a 30-meter range is more than enough for small to medium-sized venues without any disruptions. While the design might seem a bit basic – admittedly, there are sleeker choices out there – the hinged operation makes it easy for the transmitter to snugly fit against most guitars, keeping things tidy and fuss-free.
This may be a minute fuss for some, but a battery indicator would be a great improvement for this system. There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than wondering if your system will survive a whole show. But setting that aside, there's actually plenty to like about this unassuming wireless system.
More options...
As well as offering a top range of multi-effects pedals, digital amps, and one of the best delays on the market, Line 6 also offers a full scope of wireless guitar units, too. With Relay G30, G50, G55, and G90 in their lineup, there's a unit for every situation.
For this list, we've decided to opt for the Relay G30, as we believe it offers the most bang for your buck. This lightweight system is encased in a rugged polycarbonate shell, making it capable of holding up to the harsh conditions of the road. If you have gigging in mind, the battery status indicator will save any onstage mishaps and the 30-meter range is long enough for most venues.
Perhaps most uniquely, Line 6 has implemented ‘Cable Tone Match’ technology which replicates various cable lengths' distinct responses and tone characteristics. So, if you are looking for a very reliable wireless system that is simple to use, won't break the bank and has interesting features, the Relay G30 might just be the best option for you.
Don't let its tiny size fool you. This petite, discreet system from NUX gives the big dogs a run for their money. Operating on 5.8GHz, the C-5RC won't compete with other common household wireless devices such as wi-fi routers, Bluetooth and cordless phones – which run the more typical 2.4GHz frequency.
The NUX C-5RC also delivers 24-bit, 44.1kHz audio quality and can work up to 100 feet away – not bad for such a simple device. The C-5RC transmitter is also pretty lightweight and, although it’s not the most robust, you’ll barely notice the weight on your instrument whilst strutting around the stage.
Included with the system is a portable charge station that provides up to 15 hours of battery life, meaning you can recharge at the gig! Another incredibly useful feature is the auto shutdown mode. If the system has not been active for more than 10 minutes it will power down, so no nasty surprises the next time you come to use it.
Yeah, sure, Ibanez may be better known for shred-worthy axes and the mighty green box of tone, but they actually make a rather impressive wireless unit, as well. Like the NUX and Behringer, this Ibanez unit opts for a "bug" system, which makes it very quick and easy to set up.
Now, where it differs from those other models is the Cable-Tone Mode which is specially designed for passive pickups and emulates the tonal elements of a 10-foot guitar cable – meaning you don't need to compromise on tone just because you want to be able to use the full length of the stage.
Ibanez is a brand that appreciates experimenting with a range of pickup styles so it’s no surprise to hear that the WS1 works equally well with passive and active pickups as well as piezo pickups. Also, if you don’t like faffing about with different channels, automatic mode will choose the best one for your current location. Other specifications include 24-bit/44.1kHz audio quality, less than 5ms of latency and four hours of continuous battery use.
Buying advice
What is a wireless guitar system?
In a nutshell, a wireless guitar system allows you to play your electric guitar, acoustic, or bass through an amplifier, well, wirelessly.
Okay, yeah, you already knew that – but how does it work? Well, all wireless systems have to contain two main elements: the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter will plug into your instrument – just as a normal cable would – and the receiver will go into the amplifier.
There are many different styles of wireless units – as you can see from this guide. The most basic is the dongle – or bug – style, which is just about the simplest out there. These units tend to pair automatically and simply plug into your guitar and amplifier just like a cable, with no need for extra equipment.
The next type is the more traditional belt pack and stand-alone receiver, such as the Shure BLX14 and AKG WMS 40. These tend to be more professional but do require a little more set-up. These wireless systems plug into the guitar via a short cable, with the transmitter attaching to your guitar strap, while the receiver can sit nicely atop your amp, connecting via another small cable.
The last type is the pedalboard-friendly systems, which are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with your current live rig. These are great for live musicians and take a lot of the fuss out of setting up a professional system – not to mention some even have built-in tuners and mute switches!
Do wireless guitar systems affect the tone?
While it's true that some inferior wireless systems can alter your tone, if you invest in a good quality unit, this shouldn't be the case. Many systems on the market these days offer "cable emulation," meaning your audience will be hard-pressed to hear a difference.
Heck, you never know, your wireless could end up being your "secret weapon" just like everyone's favorite hard-rocking school boy, Angus Young.
What should I look for in a wireless guitar system?
When it comes to choosing the best wireless guitar system for your needs, there are a few things you'll want to consider.
Range The first and most important is the range of the wireless system. Each unit will have a different distance it will cover, so do your research before you make a purchase. Obviously, if you are playing large stage – or you just like going to the bar mid-set – you'll need a system with a reasonable range. Of course, if you are just in a rehearsal space or your bedroom, then a short range will work just fine.
Power Now, as you'd expect, wireless systems will run on batteries, so it's important to know the expected battery life of your unit. If you are playing three-hour cover sets, you'll want to know your wireless is up to the task.
Channels Having the ability to switch the channel of your wireless can really get you out of trouble in a live environment. Say you are sharing the stage with multiple wireless devices, then you are likely to experience interference – but simply switching to a free channel should resolve this.
What is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz operating bands?
As you shop around for the best wireless guitar system you'll quickly encounter the term "frequency band". But what's the fuss about these bands, and how do they impact your set-up? Put simply, a frequency band refers to a specific radio frequency range your system employs to transmit and receive your guitar signal.
Now, why does it matter? Well, the best frequency band for your set-up might vary depending on where you're located. These bands are doled out by regulatory authorities, and the perfect pick for you could hinge on the country you're in. This allocation regulation ensures your wireless system plays nice without causing interference amidst other gadgets like wi-fi routers or security cameras. Common frequency bands for guitar wireless systems include the familiar UHF (Ultra High Frequency), alongside the zippy 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz varieties.
How we test products
Here at Guitar Player, our writing team are guitarists first and foremost. That means we've had our hands on lots of different wireless guitar systems in our personal and professional lives, and tested them at home and on stage.
When we look at a wireless guitar system, we'll examine various factors starting with how easy is it to set up. Is it a 'plug-and-play' type system or does it require a little more fine-tuning like scanning for frequencies? We'll set it up at home and in a live scenario to make sure we get the best overview of how it works in the real world.
Next, we'll look at the build quality. Will it put up with the rough and tumble of life on the road? Is the transmitter versatile enough to fit into a variety of guitars? Are the any extra features that make using it a little easier? Is it more suited to home use or can it be easily utilized during live gigs?
Finally, we'll do a direct comparison of sound versus a regular cable. Is there any high-end roll-off? Does it pick up interference from other electrical items in the nearby vicinity? We'll also compare to other wireless units we've reviewed previously, comparing and contrasting how each one holds up.
Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.
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