For many new guitarists, 100-watt amp stacks might be what comes to mind when they think of their ideal amplifier, but these aren’t realistic or practical for beginners. That's where the best beginner amps come in. These rookie-friendly amps will have different qualities that make them ideal to learn and grow with, but that doesn’t mean they are any less exciting.
A superb beginner amplifier doesn’t have to cost a fortune, with advances in technology and competition between manufacturers driving the cost down on amplifiers that 20 years ago would’ve been considered professional quality, now being made accessible and user-friendly for beginners with features and tones that will suit any genre. With our list, it won’t be down to luck; you can find the ideal amplifier for you.
If you're brand new to guitar amps, then you'll want to check out our FAQs section, which has loads of common questions answered by our expert team. If you already know your stuff, keep scrolling for our top picks.
The quick list
Boss' ever-popular Katana 50 just got that much better thanks to the introduction of Gen 3. Delivering an extra amp tone with improved models alongside an incredible selection of effects, if you're just getting started playing guitar this will be your perfect companion.
The Blackstar Fly 3 Charge is the perfect beginners’ amp for anybody short on space. Weighing in at under 1kg, this mini amp delivers a surprising amount of volume through its 3-inch speaker, while the two channels ensure you can alternate between a rich clean sound and something a touch hairier.
This is the second entry for Blackstar on this list, but with an amp this good, it needed to be included. The Blackstar ID:CORE 10 is perfect for beginners looking for an easy-to-use amp that packs a punch. The five amp models range from glassy clean tones to face-melting high-gain and everything in between.
As perhaps music’s most recognizable guitar brand, it’s reasonable to expect something good from Fender. With the Fender Mustang LT 50, we weren’t disappointed. While this amp is classed as single-channel, in reality, packs in 20 different amp voicings for you to choose from, as well as a good selection of quality effects.
If the promise of multiple amp voicings doesn’t appeal to you, and you just want one solid, high-quality sound to work with, then the Blackstar HT-1R may be the best beginner guitar amp for you. It’s an all-tube amp, meaning you get those glorious tones the professionals rave about, yet in a package small enough to suit a beginner.
While Marshall and Fender are arguably the better-known brands, many players gravitate towards British amp giants Orange for their high-gain needs. Put simply, the gain – or distortion – sound produced by an Orange is quite unlike any other.
Yamaha is responsible for some of the best beginner guitar gear around. They make one of the best beginner electric guitars in the form of the Pacifica, and now the Yamaha THR10II amp - one of the best desktop guitar amps you can get your hands on.
The Vox VX15 GT is a little different from the other amps on this list. Rather than the standard construction usually found on practice amps, the Vox opts for an ultra-lightweight sealed cabinet made of ABS with a bass-reflex design.
Yes, it's not a true guitar amp in the traditional sense, but for beginners, the NUX MG-300 is a great option as a pedal amp. It's packed with 25 amp models, 50 effects pedals, and plenty of flexibility and depth to keep them coming back for more. Bear in mind you will need a pair of headphones or speakers to plug it into though!
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a beginner amp that does it all: From its excellent amp models, superb Boss quality effects, recording capability, and with enough power to gig, there's little the Katana can't do.
❌ Avoid if you prefer simplicity: There's a lot of features here, which could be overwhelming for the beginner player who just wants something simple to use.
Boss is one of the guitar industry’s best-known brands, largely due to its incredible history in the world of effects pedals. The Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 builds on one of the best value beginners’ guitar modeling amps on the planet, adding bigger and better tones with enhanced functionality.
The five original amp voicings are joined by an additional 'pushed' sound, along with 60 different Boss quality effects, so there is something tonally here for anybody. Add extra features like a USB PC interface, so you can record onto your computer, and Bluetooth connectivity via a separately sold connector, and you have yourself a pretty compelling package.
It's not a complete reinvention of the MKII version, but more an evolution that keeps everything great whilst building on the platform. With 50 watts of power and a 1x12 speaker, you've got a combo that can carry you through from the bedroom to the rehearsal room and onto the stage.
Read our full Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 review
Best compact
✅ Buy if you're short on space: The tiny footprint of the Blackstar Fly 3 means it will fit into even the smallest of bedrooms, and you can take it wherever you go too.
❌ Avoid if you want to play live: This is a pure practice amp due to its size, so won't suit those who want to eventually play live or jam with others.
The Blackstar Fly 3 Charge is the perfect beginners’ amp for anybody short on space. Weighing in at under 1kg, this mini amp delivers a surprising amount of volume through its 3-inch speaker, while the two channels ensure you can alternate between a rich, clean sound and something with a bit more grunt. The inclusion of delay helps to both round out your sound and make the minuscule Fly 3 sound much bigger than you might expect.
We like the way you can connect two Fly 3 amps in stereo while adding Bluetooth for jamming to backing tracks or music streaming, which offers an extra element of usefulness.
The Charge is upgraded from the original Fly 3 with the addition of an integrated rechargeable battery, which saves burning through AA batteries whenever you play without the power supply plugged in. It's a killer purchase for guitarists on the move — whatever your ability — and especially ideal for university students and anyone who needs to keep the volume down.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you want value for money: Considering it comes in below $100/£100, you get a lot of guitar amp for your money with this excellent offering from Blackstar.
❌ Avoid if you like lots of features: Other amps on this list do feature a lot more in terms of amp models and effects, granted they will cost you more though.
If you want a beginner amp that packs a punch and doesn't cost the Earth, the Blackstar ID:CORE 10 V3 ticks all the boxes. It's easy to use, has a load of great sounds, and comes in below the $100/£100 mark.
The five amp models range from glassy clean tones to face-melting high-gain and everything in between. It also includes a wide range of effects from reverb, delay, chorus, and even an auto-wah!
Those who like to have more control over their amp can take advantage of the new Blackstar Architect software. This allows the user to customize many features of the amp, from the effects settings to the Cab Rig. This software is available for both Mac and PC.
Best modeler
✅ Buy if you want versatility: With 20 amp voices and 25 effects, the Mustang gives you lots of different sounds in a relatively compact package.
❌ Avoid if you like a big speaker: The 8-inch speaker is great for saving space, but if you want to jam along to songs you'll find it doesn't quite reproduce the full spectrum of sound.
As perhaps music’s most recognizable guitar brand, it’s reasonable to expect something good from Fender. With the Fender Mustang LT25, we weren’t disappointed. While this amp is classed as single-channel, in reality, packs in 20 different amp voicings for you to choose from, as well as a small selection of good-quality effects.
Fender's modeling game has come a long way in recent years, and there's plenty to get excited about here whether you're a fan of the classic Fender amp tone or you want something grittier à la Marshall or Orange.
We found its preset ability useful; with so much in the way of choice from various amps and effect voicings, it was nice to be able to store the ones we liked for quick recall later. An excellent addition to our best beginner guitar amps guide.
Read our full Fender Mustang LT25 review
Best tube amp
✅ Buy if you want ultimate tone: As the only pure tube amp on this list, the HT-1R delivers that most sought-after of guitar tones in a beginner-friendly package.
❌ Avoid if you like versatility: You can do a fair bit with the EQ here, but if you're looking for loads of different sounds and effects then this isn't the amp for you.
The Blackstar HT-1R MKIII is the perfect companion for any new guitarist who wants to achieve classic rock tones in an authentic way. Forget the option paralysis of digital modelers; the HT-1R MKIII is a true tube amplifier with a 12AX7 in the preamp and a 12AU7 in the power section, which provide organic and rich tones even from its seemingly meager 1 Watt of power. We should mention that tube wattage and solid state/digital wattage don’t equate, and the HT-1R can pack a punch comparable to a (seemingly) more powerful digital amplifier.
Upgrades from the MKII has seen a much nicer Tolex used on the outside of the amp, which looks and feels extremely durable, and the addition of USB-C with an integrated audio interface featuring cab sim technology means that recording your tones is extremely simple with no additional microphone needed — a really cool feature for any tube amp, let alone a beginner tube amp.
The MKIII has also seen a fairly significant price increase, with starting prices over $400, which is a lot for a beginner amp. However, we still think this represents good value for a brand-new, feature-packed tube amplifier, and the HT-1R remains an ideal introduction to tube amplification.
Best solid state
✅ Buy if you want a simple amp: As a solid-state amp there are no fancy models or effects here, but what you do get is a core of great sound without having to cycle through menus or mess with apps.
❌ Avoid if you like effects: There's not even a reverb onboard with this amp, so not one for those who like to use lots of different effects.
While Marshall and Fender are arguably the better-known brands, many players gravitate towards British amp giants Orange for their high-gain needs. Put simply, the gain – or distortion – sound produced by an Orange is quite unlike any other. Thick, with oodles of mid-range girth, and a raspy high-end, the sound of an Orange at full throttle is something to behold.
The Orange Crush 20 takes all that expertise and knowledge and packs it into a 20W, beginner-friendly solid-state amplifier that’ll serve any aspiring metal player perfectly. Yes, it lacks effects of any kind, but that’s a small price to pay for such a tonally balanced amplifier.
As a solid-state amp it also means you get an even tone at any volume level, so it'll sound just as good quiet in your bedroom as it will blasting out during a jam session. It's super-easy to dial in a great tone, and will work fantastically as a pedal platform should you decide to start building a pedalboard.
Read our full Orange Crush 20 review
Best desktop amp
✅ Buy if you want a compact amp: This desktop amp is so named because it will fit on a desk or shelf, making it great for those who are looking to save on space.
❌ Avoid if you like high gain: The THR does a lot of amp models well, but we found better high-gain tones elsewhere on this list.
Yamaha is responsible for some of the best beginner guitar gear around. They make one of the best beginner electric guitars in the form of the Pacifica, and now the Yamaha THR10II amp - one of the best desktop guitar amps you can get your hands on. This mighty little amp offers a wide range of tonal options in a compact, stylish package that fits in any room.
Straight out the box, this amp offers five incredibly realistic amp models and an array of studio-quality effects, as well as one bass guitar model and an acoustic guitar option. If this wasn't enough, the mobile editor app allows you access to even more sounds at the touch of a button.
So if you're tight on space but looking for an amp that delivers big on tone, then look no further than the Yamaha THR10II.
Best lightweight amp
✅ Buy if you want a lightweight amp: If you need to carry your amp to lessons, then the VX15 GT will make for easy transportation wherever you go.
❌ Avoid if you like effects: Whilst the effects here are decent, there are definitely better and more flexible options out there if you like to mess around with FX.
The Vox VX15 GT is a little different from the other amps on this list. Rather than the standard construction usually found on practice amps, the Vox opts for an ultra-lightweight sealed cabinet made of ABS with a bass-reflex design. This unique design gives your tone the tight low-end you’re looking for and ensures all the sound is projected forward, where it is needed most.
This amp has an impressive range of sounds onboard, from vintage AC30 tones to killer high-gain metal sounds, meaning it's never been easier to find a tone you love, no matter your playing style or inspiration.
It's surprisingly loud for the size too, so you won't want for volume despite the small size and light weight.
Read our full Vox VX15 GT review
Best pedal amp
✅ Buy if you want something compact, lightweight, and versatile: It's not a traditional amp yet the MG-300 can do everything a regular amp can and more, with 25 amp models, 50 effects, and recording capabilities.
❌ Avoid if you don't want to buy extras: To get the best out of this pedal amp you'll need a good pair of headphones, a set of studio monitors, or an actual amp to get some volume out of it.
We sit firmly in the future of guitar when it comes to technology, so there’s nothing that says you need to buy a big bulky guitar amplifier if you don’t need one. With the NUX MG-300, you’ll get a whopping 25 amplifier models and 49 effects to play, essentially giving you multiple rigs in one handy unit.
Don’t be put off about the sound either, with a pair of headphones on the MG-300 sounds absolutely incredible, with plenty of stereo effects to liven up your practice regimen or help imitating your guitar heroes. Of course, you’ll need headphones, an amp, or a set of studio monitors to get the best out of it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an excellent starting point until you’ve worked your way up to getting a ‘proper’ amp.
There’s a built-in looper which is a fantastic tool for beginner guitar players to hone their rhythm chops, as well as getting you started on your first solos and even full-fledged songwriting. A tuner alongside recording capabilities makes it one of the most fully featured options for beginner guitarists, even if it isn’t a ‘proper’ amp.
Read our full NUX MG-300 review
FAQs
What makes a great beginner amplifier?
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
A great beginner amplifier should be reliable and straightforward; no beginner should have to deal with complexities that can get in the way of playing and have to overcome any additional challenges on top of practicing and developing their playing skills.
The most important thing that any beginner amplifier should do is inspire its owner. A guitarist’s first few years of playing are the most fragile and it’s crucial to make guitar playing as exciting and engaging as possible — a bad amplifier might just be the thing that turns them off playing.
What should I consider when buying a beginner guitar amp?
Starting guitar can be expensive, and buying add-ons such as effects pedals and tuners can bump that cost up, so consider an amp that has features such as integrated effects — we would say that reverb is a must, but additional effects such as delay and modulation are also great additions — and a built-in tuner. You can always add more effects pedals or an external tuner down the line, but having some built-in effects to begin with is a great way to explore different tones and styles.
If your goal is to start recording your own music, some amps have integrated audio interfaces, which means you can connect them up to a computer and easily record yourself playing. These will typically be a little more expensive than some of the most budget-friendly beginner amplifiers; however, if you know this is your long-term goal, it may work out more cost-effective than buying an amp, a separate audio interface, plus a microphone, and result in better-recorded tones.
What type of music do you play?
To pick the best beginner guitar amp for you, you’ll need to make a few considerations. First off, what sort of music do you want to play? If you’re into rock and metal, then you’ll want an amp that’s got a good overdriven or distorted sound. Most beginner amps do offer this, but it’s worth keeping an eye out. If you’re more bothered about a good clean tone, then you don’t need an amp with various levels of overdrive.
Many of the best beginner guitar amps are modelling amps – that is, they aim to replicate the sound of a bunch of other, much more expensive amps. These are versatile and offer a wide array of tones, plus they usually come with lots of different effects built in. So, if you’re into various genres of music, and might flit from classic rock, to country, to blues, and even heavy metal, then a modelling amp could be ideal for you.
How many watts does my beginner guitar amp need?
Next, you’ll need to look into the wattage. The wattage of the amplifier determines how loud it is, so you’ll know straight off the bat whether it’s a pure practice amp for the bedroom, or if it will be able to handle small live shows.
Beginner guitar amps ordinarily sit in the range of 10 to 50 watts, with 10 being more suited to playing at home, while 50 will offer up enough power for smaller live shows. Tube amps have a much higher perceived volume, so a 5-watt tube amp will compete with a 40-50 watt solid state amp.
How big should my beginner guitar amp be?
This is another important question to ask yourself. There is no right or wrong answer, as everyone needs different-sized amps to meet different criteria. You should consider where you're going to keep it, where you'll be using it and whether you'll be leaving it always set up or packing it away after use.
We'd usually recommend getting something with the biggest speaker you can afford. Something like a 10" or 12" speaker will help you to obtain a full range of frequencies from your new beginner guitar amp. However, there are amps like the Yamaha THR10II that, while having much smaller speakers fitted, are able to produce a full tonal range down to a pair of specially designed speakers. It won't kick out the same gutsy tone as a 1x12", but then, it's not really meant to.
The physical size of the amp ties in with speaker sizes nicely. A larger amp will allow for more resonance and sometimes a fuller tone, but can be inconvenient if you're limited on space.
As long as you consider the size and power you realistically need, and choose an amplifier that gives you the flexibility to try out different sounds, you'll be sure to find the perfect home practice companion.
What type of beginner amp do I need?
Beginners may not realize there are different types of amplifiers, all with their own positives and negatives, and some are better suited for beginners.
One type of amplifier you may have heard about is tube amplifiers, historically favored by pros, with lots of great character — in fact, many non-tube amplifiers are designed to mimic the sounds of tube amplifiers. There are, however, many drawbacks of tube amplifiers that make them less ideal for beginners.
They typically sound at their best when cranked and kicking out some substantial volume, which even low-wattage tube amplifiers can produce. This isn’t ideal for beginners, many of whom will be using their amplifiers at home, where that volume level isn’t always appropriate. So, in reality, the hallowed tube amplifier tone might not be unleashed, and non-tube amplifiers could sound better for home use. Tube amplifiers are also prone to suffering reliability issues. No beginner wants their amplifier to suddenly stop working and then have to find a fix.
An amp type that keeps the organic, analog-style of tube amplifiers but is less susceptible to breaking is solid state amplifiers, such as the Orange Crush range. These are among the simplest amps around, which makes them ideal for beginners. They often pack a punch in terms of volume and have great tones, though they may not be the most versatile. These are far more reliable, and it’s common to see solid-state amps last for years without any significant faults.
If versatility is on the agenda, we would suggest looking at digital modeling amplifiers, which will typically have several, sometimes many, amp models built in. An amp model is an interpretation of an amplifier's sound — for example, a classic Marshall, Fender, or Vox — which has been designed by experts to sound similar to the real thing.
The ability to change models means you can essentially ‘change amplifiers’ and experience lots of different styles, all in one amp. Modeling technology has evolved quickly in the last 20 years, with modeling amps now being both very affordable and of superb quality. If we had to choose one type of amp that would suit beginners, modeling would be our suggestion, as it allows you to explore a variety of tones.
Bear in mind that this is only your first amp! There is always a chance to expand your amplifier stable, but if you buy well, there’s no reason a beginner amp can’t remain useful, even once you become a seasoned pro.
Is connectivity important for beginner amps?
When starting out on the guitar, you might want to play along with songs, backing tracks or use resources on YouTube etc. Luckily, many of the best beginner guitar amps have connections for plugging in your phone or tablet, so you can run everything through one speaker. Some even feature Bluetooth so you can do it cable-free.
Recording yourself and listening back is one of the best ways to improve your playing too, and there are a bunch of options here for recording to a laptop or computer. This will aid your songwriting skills as well, allowing you to share ideas with potential bandmates and develop your ear for chord changes and soloing.
Many modeling amplifiers come with native software too, which lets you make deep edits to sounds, download updated amp models, and even curate presets from famous guitar players.
How we test
When testing a guitar amp, whether it's for beginners or not we'll always follow a similar set of processes to define whether it's up to the job. First up we'll check the finish and build quality once we've got it out of the box, we'll look at whether the cabinet is solidly put together, whether screws are in the right place, and whether the finish looks rugged enough to put up with the use and abuse an amp will get across its lifetime.
Next, we plug it in and begin testing the different sounds that are available. This will all be done through the lens of a beginner, so we'll be looking at how easy it is to dial in a good sound, whether the controls are clearly marked, and what help is on offer in the manual to get you started. A beginner amp needs to deliver great sound quickly and easily, so we'll be looking to make sure it ticks all these boxes.
Finally, we'll look at any additional connectivity and features the amplifier might have. If there's a dedicated app for editing on the computer then we'll install it and check that everything works as it should. If the amp has Bluetooth or an aux-in we'll also check that to make sure it's easy to setup and works properly.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
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