As much as we guitar players dream of harnessing the power of a cranked tube amp, in reality, it's just not practical when practicing at home. Many of us lead hectic lives, and as a result, we often resort to practicing whenever we get the chance, in some cases late at night when everyone else hits the hay. Surely, there's a way to get the bone-crushing tone we long for without worrying about disturbing our neighbors, young children, or even irritating our significant other – enter the best headphone amps for guitar.
These nifty little gadgets enable you to rock out without the noise complaints, delivering great tones, effects, and even recording capabilities in the palm of your hand. Whether you need to practice quietly at home or do some quick recording on the road, there's a headphone amp in this list that will fit into your workflow.
This guide to the best headphone amps for guitar showcases stellar options from the likes of Fender, Boss, Vox and many more. So, without further ado, let's dive into these volume-friendly practice solutions.
The Fender Mustang Micro has really set the bar for what guitar headphone amps can do. Featuring 12 amp models that go from pristine Fender clean to heavy metal high gain, it gives guitarists an astonishing array of usable tones for practice and recording. The effects are fantastic as well, including spring reverb, spacious stereo delays, and the warm wash of Fender’s own Vibratone.
The Boss Waza-Air differs from the others on this list in one rather substantial way – the amplifier is built into the headphones! This game-changing practice tool combines state-of-the-art wireless headphones and the amp models and effects that Boss is renowned for. Throw in Bluetooth audio streaming, and you have a pretty hard-to-beat home practice solution.
The third generation of amPlug delivers the same all-analog tone we've come to expect from the pint-sized practice companion but in a sleeker format that feels refreshed and rejuvenated. We love the headphone amp's authentic tube-like tones, which perfectly evoke the spirit of the '60s amp from which it draws inspiration.
Blackstar’s amPlug Fly is built on the same architecture as the Vox amPlug, which is actually designed by Korg. There are three rotary controls and a button for switching on/off and selecting your channel. On the clean setting, there’s a surprising warmth and depth of tone considering its diminutive dimensions. Add some of the effects and you get a very 3D sound filling your headphones.
The Valeton Rushead Max comes from a company that makes lots of famous pedal clones, meaning you’re getting great guitar tones for a very low price. It’s rechargeable via USB, so no repeat buying of batteries is necessary here. Three switches on the front face of the Rushead Max give you three amp sounds, with a classic Fender clean sound, Marshall-type crunch, and high gain distortion for getting heavy.
Electro Harmonix’s headphone amp is a typically no-nonsense offering from the New York-based guitar pedal giant. Featuring just one knob, an input and a headphone out, it lets you get straight down to business with minimal fuss. Coming from a behemoth of the FX pedal world, it’s no surprise to discover that the EHX headphone amp is designed to be a great pedal platform, too.
This particular model is designed for players who want crushing distortion sounds for heavier styles, and it's great for those late-night chugging sessions. As with all the Vox amPlug series, the construction is the same, with your gain, volume, and tone controls, nine effects, plus a line out for jamming along with your preferred device. With up to 17 hours of playing time, it’s got plenty of juice to keep you going.
If you prefer your amp sounds of the Tweed-covered variety, then the Sonicake US Classic is the one for you. Emulating that much-loved tone very well, this headphone amp offers simple usability to get you up and playing quickly. Featuring a built-in rechargeable battery, you can get around 5 hours of playtime on a single charge, more than enough to last you a few practice sessions over a week.
✅ Buy if you want a wide range of sounds and effects: This is one of the most tone-packed headphone amps available today.
❌ Avoid if you want long battery life: While the Mustang Micro's 6-hour battery life isn't to be sniffed at, there are other options that will cover a greater distance.
The Fender Mustang Micro has really set the bar for what guitar headphone amps can do. Featuring 12 amp models that go from pristine Fender clean to heavy metal high gain, it gives guitarists an astonishing array of usable tones for practice and recording.
The effects are fantastic as well: you’ve got classic Fender spring reverb, spacious stereo delays, and the warm wash of Fender’s own Vibratone. Some of these effects are combined to prevent them from sounding too dry, but all of them are usable in various scenarios.
Four colored LEDs on the side of the unit let you know your amp, effect, EQ and effects setting, whilst the 4th LED titled 'modify' allows you to adjust effect parameters. This means you can set the amount of reverb you’d like, or the time setting for your delay effects.
Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Supplied from the CHARGE (DC IN 5 V) port
Flexible Input: Yes
Connections: Transmitter in jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type, CHARGE (DC IN 5 V) port: USB Micro-B type
Reasons to buy
+
Truly outstanding sounds
+
Completely wireless
+
Famous Boss effects
Reasons to avoid
-
The headphones may feel a little cumbersome for some players
At a glance
✅ Buy if you want the best-sounding headphone amp: Smarttech helps deliver unbelievable three-dimensional sound for the most immersive experience outside of using a real amp.
❌ Avoid if you're on a budget: This level of tech doesn't come cheap and makes this by far the priciest option on our list.
The Boss Waza-Air differs from the others on this list in one rather substantial way – the amplifier is built into the headphones! This game-changing practice tool combines state-of-the-art wireless headphones and the amp models and effects that Boss is renowned for. Throw in Bluetooth audio streaming, and you have a pretty hard-to-beat home practice solution.
Not only does the Waza-Air give you access to five realistic amplifier models as well as 50 customizable effects via the Boss Tone Studio app, but it also boasts spatial technology and an integrated gyro sensor that delivers a unique 3D soundscape.
We found the Waza-Air to be incredibly easy to use, with the buttons being accessible and intuitive. An obvious plus for this stellar headphone amp is the lack of cables. The wireless nature means you won’t get tangled up when you are trying to nail that tricky new solo.
✅ Buy if you want the best Vox amp of all time in your pocket: This newly-updated unit helps authentically evoke the tube-like tones of that classic amp.
❌ Avoid if you want a Bluetooth connection for streaming tracks: If you want to play along to tracks from your phone or tablet, your only option is an aux cable.
The Vox amPlug has long been a favorite of players seeking to beam the legendary sound of one of the best Vox amps of all time directly into their ears – and we're happy to report that the new version is even better than the previous iteration that featured in this guide.
The third generation of amPlug still delivers the same all-analog tone we've come to expect from the pint-sized practice companion but in a sleeker format that feels refreshed and rejuvenated. In our glowing review, we praised the headphone amp's authentic tube-like tones, which perfectly evoked the spirit of the '60s amp from which it draws inspiration.
If we had one complaint, it would be that this unit doesn't have built-in Bluetooth or a rechargeable battery like many of its competitors.
✅ Buy if you want high gain... and more: There's a dedicated headphone amp for heavier styles elsewhere in this guide, but this Blackstar amp does high gain very well, in addition to a host of other great tones.
❌ Avoid if you want a rechargeable battery: Like others in this guide, you'll need to fuel your amp with AAA batteries, so you'll need to factor that into the running cost.
Blackstar’s amPlug Fly is built on the same architecture as the Vox amPlug, which is actually designed by Korg (stay with us here). So when you initially pick it up it looks and feels exactly the same as Vox’s offering, just with different branding.
Like the Vox amPlug, there are three rotary controls and a button for switching on/off and selecting your channel. On the clean setting, there’s a surprising warmth and depth of tone considering its diminutive dimensions. Add some of the effects and you get a very 3D sound filling your headphones.
It also handles higher gain settings very well, with a powerful distortion that doesn’t sound tinny in the slightest. Blackstar’s famed ISF control gives you the power to switch from an American amp tone to a British one.
One of the most versatile headphone amps for guitar
Our expert review:
Specifications
Amp Models: 3
Effects: 6
Power: Lithium Battery (Rechargeable via USB)
Flexible Input: No
Connections: Guitar In, Aux In, Headphone Out
Reasons to buy
+
Great selection of effects
+
Simple controls
Reasons to avoid
-
Knobs are quite small
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Non-folding jack
At a glance
✅ Buy if you have a small budget: If you want a no frills, plug and play headphone amp that doesn't cost the earth, the Valeton is the ideal choice.
❌ Avoid if you wat a compact amp: There's no folding jack so it's not so easy to stow in a gigbag pocket.
The Valeton Rushead Max comes from a company that makes lots of famous pedal clones, meaning you’re getting great guitar tones for a very low price. It’s rechargeable via USB, so no repeat buying of batteries is necessary here.
Three switches on the front face of the Rushead Max give you three amp sounds, with a classic Fender clean sound, Marshall-type crunch, and high gain distortion for getting heavy. Combining these settings with tone and gain knobs gives you plenty of scope for sculpting.
Effects-wise we’ve got classic Delay and Reverb settings that go from simple slap-back to vast, celestial sound spaces. Alongside this, you can dial in some warm chorus sounds, tremolo, and a flanger, making the Rushead Max extremely flexible.
Best for pedals
(Image credit: Electro Harmonix)
6. Electro Harmonix Headphone Amp
Great for players practicing with pedals
Our expert review:
Specifications
Amp Models: 1
Effects: n/a
Power: 9V battery
Flexible Input: No
Connections: Guitar In, Headphone Out
Reasons to buy
+
Built like a tank
+
Works on guitar and bass
Reasons to avoid
-
One sound
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No effects
At a glance
✅ Buy if you want a quality pedal platform: This amp is deliberately simple to let your pedals of choice do the talking.
❌ Avoid if you don't have any pedals: It's pretty obvious really; there are no built-in effects and only one sound, so you need stomps to really bring this amp to life.
Electro Harmonix’s headphone amp for guitar is a typically no-nonsense offering from the New York-based guitar pedal giant. Featuring just one knob, an input and a headphone out, it lets you get straight down to business with minimal fuss.
Coming from a behemoth of the FX pedal world, it’s no surprise to discover that the EHX headphone amp is designed to be a great pedal platform, offering a fantastic base clean tone that takes fuzzes, distortions, reverbs, delays, and anything else you can throw at it.
It features a handy belt clip should you want to go for a wander whilst noodling your favorite riffs or practicing scales. Unlike some others on this list, it doesn’t plug straight into your guitar, so you’ll need an additional cable to get up and running.
Best for heavy styles
(Image credit: Vox)
7. Vox amPlug 3 High Gain
A practice tool for guitarists who like things heavy
Our expert review:
Specifications
Amp Models: 2
Effects: 4
Bluetooth: No
Power: AAA batteries
Audio Interface: No
Flexible Input: Yes
Reasons to buy
+
Great high-gain sound
+
Excellent selection of effects
Reasons to avoid
-
No Bluetooth
-
Can't be charged by USB
At a glance
✅ Buy if you're a metalhead: This amp has a very clear use case, so if you want to shred through the night, this is for you.
❌ Avoid if you need Bluetooth: Unfortunately, this device doesn't include Bluetooth connectivity.
Yep, it’s another Vox amPlug! This particular model is designed for players who want crushing distortion sounds for heavier styles, and it's great for those late-night chugging sessions.
As with all the Vox amPlug series, the construction is the same, with your gain, volume, and tone controls, nine effects, plus a line out for jamming along with your preferred device. With up to 17 hours of playing time, it’s got plenty of juice to keep you going.
The sound is what you’d expect from the name – crushing high gain sounds abound here. It’s modeled on American-style high gain amps and it pairs great with humbucker-equipped guitars and dropped tunings. If you’re an extended-range guitar player you’ll love this as a practice tool.
✅ Buy if you want a rechargeable battery: This amp's built-in battery will deliver up to 5 hours of playtime.
❌ Avoid if you want to crank it: We found it broke up once we hit higher volumes.
If you prefer your amp sounds of the Tweed-covered variety, then the Sonicake US Classic is the one for you. Emulating that much-loved tone very well, this headphone amp for guitar offers simple usability to get you up and playing quickly.
Featuring a built-in rechargeable battery, you can get around 5 hours of playtime on a single charge, more than enough to last you a few practice sessions over a week. The Aux In is great for practicing with recordings or a metronome.
It goes from warm clean tones all the way to deliciously crunchy overdrive, making it a versatile practice tool for a variety of styles. The built-in reverb allows you to add some space to your sound, great for a clean sound and lead guitar licks.
Buying advice
(Image credit: Future)
How to choose the best headphone amps for guitar
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.
Much like choosing a regular guitar amp, picking out the best headphone amp for guitar requires many of the same considerations. Chances are if you enjoy the sound of a clean Fender amp, then you’ll want something similar in your headphone amp.
Likewise, if you’re the sort of player that likes the heavier end of the scale, you’ll need to factor this into your decision and pick something that caters to dirty tones. There are plenty of offerings from major amp manufacturers like Fender, Blackstar and Vox, so you’re sure to find your perfect match.
Does the shape of guitar I play influence which headphone amp I can use?
The type of guitar that you have plays a factor too because of the way a lot of headphone amp input jacks are designed. There are some that may not suit guitars with inputs on the bottom of the body, like the Telecaster and Gibson Les Paul for example. Likewise, a Strat-style input jack can have limitations too because of the way the socket's recessed into the body, so be certain you think about that before purchasing. A lot of the newer headphone amps for guitar have a flexible input jack, allowing you to find the perfect position for any kind of guitar, but others do not – so bear that in mind.
If effects are a must-have, then you’ll find plenty of headphone amps for electric guitar that include these, just bear in mind that some are designed to be pure amplifiers so may not have effects included. Classic delay and reverb type effects are fairly easy to come by here, but if you’re after something more esoteric like ring modulation, you might not find what you’re looking for here. It will really help if your practice tools mirror your full-size rig, so ensure that your headphone amp of choice has the effects you need, or integrates well with your existing effects selection.
Batteries not included
Some of the headphone amps in this guide conveniently feature rechargeable internal batteries, however others may require replacement batteries when the old non-rechargeable ones run out. Naturally this adds an extra overall cost to the price of running your amp. In this instance we would recommend purchasing a set of rechargeable batteries and a suitable charger to ensure you always have fully juiced spares to hand. You'll also be helping the environment by not throwing away non-rechargeable batteries on a regular basis.
How we choose the best headphones amps for guitar
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best headphone amps for guitar available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best headphone amps for guitar on the market right now.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and pretty much anything else guitar-related. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog. A regularly gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience playing live and writing and recording in bands, he's performed everything from jazz to djent, gigging all over the country in more dingy venues than you can shake a drop-tuned guitar at.
