The Best Guitar Amps 2024

More than any other component in your signal chain, your amplifier defines the overall characteristic of your tone. You might possess the most expensive custom shop guitar and a collection of boutique stompboxes, but ultimately, you'll require one of the finest guitar amps to achieve your desired guitar tone.

In 2024, there is a plethora of amplifier options available, and your choice will inevitably be influenced by your personal preferences and specific setup. However, having reviewed numerous guitar amps here at axegeniuspro, we have a solid understanding of what truly delivers and what is merely marketing hype. We have meticulously tested the amps featured in this guide in various settings – at home, in the rehearsal room, and on stage – to assess their suitability for different tasks. We've experimented with different types of pickups, including single coils, humbuckers, and P90s, and have tested them with a range of stompboxes to evaluate their compatibility with effects.

Selecting a the best guitar amp can be a daunting task due to the significant investment involved. Therefore, our team of expert writers has categorized our top choices to simplify the decision-making process for you. Additionally, we have compiled a comprehensive buying advice section that addresses common questions, providing you with further information before making your decision on a new best guitar amp.

The best guitar amps From tube to digital, from affordable practice solutions to high-end boutique builds, we have all your amplifier needs covered.

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Fender Mustang LT25

When purchasing a best guitar amp for beginners, the goal is to find something that is user-friendly yet still delivers great sound. A modeling amp like the Fender Mustang LT25 fits the bill perfectly, offering beginners a plethora of options without overwhelming them.

With 30 onboard presets, beginners have a wide range of sounds to explore, from classic Fender clean tones to high-gain metal tones. The amp features a vast selection of high-quality effects including compressors, reverbs, delays, pitch shifters, and auto wah, allowing beginners to craft their own unique sound.

Its compact size makes it easy to transport for jam sessions with friends, and while it provides enough output to play alongside another guitarist, it may struggle to compete with a drum kit in terms of volume. Despite this, considering its relatively modest price point, the Fender Mustang LT25 proves to be an excellent choice for beginner guitarists.

Product: Fender Mustang LT25 1×8-inch 25-watt Combo Amp

SPECIFICATIONS:

- Watts: 25W

- Type: Modeling

- Preamp Tubes: N/A

- Power Amp Tubes: N/A

- Speakers: 1x8-inch Fender Special Design

👍Buy if you want your first guitar amp: With its abundance of presets, compact size, and user-friendly design, the Mustang LT25 is an ideal option for novice guitar players.

👎Avoid if you plan to gig: With 25 Watts, it may lack the power needed to compete with a drummer during rehearsals or provide sufficient volume for live performances.

BEST PRACTICE AMP

Positive Grid Spark 40

The Positive Grid Spark has made a significant impact in the best guitar amp world. Combining the highly respected BIAS tone engine with impressive smart technology was a surefire recipe for success, and it certainly lived up to expectations.

Equipped with 30 amp models and 40 effects onboard, the Spark offers extensive versatility. It features Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming, along with ⅛” aux and headphone inputs. Additionally, USB inputs and outputs allow you to use the Spark as an audio interface, perfect for capturing your musical ideas.

Moreover, the Spark is loaded with learning tools designed to enhance your skills and make practicing enjoyable. These include 'Auto Chords,' which provides chord charts for any song, and 'Smart Jam,' which generates authentic backing tracks tailored to your playing.

Product: Positive Grid Spark Amp  40-watt Combo Amp

SPECIFICATIONS:

- Watts: 40

- Type: Modeling

- Preamp Tubes: N/A

- Power Amp Tubes: N/A

- Speakers: 2x4” custom-designed speakers

👍Buy if you want great tones and practice tools: The Spark not only delivers exceptional sounds but also offers invaluable practice features through its companion app.

👎Avoid if you plan to gig: Similar to the LT25, the Spark lacks the power necessary to compete with louder instruments in live settings, so consider alternative options for gigging purposes.

BEST ON A BUDGET

Boss Katana-50 MkII

For any guitarist, having an amplifier that encourages experimentation with various sounds is invaluable, and the Boss Katana 50 MKII offers abundant options for exploration. While it stands out as an exceptional budget-friendly the best guitar amp, its array of built-in effects and connectivity features also positions it as a compelling choice for seasoned players.

In many respects, the Boss Katana 50 MKII serves as the ideal 'first' or backup amp for most musicians. It encompasses a wide range of Boss effects and premium amp models, facilitating a seamless transition from practice sessions to small gigs.

Connecting the Katana modeling amp to a computer opens up avenues for in-depth parameter editing, and we particularly appreciate its capability to directly record into a digital audio workstation via USB. With two channels for instant recall of preferred tones and a variety of connectivity options, it seamlessly integrates into any existing setup.

👍Buy if you're on a budget: With exceptional value and an extensive selection of top-notch amp and effects models, the Katana stands as one of the world's most popular guitar amps for good reason.

👎Avoid if you don't like using software: For optimal performance, utilizing the Boss Tone Studio software is recommended. Therefore, it may not be suitable for those who prefer minimal tone editing.

BEST FOR HOME USE

Fender Tone Master Twin

Few guitarists haven't fantasized about owning a genuine Twin, but the weight and necessity to crank it up make it unattainable for many. Enter the Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb, designed to deliver that tube-driven magic without the back-breaking weight or deafening volume.

Similar to its tube-powered counterpart, the Tone Master Twin offers a clean tone with a slight scoop and expansive character at lower volume levels. As you dial up the volume past halfway, the overdrive characteristics start to emerge, mimicking the classic chime associated with a tube-driven Twin. Unlike its tube counterpart, however, this model can be pushed to its limits with the volume attenuation switch, allowing for a full blast at lower volumes.

While technically a modeling amp, the Tone Master Twin doesn't offer extensive editing capabilities or a companion app. However, it features a cab simulation that replicates the sound of a Shure SM57 or ribbon microphone on the cabinet, catering to the preferences of sound engineers. Although the tone may not be an exact replica of a vintage Twin, it comes remarkably close.

Product: Fender Tone Master Twin 200w Combo

SPECIFICATIONS

- Watts: 200W

- Type: Digital

- Preamp Tubes: N/A

- Power Amp Tubes: N/A

- Speakers: 2x12” Jensen N-12K

👍Buy if you want tube tone at home: Delivering nearly indistinguishable tube tone at more manageable volumes, the Tone Master Twin is an excellent choice for experiencing authentic tube sound without disturbing the neighbors.

👎Avoid if you're short on space: Despite being lighter than the original, it's still a sizable 2x12 amp, demanding considerable space in your setup.

BEST SOLID STATE AMP

Orange Super Crush 100

For guitarists seeking a high-quality tube amp without breaking the bank, the Orange Super Crush 100 offers a compelling alternative. Utilizing a JFET preamp design and the same power amp found in the popular Orange Pedal Baby, it delivers remarkably authentic tube tones.

Equipped with two channels, this amp covers a wide sonic range, from articulate clean tones to aggressive metal distortion, with ample headroom for pedal experimentation. While its tone evokes the classic Orange Rockerverb amps, its versatility is enhanced by the three-band EQ.

Newcomers may find the pictorial labels on the amp controls initially confusing, but consulting the manual or a quick online search can swiftly resolve any uncertainties. The combination of channel and master controls renders this amp highly adaptable for various applications, earning it a place as one of the finest solid-state amps we've encountered.

Product: Orange Super Crush 100w Combo

SPECIFICATIONS

- Watts: 100W

- Type: Solid state

- Preamp Tubes: N/A

- Power Amp Tubes: N/A

- Speaker: 1 x 12" G12-K150

👍Buy if you seek exceptional tone without complications: Delivering comparable sound quality to its tube-equipped Rockerverb counterpart, the Crush 100 offers some of the most impressive non-tube guitar tones we've experienced.

👎Avoid if you prefer built-in effects: Lacking integrated effects, you'll need a pedalboard to incorporate delays, chorus, and reverbs into your sound.

BEST FOR METAL

Orange Micro Dark

The Orange Micro Dark stands out as one of the most popular offerings from the British amp manufacturer, acclaimed as one of the finest metal the best guitar amps available. Combining exceptional tone with compact portability and versatile connectivity options, it offers remarkable value for money and deserves a place in any guitarist's arsenal.

True to its 'micro' designation, the Micro Dark is incredibly compact and lightweight, rivaling some practice amps in size. Despite its diminutive stature, it delivers a formidable sound that can fill a room, boasting the classic Orange midrange character along with a pristine clean channel and versatile gain range spanning from classic rock to djent.

In addition to the traditional speaker output, it features an emulated speaker output, allowing direct connection to a mixer for live or recording purposes. This output also functions as a headphone out, facilitating silent practice sessions and rounding out the amplifier's comprehensive feature set.

Product: Orange Micro Dark Terror 20w Head

SPECIFICATIONS

- Watts: 20

- Type: Hybrid

- Preamp Tubes: 12AX7

- Power Amp Tubes: N/A

- Speakers: N/A

👍Buy if you seek a compact metal amp: The Micro Dark packs a punchy metal tone into its compact frame, catering to gigging guitarists who favor metal genres.

👎Avoid if you prefer tube amps: As a hybrid amp with tubes only in the preamp stage, it may not appeal to purists accustomed to full-tube amplifiers.

BEST FOR JAZZ

Quilter Aviator Mach 3

If you're delving into jazz guitar, a pristine clean amp is essential. While the usual suspects might include a Fender tube amp or a Roland Jazz Chorus, we've opted for a less conventional choice with the Quilter Aviator Mach 3. Its combination of pure clean power and lightweight design makes it an ideal companion for jazz players, whether gigging or not.

The Mach 3 boasts exceptional volume and clean headroom, effortlessly keeping pace with even the most assertive drummers and thriving in big band arrangements. Its six amp voices offer ample flexibility to blend in or stand out, while the Celestion speaker produces a beautifully balanced guitar tone.

Featuring two identical channels, you can craft slightly different amp voices or distinctly clean and dirty tones, all switchable via a footswitch (sold separately). Additionally, two separate inputs allow you to run two instruments through the same amp, a useful feature in a pinch. Plus, it includes quality effects like reverb and tremolo. The only downside is the distortion effect, which falls short of expectations, necessitating the use of an overdrive pedal for dirt tones.

Product: Quilter Aviator Mach 3  200w Combo

SPECIFICATIONS

- Watts: 200W

- Type: Solid state

- Preamp tubes: N/A

- Power amp tubes: N/A

- Speaker: 1 x 12" Celestion Copperback

👍Buy if you crave loud clean tones with abundant headroom: With its 200W output, the Aviator Mach 3 delivers exceptional clean tones with versatility, making it perfect for jazz and other genres that demand a pristine foundation.

👎Avoid if you require high gain: The amp's distortion setting may not meet the needs of those seeking higher gain tones directly from the amp

BEST TUBE AMP

Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb

Renowned for its timeless appeal, the original Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb has graced countless recordings throughout the decades. An iconic amplifier, vintage versions command exorbitant prices, but this reissue faithfully retains all the original charm while remaining within reach for most guitarists who aspire to own one of the finest tube amps.

As a pedal platform, this amp truly shines, requiring substantial gain before delving into its sweet overdrive territory. Its pristine clean tones are incredibly versatile, accommodating everything from fuzz pedals to jazz licks with ease. Moreover, it excels in recording scenarios, offering usable tones without the need for excessive volume, unlike certain classic 2x12 setups.

Featuring two channels, each with two inputs, the Deluxe Reverb provides ample flexibility in shaping your sound. Its tube-driven reverb and tremolo effects are simply sublime, offering a spectrum of tones from subtle to expansive, rendering it one of the most versatile amps available.

Product: Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb 22w Combo

SPECIFICATIONS

- Watts: 22

- Type: Tube

- Preamp tubes: 4 x 12AX7, 2 X 12AT7

- Power amp tubes: 2 x 6V6

- Speaker: 1x12" Jensen C12K

👍Buy if you seek the pinnacle of tube amp excellence: Celebrated as one of the most recorded amps in history, the Deluxe Reverb delivers luscious tube tones, establishing itself as an indispensable pedal platform and recording amplifier.

👎Avoid if you crave high gain: While it boasts exceptional sound quality, some players may prefer amps capable of delivering high gain tones directly, making this amp less suitable for metal genres compared to other options available.

Product: Boss Katana 50w Combo

SPECIFICATIONS

- Watts: 50

- Type: Solid-state with digital effects

- Preamp tubes: N/A

- Power amp tubes: N/A

- Speakers: N/A