This guide cuts through the confusion to help you find the best guitar amp for beginners that delivers awesome tone without the hefty price tag. This list contains our top 10 guitar amps for anyone looking to invest in their guitar setup for the first time or anyone looking to upgrade their current basic beginner amp setup.
How to Choose Your First Guitar Amp
We will show you a range of guitar amps, including vintage style, modern high-gain, and versatile modern amps with lots of useful features.
I started as a kid experimenting with playing my electric guitar through my home hi-fi setup, blowing up lots of speakers and damaging stereo amplifiers and equipment not designed for guitar, as I could not afford a guitar amp of my own. After about a year of this, I saved up and bought my first proper guitar amp. It was a lot better than my hi-fi experiments, but it was very limited by today’s standards.
In 2025, thankfully, there are lots of great, affordable guitar amplifiers on the market, and so this guide will show you the ones we think will be best for anyone starting on the guitar. With something for all tastes and styles of music included in our guide, there is something for everyone.
Gone are the days when budget amps meant sacrificing quality. Whether you’re eyeing the warm glow of tubes, the robust punch of solid-state, or the versatile world of modeling amps, you’ll find excellent options that won’t break the bank.
Ideally, purchase the amp to suit the type of music you want to make, and also consider options like built-in effects, attenuators (which make the amp more usable at lower volumes, and recording outputs which are useful when you want to record yourself playing into a DAW, or recording studio setup.
Also, consider that you may need a very versatile amp that can mimic lots of famous amp tones, and this is where amp modeling can come in very handy.
Our Top 10 Criteria
We have attempted, where possible, to include only guitar amps that are available worldwide and ones from manufacturers you can trust.
There are more amps on the market, and limiting it to only ten was hard (as we could do a top 20 with ease), so we have distilled it down to the models we feel you should be aware of, and the list is based on models we have played through and tested.
The list also contains amps at a variety of price points to suit all budgets.
Let us know in the comments any models you feel we should add to the list and why you think they deserve a place in our top ten.
Below are some basic details explaining the three most common guitar amp technologies on our list.
Tube vs. Solid-State vs. Modeling: What’s the Difference?
The guitar amp market is dominated by three main technologies:
- Tube: These use vacuum tubes in their preamp and power amp stages. They’re legendary for their warm, organic tone and natural distortion, but can be heavier and require occasional tube replacement.
- Solid-State: These rely on transistors to shape the sound. Often lighter and more durable than tube amps, they offer a clean, consistent sound. Many professional musicians have recorded iconic albums with solid-state amps.
- Modeling: Modeling amps use Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to emulate the sounds of various classic amps and effects. They’ve come a long way and are incredibly versatile, offering a vast array of tones in one package. Many touring professionals even prefer them for their convenience and consistent sound.
Ignite Your Sound: The Best Beginner Guitar Amps
Best Tube Guitar Amps for Beginners
Tube guitar amps are known for their rich, harmonically complex distortion.
They are often very loud, and so not ideal for every situation, and are often heavier (due to large transformers and rugged metal chassis) and potentially requiring vacuum tube (valve) replacements down the line, but their unparalleled tone is often worth it for many players.
It’s an old technology and one that remains popular with guitar players who want classic guitar amp tones.
1/ Blackstar HT-5R MKIII
The Blackstar HT MK III Series is packed with features perfect for practice, recording, and achieving stunning tonal quality.
Key functionalities include a USB-C recording output for easy valve tone integration, a power reduction switch for lower output operation, and line in/out options for jamming or silent practice.
This Blackstar HT-5R MKIII 5-watt version is packed with features that will make it future-proof as you progress with your guitar playing.
Two Channels
The HT MK III amps provide exceptional tonal versatility with two footswitchable channels, each offering distinct voices.
The Clean channel delivers a wide range of classic clean and crunch tones, while the Overdrive channels offer rich, responsive overdrive with switchable Classic or Modern voices for tight, focused high-gain sounds.
ISF
Further tone shaping is available through the patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), allowing for unique tonal adjustments, and CabRig,
Blackstar’s IR-based speaker simulation software, which offers hundreds of microphone and cabinet combinations and allows for storing three presets directly on the amplifier.
Blackstar HT-5R MKIII at AndertonsBlackstar HT-5R MKIII at Gear4Music
2/ EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15W EL34
The EVH 5150 Iconic Series amplifiers are designed to provide gigging and recording guitarists with that coveted, powerful EVH tube tone at a more accessible price point.
If You Need High-Gain
Evolving from the highly regarded EVH 5150III guitar amps, this series delivers the signature sound and aggressive gain that defined Eddie Van Halen’s legendary career.
The 15-watt 1×10 combo, engineered by James Brown, features a single EL34 power tube and a sophisticated multi-stage hybrid preamp section with two ECC83 tubes, providing ample firepower for modern guitarists.
It’s an MDF cabinet, reinforced with internal plywood baffling for enhanced bass response, houses a custom-designed EVH 10” Celestion speaker, specifically voiced to deliver tight, clear, and articulate pristine cleans and searing high-gain tones.
Twin Channels
This compact yet powerful combo offers two versatile channels, each with an additional voicing option. The Green channel includes an overdrive button for transitioning from clean to increased gain, while the Red channel’s burn button adds fiery crunch perfect for blistering leads.
Each channel has independent gain and volume controls for easy level-matching.
The amplifier also features shared EQ (Low, Mid, High), global resonance and presence knobs for fine-tuning the low and high ends of your tone, and a global reverb control.
Additional features include a one-button footswitch, an effects loop, dual parallel speaker outputs, a ¼ power switch for reduced wattage without sacrificing tone, and a speaker-emulated DI 1/8″ output with power amp mute for direct recording or PA system use.
EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15W EL34 at Andertons
EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15W EL34 at Gear4Music
EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15W EL34 at Sweetwater
EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15W EL34 at Thomann
3/ Vox AC10 C1
Inspired by its classic predecessors, the new Vox AC10C1 amplifier captures the beloved chimey sound characteristic of AC amps, despite not being a direct reissue.
This modern iteration retains the iconic Vox design and features a 10-inch speaker, delivering rich, articulate tube tone at manageable volumes. It is a no-frills amp that concentrates on classic British guitar amp tones.
While it foregoes the original vibrato circuit, the AC10C1 offers enhanced tonal control with dedicated Gain, Bass, Treble, Reverb, and Volume knobs, allowing guitarists to fine-tune their sound with precision.
Portable Vintage Tone
One of the key advantages of the AC10C1 is its portability. Unlike larger Vox AC amplifiers that can be cumbersome to transport, the AC10C1’s compact size and single 10-inch Celestion VX10 speaker make it incredibly easy to move.
Despite its smaller footprint, the 10-watt power amp ensures it still delivers ample volume, making it a versatile option for use at home, in the studio, or on stage.
These are great amps if you are seeking that vintage Vox amp tone and want an amp that will last for years.
Vox AC10 at Thomann
Best Solid-State Guitar Amps for Beginners
Solid-state guitar amps have sometimes gotten a bad rap, but many professional-grade models have graced countless albums and stages. For beginners, solid-state guitar amps are often more affordable and generally lighter than their tube counterparts, making them an excellent foundation for developing your sound.
4/ Blackstar Debut 15E 15w 2×3″ Practice Amp
Blackstar’s Debut Series practice amplifiers are designed for beginners who want exceptional guitar tone right from the start. These analog amps are incredibly easy to dial in, boast classy aesthetics, and even feature premium elements found in high-end Blackstar amplifiers.
This includes a built-in ‘Tape’ echo effect, Blackstar’s versatile ‘Infinite Shape Feature’ (ISF), and a speaker-emulated output. The Blackstar 15E, the largest in the Debut range, offers 15 watts of power and stereo 3-inch linear speakers, making it plenty loud for home use.
Two Channel
The Debut Series amps prioritize simplicity, delivering natural and musical clean and overdrive tones.
The patented ISF control allows you to shape your sound from scooped American cleans to mid-heavy British-inspired crunch.
The 2-channel design, including an ‘OD’ (overdrive) switch, provides access to saturated sounds, which can be further refined with the ISF EQ and a separate ‘Tone’ knob. For added versatility, a unique digital ‘tape’ echo effect can be engaged to add depth and embellishment to your sound.
Connectivity is also a strong point, with headphone and speaker-emulated outputs for silent practice and recording, as well as a stereo line-in for playing along to music, games, or backing tracks.
Blackstar Debut 15E 15w 2×3″ Practice Amp at Andertons
Blackstar Debut 15E 15w 2×3″ Practice Amp at Gear4Music
Blackstar Debut 15E 15w 2×3″ Practice Amp at Sweetwater
Blackstar Debut 15E 15w 2×3″ Practice Amp at Thomann
5/ Fender Champion II 50
It sports the classic Fender look and offers two channels, 50 watts of power, a mini-jack AUX-in, and a headphone output for silent practice.
Whether you’re a beginner needing a practice amp or a gigging musician looking for affordable yet powerful stage gear, the Champion II series has an option for you.
It’s user-friendly and adaptable to any guitar style, featuring an auxiliary input for connecting external devices, a headphone output for private practice, and a rear-panel USB port.
Vintage Effects
The Champion II 50 also includes a diverse selection of vintage-flavored effects (reverb, delay/echo, chorus, tremolo, vibratone, and more) and convenient tap tempo functionality to sync effects like delay or tremolo to your song’s BPM.
Fender Champion II 50 at Andertons
Fender Champion II 50 at Gear4Music
Fender Champion II 50 at Sweetwater
Fender Champion II 50 at Thomann
6/ Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus
The Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus is a compact, home-friendly version of the legendary clean guitar amplifier, renowned for its pristine tones and signature stereo chorus effect. This solid-state amplifier utilizes transistors instead of tubes to optimize its clean sound, delivering a chimey, warm, and sparkly tone.
The onboard Dimensional Space Chorus effect, achieved through its two 6.5-inch speakers, creates a wide, lush, and authentic chorus sound, far surpassing pedal imitations. Additionally, the high-quality, true stereo reverb provides a rich, expansive tone that allows your guitar to cut through even when cranked.
Clean Machine
With its exceptional clean headroom, the JC-22 is an ideal platform for various guitar pedals and can even serve as a monitor for amp-modeling effects.
Its stereo 30-watt output and dual 6.5-inch speakers provide ample volume for home use without being excessively loud, making it a stylish addition to any living space.
The rear panel offers extensive connectivity, including an effects loop (with series/parallel options), line out jacks for direct recording or mixing, and a headphones jack for silent practice.
Footswitch support allows for hands-free control of the chorus and reverb, further enhancing this versatile amplifier’s suitability for practice, jamming, or intimate performances.
These amps are great pedal platforms, and also perfect for guitarists who need high-quality clean tones.
Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus at Andertons
Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus at Gear4Music
Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus at Sweetwater
Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus at Thomann
7/ Orange Crush 35 RT
The Orange Crush 35RT is a fantastic practice amp, building on the excellent sound of the Crush 20 by adding a lush onboard reverb and a handy chromatic tuner.
It features footswitchable Clean and Dirty channels, offering a versatile range of high-gain, overdriven, and distorted sounds.
This amp’s commitment to an all-analogue signal path gives it that famous Orange feel and responsiveness, making you want to play your guitar, not just the tech.
Plus, it’s highly effective 3-band EQ gives you extensive control over your tone, from bold vintage sounds to modern scooped tones.
AUX Input
The sound produced by the Crush 35RT’s custom 10-inch Voice of the World speaker is incredibly powerful and deep, especially given its compact size.
Its high-gain preamp design, inspired by the successful Crush Pro series, delivers everything from sparkling cleans to classic bluesy crunch and even full-bodied, ultra-high-gain metal distortion.
You can switch between the Clean and Dirty channels right on the top panel or with an optional footswitch.
For silent practice, there’s an Aux In for backing tracks and a CabSim-loaded headphone output that accurately mimics the sound of a mic’d Orange 4×12 cabinet.
The built-in reverb, based on a classic spring type, is a new digital module with an analogue ‘dry through’ for preserving your guitar’s tone.
The integrated chromatic tuner is also quick and accurate, so you can tune up between jams without needing an extra pedal. The amp also sports the classic Orange styling, with its distinctive basket weave vinyl, woven speaker grille, and iconic control panel.
Available in an orange or a black finish.
Orange Crush 35 RT at Andertons
Orange Crush 35 RT Black at Andertons
Orange Crush 35 RT at Gear4Music
Orange Crush 35 RT Black at Gear4Music
Orange Crush 35 RT at Sweetwater
Orange Crush 35 RT Black at Sweetwater
Orange Crush 35 RT at Thomann
Orange Crush 35 RT Black at Thomann
Best Modeling Guitar Amps for Beginners
Modeling technology has revolutionized the guitar amp world. Brands like Kemper, Line 6, and Neural DSP have made modeling amps the go-to for many professionals, especially for touring.
These guitar amps use DSP (digital signal processing) to recreate the sounds of countless classic amps and effects in a compact, cost-effective package. The sound quality on newer models is incredibly impressive.
8/ Line 6 Catalyst CX 60
The Line 6 Catalyst CX 60, a 60-watt, dual-channel 1×12 combo amplifier designed to offer the feel of a traditional guitar amp with the versatility of a modern one.
This smallest and lightest in the Catalyst CX range is packed with features that make it ideal for practice, studio work, or even smaller gigs.
It boasts 12 diverse Amp Voicings, ranging from crystal-clear clean tones to powerful, modern high-gain sounds, all derived from their acclaimed Helix processor. Each voicing is thoughtfully paired with a custom Boost type, giving you even more tonal options.
24 Built-in Effects
Beyond its impressive amp models, the Catalyst CX 60 offers a comprehensive suite of tools for the contemporary guitarist. You’ll find 24 built-in effects of HX quality, spanning four categories, providing immense sonic versatility.
A convenient Tap Tempo/Tuner button means you don’t need external pedals for tuning or controlling effect speeds.
For seamless integration into any setup, it includes an XLR line output for connecting to P.A. systems or recording devices, an effects loop, and a Power Amp input to use the Catalyst CX as a powered speaker.
It also functions as a 2-channel audio interface with USB MIDI and connectivity for Mac, iOS, PC, and Android devices, making it a powerful tool for recording and production.
Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 at Andertons
Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 at Gear4Music
Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 at Sweetwater
Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 at Thomann
9/ Marshall Code 50
The Marshall CODE50 guitar amp delivers 50 watts of headroom through a custom-designed 12-inch speaker, making it a portable and capable solution for nearly any musical scenario.
Marshall’s CODE series of digital programmable amplifiers, developed in collaboration with software experts Softube, offers guitarists unparalleled versatility.
These powerful, gig-worthy amps boast over 100 ready-to-rock presets, featuring 14 modelled preamps, 4 power amps, and 8 speaker cabinets, along with 24 built-in effects.
This comprehensive digital toolkit allows players to access every iconic Marshall tone and much more, providing extensive options for crafting their desired sound.
Marshall Models
The CODE series meticulously models various Marshall amps, from classic Bluesbreakers to modern JVM and DSL valve amps, ensuring authentic sound reproduction across 14 MST preamp modules.
Players can also experiment with a wide array of cabinet simulations, ranging from 1×12″ to 4×12″ configurations, and select from four different power amp valve types (EL34, 5881, A/B 5881, and EL84) to further customize their tone.
Beyond amp and cab sounds, the 24 built-in effects — including compressor, distortion, modulation, and studio-quality reverbs and delays — can be used simultaneously (up to five at once) and controlled via the amp, the Marshall Gateway app, or an optional programmable controller.
The Gateway app enhances functionality by allowing on-the-fly tone tweaks, preset creation, patch management, and Bluetooth music streaming, with the added benefit of uploading and downloading user presets through the MyMarshall site.
Marshall Code 50 1×12 Digital Combo Amp at Andertons
Marshall Code 50 1×12 Digital Combo Amp at Gear4Music
Marshall Code 50 1×12 Digital Combo Amp at Sweetwater
Marshall Code 50 1×12 Digital Combo Amp at Thomann
10/ Boss Katana 50 MK III
Boss is famous for its virtually indestructible effects pedals, but their Katana series guitar amps are equally impressive. Designed for simplicity, the Boss Katana 50 MK III features a powerful in-house modeling engine.
This 50-watt combo amp features a custom 12-inch speaker and boasts evolved Tube Logic sound, offering 12 distinct amp characters, including the new “Pushed” setting, which simulates an amp on the verge of breaking up.
You also get five integrated BOSS effect sections: booster, mod, FX, delay, and reverb, all designed to deliver an even more responsive and expressive playing experience.
BOSS Tone Studio App
With a mighty 50 watts and a 12″ speaker, this guitar amp will be a reliable companion for a long time. Plus, you can reduce the output power from 50 to 25 or even 0.5 watts for late-night practice without disturbing anyone.
Beyond its impressive sound, the KATANA Gen 3 offers incredible versatility.
You can store up to four favorite tones and practice silently using the headphone jack. Connectivity is a breeze with its power amp input for external gear, and a USB output with IR-based cabinet sound for recording.
The updated BOSS Tone Studio App allows for remote editing from your computer or mobile device, and with the optional BT-DUAL Bluetooth Adapter, you can even edit settings and stream audio wirelessly from your phone.
Boss Katana 50 MK III at Andertons
Boss Katana 50 MK III at Gear4Music
Boss Katana 50 MK III at Sweetwater
Boss Katana 50 MK III at Thomann
One Extra Model, You Must Check Out! – Positive Grid Spark 2
The Positive Grid Spark 2 guitar amp might look small, but it packs a serious punch. This guitar amp combo is loaded with advanced modeling and AI technology, making it one of the most forward-thinking amplifiers available.
With Spark AI, you’re just a request away from your perfect tone. This advanced AI presents choices that magically meet your needs. Load it in and jam.
It boasts 33 amp models, catering to electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass, along with 43 effects that include noise gates, compressors, distortions, modulation/EQ, delays, and reverbs.
For each preset, you have the flexibility to select up to three pre-amp effects, three post-amp effects, and one amp model, allowing for truly customized sound creation.
Built-in Looper & More
At the core of Spark AI’s superior sound is its Sonic IQ computational audio, powered by a dedicated computational audio chip.
This advanced technology seamlessly integrates dynamic range compression, bass enhancement, stereo widening, and auto EQ. An onboard guitar/bass tuner with an LED display is also built in, ensuring you’re always in tune.
Beyond its 50 watts, built-in looper, three effects, and eight preset slots, the Spark 2 also functions as an audio interface – just plug it into your computer and start recording!
Control by App
For complete command, the Spark AI’s top panel controls feature a power button and eight programmable preset selectors. You’ll find comprehensive amp controls for gain, bass, mid, treble, master, mod, delay, reverb, and overall volume, alongside a dedicated music channel volume.
The true magic of the Spark 2 lies in its accompanying app.
This innovative app lets you select from a vast library of popular songs, sounds, and guitarists, automatically creating a virtual pedal and amp combination to match. It’s like having a virtual guitar tutor and tone engineer all in one!
Available in Black and Pearl finishes.
Positive Grid Spark 2 Black at Andertons
Positive Grid Spark 2 Pearl at Andertons
Positive Grid Spark 2 at Sweetwater
Positive Grid Spark 2 Pearl at Sweetwater
Positive Grid Spark 2 at Thomann
Positive Grid Spark 2 Pearl at Thomann
Top Tips To Help Your Guitar Amp Sound Even Better
We would recommend getting to know your guitar amp first and checking out all the controls on the control panel. Be sure to check out our How to Achieve the Perfect Guitar Amp Tone guide.
A great addition to any guitar amp is an EQ pedal, and we have a useful guide you can read here on how to use one in your setup with some handy settings for various amp tones.
More useful Guitar Bomb How-To Guides
More Information
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