The Best Portable Guitar Amps Of 2024
There’s nothing that makes playing easier than having the best portable guitar amp to give you a great sound no matter where you are playing.
The best portable guitar amps are often easy to transport, have decent power output, but also can be used without the need to connect to a direct power source.
Having a good portable guitar amp makes playing on the go that much easier. You don’t have to worry about carting large gear around or sacrificing space for other essential tools you may need.
There are plenty of good options to choose from, so making a choice may not be all that easy. Never fear though, as we have done our research to bring you the best portable guitar amps that are around today.
The best portable guitar amps ranked
Top Pick: Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amplifier
- The Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amplifier features 5 watts, 6.25Dx6.25Wx2.12H inches
- The Mustang Micro is an all-in-one personal headphone amplifier with onboard DSP, making it a perfect choice at home or on the go
- Small but mighty, it packs 13 amp models for a wide range of clean and dirty tones and 12 effect combinations with parameter modify control
- Bluetooth audio streaming with audio/video sync lets you play along in real time
- 2 Year Limited Warranty: Fender amplifiers are designed for players and built with unmatched quality, down to the last screw—Fender warrants this amplifier to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years from original purchase
Fender is a master at their craft and the Mustang Micro Amplifier does just that. This small amp offers everything larger models do in a compact form.
No higher than 6in and weighing just 0.15lbs, this mini-amp connects directly to your guitar through the headphone jack or USB socket. What makes this such a strong amp is that it gives 12 onboard effects, including reverb, compression and delays.
With Bluetooth supported by the amp itself, it can connect directly with wireless headphones or a laptop, giving you a chance to hear and record what you are playing. As it is a completely battery-powered tool, the cordless device gives you the chance to jam at home, on the train or on a secluded park bench. It also has a rotating jack, allowing you to plug it in at a convenient angle to maximise sound and comfort.
Pros:
- Lots of effects
- Bluetooth compatible
- Cordless
Cons:
- Difficult to sync with ProTools
- USB plug is vulnerable
Best Seller: Valeton Rushead Max Headphone Amp
- AMP Module with Clean, Overdrive and Distortion Amp Models based on World-Class Amplifiers with Cab Sim for Headphones or Line-Out into Full Range Freq Response System
- Switchable MOD Module with Chorus, Tremolo and Flanger Effects for different Tone Demands
- Switchable AMBIENT Module with Reverb and Delay Effects for adding Ambience to the Tone
- Aux Input for Jamming along with any Audio Player
- Onboard USB Charger let you Play anytime, anywhere for Up to 5 Hours
If you are looking for a mini-amp that offers an impressive sound without breaking the bank, the Valeton Rushead Max Amp could be just what you need.
At just 4in, this tiny amp connects straight into the headphone jack and gives you 6 different effects to play with. It also has 3 separate amp modes which allow you to switch between clean, distorted and overdriven styles to get the ideal tone that you want when playing or practising.
The device offers great usability for the player itself. The entire device is cordless and is powered by one 9V battery, making it easy to play anywhere. A hidden bonus is that the amp also supports USB charging, which helps extends the device longevity to well over 5 hours on one charge. A great little device that will have you playing for hours.
Pros:
- Small and compact
- USB charging
- Lots of effects to try
Cons:
- Unclear instruction manual
- No Bluetooth support
Premium Pick: Blackstar Fly3 Mini Amp
- Refer the user manual below for troubleshooting
- Digital ‘tape’ delay effect; Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
- MP3/Line In for jamming along or listening to music
Blackstar has achieved a lot over a brief time span and they show why they’ve done that thanks to the Fly 3. This portable amp offers clear, crisp tones and supports 2 different channels for you to truly hone your ideal sound. It also has delay effects as well, giving you the chance to tinker and experiment with the overall playing style.
It’s a device that won’t shut down either thanks to its dual battery-and power adapter support. This means you can use it anywhere and just plug it in when the battery is running low. At an output of 3W, it also conserves power to give it an overall longer lifespan. There are plenty of connection options too, with the device offering MP3, headphones and USB support. A great device that gives you a host of options to experiment with.
Pros:
- Glorious sound
- Lots of effects
- Dual battery/mains support
Cons:
- Poor sound on high gain
- No handle
4: Marshall MS2 Micro Amp
- Battery Operated (Best with Polaroid 9V Batteries)
- 1 Watt
- Volume & tone control
- Headphone jack
- 0.34 lbs.
Marshall is the big name in the world of amps, but even they get in on the portable amp market thanks to the MS2. This 6in micro-amp fits in the palm of your hand yet gives tremendous sound through clean or overdrive channels. It also has separate volume and tone controls, allowing you to refine your sound and find the optimum level you need.
It is certainly not power-hungry either. Just giving off 1W of power, this amp can last for several hours on a 9V battery, making it a completely cordless device. It also comes with a protective case for easy transportation. A great way to enjoy and get hold of a Marshall product without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comes with protective case
- Cordless
Cons:
- Quiet volume on the clean channel
- Rattles on loud volume
5: Donner Mini Guitar Amp
- 🎸POWERFUL SOUND & RELIABLE ENDURANCE：Enough volume for room and living room practice, with built-in rechargeable battery, 4 hours playtime on a single charge, package included USB charging cable.
- 🎸TWO-TONE CHANNELS:The tone channel can be switched by the switch on the back of the amplifier.It also has three stages of EQ and gain and Master regulation.Everything from cleaning to warm overload to restless British distortion.
- 🎸LITTLE SIZE BATTERY LIFE:The DA-10 can play for up to four hours at a peak output of 5 watts.Even so, its tiny design makes it easy to handle with one hand.You can go everywhere with this mini amplifier, just plug and play.Since the current input to the amplifier during charging may not be sufficient to offset the power consumed by the amplifier itself, we recommend charging the amplifier for about 10 minutes before using it when the battery is completely depleted.
- 🎸UNPARALLELED DERAILS:1/8″ Auxiliary Input Jack for Jam-Along with Media Player or CD, 1/8″ Headphone Output Jack for Silent Practice, package included 3.5mm Male to Male Stereo Audio Cable.
- 🎸STRONG&STURDY:The edge is surrounded by hard material, protecting the amplifier from damage and a pad of rubber makes it stand safe and stable.
As small amps go, the Donner Mini Amp stands as one of the larger in its class. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch. This 5W mini amp gives impressive sound through 2x40mm speakers that give great clarity as you play through it. It has a 2-channel selection for you to choose from and allows you to control many aspects, including gain, master and treble sounds.
It offers great connectivity with other devices too. You can use separate sockets for microphones and AUX cords. It also has a micro-USB socket that allows for additional charging should you go over the estimated 4-hour battery life of the amp. Al this mini-amp doesn’t give anything out to any of its smaller or more established rivals.
Pros:
- Good connectivity
- Easy to alter the sound
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Some sound issues on crunch channel
- No guitar input cable
6. VOX amPLug 2
- Power supply: AAA batteries x 2 (Best with Polaroid AAA batteries)
- Connections: headphone out, aux in
- Dimensions: W x D x H) 3.39 x 3.15 x 1.22″ 86 x 80 x 31mm)
When you think of small amps, VOX often springs to mind and the amPlug 2 is a good reason. Able to plug straight into the audio jack of your guitar, this mini-amp is easy to connect and takes up next to no room. It has a lot of tech within too, with 3 different channels to select from as well as 9 different effects to play with as you jam.
It is designed with ease of use in mind, too. The audio jack can rotate anywhere to 180˚allowing you to place it in the perfect spot. It has an astonishing lifespan on one charge, with about 17 hours given before it needs to have its batteries replaced. A great device that gives off herculean sounds despite its small stature.
Pros:
- Glorious sound
- Lots of effects
- Huge lifespan
Cons:
- Some issues with crunch settings
- Style switches needed often
What makes a good portable guitar amp?
When searching for a portable amp, there are several things that you need to consider. After all, this will make an enormous difference to how the guitar sounds, where you can play and how you get from A-B. So what should you look for?
Compact Size
Foremost, you will need to check on the size of the amp itself. The good thing about this, though, is that most portable amps are not that big. Most will be no bigger than a standard parcel –including its case or storage bag.
If you think you won’t be able to carry an amp in one hand or over your shoulder, it might be worth investigating other models that are easier to transport.
Power source
One large debate people find when searching for amps is whether they go for a battery-powered amp or one that is powered through a wall connection.
In choosing the power source, it comes down to where you are playing. If you are jamming in a room, then having a power source is perfectly fine. But if you are doing an outdoor show, having a battery-operated amp gives you greater flexibility on where to play.
The good thing is that you can have both options too. Many leading brands are including both battery power and mains adapters as ways to power your amp. It gives you the best of both worlds and eliminates any restrictions you face.
Cost
Of course, money always factors in choosing certain items. Amplifiers are no different. Unsurprisingly, the larger and more powerful an amp is, the more expensive it will be.
That’s why portable amps have become much more popular in recent years. Not only do many offer the same basic tools and effects their larger cousins do, they do it without taking up too much space.
It’s this blend of size and purpose that has made amateur and professional guitarists opt to use portable amps more and more in recent years.
FAQ
Are all portable amps cordless?
No, many portable amps will be solely battery-powered but some will also come with a main adapter to give added lifespan support.
Do portable amps offer multiple channels?
Yes—many of the best portable amps around will have different channels for you to select. They often will have at least one clean channel and another for a crunch or distorted sound. Some may offer more channels depending on the brand.
How long do portable amp batteries last?
Many portable amps will last for several hours on one set of batteries. However, this depends on their power output and size, too. Many hit around the 5-hour mark, but some may be less or more depending on the make and how it is used.
So what are the best portable guitar amps?
As you can see, there are plenty of strong portable guitar amps around on the market today. Some of the industry’s biggest brands, such as Fender and Marshall, have used their expertise and technology to create highly sophisticated devices.
Lesser-known names such as Vox and Valeton-Rushead have stepped up to provide devices that offer impressive sounds without breaking the bank. In the end, it doesn’t matter which model you choose, as all the best portable guitar amps around let you jam in comfort no matter where you might be located.
