The Best Guitar Amps Under $500 [2025]

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We all know it takes more than a killer axe to sound great. You need an amazing-sounding amp to crank up the volume, step up your tone game, and bring your playing to life. (Okay, some chops couldn't hurt, either.)

But aside from guitars themselves, guitar amplifiers can be one of the biggest expenditures players face in their quest for tone supremacy. These often cumbersome pieces of equipment usually feature a combination of finely engineered tech and big, heavy power components—and this can quickly add up to sums that are non-starters for many players.

But great budget guitar amps are honestly not hard to find these days. I've rounded up some of the best guitar amps under $500 on the market so you can get cranked on the cheap. My top pick for the overall best guitar amp under $500 is the Boss Katana 100 Gen 3, which brings some welcome updates to the already industry-leading Katana line of modeling amps.

But that's not all—I've picked out some options for all kinds of players' needs—I'm more of a tube amp guy, myself. So whether you're looking for a digital modeler like the Katana, a portable desktop amp, or a proper classic tube amp, there's something on this list for just about everyone.

Why Trust Me?

I cover all things gear for American Songwriter, from keyboards to singing lessons apps, and beyond. But my main thing is guitars. I got my first guitar at 6 years old, and have been playing live and in the studio since my teens. I've played just about every type of amp, guitar, and pedal there is, so you know you can trust my picks.

Best Guitar Amps Under $500

What better way to complement your axe than with a Katana?

BOSS came through with an amazing update to the vaunted Katana line last year with the Gen 3 Katana Amps. With 60 classic BOSS effects and 100 watts of power, the Katana 100 Gen 3 is a no-brainer pick for the best amp under $500—it's versatile, powerful, and is bursting at the seams with cool upgraded features.

The first thing worth mentioning is BOSS's upgraded Tube Logic technology, which gives you a taste of edge-of-breakup tube amp tone and dynamics on the "Pushed" setting. But that's not all—there are 5 more amp voices to choose from, each with a variation (for a total of 12). Plus, a switchable attenuator allows you to access cranked tube amp tones at a bedroom-friendly volume level.

One of my favorite features, though, is the cab sim out, which allows you to record directly out of the amp, albeit with 3 realistic mic'd cabinet sounds. There's USB and Bluetooth connectivity, plus integration with BOSS's Tone Studio editor so you can edit your tones straight from your phone, if that's your thing.

While all these features might be overkill for some, the rave reviews can't be wrong—this is a seriously versatile and great-sounding amp. Check out the Katana 50 as well, if you don't need all that much power.

SPECS

• Type: Solid State Modeling Amp
• Number of Channels: 4
• Output Power: 100W (50W, 0.5W setting)
• Speaker Size: 1 x 12" Boss Custom Katana 100W
• Amp Modeling: Acoustic, Clean, Pushed, Crunch, Lead, Brown
• EQ: 3-band EQ, Presence, Contour switch
• Weight: 32 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• Massive features list can be overwhelming—avoid if you don't care much about effects

The best value on our list has to go to the Fender Mustang LT25. Perfect for beginners and students, this amp features tons of options for endless hours of fun jamming at home, but with enough power for your first gigs as well. Plus, the interface is super easy to use, and the price just literally cannot be beat.

The extremely intuitive interface allows you to modify any of the preset amp tones and effects. Simply switch between 20 different amps and customize with 4 available effects for each. It allows you to save your settings for custom preset tones across the board—you can make this amp truly your own.

A USB out makes recording a breeze, plus there's a headphone out for silent jamming, and an aux in as well.

And the price is just ridiculous. For the amount of fun you'll be having dialing in custom sounds and jamming on this thing, you'll get your money's worth in about an hour. But I have a feeling you're gonna want to play for a lot longer than that.

SPECS

• Type: Digital modeling combo amp
• Output: 25W
• Features: 20 amp models, 25 effects, 1x8" speaker
• Weight: 13 lbs

Reasons to avoid:

• You'll want something bigger if you plan to play midsize venues

Line 6 has been making THE modeling amp for beginners for generations now. My very first amp was a Line 6 Spider—but the line has come a long way since, well... let's just say I was getting a lot of mileage out of my Spider practicing the riff from Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal."

Those of us who remember rocking out on the "Come As You Are" setting will be blown away by the features of this latest update to the best-selling series. We're talking 78 amp models, 23 cabinets, and 101 effects presets—the possibilities are endless. Add to that 19 drum loops, a built-in tuner, and a metronome, and you've got a whole lot of fun.

Plus, these come newly revoiced so the Line 6 Spider MkII sounds better than ever—you're not gonna believe you're playing a modeling amp.

With 60 watts of power to boot and weighing in at only 20 lbs, this combo is as ready for the gig as you are. It's perfect for all stages of your development as a player, and you're going to have so much fun playing that I think you'll learn fast.

SPECS

• Type: Digital modeling combo amp
• Output: 60W
• Features: 78 amp models, with 23 cabinets and 101 effects, 1x 10" woofer, 1x hi-freq tweeter
• Weight: 20 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• If you don't care much about effects, skip this one

If you're looking for real tube amp tone in an ultra-portable and affordable amp head, look no further than the Orange Micro Dark. This little beast uses a hybrid solid state power amp/tube preamp to pack 20W of tube amp tones in a chassis that weighs in just under 2 lbs.

In contrast to some of the modeling-style amps on this list, this amp is for the player who knows what they want—if that is authentic valve amp tone that's perfect for bedroom jams, practice, and even small gigs. Bring your own pedalboard to the fully buffered effects loop—no onboard effects here.

But that doesn't mean it's a one-trick pony. The headphone output features Orange's great-sounding CabSim speaker emulation, so you can rock silently in your bedroom with tone so good you'll totally forget you're not really onstage. But of course, there's a speaker output for blasting through your favorite speaker cab.

So, while I can't promise you'll walk away under $500 once you factor in a cab, it's definitely possible—I highly recommend you check out this head + cab bundle. For a gig-ready micro amp with killer high-gain sounds, that fits in your gig bag and costs less than your overdrive pedal, look no further than the Orange Micro Dark.

SPECS

• Type: Hybrid tube/solid state micro head
• Output: 20W
• Features: 1 Channel, shape/gain controls, fully buffered FX loop
• Weight: 1.75 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• No onboard effects
• Cab sold separately (although bundle available, still under 500 bucks!)

In terms of style alone, it doesn't get much cooler than the original "third amp," the Yamaha THR10II. And you're not gonna believe this—it sounds even better than it looks.

With 15 guitar amp models, 3 bass amp models, and 3 mic models, you get a ton of versatility for your bedroom studio needs. It's got USB connectivity, so you basically get an interface and a practice amp all in one compact and stylish package.

Plus, it's Bluetooth compatible and sounds as good streaming your favorite tunes as it does giving voice to your favorite electric guitars.

If you're looking for a practice amp that you'll actually want to leave out in the living room, the Yamaha THR10II is the choice for you.

SPECS

• Type: Digital modeling desktop amp
• Output: 20W
• Features: 15 Guitar amp models, 3 bass amp models, 3 mic models, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity
• Weight: 7 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not ideal for gigging

Another great choice from Line 6 is the Catalyst 100. If you're looking for all the tones of a Line 6 modeling amp with the power you need for pretty much any gig, this is definitely one to consider.

With 6 amp models available, you get everything from gorgeous clean tones to the massive crunch Line 6 is known for. What's surprising is that the cleans are really what impresses here, particularly the "Boutique" setting. Top it off with Line 6's suite of great effects, and you've got everything you need to dial in versatile sounds.

The Catalyst 100's combination of gig-ready power with all the sounds of a modeling amp makes it the perfect option for the gigging player who needs lots of custom tones ready to go. Boutique sounds without the boutique price tag! What more could you want?

SPECS

• Type: Digital modeling combo amp
• Output: 100W
• Features: 2 Channels, 18 effects, 1x12" speaker
• Weight: 40 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• More power than some might need

For an all-tube combo with classic tones and classic styling, look no further than the Supro Delta King 10. Inspired by the low-wattage combo amps of yesteryear, the Delta King brings vintage mojo and tones at an affordable price point that's great for players of any budget.

While it's not loaded with features like many of the amps on this list, the rundown on this amp will certainly appeal to players who prefer the components to speak for themselves.

Boasting a genuine Class A all-tube signal path, a 12AX7 tube preamp, a custom 10-inch DK10 speaker, and vintage-style poplar cabinetry, the Delta King is the genuine article. The vintage-style spring reverb sounds incredible, and there's a FET-driven boost to deliver that extra bit of grit as well. Plus, a line output makes this the perfect secret weapon in the studio.

This black on black colorway is the ticket to getting this amp for under $500. If you're looking for tube amp tones inspired by the vintage sounds of yesteryear at a super low price point, the Supro Delta King 10 is the way to go.

SPECS

• Type: All-tube combo
• Output: 5W
• Effects: Spring Reverb, Boost, Fat mode
• Features: 1 channel, 1x10" speaker
• Weight: 23 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• None in my opinion! But you could get more versatility with a modeling amp.

The Positive Grid Spark 2 represents the evolution of Positive Grid's revolutionary line of digital modeling amps. Now with 25% more output power, the latest Spark will definitely keep the flame burning.

The sheer number of effects available is absolutely flooring. Never mind the loads of onboard tone settings—when used in conjunction with Spark's app, you can access a 10,000+ tone library.

You can also stream songs to your amp and jam along, using the Auto Chord feature to transpose songs in real time! Plus, it brings an impressive amount of power for an amp of its size.

The future is here, folks. Cutting-edge technology that will provide endless inspiration and entertainment is available in this super cool-looking compact combo amp. This is one of the best budget guitar amps that definitely doesn't feel like a budget option.

SPECS

• Type: Digital modeling combo
• Output: 50W
• Features: 8 Programmable Presets, 30 amp models, 40 effects, USB, 2x4" speakers, tons of smart features (10,000+ tones in-app)
• Weight: 12 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not ideal for less tech-savvy folks

How cool is this mini-stack from Vox?! If you're already a Vox lover and looking for a version of your AC30 that you can bring home or simply want a smaller guitar amplifier that's going to give you that sixties jangle, you've got to check out the Mini Superbeetle.

The real selling point here, besides the super unique mini-stack styling, is the Nutube-equipped analog preamp circuit. This delivers the punchy feel and rich overtones of a tube amp without any actual tubes present!

That means great vintage tone with less weight and less maintenance. A great-sounding digital reverb and Nutube-driven tremolo complete the vintage appeal.

Equipped with a 1x10" mini speaker cabinet, the Superbeetle amp head is ready to plug and play—but it's also compatible with other external cabinets and features a line out for use in the studio. Money can't buy you love—but just a small amount of it can get you a spot-on British invasion tone at home.

SPECS

• Type: Solid state head with Cabinet
• Output: 25W @ 8 ohms, 50W @ 4 ohms
• Features: 1 channel, analog Nutube circuitry, reverb, tremolo, power attenuators, standby switch, 1x10" speaker cabinet
• Weight: 19 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• If you're wondering "why," just get a combo

Many hard rock players regard Marshall to be the pinnacle of classic guitar tone. That's why we've given them their own category on this list! If you want classic Marshall tone (not to mention many, many others) for under $500, you want the Marshall Code 50.

Decades of classic Marshall tones are at your fingertips with the Code 50. Boasting 14 preamps, 4 power amps, and 8 different speaker cab emulations, coupled with 24 great-sounding digital effects, this amp has everything Marshall lovers want and more. It's powerful enough to gig with but also serves as a great tool for the home studio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity and an interface app.

While it doesn't have full-range hi-fi speakers for streaming music like some of the other options, it's a great amp that's gig-ready, and the endless Marshall tones can't be beat.

SPECS

• Type: Digital modeling combo
• Output: 50W
• Features: 14 preamps, 4 power amps, 8 speaker cab emulations, 24 digital effects, USB, Bluetooth, 1x12" speaker
• Weight: 28 lbs

Reasons to Avoid:

• Some other modelers have more features

Tips for Buying a Guitar Amp Under $500

Shopping for an affordable amp can be a daunting process. There are tons of great guitar amps under $500 on the market, all with an overwhelming variety of features and variables to consider.

You want to be sure you make the right choice, so take stock of these important factors before going any further in your search for the best budget guitar amps.

Amp Types

Whether you're looking for a modeling amp with tons of programmed tones and proprietary software or a simple tube amplifier, there are all kinds of options under $500 on the market.

It really just depends on what kind of player you are and what you're using the amp for. If you want to play around at home with tons of different tones, a modeling amp like the Line 6 Spider MkII is a great choice.

However, if you have simpler tastes and know what you want is a classic tube tone, go for a combo tube amp like the Supro Delta King.

Power Rating

The power rating of an amp determines how loud it can get. We have everything from 1 to 100-watt offerings on this list, so there's a budget guitar amp for every player's needs. If you're looking to take your amp to gigs, you're going to want at least around 15 watts, and you can't go wrong with more.

However, where you CAN go wrong is having too much power without an attenuator—if you play a larger tube amp at home, you're not going to reach peak tone without being able to dial down the power.

Size and Portability

If you plan on gigging or traveling with your amp, you'll want to consider its size and weight. Small and lightweight amps are more portable, but they may not have the same level of power or tone as larger amps.

Most budget guitar amps, luckily, are going to tend to be on the smaller side. It's worth noting that solid-state amps are generally going to pack more power into smaller footprints and lighter weights than tube amps.

Features and Controls

Most of the guitar amps on this list have some form of built-in effects, from simple EQ controls to massive digital FX libraries and even Bluetooth capabilities. Again, choose an amp that suits your own needs.

If you already have a pedalboard equipped with all your signature sounds, you might want to consider something like the Vox Superbeetle, which is not really designed for high-gain tones and takes pedals really well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of guitar amps are best for beginners?

For beginners, a solid-state amp or digital amp is a good option because they are more affordable and easier to use than tube amps. These types of amps also tend to have built-in effects and features that can help beginners experiment with different sounds.

That being said, some players fall in love with the tone and response they get from tubes and wouldn't trade them for the world. If you can, try a few out first and see what works for you.

What is the difference between tube and solid-state guitar amps?

Tube amps use vacuum tubes to amplify the guitar signal, while solid-state amps use transistors. Tube amps tend to have a warmer, more dynamic tone, while solid-state amps offer a more clean and precise sound.

However, tube amps are generally more expensive and heavier than solid-state amps, and they often require more maintenance as well. Tube amps are often preferred by players who desire authentic vintage tones.

Do I need to buy separate effects pedals?

Most of the best guitar amps under $500 featured on this list come with built-in effects, such as reverb, delay, and distortion, not to mention tons of customizable settings and amp models to choose from. However, if you choose a non-modeling amp like the Supro Delta King, you may want to invest in separate effects pedals.

How important is the brand name?

The age-old question... a brand name can be important when choosing a budget amp, as some well-known brands have a reputation for quality and reliability.

However, there are also many lesser-known brands that offer good-quality amps—especially in the budget field. Some of the better-known names, like Fender and Marshall, tend to focus less on budget lines, while others, like Line 6 and Supro make it a focus of their business.

Our list of best budget guitar amps above should hopefully help familiarize you with some great lesser-known brands that are definitely worth considering.

Verdict

If you're looking for the best guitar amp under $500, you can't go wrong with one of these picks. There's sure to be something here for everyone—whether you're looking for a modeling amp with tons of custom tones like the Positive Grid Spark 2 or a simple plug-and-play combo like the Supro Delta King, there's a fantastic amp on this list that you're sure to love.

I think the best all-around amp for under $500 is the Boss Katana 100 Gen 3. It simply features the best combination of effects, user-friendliness, and power for the price point on the market today.

If you need all the effects and less power, go with a desktop amp like the super-cool Yamaha THR10II. And for the vintage enthusiasts, a Vox Mini Superbeetle or Supro Delta King 8 will be sure to please.

Thanks for checking out our list of the best guitar amps under $500! All the best budget guitar amps are available at Sweetwater, so do yourself a favor and head on over.