The Best Tube Amps [2025]

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With all the modern amplifier and effects technology available today, there's still something to be said for the classic sound you get from a real tube amp.

Sure, they're heavier and more expensive than many other offerings on the market—but this is generally true for a reason. Tube amplifiers tend to fetch top dollar because they provide the ultimate guitar-playing experience.

Solid-state amps, digital modeling amps, you name it—there are tons of options when it comes to amps these days, and the list only continues to grow. But these are mostly high-tech copycats of the real thing. The true electric guitar sound is available only through the use of a genuine tube amplifier.

Now, there are more incredible, classic tube amps available online than anyone in their right mind should ever have to sort through—so I did it for you. I've tested and reviewed some of the best tube amps out there, for electric guitar players of all budgets and experience levels.

Why Trust Me?

I'm a guitar player with over 20 years of experience playing electric guitars—live, in the studio, and of course, at home. In this time, I've had the opportunity to try out a lot of gear, and my exposure has only increased since becoming Gear Editor here at American Songwriter. At NAMM 2025, for example, I had the opportunity to test out amps from all the top brands, including some of the ones you'll read about below.

My main squeeze is a 1973 Fender Princeton Reverb, pretty similar to this one. And while I encourage players to get into vintage gear if they like it, it's not always attainable or accessible—and some people just like buying brand-new things. No shade from me! The Fender Princeton reissues (in both Black and Silverface) are very cool, and in fact, top this list.

Whether you're looking for a smaller combo amp for small gigs and practice or a high-powered head to squeeze the most gain out of those tubes, my rundown of what I think are some of the best tube amps will take you to tone city in no time.

Let's get into it.

The Best Tube Amps

1. Best Overall – Fender '64 Custom Princeton Reverb

SPECS

• Type: Tube Combo
• Output: 12W
• Features: Dual inputs, tremolo, tube-driven reverb, two-button footswitch, 1 x 10” Jensen Vintage Alnico P10R speaker
• Weight: 32 lbs

When it comes to a gold standard for tube amp tone, it's hard to imagine coming much closer than the Fender '64 Custom Princeton Reverb. Based on the legendary Fender blackface amps, widely considered to be THE all-time tube amplifier for rock and country, the '64 Princeton is your best bet if you're looking to get that classic Fender tube amp sound.

Featuring a meticulously hand-wired AA764 circuit, Fender Vintage Blue tone capacitors, and a 10" Jensen Vintage Alnico P10R speaker, this amp is crafted to deliver Fender's famous sparkling clean tones at lower volumes as well as a hefty grit when cranked.

Whether you're running your Strat for that slinky, spanky sound or twangin' away on your Tele, the tube-driven reverb and tremolo clinch the Princeton as the amp for Fender fans who want to tap into the real thing for practice or small gigs.

What really sells it for me is the Blackface styling—nothing screams "classic" like a Blackface Fender amp, and this baby looks the part as well as sounds it.

And while there are hand-wired boutique amps that can beat out most modern Princetons' quality and tone, this Custom '64 model is loaded with premium upgrades that make it a cut above the standard reissues, which are also great amps (and half the price).

Reasons to Avoid:

• True vintage amps can be found at a comparable price point, if that's your thing

2. Best British Combo Tube Amp – Vox AC30C2X 30-watt 2x12" Tube Combo Amp with Alnico Blue Speakers

SPECS

• Type: Tube combo
• Output: 30W
• Features: 2 channels, reverb, tremolo, effects loop, 2 x 12" Celestion Blue speakers
• Weight: 70 lbs

Another great pick for enthusiasts of the golden age of tube tone, the Vox AC30C2X delivers in spades the chime from across the pond that made the brand famous in the 1960s. This amp is pretty much a straightforward British tone machine that is capable of everything from clean chime to searing crunch (James Williamson famously played an AC30—cranked—on The Stooges' Raw Power).

This upgraded edition of the classic AC30 contains Alnico Blue speakers, three 12AX7 preamp tubes, and four EL84 power tubes. The clean channel features a bright switch to make your rhythm playing shine, while the top boost channel features a hot/cool switch for added tonal complexity on your leads.

Footswitchable reverb and tremolo are indispensable features. Plus, the clean channel is an incredible pedal platform that will really bring out the best in your favorite outboard effects. All in all, this amp is a great choice for any rock player looking to nail that British tube sound. While I've always been a Fender man, I'm not gonna lie—I get really excited when I see one of these on the backline.

Reasons to Avoid:

• You might want to hit the gym before purchasing an AC30—these things are heavy

3. Best Budget Tube Amp – Supro Delta King 12

SPECS

• Type: Tube combo
• Output: 15W
• Features: 1 channel, spring reverb, drive, boost, optional footswitch, 1 x 12" Supro DK12 speaker
• Weight: 28 lbs

The Supro Delta King 12 is perfect for those looking for that vintage tube amp sound and styling without shelling out the kind of dough commanded by a true vintage piece. This little shredder also packs in a few features you might not have seen on an amp of the 1950s.

Modeled after the original Supro amps of the 1950s, it boasts a vintage-style, 6L6-equipped, Class A power amp. The Supro Delta King cranks out tones that sound just as great today as they did 70 years ago—perfect for anything along the spectrum of rock, blues, and country.

It has a great-sounding spring reverb, but that's not all. The addition of the Pigtronix FAT high-gain mode and FET-driven boost make this versatile amp one of the best tube amp deals for players who need a small combo amp that packs a punch for a low price.

Don't let the vintage looks fool you—this amp combines the best of yesterday and today into a solid, versatile little tube amp that's compact yet loud enough for just about any small gig.

Reasons to avoid:

• Low power could be limiting for some environments—stick to small clubs + studio use

4. Best Tube Amp for Metal – Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII

SPECS

• Type: Tube head
• Output: 50W
• Features: 2 channels, 3-band EQ, reverb, footswitchable power attenuator, buffered FX loop
• Weight: 45.75 lbs

Tube amplifiers are commonly seen as a kind of one-trick pony: great for getting vintage-style tones for blues and classic rock but not really suited to a modern landscape—particularly when it comes to heavier music.

However, with its two channels providing both chiming cleans as well as high-gain grind, the Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII proves the exception to the rule. The Rockerverb Series is used by Jim Root of Slipknot, Andreas Kisser of Sepultura, and Matt Pike of Sleep—proving tube gain indeed has its place in heavy metal.

Boasting 12AX7 preamp tubes and EL34 power amp tubes, a revoiced dual-channel design, tube-driven spring reverb, and a buffered effects loop, this killer amp is designed for power as well as versatility. You can go anywhere from rich, saturated chime to screaming gain.

But get this—it has a footswitchable attenuator, so you can achieve a massive dynamic range with the stomp of a button. Shouldn't everyone be able to replicate their onstage tones at bedroom volumes?

This amp's gain channel is great for heavy metal, but that's not all. The revoiced non-master volume clean channel features a dual-band EQ and higher headroom, making it an ideal pedal platform, and the onboard spring reverb sounds great.

This versatile amp may be our pick for best tube amp for metal, but it's far from a one-trick pony—from classic British chiming cleans to reverbed-out surf tones, this amp can do pretty much everything else as well.

(Tip: Don't forget to pick up a cab—amp heads like this one don't have speakers built-in. Or just check out the combo version of the Rockerverb 50!)

Reasons to Avoid:

• Many players might prefer to just go with a combo amp

5. Best Tube Amp for Blues – Fender Blues Junior IV

SPECS

• Type: Tube combo
• Output: 15W
• Features: Fat switch, 3-band EQ, spring reverb, 1 x 12" Eminence Red White and Blues speaker
• Weight: 31.5 lbs

Another great pick for a small tube amp that won't break the bank is the Fender Blues Junior IV. Similar to the Delta King 12, the Blues Jr. brings vintage vibes and classic bluesy tones in spades at a conveniently portable size while also delivering the punch you need for your small gigs and rehearsals.

In addition to an updated preamp that sounds fuller and bigger than you would expect from an amp this size, the Blues Jr. IV boasts a 3-band EQ, an onboard spring reverb, and a Fat switch for a boost of low-end gain that's sure to take your blues playing down into the depths.

Topping it all off is a 12" Eminence Red White and Blues speaker for the tight low-end, smooth midrange, and top-end sparkle you can only get with a Fender.

We know by now that tube guitar amps are the go-to for players seeking that vintage sound, and Fender amps are an especially classic choice that can do no wrong.

The Blues Junior IV is a budget-friendly alternative to the Princeton we looked at above, bringing the same great Fender tube tone for less than half the price.

Reasons to Avoid:

• You might need more power down the line

6. Best for Versatility – Marshall DSL100HR 100-watt Tube Head

SPECS

• Type: Tube head
• Output: 100W
• Features: 2 channels, 3-band EQ, power attenuator, Softube cab sim, footswitch included
• Weight: 53 lbs

Now, just because you want genuine tube tone doesn't mean you have to be stuck in the past. Marshall gets it. That's why they've reintroduced their classic DSL (Dual Super Lead) line, updated with a smattering of modern features that combine the best of modern digital tech with the classic Marshall amp tones you'd expect.

First is a new resonance switch, which allows you to "dial in your preferred amount of low-end girth." The spring reverb has been replaced with digital, which analog fans might turn their nose up at, but ultimately provides more versatility.

Most notably, the DSL100HR has gotten an upgrade in the line-out department, namely in the form of a Softube speaker emulation of a Marshall 1960 cab, which will enable DI recording with even more realistic vintage tube amp flavor.

Two gain channels (classic and ultra gain), each with two modes, allow you to dial in just the right amount of distortion, from light break-up to creamy saturation, to full-on metal destruction. Plus, there's a switchable low power mode that will allow you to harness the amp's full preamp tube tone without blowing down your garage door.

All these features add up to one of the most versatile tube amps out there—perfect for the modern gigging and recording player who does it all.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Cab not included

7. Best Modern Tube Amp – Mesa/Boogie MARK FIVE

SPECS

• Type: Tube combo
• Output: 35W (25W, 10W settings)
• Features: 2 channels, tube-driven spring reverb, 3-band EQ, footswitchable 5-band graphic EQ, buffered effects loop, 4-button footswitch included, 1 x 12” Celestion Custom 90 speaker
• Weight: 44 lbs

The Mesa/Boogie Mark Five is another great choice for players who favor digital modeling amps and their endless features but want to make a step into the field of modern tube amps.

This amp delivers tons of options for players to customize their tone—with its two channels, you can get everything from reverby clean surf tones to the legendary Mesa lead tones you'd expect using the footswitchable boost and 5-band EQ.

Featuring a built-in CabClone internal load and speaker simulator, the Mark Five 35 also provides a realistic speaker-emulated output for playing direct live or in the studio.

There are too many features to even list here, which we never thought we'd find ourselves saying on a list of the best tube amps. But rest assured, if you're used to the versatility of a modeling amp but want to make the switch to tube, the Mesa/Boogie Mark Five 35 will not disappoint.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Pricey

8. Best Small Tube Amp – Blackstar HT-5R MkII

SPECS

• Type: Tube combo
• Output: 5W
• Features: 2 footswitchable channels, Infinite Shape Feature, digital reverb, USB-C interface, CabRig DSP simulation output, power scaling down to .5 watts
• Weight: 12 lbs

One of the smallest and most affordable amps on our list of the best tube amps, the Blackstar HT-1R MkII offers a ton of versatility and great tone for its small size, making it an awesome offering at its price point.

The next-gen of HT-5 comes revoiced and loaded with super-cool features. With its 2 footswitchable channels and Infinite Shape Feature, it can dial in anything from British breakup grit to punchy American high gain. And it even features a USB-C output and headphone jack for easy use in the studio.

Dial your power all the way down to 0.5 watts and blast this thing to get a taste of tube tone that won't scare your neighbors. CabRig DSP speaker simulation in the line out sweetens the deal, and add to that a digital reverb that won't overwhelm your playing, and you've got yourself a fine little amp that's perfect for practicing at home and recording.

While the HT-5R MkIII might not be making it onstage anytime soon, if you're looking for a tube amp for use in the bedroom or studio with the perfect combination of great features, convenient size, and unbeatable price, this is the amp for you.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Too many features may be overkill if you're more of a plug-and-play type

9. Best Premium Tube Amp – Magnatone Panoramic Stereo

SPECS

• Type: Tube combo
• Output: 24W
• Features: 1 channel, stereo pitch shifting, tremolo, and Accutronics reverb - all footswitchable
• Weight: 36.5 lbs

Sigh... The Magnatone Panoramic Stereo definitely comes in at the higher end of the tube amp market but for VERY good reason. This is an incredibly well-built boutique amp loaded up with super-cool vintage effects that are sure to please any classic-minded player, never mind the gorgeous vintage styling.

The most unique thing about this amp is the true stereo tremolo and vibrato. Engaging these effects will envelop you in a swirling 3-dimensional effect that can go anywhere from a subtle warble to a full-on seasick tonal experience. And they all come at the touch of a footswitch.

Magnatone is famous for their pitch-shifting vibrato as well as their crystalline cleans and gritty tube drive—and this amp does it all. With an Accutronics reverb to boot. Talk about peak vintage!

If you're looking for the most head-turning vintage looks and mind-blowing vintage effects on the market today, and money is no object, look no further than the Magnatone Panoramic Stereo. I got to play one of these at NAMM 2025, and it was unforgettable.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Pricey

Verdict

As evidenced by this list, the world of the tube amplifier is surprisingly diverse, and there's something out there for everyone, from the vintage connoisseur to the modern effects enjoyer.

Naturally, the best tube amps can get quite expensive, and so we can be grateful for smaller amps like the Supro Delta King 12 and the Fender Blues Junior IV for bringing the vintage vibes and killer tone at a price point that will make you think you were living in the past.

Tube amplification need not be limited to time travelers, however, and that's why I've included such modern offerings as the Mesa/Boogie Mark Five 35 and the Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII.

And while I do love British amps like the Vox AC30C2X, there's just no denying the appeal of what we consider to be the gold standard of tube amps here at AMERICAN Songwriter, the Fender '64 Custom Princeton Reverb!

Photo Courtesy Sweetwater