Ah, yes, the humble practice amp.
For those of us who began playing prior to the 2010s, it can be a topic of the practice amp much disdain, with many of us plagued with bad memories of dodgy combos and the various other transistor-based starter amps of yesteryear.
The importance of a decent practice amp cannot be understated, much like a badly set-up guitar has the potential to dissuade a beginner, a horrible practice amp can be just as much of a roadblock. From shrill-sounding buzzboxes to amplifiers that would pose a safety risk, it really was a battlefield back in the day.
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Fortunately, this conundrum isn’t the case anymore. Beginners have a plethora of choices when it comes to well-priced practice amps that also sound fantastic. As a matter of fact, this list may even be useful to pros who are looking for a cool combo to keep around the studio or by the couch at home for when inspiration strikes.
Establishing all of that, let’s take a look at 10 of the best practice amps for beginners in 2025.
Orange Crush 12
In an era where Bluetooth and PC connectivity seems almost obligatory for every device, the Crush harkens back to the good aspects of old designs, offering nothing but an all-analogue signal path, 3-band EQ, and dedicated overdrive and gain controls.
This amp is an ideal choice for any beginner who wants a straightforward amp that provides nothing but good tone and durability. Oranges’ custom Voice Of The World speaker is specially voiced for this model, providing a fantastic response across the entire frequency spectrum.
If this wasn’t enough, Orange have been kind enough to provide a cab-sim-loaded headphone output. This works as the ideal companion for late-night practice or even a direct recording solution.
Positive Grid Spark Mini
The Positive Grid Spark Mini serves as a definite powerhouse when it comes to an all-in-one solution for players on the go. Packed with 33 amps and 43 effects, there is an abundance of tonal possibilities when it comes to the Spark Mini, making it a great option for players who like to experiment.
Positive Grid’s own Spark app serves as the gateway to tweaking a plethora of parameters. However, if you want to keep it simple, you can also load up other user-generated sounds from the Tone Cloud community hub.
If this wasn’t enough, the Spark Mini incorporates a variety of features that lend it to seamless DAW integration, easy content creation, and a variety of learning resources. Not to mention that it also doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker, it’s hard to go wrong with the Spark Mini.
Boss Katana Mini X
Another one for those who wish to bypass a reliance on apps and firmware updates, the Boss Katana Mini X takes everything that made the Katana Mini so great and steps it up a notch.
This time around, Boss have expanded the range of effects and amp models housed within this Katana, making it even more versatile than it was before. Additionally Boss have also increased the size and power of the unit. Don’t let its small footprint fool you; you will be surprised at just how loud the Katana Mini X can get!
Combining the Katana Mini X’s portability with Boss’s world-renowned build quality makes for another winner for players who want to keep it simple without skimping out on tone.
Line 6 Spider V MkII 20
In the latest iteration of Line 6’s formidable Spider line, the Spider V MkII 20 is the smallest amp in the lineup, making it the most viable for beginners on a budget.
However, Line 6 have gone on a vendetta to ensure that this doesn’t mean that beginners miss out on the feature set that has made Line 6 a leader in the world of digital amp modelling, dating back to the introduction of the first POD in 1998.
16 diverse presets have you covered when it comes to a variety of genres, while the handy FX buttons on the faceplate of the Spider V make for easy swapping of modulation and time-based effects. This Spider also boasts USB connectivity and comes bundled with Cubase LE, making it a viable solution for guitar players looking for their first audio interface.
Blackstar Fly 3
The Blackstar Fly 3 represents an innovative approach to small form practice amplifiers, providing a 2-channel, 3-watt combo amplifier with all you need to get started at a price that won’t hurt the wallet.
Impressively, this tiny unit also boasts Blackstar’s patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), which allows you to tailor the amp’s response all with the twist of a single control. Additionally, Blackstar have been thoughtful enough to include an onboard tape delay, eliminating the need for any outboard delay units or apps.
With line inputs and outputs, sweetening the deal for both silent practice and listening to music through the unit, the Blackstar Fly 3 is a worthy contender when it comes to the best practice amps of 2025.
Fender Mustang Micro
The Fender Mustang Micro serves as the first entry in our list that doesn’t feature an onboard speaker, making it a fantastic solution for people living in situations where making noise is not on the agenda.
The Mustang packs a ton of functionality into a small form factor, giving much credence to how much thought Fender have put into the product’s design. All 12 of the Mustang’s amp models are easily accessible from the unit’s onboard controls, as well as the 12 effects combinations and their parameters.
One full charge will give you a full 4 hours of playtime on the Mustang Micro, and the unit even boasts USB and Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming, direct recording and firmware updates.
JOYO Jackman Hybrid Tube Amp w 8” Cab
The JOYO banTamP line has put tube-infused amps into the hands of many players who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them. With a variety of models in the line catering to a plethora of tones, the Jackman model seeks to provide raunchy British crunch in a tiny footprint.
The Jackman is a two-channel head that features dedicated tone, volume and gain controls for each channel. This practice amp also boasts switchable Bluetooth as well as dedicated FX loop, much like you would encounter on a full-size head.
Available as a standalone head or paired with JOYO’s 8” speaker cabinet, JOYO Jackman is a viable option for any players who are looking to dip their toes into the world of tube preamps.
Yamaha THR5
The little brother of Yamaha’s critically acclaimed THR30, the THR5 strives to provide the quality tones associated with the THR30, all in a smaller, more portable package.
Yamaha’s patented Virtual Circuit Modelling Technology works to provide the response of traditional tube amplifiers, making the THR5 punch well above its weight when it comes to providing authentic tones for a variety of genres.
This, combined with onboard modulation and time-based effects, means you will never be left without any important ingredient for your sound. Like most of its competition, the THR also boasts similar line-in/out and USB functionality. It also packs a handy chromatic tuner right in on the unit’s top plate.
Marshall MG10G
For years now, the Marshall MG line has served as the British heavyweights’ answer when it comes to providing quality transistor-based amps catered towards the more affordable end of the spectrum.
The latest iteration of the MG10G does nothing to shed this no-frills approach, providing a simple control layout, paired with classic Marshall aesthetics. Ultimately, this is great as these amps have always served their purpose well.
The MG10G packs dedicated clean and overdrive channels with separate volume controls for each. Marshall’s signature contour controls serve as the sole means of shaping EQ, and the unit features handy headphone and line-in jacks on its faceplate.
Vox Mini Go 10
Commonly associated with the sound of the British Invasion, the Vox Mini Go 10 sees this legacy brand stepping out into the practice amp world and the world of modelling amplifiers. Providing a great solution for anyone looking for a light, versatile unit that can be powered with a mobile battery.
The Vox Mini Go 10 packs in 10 preset amplifier models, gesturing towards a number of famous units associated with both Vox and other manufacturers. This, paired with the unit’s onboard modulation and time-based effects, plus its rhythm machine and built-in looper, makes for a practice amp that is ready to cover a plethora of genres convincingly.
If all this wasn’t enough, the Vox Mini Go 10 also comes in a variety of different colours, meaning you can get an amp that matches not only your sound but also your desired visual aesthetic.
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