So you’ve just got your first electric guitar – that beautiful instrument you’ve been dreaming about, the one you saved up for months to buy. Maybe you’re picturing yourself shredding like your favorite guitarist or crafting the perfect riffs for your future band. There’s just one small catch: even the best guitar in the world needs an amplifier to make those dreams a reality.
Finding your first amp can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve already invested a good chunk of your savings in your guitar. But don’t worry – you don’t need to break the bank to get started. We’ve done the heavy lifting and found some fantastic amplifiers that deliver great sound without emptying your wallet.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best beginner-friendly amps available in 2025. These aren’t just “cheap” options – they’re carefully selected models that offer the perfect balance of quality, features, and value. Whether you’re practicing in your bedroom, jamming with friends, or recording your first tracks, these amps will help you develop your sound without compromising your budget.
Before diving into the specific models, we’ll also cover some essential tips about choosing the right amp for your needs. We’ll look at important factors like size, style, and features, helping you navigate through the overwhelming number of options out there. After all, the right amp isn’t just about price – it’s about finding the perfect partner for your musical journey.
Ready to find your first amp? Let’s dive in and explore some options that could be the beginning of your sonic adventure.
Best Guitar Amp for Beginners
| Image | Amplifier Model | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Positive Grid Spark MINI 10W Portable Smart Guitar Amp & Bluetooth Speaker |  (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 Combo Amplifier |  (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Blackstar IDCORE20V4 Combo Amplifier |  (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Fender Mustang GTX50 Guitar Amplifier |  (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Orange Crush 20 |  (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Fender Mustang LT25 Guitar Amp, 25-Watt Combo Amp |  (4.4 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
Positive Grid Spark Mini
| Features: | |
| Controls: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
Positive Grid’s Spark Mini is a compact, versatile practice amp and Bluetooth speaker designed to elevate guitar practice and performance. Despite its small size—measuring 5.76 x 4.84 x 6.49 inches and weighing just over three pounds—it packs a powerful punch with 10 watts of stereo sound, 33 amp models, and 43 effects powered by Positive Grid’s BIAS tone engine.
The Spark Mini features two angled two-inch speakers for nearfield stereo sound, while a passive radiator on the bottom enhances bass response. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary input, and a USB-C port for CD-quality recording at 16-bit/44.1kHz.
The top panel provides easy access to guitar and music volume controls, preset selection, and a Bluetooth pairing button that also functions as a tuner. With a battery life of up to eight hours, the Spark Mini is perfect for on-the-go practice and jams.
Paired with the Spark app, users can access a full range of virtual controls, Auto Chords, and the new Smart Jam Live feature, which offers an adaptive virtual drummer. The Spark Mini combines portability, functionality, and high-quality sound, making it a must-have tool for guitarists. You really have to hear this little amp to believe it, and when combined with the price, functionality and sound it really takes some beating !
Pros:
- Compact stereo format with spacious and detailed sound.
- Numerous onboard amp models and effects.
- Access to more amp models and effects via the ToneCloud community.
- Bluetooth and USB audio for added versatility.
- Ideal for both practice and performance.
Cons:
- Not that much cheaper than the original.
- Only useful as a practice or recording amp.
Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 Combo Amplifier
There’s a reason the Boss Katana keeps landing on “best amplifier” lists—it’s simply that awesome. Boss, the Jedi Master of guitar effects pedals, has managed to cram all their wizardry into the Katana series, turning what looks like a simple practice amp into a tone-shaping beast.
With five core amp sounds—Acoustic, Clean, Crunch, Lead, and Brown—the Katana is like a Swiss Army knife for guitarists. Whether you’re shredding metal riffs, feeling the blues, or rocking out to some indie vibes, this amp’s got you covered. Basically, if you can play it, the Katana can sound like it.
Now, let’s talk effects. Boss didn’t hold back here. You get a whole arsenal of their legendary sounds—from gentle overdrives to face-melting distortion, delay, chorus, and even pitch shifting. It’s like having a full pedalboard without the cable mess that makes your bandmates trip.
And for the tinkerers out there, the fun doesn’t stop at the amp. Plug it into your laptop, fire up the Boss Tone Studio, and prepare to fall down a rabbit hole of sound tweaking and preset making. Before you know it, you’ll have an amp that feels custom-made just for you.
Pros:
- Versatile Sound Selection: The amp comes with multiple amp voicings and built-in effects from Boss’s extensive library
- Great Value for Money
- User-Friendly Interface
Cons:
- 50-Watt Power Limitation: While sufficient for home practice and small gigs, the 50-watt power rating might not provide enough headroom for larger venues or outdoor performances where more volume is needed.
Blackstar IDCORE20V4 Combo Amplifier
| Features: | |
| Controls: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
If you’re diving into the world of guitar playing, you’ll quickly discover that finding the right amp can feel pretty overwhelming. That’s where the Blackstar ID:Core series comes in, tackling the same challenge as popular competitors like the Boss Katana and Positive Grid Spark – creating an amp that won’t scare off beginners. The team at Blackstar has really nailed the basics here, with an interface that won’t make your head spin, effects that you can actually figure out without a PhD in sound engineering, and some genuinely fantastic core tones that’ll make you sound good from day one.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. While most amps in this price range would call it a day with just those features, Blackstar decided to throw in something pretty special – a built-in audio interface. Sure, as a beginner, you might not be thinking about recording your next chart-topping hit just yet, but trust me, that day will come sooner than you think. When it does, you’ll be glad to know your ID:Core 20 has got your back. Just grab a USB cable, plug it into your laptop, fire up your favorite recording software, and boom – you’re ready to lay down some tracks.
In a market flooded with entry-level amps, this amp does way more than you’d expect for the price, and it does it all surprisingly well. If you’re in the market for a compact amp that punches well above its weight class, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to at least give this little powerhouse a try.
Pros:
- Intuitive Interface with Quality Sounds: Even complete beginners can quickly dial in great tones
- Built-in Audio Interface
- Compact Yet Feature-Rich: Despite its small footprint, it packs a surprising amount of features and versatility
Cons:
- Limited Headroom: Like many practice amps, it may struggle to maintain clean tones at higher volumes
- Digital Limitations: While the effects are good quality, you can only use certain combinations simultaneously
Fender Mustang GTX50 Guitar Amplifier
| Features: | |
| Controls: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
Since bursting onto the scene in 2010, Fender’s Mustang amplifiers have found their way into countless guitar shops and bedroom setups worldwide – and honestly, it’s easy to see why. While the original Mustang series already had players grinning with its treasure trove of classic tones at a wallet-friendly price, the new Mustang GTX50 takes everything we loved and cranks it up a notch, without losing that special sauce that made these amps so addictive in the first place.
But this isn’t just a pretty face with its sleek new design. Pop the hood, and you’ll find Fender has been busy stuffing even more goodies inside. They’ve added some seriously sought-after amp models to the mix – we’re talking the warm, bluesy growl of the Blues Jr, the legendary sparkle of the Vibro King, and even some non-Fender classics like the crystalline Roland Jazz Chorus and the mighty Marshall Silver Jubilee. Better yet, pair it with Fender’s TONE 3.0 app, and you’ve got a whole new world of tone-tweaking at your fingertips. Want to try that killer preset your favorite guitarist just shared? Just tap and download.
Now, let’s talk power – at 50 watts, this little beast can definitely wake the neighbors. Sure, that might seem like overkill for late-night bedroom practice, but here’s the genius part: this amp is playing the long game. As you graduate from bedroom warrior to rehearsal regular and eventually hit the stage, the GTX50 has got the muscle to keep up with your journey. It’s like having an amp that grows with you, ready to handle whatever your musical adventure throws its way.
Pros:
- Impressive Tonal Range: The expanded amp modeling selection covers everything from pristine cleans to high-gain territory, offering authentic recreations of both vintage and modern classics.
- Future-Proof Design: The 50-watt power rating means this amp can handle the transition from bedroom to stage, growing with the player’s needs.
- Smart Connectivity: The integration with Fender’s TONE 3.0 app and online community adds significant value through easy preset sharing and wireless control.
Cons:
- Volume Management: The 50-watt output might be challenging to tame in bedroom settings where ultra-quiet practice is needed.
- Learning Curve: While the amp is intuitive, mastering the full depth of its digital features and app integration takes time and patience to fully utilize.
Orange Crush 20
| Features: | |
| Controls: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a maze of menus and presets on modern digital amps like the Boss Katana or Positive Grid Spark (we’ve all been there!), the Orange Crush 20 feels like a breath of fresh air. This amp strips away the complexity and gets back to basics – in the best possible way. In a world where every manufacturer seems to be adding screens and apps and wireless connectivity, Orange has taken a wonderfully rebellious step in the opposite direction.
What makes the Crush 20 special is its all-analog circuitry – a bit like choosing vinyl over Spotify. Instead of cramming in countless digital effects, Orange has focused on perfecting just two channels: Clean and Dirty. Plug in your Strat, and the Clean channel rings out with the kind of pristine clarity that makes arpeggios and clean chord work sound absolutely gorgeous. Blues players will love how it responds to guitar volume changes – roll back your guitar’s volume knob, and it cleans up beautifully.
Flip to the Dirty channel, and you’re in for a treat. Dial in a modest gain setting, and you’ve got the perfect platform for classic rock riffs – think AC/DC’s “Back in Black” or Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” Crank up the gain, and suddenly you’re in high-gain territory that’ll handle everything from Iron Maiden gallops to chunky modern rock power chords.
Don’t mistake this simplicity for limitation though. During a recent practice session, I found myself switching between delicate fingerpicking on the Clean channel for some Pink Floyd-style atmospherics, then kicking in the Dirty channel for some meaty Foo Fighters riffs – all without touching a single effect pedal. The amp just lets you focus on playing rather than tweaking.
For players who’d rather spend time practicing their hammer-ons than navigating digital menus, the Orange Crush 20 might just be your perfect practice companion. It’s the kind of amp that makes you want to grab your guitar and play the moment you walk in the room – no manual, smartphone, or computer required. In a world where even coffee makers have WiFi, there’s something wonderfully pure about that approach.
Pros:
- High quality look and feel for the price
- Easy to use
- Analogue feel
Cons:
- Not as many options as some of the competition
Fender Mustang LT25 Guitar Amp, 25-Watt Combo Amp
| Features: | |
| Controls: |  |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
Ever wondered what would happen if a practice amp and a music teacher had a baby? Meet the Fender LT25, the smart little amp that’s like having a guitar guru in your bedroom. This 25-watt digital dynamo packs enough punch to annoy your neighbors while still keeping your family relatively happy.
What really makes this amp shine is its built-in preset library. With 30 different amp models to play with, you can go from squeaky-clean country twang to face-melting metal faster than you can say “bedroom rockstar.” The simple interface means you won’t need a PhD in sound engineering to dial in great tones.
The 8-inch speaker might be compact, but it delivers surprisingly full sound that works great for practice and small jams. Plus, the headphone output means you can shred at 3 AM without starting a neighborhood war. The built-in USB connectivity is perfect for recording those late-night inspiration hits straight to your computer.
Pros:
- Incredible variety of tones from one compact box
- Super easy to use, even for tech-challenged players
- Headphone output for silent practice is a lifesaver
Cons:
- 25 watts might not cut it for band practice
- Some high-gain presets can get a bit fizzy
If you are absolutely new to the world of amplifiers probably reading through the list we compiled was hopefully helpful. Nevertheless, you need to know a few details about amplifiers before being able to fully judge whether one of these models is a good fit for you. First, let’s talk about different styles of amplifiers. Another important factor you have to take into account is the purpose of your amplifier. There are amplifiers that are better for gigging and playing in front of a big audience, then there are the ones that are good for recording and finally, there are amplifiers that work the best for practice. Most probably if you are a beginner you will be doing a lot more of practicing than playing gigs so you need to look out for models like that.
Types Of Guitar Amplifiers
And, of course, we should talk a bit about different types of amplifiers. The three major ones are: solid, tube, hybrid, and digital amps. Solid tube amplifiers are the “working amps”. They are sturdy, durable and don’t need as much maintenance. They usually are cheaper than other alternatives and often preferred by beginners and intermediate players. They also produce cleaner sound but lack of natural distortion. The tube amps are a bit more expensive and favored by professional musicians who want natural distortion. They are also more pro-friendly because they are expensive and need more maintenance which is not the best option for someone who is on a budget. Then there are hybrids that use tubes along with solid state power sections. So they are basically providing best of the two worlds. Digital amps or modeling amps recreate the sound of the amplifier with software. They usually have a lot of different effects and versatility.
Does Wood Matter In Guitar Amplifiers?
If you have read a bit about acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars you know that tonewood is pretty much 50% of the quality of the sound (if not more). The same goes for amplifiers. The quality of the wood along with its thickness contribute to the final sound and tone of your amplifier. The thickness of the wood is vital not only for the reasons of durability but also because the sound will not be as “flimsy” and the amp won’t vibrate as much.
Guitar Amp Size
When it comes to the size of your amplifier there is not a clear-cut answer. While some people might assume that bigger amplifiers have better sound and are more powerful, that is not always the case. You also need to consider your living and playing arrangements. For instance, if you live in a dorm room getting a humongous amp that pro-players gig with is… let’s just say your roommates and your wallet won’t be happy. It is also unnecessary, especially for a beginner. At the same time, if you aim high and want to gig at some point getting a 10-20 watt model that you can carry around with zero problems is not practical either. It also depends on what style of music you want to play and what tone you want to get. Sometimes, smaller amps will actually work better for your tone that 100-watt models that will take up your entire room.
