What’s The Best Tube Guitar Amp
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 | Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb |  (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Blackstar St. James 6L6 50-Watt 2 x 12 Combo |  (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Supro Delta King 12 | (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Vox AC30C2 Classic |  (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Fender Blues Junior | (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Laney CUB-Super10 All Tube Combo with Boost 6W | (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | ORANGE Rockerverb 50 MKIII - 50-Watt 2-Channel Tube Head | (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | EVH 5150 III 50-watt Tube Head | (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Blackstar HT Club 50 | (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | BUGERA 333XL INFINIUM |  (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb
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OK, we’ll start with the Fender Deluxe Reverb. Before I get into this, I have to confess that I have a very slight conflict of interest here… This is my main go to amp when I play live. I have chosen the 65 blackface RI in this lineup as for the price I think it’s the best of all the Fender DR reissue series of the legendary mid-60s combo amp. Featuring an all-tube design with 4 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AT7, 2 x 6V6, and a 5AR4 rectifier, it delivers the warm, dynamic sound that has defined Fender amps for decades. With 22 watts of power, the Deluxe Reverb is perfect for both gigging and home use. It’s fitted with a 12″ Jensen C12K speaker, offering bright, sparkling highs, warm lows, and rich note definition. The amp has two channels—one with reverb and tremolo, one without—and while it lacks a master volume, it achieves natural overdrive when pushed.
The spring reverb is lush and dreamy, while the vibrato effect adds a vintage touch, though it may produce slight hiss at low volumes. The amp excels with pedals, especially overdrives and boosts, allowing players to tailor their tone further.
Surprisingly, the Deluxe Reverb performs well at lower volumes, retaining clarity and detail thanks to a bright cap. It delivers warm, organic breakup and creamy distortion when pushed, making it ideal for blues, rock, and jazz.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or at home, the Deluxe Reverb offers timeless tone and exceptional versatility, cementing its place as a staple for guitarists over the last 60 years.
Pros:
- Ethereal clean tones
- Versatile and useful features
- You can reduce the power and receive even more sonic options
Cons:
- A bit expensive
Blackstar St. James 6L6 50-Watt 2 x 12 Combo
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Marketed as the “lightest 50W amplifier on Earth,” the Blackstar St James EL34 is here to save your back and still deliver the rich, warm tube tones you love. This little marvel uses clever engineering and a custom-designed speaker to give you all the sonic goodness of a traditional tube amp without the struggle of lugging a heavy beast around.
We’ve spent plenty of time with the St James, and let me tell you—it’s shockingly light. You could walk into a gig holding this amp in one hand and your guitar in the other without breaking a sweat. And despite its small size and weight, it doesn’t hold back when it comes to sound. Channel 1 delivers that smooth, clean tone reminiscent of classic Fender amps, while Channel 2 brings out that shimmering, chimey brilliance you’d expect from a Vox. It’s a full-fledged tube amp, just a lot smarter and way more portable.
But wait—there’s more! The St James has some brilliant features that make it versatile for just about any setting. There’s a power attenuation option that lets you drop the output to 2 watts, perfect for home practice without waking up the neighbors. It also has a “sag” function that recreates the blooming, vintage tube amp feel for added character. And for the recording enthusiasts? The cab sim output on the back lets you record silently without sacrificing that beautiful, dynamic tube tone.
This amp isn’t just about saving your back—it’s about delivering tone and versatility in a modern, gig-friendly package.
Pros:
- Back Friendly Weight
- Versatile Sound Options
- Practical Modern Features
Cons:
- Price tag
- Limited built-in effects
Supro Delta King 12
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Don’t be fooled by the small size of the Supro Delta King 12—this little amp is a powerhouse in disguise. It’s the follow-up to Supro’s super popular Blues King, and let me tell you, it doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. This compact tube combo has a ton of character, delivering classic tones with a modern edge, all wrapped up in a retro-style cabinet that looks straight out of a 1950s showroom.
The clean tones are simply stunning—smooth, warm, and rich, making it a joy to play jazz chords or country riffs. But the real fun begins when you push the volume past the halfway mark. That’s when the Delta King 12 unleashes its delicious tube-driven breakup, oozing with the kind of grit and warmth that blues and rock players love. Want even more edge? Two built-in boost modes let you take things up a notch (or two), bringing in a raw, punchy tone perfect for punk, grunge, or heavier rock.
It’s not just about sound, though. This amp is versatile enough to fit into any setup. It’s quiet enough for late-night home practice, yet loud enough to hold its ground against a drummer during rehearsals. And if you’re hitting the stage or the studio, the handy line-out lets you easily connect to a mixer or recording interface without losing that signature tone.
With its killer sound, practical features, and undeniable style, the Delta King 12 is proof that good things come in small packages.
I personally love this amp, but my only issue is that depending on your style of music, your drummer, and the size of gigs that you play, you may just find this little gem isn’t quite loud enough for what you need…
Pros:
- Amazing Clean and Dirty Tones
- Built-In Versatility
- Compact and Stylish Design
Cons:
- Limited Power for Large Venues
- No built-in effects
Vox AC30C2 Classic
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The Vox AC30 C2 is a legendary amp that played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the 1960s British invasion, delivering iconic tones heard in the music of The Beatles and Brian May. This modern iteration of the classic amplifier blends vintage charm with contemporary features, making it one of the finest tube amps available today.
With two distinct channels, the AC30 C2 covers a wide tonal range—from bright, jangly cleans to gritty rock crunch. The Top Boost channel comes equipped with individual treble and bass controls, while the master channel’s Tone Cut knob offers exceptional versatility for dialing in your perfect sound.
Adding to its appeal are built-in tremolo and reverb effects, which allow you to create rich, atmospheric textures and depth in your playing. For even greater customization, the amp’s four inputs can be “jumped” using a patch cable, letting you blend both channels for an even more dynamic tonal palette.
Whether you’re chasing shimmering cleans or classic overdriven tones, the Vox AC30 C2 delivers the unmistakable sound that has defined rock music for decades, all while offering modern enhancements for today’s players.
Pros:
- Iconic Tone
- Versatile Features: With two channels, customizable EQ controls, and built-in tremolo and reverb
- Channel Jumping: The ability to “jump” channels using the four inputs adds even more tonal flexibility
Cons:
- Heavy Weight: At over 70 pounds, the AC30 C2 is quite heavy
- High Volume Requirement: To achieve the full tonal richness and overdrive, the amp needs to be cranked
Fender Blues Junior
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The Fender Blues Junior has long been a go-to amp for guitarists seeking authentic tube tones at an affordable price. With 15 watts of power, it’s ideal for home practice, studio sessions, and small gigs.
This amp delivers rich, warm cleans with a sparkling high end, making it a fantastic choice for blues, rock, and country players. Its natural overdrive is classic and dynamic, reacting beautifully to your playing dynamics. Want more grit? Add a boost pedal to push the preamp or keep it clean and pair it with your favorite distortion pedal for heavier tones.
At the heart of its sound is the 12” Jensen C12N speaker, known for its clarity, warmth, and smooth breakup. Whether you’re after chimey cleans or creamy overdrive, the Blues Junior delivers with simplicity and style.
Pros:
- Warm, tube-driven tone – Perfect for blues, rock, and country styles.
- Compact and lightweight – Easy to transport for gigs and rehearsals.
- Pedal-friendly – Works great with boost, overdrive, and modulation effect
Cons:
- Limited headroom – Can break up early at higher volumes.
- No effects loop – Some players may miss having this feature for modulation and time-based effects.
Laney CUB-Super10 All Tube Combo with Boost 6W
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The Laney Cub-Super10 is one of those hidden gem tube amps that delivers far more than its price tag suggests. At approx $600, you’d expect some compromises, but this little 10-inch combo amp is packed with authentic tube tone, smart features, and a sleek, classy design.
Powered by two EL84 tubes, the Cub-Super12 produces that classic British-style warmth and chime, with enough volume to handle small gigs, rehearsals, and home practice. But what really sets it apart is its built-in attenuator, which lets you switch down to 1W mode—perfect for late-night playing or recording sessions where you want that rich tube saturation without shaking the house.
This amp also plays really well with pedals, thanks to its effects loop and footswitchable boost, which adds extra punch when you need it. The digital reverb, borrowed from Laney’s high-end Black Country Customs Secret Path pedal, delivers a lush, spring-like ambiance that works beautifully with blues, rock, and indie tones.
Even better, it’s a low-noise amp, meaning no annoying hums or buzzes when you crank it up. If you’re looking for an affordable, versatile tube amp with pro-level tone, the Laney Cub-Super10 is an absolute steal.
Pros:
- Affordable Tube Tone
- Built-in Attenuator
- Pedal-Friendly
Cons:
- Limited Headroom – Can struggle with super-clean tones at higher volumes.
- No Standby Switch
ORANGE Rockerverb 50 MKIII – 50-Watt 2-Channel Tube Head
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The Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII is a beast of a tube amp that has only improved with age. Back in the early 2000s, Orange needed something to compete in the high-gain metal world, and they delivered—big time. The original Rockerverb quickly became a go-to for heavy players like Slipknot’s Jim Root, thanks to its crushing distortion and unmistakable tube warmth. But what makes the MKIII special is how much it has evolved beyond metal.
This amp isn’t just about brutal gain anymore. The clean channel has been completely revoiced, giving it a crisper, more articulate sound that still retains that signature Orange warmth. At 50 watts, there’s a ton of headroom, perfect for those who love sparkling cleans or massive stage volume. But if you want a bit more natural tube saturation, switch to half-power mode, and the amp starts breaking up earlier for smoother, more dynamic tones. The gain channel is still an absolute monster, but what’s surprising is how well it cleans up. Roll back the volume, and suddenly, you’re in classic rock or blues territory. And thanks to the built-in foot-switchable attenuator, you can crank the amp for that sweet, saturated tube tone without shaking the walls.
Whether you’re after pristine cleans, thick bluesy crunch, or full-on metal destruction, the Rockerverb 50 MKIII is one of the best tube amps out there. It’s powerful, versatile, and dripping with rich, organic tube tone—a true modern classic that just keeps getting better.
Pros:
- Versatile Tone
- Switchable Power Modes
- Built-in Attenuator
Cons:
- Heavy & Bulky
- Premium Price
EVH 5150 III 50-watt Tube Head
EVH 5150 III 50-watt Tube Head is like David that kills off Goliath. You would not expect that a tube amp of this size could produce the volume that this model does. The chassis is downsized but thankfully EVH did not have to “downsize” the volume due to this change. With 50 watts you will be getting a lot of volumes to cover pretty big audiences. The 3 channels include Channels 1 and 2 that share EQ, gain, low, mid, and high volume, and Channel 3 sports gain, low, mid, and high, volume. The three channels give you the versatility of choosing between clean, crisp, and a bit more crunch to your sound so choose wisely or you know… experiment cause that is the only way to figure out what will work for you. The model is great for gigging and home practice, it is also lightweight enough to transport without a lot of hassle. This amp is a classic American amp, it is an homage to EVH 5150 which was popular in the ‘90s. Well, an homage would not be the correct word. It is more of an upgrade of the 5150 and is one of the best tube guitar amps, especially for heavy music.
Pros:
- Wide range of distortion and overdrive
- Well-built and durable
- Eddie Van Halen’s signature tones
- Spectacular sound quality
Cons:
- Your sound might lose some high-end definition with extreme settings of the third channel
Blackstar HT Club 50 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
If you want the quality of a boutique amplifier but have been eating instant noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and still cannot save up enough for a $1000 and up-mark amplifier, maybe look into something less expensive. Tube Amps get this reputation that no one but pro players can afford them. While in some cases tube amps are actually too expensive for a “layman” it is not generally true. Take Blackstar HT Club 50 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head as an example. This amp comes very close in quality of the sound and builds to boutique models but costs under $700. This all-tube combo amp will be great for recording, gigging, and not to mention home practice. In addition, the revoiced reverb feature enhances your performance by adding greater depth and nuanced sound. To ensure optimal tone and exceptional audio quality, you can utilize the emulated line-out and USB audio output options at your disposal.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Extremely diverse features and sounds
- Takes effects pedals beautifully
- Comes with a footswitch
Cons:
- Dirty channel might not be dirty enough for some
BUGERA 333XL INFINIUM
You know those deals that seem too good to be true and you just dismiss them. Well, that is me pretty much anytime I see an amplifier, especially a tube amp that is advertised as a bargain or “boutique quality but cheap”. It takes a lot of persuasion on the part of my friends of reviewers for me to actually check them out and once I do a lot of them are disappointing. So whenever there is an exception I get so excited I have to scream about it to everyone (sometimes literally…). One of those great exceptions is BUGERA 333XL INFINIUM. I have tried several of Bugera amps and while they were all pretty decent, this one has to be the winner for me. The 333XL Infinium is an all-tube amp head with 3 channels that have separate gain, volume, and EQ controls. This model also features a class A/B power section with 120 watts. It is an amp that will be nuance enough to use for recording, loud enough for gigs, and easy to use enough for home practice.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable for a tube amplifier
- Offers versatile and usable features
- Comes with a footswitch
- Has an INFINIUM Tube Life Multiplier technology
Cons:
- Noise-gate might not be powerful enough to substitute your pedals
Are tube amps better than solid-state amps?
So why is it that so many people claim the superiority of vacuum tube amplifiers over its cousin and rival, solid-state amplifier? The honest ones among the musicians you know and the reviewers you read will tell you that both sides have a reason to feel superior to the other. If you have ever flipped a coin, then you know there are two sides to them, just like to anything else. The story of the vacuum tube amplifiers has two sides as well, the side of the pretty, glamorous and warm and the side of the ugly, annoying and expensive. So it is unfair to say that one type of amplifier is better than the other, without first considering what suits you best. Every amplifier has their time and place, so why wouldn’t the more general two different types of amplifiers have their time and place as well? The thing is, everyone determines when the time and place a vacuum tube amplifier is on their own. The best I can do is give you some general pointers and maybe you give you the general idea of how each type of the amplifier is different from the other. So let me get into talking about some of the outstanding things, both good and bad, about vacuum tube amplifiers while you patiently wait for me to stop talking too much.
Sound
The tube sound, the vacuum tube sound, or the sound otherwise known to be the favorite of guitar, bass guitar, and otherwise instrumental purists, has not been a concept for a whole long time, relatively speaking. The idea of the tube sound began a long time ago when people started working with amplifiers that were designed without the vacuum tube installed, also known as solid state or transistor amplifiers. Until then the tube sound did not exist because it was the only sound any amplifier would or could make. Then somebody went ahead and created the android to the vacuum tube’s iPhone and as is the case with the two sides of anything, humans decided to argue about it. Now have two camps arguing about the sound of one or the other is superior. I don’t think either is superior, but I do think that each is unique in its own way.
The tube sound is one of the most popular arguments for the superiority of the tube amp. It is known to be a little rounded and a little fuller than the sound of the solid-state amplifier. The reason will be explained in the more technical “how it works” section of this article. The difference between the vacuum tube and the solid state sound is hard to describe in words, but I shall attempt it nevertheless. A lot of players like to say that the sound is fuller and feels alive in the vacuum tube amplifier. It is not something I am going to disagree with, but I will add onto: the vacuum tube amplifier feels a little more alive, with the distortion on the vacuum tube feeling a lot more powerful. This one time I heard the difference between the sounds described as between analog and digital sounds, with the analog being the vacuum tube. I don’t fully agree with it, but I can appreciate the sentiment since the vacuum tube does have a more natural feeling sound. Though some of the best solid-state amplifiers in the modern day don’t suffer from the problem of an artificial feeling as some of the older models did.
One more thing about the sound of the vacuum tube: to really feel the power and brightness of the tone of the amplifier, you need to turn the volume up high. Not extremely high but above the number three on the knob, because otherwise, the sound of the amplifier will not feel up to par. This means that all of the practice that you have been wanting to do with your tube amp either needs to be done in a soundproofed room, or at the expense of your parents’, roommate’s and neighbors’ eardrums. And I will tell you right now, in the modern world, that will not always (read: never) fly for longer than a week. It would not fly with me and I am usually pretty understanding of musical noise, since I was one of the people who was incredibly casual about causing it, once upon a time.
Weight
The thing with vacuum tube amplifiers having a more “natural” sound is that they are also more vintage in their design. And as with all things more or less vintage, the vacuum tube amplifiers are also extremely heavy. Well, maybe not extremely heavy, but they are heavy enough to cause a whole lot of people not to want to buy them, because nobody wants to break their back carrying it from one place to the other. This is a maker or a breaker to so many people that I had to include it as a separate point of the amplifier, which is unfortunate since there is not much to write other than the fact that most tube amps are heavy. Maybe the best tube amps are a little less heavy than the others, but they still tend to be heavier than their alternative. That is why we have included some lightweight options in this list. I mean the tone and quality of the sound are why you get the amp but you do not have to break your back trying to drag it around the town.
Price and Upkeep
Here is another hard truth about tube amps: they are expensive when you first buy them and they stay expensive for as long as you own them, way more so than the other type of amplifiers. Why is that so? Well, vacuum tube amplifiers are a little on the more complicated side to make, with the vacuum tubes requiring to be designed around. These tubes are hard to keep in shape for a long time, which is why designers have to come up with ways to keep them in shape, which adds a little on to the price. Consider the fact that the vacuum tubes themselves are not easy to make, as well as the vintage nature of the designs and the idea that vacuum tubes are in higher demand than any other type of amp and bam, all of a sudden you have a higher price than you thought you did. So it is sort of a testament to the quality of the tube amplifiers that people get it no matter the price and the upkeep. It is definitely worth it but nevertheless still weigh out your options. Make sure that a tube amplifier is something you can keep for a long period of time. You would not get an expensive car knowing that it takes thousands and thousands to maintain it while you have $30 left in your savings account.
So Is It Really Worth It?
Well, that is a question you have to answer on your own. I can only offer my personal opinion. Solid-state amplifiers and combos have become more developed and much better through years. Their tone and overall quality have improved. They are easier to maintain and usually cheaper. You do not have to worry about the tubes breaking on you during travels. BUT that still definitely does not mean that they are better in tone and quality than tubes. I wish I could say that a $1000 solid-state will give you as many nuances tone and sweetness as a tube amplifier but that is simply not true. So if you are dedicated to the art of music (a.k.a. Obsessed with amps like me) you will, at one point or another, want to own a tube amplifier because it takes your performance, experience, and understanding of the sound to a totally new level. The price, maintenance, upkeep and many other annoying things aside, tube amps are and will stay for a while the best option for the best tone and quality.
Conclusion
Out of the two types of amplifiers in the world, there is one that is thought of as the “superior” one. Whether it is truly so is arguable. There are a lot of cons to solid-state as well as tube amplifiers (if you want to know a bit more about it check out our blog about Tube Vs. Solid-State Amp). I have owned a number of amplifiers throughout my life and the only thing I can say with certainty is that I have favorites in both categories. I have a few solid-state that were pretty cheap but served me loyally for years and I have had expensive tube amps that I could swear by my life. What really mattered in both cases was the application and use of the amps. I mean, if I had the most expensive tube amp just when I started out I probably would not have appreciated it as much as I do now. At the same time if I had my first amp now… boy that would not be great!. In either way, I hope that this list of the best tube guitar amplifiers was somewhat helpful. If not you can check out our lists of the best solid-state amps as well as the best amps under $1000.
