Headphone guitar amps are a must-have for any guitar player looking to practice silently or in a small space. These amps come in various shapes and sizes, with different features, making it challenging to choose the right one. However, the best headphone guitar amps deliver excellent sound quality and are easy to use.
When purchasing a headphone guitar amp, it is essential to consider factors such as connectivity, sound quality, and portability. The type of guitar you have may also determine the kind of amp you need. For instance, an electric guitar may require a headphone guitar amp with more power and features than an acoustic guitar.
In this article, we have tested and reviewed the best headphone guitar amps to help you make an informed decision. We have considered various factors such as sound quality, portability, ease of use, and price. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, we have something for you.
Let’s dive in and explore the top headphone guitar amps on the market today.
Best Headphone Guitar Amps
For guitarists who want to practice silently or without disturbing others, headphone guitar amps are a must-have. These compact devices allow you to plug in your guitar and headphones and play with great sound quality. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best headphone guitar amps on the market, taking into account factors such as sound quality, portability, and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a headphone guitar amp on this list that will suit your needs.
VOX amPlug 2 AC30 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier
The VOX amPlug 2 AC30 is a great option for guitarists looking for a portable and affordable headphone amplifier.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Three amp modes and nine selectable effects
- Speaker cabinet emulation
Cons
- Can be fragile
- Not as versatile as a full-sized amplifier
- Battery life can be short
This headphone amplifier is perfect for practicing at home or on the go. With three different amp modes and nine selectable effects, you can dial in the perfect tone for your playing style. The speaker cabinet emulation also adds to the overall sound quality of the amplifier.
One downside to this product is that it can be fragile due to its plastic body. Additionally, while it is a great option for practicing, it may not be as versatile as a full-sized amplifier for live performances. Finally, the battery life can be short, so it’s important to have spare batteries on hand.
Overall, the VOX amPlug 2 AC30 is a great option for guitarists looking for an affordable and portable headphone amplifier.
SONICAKE Guitar Headphone Amp Mini Guitar Headphone Amplifier US Classic Rechargeable Pocket Overdrive Reverb Effects US Classic Reverb Effect
If you’re looking for a portable and affordable guitar headphone amp, the SONICAKE Guitar Headphone Amp Mini is a fantastic option.
Pros
- Ideal Carry-On/Bedroom Guitar Effects with Headphone Amplifier for Silent Practicing
- Classic Tweed Amp Clean and Overdrive Tone Tastes On Guitar Headphone Amp
- Built-in Reverb Effects adding additional Sonic Dimensions to the Overall Tone For Guitar Headphone Amp
Cons
- Sound quality is not the best
- Feels a bit cheap and fragile
- Battery life could be longer
This mini guitar headphone amp is perfect for silent practicing, with its built-in headphone amplifier. It offers classic tweed amp clean and overdrive tone tastes, and the built-in reverb effects add additional sonic dimensions to the overall tone.
The sound quality is not the best, but it’s still good overall. The amp feels a bit cheap and fragile, so it might not be the best option for heavy use or travel. The battery life could also be longer, but it’s USB-chargeable and comes with a USB charging cable.
Overall, the SONICAKE Guitar Headphone Amp Mini is a great option for those looking for an affordable and portable guitar headphone amp.
Donner Guitar Headphone Amp Mini Turbo
If you’re looking for an affordable and portable headphone guitar amp with a variety of effects, the Donner Guitar Headphone Amp Mini Turbo is worth considering.
Pros
- The all-in-one pocket amp contains 10 classic presets and 10 classic IR CAB modules, making it easy to start playing and adjust and save your favourite tones.
- Equipped with a great precision tuner, applicable for electric guitar and bass guitar. Mini turbo also could record your music and export high-quality files to your computer or phone via the USB port, improving creation efficiency.
- Widely compatible and connect with diverse devices such as mobile phone and computer via USB port. And it also supports wireless connection to play accompaniment, which is convenient to practice.
Cons
- While the build quality is pretty lacking, Donner isn’t trying to sell this as a high-price premium product.
- The amplification for bass sound could be better if the amp.
- The tone could be better if there were options to adjust the delay (the effect it has).
The Donner Guitar Headphone Amp Mini Turbo is a lightweight and portable pocket guitar headphone amplifier that is easy to carry-on and could be used in various environments including your home, apartment, or on the journey. It has a rechargeable lithium battery with large capacity, which enables the guitar headphone amp to work continuously for five hours when fully charged (USB charge cable included). The product is easy to use, plug and play, and immerse in music! No more worry about being disturbed or disturbing others.
Valeton Rushead Max USB Chargable Portable Pocket Guitar Bass Headphone Amp Carry-On Bedroom Plug-In Multi-Effects
If you’re looking for a portable and versatile headphone amp for your guitar, the Valeton Rushead Max could be a great option for you.
Pros
- Features clean, overdrive, and distortion amp models based on world-class amplifiers with cab sim for headphones or line-out into full range freq response system
- Comes with switchable MOD module with chorus, tremolo, and flanger effects for different tone demands
- Has switchable AMBIENT module with reverb and delay effects for adding ambience to the tone
Cons
- The clean sound is not as good as expected
- The buttons for the effects are not very sturdy
- Some users found the clean sound disappointing and preferred the Vox amPlugs instead
The Valeton Rushead Max is a compact and portable headphone amp that comes with a variety of features to enhance your guitar playing experience. With its clean, overdrive, and distortion amp models based on world-class amplifiers, you can easily switch between different tones depending on your playing style. The cab sim for headphones or line-out into full range freq response system also allows you to enjoy high-quality sound without disturbing others.
Additionally, the switchable MOD module with chorus, tremolo, and flanger effects and the switchable AMBIENT module with reverb and delay effects provide you with even more options to customize your sound. You can jam along with any audio player using the aux input, and the onboard USB charger lets you play anytime, anywhere for up to 5 hours.
However, some users have found the clean sound to be disappointing and prefer the Vox amPlugs instead. The buttons for the effects are also not very sturdy, which could be a concern for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and versatile headphone amp for your guitar, the Valeton Rushead Max could be a great option for you.
VALETON Guitar Headphone Amplifier Multi Effects Pocket Rechargeable Rushead Max Mini Practice Amplifier
If you’re looking for a compact and portable guitar headphone amplifier, the VALETON Guitar Headphone Amplifier Multi Effects Pocket Rechargeable Rushead Max Mini Practice Amplifier is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Three switchable amp models with clean/overdrive/distortion
- Modulation with Chorus/Tremolo/Flanger and Ambience with Delay/Reverb effects
- Up to 5 hours battery life with built-in lithium battery
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Limited output wattage of 5 watts
- Some users reported defective units
This headphone amplifier is fantastic for silent practice without disturbing your neighbors or family members. It also has an Aux input for jamming along with any audio player. The built-in lithium battery provides up to 5 hours of playtime, and it comes with a USB charging cable.
The VALETON Guitar Headphone Amplifier offers three switchable amp models with clean/overdrive/distortion and modulation with Chorus/Tremolo/Flanger and Ambience with Delay/Reverb effects. The controls are all easy-to-use knobs and switches, and it behaves like an amp, not a modeling device.
However, it does not have Bluetooth connectivity, and the output wattage is limited to 5 watts. Some users reported receiving defective units, but the manufacturer offers a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee backed up by their customer support.
Overall, the VALETON Guitar Headphone Amplifier Multi Effects Pocket Rechargeable Rushead Max Mini Practice Amplifier is a great option for guitar players who want a portable and versatile headphone amplifier.
Blackstar Electric Guitar Headphone Amplifier
If you’re looking for a portable headphone amplifier for your electric guitar, the Blackstar Electric Guitar Headphone Amplifier is a great option.
Pros
- The fully-analog circuit has been totally reworked for an even clearer and more present sound!
- Clean, Crunch, and Lead channels, giving you even more variety
- Selectable Chorus, Delay, and Reverb effects
Cons
- New folding plug mechanism rotates 180 degrees to fit any guitar
- Play anytime, anywhere with up to 17 hours of battery life
- No additional features
The Blackstar Electric Guitar Headphone Amplifier is a great option for guitarists who want to practice without disturbing others. It has a clear and present sound, and the selectable channels and effects provide plenty of variety. The folding plug mechanism makes it easy to use with any guitar, and the long battery life means you can play for hours on end.
Overall, the Blackstar Electric Guitar Headphone Amplifier is a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable and convenient headphone amplifier for their electric guitar.
NUX Headphones Guitar Amp (GP-1)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly headphone guitar amp, the NUX GP-1 is a great option.
Pros
- Portable size, easy to use
- Classic British distortion
- Includes 2 AAA batteries which provide more than 40 hours continuous play time
Cons
- Sound quality is not the best
- Controls are awkwardly placed
- No reverb or other effects
The NUX GP-1 is a compact and portable headphone guitar amp that is easy to use. It features classic British distortion that can give your guitar a crunchy 70’s tone. The amp comes with 2 AAA batteries that provide more than 40 hours of continuous play time, making it perfect for practicing on the go.
One downside of the NUX GP-1 is that the sound quality is not the best. It works well for quiet practicing, but if you’re looking for high-quality sound, this may not be the best option. Additionally, the controls are awkwardly placed, which can make it difficult to adjust the settings while playing.
Overall, the NUX GP-1 is a great budget-friendly option for those who want a portable headphone guitar amp. While it may not have the best sound quality or the most user-friendly controls, it gets the job done and is a great option for practicing on the go.
Positive Grid Spark GO 5W Ultra-Portable Smart Guitar Amp
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile guitar amp, the Positive Grid Spark GO is a great option.
Pros
- Compact size makes it easy to take on the go
- Smart app allows for customization and access to a large library of tones
- Smart Jam feature is a fun and unique way to practice and jam along with virtual bandmates
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as good as larger, more expensive amps
- Bluetooth connectivity can be finicky at times
- Battery life may not last as long as advertised with heavy use
The Positive Grid Spark GO packs a lot of features into a small package, making it a great choice for guitarists on the go. With the ability to customize and download tones from the app, as well as jam along with virtual bandmates, it’s a fun and unique way to practice and play. However, the sound quality may not be as good as larger, more expensive amps, and the Bluetooth connectivity and battery life may not be perfect. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a portable guitar amp.
KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp
The KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp is a great choice for guitarists who want to practice without disturbing others.
Pros
- Provides clean, chorus, flanger, metal, and wah 5 guitar effects.
- Best 1/4″ input and 1/8″ output designed for headphones or speakers.
- Built-in rechargeable battery with working time of more than 8 hours.
Cons
- Cannot be used to connect with other Bluetooth devices.
- Guitar output volume may not be loud enough for some users.
- No other effects available besides the 5 listed.
This compact guitar headphone amp is perfect for traveling and practicing on the go. With its built-in Bluetooth receiver, you can even play background music while practicing. The five guitar effects provide a variety of sound options, and the rechargeable battery lasts for hours of playing time. However, it cannot connect to other Bluetooth devices, and the guitar output volume may not be loud enough for some users. Overall, the KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp is a great choice for guitarists who want to practice quietly and with a variety of effects.
LEKATO Guitar Headphone Amp
If you’re looking for a portable and versatile headphone guitar amp, the LEKATO Guitar Headphone Amp is a great option.
Pros
- Comes with 10 factory presets, 10 pre-amp models, and 10 guitar cabinet IRs for a wide variety of styles of music.
- Bluetooth receiver function to transfer music signal to guitar headphone or speaker.
- Handy silent-play gear for guitarists.
Cons
- Some users have complained about the tone from this unit.
- The manual is small and has tiny print, which can make it difficult to use.
- The quality of the sound is mediocre, with few basses.
This mini guitar amp is equipped with adjustable effects, such as CHORUS/PHASER, delay, and reverb. You can save all the changes you made to a channel for further use, and there are 10 channels for you to store 10 self-edited presets. The LEKATO mini guitar amp also has a Bluetooth receiver function to transfer music signal to guitar headphone or speaker. It is a handy silent-play gear for guitarists, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing others.
The LEKATO Guitar Headphone Amp is small and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. It is also easy to use, with a simple interface that allows you to quickly adjust the settings to your liking. However, some users have complained about the tone from this unit, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a high-quality sound.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and versatile headphone guitar amp, the LEKATO Guitar Headphone Amp is a great option. It is easy to use and comes with a variety of presets and effects, making it a great choice for guitarists of all skill levels.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best headphone guitar amp, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Amplifier Type
The first thing to consider is the type of amplifier. There are two main types of headphone guitar amps: digital and analog. Digital amps use modeling technology to replicate the sound of different amps and effects, while analog amps use traditional circuitry to produce a more authentic tone.
Power Output
Another important factor to consider is the power output of the amp. This is typically measured in watts, and higher wattage amps will generally produce a louder sound. However, keep in mind that higher wattage amps may not necessarily sound better, especially if you’re using headphones.
Features
Different headphone guitar amps come with different features, so it’s important to consider what you need. Some common features include built-in effects, EQ controls, and headphone jacks. Look for an amp that has the features you need without being overly complicated or difficult to use.
Portability
If you plan on using your headphone guitar amp on-the-go, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for an amp that is lightweight and compact, and consider whether it can be powered by batteries or if it requires an AC adapter.
Price
Finally, consider your budget when choosing a headphone guitar amp. While you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get a good amp, keep in mind that higher-end models will generally offer better sound quality and more features. Set a budget and look for an amp that offers the best value for your money.
In summary, when choosing a headphone guitar amp, consider the type of amplifier, power output, features, portability, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select an amp that meets your needs and provides great sound quality.
Aaron Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
