Do you want to purchase a mini guitar amp but don’t know which one to buy? Here are the best options on the market.
If you’ve come this far, it means you’re looking for advice on buying a mini guitar amp. With this complete guide, you will be able to get all the essential information, tips, and a complete overview of the features of a portable guitar amplifier. We have chosen to group 6 different models that represent the best market I can offer you.
Consider that an acoustic guitar amp or an electric guitar amp is a device you need to be able to process the electrical signal that is produced by the pickups of a guitar until it turns into sound. Some models also enhance and amplify the same at an audible volume with the aid of loudspeakers. A series of special effects can also be envisaged, to be managed, as in the case of more or less professional articles. But in this specific case, we want to focus our attention on portable accessories.
Below you will find the mini guitar amp reviews, containing all the details that characterize the best articles belonging to this sector. You can also see our reviews of the top electric bass amplifiers.
The 7 best mini portable guitar amplifiers in the market
Without further ado, let’s see the best mini guitar amp on the market right now. Are you ready? Let’s start then.
Blackstar FLY 3: Tiny Size, Massive Sound
The Blackstar FLY 3 has a good tone and sound, like a well-made larger amplifier, without hiss or strange noises and very clear, especially in clean. Good crunch, even rock distortion (the overdrive sounds forceful and clean). Ideal for rock, for metal it may be interesting to attach a distortion pedal. The delay can be set to sound almost like a reverb (or like a pedal). It has plenty of range for that.
In short, it is a small and simple amp at a good price, ideal for playing at home, on the terrace, next to the PC … etc., which nevertheless has plenty of power for indoors or even outdoors (listening closely). And, if you decide to use it live in a small venue or on the street, you only have to attach (for half the price of this very cheap amp) the Fly 103 extension speaker, which adds another 3w, turning it into a 6w stereo system.
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Yamaha THR5H
This comfortable and beautiful amp has a really good sound and is very competent. The simulators sound amazingly good and the effects are very successful. You can adjust the gain and master like a tube amplifier, imitating its sound on the clean channel very well. The possibility of connecting directly via USB and using it as an interface is a plus in its favor. You can use it to record clean demos and with effects at the same time, with enormous quality. You can play with songs directly from the PC, better edit the effects through it or use it as an audio input and do an online performance.
This Yamaha mini guitar amp is a fantastic option as a secondary or travel amplifier, even as a home amplifier if you are not looking for a large number of effects but want the best quality sound. And if you can afford to pay almost 200 euros, of course.
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VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 AC30
We were pleasantly surprised by the features and results obtained with this model. With a very minimal budget, you can make sure this gadget will pair with good-quality headphones. The sound can be kept clean, for the reproduction of a sound that is convincing and free of distortions. AC30 provides the use of a tremolo circuit, as well as nine selectable effects with three types Chorus, Delay, and Reverb.
Surely it is a valid accessory for all those people who live in an apartment and therefore are often forced to not be able to play at full volume. It has the advantage of not needing extra cables and also has a very small footprint. All you have to do is attach it to the guitar jack output, connect the headphones, and you’re done.
Note the built-in effects, which enhance the functionality of this portable amplification system.
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VOX Mini5 Rhythm Portable Amp
The VOX MINI5 amplifier is now available in its classic Vox design: vinyl black and brown. By connecting this amplifier, you can choose from 11 amp models, from clean ones up to high gain ones as well as adding effects like four classics: reverbs / delays plus a built-in tuner. Gain Knobs, Tone, and Master provide customized control. The Mic input has its knob. Using the aux input it is possible to practice playing your favorite songs. This amplifier can be powered by batteries (6 x AA) or an AC adapter.
Vox MINI5 Rhythm is a small modeling amp made for guitarists who want a portable amplifier. The MINI5 also works on batteries. So you can bring your musical styles to the people, if that’s what you want.
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Boss Katana Mini: A Compact Marvel
The Boss Katana Mini stands out as a top choice for many guitarists. Despite its compact size, this mini amp delivers a surprising punch. With a 7-watt output, it may seem small, but its sound is anything but. Equipped with three amp voicings (Brown, Crunch, and Clean), the Katana Mini covers a wide range of tones. It also includes a built-in delay effect, making it an all-in-one solution for practicing and experimenting with different sounds.
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Fender Mini ’65 Twin Amp
For those seeking a classic Fender tone in a mini format, the Mini ’65 Twin Amp is an excellent choice. Mimicking the iconic ’65 Twin Reverb, this miniature version captures the vintage Fender sound with its dual speakers and simple control layout. While it’s a 1-watt amp, it reproduces the warm and clean tones that Fender is known for, making it perfect for practice or recording at low volumes.
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ZT Amplifiers Lunchbox Junior
This is one of the biggest options in terms of sound quality and nominal power. It is a mini guitar amplifier with incredible sound. Thanks to its great power (35 watts) and the 5-inch speaker contained in a sealed cabinet. Although it is a small amplifier, it is not only a practical amplifier, but it is versatile. It can be your last desktop/recording amplifier.
In terms of controls, there is gain, volume, and tone, and they are very easy to operate. Other unique things about the ZT Lunchbox Junior Amplifier are the Power 9V pedals, the Power 12V option that allows you to take the amplifier anywhere, as well as the 115V / 230V switch for international travel.
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Mini guitar amplifier: useful tips when choosing
If we talk about a portable guitar amplifier, be it electric or acoustic, there are always some special functions to control. You have to get used to choosing a product that has power compatible with the volume you’re going to play, regardless of where you’re going to do it. So you don’t have to consider putting everything on a very powerful amplifier if you’re going to use it only at home.
So try to understand how you want to play and behave with your guitar. Then you can understand what kind of mini amp you choose for your music sessions. Always consider that, to be able to play at home, you just have to rely on a model that has a power between 10 and 20 Watts. Anything that goes further could be excessive and useless about this particular case. The final evaluation is subjective and everything goes according to your specific needs.
The biggest advantage that you will find by choosing a mini amplifier is the one related to the low weight and the small footprint it can offer. If you love to travel and you often move, you will surely agree to choose one of these models that offer good qualities, but also maximum lightness. Another favorable aspect is the number of inputs: despite having to do with a small accessory, you can take advantage of the right number of connections, both analog and modern, as in the case of USB ports.
Final considerations
At this point, you will surely get a lot more clear ideas about buying a mini guitar amplifier. You’ll find lots of products that belong to this sector, but only a few will know how to give you everything you need.
So take your time. Compare the models that intrigue you the most and analyze the respective data sheets before proceeding. Only then can you have the maximum certainty of the model you are buying and this applies not only to a mini guitar amplifier!