The 10 Best Beginner Amp, Tested by Experts

Top Picks

•  Best Overall: Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt Combo Practice Guitar Amplifier 

With its release at the end of 2019, the Positive Grid Spark altered the character of at-home practice amplifiers forever. This 40W amplifier may seem like any other alternative for practicing, but it really has some groundbreaking technology. Powered by the highly regarded BIAS tone engine, this portable amplifier becomes the ideal training device when paired with the Spark app. It faithfully recreates some of the most legendary tube amps and effects in history.

•  Best Design: Boss Katana-100/212 MkII 2x12" 100-watt Combo Amp  

The Boss Katana isn't the most expensive amp around (it doesn't even have a tube), but there's a good reason for its popularity: it makes a great sound. The difference between solid-state and tube amplifiers has shrunk in recent years, and the Katana is proof that digital modeling amplifiers can compete with their tube counterparts.

•  Best Sound-Quality: Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Guitar Amplifier 

It doesn't matter where you go to hear music—a divey jazz or blues joint, a lively country bar, or a grimy rock stomping ground—you're certain to see a Fender amp up front. For decades, musicians have gravitated to Fender amplifiers for their clean, harmonically rich, and somewhat mid-scooped sound. With its faithful recreation of the original's sound down to the tiniest detail and its touch-sensitive dynamics for which it became famous, the Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb is the embodiment of a silver-face vintage amplifier.

•  Best Easy to Use: Positive Grid Spark 40-Watt Combo Practice Guitar Amplifier 

To create a drum and bass tune that fits your playing style and feel, Smart Jam analyzes your performance. ToneCloud gives you access to over 10,000 amp and FX settings from PositiveGrid's BIAS realistic simulated tube amps and effects for Guitar, Acoustic, or Bass. Spark's cutting-edge software can instantly display guitar chords based on the key of any music imported from Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. This 40-watt combo packs a punch with features including an onboard tuner, tap tempo, effects, and a variety of pre-set tones for quick and easy usage.

•  Best Budget: Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Combo Amplifier 

Tone King is the place to go for a boutique amplifier with a vintage '50s aesthetic. The Imperial has been a best-seller for Maryland amp experts ever since its debut in 1993. It's clear that the Imperial MKII was influenced by Fender's classic Tweed and Deluxe amps, but it also has some modern touches that will appeal to guitarists today. This amp has two channels, each of which is equipped with 6V6 tubes and capable of producing either a rhythm or lead tone.