Best Guitar Amps Under $200
In this article, we will review the Best Guitar Amps under $200.
You just purchased your first electric guitar and you’re so excited to play.
When you purchased the guitar, you may have been saving your money for a while which makes that purchase even more special.
But wait there’s more…..as in more purchases that need to be made.
To plugin and play, you are going to need a guitar amp. Like anything else, they can be pricey.
In the beginning, you don’t need anything resembling a big rig.
You just need something that sounds great, is portable, and won’t break the bank.
Best Guitar Amp Under $200 – Our Top Picks!
In this guide, we will look at and review the top and best guitar amps that are extremely affordable.
We will go into detail about what they have to offer and the pros and cons that come with each guitar amp.
Let’s take a closer at our top choices for guitar amps under $200.
Best Overall Amp
Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier
Our first on our list is the Fender champion 20-watt guitar amplifier.
This amp also is available in 40, 50, and 100 watts.
The amp has an EQ section featuring both bass and treble while also featuring digital reverbs, chorus, vibratome, and delay.
You can also play along to your favorite songs by plugging in an MP3 player.
With an 8-inch speaker and weighing 6 pounds, this little amp that packs a punch can be carried and taken anywhere.
This amp is loud enough for the bedroom and will sound super clear in the living room.
It has a lot of flexibility without the overcomplications of other amps that may require technical skills.
At this price and wattage, it’s a great amp for not only beginners but also if you just wanted to bring it along to where you go to play.
The amp will give a huge pop when turning it off.
It’s not overly disruptive, but it is something to note.
At the end of the day, this amp is perfect to plug in, play, and rock out while still being able to experience the cool features of a Fender amp.
Pros
Pros:
- Features EQ section (Bass and Treble).
- Enjoy effects such as reverb, chorus, vibratome, and delay.
- Portable and lightweight.
- Affordable price.
- Jam along with your favorite rock songs (via MP3).
- Single-channel and input.
Cons
Cons:
- Makes a pop when turned off.
- Is meant for practice and not for a performance.
Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, (Crush20RT)
Next up is a on our list of guitar amps under $200 is from Orange.
The Orange music electric company has been since 1968.
Over the past 20 years, they have been getting super popular among musicians and many are very dedicated to only using Orange amps.
This particular guitar amp called the Crush 20RT is a 20-watt amp and packs a serious punch.
It features a 2-foot-switchable channel and has a 3-band EQ of volume, gain, and reverb.
Orange amps are known for their attention to detail in sound.
This little amp has some amazing and bright tones and a highly-responsive overdrive.
This model also has a standard ¼’ stereo headphone jack for your headphones.
Although it meets the size for a beginner, the sound and quality are really for all levels of guitar players.
No digital artifacts here and you will get a clean sound and add sparkle to your guitar.
The dirty channel has a lot of gain which packs a punch.
If you’re a “metal” guitar player, then pair this with a good overdrive pedal and you will not be disappointed.
If you like more of a “classic rock” sound then this amp is also for you.
This amp gets loud and is just overall a well-made product.
Pros
Pros:
- Great Orange tone and quality at an affordable price.
- Loud and crisp tone.
- Perfect for a variety of musical styles.
- Two foot-switchable channels.
- Three-band EQ (volume, gain, and reverb).
- Great for indoor and outdoor play for small audiences.
Cons
Cons:
- The headphone port may not support your particular headphones.
Best Amp for Recording
Line 6 Spider V 20 MKII
Next up on our list is the Line 6 Spider V 20.
At 20 watts and coming in at under $150 this amp is well orth it.
The Line 6 gives you a classic speaker mode for enhanced sound and overall feel.
It also features independent reverb and up to 16 presets. You get a neat built-in tuner with a tap-tempo function.
It’s also compatible with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices so you can edit and record.
Yes, it’s a “practice” amp but it’s so much more than that.
It’s perfect for experimenting with awesome guitar tones and textures while still being able to jam and rock out.
Expand sonically and you can unlock some amazing sounds with this guitar amp.
The headphone jack allows you to play with headphones in case you are unable to play loud while at home.
Some of the preset you have at your disposal are clean tones, chime, crunch, chunk, insane, vibe, ambient, and even bass.
Add a little drive to any one of those and you will be blown away.
With the amount of range and variety this guitar amp offers and at an affordable price, it will make a great addition.
Pros
Pros:
- Comes with up to 16 presets.
- Built-in tuner.
- Edit on Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices.
- Easy to use tone and effects.
- Great for beginners and pros.
- Wide variety of tones that keep you occupied for hours.
Cons
Cons:
- Could be overwhelming with features.
Best Easy to Use Amp
Marshall Amps Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-MG15GFX-U)
We couldn’t have a list of the best guitar amps and not feature something by Marshall.
What we get here in this 15-watt amp is an 8-inch speaker that will give you clean sound, crunch, and overdrive options.
With a headphone output, you can take this little amp anywhere you want, plugin, put your headphones on and you’re good to go.
It may appear to be simple but delivers a wide range of those classic tones you like and those modern tones you love.
This amp can get loud when you need it to and it gets quiet when you need to lower the volume and tone it down.
The power chord may be a little too short for one’s liking, but there are also extension cords to solve that issue.
If you like the options to have a slightly distorted sound, a clean sound+ overdrive feel, and dirty + overdrive, with the classic Marshall sound then at this affordable price this amp may just be for you.
Pros
Pros:
- Great value with the classic Marshall sound.
- Features clean, crunch, and overdrive channels.
- Output for your headphones.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Delivers a wide range of tones.
Cons
Cons:
- The power chord is a little short.
Best 10 Watt Amp
Blackstar 10W Digital Stereo Combo (IDCORE10V2)
Next up is a 10-watt digital stereo combo by Blackstar.
With versatile programmability, these amps also have the control of a traditional amp.
You can customize your sound with this amp.
There are six different channels; Clean war, Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, Overdrive 1, and Overdrive 2.
The amp has a built-in tuner to ensure that you are always staying in tune.
You can then plug this amp into your computer to even get more creative.
What’s great about this amp is that it comes with the super user-friendly Presonus’ Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software Studio One.
You won’t be disappointed with the sound quality of this amp.
The effects do not sound thin at all.
They give you a nice robust and full sound.
The durable construction makes it great for you to pick this up and go.
Pros
Pros:
- Includes Presonus Studio One Software
- USA audio for recording.
- Customize your sound.
- Features six different channels.
- Built to last.
- Lightweight and affordable.
Cons
Cons:
- Learning curve with the software.
Best portable amp
Orange Amps, 1 Electric Guitar Power Amplifier, Black (Micro Dark)
Next up on our list of best guitar amps that are under $200 is again from Orange.
We get a 20 Watt amp that has one tube (preamp) for overdrive.
This portable amp features again, shape, and volume control.
Weighing in at 2 pounds this can fit in the glove compartment of a car.
You will hear such clarity in a tone that’s loud and with that signature high-gain tone that Orange is known for.
This amp is super easy to dial in your tone and play away.
You will experience some serious high-gain volume with this amp.
What’s even more awesome about this is it not only works as a practice amp, but you can plug it into a full-sized cab that will satisfy the larger crowds.
The headphone output does not mute the speaker output which is a great feature.
With the gain volume cranked up then you can get a variety of rock sounds.
At a lower volume, it’s super dynamic due to the tube.
Add a nice chorus or reverb pedal and you are good to go.
Pros
Pros:
- 20 Watt amp featuring one 12AX7 tube (preamp).
- Small and compact with a carrying handle.
- Features a gain, shape, and volume control.
- Can plug it into a full-size cabinet.
- Vibrant clean tones with great high gain volume.
- Headphone output does not mute the speaker output.
Cons
Cons:
- Will need a pedal to get a metal or super heavy sound.
Best Amp for Beginners
Fender Mustang LT-25 – Digital Guitar Amplifier
The Mustang LT-25 is the perfect amplifier for beginners.
With its simple user interface and collection of 30 presets, it’s easy to find the right tone for any style of music.
The versatile signal chain with high-quality onboard amp and effects models produces amazing tones, making it an ideal practice amp for home or office.
Covering everything from country to metal, this combo amplifier is perfect for your musical liking.
It features a simple user interface with a 1.8″ color display, making it easy to find the right tone for your music.
This amp produces some amazing tones, making it the perfect practice amp for home or office.
Pros
Pros:
- Simple user interface.
- 30 presets.
- Versatile signal chain.
- High-quality onboard amp and effects models.
- 1.8″ color display.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons
Cons:
- Some settings are louder than others.
Best Amp for Acoustic Guitar
Now let’s take a look at some amps under $200 for the Acoustic Guitar!
Fender Acoustasonic – 15 Watt Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
The Fender Acoustasonic 15 Watt Acoustic Guitar Amplifier is the perfect small amp for go-acoustic performers.
Portable and lightweight, it delivers a great tone with just the right sound for small gigs and gatherings.
This amplifier uses a whizzer cone.
The whizzer cone is a small supplementary speaker cone attached to the voice coil of the 6-inch speaker.
It also features a built-in chorus effect for added flexibility and convenience.
This amp is perfectly portable, delivering a great tone for small gigs and gatherings.
It features two channels (instrument and mic) with individual volume controls, making it perfect for use with a variety of instruments.
And for added flexibility, it also includes a built-in chorus effect.
Plus, at only 10.5 pounds, it’s easy to take with you wherever you go.
Pros
Pros:
- Ideal to take anywhere.
- Great tone for your acoustic guitar.
- Mic and instrument channels.
- Individual volume control.
- Budget-friendly.
- Textured vinyl protective covering.
Cons
Cons:
- Feedback was present at the higher volumes.
Roland MOBILE Battery-Powered Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Take your music with you wherever you go with the Roland MOBILE AC.
This compact and lightweight amp is designed for acoustic guitarists on the move.
It delivers a big sound in a package that easily fits into a backpack.
With 15 hours at a time via battery power, this will give you more than enough time needed to get the job done.
All you need to do is plug in your acoustic guitar, turn up the volume, and enjoy.
You can also add deep stereo chorus or lush reverb effects, and you can incorporate a portable media player and microphone for sing-along fun.
Whether you’re playing at the park, at the beach, or anywhere else outdoors, the MOBILE AC is the perfect way to enjoy great-sounding acoustic guitar
This battery-powered amplifier is perfect for jamming on the go, or for use in smaller venues.
Despite its compact size, the MOBILE AC features two 4-inch speakers that produce a rich, stereo sound.
You can also activate the built-in chorus effect for a thick, swirling soundscape.
There’s also onboard reverb and a “Wide” effect for added spaciousness.
Plus, with the TONE knob, you can dial in the perfect amount of brightness or mellowness to suit your playing style.
It is small enough to fit in a backpack and light enough for a child to carry, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The MOBILE AC can run for 15 hours on six AA alkaline batteries, so you can use it in any location, indoors or out.
The amplifier has two channels, one for your guitar and one for a microphone, so you can easily plug in and play.
The MOBILE AC also features an aux input so you can connect your music player and jam along with your favorite songs.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting, this is a viable option to amplify your acoustic guitar.
Pros
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Battery-powered for up to 15 hours of use.
- 2 4-inch speakers for a rich, stereo sound.
- Built-in chorus, reverb, and “Wide” effects.
- Tone knob for dialing in the perfect sound.
- Perfect for playing on the go or in smaller venues.
Cons
Cons:
- Not ideal for electric guitars.
Acoustic Guitar Amplifier, 30 Watt Bluetooth Speaker Rechargeable
Looking for an acoustic guitar amp that can keep up with you on the go?
This powerful little amp packs a serious punch, delivering 30 watts of output through a 6.5-inch speaker.
Whether you’re jamming out solo or with a band, this amp is sure to give you the rich, full sound you’re looking for.
But it’s not just about power – this Amplifier is also designed for ultimate portability.
Made of high-density wood, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it the perfect choice for gigging musicians.
This rechargeable amp is perfect for street performers or anyone who needs an easy-to-use, reliable amp.
With a built-in power lithium battery, you can use this amp for hours without having to worry about finding an outlet.
Plus, the embedded microphone channel with EQ adjustment and reverb effect allows you to modify your voice easily.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this acoustic guitar amp is sure to meet your needs!
And with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, it just adds that much more value for the price.
Pros
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Battery-powered for up to 15 hours of use.
- 2 4-inch speakers for a rich, stereo sound.
- Built-in chorus, reverb, and “Wide” effects.
- Tone knob for dialing in the perfect sound.
- Perfect for playing on the go or in smaller venues.
Cons
Cons:
- Starts distorting at a higher volume.
Best Amp for Bass Guitar
We cannot forget about the Bass Guitar.
Let’s see some available amps under $200.
Fender Rumble 25 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier
The Fender Rumble 25 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier is perfect for anyone who wants a rich and satisfying overdriven tone.
It has a newly-developed overdrive circuit and switchable contour controls, making it easy to get the sound you’re looking for.
It also has a 25-watt power amp and ported speaker enclosure, making it perfect for jamming along with your favorite tracks.
Plus, the 1/4″ headphone output jack lets you practice privately without disturbing others.
And when you want to jam along with your favorite tracks, simply plug in an MP3 player into the 1/8″ Auxiliary input jack and become part of the band.
The moment you turn on your Rumble bass amp, it gives off an incredibly rich and satisfying tone that is both aggressive and smooth.
Pros
Pros:
- Perfect for anyone who wants a rich and satisfying overdriven tone.
- Newly-developed overdrive circuits and switchable contour controls make it easy to get the sound you’re looking for.
- A 25-watt power amp and ported speaker enclosure make it perfect for jamming along with your favorite tracks.
- 1/4″ headphone output jack lets you practice privately without disturbing others.
- Simply plug an MP3 player into the 1/8″ Auxiliary input jack and become part of the band.
- Gives off an incredibly rich and satisfying.
Cons
Cons:
- Controls are a little sensitive.
Donner 25W Bass Guitar Amplifier DBA-2 Electric Practice Bass Combo AMP With Cable
The Donner 25W Bass Guitar Amp DBA-2 Electric Practice Bass Combo AMP will make your electric bass sound like the real deal.
You can use it for practice, performance in any setting from street to karaoke, and more!
With a Volume Switch, 3 Band EQ (Treble, Middle, Bass), and 1/4″ Instrument Input, this amplifier provides you with everything you need to fine-tune your tone.
Additionally, the 1/8″ Auxiliary Input Jack lets you connect any media player or CD for jamming along, while the 1/8″ Headphone Output Jack allows for silent practice.
Durable and portable, this amplifier features a metal corner wrap that protects it from wear and tear.
Get ready to take your bass playing on the road with this super cool and fun bass amp.
Pros
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight to carry.
- 3 band EQ.
- Plugin your headphones for quiet practices.
- Built to last.
- Easy to use.
- Great for players of all levels.
Cons
Cons:
- Some may want more power.
Best Amp for Playing Jazz
Let’s look at some great choices for those Jazz guitarists out there!
LyxPro 60 Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier
Looking for an electric guitar amp that can give you all the sound you need, no matter what style of music you play?
Look no further than the LyxPro 60 Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier!
This powerful amplifier provides clear treble, booming bass, excellent current resistance, and reliable frequency response .
This is perfect for any type of demanding instrumental playing.
Plus, with a master volume control and built-in equalizer settings, you can easily customize your sound to match your specific style of play.
So whether you’re looking to crank out some clean guitar sounds or get down and gritty with overdrive playback, this amp can do that.
The LyxPro 60-watt electric guitar amplifier is perfect for gigging musicians.
With its built-in speaker and variety of output options, you can set up your exact sound.
The amp is highly durable and portable, making it the perfect on-the-go amp.
It also features an integrated ¼” microphone input, so singers and players can plugin together.
Pros
Pros:
- Provides clear treble, booming bass, excellent current resistance, and reliable frequency response.
- Master volume control and built-in equalizer settings allow you to customize your sound.
- Can play both clean guitar sounds and overdrive playback.
- The built-in speaker and variety of output options make it perfect for gigging musicians.
- Durable and portable.
- Integrated ¼” microphone input lets singers and players plugin together.
Cons
Cons:
- Some might find the sound quality to be lacking loudness.
Monoprice 20-Watt Guitar Combo Amplifier
Here’s another option if you like playing jazz guitar.
This amp is perfect for getting those clean tones you need for jazz and can crank it up loud when you need to.
It features an 8-inch, 4-ohm speaker and 86dB of gain for great overdrive tone.
Plus, it has a line-level output so you can send the output to a recorder or mixing board.
This is a great practice amp for at home.
And if you want to plug in an mp3 player and play along to your favorite tunes, no problem – there’s a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack for that.
Pros
Pros:
- 8-inch, 4-ohm speaker and 86dB of gain for great overdrive tone.
- Line-level output so you can send the output to a recorder or mixing board.
- 3.5mm AUX IN jack lets you plug in an mp3 player and play along to your favorite tunes.
- Affordable price point.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- 20 watts of power.
Cons
Cons:
- Some guitarists may want more than 20 watts of power.
Buyers Guide
So, we just looked at some very awesome guitar amps under $200 that are a great bang for the buck!
They pack a lot of punch and they offer a lot of high-quality tones for your guitar.
Now let’s take a look at some questions and answers to help you with your purchasing decision.
What is the difference between a tube amp and a solid-state amp?
A tube amp uses vacuum tubes (valves) to amplify the signals from the musical instrument.
They will pass through preamp tubes before exiting the amp via the speaker.
A solid-state will generate amplification from electronic transistors.
Those transistor circuits will then convert the signal to an audio wave.
Tube amps are more expensive because the tubes will eventually need to be replaced.
Tubes can cost on average roughly $50.
How long do guitar amps last?
Every amp I have owned since I’ve been playing is still around and still functional.
Now that doesn’t mean that I haven’t had to do repairs or bring it to the shop.
Those were all solid-state amps.
For tube amps, the valves will need to be replaced about every 5,000 – 10,000 hours.
Can guitar amps be used for a bass?
Yes, a bass can be plugged into a guitar amp.
However, guitar amps aren’t designed to handle the input of a bass.
It will work but there will be some risk involved with it.
The guitar amp cab potential can become damaged especially if the bass is at a high volume.
Are 10 and/or 20-watt amps loud enough?
Compared to other sounds occurring in your everyday home life then yes they can get pretty loud.
Now if you are in a band then it may not be enough for live gigs.
As a practice amp yes, but for shows, you may need more juice.
As stated above in our reviews, some of these amps can be used with a cab for a much louder sound and are more suitable for performing.
Do hight watt amps sound better than the lower-watt amps?
The guitar amp is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a musician’s arsenal.
It takes the signal from the guitar and amplifies it so that it can be heard through the speakers.
Amps come in a variety of sizes and power levels, and each one has its unique sound.
So, what is the difference between high-watt and low-watt amps? And which one sounds better?
The wattage of an amp refers to the amount of power that it can generate.
A higher-watt amp is capable of producing louder volumes than a lower-watt amp.
However, this does not necessarily mean that it will sound better.
In fact, many guitarists prefer the sound of lower-watt amps because they tend to be more “cranked up” and have more distortion.
This can give the guitar a more aggressive-sounding tone.
On the other hand, high-watt amps are usually cleaner sounding, with less distortion.
As a result, they are often used for genres of music that require a cleaner sound, such as jazz and blues.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Do you need to use a guitar pedal with your amp?
You can use a guitar pedal with any guitar amp; however, you don’t necessarily need one in the beginning to enhance your overall sound.
The amps we mentioned above all have a variety of presets and effects that allow you a wide variety of sounds.
Will you need to eventually upgrade to a higher watt amp?
This depends on if you are in a band and if you will be performing in front of people.
These amps mentioned above can be used with a cab which can be used in band practices and live performances.
Most musicians and guitars will have a practice so they can play and jam at home and then a higher wattage amp for when they play live.
Final Conclusion
In conclusion, you see there are quite a few great choices for guitar amps under $200.
All of the amps we discussed in detail and each have its unique offering for your guitar.
With the variety of effects and tones, one of the amps will meet your needs.
Enjoy all the magic that comes with plugging your guitar into an awesome amp and experiencing the sound!
Thank you for reading and remember to always have fun!
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