December 2024

Guitar Amplifiers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of guitar amplifiers rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2024.

Summary

On 10 Dec 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 103 guitar amp endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

79 guitar amps were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 10 Dec 2024, Orange Crush 20 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed guitar amp with 4 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 guitar amp' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking guitar amplifiers start at $44.99 (Blackstar FLY 3) and go up to $2695 (Tone King Imperial MK II). Median guitar amp costs $619.99 (Blackstar Amped 3).
$44.99
$2695

At a glance - December Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Guitar Amp
audiosorcerer.com
Loud Beats
Music Radar
Guitar World
BestCovery
Ledger Note
Music Critic
BestReviews
GuitarPlayer
Gearank
1
- $149
Orange Crush 20
The Orange Crush 20 guitar amplifier is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, versatility, power, and durability, making it a reliable choice for guitarists in various use cases.
-
3
-
-
-
2
-
3
-
1
2
- $229
Positive Grid Spark
The Positive Grid Spark is a versatile and portable digital guitar amplifier with customizable sound options, Bluetooth connectivity, and a companion app, making it ideal for practice sessions and small performances.
-
-
1
4
-
-
-
-
1
-
3
- Check price
Marshall MG50CFX
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
4
- Check price
Marshall DSL100H
1
-
-
-
12
5
-
-
-
-
5
- $598
Vox AC15
The Vox AC15 is a highly regarded tube amplifier known for its warm, rich sound and classic British rock tone, making it a versatile and powerful option for guitarists in various musical settings.
-
7
11
8
-
-
-
4
-
-
6
- Check price
Boss Katana 50 MkII
The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a versatile and powerful amplifier that has received positive feedback from experts for its sound quality, range of features, and portability.
-
-
4
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
- Check price
Mesa Boogie Mark V
The Mesa Boogie Mark V is a highly versatile and powerful guitar amplifier that offers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and durability, making it a top choice for professional musicians and enthusiasts, especially in genres like metal.
-
9
19
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
8
+1 $160
Fender Mustang LT25
The Fender Mustang LT25 is a versatile and affordable solid-state combo amplifier with built-in effects and amp modeling, making it ideal for home use, practice, and small gigs.
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
2
9
-1 $159
Orange Micro Terror
The Orange Micro Terror is a highly regarded hybrid amplifier that combines a tube preamp stage with a solid-state amp stage, delivering a clear and defined tone with a distinct Orange "growl and bite," making it a versatile and portable option for musicians.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
3
13
- Check price
Marshall AS50D
The Marshall AS50D is a highly recommended acoustic guitar amplifier that excels in sound quality, power, connectivity, portability, and durability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for acoustic musicians.
-
-
-
-
6
-
3
-
-
-
14
- $300
Peavey Vypyr VIP 2
The Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 is a versatile and affordable guitar amplifier that offers a wide range of features and functions, making it a reliable choice for guitarists on a budget.
-
-
-
-
-
3
7
-
-
-
15
- $1250
Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
12
-
16
- $1450
Blackstar St. James 50 EL34 Combo
-
-
13
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
17
- $199
Orange Micro Dark
The Orange Micro Dark is a hybrid amplifier that combines the warm tone of a tube amp with the reliability and affordability of a solid-state amp, making it a powerful and versatile option for aggressive rock and metal genres.
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-
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
4
18
- $2600
EVH 5150III 50W EL34
The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 guitar amplifier head is a highly versatile and praised amp, perfect for metal players and lead guitarists, with its high-gain sound, EL34 tubes, three channels, and 50 watts of power.
-
5
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19
- $1280
Roland JC-120
The Roland JC-120 Guitar Amp is a versatile and powerful amplifier known for its exceptional sound quality, clarity, and durability, making it a top choice for musicians seeking reliable and dynamic tones for live performances, recording sessions, and rehearsals.
-
-
14
-
-
-
-
-
15
-
20
- Check price
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
-
-
21
12
-
-
-
-
-
-

Guitar Amp
#1 $149 Orange Crush 20
#9 $159 Orange Micro Terror
#8 $159.99 Fender Mustang LT25
#17 $199 Orange Micro Dark
#2 $229 Positive Grid Spark
#14 $299.99 Peavey Vypyr VIP 2
#6 $312.42 Boss Katana 50 MkII
#5 $598.49 Vox AC15
#15 $1249.99 Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb
#19 $1279.99 Roland JC-120
#16 $1449.99 Blackstar St. James 50 EL34 Combo
#18 $2599.99 EVH 5150III 50W EL34

We ranked Orange Crush 20 #1 in December 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Orange Crush 20 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Orange Crush 20 guitar amplifier is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, versatility, power, and durability, making it a reliable choice for guitarists in various use cases.
Critic endorsements:
Loud Beats

Simple and neat design.
Convenient to use.
Affordable.

Low output power restricts it for home use only.
No option to connect to an external cabinet.

Go to ranking

Ledger Note

Best Budget Pick

Great value for money
Easy to use and offers great tones
Good for beginners

Too simple for most players

Go to ranking

BestReviews

Distortion option

Geat distortion with this 20-watt amp and four stage preamp.
Has clean and dirty modes, a channel foot switch, and aux ports for backing tracks and practice headphones.
8-inch speaker produces rich, harmonic overtones.

No onboard effects.
More gear may be needed to flesh out your tone.

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best Guitar Combo Amp Under $200

Simple operation
Great sounding overdriven tone
Good build quality
Distinct Orange aesthetics

Limited functionality
Clean tone is not as good as overdriven
No Reverb

Go to ranking

We ranked Positive Grid Spark #2 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Positive Grid Spark as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Positive Grid Spark is a versatile and portable digital guitar amplifier with customizable sound options, Bluetooth connectivity, and a companion app, making it ideal for practice sessions and small performances.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

The ultimate smart guitar amplifier

Packed with features
Comprehensive range of tones
Smart Jam and Auto Chord features are invaluable for practice and learning

Waiting times on orders can vary

Go to ranking

Guitar World

The smartest amp on the market

Impressive practice features
Bluetooth compatible for streaming music
Awesome array of guitar tones

Not designed for gigging

Go to ranking

GuitarPlayer

Is this the smartest amp on the planet?

Every sound you could ever want
Auto Chord/ Smart Jam features
Affordable

Not for those who dislike apps

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend guitar amplifiers.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of guitar amplifiers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for December 2024 ranking

We ranked Marshall MG50CFX #3 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Marshall MG50CFX as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Loud Beats

Neat layout.
Affordable.
Sound quality is great.

The sound produced by clean channel is somewhat bland and weak.

Go to ranking

Ledger Note

Best of the best

Broad and various range of effects
Allows to store your own sounds

Does not have a direct out

Go to ranking

We ranked Marshall DSL100H #4 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Marshall DSL100H as #1.
Critic endorsements:
audiosorcerer.com

Best Overall

It provides 100 watts of pure tube-driven amplification.
Its MIDI compatibility enables remote switching and control options for easy integration into more complicated setups.
The effects loop allows connecting external effects pedals to expand the outcome possibilities.

The reverb button doesn’t add much of a change.

Go to ranking

BestCovery

Best Medium Range Guitar Amp Head

Go to ranking

Ledger Note

Best Neutral Amp With the Classic Marshall Tube Sound

Provides versatile tones
Has adjustable power that allows one to use it anywhere

Reverb is a bit different

Go to ranking

We ranked Vox AC15 #5 in December 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Vox AC15 is a highly regarded tube amplifier known for its warm, rich sound and classic British rock tone, making it a versatile and powerful option for guitarists in various musical settings.
Critic endorsements:
Loud Beats

Balanced harmonics and natural sound.
Volume is usable.
Responsive.
Value for money.

Heavy to carry around.
Channels are not foot-switchable.

Go to ranking

Music Radar

A classic British combo in 2x12 format

Usable volume
Classic tones
Responds well to pedals

May not be enough headroom for totally clean players

Go to ranking

Guitar World

The best guitar amp for a vintage vibe with class to spare

Nails that iconic Vox tone
You’ll love the tremolo!
Excellent portability

Not one for the high gain fans

Go to ranking

BestReviews

Vintage Design

Tremolo and reverb effects are popular features.
Clean and crisp tone.
Reputable brand known for its classy cabinet designs.
Great for rock, pop, and blues genres.

15 watts isn’t all that powerful.

Go to ranking

We ranked Boss Katana 50 MkII #6 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Boss Katana 50 MkII as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a versatile and powerful amplifier that has received positive feedback from experts for its sound quality, range of features, and portability.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

A fully-featured digital modelling combo amp

New features improve it even further
Goes from super-clean to high-gain
Excellent onboard effects

Not quite enough reasons to upgrade

Go to ranking

Guitar World

Could be all you ever need from a guitar amp

Huge range of sounds
Great value
Lots of high-quality effects

Needs the software for deep editing

Go to ranking

We ranked Mesa Boogie Mark V #7 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Mesa Boogie Mark V is a highly versatile and powerful guitar amplifier that offers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and durability, making it a top choice for professional musicians and enthusiasts, especially in genres like metal.
Critic endorsements:
Loud Beats

Excellent sound quality.
Wide range of tone and sound effects.
In-built speaker emulation.

It is expensive.

Go to ranking

Music Radar

A feature-loaded low-wattage head with built-in speaker emulation

One of the best small amps on the market
12 possible sounds
Built-in CabClone speaker emulation

It can be difficult to navigate
Currently difficult to source in Europe

Go to ranking

BestCovery

Runner Up

Go to ranking

We ranked Fender Mustang LT25 #8 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Fender Mustang LT25 is a versatile and affordable solid-state combo amplifier with built-in effects and amp modeling, making it ideal for home use, practice, and small gigs.
Critic endorsements:
Guitar World

An excellent value amp that’s perfect for beginners

Super easy to use
Lots of different tones
Nice and compact

Others have more features

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best for Versatility and Effects

Versatile amp modeling and effects
Good sounding Fender clean tone
USB recording and software control
Sleek modern aesthetic

Requires more tweaking to get good tone

Go to ranking

We ranked Orange Micro Terror #9 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Orange Micro Terror is a highly regarded hybrid amplifier that combines a tube preamp stage with a solid-state amp stage, delivering a clear and defined tone with a distinct Orange "growl and bite," making it a versatile and portable option for musicians.
Critic endorsements:
BestReviews

Best bang for the buck

Compact and very affordable.
Offers 20 watts of power.
Great for young players getting introduced to music or those who share walls with others and can't be loud while shredding.

Entry-level amp with relatively modest volume, so most will outgrow it.

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best Guitar Amp Head Under $200

Great sounding tube overdrive tone
Lively and responsive
Can go loud and still sound good

Limited functionality
No reverb
Not for those who want great sounding

Go to ranking

We ranked Marshall AS50D #10 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Marshall AS50D is a highly recommended acoustic guitar amplifier that excels in sound quality, power, connectivity, portability, and durability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for acoustic musicians.
Critic endorsements:
BestCovery

Best Acount Guitar Combo Amplifier

Go to ranking

Music Critic

Best Value

Standard Marshall quality
RCA inputs
Balanced sound
Good for small venues

Go to ranking

We ranked Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 #11 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 is a versatile and affordable guitar amplifier that offers a wide range of features and functions, making it a reliable choice for guitarists on a budget.
Critic endorsements:
Ledger Note

Best Bang for the Buck

Affordable price
Lightweight design
Easy to use

Feedback can be a problem at high gain or volume

Go to ranking

Music Critic

Variable sizes
Exceptional modeling tones
Bass capabilities
Modern design
Lightweight

Go to ranking

We ranked Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb #12 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Guitar World

The original tone monster gets a modern makeover

Loads of headroom
Incredibly lightweight
Realistic tube tone

Not a proper tube amp

Go to ranking

GuitarPlayer

All the Fender tone, none of the weight

The Fender tone you know and love, without the weight
Still looks like a Twin Reverb
Impressively dynamic

Some may consider it expensive for a solid-state amp

Go to ranking

We ranked Blackstar St. James 50 EL34 Combo #13 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

The best of Blackstar

Versatile cleans to heavy rock
Lightweight
Great pedal platform

Some may prefer the 6L6 model for gain

Go to ranking

GuitarPlayer

The lightest tube amp in the world

Lightweight for a tube amp
Great pedal platform
Great for practice, recording, and live playing

Looks not for everyone

Go to ranking

We ranked Orange Micro Dark #14 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The Orange Micro Dark is a hybrid amplifier that combines the warm tone of a tube amp with the reliability and affordability of a solid-state amp, making it a powerful and versatile option for aggressive rock and metal genres.
Critic endorsements:
Guitar World

A micro amp with a massive sound

Excellent tone options
Compact size for gigging
Speaker emulation out

Not a full tube amp

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best Budget Amp Head for Metal

Loud for such a small amp
Simple controls
Great tone across the gain range. Surprisingly good cleans
Includes an effects loop

Lack of EQ limits tone shaping
Single channel only
Headphone out tonality is harsh and only for last resort practicing

Go to ranking

We ranked EVH 5150III 50W EL34 #15 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 30 Aug 2023)
The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 guitar amplifier head is a highly versatile and praised amp, perfect for metal players and lead guitarists, with its high-gain sound, EL34 tubes, three channels, and 50 watts of power.
Critic endorsements:
Loud Beats

Sound quality is outstanding.
Tube amplifiers provide natural tones.
Flexible gain controls are effective.

This guitar amplifier is a little expensive.

Go to ranking

Music Radar

The best valve head for hard rock and metal

A compact powerhouse with gain to burn
Exceptional harmonic and dynamic detail
MIDI switchable channels and effects loop

Can be way too loud for domestic use

Go to ranking

We ranked Roland JC-120 #16 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 Apr 2024)
The Roland JC-120 Guitar Amp is a versatile and powerful amplifier known for its exceptional sound quality, clarity, and durability, making it a top choice for musicians seeking reliable and dynamic tones for live performances, recording sessions, and rehearsals.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

The king of clean

The clean tone to end all clean tones
A true stereo chorus to die for
An iconic amp

Onboard distortion nothing to write home about

Go to ranking

GuitarPlayer

Solid-state amplifiers don’t get much more iconic than this

Reference quality clean tones
Iconic chorus and vibrato built-in
Stereo imagery

It’s pretty darn heavy

Go to ranking

We ranked Neural DSP Quad Cortex #17 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

Is this the new king of amp modelling?

Intuitive user interface
The tones are astonishing
Competitively priced for a high-end modeller

Multi-purpose footswitches may not last

Go to ranking

Guitar World

One of the most powerful amp and effects modelers ever made

Endless array of tones
Big and clear screen
Portable yet tough

May be too complex for some

Go to ranking