January 2025
Guitar Amplifiers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of guitar amplifiers rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 9 Jan 2025, 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 9 Jan 2025, 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
-
Fender: 16 guitar amps
(#1 is Fender Mustang LT25)
-
Orange Amps: 7 guitar amps
(#1 is Orange Crush 20)
-
Marshall: 7 guitar amps
(#1 is Marshall MG50CFX)
- Blackstar: 6 guitar amps
-
Boss: 3 guitar amps
(#1 is Boss Katana 50 MkII)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Guitar Amp |
Gearank
|
GuitarPlayer
|
BestReviews
|
Music Radar
|
Guitar World
|
BestCovery
|
Ledger Note
|
Music Critic
|
Loud Beats
|
audiosorcerer.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $169 |
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.
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $249 |
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
|
-
|
1
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Marshall MG50CFX
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Marshall DSL100H
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
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.
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
11
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $159 |
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.
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $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.
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
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
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $1450 |
Blackstar St. James 50 EL34 Combo
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
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.
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
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.
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | Check price |
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Orange Crush 20 #1 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Orange Crush 20 as #1.
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
|
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.
|
Ledger Note
Best Budget Pick
|
Great value for money
Easy to use and offers great tones
Good for beginners
|
Too simple for most players
|
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.
|
We ranked Positive Grid Spark #2 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Positive Grid Spark as #1.
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
|
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
|
Guitar World
Best Practice Amp
|
Impressive practice features
Bluetooth compatible for streaming music
Awesome array of guitar tones
|
Not designed for gigging
|
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 January 2025 ranking
Gearank
GuitarPlayer
BestReviews
Music Radar
Guitar World
BestCovery
Ledger Note
Music Critic
Loud Beats
audiosorcerer.com
We ranked Marshall MG50CFX #3 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Marshall MG50CFX as #1.
Ledger Note
Best of the best
|
Broad and various range of effects
Allows to store your own sounds
|
Does not have a direct out
|
Loud Beats
|
Neat layout.
Affordable.
Sound quality is great.
|
The sound produced by clean channel is somewhat bland and weak.
|
We ranked Marshall DSL100H #4 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Marshall DSL100H as #1.
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
|
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.
|
We ranked Vox AC15 #5 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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.
|
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
|
Guitar World
Best Combo Amp
|
Nails that iconic Vox tone
You’ll love the tremolo!
Excellent portability
|
Not one for the high gain fans
|
Loud Beats
|
Balanced harmonics and natural sound.
Volume is usable.
Responsive.
Value for money.
|
Heavy to carry around.
Channels are not foot-switchable.
|
We ranked Boss Katana 50 MkII #6 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Boss Katana 50 MkII as #1.
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
|
Guitar World
Best On A Budget
|
Huge range of sounds
Great value
Lots of high-quality effects
|
Needs the software for deep editing
Bluetooth is an optional extra
|
We ranked Mesa Boogie Mark V #7 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
Loud Beats
|
Excellent sound quality.
Wide range of tone and sound effects.
In-built speaker emulation.
|
It is expensive.
|
We ranked Fender Mustang LT25 #8 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
Guitar World
Best For Beginners
|
Super easy to use
Lots of different tones
Nice and compact
|
Others have more features
|
We ranked Orange Micro Terror #9 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
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.
|
We ranked Marshall AS50D #10 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Music Critic
Best Value
|
Standard Marshall quality
RCA inputs
Balanced sound
Good for small venues
|
We ranked Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
Ledger Note
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Affordable price
Lightweight design
Easy to use
|
Feedback can be a problem at high gain or volume
|
Music Critic
|
Variable sizes
Exceptional modeling tones
Bass capabilities
Modern design
Lightweight
|
We ranked Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
Guitar World
Best For Home Use
|
Loads of headroom
Incredibly lightweight
Realistic tube tone
|
Not a proper tube amp
|
We ranked Blackstar St. James 50 EL34 Combo #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
Music Radar
The best of Blackstar
|
Versatile cleans to heavy rock
Lightweight
Great pedal platform
|
Some may prefer the 6L6 model for gain
|
We ranked Orange Micro Dark #14 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
Guitar World
A micro amp with a massive sound
|
Excellent tone options
Compact size for gigging
Speaker emulation out
|
Not a full tube amp
|
We ranked EVH 5150III 50W EL34 #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
Loud Beats
|
Sound quality is outstanding.
Tube amplifiers provide natural tones.
Flexible gain controls are effective.
|
This guitar amplifier is a little expensive.
|
We ranked Roland JC-120 #16 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Neural DSP Quad Cortex #17 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best guitar amplifiers” rankings.
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
|
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
|