10 Best Guitar Amps Under $300
At $300, tons of guitar amp options are available. However, finding a reliable one while on this budget can be quite a challenge, and that’s where this guide comes in handy!
The Fender Mustang LT25 is an excellent overall choice, as it offers great sound, high versatility, and an unmatched bang for the buck.
That said, other options are worth considering depending on your playing needs and style. In today’s article, I’ll be walking you through in-depth reviews of each guitar amp, along with a buyer’s guide to help you pick the ideal one for your needs.
Note: Guitar amp prices mentioned are at the time of publishing this post. We will try our best to keep prices updated, but keep in mind manufacturers tend to raise their prices a few times per year.
The Best Guitar Amps Under $300
- Fender Mustang LT25 – Best Overall
- Boss Katana-50 MkII – Most Versatile
- Orange Crush 35RT – Best for Classic Rock
- Vox VT20X – Best for Vintage Tones
- Marshall MG30GFX – Best for Live Performances
- Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3 – Best for Home Practice
- Roland Cube Street EX – Best Portability
- Line 6 Spider V 30 MkII – Best for Metal
- Yamaha THR10 II – Best Modeling Amp
- Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-110 – Best for Bass Guitars
Fender Mustang LT25 – Overall Best Guitar Amp Under $300
| Power | 25 Watts |
| Speaker size | 8-inch Fender Special Design |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Type | Solid State (with digital modeling) |
| Amp Modeling | 20 x Amp Models |
| Effects | 25 effects; delay, reverb, stompbox, chorus, etc. |
| Inputs | 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/8-inch AUX cable, micro USB |
| Outputs | 1/8-inch headphones |
| Weight | 12.75 pounds |
The Fender Mustang LT25 is an all-around fantastic amplifier that sounds great, has easy controls, and is highly versatile. It features a Fender Special Design 8-inch speaker, 25 effects, 20 amp models, auxiliary input, and USB connectivity.
The LT25 modeling combo doesn’t look especially nice or offer a luxurious feel, but it’s okay too. I’d say it’s mediocre as the handle and knobs are plastic while the cabin itself is wooden and the finish is black vinyl.
The feel of the Fender Mustang LT25 is so-so, but the features -what really matters- are far from average.
The controls are various yet their layout is simple to figure out. I like the knob on the right with its 30 presets which include one for punk, one for bright Fender cleans, a couple for heavy shredding, and more.
If you don’t find the right preset for your playing style, there are 20 other presets ready to download or you can easily modify the frequency, pedals/effects, and distortion or gain to create your own.
The digital modeling makes this guitar amp a bit trickier to use than conventional solid states, but it’s still not at all confusing.
As for the sound, I can safely say it’s one of the best in this price range. It can handle all types of music, from metal to acoustic to punk– the tones are robust.
To sum up, I chose the Fender Mustang LT25 as the top overall guitar amp because it has terrific sound quality at half today’s budget, provides endless tone versatility, and is straightforward to use.
It’s an excellent option if you are okay with digital amps and you’re practicing as a beginner, looking for a versatile good-sounding model, or particularly into Fender cleans.
Pros:
- Amazing value for money
- Awesome for Fender cleans and rock tones
- Virtually unlimited tone possibilities
- More than enough loudness
Cons:
- Not the best for metal tones
- The built-in handle isn’t very practical
Boss Katana-50 MkII – Most Versatile Guitar Amp Under $300
- Power: 50 Watts
- Speaker size: 1 x 12 inches
- Number of Channels: 5
- Type: Solid State
- Amp Modeling: 5 x Amp Models
- Effects: Delay, Modulation, BOSS (60)
- Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/4-inch power amp, 1/8-inch AUX cable
- Outputs: 1/4-inch headphones/rec
- Weight: 25.6 pounds
When searching for a reliable guitar amp, versatility is a top demand among most players. The Katana-50 MK II from Boss excels in this department, with the ability to handle just about every playing style and music genre you can throw at it.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Boss Katana-50 MK II is its minimal, streamlined look. Its build is sturdy yet lightweight, with the face covered in rough cloth and the main box housed in a plastic tolex-like finish that’s much smoother and harder.
Unlike the Fender Mustang LT25, the rubber handle on the Boss Katana-50 MK II is constructed out of the cabinet, which makes it more practical.
The unit’s design is in no way flashy, which is why it’s so appealing to many users. Still, it makes up for its simple appearance with a very wide range of features and fantastic audio quality.
The Katana-50 MK II has 5 amp models: clean, crunch, lead, brown, and acoustic. The overall sound is incredible, with the unmistakable tone being particularly rich and warm.
The rest of the channels are also very impressive; the brown sound is brilliantly thick with high gain, and the lead is terrific for shredders.
Similarly, the effects on the Katana-50 MK II are extensive with many variations, each sounding as great as the Boss pedals they’re made to resemble. You can control them using a knob on either side of the interface.
Speaking of which, the controls on this guitar amp are straightforward so you can quickly figure them out even if you’re a beginner.
Compared to the Fender Mustang LT25, the Boss Katana is more expensive, but it offers greater versatility and higher sound quality overall. The Boss Katana could be better for Fender cleans, but it’s easily superior when it comes to metal tones.
I recommend the Katana-50 MK II to any guitarist seeking a great-sounding, stage-ready amp. It’s a spot-on choice if you’re looking for a tube sound that isn’t overly solid-state or digitalized and provides tons of versatility.
This amp is also wonderful for home use, indoor lessons, and home recording.
Pros:
- Accommodate a vast range of playing styles
- Simple and easy control system
- Clear and brown channels sound superior to most amps at the same price point
- Highly realistic effects
- Outstanding value for money
Cons:
- The effects labels aren’t very clear
- Without access to the Boss Tone software, the effects are more limited than other modeling amps
Orange Crush 35RT – Best Guitar Amp Under $300 for Classic Rock
- Power: 35 Watts
- Speaker size: 1 x 10 inches
- Number of Channels: 2
- Type: Solid State
- Effects: loop
- Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/8-inch AUX cable
- Outputs: 1/4-inch headphones/line out
- Weight: 25 pounds
Loud, lively, and versatile, the Crush 35RT from Orange is a fantastic choice for metal and rock genres. This British-made unit is a top-rated combo amplifier with an orientation for classic rock thanks to its clear sound and robust ability to manage distortion.
The 35RT model is one of the simplest in the Crush series, but it still packs a serious punch when it comes to sound quality, volume, and features.
Before I dive into its performance, let me tell you about the Crush 35RT construction and layout.
The control panel consists of a pair of channels: clean and overdrive. A toggle switch allows you to switch between them easily.
There are also separate volume knobs for each channel and a shared gain knob along with a reverb knob. Overall, the controls are as simple as it gets.
The unit itself is compact and rugged. It feels excellent and is more than capable of taking a beating.
As for the sound, you can really hear the reputed output of Orange units with this model. It’s like listening to a large, thick valve tube amp.
The clean channel plays crisp, clear tones without a tinge of overdrive for a flawless rock sound. When you’re looking for a crunchy take on classic rock, enter the overdrive/dirty channel, and you’ll get just that.
At lower volumes, the higher gain produces buzzy and fuzzy distortion that becomes fuller and more aggressive as you turn the volume up.
Coupling the overdriven channel with the digital reverb results in a natural, rich sound with plenty of definition and attack instead of blurriness. As far as effects go, you can hook up your choice of pedal since there are no built-in digital effects.
The Orange Crush 35RT is a fantastic choice for classic rock players in the market for an affordable, loud, and reliable amp. It’s ideal for indoor practice but can deliver a solid performance on stage.
Pros:
- Solid construction and simple controls
- Excellent clarity and distortion handling for rock music
- Plenty of headroom
- Very loud output for its size
Cons:
- Not the best AUX input
- The placement of the power switch on the back isn’t very convenient
Vox VT20X – Best Guitar Amp Under $300 for Vintage Tones
- Power: 20 Watts
- Speaker size: 1 x 8 inches
- Number of Channels: 4
- Type: Solid State/Modeling/Digital
- Amp Modeling: 11 x Amp Models
- Effects: 12 (Delay, Reverb, Overdrive, Tremolo, etc.)
- Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/4-inch foot switch jack, 1/8-inch AUX cable, USB port
- Outputs: 1/8-inch headphones
- Weight: 16.1 pounds
If you want to achieve a vintage tone with a guitar amp, you need a warm, fat tube or hybrid amp.
The Vox VT20X is the latter type, offering a nice amount of low mids, a solid bass, a slight bite in the high mids, and a mellow high-end; a perfect combination for vintage tones.
You want your amp to sound like an old record for this type of music, and that’s just what the VT20X does. The treble is sweeter, the bass is less prominent, and the mids are more open.
This hybrid amp further supports its vintage sound with less gain, less compression, and less aggressive distortion.
It even looks the part with a vintage diamond pattern and a leather-type finish. It feels more expensive than its price tag and holds up well against wear.
The Vox VT20X is packed with features, including almost a dozen Amp Types and a dozen effects. This gives you great versatility when playing, but it may be a bit overwhelming at first.
Don’t get me wrong, I love having options. However, the controls are more confusing than I expected, and the user manual doesn’t provide much help.
You can learn to use it and be comfortable with it, you’ll need to spend some time on that.
The Vox VT20X shines when it comes to old-school music; blues, hard rock, classic metal, you name it. If you primarily play the before ’90s era and you can find your way around a hybrid amp, this is a perfect option!
Pros:
- Molded tube tunes are amazing
- A match made in heaven with vintage music
- A lot of playing possibilities
- Can get loud for gigs
Cons:
- Has a bit of a learning curve
- Not for playing modern metal tones
- Volume tends to jump too loud when changing amp types and presets
Marshall MG30GFX – Best Guitar Amp Under $300 for Live Performances
- Power: 30 Watts
- Speaker size: 1 x 10 inches, custom
- Number of Channels: 4
- Type: Solid State
- Effects: 9 (Reverb, Delay, Gain, Bass, etc.)
- Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/8-inch AUX cable
- Outputs: 1/8-inch headphones
- Weight: 24 pounds
If you’re looking for an amp that’s just as reliable when practicing in your bedroom as it is when performing on stage, the MG30GFX from Marshall will step up for the role.
It may not be the loudest or most powerful amp on the list, but it sounds fantastic, includes handy features, and can accomplish a floor switch – all of which support playing live.
The sheer quality of the output is truly impressive and exceptionally warm for a non-tube, solid-state amp. All the effects sound great and give you much room for tweaking.
I also appreciate how easy it is to operate the Marshall MG30GFX. Being able to control your amp on the fly is crucial for live performances, and this model ultimately gets it.
The knobs and buttons are simple and to the point, wasting no time getting the job done. Keep in mind that the controls are all analog, so you may need help to set them as precisely and quickly as you would on a digital interface.
This can be a problem if you’re super into the details of your delay, but most guitarists aren’t, so it should be A-okay.
When it comes to appearance and construction, the MG30GFX doesn’t disappoint. It’s almost indestructible with a rugged case, and classic-looking with a black and gold color scheme.
Pros:
- Amazing reverb sound
- Crisp, clear tone
- Simple yet practical effects
- Straightforward controls
- Good portability
Cons:
- The analog control system makes precision difficult to achieve (delay especially)
- The headphone input occasionally gets stuck in headphone mode
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 V3 – Best Guitar Amp Under $300 for Home Practice
- Power: 40 Watts (2 x 20 Watts)
- Speaker size: 2 x 6.5 inches
- Number of Channels: 1
- Type: Solid State
- Amp Modeling: 6 x Amp Models
- Effects: 12 x (Delay, Modulation, Reverb, etc.)
- Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/8-inch AUX cable
- Outputs: 1/8-inch headphones/line out
- Weight: 13.6 pounds
If you’ve been researching guitar amps, you’ve probably encountered Blackstar. This British company is known for making entry-level guitar amps to boost beginners’ skills and performance.
The ID: Core Stereo 40 V3 is another example of how Blackstar excels in this area. This digital combo amp is an upgraded model oriented for home practice, with outstanding sound and a heap of features at an affordable price.
The V3 Stereo 40 is the bigger sibling of the ID:Core mini range. It shows the signature elegant look of Blackstar amps; a black vinyl finish on the MDF chassis and a black/silver grille. The handle is built into the back.
The controls on the ID:Core Stereo V3 40 are the same as the rest of the lineup and similar to other Blackstar models. If you’re unfamiliar with them, don’t worry – they’re so easy to understand that you’ll pick them up quickly!
One thing that I appreciate is the new AUX/line-in cable that supports TRRS connectivity. This lets you live stream without an outboard – just your mobile device will do.
As for the audio output, you’ll be greeted by impressive loudness and bass from the unit’s twin speakers.
You’ll find significant results for your rhythm work with the two clean sounds. The Clean Warm has the most headroom, while the Clean Bright has a mild overdriven tone.
Classic rock sounds awesome on Crunch, while Super Crunch offers higher gain for those who want it. The latter is exceptionally responsive and descriptive.
The effects of the ID: Core Stereo V3 40 all sound terrific and provide you with plenty of options. To make full use of the integrated EQ, be sure to check out the Architect software.
Combining incredible tone, enhanced effects, a load of features, and a useful app, this amp has everything you need for home practice and small gigs.
Pros:
- Versatile tones
- High-quality effects
- Convenient live streaming
- Impressive extra wide stereo sound
Cons:
- Unlocking the EQ potential requires software
Roland Cube Street EX – Best Portability
- Power: 50 Watts
- Speaker size: 2 x 8 inches
- Number of Channels: 4
- Type: Solid State
- Amp Modeling: COSM
- Effects: Yes
- Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4-inch combo, 2 x 1/4-inch (L/Mono, R), 2 x 1/4-inch stereo, 1 x 1/4-inch AUX, 1 x 1/8-inch AUX
- Outputs: 2 x 1/4-inch (L/Mono, R)
- Weight: 16.4 pounds
Achieving portability in guitar amps typically requires sacrificing versatility. However, I believe Roland has mastered the balance between size and features, and the Cube Street EX serves as proof.
It’s an upgrade of the manufacturer’s previous Street model, offering a huge performance step with 50 Watts of power, two 8-inch woofers, and two 2-inch tweeters.
You can run this amp via the mains or use 8 AA batteries to get the job done. It features a wide selection of Amp Models thanks to the brand’s famous modeling technology, COSM.
With 4 separate channels, you can hook up everything from electric and acoustic guitars to microphones and stereo backing tracks. You can also record your performances and play them back to superb quality thanks to the Cube JAM app.
The wedged outline of the Cube Street EX is one of its unique characteristics, but hearing it in use also makes for a unique experience.
It’s more than a capable unit when it comes to amplifying sound. It sounds powerful, loud, and articulate despite the smaller design.
The amp voices included may not be the best-sounding compared to other options on the list, but they still beat other battery-powered models. The effects are quite impressive though you can only adjust the delay time, not its volume.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight construction
- A lot of input options
- Ideal for busking
- Loud output
Cons:
- No controls for delay volume
- No separate drive control
Line 6 Spider V 30 MkII – Best Guitar Amp Under $300 for Metal
- Power: 30 Watts
- Speaker size: 1 x 8 inches
- Number of Channels: 1
- Type: Solid State (with modeling)
- Amp Modeling: 78 x Amp Model, 24 x cabinets, 4 x mics
- Effects: more than 100
- Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/8-inch AUX cable, USB-A, USB-B
- Outputs: 1/8-inch headphones
- Weight: 16.2 pounds
When looking for a guitar amp that can help you get a killer metal sound, you want it to provide high gain, plenty of sustain, and a load of bass.
The Spider V 30 MkII from Line 6 offers precisely that and a vast library of sounds and effects to support any beginner shredder.
This guitar amp features more than 200 presets, a full-range speaker system, and a built-in tuner to help you learn how to tune accurately.
In addition to offering tons of playing options, the Spider V 30 MkII sounds generally fantastic for its price point.
The clean and crunch sounds are nice, whereas the high-gain sound is enjoyable. The bass is as good as possible without being a high-end model.
As for the effects, they’re pretty impressive and versatile. I noticed some presets sound too digital, which isn’t every guitarist’s cup of tea.
It has all of the controls displayed on the front with a color-coding system that makes them easier to figure out. The unit is also compatible with Line 6 foot controllers for on-stage adjustment.
You can even control the Spider V 30 MkII via the Spider V app, which makes the process more fun. The recording feature can help with your songwriting, especially since it’s quality.
This guitar amp will serve you well if you’re mainly into playing metal. It’s also an excellent option for experimenting with different sounds and effects.
Pros:
- Excellent gains
- Built-in manometer and tuner
- Portable design
- Good recording quality
Cons:
- Some amp presets are overly digital
Yamaha THR10 II – Best Modeling Amp Under $300
- Power: 20 Watts (2 x 10 Watts)
- Speaker size: 2 x 3 inches
- Number of Channels: 1
- Type: Solid State
- Amp Modeling: 8 x Amp Models
- Effects: Modulation, Reverb, Delay
- Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument cable, 1/8-inch AUX cable, USB-B
- Outputs: 1/8-inch headphones
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
Yamaha is a reputable brand in the music industry, so when it manufactures guitar amps, you know it’ll be reliable.
The THR10 II is an ultra-portable modeling amp ideal for acoustic guitars. It’s designed to work with transparent and clean signals of your acoustic instrument, offering lots of headroom for its crisp sound.
This amp does nothing special in the distortion department, which isn’t required for playing acoustic anyway.
Generally, the Yamaha THR10 II isn’t powerful enough to support performing in-studio or on-stage, but it’s plenty for home practice. However, its power is enough to amplify acoustic guitar without much distortion.
If that wasn’t enough, this amp also features a dedicated acoustic channel that delivers a clean output for your acoustic guitar.
There are 7 other amp sounds that you can try when you feel like experimenting with a different playing style. There’s also a good range of effects for beginners to tinker with.
Looks-wise, this amp is pretty sleek with a notably compact build you can carry wherever you need. It reminds me of a vintage radio.
Pros:
- Adapted for acoustic guitars
- Multiple amp styles
- Highly portable
- Comes with a rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Doesn’t support a foot switch
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-110 – Best for Bass Guitars
- Power: 50 Watts
- Speaker size: 1 x 10 inches
- Number of Channels: 1
- Type: Solid State
- EQ: 3-band
- Inputs: 2 x 1/4-inch instrument cable (0dB/-15dB), 1 x 1/8-inch AUX
- Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/8-inch headphones
- Weight: 22.5 pounds
Ampeg is almost synonymous with bass amplifiers, given how much the company focuses on making them.
Usually, these amps are quite large (I’m talking minifridge size, at least!). But the Rocket Bass RB-110 is the company’s take on portability, and it’s highly effective.
This unit is more compact, moderately powered, and packed with features to enhance its tone and meet your bass needs at a budget-friendly price.
Additionally, it’s equipped with an SGT and Ampeg Legend preamp to deliver rich, warm bass that’s equal to what a tube amp would provide.
The controls are arranged to ensure a user-friendly experience, allowing you to master the unit’s functionality rather quickly. The construction is robust, with metal at the corners to reinforce them against wear.
The Rocket Bass RB-110 packs a punch in its bass tones while retaining a clean delivery. It does have a limit, though, as its size restricts it from producing a much low end.
It’s particularly suitable for bass guitar players in training.
Pros:
- Features Legacy Preamp and SGT
- Simple controls
- Looks stylish
Cons:
- The small size causes the bass to lose some of its oomph
How to Choose the Best Guitar Amp Under $300 (Buyer’s Guide)
When shopping for the best guitar amp under $300, you should keep in mind the following points and features:
Types of Guitar Amp
First, you need to be familiar with the types of guitar amps available on the market. Generally, amps belong to one of the following categories:
Tube Amps
Also known as vacuum amps, tube amps are the first type of amps to exist. As such, they use the oldest technology and many guitarists consider them the most authentic type.
Tube amps produce warm distortion and offer exquisite tone quality with remarkable dynamics. However, they’re the most expensive option, and let’s face it, the least practical.
Additionally, they’re the most fragile and heavy. Not to mention, tube amps offer the least tone variety and don’t sound all that great at low volumes.
Solid State Amps
This type of guitar amp is a lot more practical compared to a tube amp.
Solid State amps come with a wide range of adjustment options such as overdrive, integrated effects, equalizations, and so on.
They produce incredibly clear tones that get a tiny bit dirty when the tube’s temperature increases, which explains the love they get from jazz and blues players.
Additionally, Solid State amps are much more affordable, more durable, and more lightweight. They’re also available in a wide range of wattages to suit your performance needs whether at home, studio, or on-stage.
Most beginners use Solid State amps, but professionals tend to prefer more warm-sounding guitar amps.
Modeling/Digital Amps
Modeling amps are a newer type of guitar amplifier can mimic the sound of analog amps, including reputed tube amps and a couple of popular solid-state ones. As such, you get an improved level of flexibility with modeling amps and a wide range of sounds to experiment with.
Compared to tube amps, this type would be a more suitable for you if you’re looking for something more affordable than both tube and solid-state amps.
Additionally, if you’re a player typically on the move, having a relatively portable guitar amp would be quite convenient, which is an added bonus of modeling amps.
Overall, digital amps are the go-to option for beginners. Some say, they need the authentic sound of tube amps, which is why only a few professionals prefer it as a choice.
Factors to Consider
In addition to the types of guitar amps, there are some essential aspects that you should keep in mind while buying a guitar amp to make the most out of your money.
Budget
Guitar amplifiers are usually a costly investment. In fact, a full-blown amp equipped with all the bells and whistles can easily cost you over $1,000.
At $300, your options will mainly be entry-level and practice amps. These are great if you’re learning or looking for a backup amp that won’t mark a dent in your wallet.
Read Also: How Much Does a Guitar Amp Cost?: Full Guitar Amp Price Guide
Purpose
Before settling on a guitar amp, you should pinpoint why you’re using it. For instance, if it’s for home practice, your priority might be a lower-wattage amp since you won’t need a thunderous output.
Suppose you’re mainly interested in performing live. In that case, your top priorities will be power output and ease of control (foot controller support).
If you travel a lot, portability should be your primary concern. In contrast, recording requires an amp with high-quality recording/playback features.
Music Genre and Style
Some guitar amps are more suited than others for certain music genres and styles. For example, classic rock players need amps that produce clear sound and effectively handle distortion.
On the other hand, metal guitarists should go for amps with high bass gain and sustain. Players who focus on old-school tone, typically require amps with warm sound and average bass.
Power and Wattage
The power rating, or “wattage”, of a guitar amp generally corresponds to how loud it can go. Considering that the budget is set at $300, it would be fair to say that the amp isn’t be incredibly loud.
However, it can still get the job done for home practice, studio performances, and even small gigs. As you can see, from the options I’ve provided above, the average wattage at this price range would be between 20 to 50 watts.
Speaker Size and Configuration
The size and configuration of the amp’s speakers will affect its tone, especially regarding clarity and projection.
For example, smaller speakers offer more pronounced mids while bigger speakers produce emphasized bass.
Similarly, combo amps offer less dynamic output while stack (head and cabinet) amps allow for better control sound on-stage.
Read Also: What Is a Combo Amp for Guitar?
Additional Features
Besides the previously mentioned aspects, some extra features might prove worthwhile depending on your needs and add value to your purchase. These features include:
- Built-in handles
- Looping
- Connectivity options (Bluetooth, USB, AUX, TRRS)
- Tuner
- Manometer
FAQs
Should I get a combo amp or a stack amp?
Combo amps are more practical and affordable, so they’re a better option if you’re a beginner. You can move on to the more expensive and bigger stack amps as you progress.
Can I use a $300 amp for gigs?
Amps within this price range aren’t loud enough to accommodate large venues and gigs. However, if it’s a relatively small gig, it can work.
