The Best Guitar Amps Under 300: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick Picks: Best Guitar Amps Under 300

1. Marshall Code 50

One of the most popular Marshall amps is Code 50. You can use a modeling combo amp with your phone or online software. The Code 50 has one 12-inch speaker and separate Preset and Edit control knobs. You can use up to four power amp models, eight-speaker models, 14 preamp models, and 24 effects. There are over 100 presets that can be modified to match the currently playing song.

This amplifier can be used with both electric and acoustic guitars. However, suppose you only intend to use it with acoustic guitars. In that case, we recommend you use a different amplifier designed specifically for acoustic guitars, such as the Fender Acoustasonic or Fishman Loudbox.

In terms of performance, Marshall Code 50 is superior. Downloading Marshall Gateway onto your phone will give you broader access to all its features. Utilize it to play music from your iOS or Android device. Code 50 is suitable for studio recordings and live performances in small to medium-sized venues. It’s not loud enough to fill a large auditorium, but it’s a steal for the price. This model is suitable for both beginners and experts.

2. Fender Champion 50XL

The Fender Champion 50XL is a solid-state modeling combo amp that is easy to use. One custom 12-inch Celestion Midnight 60 speaker is installed. The stylish design features an eight-way voice selector that allows you to blend music and play all genres, from country to metal. There is no menu on this device, but you can adjust the settings simply by twisting the knobs clockwise or counterclockwise. The FX Select dial allows you to alter the tone of your solos, chorus, and tremolo.

The tap tempo delay switch on the amp is impressive because it records repeats to match songs of different tempos. The 12-inch Celestion Midnight 60 speaker has a huge impact and sounds excellent. It is also one of the lightest amplifiers.

3. Vox AV15

The Vox AV15 is a modeling combo tube amp that is designed for use by beginners. It is suitable for use in enclosed areas, such as the home or studio. The amp comes with one custom 8-inch Vox speaker that works well with acoustic guitars. It also comes packed in a vintage wood box for better resonance. This amp has three analog-voiced digital effects: Reverb, Delay, and Chorus. You can use this amp to play jazz or rock music of all styles. The unique cabinet construction and the tube-equipped analog power section produce a clean sound that will impress your audience.

The Bright and Fat switches help you prepare to mix songs. Another great feature is the Bias control, which lets you choose between modern and vintage tube sounds. The user-friendly layout makes it easy for beginners to adjust the settings on the amp. Additionally, it features a Reactor switch for adjusting power amp damping.

This amplifier has some convenient features. It has clean, crunch, overdrive, and high-gain tones. You can also use the Hi-Fi Aux input to connect your devices. The amplifier also has a headphone output with realistic simulation to help you practice.

This gadget comes with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer. In addition, it has several attractive features.

4. Orange Micro Dark

Orange Amp Pumps developed the Micro Dark in response to customer requests for a more compact version of their Dark Terror and Dual Dark amplifiers. This tiny amp can still make your voice and beats sound loud. It’s designed for metal tones, but it can be used for any style of music. This model’s transparent, fully buffered effects loop, CabSim circuitry, and headphone output, which allows you to concentrate while preparing for a performance, are our favorite features.

The Micro Dark amplifier is an excellent choice for recording music. It has a buffered, low-impedance loop that will not affect the tone of your music. This loop will also boost the performance of your pedals.

The design of this amplifier is excellent. It has a small handle so you can carry it around easily. It also costs less than Marshall amps, making it more affordable. Plus, you get one year of warranty coverage, which can be extended to two years.

5. Roland CUBE Street

Roland amps are known for being durable, high-quality, and clean. The Roland CUBE Street is another excellent product by the brand. It is a compact 5W combo amplifier that is perfect for traveling musicians. It is battery-powered and versatile, capable of high-volume output thanks to its two 6.5-inch high-performance speakers. The amp is designed more conveniently than traveling, making it an excellent choice for teachers.

This application should not be used for music analysis or transcribing. It’s also not suitable for vocals. You’ll need an extra channel to use for music. This item lacks a complete sound spectrum. Therefore an acoustic guitar will not sound nice with it. When you’re on a limited, tight budget or only wish to buy this item, you should get this product. You can alter the settings to make it work for you. The volume, EQ, and reverb settings are distinct and work nicely with an electric guitar.

This product has a battery that lasts for up to seven hours. It is enough time for a class. After use, take out the battery because some users have complained about batteries leaking. This product also has 8 COSM AMPs, six digital effects, and a chromatic tuner which we liked. Roland provides a one-year guarantee on this device.

6. Monoprice 611815

The Monoprice 611815 tube amp is one of the best on the market. It is well-known for its versatility, adaptability, and great tone. It includes one 12-inch Celestion Speaker, making it ideal for performances in large studios. Using the pedal, you can activate the spring reverb. Our favorite feature of this amp is its 3-band equalizer, which allows you to fine-tune your sound. The design is sophisticated and stylish.

The synthetic leather box and handle are beige. We noticed that it gets dirty easily but comes off using a wet wipe. Because it is light-colored, you must exercise caution when using it. It features three industry-standard 12AX7 tubes, which provide diversity and make your song unique. Because it is a historical piece, it is ideally suited for playing songs from the 1940s and 1950s.

This amplifier has two inputs, low and high. It also has a Celestion Seventy-80 speaker, which creates a clear sound. The amplifier also has a one-year replacement and a 30-day money-back warranty.

7. Line 6 Spider V 20

The Line 6 Spider V 20 is a great affordable model for beginners. It has 16 diverse presets you can customize using the To make your music, use the Spider V Remote. The presets are suitable for both acoustic and bass guitars. The remote makes various amp features, like 200+ amps, cabs, and effects, more accessible. This model provides beautiful blue and clear tones, which also astonished us. We were surprised by how well this budget model performed.

This amp has a built-in tuner and tap tempo, which are handy when practicing. It also has a USB interface, which is helpful if you want to practice with your computer. The amp also includes a headphone outlet, so you can practice without disturbing your neighbors. This amp also allows you to play three simultaneous effects and independent reverb.

Whenever you have any concerns regarding this product, do not worry. We found that the sound is cleaner and more potent than MicroCube. In addition, you are covered by a one-year limited warranty. We had a great time with this amp and are confident you will.

Things to Consider

We offer the perfect guitar amp for you, no matter your budget. When starting, it can be hard to decide which amp suits you. There are different types, like solid-state amps and tube amps. Don’t worry; we will help you choose the best one for under $300.

1. Affordable

The amp is cheap. Even if you don’t want to use it for your music journey, you won’t feel bad about spending too much money on it. You can perhaps sell it to another aspiring guitarist to help pay for the amplifier. A little youngster showing an interest in music would adore receiving it for Christmas.

2. Made for Rugged Use

Amps less than $300 are designed for people who are tough on their equipment. People are just starting to experiment, so these amps are a good choice.

3. Lightweight

The seven amp models we reviewed in this article weigh less than 40 pounds. It makes them easy to carry around. Plus, none have a glass or any delicate parts, so you don’t have to worry about breaking them.

1. Not for Versatile Use

Solid-state amps are the most affordable type of amp. They are not as versatile as tube amps, which create a warm sweet distortion that is only suitable with electric guitars.

2. Difficult to Produce Heavy Amp Distortion Effects

If you are into heavy metal and want to use amps, these might not be the best for you. They can only be made using amplifiers, no pedals or effects.

Type and Configuration

There are four guitar amplifiers: modeling, tube, solid state, and hybrid. Solid-state amps use transistors for power and preamps. They usually produce a clean tone, but some have a distortion effect which is great for traveling musicians.

Some guitarists prefer the warm, organic, and fat tone distortion from tube amplifiers. These amplifiers, such as the Vox AV15, consume the same wattage as a solid-state amplifier but produce more sound. However, they have a shorter product life, so you have to change them often depending on how often you use them. Modeling amplifiers, like the Marshall Code 50, are comparable to tube amps but provide a more vintage sound. Hybrid amplifiers are the greatest of all amps since they combine tube and solid-state power sections.

There are several variants of guitar amplifiers to choose from. Speakers and amplifiers are often combined into a single device called a combo amplifier. Head amplifiers always require a speaker that is sold separately.

Power and Speakers

The higher the cost, the more influential the amplifier. The featured amplifiers range from 15W to 50W, and 8 to 12-inch speakers. They are suitable for both studio and small to medium-sized venues. The Orange Micro Dark is the smallest and least powerful unit on our list, but keep in mind that it requires an external speaker.

You will require an amp that can fill the entire space if you perform at larger venues. You can also use two amps that are each 50W, which will work in the same way.

Built-in Effects

Amp units have several built-in effects, including tremolo. Tremolo is a type of effect that makes the sound ‘wavy.’ It is often used with the surf guitar. Modeling amp units have the most built-in effects. Reverb, which modifies the sound of an acoustic guitar, and distortion, which modifies the sound of an electric guitar, are additional functions.

Some extra features that an amp might come with include preset effects and channel switching.

Inputs

If you need an amp with multiple USB inputs and one headphone output, then the Orange Micro Dark or Line 6 Spider V 20 are good choices. Remember that these are more budget-friendly options, so not all models have these features.

Warranty

Most brands offer a warranty for one or two years. Suppose you intend to use the amplifier for an extended period. In that case, you should choose the Fender Champion 50XL or Vox.

1. Orange Crush 35RT

Orange amps are quickly becoming one of the most popular brands because of their powerful and unique sound. The Crush 35RT gives players the features and sound of more expensive tube amps but for an unbelievable price. This guitar amp has two channels, clean and dirty, which can create various sounds. The clean channel is warm and full, while the dirt channel can go from Britpop to Slipknot.

The built-in reverb gives your playing a shimmery sound. The onboard tuner keeps you in the right key. The CabSim circuit lets you record straight to your computer – using the amp as an audio interface. It is excellent for getting your ideas down whenever inspiration strikes.

2. Fender Champion 40

The Fender Champion 40 is a great all-around amp. You can choose from 12 different amp voices, including some of Fender’s most famous amps like the Bassman, Deluxe, and 65 Twin Reverb. There are also Marshall emulations with British voicings and high-gain tones. As a result, this amplifier can cover a lot of ground.

There are 12 effects that you can use to make your guitar sound better. These effects are chorus, delay, and reverb. You also get a headphone jack for silent practice and a line-in to play your favorite songs. It makes the amp very powerful for a low price.

3. Marshall MG30GFX

Marshall amplifiers are an excellent choice for guitar players. They have a gold control band and a white Marshall logo. The Marshall MG30GFX is designed for newer players who want a boutique British amp tone but don’t want to spend much money.

Marshall amps are all about their drive sounds. It means that you can find three different drive sounds to use. They will give you that warm, crunchy sound that Marshall is famous for. You can use them for light dusting or all-out sonic chaos.

The onboard effects let you experiment with different sounds. You can also use headphones to practice without making noise. The recording-out lets you record your guitar playing on your computer or smartphone.

4. Bugera V5 Infinium

Suppose you want to understand what all the fuss about tube amps is. In that case, the Bugera V5 Infinium offers players a low-cost way to experience the holy grail of guitar tone. It’s fantastic that Bugera can offer such a configuration at this price, but we’re not going to complain!

The V5 Infinium is powered by a tube, delivering a powerful guitar tone. When it is clean, it sounds like warm sound. But if you turn up the gain, it will give you a throaty and mid-heavy voice that can be heard well on stage or in the practice room.

Even though this amp only uses 5 watts of power, it is still deafening. Bugera has included a power attenuation switch to lower the volume to 1 or even 0.5 watts when practicing at home.

5. Blackstar ID: Core V3 40w

The ID: Core V3 is an excellent amplifier for modern guitar players. It has a lot of different tones, effects, and ways to connect to other devices. It makes it very versatile for any situation.

Six amp types create different clean and dirty sounds. It includes a vintage chime and a tight metal guitar tone. You can also make some gorgeous crunch sounds, depending on what type of vibe you want – classic rock from the ’70s or indie guitar twang from more modern times.

The onboard effects are delivered in super-wide stereo due to the speaker configuration. The high-quality suite of reverbs, delays, and modulation effects sounds excellent. You can stream directly to your smartphone and computer, and the Architect software allows in-depth tone tweaking.

6. Fender Mustang LT25

The Fender Mustang LT25 is a modern take on the modeling amplifier. Its display helps you quickly choose your amp voice and effects. It makes it easy to get the sound you want.

There are 30 presets for you to choose from, each with a different sound. You can change the presets by pressing the large encoder button. It will change the tone to what you want it to be.

The effects suite gives you a variety of sounds to experiment with. It will help you to push the boundaries of your guitar playing. There are some great sounds for delay and reverb too.

7. Line 6 Spider V MkII 30

Line 6 was the first company to make modeling amps, and its Spider range has remained popular because it offers a lot of choices. The Line 6 Spider V 30 is powerful enough for small gigs while giving you plenty of options to find your sound.

There are many different types of amp tones here for you to try out. The clean sounds are lovely and precise, while the crunch and high-gain tones offer lots of power for heavier music.

You can control everything with your smartphone if you want. It gives you a nicer interface than the tactile controls on the front of the amp. Plus, the smartphone comes with a copy of Cubase, so you can lay down demos whenever inspiration strikes.

8. Vox Valvetronix VT20X

The Vox Valvetronix VT20X is a hybrid amplifier that tries to create realistic valve amp tones. It means the sound will be warm, and you will feel the touch sensitivity that guitarists love. It has a real 12AX7 tube in the preamp section.

There are a lot of different amp models and features here. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you spend some time with it, you will find your perfect sound. You can choose Fender-style Tweed, Marshall-type crunch, or the classic Vox Type-A chime.

The 20 built-in effects are very usable and sound great with the amp tones. The Vox tone room software lets you download that sound like famous guitar players’ rigs.

9. Marshall CODE25

The Marshall CODE25 is the British amp brand’s first attempt at a modeling amp. It comes pre-loaded with 100 presets, so you can start using it immediately.

This amp has a lot of great tones. You can get lead tones that sound like you are pushing a tube amp, and classic Marshall says. Most of the presets are ready to use without any adjustments.

The onboard effects on the Marshall Gateway app include reverb, delay, and modulation. You can use the app to sculpt the effects and amp tones in minute detail, with the amp reacting in real time to help you dial in your perfect guitar tone.

10. Roland Cube 10GX

The Roland Cube 10GX is an excellent amplifier with many different tones. You can use the Roland Cube Kit app to get even more tones. It will let you sound like a lot of other musicians.

The sound quality is excellent when you turn the volume up. You can hear all the different sounds. It is suitable for jazz and country music. You can also hear the different sounds when you turn it up for dirt settings.

The Cube Kit app is easy to use. You can use it with a wireless connection or with a cord. The app has high-quality amp tones. You can also use the headphone-out to practice quietly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Guitar Amps Under 300