Best Mini Amplifiers for Guitar 2022
The music gear brands and manufacturers were for the longest time focused on creating as big and as loud amps as possible.
However, this catered to the needs of gigging musicians and professionals, leaving beginners and guitarists that prefer jamming with friends with the same old models. Today, we will talk about the best mini amplifiers.
Outstanding quality of the sound projection, durability, and iconic tone.
Namely, the biggest tradeoffs with super-powered amps are that they’re too bulky to carry around, too loud to play pretty much anywhere aside from a professional music studio and to top it off, they are also extremely expensive.
Mini amplifiers for guitar are the complete opposite – compact, cheap, and unparalleled in producing outstanding audio quality at low volumes. We’ve taken a look at what the current market has to offer, so let’s take a look at the 5 Best Mini Amplifiers for Guitar in 2022:
1. Blackstar Electric Guitar Mini Amplifier
The Download
Blackstar amps are renowned for their outstanding quality of the sound projection, durability, and iconic tone. It can be argued that Fly 3 is the best mini amp for guitar on the current market, embodying all of the aforementioned qualities to the letter.
True to its name, this Blackstar can truly ‘fly’, as it weighs under two pounds. It offers great audio quality at all volumes, and it’s among stronger mini amps with 3 watts of power. It also has a line-in port that allows guitarists to plug it into a PC, as well as a separate 3.5mm port for headphones.
In terms of key features, Blackstar Fly 3 features two channels, the clean one, and the overdrive. With a 3-band EQ, the tone on both channels can be fine-tuned with ease. The EQ is comprised of gain, volume, and equalizer, as well as a built-in delay with programmable level and time.
The only potential issue you could have with the Fly 3 is that its AC adapter is quite bulky. Some guitarists have reported that their Fly 3 would hum when the adapter was plugged in, but since its batteries are rechargeable, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
The Specs
- Item Dimensions: 7.59 x 5.59 x 4.29 in
- Item Weight: 1.98 lbs
- Output Wattage: 3 watts
Stuff I like
- Outstanding sound quality
- Lightweight and superbly portable
- Two channels to complement any music style
- Built-in customizable delay
Stuff I like less
- Bulky adapter that could potentially hum when plugged in
Where to get it
2. Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier
The Download
Fender guitars and amps have been a staple in the music industry for almost a century, and many were hyped when the brand introduced Frontman to its catalog. This is a tiny one-channel amplifier that delivers the classic Fender tone at decently loud volumes, powered by 10 watts and equipped with simple tone controls.
In comparison to Blackstar’s Fly 3, it’s almost twice as big while weighing approximately 8.5 pounds. Fender Frontman 10W may be bulky for mini guitar amp standards, but it’s still remarkably light and compact.
This practice amp features gain, volume, treble, and bass controls, as well as an overdrive switch for lovers of heavier music genres. It’s also supplied with a 6-inch speaker that projects its magnificent tone like a charm.
Its ability to produce pristinely clear sounds even at the lowest of volumes is exceptional; on the other end, it doesn’t break up at the highest gain and loudest of volumes. Coupled with highly intuitive controls, these attributes make this mini amp great for both gigs (when paired to a strong cab), but it’s essentially the ultimate practice amp.
The Specs
- Item Dimensions: 5.75 x 10.25 x 11 in
- Item Weight: 8.50 lbs
- Material Type: Metal
- Power Source: Electric
Stuff I like
- 10 watts strong
- Equipped with a 6-inch speaker
- Doesn’t lose tonal clarity or power at extreme volume levels (neither low nor high)
- Outstanding durability
Stuff I like less
- Slightly bigger and heavier than an average mini guitar amp
- Single-channel amp
Where to get it
3. Orange Amps Crush Mini Analog Combo Amp
The Download
The Crush Mini is a robust amp with a unique set of features, flashy aesthetics, and plenty of utility. It packs three watts of power, an integrated tuner, and a large speaker covered in basketweave vinyl. It’s the smallest amp in the Orange Amps catalog, and one of the best-selling mini amps on the current market.
Powered by an internal 9V battery, the maintenance process when it comes to Crush Mini is remarkably simple. In comparison to Blackstar Fly’s six batteries (or the humming adapter), you only need to recharge one. Crush Mini supports an external power supply, but it’s typically not included in the package.
In terms of size and weight, this mini amp is even smaller than Fly 3 while weighing under two pounds. Its VOTW 4-inch speaker is protected by vinyl, which also adds to its gorgeous looks.
The main controls of Orange Amps Crush Mini are the input, gain, volume, and shape, but it also features a built-in chromatic tuner. Overall, it’s a simple practice amp that delivers consistent results and perfectly clean sound.
The Specs
- Item Dimensions: 3.27 x 5.91 x 5.71 in
- Item Weight: 1.99 lbs
- Output Wattage: 3 Watts
Stuff I like
- Top-quality hardware
- One of the smallest and lightest amps on the list
- Decent wattage
- Great for home practice and jamming
Stuff I like less
- Doesn’t come with a power supply
- A bit more expensive than average
Where to get it
4. Marshall MS2 Battery-Powered Micro Guitar Amplifier
The Download
Marshall MS2 is the ultimate mini amp for guitar players that are searching for the smallest and lightest guitar amplifier around. It weighs roughly 0.34 pounds and could literally fit inside a pocket.
It’s built with the same materials as regular-sized Marshalls, and it packs the same iconic design. However, it rocks a single watt in terms of power, and its only notable feature is the headphone jack – it doesn’t come with line ins or outs, onboard effects, or a tuner.
On the brighter side, it does have a customizable overdrive knob, as well as volume and tone controls. As far as price is of concern, Marshall MS2 is in the same price range as Orange Crush Mini, but it could be dubbed ‘expensive’ for the sole reason of being weaker.
The Specs
- Item Dimensions: 5.51 x 4.33 x 5.51 in
- Item Weight: 12 oz
- Output Wattage: 1 Watts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
Stuff I like
- Classic Marshall aesthetics
- Smallest and lightest amp on the list
- Requires a single battery to work
- Headphone input
Stuff I like less
- Minimalistic features
- Only 1 watt of power
Where to get it
5. Danelectro Honeytone N-10 Guitar Mini Amp
The Download
Let’s wrap it up with Danelectro’s Honeytone N-10 – a gorgeous compact amp that sits in the golden middle between optimal performance and portability-driven convenience.
This amp packs 1.5 watts and features a 2.5-inch speaker. Its tone is unsurprisingly phenomenal, although the low wattage inhibits its usefulness for anything aside from home practice.
Its main control knob is ‘Tone’, which governs both treble and the bass frequencies. Danelectro’s Honeytone also rocks a built-in overdrive that boosts its versatility. This amp is ideal for jamming, especially since it features a belt clip that guitarists can use to carry it as they jam and play.
Other notable features include a built-in handle on its top side for easier transportation and a headphone output.
The Specs
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 6 in
- Item Weight: 14.3 oz
- Material Type: Leather
- Output Wattage: 10 Watts
- Power Source: Adapter,Battery Powered
- Wattage: 10 watts
Stuff I like
- Ideal for rock and metal musicians
- Excellent portability
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Built-in handle
Stuff I like less
- The tone may slightly break up on clean tones
Where to get it
Buyer’s Guide
There will come times when you need a small, portable mini amplifier for your guitar while on the move. Finding a suitable one is quite a mission, so we have added facts you need to consider before going out and buying one.
Sound Quality
As always, when it has to do with equipment that delivers sound, you need to be sure about the output quality of the device. While these small portable amplifiers will never sound as good as their bigger brothers, you still need good-quality sound.
You will need a good level of power output; some of these deliver only 1 watt, but up to 10 watts are also found. The higher the watts, the more power you will get from your mini guitar amplifier. The clearer the sound output, the better.
You don’t need it to be that loud, but a good sound range is a plus point when buying a mini guitar amp.
Design, Build, and Portability
Because it is meant for mobility, your mini guitar amplifier must be lightweight to make it a bit easier for you. When it comes to your portable mini guitar amp, you want it to display well, so a nice design will go a long way.
Some of them are well-designed but deliver quite a powerful sound and have great built-in features. The more durable the materials used are, the longer your mini amp will last. You need that to be a good investment for your money.
With a nice dust cover included, you can easily store and travel with your mini amp while keeping it protected.
Connectivity
To be able to connect your mini guitar amplifier to external speakers when you need them is a plus point. What will also be especially useful is whether you can use a mic with your mini amplifier. A microphone input is a great option to have.
A bonus is if you can connect your mini guitar amp to a mobile device, which will increase the versatility. If it comes with USB connectivity, you can also add some new tech stuff to it.
Added Features and Built-in Effects
Having built-in effects such as phaser, reverb, delay, and echo will help to get more out of your mini amplifier. This will also help improve the overall sound effects and provide you with a wider range of choices.
You will also have more flexibility with what you have to offer for final results in your music. Larger speakers will also increase your power output and help to deliver clear sound from your instrument.
Price Factor
Not all of us have the budget to go out and buy the most expensive mini guitar amp with a myriad of features. There are those that come with an affordable price of under $50; then again, you can have a great mini amp for less than $100.
It is not always the most expensive one that delivers the best sound. There is always a middle option where you can find a good mini amp for a good price without sacrificing quality.
Best Mini Amplifiers for Guitars: Conclusion
The best guitar mini amp is the one that caters to your specific needs. While regular-sized amplifiers can be clear-cut or versatile, the latter is rarely an attribute that could be ascribed to miniature amps. Their wattage ranges between 1 and 10, so it’s usually better to focus on compactness and unique features, such as customizable effects or a tuner.
We hope that you’ve found a mini guitar amplifier that is to your liking on this list! For more content, check out this cool list. Stay safe!
A musician with over 2 decades of experience in studio recording. Audiophile, always in pursuit of the perfect set of headphones. King Crimson fan.
This post was last updated on 2024-10-31 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.
Wow you really miss the Laney series…the Nux…
They blow all of these awa
Hey Chris – Yeah, we stopped at 5 but the Laney, especially, was on the list. We update these lists pretty regularly so we’ll get those thrown in the mix. I think it would be almost fair to throw in a Jam unit too, that’s a pretty cool way to go ‘mini guitar amp’ and there are some great modelling plugins for iPhone or iPad etc.