Mini guitar amplifiers have undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Forget the days of tinny, unpleasant sounds emanating from toy-like devices. Today, the Best Little Guitar Amps deliver impressive tones in compact, portable packages, perfect for guitarists who need to practice at home, on the go, or in small spaces. As modern players increasingly seek convenience without sacrificing quality, these mini marvels offer a compelling alternative to larger, louder tube or solid-state amps.
A mini amp is characterized by its lightweight and space-saving design, even when compared to typical practice amps often bundled with beginner guitar sets. They feature smaller speakers and many are battery-powered, enhancing their portability. However, don’t let the size fool you. Thanks to advancements in passive radiator technology and sophisticated amp modeling, these little amps are capable of producing room-filling sound while occupying minimal space. This makes them ideal not only for beginners but also for seasoned professionals seeking a compact practice companion.
With a wide array of mini guitar amps available, choosing the right one can be challenging. To simplify your decision, we’ve categorized our top picks based on common use cases. Consider your primary needs: Are you seeking a home practice solution separate from your main rig? Do you need an amp that works well with your existing pedalboard? Or are you a beginner looking for an all-in-one starter amp? This guide covers options for every scenario. And if you still have questions, be sure to check out our FAQs section for further information.
Our Top Picks
A Positive Grid Spark Mini amp
Best Overall
1. Positive Grid Spark Mini
The Positive Grid Spark Mini stands out as our top pick for best little guitar amp due to its impressive feature set and exceptional sound quality relative to its size. This mini amp is user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and packed with a vast library of tones, making it a truly versatile option.
An NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII mini amp
Best Budget
2. NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII
The NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII is an incredibly feature-rich mini amp offered at an astonishingly affordable price. If you’re seeking a little amp loaded with features without breaking the bank, the Mighty Lite BT MKII is an excellent choice.
A Boss Katana Mini X mini guitar amp
Best Beginner
3. Boss Katana Mini X
The Boss Katana Mini X marks a significant advancement for BOSS in the mini amp category. It delivers powerful sound and user-friendly operation in a stylish and robust chassis. While slightly larger than some mini amps, its performance justifies its size.
Best Overall
You can rely on Guitar Player’s expertise. Our reviewers dedicate considerable time to testing and comparing guitar gear to help you make informed decisions. Learn more about our testing process.
A Positive Grid Spark Mini amp on the floor with a guitar cable
The Positive Grid Spark Mini delivers a surprisingly big sound for its size. (Image credit: Future)
1. Positive Grid Spark Mini
The best mini amp for overall versatility and features.
Read our in-depth review:
Specifications
- Price: $229 / £189
- Watts: 10W
- Speaker: 2x 2” Custom Designed Speakers
- Dimensions: Depth 4.84″, Width 5.76″, Height 6.49″
- Effects: 43 Built-in Amps & Effects, accessed via app
- Inputs: 1x 1/4″ Instrument, 1x 1/8″ Aux In
- Outputs: 1x 1/8″ Headphone/Line Out, 1x USB-C, Bluetooth Audio Streaming
- Battery: Integrated Rechargeable Battery
Reasons to Buy
- Extensive Tone Library: Access to thousands of amp and effect combinations.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Impressive clarity and depth for its size.
- Premium Build: High-quality construction and materials.
- Smart Features: Bluetooth connectivity, app integration for tone editing and practice tools.
Reasons to Avoid
- App Dependency: Full functionality relies on the companion app.
- Bass Limitations: May struggle with very low-end frequencies at higher volumes.
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for: Guitarists seeking a comprehensive mini amp solution for practice, tone exploration, and portability.
❌ Consider other options if: You prefer amps with standalone operation and minimal app integration or primarily play bass guitar.
The Spark Mini truly lives up to its name in terms of size, but it far surpasses expectations in every other aspect. Its innovative angled dual 2” speaker configuration produces a sound that defies its compact dimensions, offering balanced detail and sufficient low-end response for most practice scenarios. While extremely deep bass frequencies might push the speakers to their limits, for typical guitar playing across genres, the Spark Mini performs admirably.
Beyond sound, the Spark Mini distinguishes itself with exceptional build quality. The textured Tolex covering and refined mesh grill give it a premium feel that elevates it above many competitors in the mini amp category. It’s an amp you’ll be happy to display in your living space.
Out of the box, the Spark Mini offers four onboard presets, providing a solid starting point. However, to unlock its full potential, the Positive Grid Spark app is essential. While some users might be hesitant to rely on an app, it’s remarkably intuitive and provides deep control over the amp’s 43 effects and extensive amp model library. For those who prefer ready-made tones, the app offers access to over 10,000 user-created presets – a feature unmatched by any other mini amp.
Read our comprehensive Positive Grid Spark Mini review for a more detailed analysis.
Best Budget
A NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII mini amp with a smartphone and electric guitar
The NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII offers incredible value and features for budget-conscious guitarists. (Image credit: NUX)
2. NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII
The best mini amp for players on a tight budget.
[Expert Review Coming Soon]
Specifications
- Price: $99 / £79
- Watts: 3W
- Speaker: 1x 3” Speaker
- Dimensions: Depth 3.86”, Width 6.54”, Height 4.88”
- Effects: Delay, Reverb, accessed via amp controls and app
- Inputs: 1x 1/4″ Instrument, 1x 1/8″ Aux In
- Outputs: 1x 1/8″ Headphone, USB C
- Battery: 6x AA Batteries (not included) or USB Power
Reasons to Buy
- Unbeatable Value: Packed with features at a very low price point.
- Versatile Features: Includes amp modeling, effects, drum machine, and Bluetooth.
- User-Friendly App: Simple and intuitive mobile app for expanded control.
Reasons to Avoid
- App Required for Full Features: App unlocks the full potential of the amp.
- AA Batteries: Requires external batteries or USB power, no internal rechargeable battery.
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners and players seeking a feature-rich practice amp at a minimal cost.
❌ Consider other options if: You prefer amps with built-in rechargeable batteries or prioritize standalone operation without app dependency.
NUX has firmly established itself in the mini guitar amp market with the Mighty Lite BT MKII. The inclusion of a dedicated mobile app, MightyAmp, is a bold move, especially considering the established competition. However, the MightyAmp Mobile App is surprisingly user-friendly, featuring a graphical interface that’s easy to navigate even for those less comfortable with technology. The app significantly expands the Mighty Lite’s capabilities, unlocking additional tonal options and effects beyond what’s available directly on the amp.
For users who prefer not to use an app, the Mighty Lite is still functional right out of the box. It offers onboard delay and reverb effects (selectable one at a time), tap tempo, and standard gain, volume, and tone controls to shape your sound. Coupled with a built-in drum machine featuring nine different patterns and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and app control, the Mighty Lite BT MKII becomes a highly capable practice amp.
Considering its extensive features and incredibly low price, the Mighty Lite BT MKII is arguably one of the best value mini amps available. The reliance on AA batteries is a minor drawback, but it can be easily mitigated by using rechargeable AA batteries or powering it via a USB power bank, similar to those used for charging smartphones, offering a practical workaround.
Best for Beginners
A Boss Katana Mini X guitar amp on a wooden floor with guitar picks and headphones
The Boss Katana Mini X is an excellent mini amp choice for beginner guitar players. (Image credit: Future)
3. Boss Katana Mini X
The top mini amp pick for beginner guitarists.
[Expert Review Coming Soon]
Specifications
- Price: $149.99 / £145
- Watts: 10W
- Speaker: 1x 5” Custom Speaker
- Dimensions: Depth 5.75”, Width 11.31”, Height 7.87”
- Effects: Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo, T. Wah, Synth, Delay, Reverb, accessed via amp controls
- Inputs: 1x 1/4″ Instrument, 1x 1/8″ Aux In
- Outputs: 1x 1/8″ Headphone/Rec Out, USB C
- Battery: Integrated Rechargeable Battery
Reasons to Buy
- Big, Full Sound: Impressive volume and tone from a 5″ speaker.
- Solid, Robust Build: Durable construction built to last.
- Feature-Packed: Wide range of built-in effects and amp voicings.
- Standalone Operation: No app required for full functionality.
- Rechargeable Battery: Convenient built-in rechargeable battery.
Reasons to Avoid
- Larger Size for a Mini Amp: Less compact than some other mini amp options.
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for: Beginner guitarists seeking a straightforward, feature-rich amp with excellent sound and ease of use, without app dependency.
❌ Consider other options if: You need the absolute smallest and most portable mini amp, prioritizing ultra-compactness over features and sound volume.
The Boss Katana Mini X represents a significant step up from its predecessor, the Katana Mini, and solidifies BOSS’s position in the mini amp market, mirroring their success with the full-sized Katana range. While the original Katana Mini felt somewhat basic, the Katana Mini X is a different class of amplifier.
Key improvements include a broader selection of effects and enhanced features. A major upgrade for players who plan to use this amp on the go is the switch from disposable AA batteries to an integrated rechargeable battery, charged via USB-C. This is a welcome and practical enhancement, and it’s surprising it took BOSS this long to implement it.
The 5” speaker delivers a surprisingly powerful sound with notable low-end presence. Combined with a great selection of BOSS effects, the Katana Mini X is an inspiring practice tool for any guitarist seeking quality tones in a portable format. While it leans towards the larger end of the mini amp spectrum, its sound and feature set justify the slightly increased size. For beginners, the Katana Mini X offers an excellent balance of features, sound quality, and ease of use, making it an ideal first amplifier.
Best for Gigging
An Orange Micro Dark mini guitar amp head on top of a flight case
The Orange Micro Dark is the best little guitar amp for gigging guitarists. (Image credit: Future)
4. Orange Micro Dark
The best mini amp for live performance and gigging.
[Expert Review Coming Soon]
Specifications
- Price: $199 / £129
- Watts: 20W
- Speaker: N/A (Head Amp – Requires External Speaker Cabinet)
- Dimensions: Depth 3.74″, Width 6.5″, Height 5.31″
- Effects: No Built-in Effects, FX Loop for external pedals
- Inputs: 1x 1/4″ Instrument
- Outputs: 1x 1/4″ Headphone, 1x 8-16 Ohm Speaker Output
- Battery: No Battery Operation
Reasons to Buy
- Genuine Tube Tone: Features a 12AX7 preamp tube for authentic tube amp sound.
- High Power Output: 20 Watts, capable of driving external speaker cabinets for gigging volumes.
- Ultra-Compact Head: Extremely portable amp head format.
- FX Loop: Allows integration of external effects pedals.
Reasons to Avoid
- No Inbuilt Effects: Requires external effects for modulation, delay, reverb, etc.
- Requires External Cab: Needs a separate speaker cabinet to produce sound, not a standalone combo amp.
- No Battery Power: Requires mains power, not battery-operable.
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for: Gigging guitarists needing a highly portable amp head with genuine tube tone and enough power for small to medium venues.
❌ Consider other options if: You need a standalone practice amp for home use, require built-in effects, or need battery-powered operation.
The Micro Dark stands as the undisputed champion in the realm of mini amp heads. While other manufacturers have attempted to emulate Orange’s Micro series (including the Micro Terror), the Micro Dark remains the most popular and respected option for gigging guitarists seeking portability and tube tone.
Simplicity is at the core of the Micro Dark’s appeal. Its straightforward 3-knob control layout provides surprising tonal versatility for a 20W hybrid amplifier. Crucially, the Micro Dark incorporates a genuine ECC83 (12AX7) vacuum tube in the preamp stage, delivering the warm, responsive character of a tube amp in a miniature format. In contrast to the feature-rich digital modeling amps in the mini amp market, the Micro Dark takes a minimalist approach, prioritizing pure tube-driven tone.
While it lacks built-in effects, it includes an effects loop, catering to players who rely on pedalboards for their sound. For those seeking an all-in-one solution with a plethora of onboard features, the Micro Dark might not be the ideal choice. However, for guitarists prioritizing gig-ready tube tone in a mini amp format, the Micro Dark is unmatched.
The main consideration for practice use is that the Micro Dark requires a speaker cabinet to produce sound. While it can drive even a 4×12” cabinet, pairing it with a cabinet arguably negates the “mini amp” concept for home practice. Therefore, it’s primarily suited for players who need a compact, powerful head for live performances and rehearsals, where speaker cabinets are typically available at venues or practice spaces.
Best for Simplicity
A Blackstar Fly 3 Charge mini amp
The Blackstar Fly 3 Charge is a brilliant mini amp focusing on ease of use. (Image credit: Blackstar)
5. Blackstar Fly 3 Charge
A superb mini amp for players who value straightforward operation.
[Expert Review Coming Soon]
Specifications
- Price: $129.99 / £119
- Watts: 3W
- Speaker: 1x 3” Speaker
- Dimensions: Depth 4.01″, Width 6.69″, Height 4.96″
- Effects: Delay, accessed via amp controls
- Inputs: 1x 1/4” Instrument, 1x 1/8″ Aux In
- Outputs: 1x 1/8″ Headphone/Line Out, 1x USB-C, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, Extension Cab Out
- Battery: Integrated Rechargeable Battery
Reasons to Buy
- Simple and Intuitive: Easy to use with minimal controls.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth audio streaming for practice and playback.
- Expansion Cabinet Option: Can be paired with a Fly 103 extension cabinet for stereo sound and increased wattage.
- Integrated Rechargeable Battery: Convenient built-in battery for portability.
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited EQ Control: Single ISF EQ knob may not offer precise tone shaping for all players.
- Fewer Tonal Options: Compared to modeling amps, it offers fewer amp voicings and effects.
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for: Guitarists seeking a no-fuss, easy-to-use mini amp with good basic tones and Bluetooth functionality, prioritizing simplicity over extensive features.
❌ Consider other options if: You require a wide range of tonal options, extensive EQ control, or app-based features for tone shaping and practice tools.
Many argue that the Blackstar Fly series, particularly the Fly 3, is a benchmark for modern mini amps. It was among the first to take the mini amp concept seriously, delivering genuinely impressive tones from a remarkably compact amplifier. The Fly 3 Charge is the flagship of the Fly range, featuring a significant upgrade with an integrated rechargeable battery offering up to 18 hours of playtime, along with Bluetooth integration.
The Fly 3 Charge offers two channels: Clean and Overdrive. Blackstar’s patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) knob provides EQ control, and as Blackstar emphasizes, it does more than just adjust EQ settings; it alters the overall tonal character, shifting between a more American and British amp sound. While the ISF knob is powerful and simplifies EQ to a single control, some players might prefer a more conventional multi-band EQ for finer tone adjustments.
The Fly 3 Charge is built with reassuring solidity, and the longevity of the original 2014 versions is a testament to its durability. It’s an amp designed to last. Furthermore, it can be expanded with the optional Fly 103 extension cabinet, doubling the wattage to 6W and creating a stereo speaker setup for enhanced music playback and a wider soundstage. For beginners, in particular, the Fly 3 Charge is an excellent starting point, but its enduring quality ensures it will remain a valuable part of any guitarist’s collection for years.
Best Portable
A Positive Grid Spark Go mini amp on a studio desk
The Positive Grid Spark Go is incredibly loud and feature-packed for its tiny size. (Image credit: Future/Matt McCracken)
6. Positive Grid Spark Go
The ultimate take-anywhere mini amp for maximum portability.
Read our in-depth review:
Specifications
- Price: $129 / £114
- Watts: 5W
- Speaker: 1x 2” Custom Speaker
- Dimensions: Depth 1.7″, Width 4.9″, Height 3.3″
- Effects: 43 Built-in Amps & Effects, accessed via app
- Inputs: 1x 1/4″ Instrument
- Outputs: 1x 1/8″ Headphone
- Battery: Integrated Rechargeable Battery
Reasons to Buy
- Extremely Portable: Pocket-sized design for ultimate portability.
- Surprisingly Loud: Impressive volume output for its miniature size.
- Feature-Rich: Access to a wide range of amp models and effects via the Spark app.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth audio streaming and app integration.
Reasons to Avoid
- Bass Response Limitations: Small speaker struggles with very low frequencies.
- App Dependency: Full functionality relies on the companion app.
At a Glance
✅ Ideal for: Guitarists who need the most portable mini amp possible for travel, practice on the go, and situations where space is extremely limited.
❌ Consider other options if: You primarily play bass guitar or require robust low-end frequency reproduction, or prefer standalone operation without app dependency.
The Positive Grid Spark Go, the even smaller sibling of the Spark Mini, is the quintessential mini amp for guitarists who prioritize extreme portability and a wide array of sounds in a truly pocket-sized package. Like the rest of the Spark range, the Spark Go leverages the Positive Grid Spark app to unlock its full potential, offering limited but functional controls directly on the amp itself.
When connected to the Spark app, the Spark Go provides virtually limitless sound-creation possibilities, with 43 effects and a vast selection of amp models at your fingertips. While the app-centric approach might seem complex to some, it’s the key to the Spark Go’s remarkable versatility.
While it can’t quite match the volume output of its larger sibling, the Spark Mini, given its lower price point and significantly smaller size, this is to be expected. The Spark Go features a single 2” speaker compared to the Mini’s dual 2” setup. However, for its size, the Spark Go is surprisingly loud and delivers impressive tones. It’s ideal for players seeking the smallest possible amp that still produces great sounds, or as a highly portable extension of the tones available in larger Spark amplifiers.
Read our detailed Positive Grid Spark Go review for a deeper dive into its performance and features.
Also Consider
The amps listed above represent our top recommendations for various needs and preferences. However, recognizing that there’s no single “one-size-fits-all” solution, here are a couple of additional mini amp options worth considering:
Laney Mini-STB-Lion 2 | 6W | 2×3″ speakers | Bluetooth | 6x AA batteries
The Laney Mini-STB-Lion 2 is the updated version of the popular Mini-ST-Lion, refining and enhancing its predecessor’s strengths. The “B” in the name signifies the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless connection to devices. The standout feature of the Mini-STB-Lion-2 is its impressive sound, delivered by dual 3” speakers offering considerable volume and clarity for its size.
★★★★☆
Danelectro Honeytone1.5W | 1×2.5
Danelectro Honeytone | 1.5W | 1×2.5″ speaker | No Bluetooth | 9V DC or 9V battery
If vintage style is a priority in your mini amp, the Danelectro Honeytone is a compelling choice. With its retro Danelectro aesthetics, evoking a classic vibe, this charming little amp comes in various cool colors and even features a genuine leather handle. While the handle is a nice touch, the included belt clip might prove more practical for portability.
★★★★☆
FAQs
Close up of the effects knobs on the Boss Katana Mini X guitar amp
(Image credit: Future)
What is a mini amp?
A mini amp is a highly portable amplifier designed to be easily carried in a backpack or similar bag. They are significantly smaller than the practice amps often included in guitar starter packs. Typically, mini amps feature speakers of five inches or smaller.
Battery power is a common feature, although not strictly mandatory, and is a key selling point for mini amps. Battery operation enables players to practice and play anywhere, anytime, offering a significant advantage over slightly larger but still relatively small conventional practice amps.
What makes a great mini amp?
While physics dictates that mini amps will never replicate the sound of a large amplifier perfectly, the best mini amps defy expectations by producing a sound that seems much larger than their physical size. Some are capable of filling a room with sound, achieved through clever speaker design, efficient power handling, or intelligent EQ voicing that creates the illusion of a more substantial low-end presence.
While sheer volume isn’t usually the primary goal when purchasing a mini amp, excellent tone is paramount. Even if a mini amp cannot achieve stadium levels of volume, it should still deliver pleasing and inspiring tones. The best mini amps are meticulously designed to sound optimal at lower volumes and in various acoustic environments, making them ideal for practice and intimate playing situations.
What features should a mini amp have?
Historically, mini amps were very basic in terms of features. However, modern mini amps often incorporate a range of features, including integrated effects, tuners, and even Bluetooth connectivity. This provides players with almost everything they need for effective practice sessions and enjoyable playing experiences with quality tones. Bluetooth, a more recent addition, allows good mini amps to double as wireless speakers for music playback, enhancing their versatility.
Specific effects to look for in a mini amp include time-based effects like reverb and delay. These effects can create a sense of spaciousness and depth, making the sound feel less confined and closer to that of a larger amp. This helps bridge the sonic gap when switching between larger amps and mini amps for practice.
Mini amps are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for beginner guitarists due to their compact size and increasingly comprehensive feature sets. An integrated tuner is a particularly useful feature for beginners. Regardless of whether you’re playing a mini amp or a 100W stack, being in tune is essential for good sound.
A headphone output is a must-have feature for any great mini amp. This allows for silent practice, eliminating volume concerns and enabling focused practice sessions at any time without disturbing others. Headphone outputs ensure you can still enjoy the amp’s full tone and effects at any volume level.
How much should I spend on a mini amp?
Mini amps generally occupy the lower end of the amplifier market, making it possible to acquire a high-quality mini amp for comfortably under $200. For tighter budgets, there are numerous compelling mini amps available for $100 or less. Keep in mind that as you invest more, you typically gain more features, increased volume output, and improved overall sound quality. Amps priced under $50 might have limited features and fewer tonal options, but they can still be enjoyable and useful practice tools. The sweet spot for a balance of features, sound quality, and affordability is often found in the $100-$200 range for mini amps.
How We Test
Close up of the equalizer on a Boss Katana Mini X guitar amp
(Image credit: Future)
At Guitar Player, we’ve been rigorously testing guitar gear since 1967, providing us with an extensive historical perspective and deep understanding of guitar equipment. We’ve reviewed a vast spectrum of guitar amps, from vintage tube classics to cutting-edge modern modeling amps. This broad experience informs our approach to evaluating mini guitar amps for our buying guides. Our testing process for mini guitar amps mirrors the thoroughness we apply to full-size amplifiers.
Our initial step involves assessing the build quality of the amp. We examine the inputs and outputs, construction quality, speaker size, control layout, and any other physical attributes. This initial assessment helps us determine the target user and the intended use cases for the mini amp.
Next, we conduct a detailed evaluation of the amp’s usability. For modeling amps, we identify the number of amp models offered and the method for accessing them. We test any built-in effects, as well as supplementary features like Bluetooth or auxiliary inputs/outputs. Throughout this usability testing, we focus on how easily a user can navigate the amp’s features, dial in desired tones, and utilize any additional functionalities.
Finally, and arguably most importantly, we rigorously test the sound quality. For traditional-style amps, we typically start with all EQ controls set to a neutral position (12 o’clock) and begin playing to establish a baseline neutral tone. We then experiment with the controls to explore a range of tones, meticulously documenting our observations.
For modeling amps, we begin by evaluating the factory presets to gauge their sound quality and variety. Subsequently, we delve into creating our own tones from scratch, assessing the ease of building a signal chain and evaluating the realism and accuracy of the amp models compared to our experience with the actual gear they emulate.
Read more about how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.
