Mini guitar amps have evolved from being mere novelties to essential tools for guitarists of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a practice companion, a seasoned pro needing a portable rig, or anyone in between, the Best Small Guitar Amps deliver impressive tones in compact packages. Forget the days of tinny, weak sounds – modern mini amps offer a wide range of features and surprisingly powerful audio in a conveniently small size.
When considering a small guitar amp, portability and space-saving design are key. These amps are typically lighter and more compact than standard practice amps, often featuring smaller speakers and battery power options. Thanks to advancements in passive radiator technology and amp modeling, today’s mini amps can produce room-filling sound without occupying much space. This makes them ideal not only for beginners but also for experienced players needing a discreet practice amp for home or travel.
With a plethora of options available, choosing the right small guitar amp can be daunting. To simplify your decision, we’ve categorized our top recommendations based on specific use cases. Consider your primary needs: Is it for quiet home practice, integration with your pedalboard, or as a comprehensive starter amp? This guide covers various needs, and for further assistance, consult our FAQs section for more detailed information.
Our Top Picks
Positive Grid Spark Mini Amp for Best Overall
Best Overall: Positive Grid Spark Mini
The Positive Grid Spark Mini stands out as our top pick, packing features typically found in larger amplifiers into a remarkably small and user-friendly design. Its impressive sound quality and diverse tone options make it a winner in the mini amp category.
NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII Mini Amp for Best Budget
Best Budget: NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII
The NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII offers an incredible array of features at an exceptionally affordable price. If you’re seeking a feature-rich mini amp without breaking the bank, the Mighty Lite is an excellent choice.
Boss Katana Mini X Mini Guitar Amp for Best Beginner
Best Beginner: Boss Katana Mini X
The Boss Katana Mini X represents a significant advancement for BOSS in the mini amp market. It delivers powerful sound and user-friendly operation in a stylish and easily navigable package, making it ideal for beginners.
Best Overall
Positive Grid Spark Mini amp on a floor with a guitar cable for big sound
1. Positive Grid Spark Mini
The best mini amp overall
Our expert review:
Specifications
Price: $229/£189
Watts: 10W
Speaker: 2×2”
Dimensions: D4.84″, W5.76″, H6.49″
Effects: 43 Built-in
Inputs: 1x 1/4″ (instrument), 1x 1/8″ (aux in)
Outputs: 1x 1/8″ (headphones/line out), 1x USB-C, Bluetooth
Battery: Integrated rechargeable battery
Reasons to Buy
- Extensive tone options
- Impressive sound quality
- Excellent build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Can struggle with deep low end frequencies
- App dependency may not suit all users
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you want an all-inclusive mini amp: The Spark Mini is packed with a vast selection of amps and effects, along with useful practice tools, making it a comprehensive solution for guitarists.
❌ Avoid if you prefer amps without apps: While functional without the app, the Spark Mini’s full potential is unlocked through the app. It may not be ideal for those wanting to avoid smartphone integration.
The Spark Mini redefines what’s possible in a mini amp. Despite its small size, it delivers a surprisingly large sound thanks to its cleverly angled dual 2” speaker design. The sound is well-balanced with good detail and sufficient low-end for most playing scenarios, although extremely deep bass tones might push the speakers to their limits.
Beyond sound, the Spark Mini excels in build quality. Constructed from glass-fiber with a luxurious Tolex exterior and a classy mesh grille, this amp is aesthetically pleasing and feels premium. It’s an amp you’ll be happy to display in your home.
While it offers four onboard presets for quick access, the true power of the Spark Mini is unleashed through the Positive Grid Spark app. Although some technophobes might hesitate, the app is intuitive and provides complete control over 43 effects and a vast amp library. With over 10,000 user-created presets available, no other mini amp offers such tonal versatility.
Read our full Positive Grid Spark Mini review
Best Budget
NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII mini amp with smartphone and guitar for budget practice
2. NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII
The best budget mini amp
Our expert review:
Specifications
Price: $99/£79
Watts: 3W
Speaker: 1x 3”
Dimensions: D3.86”, W6.54”, H4.88”
Effects: Delay, Reverb
Inputs: 1x 1/4″ (instrument), 1x 1/8″ (aux in)
Outputs: 1x 1/8″ (headphones), USB C
Battery: 6x AA
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional value for money
- Feature-rich for its price
Reasons to Avoid
- App is required for full functionality
- Runs on AA batteries
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you’re on a tight budget: The Mighty Lite offers excellent sound and a wide range of features at a very accessible price point, around $100.
❌ Avoid if you dislike battery-powered devices: It lacks an internal rechargeable battery, requiring either disposable or rechargeable AA batteries.
NUX has firmly established itself in the small guitar amp market with the Mighty Lite BT MKII. The accompanying MightyAmp Mobile App is surprisingly user-friendly, featuring a graphic interface that’s easy to navigate even for those less tech-savvy. The app expands the Mighty Lite’s tonal capabilities and adds extra effects.
Even without the app, the Mighty Lite is ready to use right out of the box. It includes delay/reverb (selectable one at a time) with tap tempo, plus standard gain, volume, and tone controls for dialing in a solid sound. Combined with a drum machine offering nine patterns and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s a fantastic practice amp.
Considering its features versus its price, the Mighty Lite is among the best value mini amps available. The need for AA batteries is a minor drawback, although it can also be powered by a USB power bank, offering a convenient alternative.
Best for Beginners
Boss Katana Mini X guitar amp on floor with picks and headphones for beginners
3. Boss Katana Mini X
The best mini amp for beginners
Our expert review:
Specifications
Price: $149.99/£145
Watts: 10W
Speaker: 1x 5”
Dimensions: D5.75”, W11.31”, H7.87”
Effects: Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo, T. Wah, Synth, Delay, Reverb
Inputs: 1x 1/4″ (instrument), 1x 1/8″ (aux in)
Outputs: 1x 1/8″ (headphones/rec out), USB C
Battery: Integrated rechargeable battery
Reasons to Buy
- Powerful and full sound
- Robust build quality
- Feature-packed and versatile
Reasons to Avoid
- Relatively large for a mini amp
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you’re seeking your first guitar amp: The Boss Katana Mini X provides an excellent balance of essential features without overwhelming beginners with excessive options. Its app-free operation is also a plus.
❌ Avoid if space is extremely limited: The Katana Mini X is on the larger side for a mini amp, so it might not be ideal if maximum compactness is crucial.
The Katana Mini X is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Katana Mini, positioning BOSS as a leader in the mini amp market, mirroring their success with the full-sized Katana range. Unlike the smaller Katana Mini which felt somewhat basic, the Katana Mini X is a more refined and capable amp.
Key improvements include a wider range of effects and enhanced features. A major upgrade for portability is the shift from disposable AA batteries to an integrated rechargeable battery, charged via USB-C. This is a welcome and long-overdue improvement from BOSS.
The 5” speaker delivers impressive punch and notable low-end response. Combined with a great selection of BOSS effects, the Katana Mini X is an exciting and versatile amp for any guitarist wanting quality tones on the go. While larger than some mini amps, its portability is still excellent, especially considering its sound output.
Best for Gigging
Orange Micro Dark mini guitar amp head on flight case for gigging musicians
4. Orange Micro Dark
The best mini amp for gigging players
Our expert review:
Specifications
Price: $199/£129
Watts: 20W
Speaker: N/A (Head Only)
Dimensions: D3.74″, W6.5″, H5.31″
Effects: No
Inputs: 1x 1/4″
Outputs: 1x 1/4″ (headphones)
Battery: No
Reasons to Buy
- Authentic tube tone
- High power output for its size
- Extremely compact head
Reasons to Avoid
- No onboard effects
- Requires an external speaker cabinet
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you need a mini amp for live performances: This tiny Orange head is perfect for gigging guitarists who need a small, portable amp that can fit in a backpack. Pair it with a cabinet at the venue or practice space and you’re ready to play.
❌ Avoid if you need an all-in-one home practice amp: As a head unit requiring a speaker cabinet, it’s not the most convenient option for quiet home practice.
The Micro Dark is the benchmark for mini amp heads. While other brands have released their own compact heads to compete with Orange’s Micro series (including the Micro Dark and Micro Terror), none have achieved the same popularity and recognition.
The Micro Dark’s strength lies in its simplicity. A straightforward 3-knob layout provides surprising tonal control from its 20W hybrid power section – featuring a genuine ECC83 (12AX7) preamp tube. Compared to feature-rich digital mini amps, the Micro Dark may seem basic, lacking built-in effects.
It forgoes integrated effects but includes an effects loop, appealing to players who use pedalboards. If you seek a versatile amp with numerous features, this isn’t it. However, for guitarists needing a mini amp capable of gigging, the Micro Dark is an outstanding choice.
The main consideration for practice is that the Micro Dark requires a speaker cabinet. Once connected to a cabinet, even a 4×12”, its compact size as a ‘package’ becomes debatable. It’s best suited for players needing a portable amp for shows rather than solely for home practice.
Best for Simplicity
Blackstar Fly 3 Charge mini amp for simple operation
5. Blackstar Fly 3 Charge
A brilliant mini amp for those who prefer straightforward operation
Our expert review:
Specifications
Price: $129.99/£119
Watts: 3W
Speaker: 1x 3”
Dimensions: D4.01″, W6.69″, H4.96″
Effects: Delay
Inputs: 1x 1/4” (instrument), 1x 1/8″ (aux in)
Outputs: 1x 1/8″ (headphones/line out), 1x USB-C, Bluetooth, Extension Cab Out
Battery: Integrated rechargeable battery
Reasons to Buy
- Easy and intuitive to use
- Bluetooth enabled for connectivity
- Expandable with extension cabinet
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited EQ control with only one knob
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you value simplicity: The Blackstar Fly 3 prioritizes ease of use and great tone over apps and complex features.
❌ Avoid if you need a wide range of diverse tones: With a single EQ knob and two channels, other mini amps on this list offer more tonal flexibility.
Many consider the Blackstar Fly series as leaders in the modern mini amp category. The original Fly amps were among the first to take the mini amp concept seriously, delivering genuinely impressive tones in an ultra-compact format. The Fly 3 Charge is the flagship of the range, featuring a significant upgrade with an integrated rechargeable battery providing up to 18 hours of playtime, along with Bluetooth.
It offers two channels: Clean and Overdrive. Blackstar’s patented ISF knob controls the EQ, and as Blackstar emphasizes, it shapes the tonal character beyond simple EQ adjustments. While effective, some players might prefer a more conventional multi-band EQ.
The Fly 3 Charge is built to last, and the original 2014 models are still commonly found and used today. It’s also expandable with the Fly 103 extension cabinet, doubling the wattage to 6W and creating a stereo speaker setup. Ideal for beginners and experienced players alike, the Fly 3 Charge is a reliable amp that will remain a valuable part of your setup for years.
Best Portable
Positive Grid Spark Go mini amp on desk for ultimate portability
6. Positive Grid Spark Go
The best mini amp you can take absolutely anywhere
Our expert review:
Specifications
Price: $129/£114
Watts: 5W
Speaker: 1x 2”
Dimensions: D1.7″, W4.9″, H3.3″
Effects: 43x effects
Inputs: 1x 1/4″
Outputs: 1x 1/8″ (headphones)
Battery?: Integrated
Reasons to Buy
- Surprisingly loud for its size
- Packed with features
- Extremely small and portable
Reasons to Avoid
- Can struggle with deep low frequencies
At a Glance
✅ Buy if you need maximum portability: The PG Spark Go is truly pocket-sized, making it the ultimate take-anywhere amp with all the sounds and features of its larger siblings.
❌ Avoid if you primarily play bass guitar: Due to its small speaker, it’s not optimized for bass frequencies and may not handle low-end instruments well.
The Positive Grid Spark Go, the even smaller sibling to the Spark Mini, is designed for ultimate portability, offering a wealth of sounds in a truly pocket-sized package. Like the other Spark amps, the Spark Go relies on the Positive Grid Spark app to unlock its full potential, though it offers usable basic controls directly on the amp.
When paired with the Spark app, the Spark Go provides virtually limitless sound creation possibilities, with 43 effects and a vast library of amp models. While potentially complex for some, this extensive feature set makes it incredibly versatile.
While it doesn’t match the Spark Mini’s volume, which is expected given its smaller size and lower price, the Spark Go still boasts a single 2” speaker, compared to the Mini’s dual 2” setup. It’s perfect for players prioritizing the smallest possible footprint without sacrificing sound quality, or as a portable extension for users already invested in the larger Spark amps.
Read our full Positive Grid Spark Go review
Also Consider
While our top picks cover a wide range of needs, here are a few more mini amps worth considering.
Laney Mini-STB-Lion 2
6W | 2×3″ speakers | Bluetooth | 6x AA batteries
The Laney Mini-STB-Lion 2 refines the popular original Mini-ST-Lion, adding Bluetooth connectivity (indicated by the ‘B’ in the name). Its standout feature is its sound quality, with dual 3” speakers providing impressive power for its size.
★★★★☆
Danelectro Honeytone Mini Amp for Style
Danelectro Honeytone
1.5W | 1×2.5″ speaker | No Bluetooth | 9V DC or 9V battery
If vintage style is a priority, the Danelectro Honeytone is a uniquely stylish mini amp. With classic Danelectro aesthetics, available in various cool colors, and even featuring a real leather handle (plus a practical belt clip), it’s a visually distinctive option.
★★★★☆
FAQs
Close up of Boss Katana Mini X effects knobs for FAQ section
What is a mini amp?
A mini amp is designed to be highly portable, easily fitting into a backpack and more compact than typical starter pack amps. Speaker sizes are usually five inches or smaller.
Battery power is a common and desirable feature, enhancing portability and allowing for playing anywhere, anytime, a significant advantage over larger, conventional amps.
What makes a great mini amp?
While mini amps can’t fully replicate the sound of larger amps due to physics, the best ones sound much bigger than they are, capable of filling a room. This can be achieved through clever speaker design or EQ optimization that creates a fuller low-end.
Tone quality is paramount, even if high volume isn’t the primary goal. The best mini amps are optimized to sound excellent at lower volumes, making them ideal for practice in various environments.
What features should a mini amp have?
Modern mini amps often include features like integrated effects, tuners, and Bluetooth, providing comprehensive practice tools with great tones. Bluetooth enables mini amps to double as wireless speakers for music playback.
Essential effects to look for are time-based effects like reverb and delay, which create a sense of spaciousness and make the sound transition smoother when switching between larger and mini amps.
For beginners, integrated tuners are incredibly useful. Regardless of amp size, staying in tune is crucial for good sound.
A headphone output is a must-have feature, allowing for silent practice with quality tone at any volume level.
How much should I spend on a mini amp?
Great mini amps are generally affordable, typically under $200. Many excellent options are available for $100 or less. Spending more usually gets you more features, higher volume, and better sound quality. While amps under $50 may have fewer features, they can still be useful and enjoyable practice tools.
How We Test
Close up of Boss Katana Mini X equalizer for testing methodology
At Guitar Player, with gear testing experience since 1967, we have extensive knowledge of guitar equipment history. We evaluate all types of amps, from vintage tube amps to modern modeling amps, providing us with a strong basis for judging mini guitar amps. Our mini amp testing process mirrors our full-size amp evaluations.
First, we assess build quality, noting inputs/outputs, construction, speaker size, controls, and physical features. This helps determine the amp’s target user and ideal use cases.
Next, we examine usability, especially for modeling amps, evaluating the number of amp models and access methods. We test built-in effects and additional features like Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs, focusing on ease of use for dialing in tones and utilizing extra functionalities.
Finally, and most importantly, we evaluate sound quality. For classic-style amps, we start with neutral EQ settings and explore various tones through adjustments.
For modeling amps, we begin with presets and then create custom sounds, building signal chains and judging the realism of amp models against our real-world experience with the modeled gear.
Read more about how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.
