For years, especially at stadium gigs, famous guitarists have favored towering stacks of 4x12 cabinets with powerful heads anchoring the set-up as the centerpiece. After all, bigger is better, right? Well, not if you take into account the best combo amps currently on the market. These portable, all-in-one solutions give any towering stack a run for its money in an entirely more convenient set-up.
There has never been a better time to pick up a combo amp, with an option out there to satisfy any genre or style. Now, obviously, what is the best combo amp for you comes down to personal taste, but we've hand-selected a few of our favorites on the market right now to help put a stop to your endless pursuit of tone. Whether you are a pentatonic blues noodler or play hardcore shows at the weekend, there’s a combo amp included to suit your style.
The beauty of the combo amp is that they come in various shapes and sizes – well, okay, just the one shape, but definitely different sizes. From mini, at-home practice companions to window-shattering gig machines, there's definitely a combo amp out there for everyone.
In this guide to the best combo amps, we've decided to include a mixture of low-cost practice solutions to moderately priced tube amps and even high-end, high-gain monsters. We have incorporated models from some of the biggest names in amplification, from Boss to Vox, Fender, Blackstar, EVH, Orange and more. So, without further ado, let's dive in!
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Guitar Player’s choice
If you are seeking a controllable practice amp for home use – that can also hit the stage if you need it to – then the Boss Katana 50 is the amp for you. Coming loaded with the effects that made Boss a household name, the Katana is the ultimate practice amp. From shimmering cleans to hard rocking riffage, this robust amp can do it all – and all without breaking the bank, or your back for that matter.
This pint-sized combo offers players a whopping 20 amp models – and no, they aren't all of the Fender variety – as well as 25 effects, ranging from reverb to delay, chorus, phaser, flanger and more. And that's before we even talk about price. This tiny desktop combo comes in comfortably under $200, offering up stellar value for money.
This 40-watt combo has been designed by world-famous amp engineer, James Brown, to be everything the gigging guitarist needs, with the dual 6L6s delivering plenty of power, while a duet of ECC83 tubes bring an eruption of gain that will have you running with the devil.
Best overall
It's difficult to have a guide to the best combo amps and not include something from the immensely popular Katana range. Boss captured the hearts of millions of players with its rugged, affordable, and simple-to-use amp, and so it just had to bag our number one slot.
In recent years, the line between solid-state and tube has become increasingly blurred, with advancements in technology making digital modeling amps almost indistinguishable from their tube counterparts. The Generation 3 Katana takes this even further.
The Gen 3 Katana 50 now offers players access to six channels – Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, Acoustic, and the new Pushed channel, which emulates a tube amp just on the verge of breakup. As well as 15 in-built effects, this is a highly versatile little amp for home use, as well as the stage. As you would expect from Boss, the effects are among the best around, with the delay, chorus, tremolo, reverb, and overdrive all taken from Boss' extensive back catalog of effects.
Best British tube
The humble AC30 has been a mainstay on stages across the globe ever since the '60s, and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere soon. This cultural icon helped the Fab Four be heard over hoards of screaming teenagers, it's Free Fallin' with Tom Petty and it was exactly what the Edge was looking for when the Irish guitar hero was shaping the sound of U2.
Just as recognizable as its classy diamond grill is its piercing treble and full-on mid-range - producing a tone unlike any other. So it's no wonder so many players depend on this relic of the past to achieve their timeless tones.
Using three 12AX7 preamp valves, as well as a quartet of EL84s, there is plenty of power onboard this impeccably stylish combo. The reverb and tube-driven tremolo are the cherries on the cake, bringing an extra level of expression to your playing at the stomp of a footswitch.
Best American tube
Like the AC30 above, Fender's Deluxe Reverb has been omnipresent, showing up on stage behind some of the biggest acts in the world – in a myriad of different genres and styles.
Delivering Fender's beloved clean, harmonically rich, and mid-scooped tone the Deluxe does it in a relatively small format that will easily fill a room, all without breaking your back – Twin Reverb, we're looking at you.
The 22 watts of power is right in the sweet spot for gigging, allowing you to really push the amp and get the best out of it - although it may be a little much for the house!
So if you are looking for the ultimate Fender tone, this might be one of the best combo amps for you.
Best for gain
Eddie Van Halen was a force of nature on a six-string and he had a searing tone to match. Luckily you can now achieve this iconic tone at a more reasonable price – that said, while you'll certainly be able to nail the sound, we can't promise you'll be able to play like him.
The new EVH 5150 Iconic Series is an evolution of the EVH 5150III, bringing you the face-melting, high-gain sonic signature you've come to expect from a combo baring the 5150 moniker.
This 40-watt combo has been designed by world-famous amp engineer, James Brown, to be everything the gigging guitarist needs, with the dual 6L6s delivering plenty of power, while a duet of ECC83 tubes bring an eruption of gain that will have you running with the devil.
Best tube for home
Okay, so this is the second 30W British combo with spring reverb and tremolo on this list, but we think it most definitely deserves its slot. Orange is clearly wearing its influence on its tangerine sleeve, with an amplifier that harkens back to the combos of yesteryear.
Modern players may find the simplistic non-master volume design to be a little jarring, but for us, it's a welcomed retro feature. Don't worry, though, you'll still be able to tame the volume with a 30W, 15W, 2W and 1W setting.
Pushed, this Orange combo has a guttural sound that simply screams rock n roll and for us, it's easily one of the best combos on the scene right now. So, if you've not checked one out yet, we implore you to do so.
Best signature
So, if you're a Grammy nominated guitarist with writing credits on another guitar heroes album – Jeff Beck's Loud Hailer for those not in the know – then it's only right you get a signature amplifier, and boy, did Carmen Vandenberg and Blackstar knock this one out of the park.
Drawing inspiration from Blackstar's celebrated Studio 10, Carmen has created a tonal monster with the new CV 10. This small but mighty amp employs the use of a 6L6 output valve and an ECC83 in the preamp stage to give you the best of both sonic worlds – the sharp, dynamic attack of an American amp, but the distinct chime and shimmer found on amplifiers across the pond.
The overdrive circuit is based on the Blackstar HT-Drive pedal and is perfect for all areas of your playing, from smooth crunch to explosive rock riffage.
Best modeling
Line 6 is a pioneer in the world of digital modeling and its latest amp proves just why it is seen by many as the leading force in this space. Now in its second iteration, the Catalyst CX is a classic two-channel amp featuring 24 additional effects from Line 6’s popular Helix range, along with other clever features that make it highly stage-friendly.
The Catalyst CX 60 allows you to choose from 12 amp voices, ranging from pristine cleans to modern high-gain and everything in between, twice as much as the first generation. Furthermore, there are plenty of effects categories such as reverb, delay, modulation and pitch effects – and as you'd expect coming from the HX range, they sound phenomenal.
So if you're looking for a simpler twist on a digital modeling amp, then we highly recommend checking out the stellar Line 6 Catalyst 60 CX.
Best on a budget
The Mustang range by Fender has been a go-to option for many beginner guitarists for years now, and really it's hard to think of a better option for those seeking a do it all amp on a budget.
This pint-sized combo offers players a whopping 20 amp models – and no, they aren't all of the Fender variety – as well as 25 effects, ranging from reverb to delay, chorus, phaser, flanger and more. And that's before we even talk about price. This tiny desktop combo comes in comfortably under $200, offering up stellar value for money.
So, if you're in the market for a small, affordable, feature-rich amp that benefits from big-brand build quality, then the Fender Mustang LT25 is the best combo amp for you.
Best for versatility
The newly redesigned Sonzera 20 is a tonal powerhouse, and we're glad to see it become part of the PRS amp line-up. This 20-watt combo may be small, but don't let its stature fool you - this thing rocks!
For us, this is a versatile and great-sounding amp by any standard, and it's all the more impressive given its modest price tag. With two independently controlled, foot-switchable channels designed to cover a myriad of tones from American-style retro clean to heavily saturated distortion, this amp is the ultimate small tube combo for gigging or in the studio.
We were so impressed with this new offering from PRS, that this American-voiced amp earned an Editors' Pick Award for its sonic achievements.
Read our full PRS Sonzera 20 combo review
Best lightweight
Fender’s Tone Master amplifier has been around for decades. Originating as a simple tube amplifier in the mid-’40s, it has evolved significantly, with its latest iteration showcasing impressive technological advancements.
You’ve likely heard of the Tone Master range by now – they are fully solid-state, extremely lightweight versions of the originals. The Princeton Reverb is no exception. Weighing just 19 pounds – about half the weight of the tube version – it comes equipped with a power attenuator, an XLR line out for recording or gigging, and a cabinet sim offering three different miked-cabinet tones.
However, it retains the dynamic response and rich tone of the tube version. The digital reverb is impressive too; with your eyes closed, you might have a hard time distinguishing between the authentic and the digital. Additionally, the Tone Master variant is much more affordable than the original tube Princeton, making it accessible to a broader audience. There’s plenty to appreciate about this compact yet capable combo.
Read our full Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb review
FAQ
What is a combo amp?
Simply put, a combo amp is a unit where everything is self-contained. Both the amplifier section and the speaker are in one cabinet. Unlike a head and cab set-up, the combo is favored by many players who either prefer traveling light, are short on space, or simply don't want the fuss of dealing with large cabs and extra cables.
Which combo type is best for me?
Now, this is a very difficult question, and one only you can answer. Which combo amp is best for you truly comes down to personal preference and the tone you are chasing.
That said, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first is the type of amp you are going for. As you can see from this list, there are three main categories of amp - tube, solid-state and digital modeling.
Each of these options brings its own sonic characteristics to the table, but with it, they all have their drawbacks, so be sure to think long and hard about which is the right choice for you.
If you are on the hunt for a warm, natural sound with a complex, harmonically rich breakup, then perhaps valve is the right choice. Looking for an unshakeable clean tone that stays pristine at window-shattering volumes? Well, solid-state is best. Of course, if you fancy a myriad of tonal options at the click of a button, then a digital modeler is the obvious answer.
Next, you need to think about the size of the combo you require. Now, by size, we really mean power – and the power of the amp plays two distinct roles. The first – and most obvious – is the volume. The higher the wattage, the louder the combo. So make sure you choose an amp that's appropriate for its intended use – there's no need to opt for 100W for the bedroom.
Secondly, the power plays a large part in the headroom of your amp. The headroom of a combo is how clean the amp stays at louder volumes. For example, a smaller wattage tube amp may break up too quickly at giggable volumes, whereas a 50W amp may not break up at all in a bedroom setting – so choose wisely.
Lastly, you'll want to consider how many channels you'll need. The majority of amps will come with two – clean and overdrive – but others may have a designated boost channel as well.
What other features do I need?
Now, modern amplifiers come with a plethora of extras, so you may want to consider what features you'd like your new combo to have. It's not uncommon to see amps come with built-in attenuators, direct outputs and even incorporated recording interfaces.
Think long and hard about the intended use of your amp. If you are a gigging musician, you may want the option to add an external cabinet or a direct out so you can send your signal straight to the PA.
If you spend most of your time at home, you may prefer an amp with its very own attenuator and recording interface.
How we choose
At Guitar Player, our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with amps ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.
When it comes to selecting the best combo amps, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides. We stand by our selections, ensuring that every amp we recommend is one we'd use ourselves.
Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player
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You can trust Guitar Player. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
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