Finding the best battery powered guitar amp that is portable and has great tone isn’t that easy. There are plenty of small amps with batteries, but all of them are used for different purposes.
For instance, a micro guitar amp is great for traveling with and playing around your house, but the sound quality isn’t that good and it doesn’t get that loud. If you want something that you can jam on, you’ll need to get a battery powered combo guitar amp. These have great volume and tone. You could also just a get a guitar amp head with a battery. Both have their own advantages.
Let’s check out the top-rated portable battery powered guitar amplifiers on the market today!
Compare the Top Battery Powered Amps for Guitar in 2020
Contents
- 1 Compare the Top Battery Powered Amps for Guitar in 2020
- 1.1 Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Guitar Battery Combo Amp
- 1.2 Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth Battery Powered Amplifier
- 1.3 Boss Katana-Mini Battery Powered Guitar Amplifier
- 1.4 Roland GX Micro Cube Battery Powered Guitar Combo Amp
- 1.5 Yamaha THR5 Mini Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
- 1.6 Yamaha THR10C Rechargeable Guitar Amp
- 1.7 Yamaha THR10X Mini Guitar Amplifier
- 1.8 Roland CUBE Street Battery Powered Stereo Guitar Combo Amp
- 1.9 Yamaha THR10 Desktop Guitar Amplifier
- 1.10 Roland AC-33 Battery-Powered Acoustic Guitar Amp
- 2 What We Recommend and Why
Here’s a list of the best battery powered guitar amps that will bring your tone to the next level anywhere you go.
- Blackstar FLY 3
- Blackstar Fly 3
- Boss Katana-Mini
- Roland GX Micro Cube
- Yamaha THR5
- Yamaha THR10C
- Yamaha THR10X
- Roland CUBE Street
- Yamaha THR10
- Roland AC-33
Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Guitar Battery Combo Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
Blackstar is a brand that was born from the desire of four musician friends to create tools that will help musicians world over find that seemingly elusive sound that a lot of musicians hear in their heads. The brand has tried to achieve this through the design and manufacture of innovative amplifiers and pedals.
One such creation from the brand is the FLY 3, a 3 watt guitar combo amp. The FLY 3 is fondly described as the mini amp with a big tone.
This combo offers two channels – clean and overdrive. This offers you some tonal versatility. Its biggest feature is probably its ability to offer extensive tonal adjustment options thanks to its ISF circuit. It also includes a delay effect that adds more fun.
You can connect your mp3 player to it so you can play along with favorite song. You can also connect your headphone for private listening or rehearsal.
This is a great tool for personal rehearsals and gigging. Since it comes with the option of being powered with batteries, playing while on the move is made much more easier.
Pros and Highlights
- Output –3 watts.
- Performance – Clean and overdrive channels with loads of tonal versatility.
- Connectivity – ¼ input, 1/8 line input and a 1/8 inch headphone output.
Cons and Potential Flaws
Limited volume on the clean channel.
Bottom line
Though this is a mini guitar amp/speaker combo, its tonal versatility confers on it more value than one will normally expect of such a small box.
Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth Battery Powered Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
This is another product from Blackstar. Actually, it is a variation of the FLY 3 which we looked at above. It offers the same 3 watts of output power, two channels (clean and overdrive), Blackstar’s proprietary ISF (Infinite Shape Feature), and tape delay. Other features include a 3 inch speaker, 1/4 main input, 1/8 line input for mp3 players and other devices for listening and playing along with your favorite music or practice piece as well as a 1/8 headphone out for silent playing.
For power, it also features a DC power option that can be delivered by any suitable adapter as well as a battery power option which makes it perfect for playing just about anywhere. You can take your guitar and this combo for a picnic or time out with the family.
Aside from all of these features listed above, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and this is what differentiates it from the FLY 3 reviewed above. This added feature has no effect on the sound. It just increases its connectivity options.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – Delivers 3 watts.
- Performance – Clean and overdrive channels with tonal versatility.
- Connectivity – ¼ main input, 1/8 line input, 1/8 headphone output and Bluetooth.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Power – This does not come with a DC power supply. You need to purchase this separately.
Bottom line
This is the same as the FLY 3, offering the same tonal versatility. It only adds to this increased connectivity options by way of the Bluetooth feature.
Boss Katana-Mini Battery Powered Guitar Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
Boss is a name that appropriately describes this brand that has made a name for itself in the audio world. Guitarists especially have come to rely heavily on various Boss gear for their performances. The brand shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to come up with innovative audio solutions.
Once again, Boss offers guitarists something to smile about. This time it is a battery powered mini amp/speaker combo. This 7 watt amplifier offers guitarists a compact and mobile resource for personal rehearsals and on-the-go play.
This box can either be powered by six AA batteries or DC power using an appropriate AC adapter. It comes with three amp voicings – clean, brown and crunch. These allow you choose your tonal preference.
It also comes with a built in delay for adding some interesting dimensions to your tone. This is in addition to the 3 band EQ that allows you tweak the sound some.
Connecting to this amp is easy via the ¼ inch input or the 1/8 inch auxiliary input. It also features a headphone out which allows for silent practicing.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – 7 watts.
- Performance – 3 voicing options – brown, crunch and clean.
- Connectivity – Main ¼ input, 1/8 aux input and 1/8 headphone out.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Power source – Batteries don’t last and AC adapter is not included.
Bottom line
It’s a small but very efficient amp/speaker combo that will serve you well for your private practice and even some family and friends’ play time.
Roland GX Micro Cube Battery Powered Guitar Combo Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
Roland is no stranger to guitars and guitarists. This is one brand that has supplied guitarists (and other musicians) with several gear that have helped improve their performances across the world. The brand has continued to provide innovative tools for guitarists and other musicians.
The GX Micro Box is a 3 watt guitar amp designed to give guitarists something they can practice with anywhere. This is both because of its size and the fact that it is battery powered.
This box may be small but it is packed with features. Some of these features include eight amp models (Acoustic SIM, JC Clean, Black Panel, Brit Combo, Classic Stack, Extreme, Mic and R-Fier Stack), and a total of 6 effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Delay and Reverb).
Other features include a chromatic tuner, an aux input for connecting your phone or an mp3 player. The i-Cube link also makes connecting Apple devices pretty straight forward. Should you decide to have a silent practice or jamming session, you can simply plug in the headphones into the headphone output at the back and you can enjoy your session alone.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – 3 watts.
- Performance – 8 amp models, 6 effects combine to offer tonal versatility.
- Connectivity – Good options.
Cons and Potential Flaws
This may not hold up to the quality of the earlier micro cube model.
Bottom line
This baby is really loaded with features. From the different amp models to the array of effects, it offers great value for something so small.
Yamaha THR5 Mini Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
When it comes to amplifiers, speakers and many other instruments that musicians rely on for performances anywhere, it is practically impossible not to mention the name Yamaha. This brand has impacted music and musicians more than most brands will ever.
Here, Yamaha offers guitarists a mini acoustic guitar amplifier and speaker combo. The first thing you notice about this guitar is its retro design which is quite different and lovely. Now it’s not just about its looks as it offers a lot.
Loaded into this small box are 5 different amp model types powered by Yamaha’s renowned modeling technology. In addition to these 5 models, it also allows you simulate the ratio of mic pickup to direct input you want with the blend control.
For effects, it comes with compression, chorus a blend of both compression and chorus, reverb, delay and a blend of delay and reverb. For increased convenience, it features a tuner and you can also practice, jam and even record yourself with ease.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – 10 watts.
- Performance – 5 amp models and over 8 effects.
- Connectivity – TRS input, 1/8 aux input, TRS headphone out and USB connection for direct connection to a computer.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Effects – Some can only be accessed via the editor.
Bottom line
What you can do with this little box will amaze you. Aside from its amp options and effects, it can be connected directly to your computer for recording or just to tweak it with the included editor.
Yamaha THR10C Rechargeable Guitar Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
It’s Yamaha again offering guitarists something to help them get the most from their private playing time. If you loved the THR5 Mini, then you are sure going to love this because it offers everything that the THR5 Mini offers and more.
This is the THR10C Mini and like the THR5, it delivers 10 watts of power projected through two 8cm full range speakers, each delivering 5 watts. It comes packed with about 8 amp model options from which to choose. These options are of top quality because they were designed using Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Modelling (VCM) technology.
To help create more tonal options, it comes with about 8 effects. To access some of these effects, you will need to use the included software editor. You can also record your play with ease thanks to the production software that comes with it and its USB connection which makes connection to your PC or workstation very easy.
Connecting your guitar is done via the mono TRS input while the 1/8 input is for mp3s, phones and other devices. You can choose to bypass the speakers by making use of the ¼ TRS headphone output.
With the option of using batteries or DC power, you can play this anywhere.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – 10 watts.
- Performance – Offers impressive tonal options.
- Connectivity – Ample.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Cost – Costs a bit more than the THR5.
Bottom line
If you need a wide variety of options for your private playing then consider getting this.
Yamaha THR10X Mini Guitar Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
We are still looking at battery powered amps from Yamaha. This time we are looking at the THR10X. This is generally in the same family as the two THR models we have previously looked at. Just as with the previous two, it comes loaded with various amp model options.
This is an option for guitarists who want high gain. It is perfect for this, which is why the amp models included are: power I, power II, brown I, brown II, southern HI, clean, bass, and flat. You also enjoy on-board effect options which include: chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, delay, delay/reverb, spring reverb, hall reverb, compressor, and noise gate.
Remember that not all of these effects can be accessed directly on the amplifier. Some can only be accessed from the include software editor.
Other important features to note include an onboard tuner, tap function for tempo and five user memory banks for saving your settings. You also have ample connectivity options. These include your regular mono TRS input, an aux input for your mp3 player and other devices, a headphone output and a USB port for easy connection to your computer.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – 10 watts (5 watts x 2).
- Performance – Offers 8 amp models and 10 effects.
- Connectivity – Good options
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Foot switch – It does not have any.
Bottom line
This offers the same value as the previous two. It however adds higher gain, making it ideal for those looking for high gain play.
Roland CUBE Street Battery Powered Stereo Guitar Combo Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
In the world of musicians, the name Roland is a well-known one. This is a brand that has enhanced musical performances world over with a wide range of equipment ranging from amps to effects pedals and more.
Our focus here is the Cube Street Battery Powered Guitar amp/speaker combo from the brand. This is a 2 channel 5 watt amp and speaker combo that comes loaded with about 8 amp model types. Some of the included models are: JC clean, black panel, Brit combo and others. It also comes with four effects in addition to the included delay and reverb.
Much more than just being a guitar amp, it offers a section for microphone plug in, allowing for easy singing and playing performance. This microphone section, which can also double as a line input, is equipped with delay and reverb effects and a 2-band EQ.
The Roland Cube Street offers multiple connectivity options. These include a TRS input for the guitar, an XLR/TRS input for microphones or any line instrument, a 1/8 aux input, a ¼ stereo headphone output, and a pedal input each for the microphone and guitar sections.
You can stage a small performance complete with vocals with this.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – 5 watts.
- Performance – 8 amp models, 6 effects plus a mic input.
- Connectivity – Extensive.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Aux input – Low volume.
Bottom line
This is ideal for anyone who needs something for a small performance in which they will also need a microphone input.
Yamaha THR10 Desktop Guitar Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
The Yamaha THR family has shown that it is indeed a force to be reckoned with in this niche of the market. Truth be said, Yamaha products are almost always a force in whatever niche they are in. That is just how influential the brand is and has continued to be in the music, sound and entertainment industry.
The last product we will be considering from the THR family is the THR 10 (V.2). Just as with the others we have already reviewed, it is a 10 watt amp and speaker combo built for guitarists. It also offers 8 amp model choices. The choices differ slightly from the others and that’s basically where the difference ends.
The amp model options include: modern, Brit Hi, clean, lead, crunch, acoustic, bass and flat. It also comes with 8 effects in two groups so you can mix up to two effects at a time. Additionally, you can also tweak your guitar’s tone with the onboard 3-band EQ.
You also get 5 user preset memories which will allow you quickly recall preset settings. You also get the chromatic tuner so you can quickly tune your guitar and also monitor it as you play.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – 10 watts.
- Performance – 8 amp models and 8 effect options.
- Connectivity – Sufficient.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Foot switch – None.
Bottom line
If you loved the THR10c and 10X then you are looking at another variant of these. The only difference is in the amp model options offered.
Roland AC-33 Battery-Powered Acoustic Guitar Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
As we conclude this review, it is fitting that we do so with another product from one of the leading brands in the guitar amp and effects niche. Yes, it’s another product from Roland and this time we are looking at the AC-33.
The AC-33 is a battery powered amp and speaker combo designed specifically for acoustic guitars. This amp delivers 30 watts of power through two speakers which deliver 15 watts each. It can be powered by 8 AA batteries as well as AC power using an appropriate adapter.
Though this is a guitar amp, it also features a mic input making it ideal for singing and playing. To further aid your performance, it includes features such as feedback suppression, phrase looper with 40 seconds of recording time and a couple of custom effects.
This is an amp that was designed for use in your private space as well as any small stage. It does not just perform excellently, it also sit nicely in any space due to its quality build. The built-in stilt back stand also enhances it stage performance.
Pros and Highlights
- Power – Delivers 30 watts (15 watts x 2).
- Performance – Effects, phrase looper, anti-feedback and more.
- Connectivity – TRS mono input, aux input, and headphone out.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Cost – Some will consider it to be quite pricey.
Bottom line
If you play the acoustic guitar and require something with a bit more power that can serve in solo live applications, then check this out.
What We Recommend and Why
It’s been an interesting time reviewing these portable, battery powered guitar amps. We’ve seen a couple of great options with many great features. It now however time for us to make that decision, choosing just one from the lot to take the title of the Top battery Powered Amp.
Having carefully looked at the all the options above and having compared their features against their prices, the value they offer and the reason why most folks go for a battery powered amp, we decided that the Roland GX Micro Cube Guitar Combo Amp offers the best balance of all of the above measuring factors and is also one that can be used with different types of guitars.
We therefore name the Roland GX Micro Amp our pick for the Top Battery Powered Amp.