Picking the best portable guitar amp that is small enough to travel anywhere but still has great tone can be hard. There are tons of mini and micro battery powered guitar amplifiers that are small, have great tone, and are packed with features to choose from. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a multi-channel, solid state, or tube amp, chances are there is something small enough to travel around with.
How are you supposed to choose between them all?
That’s where we come into play. We’ve reviewed all of top-rated portable guitar amplifiers on the market comparing their features, pros, and cons, so you can easily pick out the right guitar amplifier for your guitar rig without breaking your amp budget.
Top Portable Mini Guitar Amps in 2020
Contents
- 1 Top Portable Mini Guitar Amps in 2020
- 1.1 Orange Crush Mini Micro Amp
- 1.2 Roland Micro Cube GX 3W Portable GuitarAmp
- 1.3 Blackstar Fly3 Portable Combo Amplifier
- 1.4 Yamaha THR10C Portable Guitar Amp Head
- 1.5 Roland CUBE Battery Powered Guitar Amplifier
- 1.6 Pignose 7-100 Legendary Portable Amplifier
- 1.7 Marshall MS2 Battery Powered Guitar Amp
- 1.8 Danelectro HoneyTone Mini Guitar Amp
- 1.9 VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 Portable Headphone Amplifier
- 1.10 Fender Mini ’57 Twin-Amp
- 1.11 VOX MINI3 G2 Battery Powered Modeling Amp
- 1.12 NUX Mighty Lite BT Mini Portable Modeling Guitar Amplifier
- 2 What We Recommend and Why
Here is a list of the best portable amps for guitar that are mini and easy to take anywhere and have the tone that you are looking for.
- Orange Crush – Best Mini Amp
- Roland Micro Cube GX 3W – Top Micro Amp
- Blackstar Fly3
- Yamaha THR10C
- Roland CUBE
- Pignose 7-100 Legendary
- Marshall MS2 – Best Battery Guitar Amp
- Danelectro HoneyTone
- VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 Battery Powered Amp
- Fender Mini ’57 Twin-Amp
- VOX MINI3 G2
- NUX Mighty Lite BT Mini
Orange Crush Mini Micro Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
The Orange Crush Mini is a 3-Watt, portable guitar amp that can be powered by either a 9V battery or by a 9V DC power adaptor.
It has three control knobs: Gain, Shape, and Volume. The Shape knob is common on Orange amplifiers, it is actually an EQ that can scoop the mids and emphasize the low and the treble, and vice versa.
It has a Tuner that can be activated with a push button, with dedicated LED indicators. It also has a Headphone Out – for silent practicing.
On the backside, other than the power adaptor input, you can find the 8-Ohm Speaker Cabinet input. This is where your old dusty speaker can come alive again. Between the Speaker input and the power adaptor input, there is the Aux in, which is a cool feature on any amp.
Pros and Highlights
- Sturdy built – This is pretty common for Orange products, the Orange Crush Mini looks and feels sturdy;
- Cool features – You have all that you need in a really small amp. The Speaker Out is really something cool to have on a small amp like this, it sounds amazing.
- Low price – This amp is really, really affordable…
Cons and Potential Flaws
- It sounds better distorted, poor low end – The Clean sounds are missing Volume on this amp. The Low end is barely there. Well, the amp is really small, so you can’t expect it to have a massive low end, right?
Bottom line
The Orange Mini Crush is a great, mini amp that you can carry around in your backpack without having any issues. Or if your kids are just starting to mess around the guitar.
The fact that an additional speaker can be plugged into it is amazing. The Clean sound on this amp is not something you will love, but hey it’s a tiny amp, right?
Roland Micro Cube GX 3W Portable GuitarAmp
Specs, features, and benefits
The Micro Cube by Roland is a “micro” version of (you guess) the classic Roland Cube. What is really amazing with this little fella is the ton of versatility and features it has.
It has control knobs for Gain, Volume, Tone, and Master in the first section of controls. Right above them, there is the Amp Type rotary switch with eight modes, FX knob with Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, and Octave available, and Delay/Reverb knob.
It also has a built-in chromatic tuner and aux-in. The Aux in is actually a “Cube Link” too, which allows you to connect your IOS device, and jam along/record/learn with the “Cube Jam” app. On the amp, there is also a memory function, which allows you to save your favorite preset, and access it with a push of a button. On the back panel of the amp, you can find the AC power Adaptor input, the Rec Out/Headphones jack, and the place where you put your batteries. It can run on six AA batteries, that last twenty-five hour of playing.
Pros and Highlights
- Long lasting batteries – You can find a lot of buskers using this amp on the street, the batteries last a long time!
- Versatile/Flexible – The amp offers a lot of different amp cab simulations and effects, built-in chromatic tuner, the Cube Link, Aux in, Headphones Out…
- Loud – This is very important for buskers, the amp is loud enough to be played on the streets!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- The older version of the Micro Cube GX was better – It sounded better, and it weighed a little more than this one. Probably Roland is trying to find ways to save on material or something, but this affects quality too.
Bottom line
The Roland Micro Cube GX is a widely used amp by buskers and street performers, but many use it as a practice amp at home too! It has a great set of features; it is loud, and sturdy portable amp. However, many players are complaining that the older version of this amp sounded better. It’s a bit pricier than other amps of this power and size so you might want to look up on some other options too.
Blackstar Fly3 Portable Combo Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
The Blackstar FLY3 is a tiny little amp with huge power. It has control knobs for Gain, Volume, EQ (ISF), and Delay. There are push-buttons for engaging the Overdrive and Delay effects.
It has Mp3/Line in and Emulated Out/Headphones inputs. It can be powered by six AA batteries or by a 6.5V DC power adaptor. You can also pair the Blackstar FLY3 with the Blackstar Fly 103 Extension Cabinet for making your FLY3 stereo.
Pros and Highlights
- Sturdy – The Blackstar Fly3 will take the beatings without any problem; it’s a tough little amp!
- Affordable – It comes for a fairly low price!
- High quality – This amp stands out in this list, that’s for sure. It sounds great; it is affordable, and versatile too!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- It doesn’t come with an adaptor – You must buy it separately if you want to use one. However, the batteries last a really long time so you might find yourself not even needing the adaptor. Also, you can buy yourself rechargeable batteries, so this is not a huge flaw…
Bottom line
The Blackstar FLY3 is pretty famous among portable amp fans around the world. It is one of the best, if not the best, portable amplifier. You will be amazed by how loud this little amp can be. The distortion on the amp is also great, and the Delay effect is just the cherry on the top. The EQ on the Amp is awesome; with just a few tweaks you can get a lot of different sounds. Great portable amp!
Yamaha THR10C Portable Guitar Amp Head
Specs, features, and benefits
The Yamaha THR10C is really an amazing piece of gear. Not only it can run on batteries, but it also can be used as a recording device. On the back panel, there is the USB port with which you can use this head-looking combo as an audio interface for your guitar.
Next, to the on/off switch on the left side on the control panel, there are the five User Memory locations, where you can save your favorite presets, and have them on the fly.
Right under them, there is the Amp rotary switch, that lets you choose from eight different amp models. From left to right, you have the control knobs: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Modulation effects knob, Delay/Reverb knob, and two Output level control knobs – Guitar and USB/Aux. There is also a Tap Tempo/Tuner push button.
You have the standard Input, Aux input, and Headphones Output. On the back panel, you can find the USB port and the 15V AC power adaptor input. The THR10C can also run on eight AA batteries for six hours playing time.
Pros and Highlights
- A ton of features – This amp offers a lot of versatility/flexibility… It has a ton of features that makes it really hard on other portable amps to compete with it. It is also Bass features that are Guitar friendly! How cool is that?
- Sounds Great! – This amp is sounding amazing! It sounds like a tube amp!
- USB connectivity – You can record through this amp; play some backing tracks through it, and even access the Noise Gate and Compressor with the THR Editor software.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Pricey – The amp has a higher price than most of the portable amps on the market.
This is an awesome amp, but it’s not for everyone’s budget.
Bottom line
The Yamaha THR10C is a great sounding portable amp, with a ton of features. It has a wide array of sounds with amp simulations and effects, and the USB connectivity is amazing. However, we as musicians find it really hard to make a good salary, and this amp is a bit pricier than most of the other portable amps on the market. If you have the budget for this amp, you won’t go wrong with buying yourself one. Great piece of gear!
Roland CUBE Battery Powered Guitar Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
Roland Cube Street is an awesome amplifier specially designed for the needs of the busking musicians. It has two separate channels, Mic/Line channel, and Guitar/Instrument channel. In the Mic/Line channel you can plug an XLR cable for your microphone or the standard 1/4 cable. It has dedicated Bass, Treble, Volume, and Delay/Reverb control knobs;
In the Guitar/Instrument channel you have Bass, Middle, Treble control knobs; Nine different amp models; Modulation effects control knob, and Delay/Reverb control knob; Dedicated Gain and Volume control knobs. Right above the power switch, there are the Headphones out, and the Aux in.
On the back panel of the amp, you can find the power adaptor input, the battery compartment, and the Effect Loops for the two channels. The amp can run on six AA batteries up to fifteen hours.
Pros and Highlights
- Two channels! – You can plug your guitar and microphone on this amp, or you can form a duo and play with this amp together!
- Versatile – The amp simulations and the effects allow you to tune in many different sounds.
- Great for busking – The batteries last long enough, it has two separate channels, it is light, and it is sturdily built!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Pricey – It is pricier than the other portable amps on this list, but it’s worth every penny!
Bottom line
If you are a busker, this amp is a great choice. It is also good for smaller gigs, practice and similar situations. It is light, but it’s sturdy built. The fact that it has two channels is amazing, the amp simulations are cool, and the effects are great! It might be a bit pricey, but if you are a busker you probably need it. It is worth every penny!
Pignose 7-100 Legendary Portable Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
The Pignose 7-100 Legendary is a legendary portable amp introduced to the market in 1973. A piece of history! It can run on six AA batteries or on a 9V AC power adaptor. The batteries compartment is inside the case, which is easily accessed.
As simple as it can get, the Pignose 7-100 has only Master volume knob, Input for your guitar, and Preamp out. The amp’s sound is very distinguishable, and many legends like Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, etc. even recorded this amp on their tracks back in the day. It’s a 5-Watt amp with 5-Inch Speaker.
Pros and Highlights
- Easy-to-use – This amp is so easy-to-use, we think it can’t go any easier than that.
- Legendary – This amp is a piece of history! 1973! Imagine that…
- Vintage look – The amp looks very nice, it has that vintage vibe to it. Also, it is sturdily built!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- The older version sounded better! – Well, there might be some nostalgia in there, but many of the older folks will agree on that matter.
Bottom line
The Pignose 7-100 is a legendary guitar amp. It is the first portable guitar amp ever. Many legends have used it on records; some even use it as a fuzz pedal. It has classic, vintage looks, and the sound of this amp is very distinguishable – that’s where its name came from.
Marshall MS2 Battery Powered Guitar Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
If you are looking for a gift for your guitar-playing husband or you are a guitar-freak yourself you would probably find it interesting to have a little Marshal stack on your shelve.
The Marshal MS2 is a really small size amp, with only 1-Watt of power, and it runs on one 9V battery or on power adaptor.
It has two control knobs, one for Volume and one for Tone, and it has a knob-looking Overdrive on/off switch. On the side panel, right above the power adaptor, there is the Headphones jack for silent practice. It has a belt clip so you can play anywhere you want to.
Pros and Highlights
- Small size – This is one of the smallest combos on the market.
- Looks interesting – It looks just like a big Marshal – just small.
- Cheap – It is dirt cheap!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- It is a toy! – Other than putting this little fella on the shelve, you won’t find any decent purpose for it. It’s just too small to handle a good tone or something.
Bottom line
The Marshal MS2 is not a serious amp that you could play with really. Yes, it plays, but the sound you will get out of this thing, it’s not something worth mentioning. It is just too small for serious usage. If you want to buy yourself a fun toy, this might be just the right choice for you!
Danelectro HoneyTone Mini Guitar Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
The Danelectro HoneyTone is a vintage looking mini portable amplifier that has 10-Watts of power, and it can run on a 9V battery or on a 9V DC power adaptor.
Other than the guitar input, it has a 1/8 Headphone jack, and three control knobs: Volume, Tone, and Overdrive.
If you are a retro-loving fella, this might be your thing – it looks like it just came from the fifties. On the back panel of the amp, there is a belt clip, meaning you can play with it while walking around your neighborhood.
Pros and Highlights
- Cheap – It has the same price as a large pizza.
- Looks cool – The design of the amp is very interesting. Retro & Nostalgic.
- Belt Clip – You can clip this amp onto your belt, and play around it like there is no tomorrow!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- If you are looking for something that sounds great, just continue the search – This amp is not something that would satisfy any guitarist’s ear. It can’t produce a clean tone, etc.
Bottom line
If you are just starting out to play, or your little grandson has just shown an interest in electric guitar, this amp might be the best choice. It is cheap and good-looking. However, if you are looking for something serious, just look for something more convenient.
VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 Portable Headphone Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
If you were looking for the smallest amplifier, congratulations! – You’ve found it. The Vox amPlug amplifiers are actually Headphone amps – meaning that you have to plug in your headphones and use it that way. Great for silent practicing.
There are seven different amPlug models, with each having a different set of features. The AC30 amPlug 2 is an analog-circuit amp that emulates the classic Vox AC30 amp. It has three controls, Gain, Tone, and Volume, and effects button.
With the effects button, you have three Chorus, three Delay, and three Reverb effects. With the power on/off switch, you can also dial in a Tremolo effect with two modes. It also has an aux in so you can jam along with your favorite backing tracks.
If you are looking for a portable, headphone amplifier, the Vox amPlug is the best on the market. You just have to choose your model. The amp runs on two AAA batteries, and they last from eleven to seventeen playing hours, depending on how much you use the effects.
Pros and Highlights
- Small size, compact – This amp fits in your pocket! Also, the jack is rotary so it can fit every guitar!
- Versatile – This little thing has a big pallet of sounds, having in mind its size – it is amazing!
- Affordable – This is a perfect gift for yourself, or for your guitar-playing friends.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- No cons! – The amp is doing exactly what it is advertised for!
Bottom line
If you don’t want to disturb your family with your smoking guitar solos, or you travel around and want to practice here in there, the Vox amPlug 2 is a perfect solution. It fits in your pocket, sounds great, and for the matter of fact – it is versatile! It has all that you need to practice silently, and most importantly – it won’t break the bank.
Fender Mini ’57 Twin-Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
The Fender Mini ’57 Twin-Amp is a 1-Watt amp with two 2-Inch Speakers.
It has three controls, Volume, Tone, and Drive, and an On/Off switch.
On the back panel, you can find the power adaptor input, and the headphones out. It can be powered by either 9V DC adaptor or by a 9V battery. The Mini ’57 Twin-Amp looks beautiful – it is clothed in tweed, and has a real leather handle.
Pros and Highlights
- Cheap – This amp has a really low price!
- Small size – It is a really small size; this is great for carrying the amp on the road.
- Looks amazing!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Doesn’t sound so good – If you are a beginner or you just want to have this amp, then go for it, but if you are looking for something that sounds good, just keep on reading.
Bottom line
The Fender Mini ’57 Twin-Amp is a really small-size guitar amp. It can run on batteries, and this can be cool for taking it on a picnic or something like that. However, if you are looking for something more serious-sounding, you should check out some other options.
VOX MINI3 G2 Battery Powered Modeling Amp
Specs, features, and benefits
The Mini3 G2 by Vox is a great busking amp. It has 3-Watts of power and 5-Inch speaker.
It has two channels, Guitar and Mic. The Guitar section has eleven amp-models, which you choose from with the rotary switch; Gain, Tone, and Volume control knobs. Below that there is the effects section. It has a modulation effects knob (Compressor, Chorus, Flanger, and Tremolo), and Delay/Reverb knob. Right next to them you can find the built-in tuner.
The Mic input has separate Volume and Delay/Reverb controls, which really comes handy.
Right below the power button, you can find the aux in, and the phones out. The amp can be powered by either 12V DC power adaptor or six AA batteries.
Pros and Highlights
- Powerful! – This amp is really loud, it will amaze you… It is great for busking!
- Versatile – This amp offers a lot of different amp simulations and effects;
- Sturdily built – This amp is awesome for taking it on the road.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- No cons!
Bottom line
There are a lot of options when it comes to a portable guitar amp, and the Vox Mini3 G2 really stands out in the crowd. It sounds and performs great; it is not too pricey and has two inputs.
Great, portable amp! Awesome for busking…
NUX Mighty Lite BT Mini Portable Modeling Guitar Amplifier
Specs, features, and benefits
The NUX Mighty Lite BT is a tiny, but versatile portable guitar amp with 3-Watts of power, and built-in Distortion/Overdrive, Reverb and Delay effects, nine built-in drum loops, metronome, tap tempo, Bluetooth connectivity. It has control knobs for Gain, Volume and Tone. It also has aux-in, and headphones out.
Other than sending backing tracks to your amp with your phone via Bluetooth, you can also use the Nux App for tweaking your tone. It can be powered by a 9V power adaptor, USB connection via a power bank, or by six AA batteries. Great little amp that offers a lot, and on top of that – it is pretty affordable.
Pros and Highlights
- Small size – This amp doesn’t take a lot of space, it is desktop-friendly!
- Extremely portable – This amp can be powered by three different sources. How cool is that?
- Versatile – It has a lot of features that will spice up your guitar practice.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Too small – If you want to jam with your drummer, this thing won’t take you there. It is too small to cover up the loudness of the drum kit.
Bottom line
It is small, versatile, and affordable. If you are a “desktop” guitar-fella, or you want to have something to plug in while on the road, this amp might be a good idea. However, it is too small for a band rehearsal, or busking – it is not loud enough. Depending on what your needs are, this amp might be a good choice.
What We Recommend and Why
If you are looking for the best portable amplifier, we think you would go for the Roland Cube Street. It is a bit pricier than most of the amps on this list, but there is a reason for that – It is of higher quality too! It has all that you need on a portable amp.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, depending on what your needs are, we’re sure you can find your partner in crime here in this list. Good luck!
