The Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps - $60 to $400

Submitted by Mason Hoberg on Jan. 29, 2018.

More Guitar Amps

A battery powered guitar amp gives you the freedom to play on the go. Whether you’re busking, taking your guitar to a friend’s, or going to a lesson, a truly portable a amp is going to be a huge asset. If you’re not sure which battery powered guitar amp is going to be right for you, check out the sections below!

The Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps
Things to Consider When Buying a Battery Powered Guitar Amp
Methodology

The Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps

	Gearank	Sources	Street Price
Blackstar Fly3 3W	92	600+	$60
Boss Katana Mini 7W	91	90+	$100
Roland Micro Cube GX 3W	93	350+	$150
Vox Mini5 Rhythm 5W	90	150+	$170
Yamaha THR5A (Acoustic) 10W	91	150+	$200
Yamaha THR10C (Boutique) 10W	94	325+	$300
Yamaha THR10X (High-Gain) 10W	94	300+	$300
Roland Cube Street 5W	92	325+	$300
Yamaha THR10 10W	90	600+	$300
Roland AC-33 20W/30W	90	175+	$400

Blackstar Fly3 Combo Amp - 3W

Blackstar’s Fly 3 Battery Powered guitar amp is a micro-practice amp, perfect for guitarists who are looking for portability. The cool thing about this amp is that it’s actually surprisingly versatile for a battery amp. The Fly 3 comes with a emulated tape delay (which on lower levels can be used to somewhat simulate reverb), an onboard overdrive, and the ISF control. The ISF control is essentially an EQ shifter, which changes the voicing of the amp.

Features:

Power Rating: 3-Watts
Battery Life: Up to 50 Hours at Lower Volumes
Power Source(s): 6 x AA Batteries or DC
Speaker: 3”
Controls: Gain, Volume, Overdrive, EQ, Delay Level, Delay Time
Input(s): ¼”, MP3
Output(s): Headphone
Weight: 2 lbs
Dimensions: 6.6” x 5” x 4”

An interesting feature about this amp is that it actually has utility that goes above and beyond what most would expect from a battery guitar amp. You can use the amp as a portable speaker for your phone or laptop, and it even comes with an emulated line-out for plug and play recording.

Boss Katana Mini Combo Amp - 7W

The Katana series of guitar amps were a success for Boss right from when they came onto the market in October 2016, so it was no great surprise in June 2017 when they added the battery powered Katana Mini to the lineup.

Features:

Power Rating: 7-Watts
Battery Life: Up to 7 Hours with Alkaline batteries or up to 9 Hours with rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
Power Source(s): 6 x AA Batteries or DC
Speaker: 4”
Controls: Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Delay Time, Delay Level
Input(s): ¼” Instrument, ⅛" Aux
Output(s): ⅛" Headphone / Rec
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
Dimensions: 9.06” x 7.12” x 4.6”

The Mini scales back some of the offerings of the larger amps in the line, but with that in mind it still packs in plenty of great features.

The amp comes with three different voicings: brown, crunch, and clean. Brown is a Marshall voiced amp, crunch features higher gain, and the amp also comes with a clean voicing (like based off the JC-120). Between these three different models the amp features a ton of great different tones, especially if you’re looking for an amp that can pump out blues and classic rock.

The Katana Mini also comes with delay, which on lower settings can be used to somewhat resemble reverb.

Roland Micro Cube GX Modeling Amp - 3W

Roland is the champ when it comes to digital modeling. They’ve always been innovators in the field, and the modeling products produce by the brand rank amongst the best ever. With the Micro Cube GX, Roland has taken their famed modeling technology and put it into a portable package.

Features:

Power Rating: 3-Watts
Battery Life: 20 to 25 hours
Power Source(s): 6 x AA Batteries or AC
Speaker: 5”
Controls: Amp Type, Memory, Tuner, Gain, Tone, EFX, Delay/Reverb, Master
Input(s): ¼”, AUX-IN
Output(s): REC out/Headphone
Weight: 6 lbs
Dimensions: 9.7” x 6.7” x 9”

The selling point of this amp is just how many effects it has. It includes eight different amp models (ranging from vintage cleans to modern high-gain tones), a chromatic tuner, modulation (chorus, flange, phaser, delay), as well as reverb. The amp also comes with a memory feature that allows you to store your favorite settings, and then instantly recall them.

One thing to know about this amp is that it gets a lot of utility from its i-Cube link app. However, this app is only available on iOS devices.

Vox Mini5 Rhythm - 5W

The key selling point of the Vox Mini5 is that it’s essentially a combination drum machine and guitar amp, giving it an unparalleled amount of utility for guitarists looking for a backstage warm-up amp or a phenomenal portable practice tool.

Features:

Power Rating: 5-Watts
Battery Life: 12 to 19.5 hours
Power Source(s): 6 x AA Batteries or AC
Speaker: 6.5”
Controls: Trim, Send, Amp, Gain, Tone, Volume, Effects 1, Effects 2, Tap Tempo, Rhythm Genre, Rhythm Temp, Rhythm Level, Start/Stop, Variations
Input(s): ¼”, MIC-IN, AUX-In
Output(s): Headphones
Weight: 7.72 lbs
Dimensions: 10.5” x 7” x 10.5”

Beyond the drum machine functionality, the Mini5 Rhythm also comes with a host of onboard amp models and effects. The amp models include Fenders, Vox amps, Marshalls, and even a Mesa Boogie. The effects include the most commonly used pedals, such as chorus, compression (a huge bonus for metal and country players in particular), tremolo, delay, and two different reverb models. The amp also comes with a tap tempo feature.

Lastly, the Rhythm 5 also has a mic and AUX input, as well as a headphone out.

Yamaha THR5A Combo Amp - 10W

Yamaha’s THR5A is an acoustic-focused battery powered guitar amp. This is not a good amp to buy if you’re looking for something to use with an electric guitar. It’s designed to work with acoustic guitar exclusively, and the EQ and effects both reflect this.

Features:

Power Rating: 10-Watts
Battery Life: 6-7 Hours
Power Source(s): 8 x AA Batteries or DC
Speaker: 2 x 3”
Controls: Mic Type, Blend/Gain, Master, Tone, Effect, Delay/Reverb, Volume, Tap Tempo/Tuner
Input(s): ¼”, AUX-IN, USB
Output(s): Headphones
Weight: 4.4 lbs
Dimensions: 10.7” x 6.5” x 4.7”

Beyond that, this amp is a great little unit if you’re looking for something that can capture the nuanced tone of an acoustic guitar. The amp models both condenser and dynamic microphones, as well as having a specialized setting for nylon guitars. The nylon setting in particular is great for slim bodied nylon guitars that don’t have the volume of larger instruments.

The THR5A also comes with onboard effects. The including effects are as follows: compressor, compressor chorus, chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, delay, delay/reverb, hall reverb, spring reverb, and a noise gate.

Yamaha THR10C Stereo Amp - 10W

The Yamaha THR10C is a “boutique” amp modeler. An interesting feature of the amp is the design ethos behind it. A piece by NewsAtlas features a quote by Julian Ward (an Employee of Yamaha UK) which states ”…a lot of players are looking for what they think an am amp sounds like rather than what it actually sounds like”. Basically, the idea behind this amp is that Yamaha is modeling the sound of a high-end amp after being recorded in a professional studio.

Features:

Power Rating: 10-Watts
Battery Life: 6 to 7 Hours
Power Source(s): 8 x AA Batteries or DC
Speaker: 2 x 3”
Controls: Amp, Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Effect, Delay/Reverb, Output, USB/AUX output, Memory, Tap Tempo, Tuner.
Input(s): ¼”, AUX-In, USB
Output(s): Headphones
Weight: 6 lbs
Dimensions: 14.1” x 7.2” x 5.5”

In practice, the amp produces the general vibe of the amps it models (Fender 65’ Deluxe Reverb, Matchless DC30, Fender Blues Junior, Marshall Bluesbreaker, DR Z Mini). The Yamaha THR10C also comes with a host of onboard modulation effects. The amp includes chorus, flange, phaser, tremolo, reverb, and delay. Through the use of the included modeling software you can also use compression and even change the emulated cabinet for each amp voicing.

Yamaha THR10X Modeling Amp - 10W

The Yamaha THR10X can be thought of as the high-gain version of the THR1C covered above. Both amps same a lot of the same features, but the THR10X has way more distortion on tap. The amp comes with voicings aimed at high gain, making it a snap to conjure up everything from classic rock to modern metal.

Features:

Power Rating: 10-Watts
Battery Life: 6-7 Hours
Power Source(s): 8 x AA Batteries or AC
Speaker: 2 x 3”
Controls: Amp, Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Effect, Delay/Reverb, USB/AUX output, User Memory, Tap Tempo, Tuner
Input(s): ¼”, AUX-IN
Output(s): USB, Headphones
Weight: 6 lbs
Dimensions: 14.1” x 7.2” x 5.5”

An important feature of this amp is that it actually gives you the “bloom” in tone you get from turning up an amp at low volume levels. Lots of amps can’t do this, including other modeling amps. This has been my experience with my current amp, the Fender Mustang III. Even though it’s a solid-state amp, the tone opens up when the volume is raised past a certain point (which is still too loud for bedroom levels).

The Yamaha comes with all of the modulation effects that the other Yamaha amps featured on this list are equipped with. The amp also gains more functionality when used with the included software.

Roland Cube Street - 5W

Roland’s Cube Street is a busker’s dream amp, packed full of features that will make any busker’s life an order of magnitude easier. The amp is divided into two channels: microphone and guitar. Both channels have an individually controlled EQ and output level, though the microphone only features a bass and treble equalization control.

Features:

Power Rating: 5-Watts
Battery Life: Up to 15 Hours
Power Source(s): 6 x AA Batteries or DC
Speaker: 2 x 6.5”
Controls: Channel Select, Volume, Bass, Treble, Delay/Reverb, Tuner, Type, Gain, Guitar Volume, Guitar Bass, Guitar Middle, Guitar Treble, Effects, Delay/Reverb
Input(s): ¼” / XLR, ¼”, AUX-In
Output(s): Headphones
Weight: 13 lbs 1 oz
Dimensions: 16 3/8” x 11 5/8” x 9 7/8”

The guitar channel models five different amps, including Roland’s own Jazz Chorus, a vintage Fender-style amp, a Vox amplifier, a Marshall amp, and a voicing for acoustic guitars. The Roland Jazz Chorus voicing in particular is a unique inclusion, because since it’s a Roland design a lot of amps don’t even attempt to recreate it. The Jazz Chorus is a famed solid state amp, known for its great clean tones (the amp’s most famous user is Bradley Nowell of Sublime).

The amp also comes with modulation effects, including: chorus, flange, phaser, tremolo, delay, and reverb.

Yamaha THR10 Modeling Amp - 10W

The Yamaha THR10 is the least specialized of the THR series, making it a great choice for musicians looking for an exceptionally versatile amp. The THR10 comes with Fender, Vox, and Marshall voicings as well as a high gain mode. The THR10 also comes with a voicing for bass and acoustic guitars, as well as a “flat” setting for non-guitar sources such as an MP3 player.

Features:

Power Rating: 10-Watts
Battery Life: 6-7 Hours
Power Source(s): 8 x AA Batteries or AC
Speaker: 2 x 3”
Controls: Amp, Gain, Master, Tone, Effect, Delay/Reverb, Volume, Tap Tempo/Tuner, User Memory
Input(s): ¼”, AUX-In
Output(s): Headphones, USB
Weight: 10.7” x 6.5” x 4.7”
Dimensions: 4.4 lbs

Like the other amps in the THR series, the THR10 comes with onboard effects. The effects are the same as those on the amps featured above (flange, phase, tremolo, reverb, delay) as well as compression that’s available through the included software. The amp also comes with tap tempo functionality as well as a tuner.

Roland AC-33 Acoustic Amp - 20W/30W

Roland’s AC-33 is a portable, battery powered amp aimed at acoustic musicians. The amp is designed to retain as natural of an acoustic voice as possible, which is great if you’re looking for a way to amplify your acoustic guitar while still producing an organic tone. Like the Cube Street featured above, the amp also features a Mic channel with an independent EQ and volume control (the Mic channel also includes chorus).

Features:

Power Rating: 20-Watts (On Batteries) / 30-Watts on AC
Battery Life: 8 Hours
Power Source(s): 8 x AA Batteries or AC
Speaker: 2 x 5”
Controls: Mic Volume, Mic Bass, Mic Treble, Mic Chorus, Guitar Volume, Guitar Bass, Guitar Middle, Guitar Treble, Guitar Chorus, Reverb, Anti-Feedback, Looper
Input(s): XLR, ¼”, AUX-In, Foot Switch, Looper
Output(s): Headphones, Line Out
Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz.
Dimensions: 12 9/16” x 8 13/16” x 9 5/8”

A really important feature of this amp, especially if you’re planning on playing outdoors, is the “anti-feedback control”. Put simply, an anti-feedback control helps to control feedback. It’s a very valuable tool to have if you plan on playing in areas with less than ideal sound.

Lastly, this amp also includes looper functionality. This is great for live performances, though if you intend to use it to its fullest potential you will need to purchase a foot control.

Things to Consider When Buying a Battery Powered Guitar Amp

Battery Life

As features and power rating increase (power rating is the wattage of the amplifier) battery life is going to decrease. So amps that model effects are going to have a shorter battery life, and the louder the amp the less time the battery is going to last.

However, this also depends on the type and amount of batteries used. While a more feature rich amp may consume more power, you may also get pretty good battery life. However, more batteries also makes the amp heavier, making it less convenient to travel with.
Speaker Size

Speaker size has a huge impact on your tone. The smaller the speaker the brighter and more focused it sounds, while the larger the speaker the more full and warm (more bass frequencies) it will sound. Most battery powered amps have a smaller speaker, but many actually have a depth of tone that’s incredibly impressive for the relatively diminutive size.

The best middle ground in speaker size is 12”, which is why most speakers are this size. However, 10” and even sometime 8” speakers can still sound pretty warm.
Built-In Effects

Many amps come with built-in effects. The most commonly found built-in effect is distortion, however many battery amps come with a variety of effects. Some standouts include: delay, chorus, and reverb.

Built-in effects are awesome in battery powered amps, because having to haul around a bunch of pedals would somewhat defeat the purpose of having a battery amp in the first place. The only real downside to built-in effects is that they increase the cost of the amp and increase its weight.
Weight/Portability

Battery powered amplifiers never really seem that heavy, but you’d be surprised how quickly the weight of an amp can become a huge headache. Even just having to carry your amp across a campus or into your guitar teacher's house can be a surprisingly strenuous activity; even if it seems like it wouldn’t be a big deal at first.

Everything we’ve covered up until this point factors into portability. Weight is increased by batteries, the circuitry of the amp (which increases the more complex an amp is), and the speaker size.

Best Battery Powered Guitar Amp Selection Methodology

We started off by looking at popular and top rated combo guitar amplifiers that can run on batteries. Then we collected relevant reviews, ratings, forum discussions and recommendations. We ended up gathering over 6,100 data sources, which we then processed via the Gearank Algorithm. This resulted in the scores that we used to narrow down the list to those that the market deem as the best. For more information about this process see How Gearank Works