The Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps - $70 to $450
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. Despite its small size, the amplifier is versatile enough for creative use with its onboard effects. The Fly 3 comes with an emulated tape delay (which on lower levels can be used to somewhat simulate reverb), an onboard overdrive, and the ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control. With the ISF control, you can take on various different amplifier tonalities to suit what type of music you feel like playing.
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”
Pros
Reviewers generally liked the tonal quality coming from the amplifier. Despite its small size, some found the amp sounded larger. The onboard effects were also seen as a plus as well as the ability to be a speaker for a music player or laptop.
Cons
Quality control issues swayed some users away from this product. Hit-or-miss durability due to reports of units breaking down with normal use.
Overall
The Blackstar Fly3 is a good option for those who want to play along to backing tracks since the amp also doubles as a portable speaker. Since the amp includes flexible tone shaping as well as onboard effects, it works great as a coffee table or desk amp. It is more at home indoors than being carried around outdoors.
Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth - 3W
Blackstar’s Fly 3 Bluetooth is largely similar to its non-Bluetooth sibling with the exception of the capability of connecting to devices and an extension speaker (sold separately) by Bluetooth. As with the regular Fly 3, it features tape delay, overdrive and the ISF control for tone shaping.
Features:
- Power Rating: 3-Watts
- Battery Life: Up to 50 Hours at Lower Volumes (Bluetooth off)
- 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 and extension speaker out
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Dimensions: 6.6” x 5” x 4”
Pros
Users note it to be a great companion amp on the go and found the convenience of the Bluetooth capability a big selling point. Being able to add an extension speaker for stereo operation (sold separately) was a big plus for those looking for a dual purpose device.
Cons
Quality control still may need improvement as reported by a few. Battery life is shorter than non-Bluetooth variant after a user's comparison.
Overall
The Blackstar Fly3 adds connectivity and stereo operation with an extension cab to the original Fly3. This makes it a great option for those looking to have both great sounding speakers and the ability to just plug in and jam along to their favorite tracks.
Boss Katana Mini Combo Amp - 7W
The Boss Katana series is generally well received by critics and professionals with the larger 100-watt variants getting a lot of stage and studio time. Boss aims to continue this stellar performance with the Katana Mini: a 7-watt portable combo amplifier. The amp comes with three different voicings adopted from its larger siblings: brown, crunch, and clean. Brown is a modified "British" voiced high gain amp, crunch features a lower gain setting, and clean is a based off Roland/Boss' experience with solid state clean tones. Onboard delay rounds out the amplifier.
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”
Pros
Many users found that the amp has an excellent high gain sound which is great for modern styles like metal. While offering fewer options in terms of tones, owners of the larger Katana amps mentioned that the feel of the Katana mini is close, if not equivalent to their larger amplifiers.
Cons
Some found that the Katana Mini didn't have enough volume for their liking when compared to other battery-powered amps they owned. Due to the construction, users felt that the tone sounded boxy despite feeling great.
Overall
If you're a fan of high gain modded "British" tones, the Katana series, or both, the Katana Mini is the amplifier to get. It may not be as loud as other battery-powered amps but loudness isn't a priority if you're buying a battery powered amp for home use.
Roland Micro Cube GX Modeling Amp - 3W
Roland has decades of experience when it comes to digital modeling. They’ve always been innovators in the field, and the modeling products produce by the brand get praise from even the harshest of critics. 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”
Pros
With 8 amp models, tuner, modulation, and reverb, many users claim that the Micro Cube GX is their ideal portable amplifier. Versatility is also a key point which made some buy this amplifier.
Cons
Some found the sound to be thin and too quiet. App felt unintuitive for others especially when most of the added functionality and features can only be accessed there.
Overall
The Roland Cube series has always been a go-to amplifier for people who want a versatile amp with different sounds, effects and functionality. The Micro Cube GX continues Roland's stellar reputation for dsp-powered effects by managing to somehow cram a lot of features into a small, battery-powered package.
Yamaha THR5A Combo Amp - 10W
Yamaha’s THR5A is an acoustic-focused battery powered guitar amp. While other THR series amplifiers have varying amp models, on the THR5A, these have been replaced with mic models. Many guitar players dislike the sound of most undersaddle piezo pickups because of their tendency to sound "brittle" when amplified. The THR5A rectifies this by simulating the more natural sound of a miked up soundhole. A blend knob enables you to mix the simulated mic sound with the direct piezo tone to achieve a balance of attack and body. The "EG Cln" model on the other hand simulates an electric guitar clean tone and the blend knob becomes a gain knob.
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”
Pros
For recording acoustic guitar, users found the mic models to be a great tool for making their tracks sound better. Users with the Yamaha Silent Guitar say it pairs well with the THR5A. Others have used the headphone out to feed the mic simulated output and effects into the P.A. for live use to great success. Audience members have told one user that his tone through the THR5A into the P.A. sounded big and inspiring.
Cons
Users who enjoyed the amp wished that it had an XLR out for live use.
Overall
You're probably wondering why you'd need a small amplifier for use with acoustic guitar. The answer lies in the microphone models and stereo effects built into the amplifier. Hearing your guitar sound as though it was processed through a pro studio rig with mics and effects adds a layer of excitement to playing. Not to mention having all these tone shaping tools at your command for recording makes it a winner for songwriters.
Roland Cube Street - 5W
Roland presents the Cube Street as "The ultimate amp for traveling musicians". While the Cube Street was designed with buskers and street performers in mind, it also works well for musicians who want a good backstage or home amplifier that they can plug both their guitar and vocals into. The amp has a channel for guitar as well as an XLR in for microphones. 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. Both channels have an individually controlled EQ and output level, and the microphone channel features a bass and treble equalization control. The amp also comes with modulation effects, including chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, delay, and reverb.
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”
Pros
The Cube Street's favorable reviews praise it for being "rugged" and "roadworthy". For most reviewers, the amp is loud enough for outdoor performance within a certain radius which is usually the case for busking and street performance. The addition of a microphone input is something that users didn't see in other battery powered amplifiers which led to them getting the Cube Street.
Cons
Users note that the amplifier lacks bass response, which is important for instruments like acoustic and bass guitar. Having a strong fundamental note is important for these instruments. Another user noted that the batteries must be removed before plugging into a wall socket as his unit's batteries leaked.
Overall
If you're looking for a portable amplifier with a microphone input for busking and performance, the Cube Street is a solid pick.
Roland AC-33 Acoustic Amp - 20W/30W
Roland’s AC-33 is a portable, battery-powered amp designed for acoustic guitar. The amp is designed to amplify the sound of your acoustic guitar while making it sound as natural as possible. The amp also features a Mic channel with an independent EQ and volume control. It also features modulation, reverb, feedback suppression, and a built-in 40-second looper.
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”
Pros
Users with guitars equipped with Piezo pickups love the amp for its natural sounding tone without bringing the "brittleness" that some amps have when paired with the pickup type. The feedback control is said to be well implemented and does not affect the guitar's tone in a negative way. The amp's light weight makes it a great companion amp for traveling and touring.
Cons
A few commented that the mic input is slightly weak so less sensitive mics may need additional gain. This may present a problem for noisier venues since the added gain will also amplify noise. The lack of phantom power was also an issue for some users with condenser microphones. IT may not be loud enough for larger venues even for stage monitoring, in which case one user recommended its higher wattage equivalents in the lineup. Some wanted a footswitch to be included to make most of the amp's many features.
Overall
Though the inherent power limits the size of the venues it can be used at, The Roland AC-33 Acoustic amp is great for coffee shop gigs or small outdoor events where you won't need to be loud. Because small venues like cafes are prone to acoustic feedback, the anti-feedback control does a great job of avoiding ear-splitting microphonics during performances. The built-in 40-second looper enables harmonies and layering; a feature not found on other amplifiers in this class though you will need to purchase a separate footswitch to operate it during playing.
Things to Consider When Buying a Battery Powered Guitar Amp
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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 good battery life. Bear in mind that more batteries make the amp heavier, making it less convenient to travel with.
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Speaker Size
Speaker size has a huge impact on your tone. The smaller the speaker, the brighter and more focused it sounds. Larger speakers will sound fuller and warmer. 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. Do take into consideration that larger speaker sizes may make the amplifier weigh more especially when approaching the 12" speaker territory.
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Built-In Effects
Many amps come with built-in effects. The most commonly found built-in effect is distortion, however, many battery-powered amps come with a delay, chorus, and reverb to name a few. Again, having these additional features comes at the cost of battery life.
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Weight/Portability
Battery powered amplifiers are usually lighter than their larger counterparts. But no matter how portable an amp claims to be, you still have to consider how portable you want your gear to be. For example, bringing an amplifier made for busking / street performance to a one-on-one guitar lesson may become a chore when you could use a lighter amplifier instead.
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Which is the Best Battery Powered Amp for Busking?
For just playing guitar at low volume we recommend the Roland Micro Cube GX, however if you want to use a microphone as well then your best option would be the Roland Cube Street for low volume or the Roland AC-33 if you need a bit more power.
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Which is the Best Battery Powered Acoustic Amp?
The highest rated option is the budget priced 10 watt Yamaha THR5A, however if you need a bit more volume then we suggest you go for the 20 watt (when using batteries) Roland AC-33.
Best Battery Powered Guitar Amp Selection Methodology
First published on Jan. 30, 2018 written by Mason Hoberg and last updated on Jul. 11, 2019 by Raphael Pulgar.
We started by looking at popular and top-rated combo guitar amplifiers that can run on batteries (we excluded micro stacks like the Marshall MS-4). After looking at relevant reviews, ratings, forum discussions and recommendations, we gathered over 7,300 review and rating sources. These sources were then processed via the Gearank Algorithm to produce the scores that we used to select amps that reflect the market's sentiment as the best. For more information about this process see How Gearank Works.
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Comments
We've removed the following
Submitted by Jason Horton on
We've removed the following amps from the recommended list above due to being discontinued, but you can still read our analysis of them:
As a result of our July 2019
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our July 2019 update the following amp was removed from the recommended list above: Vox Mini5 Rhythm.
How did you miss the Roland
Submitted by Andre (not verified) on
How did you miss the Roland Mobile Cube in this list?
The Roland Mobile Cube is a
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The Roland Mobile Cube is a good amp and we have previously recommended it in our guide to Guitar Amps Under $200 - here's a direct link to the Mobile Cube information.
We did consider the Mobile Cube for this guide, but there were many battery powered amps with higher ratings, so we chose to recommend the more highly rated amps instead.
The Roland Mobile Cube is still on our short-list and will be considered for inclusion when we publish our next major revision of this guide.
Why do they all run on AA
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Why do they all run on AA batteries? I want an amp with serious power that will run on my rechargeable drill battery pack.
Looking for a portable
Submitted by Steve Landsberg (not verified) on
Looking for a portable lithium powered amp for acoustic guitar - preferably with at least a 6" speaker size (one)... likely not made (yet) lol... tx ~ S
For regular battery use, just
Submitted by Grey Luddite (not verified) on
For regular battery use, just invest in the latest generation "eneloop" type rechargeable batteries, like Energizer Universal 8 for $20-25. They run 1900mAH, hold a charge in storage for a long time. Just charge two sets, then you have a spare set along with you. You can run mini-amps off a plug-in as well, but note it usually is NOT charging the internal batteries, so you need a separate charger for them. Still a cheap investment for regular players.
There is an amp that is close
Submitted by Jason Horton on
There is an amp that is close to what you're asking for: Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge (link to Amazon).
The battery is rechargeable and it comes with an A/C adapter, the only thing is that I don't know is if it specifically uses a lithium ion battery.
I've also updated our rating for it which you can see here.
small battery powered amp for
Submitted by cilla Te Ua Wiri (not verified) on
Small battery powered amp for 3hr street performance with 3 microphone inputs & costs
I haven't seen any battery
Submitted by Jason Horton on
I haven't seen any battery powered amps with 3 mic inputs.
You would need to either get a battery powered mixer in addition to an amp, or a battery powered PA.
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