The 4 Best Battery Powered Guitar Amp Choices for 2024

The Yamaha THR5A is a compact battery powered amp designed specifically for acoustic-electric guitars.

It focuses on enhancing the sound and realism of under-saddle piezo pickup systems. It does this by emulating the sound of a mic'ed-up instrument through digital sound processing algorithms.

This adds back the natural air and resonance of the acoustic guitar body, which can then be blended into the direct piezo output. Basically, it makes it sound more organic.

As an acoustic amp, it does not feature overdrive or amp models. Instead, it offers different mic models, including emulations of popular mic types such as condenser, dynamic, and tube.

The condenser model adds body to the sound. So, you can plug it straight into your audio interface and still get a quality similar to that of a guitar mic'ed by a condenser mic.

while the dynamic mic model is more subtle. For a more old-school warmth and grit to the sound, there's the tube model as well.

In addition to that, it includes a special mic model for acoustic-electric nylon string guitars. It also has an EG CLN (Electric Guitar Clean) mode where the blend knob acts as a gain knob.

If you're not familiar with what is gain on an amp and what it does, gain is the amount of signal passing through the preamp. As you increase gain, you'll also notice an increase in volume, but it is basically more of a tone than a volume control.

The amp comes with useful effects like compressor, chorus, flanger, tremolo, delay, reverb, and noise gate. Some of which are accessible only via the software editor.

The Yamaha THR5A is meant for small rooms and studio use with its 10W power and two 3" speakers, resembling a vintage radio. And given its power and volume limitations, it is not suitable for band settings or gigs.

The Yamaha THR5A can run on 8 x AA batteries for 6 to 7 hours, making a nice portable acoustic amp. In fact, it could be considered a portable all-in-one studio rig for acoustic-electric guitars due to its features.

So, if you're into acoustic-electric guitars, for practice and even recording, the Yamaha THR5A is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 10-Watts
• Battery Power: 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”

Demo

The THR10II Wireless is an upgraded version of the THR line. It offers more amp modeling options, effects, software app control, and Bluetooth for audio streaming.

Thanks to Yamaha's virtual circuitry modeling, this amp can utilize a variety of amp tones and effects, even at low volumes. It offers a choice of 15 VCM tube amp emulations, 3 bass amp models, 3 mic models for acoustic-electric guitars, and a flat mode for no coloration.

This portable amp can operate for up to 6 hours on a rechargeable battery. It features a 20-Watt single channel with dual 3″ speakers and comes in a portable desk-friendly form.

The THR10II WL performs well, especially in a small environment, like at home. It's compact and easy to use, with memory buttons that provide quick access to saved settings.

For a completely wireless experience, the amp has a built-in wireless receiver compatible with the Line 6 G10T. This allows you to play your electric guitar without any cables, as long as you have a compatible wireless transmitter.

It also includes Bluetooth connectivity for audio playback from your favorite music apps like Spotify or Apple Music. This also allows for wireless editing and tone customization via the THR Remote mobile app. This amp made it to our list of the Best Bluetooth Amp for Guitars.

You can also use the Yamaha THR10II WL much like headphone amps- great for silent practice.

Given its small speaker size, this guitar amp is not meant to be driven hard. It also won't have enough volume for use in a band setting. But it does a great job at what it's meant to do - which is provide great tones in a home studio desk setting.

For a portable amp with a range of good features and portability, the THR10II WL is a good option to consider.

A good alternative to the THR10II is the Positive Grid Spark, but it doesn't run on batteries.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 20W (2 x 10W stereo), 15W (battery)
• Battery Power: Up to 6 hours
• Speaker: 2 x 3″
• Amp Models: 5 Tube Amp Models (+10 via App), 3 Bass Amps, 2 Acoustic Mic Models, Flat Voicing
• Effects: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Echo, (THR Remote) Compressor, Noise Gate
• Controls: Amp, Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Effect, Echo/Rev, Output (Guitar, Audio), Tap Tempo, 5 x User Presets
• Input: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″ (Aux)
• Output: 1 x 1/8″ Headphone Output
• Extra Features: Built-in Rechargeable Battery, Wireless Receiver, Bluetooth Compatibility
• Weight: 7.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.2" x 14.49" x 5.5"

Demo

The Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth is a compact amp that gives you the ability to practice anywhere at manageable volume levels.

Rated at 3W, this mini guitar amp is not meant to be loud, but it provides a great-sounding tone at lower volumes. The amp features Blackstar's patented Infinite Shape Feature (IFS).

This offers versatile voicing with just one knob. Voicings such as tight American or jangly British tones.

Despite its small size, the amp produces a big sound and maintains good definition, even at high-gain settings.

It excels at producing great-sounding, overdriven guitar tones. However, its clean tone is not as impressive, but that's to be expected, as Blackstar amps are not typically known for their clean tones.

The amp is a 3W battery powered amp, featuring a 3" speaker housed in a modern-looking cabinet. It is powered by 6 AA batteries for untethered use, or by AC power using an optional power supply.

It comes with wireless Bluetooth compatibility, making it easier to jam along with tracks. It essentially allows the amp to function as a multimedia player for your smart devices.

This makes it an ideal amp for travel, as it is great for playing in hotels and apartments where you want to play without disturbing the neighbors.

This is also a headphone amp that you can plug into for an even quieter playing experience.

With its practicality and portability, the Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth is highly recommended. It is the cheapest amp on this guide, and it is also among the best cheap guitar amps currently available.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 3-Watts
• Battery Power: Up to 20 Hours
• Power Source(s): 6 x AA Batteries or 6.5V DC
• Speaker: 1 x 3”
• Controls: Gain, Volume, EQ (ISF), Delay, Bluetooth, OD, Delay Level, Power
• Input(s): 1/4”, AUX-IN
• Output(s): 1/8" Headphones, RJ45 jack (Extension Speaker)
• Weight: 1.98 lbs
• Dimensions: 4.96” x 6.69” x 4.01”

Demo

The Fender Acoustic Junior Go is a 100W battery powered acoustic amp designed for busking and gigging. It features a full-range speaker system with an 8" woofer and compression tweeter. This provides you with a portable PA system and added features to give you enough volume to play with a band, or outdoors.

This rechargeable guitar amp, with a built-in lithium-ion battery, can power the amp for up to 5 hours at high volume levels and up to 12 hours at moderate volume levels.

The amp has two independent channels with dedicated combo XLR inputs and controls. This allows for two acoustic guitars or a mic and acoustic guitar combinations.

Each channel has its own EQ controls, providing flexibility without impacting the other sound source.

Despite its small woofer, the amp delivers a balanced sound with deep bass and good highs. It offers transparent amplification without coloration. This is its main advantage over similar gigging amps.

Onboard effects include reverb, delay, modulation effects, and a built-in looper. Although, a separate footswitch is needed to use it hands-free.

The amp offers versatile output options with two XLR line-out jacks that can be set to stereo overall or as dedicated outputs for each channel. It also features USB audio recording capabilities.

The Fender Acoustic Junior Go is lightweight yet solid, making it road-worthy, and the best busking amp for places without power outlets.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 100-Watts
• Battery Power: 5-12 Hours
• Power Source(s): Built-in Lithium Ion Battery or AC
• Speaker: 1 x 8” with compression tweeter
• Controls: Main Controls( Power, Looper (Record Play/Stop, Undo), Bluetooth Pair), Per Channel Controls (Volume, Three Band EQ, FX Level, FX Select, Phase)
• Input(s): 2 x XLR-1/4" combo inputs, 1 x 1/8" Aux In
• Output(s): 2 x XLR (line out), 1 x Headphones
• Weight: 15.7 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.02” x 15.71” x 9.4”

Demo