The best battery powered guitar amp offers freedom and flexibility that all serious guitar players need. I enjoy dialing good tones and playing without being tethered to a power outlet.
Highest Rated | Highest Rated Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 93 | 5100+ | |||
 | 94 | 850+ | |||
 | 94 | 500+ |
Highest Rated | Highest Rated Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 93 | 90+ | |||
 | 93 | 450+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
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The biggest advantage of battery powered amps for me is portability. The best battery powered guitar amplifier gives me the freedom to busk, practice, or perform outdoors without dragging around extension cords or worrying about where to plug in.
Whether you’re chasing inspiration across town or just want to play a quick set in your backyard, a battery operated guitar amp lets you take your sound with you, anytime and anywhere.
In this guide, I’ll share the amps that really stand out, not just for their tone, but for how useful they are in real-world situations. Yamaha continues to set the bar high with their THR5 and THR10II WL, both compact and studio-friendly. They’re perfect for home use are are also viable for portable use. The Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth is another solid option if you’re looking for the best portable guitar amp that fits easily into a backpack and still sounds great.
And if you’re looking for the best busking amp or the best amplifier for busking, you’ll find top-rated picks like the Fender Acoustic Junior Go and the Coolmusic BP40D. These are made for loud outdoor playing: light, powerful, and built to perform even in the busiest city corners or wide-open public spaces.
No matter how you play or where you’re headed, this guide will help you find a battery-powered amp that matches your style, your needs, and your love for music on the move.
Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps
Blackstar Fly 3
Delivers good overdriven tone despite its tiny size. It’s a great companion when practicing while on the go.
Pros:
- Very affordable.
- Superb portability and great for practice.
- Versatile voicing via Blackstar’s ISF knob.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Limited volume, gain, and lackluster clean tone.
- No USB connection.
- Does not come with an AC power adapter.
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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. Blackstar Fly 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. This essentially allows the amp to function as a multimedia player for your smart devices.
It is an ideal amp for travel, 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.
- 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”
Yamaha THR5
With its high-quality amp modeling and built-in effects, this amp delivers recording ready tones in a desk friendly, battery-powered unit.
Pros:
- Excellent tube-like tones
- Stereo sound creates a more immersive experience
- Built-in effects for added versatility
- USB connectivity for recording and playback
- Stylish and compact design
- Not loud enough
- Limited EQ controls
- Requires AA batteries or adapter)
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The Yamaha THR5 is one of those amps that makes you want to play more. Right out of the box, I was impressed with how warm and natural the tones sounded, thanks to Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Modeling technology (VCM).
It nails classic tube amp sounds really well, while retaining a compact form factor that can be battery-powered. It is an excellent companion for late-night practice sessions and for home recordings.
The depth and clarity of the stereo output are quite impressive given its small size. It creates a more immersive playing experience, which is something you don’t get with most small practice amps.
It also has a USB connection for recording and playback, making it a solid tool for home studio setups. The retro-inspired design adds to its charm, making it a stylish addition to any room.
Given its small form factor, it’s not the loudest amp out there, and it won’t cut through a band setting. If you’re planning to play with others, you may need to look for something louder. Still, for personal practice and high-quality tone in a small package, the THR5 is hard to beat.
- Power Rating: 10 Watts
- Battery Life: ~6 hours
- Power Source(s): AC Adapter / 8 x AA Batteries
- Speaker: 2 x 3.15″
- Controls: Amp, Gain, Master, Tone, Effect, DLY/REV, Volume, Tap Tempo
- Amp Models: 4 Virtual Circuitry Modeling
- Effects: 8
- Input(s): 1 x 1/4″ Guitar Input, 1 x 1/8″ Aux in
- Output(s): 1 x 1/4″ Headphones
- Extra Features: 2-Channel USB recording
- Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- Dimensions
Yamaha THR10II WL
Fantastic amp modeling tones with deep stereo effects, packed in a modern tabletop rechargeable amp.
Pros:
- Impressive stereo sound in a home studio setup
- Versatile amp models and voicing options
- Built-in wireless receiver for the Line 6 Relay G10T transmitter
- With built-in rechargeable battery.
- Limited volume
- Not meant to be cranked hard.
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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.
- 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″
Best Battery Powered Amps for Busking
Fender Acoustic Junior Go
This powerful acoustic amp delivers rich, full-bodied tone with enough volume for busking, all while running on a rechargeable battery. With onboard effects and dual channels for vocals and guitar, it’s a must-have for singer-songwriters on the move.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Clear sound with a good bass response.
- Versatile input/output options.
- Usable Effects and Looper functions.
- It isn’t as loud as expected from a 100W amp
- A bit muddy when cranked too hard.
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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.
- 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”
Coolmusic BP40D
Offers crisp acoustic tones and multiple input options, making it ideal for singer songwriters and solo performers. Its long-lasting rechargeable battery and built-in Bluetooth make it a versatile choice for buskers and mobile musicians.
Pros:
- Loud and clear acoustic tone.
- 80W of powerMultiple inputs, including XLR.
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Affordable for a battery-powered amp
- Build quality feels a bit cheap
- Limited tone-shaping options
- Slightly bulky for a portable amp
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For acoustic players looking for a battery-powered amp with serious volume, the Coolmusic BP40D is a solid choice. Right away, I noticed how crisp and natural the sound was, preserving the warmth and resonance of my acoustic guitar. At 80 watts, it has enough power to handle small gigs, busking, and rehearsals, all without needing to be plugged in.
One of the standout features is its versatility. It has multiple input options, including XLR for vocals, making it a great all-in-one amp for singer-songwriters. The built-in Bluetooth functionality is a nice touch, allowing me to stream backing tracks or play music in between sets. Plus, the rechargeable battery lasts for hours, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-performance.
However, while it delivers on power and features, the build quality feels a bit budget-friendly. The knobs and buttons aren’t as sturdy as I’d like, and the tone shaping options are somewhat limited. Still, if you need a reliable, portable acoustic amp that won’t break the bank, the BP40D is a great pick.
- Power Rating: 80-Watts
- Battery Power: 6-8 Hours
- Power Source(s): Built-in Lithium Ion Battery or AC
- Speaker: 2 x 6.5” woofers and 2 x 2″ tweeters
- Controls: Main Controls (Power, Main Volume, Record Out, Phones Level, Aux Level, Amp Mute), Per Channel Controls (Gain 1, Gain 2, Reverb, 3-Band EQ Ch1, 2-Band EQ Ch2, Chorus/Delay Ch2) Three Band EQ, FX Level, FX Select, Phase)
- Input(s): Mic(1 x XLR-1/4″ combo input, 1 x 1/4″), Instrument (2 x 1/4″), 1 x 1/8″ Aux In, 1 x 1/8″ Line in, USB
- Output(s): 1 x 1/8″ Headphones, 1 x 1/4″ DI Out
- Weight: 18.66 lbs
- Dimensions: 15.35″ × 6.69″ × 10.24″
Things to Consider When Buying a Battery Powered Guitar Amp
Battery Life
One of the biggest reasons I use a battery powered guitar amp is the flexibility to play anywhere without hunting for an outlet. That said, battery life varies a lot depending on how much power the amp pushes and what features it’s running. If you’re using built-in effects or a powerful speaker, expect the battery to drain faster. I’ve found that the louder you crank it, the shorter your runtime, some amps drop off fast at max volume.
There’s always a trade-off. More power means more or bigger batteries, which adds weight and bulk. That’s something I really feel when carrying gear across town. Some amps still rely on disposable batteries, but I tend to go for those with built-in rechargeables. They’re convenient, though you should know that internal batteries aren’t usually user-replaceable. If one goes out, it’ll probably need professional servicing.
Speaker Size
Speaker size matters more than most people think. Smaller speakers tend to sound tighter and more focused, especially in the mids and highs. If you want a fuller, rounder sound, larger speakers will give you that. Of course, with size comes weight, so if your amp has anything close to a 12-inch speaker, be ready to haul it. Still, I’ve played some surprisingly rich-sounding small amps that really punch above their size. If tone is a top priority, don’t overlook this detail.
Amp Modeling and Effects
These days, even battery powered amps come with built-in modeling and effects. I’ve used a few that let me switch between amp types and layer on reverb or chorus without needing a pedalboard. The selection is usually more limited than full-size modeling amps, but for practice or mobile gigs, it’s more than enough. I actually like the simplicity, it keeps me focused on playing instead of getting lost tweaking knobs.
Weight and Portability
Most battery powered amps are small, but don’t let the size fool you. Batteries add real weight, especially if the amp is packing power. I’ve lugged a few around long enough to appreciate the value of a good handle. If you’re busking or playing out, you’ll need to think about how far you’ll be walking with it and how often. For quieter situations like solo lessons or noodling in a hotel room, a lightweight amp with modest volume is all you really need. But for gigs or rehearsals with a band, you’ll need more volume, and that usually means more weight.
Budget
I always tell friends to match their amp choice to their needs and their budget. There are plenty of affordable options out there, especially for beginners or casual players. But if you’re gigging regularly or just want better tone and build quality, it’s worth spending a bit more. Higher-end portable amps usually sound better, feel more solid, and have more useful features. Like anything in music gear, you get what you pay for.
What to Look for in a Busking Amp
If you’re buying an amp specifically for street performing, there are a few key things I’ve learned to look for. First is volume. A lot of portable amps just aren’t powerful enough to cut through outdoor noise, especially in a busy area. You need an amp that can fill space and still sound clean.
The next big factor is connectivity. Personally, I love having a second input for a mic or a second instrument. Some models even let you plug in a backing track through an Aux input, which makes solo performances sound way more polished. And if you’re routing into a separate speaker or recorder, having a preamp out is a huge bonus.
Battery life is also a dealbreaker if you’re performing for long stretches. I always keep spare batteries or a portable charger on hand just in case. And finally, durability matters. When you’re playing outside often, your amp is going to get bumped, scuffed, and occasionally rained on. I want to know that mine can handle real-world use without letting me down halfway through a set.
Battery Powered Guitar Amp Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2018. This current edition was published in 2025.
For this edition, we compiled a list of battery powered guitar amps available from major US online retailers and ended up with 46 candidates on our shortlist. We then compiled relevant reviews, ratings, forum discussions, and recommendations for each amp on our shortlist.
The number of sources we collated increased threefold compared to the previous edition, going to over 48,000. All these data were then processed by the Gearank Algorithm to produce the rating scores out of 100 that we used to select the guitar amps that reflect the market’s sentiment as the best. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Buskers today have it easy with good quality busking amps like the Fender Acoustic Junior Go, I used to have to bring long extension cords if I had to play outdoors! The Roland Micro Cube GX is another great battery powered amp that’s more accessible. I’m also jealous of how convenient the Yamaha THR5 is. It packs so much good tone and functionality in a small amp that can run on batteries.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Co-Writer and Product Research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Fender Acoustic Junior Go, Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth and Yamaha THR5A.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
More Best Battery Powered Guitar Amp: Top Portable Picks Related Posts
Comments:
17 responses
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Publication of our 2022.10 Edition resulted in the following amps being removed from our recommended list due to being out-ranked by the amps above:
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I have the bass version of the Fly with external speaker. It is nice but the amp you left off is better. The Nux Mighty Air is smaller, louder has great amp modelong and thousands of effects combos.
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Many people do like the Nux Mighty Air, however we didn’t put it on the recommended list because its ratings weren’t high enough.
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Publication of our June 2021 Edition resulted in the following amps coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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Curious why more amps aren’t being made utilizing rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries? These batteries can supply much more power for longer periods then a handful of AA or AAA batteries while also being rechargeable and easily replaceable. Guess most amp makers aren’t interested in utilizing a power source that you can find in many power hungry electronics now, from portable speakers to cell phones to drones. Maybe I should start my own company.
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yes i agree, i came here to din that it is weird there are not more .. wtf shitty aa batteries lol
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We’ve removed the following amps from the recommended list above due to being discontinued, but you can still read our analysis of them:
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As a result of our July 2019 update the following amp was removed from the recommended list above: Vox Mini5 Rhythm.
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The Roland Mobile Cube is a good amp and we have previously recommended it in our guide to Best 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.
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Why do they all run on AA batteries? I want an amp with serious power that will run on my rechargeable drill battery pack.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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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Disclosure
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
Buskers today have it easy with good quality busking amps like the Fender Acoustic Junior Go, I used to have to bring long extension cords if I had to play outdoors! The Roland Micro Cube GX is another great battery powered amp that's more accessible. I'm also jealous of how convenient the Yamaha THR5 is. It packs so much good tone and functionality in a small amp that can run on batteries.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Co-Writer and Product Research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Fender Acoustic Junior Go, Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth and Yamaha THR5A.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
The Best Guitar Amp from the Top 10 Guitar Amp Brands
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