Finding the best guitar headphone amp completely changed how I practice, and honestly, I wish I’d made the switch sooner. I used to assume that quiet practice meant settling for flat, uninspiring tone, but that all shifted the moment I tried a compact headphone guitar amp that actually made my playing feel alive again. It wasn’t just passable tone, it was responsive, dynamic, and surprisingly close to the feel of playing through a real amp.
The Best Guitar Headphone Amp | The Best Guitar Headphone Amp Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 89 | 3025+ | |||
 | 90 | 1550+ | |||
 | 91 | 3625+ | |||
 | 90 | 2500+ | |||
 | 94 | 4725+ |
Compact Multi-Effects as Headphone Amp | Compact Multi-Effects as Headphone Amp Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 92 | 5325+ | |||
 | 91 | 2375+ | |||
 | 95 | 1200+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Today’s guitar headphone amps aren’t what they used to be. With better speaker emulation and more refined digital signal processing, these small units can deliver convincing amp tones straight to your ears. Whether you prefer a bug-style amp that plugs right into your guitar or a more feature-rich guitar headphone amplifier with amp modeling and onboard effects, you’ve got great options that won’t bother your neighbors or wake the household.
These amps are a solid choice for any player looking for flexible practice tools, especially if you’re working with limited space or need a quiet setup. Whether you’re playing late at night, traveling, or just want to keep things simple, a good electric guitar headphone amp helps you stay consistent without needing to set up a full rig.
We’ve rounded up the best headphone guitar amps for different needs, from grab-and-go plug-ins to compact multi-effects units with footswitches and recording capabilities. And to get the most out of your tone, I recommend pairing your setup with a set of high-quality Closed Back Headphones, they really help bring the full character of the amp to life.
If you’re searching for the best headphone guitar amp setup that actually makes you want to keep playing, this guide has something that’ll fit your style, budget, and space. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, upgrading your quiet practice gear can be a real game-changer, and it all starts with the right amp and the best guitar headphones for the job.
Best Guitar Headphone Amps
Vox amPlug 2 Classic Rock AP2-CR
The Vox amPlug 2 Classic Rock captures the iconic British rock tones of the ’70s and ’80s in a pocket-sized amp. With great sound quality and portability, it’s perfect for practicing on the go.
Pros:
- Authentic classic rock tones with crunchy overdrive.
- Versatile mid-boost
- Full-sounding chords at low to mid-gain levels.
- Vintage-style design
- Lightweight, portable, and easy to use.
- Includes AAA batteries and secure packaging.
- Cramped controls.
- High gain levels can sound muddy or fizzy.
- Plastic build requires careful handling.
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The AP2-CR did a nice job of emulating the midrange emphasis and crunchy overdrive flavor commonly associated with classic rock tunes.
I especially love the “bite” when digging into the strings, making this a fun amp for practicing solos and improvisation. More importantly, I’m pleased there’s enough transparency with its overdrive to still sound like “myself”.
Surprisingly, notes seem to decay organically like tube amps, which is a big plus. Chords sound surprisingly detailed and full, but only in low to mid-gain levels.
Speaking of gain levels, driving this classic guitar headphone amp up too many results in muddy-sounding chords and fizzy single-note lines. This is unfortunate but understandable, given this unit’s price and target market.
The muddy tone is especially noticeable when using single-coil pickups, but thankfully, it’s not as muddy when I switch from Strat to Les Paul.
What sets this one apart from other amPlugs is its switchable (color-coded) “Mid-Boost” Mode. It lets you choose between Mid-boost Off (Green), Mid-boost 1 Lo (Orange), and Mid-boost 2 Hi (Red). This means that you have multiple channels to work with.
This feature adds a virtual switchable booster circuit into the unit, emulating many rock guitarists’ commonly used boost pedal + amp setup.
This headphone amp is not meant for Vox AC30 style clean tone. But I can get good clean tones by turning the gain knob all the way down in Green mode (Mid-boost Off).
But I prefer the slightly dirty and gritty cleans the Orange and Red modes provide. This mid-boost works really well with my Strat, letting me hear the nuances of my playing better.
This is a great practice amp for fans of the gnarly guitar tone of classic rock.
- Tone: Classic Rock
- Effects: 3 x Chorus, 3 x Delay, 3 x Reverb
- Controls: Knobs: Gain, Tone, Volume | Button: FX, Power/Amp Mode
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″
- Power Source: 2 x AAA Batteries (Up to 17 hours)
Vox amPlug 2 Blues Guitar Headphone Amp
Designed for blues enthusiasts, the Vox amPlug 2 Blues offers warm, soulful tones in a convenient, compact design. It’s an excellent choice for players who want authentic blues sounds without the need for bulky gear.
Pros:
- Authentic blues tones
- Built-in reverb
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to use.
- Selectable tone modes
- Excellent sound quality for the price.
- Plastic build requires careful handling.
- Small controls can be hard to adjust precisely.
- High-gain tones may sound muddy.
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The Vox amPlug 2 Blues is a delightful companion for guitarists who love the expressive tones of classic blues. Its warm and dynamic sound is ideal for slow blues licks or punchy shuffles, perfectly emulating the characteristics of classic tube amps. The amp’s built-in reverb adds an extra layer of depth, making solo practice sessions more immersive and enjoyable. Its compact design and plug-and-play functionality make it incredibly convenient, whether you’re jamming at home or warming up backstage.
What really stands out is how well the amPlug 2 Blues captures the essence of blues tones. The subtle breakup and natural compression make it responsive to pick attack and volume changes, giving players expressive control over their sound. The addition of selectable tone modes and built-in effects means you can dial in variations, from rich, clean tones to gritty overdrive. However, while it excels in its niche, the headphone amp’s tonal range may feel limited if you’re venturing outside blues styles, and high gain settings can sound a little muddy.
Despite its sonic strengths, the amPlug 2 Blues does have a few practical drawbacks. The plastic build feels a bit fragile, so it’s best handled with care. Also, the small controls can be tricky to adjust precisely, especially for players with larger hands. That said, for its price and the tonal joy it brings to blues enthusiasts, these minor issues are easy to overlook. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to elevate their practice experience with authentic blues tones.
- Tone: Blues (Cranked Tweed Amp Crunch)
- Effects: 3 x Chorus, 3 x Delay, 3 x Reverb
- Modes: Clean, Crunch, and Lead Amp
- Controls: Knobs: Gain, Tone, Volume | Button: FX, Power/Amp Mode
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in) Stereo
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″ Stereo
- Power Source: 2 x AAA Batteries up to 17 hours (Included)
Valeton Rushead Max Pocket Guitar Headphone Amp
The Valeton Rushead Max packs a surprising variety of tones and effects into a tiny, ultra-portable design. Its impressive battery life and built-in features make it a versatile practice companion.
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Pros:
- Good-sounding, versatile amp voicings.
- Offers various EQ, modulation, and ambiance effects.
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.
- Convenient built-in USB rechargeable battery.
- Budget-friendly price.
- No online warranty. The warranty must be processed through the seller.
- Bulky, fixed plug with protruding knobs
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The Valeton Rushead Max is a compact guitar headphone amplifier that offers a wide range of guitar rig essentials at an affordable price.
It allows you to select between commonly used amp types, such as “CL” for clean tones based on US-made amps. Another is the “OD” for crunchy, overdriven tones based on popular UK amps.
It also has a “DIST” for modern high-gain guitar tones and comes with an easily accessible, streamlined interface.
Tone shaping is achieved using the included tone, gain, and level knobs, allowing for adjustments. With this, you can set it to accommodate various pickup configurations and types to produce great tones regardless of the guitar used.
In terms of effects, it provides a switch to choose from three essential modulation types: tremolo, chorus, and flanger.
The Rushead Max headphone guitar amplifier also includes ambient effects like delay and reverb. It has the option to use both simultaneously, adding realism to the guitar sound, which usually isn’t the case when using wired headphones.
Additional features include an aux input jack and the ability to charge the unit via USB. It comes in a lightweight plastic housing with a fixed plug.
Controls stick out quite a bit, with the knobs protruding. This means you should be careful not to bump on any object to avoid the risk of damaging this unit.
This is crucial because Valeton does not offer a warranty document online. After contacting them, they confirmed that the warranty was processed through the seller.
The Valeton Rushead Max ranks 3rd on the list of the list of the best bug-type headphone amps, and it’s also the cheapest. So, if you’re in search of a budget-friendly yet versatile guitar headphone amplifier, this unit would be a great choice.
- Tone: Switchable (Clean, Overdrive and High Gain)
- Effects: Tremolo, 3 x Chorus, 3 x Delay, 3 x Reverb
- Controls: Knobs: Gain, Tone, Volume | Button: FX, Power/Amp Mode
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″
- Power Source: USB Rechargeable (Up to 5 hours)
Vox amPlug 2 Metal Guitar Headphone Amplifier
The Vox amPlug 2 Metal delivers high-gain, aggressive tones perfect for shredders and metalheads who want to practice silently. It’s a simple yet powerful solution for keeping the metal alive on the go.
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Pros:
- Delivers powerful high-gain tones, plus delay effects.
- Provides three mid-voicing variations.
- Adjustable plug for easier storage and positioning.
- Aux-in and auto-power-off features.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Long battery life.
- Non-rechargeable.
- Limited control settings.
- Plastic and requires handling care.
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In the guitar world, high-gain tones are the universal default effect for hard rock. For this reason, it still remains popular among guitarists, despite the ever-changing musical trends.
It’s often challenging to achieve good metal tones at lower volumes. This is especially true when using only headphone guitar amps. The sound of an amp cooking is just that unique.
However, the Vox amPlug 2 Metal solves this problem. It offers convincing high-gain tones that sound full even through the small speakers of headphones.
Described by Vox as “American high-gain,” the amPlug 2 Metal provides voicing variations. Its three mid-scoop options are Mid Cut Off, Mid Cut Lo, and Mid Cut Hi.
This allows for flavors ranging from flat to V-style scooped sound. A sound that is metal-sounding enough for renowned guitarist Ola Englund. However, the tone still does not match the standards of expensive high-gain tube amps.
The amPlug 2 Metal features swivel-capable plugs for easier storage and attachment in different positions. It has streamlined control settings found on other headphone amps from Vox, like the amPlug Gen 2 units.
Additional features include built-in effects, a folding plug, auto-power off, and aux-in.
In summary, the Vox amPlug 2 Metal is a portable high-gain metal “rig” that allows you to play without disturbing your loved ones.
- Tone: Metal (High-Gain)
- Effects: 3 x Chorus, 3 x Delay, 3 x Reverb
- Controls: Knobs: Gain, Tone, Volume | Button: FX, Power/Amp Mode (Mid-cut Low, Mid-cut High, Flat)
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″
- Power Source: 2 x AAA Batteries (Up to 17 hours)
Fender Mustang Micro Guitar Headphone Amplifier
The Fender Mustang Micro combines modern amp modeling with Bluetooth connectivity for a flexible and easy-to-use headphone amp. With high-quality tones and seamless integration, it’s perfect for tech-savvy guitarists.
At publication time, this was the Highest Rated Bug-Type Guitar Headphone Amp.
Pros:
- 12 amp models and 13 effects
- USB-C and Bluetooth functions.
- Great-sounding cleans and low to mid-gain tones.
- Straightforward controls.
- Plug swivel mechanism for easier storage and positioning.
- Portable
- Great value
- Expensive
- No software editor.
- High-gain tones are good but not exceptional.
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Fender has secured a spot in this guide by incorporating the features of their Mustang series amps into the new Fender Mustang Micro.
This bug-type guitar headphone amplifier unit stands out due to its use of newer technology. It includes features such as Bluetooth compatibility. This allows audio streaming from your phone, so you can jam along with your favorite tracks. It also has USB-C connectivity for direct recording, which ups the use you can get from this unit.
It also effectively functions as a guitar audio interface. Meaning you can connect it directly to your PC for recording and other sound processing.
One distinct advantage of this unit is its expanded range of amp models and effects. Similar to the Mustang amps, it comes with Fender’s digital GTX amp and stomp models.
This offers up to 12 amps and 13 effect types for more sonic flexibility, albeit at a higher price point compared to the competition.
Like its larger Mustang amp siblings, this unit excels in clean to mid-gain tones, while its high-gain options are still quite decent.
Additionally, a lithium-ion battery rechargeable powers it that can last up to 6 hours per charge.
Despite its compact size, Fender has managed to incorporate essential controls for tweaking the amp, effects, EQ, and volume.
The jack plug angle can also be adjusted to accommodate different guitar and bass guitar types. It can be folded for easier storage and to avoid getting caught up on wires or other things.
With its modern features and the backing of a reputable brand, the Fender Mustang Micro is definitely a worthy investment.
It may come at a price almost similar to that of an effects pedal, but as the best headphone amp for guitar in this category, it definitely is a value investment.
- Tone: 12 Amp Models, Adjustable EQ
- Effects: 12 Effect Models, including Modulation, Delay, and Reverb
- Controls: Knobs: Gain, Tone, Volume | Button: FX, Power/Amp Mode
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8″
- Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery (Up to 6 hours)
Compact Multi-Effects as Headphone Amp
Zoom G1X Four Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
The Zoom G1X Four offers a budget-friendly multi-effects solution packed with features like amp modeling, a looper, and an expression pedal. It’s a versatile tool for exploring new sounds without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Includes 16 cabinet simulations, great for headphone use.
- 13 amp models, 71 effects, and 90 presets.
- Allows up to 5 effects to be used at once.
- Expression pedal.
- Good build quality and is portable.
- Has a bit of a learning curve
- High-gain tones are a bit fizzy.
- Limited foot controls.
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Zoom is a well-established manufacturer of guitar multi-effects processors. It is a preferred brand for many beginners and even intermediate players for its affordability and quality.
They are best known for offering high-quality products at an affordable price, as demonstrated by the G1X Four.
This compact multi-effects unit comes with 16 cabinet simulations, making it ideal for use as a headphone amplifier.
Despite its size, the G1X Four is packed with features, including 13 amp models, 71 effects, and 90 total presets.
It offers a wide range of options, from subtle overdrive to experimental effects. The unit allows for the simultaneous use of up to 5 types of effects, providing plenty of versatility for creating unique tones.
Additionally, it includes a built-in looper. One standout feature is the expression pedal, which enables real-time control over volume, wah, and certain effect parameters.
This hands-free control option sets it apart from compact units. However, it does require more floor space and additional cabling.
Overall, the Zoom G1X Four serves as a convenient, compact multi-effects unit. It’s also the cheapest of the floor units in this guide, providing you with exceptional value as a guitar headphone amplifier.
- Tone: 13 Amp Models, 16 Speaker Cabinets
- Effects: 70 Effects (Up to 5 Simultaneously)
- Controls: Knobs: Lo, Mid, High, Vol, | Buttons: Setting, Edit, Rhythm, Looper, 5 Selector Buttons | Footswitches: 2 and 1 Expression Pedal
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4″
- Power Source: Zoom AD-16 AC adapter (Not Included), USB Bus Power, 4 x AA batteries
Boss GT-1
The Boss GT-1 combines pro-level effects with a user-friendly interface in a compact design. It’s ideal for guitarists seeking high-quality tones and portability in one unit.
Pros:
- Features high-quality COSM DSP technology.
- Offers Boss-quality effects and amp models.
- Good size-to-weight ratio.
- Can be used for electric and pickup-equipped acoustic guitars.
- Backlit LCD display, knobs, buttons, and three footswitches.
- USB recording.
- Power supply sold separately.
- Optimal control requires using the Boss Tone Studio App.
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The Boss GT-1 features the same COSM DSP technology found in their more expensive guitar processors but in a smaller and lighter package.
By connecting headphones to this unit, you can enjoy a wide selection of Boss effects and amp models. It has additional buttons and foot control options, all while maintaining a reasonably portable and compact design.
It even includes acoustic amp tones for use with pickup-equipped acoustic guitars. Moreover, the GT-1 is not just about offering more tones; it is known for its great tones and good-sounding amp models. It also comes with essential features like a built-in tuner.
This includes high-gain tones that sound great through headphones, just like they would through regular speakers.
Despite its size, this unit provides a significant number of footswitches—three in total—and an expression pedal. This makes the GT-1 a compact all-in-one guitar rig suitable for use on stage and for silent practice.
For better control, it is equipped with a backlit LCD and an array of knobs and buttons. This also makes the GT-1 an excellent tool for learning about different guitar amps and effects. Because you can do it even without the usual cost and bulk associated with them.
If you want a more visual effects editing approach, you can use the Boss Tone Studio App. This app provides you with a more interactive UI and more control over your sound, the same app that’s compatible with the popular Boss Katana series of amps.
It has a USB feature for recording via USB C connection to computers and phones.
I was surprised by the lightweight and compact design of the GT-1 when I played with it. It has a good size-to-weight ratio that surpasses most of the guitar processors I’ve tried.
Lastly, it can be powered by four AA batteries, making it a genuinely portable all-in-one rig.
In summary, the Boss GT-1 is a reliable, versatile, and compact guitar processor. It performs well through headphones, an amp, an audio interface, or even a PA system.
- Tone: Over 20 Preamp Voicings
- Effects: 108 COSM Effects
- Controls: 3 x Footswitches, 1 x Expression Pedal, 3 x Knobs and Multiple Buttons
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4″
- Power Source: 9V DC power supply (Sold Separately) or 4 x AA batteries
Line 6 HX Stomp
The Line 6 HX Stomp offers top-tier amp and effects modeling in an incredibly compact pedalboard format. It’s a game-changer for guitarists who want studio-quality tones through their headphones and on stage.
Pros:
- Advanced DSP Technology.
- Over 300 amp models, effects, and cabinet simulations.
- 126 presets, Up to 8 blocks per preset.
- Compact and sturdy design.
- Supports impulse responses, ideal for headphone use.
- Stage and recording-ready features and audio quality.
- Includes pitch-shifting effects and a looper.
- Very expensive if you’re only looking for a headphone amp.
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Limited physical controls for on-the-fly adjustments.
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The HX Stomp features Helix’s digital sound processing technology in a portable 3-switch pedal. It is complete with high-end cab simulation and support for impulse responses, making it ideal for headphone use.
As part of Line 6’s Helix line, it utilizes the company’s latest digital sound processing (DSP) technology to produce convincing amp and effect sounds.
Amp modelers are designed to sound good with full-range speakers. They also translate well for recording and quiet practicing through headphones.
The HX Stomp comes with 126 presets, allowing up to 8 blocks per preset. It offers a selection of over 300+ amp models, effects, and cabinet simulations. These are all part of the Line 6 Helix line M-series effects, including some of their older models.
This versatility is the primary reason why the HX Stomp is a market favorite when it comes to compact guitar processors. It can cover everything from pop music to country, to alt-rock band style gain, and more.
Additionally, it includes pitch-shifting effects and a looper. All these features are packed inside a compact pedal with three-foot switches.
If you’re looking for a high-quality compact guitar processor from the leader in multi-effects pedals, then the Line 6 HX Stomp is worth checking out.
It does come at a price, but it’s an invaluable tool you can use both as a headphone amp for guitar practice or gigging.
- Tone: 100+ Amp Models, Speaker Cabinets
- Effects: 200+ Effects (Up to 8 Blocks Simultaneously)
- Controls: Knobs: 6 Assignable | 2.4″ Display | Footswitches: 3
- Inputs: 2 x 1/4″ (L/Mono,R), 2 x 1/4″ (L/R, Aux In)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4″
- Power Source: 9V DC power supply (included)
Things to Consider When Buying a Guitar Headphone Amplifier
Headphone Amps vs Guitar Amps
Nothing really beats the raw feel of a cranked-up amp pushing air behind you, but let’s be honest—most of us can’t do that at home without getting complaints or dirty looks. Sure, you can connect your amp to headphones, but in most cases, that setup’s a bit clunky and not exactly plug-and-play. What surprised me was how much I started practicing more once I had a headphone amp that was quick to grab, easy to use, and didn’t lock me into one spot. I’d find myself noodling on the couch, on the bed, or walking around with the guitar strapped on—just chasing tones and letting ideas flow without worrying about volume or setup time.
Form Factor
Headphone amps come in a few flavors, but bug-type units that plug straight into your guitar are by far the most convenient. I’ve owned a few over the years, and they’re great for quick practice and portability—just be prepared to keep an eye on battery life. Some of them recharge via USB, while others still run on AAA batteries, so plan accordingly.
There are also compact belt-clip models that use a short cable to connect to your guitar. They’re still portable, just not quite as sleek as the plug-in type. On the other end, some floor units and desktop processors double as headphone amps. They offer more tone-shaping and effects, though they’re bulkier and not something I’d toss in a backpack without a bit of prep. Some pedals can do double duty too—if they have amp and cab sims, they’ll usually get you decent headphone tone for silent playing.
Portability
If you’re constantly moving between spots—like rehearsing, commuting, or jamming while traveling—portability makes a huge difference. Bug-style amps are a win here. Just keep in mind they’re small, so they can disappear into couch cushions or get left behind easily if you’re not careful.
Pedalboard-style processors or small multi-FX units are still travel-friendly, but you’ll need a bag or case to carry them, and probably some spare cables or a power bank if you’re away from outlets. I’ve found that packing a dedicated pouch with cables and a charger saves me time and stress when I’m heading out the door.
Tone
Let’s face it: if it sounds bad, you’re not going to be inspired to play. That’s why tone—even in a practice setup—still matters. Most of today’s headphone amps actually do a pretty solid job, especially the ones with amp-style voicings like Clean, Crunch, or High Gain.
No, it’s not going to be studio-level tone, but plenty of these amps get surprisingly close to the feel of your favorite rig. Find one that gets you in the ballpark of your usual style, and you’ll be much more likely to stick with it during practice.
Features
Extra features can really boost the usefulness of your setup—especially if they help you play longer or practice smarter. Aux input is a big one for me since I like jamming to backing tracks or looping sections of a song I’m working on. Some models even come with built-in metronomes, rhythms, or basic loopers, which can turn a simple headphone amp into a full-blown practice station.
Recording functionality is another big plus. Even basic USB recording lets you check your timing, listen back for mistakes, or quickly sketch song ideas. That said, if you’re someone who just wants to plug in and play, too many features can feel more like a distraction than a bonus. Know what you need, and go for something that fits your workflow—not just a spec sheet.
Headphones
Don’t overlook your headphones—they’re half the equation. Crummy earbuds can kill the experience with thin, tinny sound and no real low-end. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but a decent pair of closed-back headphones will make a massive difference in tone and comfort. If you’re looking for something more immersive, systems like the Boss Waza Air even throw in motion tracking and spatial effects, which is honestly pretty wild the first time you try it.
Cables and Adapters
If you’re using a headphone amp with extras like aux-in or recording capabilities, make sure you’ve got the right cables on hand. A lot of these units use 1/8″ aux jacks, so I keep a few short TRS cables in my bag just in case. It also helps to have an adapter or two around if you’re working with different gear or setups. And don’t underestimate the importance of cable length—being able to sit or move comfortably without tugging on cables goes a long way during a long session.
Best Guitar Headphone Amp Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2018. This current edition was published in January of 2025.
We first published this guide back in 2018, and we’ve updated it for 2025 based on what players actually use and recommend. This year, we started with the most popular and best-reviewed bug-type headphone amps, and then expanded the list to include compact multi-effects and portable processors that are headphone-friendly.
We focused only on units designed specifically as guitar headphone amps, so you won’t see general-purpose mini amps like the Spark Go, NUX Mighty Lite, or Katana Mini here. This guide is all about gear built to give you the best silent practice experience possible.
We narrowed the field down to 33 contenders, including strong runners-up like the NUX Mighty Plug, Boss Waza Air, and Blackstar Amplug series. From there, we dug into over 46,800 reviews, ratings, and real-world comments, and crunched the data through our Gearank algorithm to come up with scores out of 100. These rankings reflect what players actually think and how gear performs in the real world.
You’ll find our picks split into two categories: the best bug-type guitar headphone amps, and the top compact multi-effects units that double as great headphone amps. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
Some popular models didn’t make the final list, like the Sonicake US Classic or the Electro-Harmonix Headphone Amp, but we’ve kept the focus tight to ensure each pick truly stands out.
Some of the popular guitar headphone amps that didn’t make it into this guide include the Sonicake US Classic, Electro Harmonix Headphone amp, and others.
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
Being a guitarist and a dad, I often practice quietly by plugging headphones straight into my guitar processors. While this system works, sometimes I end up not practicing because I can’t be bothered with the task of setting up the space and cables needed. Dedicated guitar headphone amplifiers, like the Vox amPlug Classic Rock, are game changers in this regard, they allow me to practice virtually anywhere without the need for setting up space and cables.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Product Research and Supplemental Writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Vox amPlug 2 Metal and Valeton Rushead Max.
The videos above 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 Guitar Headphone Amps for 2025: Floor & Plug-In Picks Related Posts
Comments:
9 responses
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As of 2024 the best amplug is the boss katana go.versatile like the Nux mighty plug but way better sounding.ivecbeen playing hard rock and metal since ’78 and have owned every amplug and I give two thumbs up for the boss katana go!!
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The Boss Katana Go didn’t quite make the cut for our 2024 guide, which was a bit surprising given how popular the Katana amp series has been! Unfortunately, it seems like the Katana Go had a brief run and is no longer available. Fingers crossed that Boss might surprise us with a brand new guitar headphone amp this year.
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Publication of the June 2022 Edition resulted in the following items being removed from the recommended list above:
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Our January 2021 update resulted in the following coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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As a result of our February 2020 update the following came off the recommended list above but you can still read our analysis of it: Vox amPlug 2 Clean.
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Today we removed the following item from our recommended list above due to a lack of availability, but you can still read our analysis of it: Zoom G1Xon.
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My favorite is the NUX PG2. They are cheap and all the fx sound good. Easy to use to. Actually prefer over the basic POD
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The PG-2 does have some good reviews, but we haven’t short-listed it because the manufacturer has discontinued production.
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Had two VOXs, had. They are cheap made and break easy. Need one with a metal case for a mobile device.
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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.
Being a guitarist and a dad, I often practice quietly by plugging headphones straight to my guitar processors. While this system works, sometimes I end up not practicing because I can't be bothered with the task of setting up the space and cables needed. Dedicated guitar headphone amplifiers like the Vox amPlug Classic Rock is a game changer in this regard, it allows me to practice virtually anywhere without the need for setting up space and cables.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Product Research and Supplemental Writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media and Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Vox amPlug 2 Metal and Valeton Rushead Max.
The videos above 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.
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