Best Wireless Guitar System for Unplugged Playing Freedom

Digital vs Analog

• Analog Wireless Systems are still commonly used, thanks to their range, practicality, and accessibility. These guitar wireless systems work by transmitting your analog guitar signal via VHF (30 MHz to 300 MHz) or UHF (300 MHz to 3 GHz) frequencies, much like analog radios would. Since VHF frequencies are being used by TV and Radio stations, they are more susceptible to interference, which means that they can only be viable in areas with low VHF interference. On the other hand, UHF is less crowded and allows for more guitar wireless systems to operate simultaneously. Still, they are limited by the various location-specific UHF frequency regulations.
• Digital Wireless Systems are considered industry standards because of their secure digital encryption and improved resistance to radio interference. It also helps that most of them operate on globally unlicensed frequencies, much like Wi-Fi routers (although there are still some digital guitar wireless systems that operate on UHF). They are easier to set up and use with their automatic frequency detection and grouping features. On the flip side, digital guitar wireless systems are more expensive, but they are getting more affordable as production and market competition increase. Since most wireless guitar systems use the 2.4 GHz range, they are sometimes susceptible to interference from devices that operate in the same range, like Wi-Fi routers. Oftentimes, these interferences are resolved by putting more distance between your wireless system and the other Wi-Fi device. Keep this in mind when setting up or when encountering issues as you play, hopefully during sound check.

Passive and Active Pickups

Passive pickups do not require batteries and produce a warm, natural sound. They are compatible with most wireless setups and are appreciated for their unique tone. However, they have lower output, so you may need additional amplification, such as a preamp or booster, especially when using wireless systems.

On the other hand, active pickups are easy to use and ideal for clear, reliable sound. They work well with guitar wireless systems due to their strong signal, but you need to monitor the battery life. They provide a bright and consistent tone with high output, so you do not need much additional amplification.

Frequency Allocation and Interference

While guitar wireless systems now use frequencies more efficiently, there will still be a limit to how many wireless systems can work together within the same frequency range. This is important when setting up multiple guitar wireless systems that work simultaneously. Thankfully, some analog systems are produced with different frequency bands, to ensure they don’t clash with other systems. Digital systems can be configured to choose clear channels to avoid this problem, but there are specific limitations to how many you can use simultaneously.

You also have to consider other radio-emitting devices that may introduce interference to your system; this includes TVs, microwave ovens, radio communication devices, and more. To help with this, some guitar wireless systems can scan the frequencies and use the ones with the least interference.

Range/Distance

Based on the specifications, analog systems have more range, which means that you can move further from the receiver. Still, the range offered by digital systems is usually more than enough to cover even big stages. Note that solid objects between the receiver and transmitter can decrease the range. We have included the ideal maximum range (usually line of sight) of each wireless system, to help you find one that suits your needs. Wireless guitar systems have a similar range as Wireless Microphones.

Form Factor

Wireless receivers come in four form factors: tabletop, rackmount, bug type, and pedal. You’ll want one that will integrate easily into your existing rig. It’s best to have one in the pedal form if you don’t have other rackmount gear, and the reverse is true if you tour professionally and want the security and reliability of rackmount gear. Some tabletop guitar wireless systems are convertible to rackmount via optional mounting kits. Transmitters mostly come in belt or body pack form, and they connect to your guitar via a short cable. More recent transmitter models come in bug-type profiles that connect directly to your guitar, and some even make receivers that follow the same compact form factor.

Sound Quality

Ideally, the sound differences between using a cable and a wireless system should be negligible, but this is not always the case, as we’ve seen in some reviews. For this reason, some guitar wireless systems have features like cable tone mode, which utilizes tone-shaping elements to emulate guitar cables by subtly trimming the high frequencies. While sound quality in general is subjective, review ratings are a good indication of good quality.

Transmitter Guitar Cable Handling

While gathering review data, we found that the transmitter guitar cable is usually the weakest link in a system. And since they are mostly specialized cables that you can’t just buy off the shelf, you’ll want to take good care of them while in use and store them properly.

Guitar Friendly Features

While these are not necessarily important, having extra features can add value and even allow you to let go of some of your existing gear. The best guitar wireless system deals will include common guitar-friendly features like a built-in guitar tuner and mute. Wireless guitar systems are often paired with wireless In Ear Monitors, for untethered freedom.

If you are looking for tips on wired microphones for recording acoustic guitar, check out our recommendations for the best mic for acoustic guitar.