If you’ve been looking for a high-quality amp but can’t afford some of the more expensive models, we have the perfect solution.
A guitar amplifier can be such an important part of your sound. It is one of the most essential pieces of equipment that every guitarist should have in their arsenal. On that note, it can be intimidating to find an amp that is both affordable and sounds good.
If you are looking for a new amp, but are on a tight budget, this guide will help you find the perfect amp for your needs. Whether you are an acoustic guitarist looking to amplify your sound with an acoustic guitar amp or a heavy metal player looking for a high-powered amp that can reproduce crushing distortion and feedback, this list has something just for you.
Below, we will go through 9 of the best guitar amps under 150 describing their features and specifications, as well as their pros and cons, to help you find the perfect option. We will also give you some tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for this kind of product.
Related: Best Guitar Amp
We Tested 9 Products and Found the Donner Mini Guitar Amp to be The Best Guitar Amp Under 150
The Fender Frontman 10G was our Runner-Up
9 Best Guitar Amp Under 150 – Reviewed in Detail
Table of Contents
- Fender Frontman 10G
- Orange Crush12
- Mugig Guitar Amp
- Donner AMP DEA-1
- Blackstar Fly3
- BOSS Katana Mini
- Roland CUBE-10GX
- Donner Mini Guitar Amp
- LyxPro 40
1. Fender Frontman 10G
The Fender Frontman 10G amplifier is a great option for people who are looking for a budget-friendly amp. One of the best parts of this amp is that it is very easy to use. It has a very simple setup process, which makes this amp perfect for beginners and novices.
Product Specifications
- 2-Band EQ
- Overdrive Switch
- ¼ Instrument Input
- ⅛ Aux Input
- ⅛ Headphone Output
- 10 Watts
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Simple to set up 2-band EQ with bass and treble control.
- Features a ⅛ aux input so you can connect your smartphone to the Fender Frontman 10G for playing along with backing tracks.
- Includes headphone jack.
- Great design and good overall build quality.
- Very lightweight.
- Overdrive switch for thicken overdriven distortion.
- Excellent for practicing at home or at quiet places.
Cons
- The overdrive channel isn’t very good if compared to stompboxes, for example.
Conclusion
For a price as low as $100, the Fender Frontman 10G does a great job. This practice amp has tons of great features: a ⅛ aux input, a ⅛ headphone output, and 10 watts of power making it great for those who need a lightweight and compact amp to practice at home and at quiet places where a louder electric guitar amplifier would be a problem.
Tone-wise, the Fender Frontman 10G is ok. It won’t offer you the best tone in the world but it sounds good if your only purpose is practice. We didn’t like the overdrive channel that much since it sounds too harsh. We would recommend you to pair the amp with an overdrive stompbox if you want a distorted tone.
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2. Orange Crush12
The Orange Crush 12 is a great amp for the price. Manufactured by Orange amps, it has a very simple, no-nonsense design that is easy to use and maintain. This amp is perfect for both beginners and experienced players who are looking for an affordable but high-quality amp.
Product Specifications
- 3-Band EQ
- Dual Gain Controls
- Built-In Overdrive
- Headphone Output
- 12 Watts
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Even though this amp model has a 6″ speaker and 12 watts of power, it can get very loud quite easily if compared to other guitar amps.
- Features a 3-band EQ with more control knobs than some other amp models on the list, giving you more control over your tone quality.
- The design looks very good.
- Simple to use even by beginners.
Cons
- Heavy weight.
Conclusion
This little amp has superb value. With the Orange Crush12, you can get both decent clean tones and thick distortion. We like the fact that this model is one of the loudest among the guitar amps on this list: even though it only features a 6″ speaker and 12 watts of power, this could be used both as a practice amp and on small gigs.
The Orange Crush12 is a little heavier in weight than other options such as the Fender Frontman 10G, so make sure to consider this factor if you plan to move it around frequently.
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3. Mugig Guitar Amp
The Mugig Guitar Amp is one of the cheapest options on this list and offers a great value. This amp has only two channels and produces a very clean sound, which is ideal both for electric guitar and acoustic guitar.
Product Specifications
- 2 Channels
- 2-Band EQ
- Built-In Effects
- Clean and Distortion Switch
- Aux Input
- 10 Watts
- Battery and AC Powered
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Can be powered both by 6 AA batteries or the AC adapter, making it a great hybrid amp for those on the move.
- Features an auxiliary input for connecting your smartphone.
- Includes the Ableton Live Lite 8 DAW for easy recording.
- Includes a lot of built-in effects such as digital reverbs, chorus, vibrato and delay.
- 8″ Fender speaker.
- Clean and distortion switch.
Cons
- Not the best build-quality.
Conclusion
The Mugig guitar amp is a great buy if you are looking for a budget guitar practice amp that can be used both at home and on the go. This amp is ideal for both electric and acoustic guitars, and if you are looking for an all-in-one solution, this is one of the best cheap guitar amps out there. We like the fact that it includes several built-in effects, something unusual at this price range.
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4. Donner AMP DEA-1
Donner AMP DEA-1R is a simple yet powerful amp at the low price of $82.99. It comes with an attractive design, plenty of volume, and high quality sound for both guitar, bass, keyboards, or vocals. One of the biggest perks of this amp is how portable it is. It’s lightweight and compact so you can easily take it anywhere.
Product Specifications
- 1 Channel
- 3-Band EQ
- Boost Switch
- Aux Input
- Headphones Output
- 10 Watts
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Extremely cheap. At $82.99 by the time this article was written, this is one of the most affordable amps on the list.
- Despite its size and low wattage, the Donner AMP DEA-1 can get pretty loud.
- This practice amp is extremely compact and easy to carry around, as well as lightweight.
- There are 2 channels: clean and boost/distortion.
- You can connect your smartphone to play backing tracks, as well as headphones.
- This amp will work great not only with the electric guitar, but also with other instruments and in band settings.
Cons
- No built-in effects. The Donner AMP DEA-1 is very simple.
Conclusion
At $82.99, the Donner AMP DEA-1 is definitely a steal. One of the factors that most surprised us about this amp was its volume. With a small, compact size like that, you wouldn’t expect the Donner AMP DEA-1 to get very loud, but it is loud enough even for small gigs.
This amplifier is very simple, meaning you won’t get any built-in effects and features, but is still a great option if you’re looking for a practice amp with a headphone jack.
Related: Best Guitar Amp Under 100
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5. Blackstar FLY3
Blackstar is a company founded by ex-Marshall designers. The quality offered by the manufacturer is outstanding and the brand is trusted by hundreds of famous guitarists. The Blackstar FLY3 offers a simple solution for those looking for a small practice amp that can be easily carried around and won’t break the bank.
Product Specifications
- 1 Channel
- 1-Band EQ
- Built-In Overdrive
- Built-In Delay
- Aux Input
- Headphone Output
- Available in 3 Colors
- 3 Watts
- Battery and AC Powered
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- This mini amp is very compact. It can be easily carried around and even thrown in your backpack, making it excellent for guitar players on the go.
- Built-In overdrive for roaring tones.
- The built-in delay present in this unit is something that is not usually found in this price range.
- The Blackstar FLY3 can be used both with 6 batteries and with the AC adapter.
- There aren’t many knobs and controls in this mini amp so it is very easy to use and offers a pretty straightforward experience.
- Available in 3 colors.
Cons
- This unit has a wattage of only 3 watts, so it can only be used as a practice amp.
Conclusion
The Blackstar FLY3 is one of the smallest and most compact options on the list, so it is perfect for guitar players on the go: those that travel a lot, those who need a practice amp to use while on the road, etc. It can be powered both by 6 batteries or by the AC adapter so it is extremely versatile.
With only 3 watts of potency, the Blackstar FLY3 is strictly a practice amp, but is a great option for beginners.
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6. BOSS Katana Mini
The Boss Katana Mini is a guitar amplifier with a price tag of $149.99. This amp is designed for acoustic guitars, and it has a rich sound quality that is perfect for the small to medium sized venue. The versatility of this amp is also one of its best features. It can produce the warm sound of a tube amp, while still maintaining some great high-end clarity and texture.
Product Specifications
- 1 Channel
- 3-Band EQ
- 3 Modes: Brown, Crunch and Clean
- Built-In Delay
- Aux Input
- Headphone/Recording Output with Cabinet Voicing
- 7 Watts
- Battery and AC Powered
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- The BOSS Katana Mini is extremely compact but has a loud sound. It can be used both for practice and for small venues.
- There are 3 modes to choose from: brown, crunch, and clean, each one with their own characteristics and tone.
- There is a built-in delay for warm ambience.
- With the aux input you can jam along your favorite songs by connecting your smartphone to the amplifier.
- The headphones output jack also works as a recording output with cabinet voicing, so you can connect the BOSS Katana Mini to an audio interface and use the built-in cabinet emulations.
Cons
- None.
Conclusion
The BOSS Katana Mini is a great practice amp that could also be potentially used in small venues. It will work not only with electric guitars, but also with other musical instruments. Some of our favorite features on the unit include the built-in delay and the cabinet voicing of the recording output.
Furthermore, it can be powered both by 6 AA batteries and with an AC adapter, so it’s great for guitarists on the road.
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7. Roland CUBE-10GX
One of the best guitar amps under $150 is the Roland CUBE-10GX. This amp has a 10-watt output that gives you an impressive sound quality. The straight-forward design of this amp makes it easy to get your desired tone, and it also features an aux input for your music playback device like your phone or tablet.
Product Specifications
- 1 Channel
- 3-Band EQ
- 3 Modes: Clean, Crunch and Lead
- Built-In Reverb
- Built-In Delay
- Built-In Chorus
- Compatible with the COSM Amp App for iOS and Android Devices
- Aux Input
- Headphone/Recording Output Jack
- 10 Watts
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Compact and easy to carry around. There is also a built-in handle on the top of the Roland Cube-10GX for easier transport.
- There are 3 modes to choose from: clean, crunch and lead.
- There are a handful of built-in effects. These include reverb, delay and chorus.
- The amp is 100% compatible with the COSM Amp App for iOS and Android devices, where you can download presets.
Cons
- Can’t be powered by batteries, unlike other compact amps on the list.
Conclusion
Roland is a trustworthy brand that has been around in the music industry for a long time. The Roland CUBE-10GX is a great solution for beginners looking for a simple-to-use unit that packs in features such as the built-in effects (reverb, delay, and chorus) and smartphone connectivity.
The only thing lacking, in our opinion, is the ability to power this amp with batteries. Several compact amps on the list have this useful feature.
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8. Donner Mini Guitar Amp
Another option from Donner, the Donner Mini Guitar Amp is a simple and straightforward mini amplifier that packs in several features such as built-in effects, metronome, drum tracks and even Bluetooth connectivity. Considering everything you get with this unit and the price of $85.99, this is definitely a steal.
Product Specifications
- 7 Preset Amp Effects
- 1-Band EQ
- Built-In Reverb
- Built-In Delay
- Built-In Chorus and Tremolo
- Built-In Metronome
- 40 Drum Patterns
- Tuner
- Aux In
- Headphone Output
- USB Connectivity
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 5 Watts
- Battery and AC Powered
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- There are 7 preset amp effects to choose from, based on classic guitar amp models.
- Built-in reverb, delay, chorus and tremolo, as well as a tuner and a metronome.
- There are 40 drum patterns for you to play along and practice with.
- The Donner Mini Guitar Amp can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Similarly, it can be connected to a laptop using the USB port, for easy recording.
- Easy to be carried around due to its small size and lightweight.
- Can be powered both by battery and AC adapter.
Cons
- None.
Conclusion
The Donner Mini Guitar Amp is surprisingly complete for a guitar amp under $150. There are several amp controls such as the 7 presets based on famous guitar amp models and the wide range of built-in effects.
This compact amp is also small and can be powered by battery and AC adapter, as well as connect to your smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth or the USB port. This amp is definitely a steal and is one of our favorites on the list.
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9. LyxPro 40
The LyxPro 40 is our last amp on the list. As you can see, it is straightforward as it gets and while it is not the most compact option on the article, it packs in 40 watts of potency, meaning it can get very loud and could potentially be used on small to medium-sized gigs. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Product Specifications
- Mic Channel
- Passive and Active Channels
- 3-Band EQ
- Built-In Overdrive
- Built-In Delay
- Available in 8 Colors
- Line-In/Aux Input
- Headphones Output
- 40 Watts
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- This is an all-around amp, meaning it can be used for guitar, bass guitar, mics and in full-band settings. This makes the LyxPro 40 an extremely versatile option.
- Unlike other options on the list that favors compactness and small size, the LyxPro 40 packs in 40 watts of potency so it can get very loud, making it suitable for small to medium-sized gigs.
- There are two built-in effects: overdrive and delay.
- The LyxPro 40 is available in 8 different colors.
- Rugged design and building.
Cons
- Larger and heavier than other options on the list.
Conclusion
The LyxPro 40 is a unique choice on the list because it packs 40 watts of potency and favors loudness instead of compactness. If you need a cheap option for small to medium-sized gigs, but that can work as a practice guitar amplifier as well, this is the way to go. The amp will also work just fine with microphones and bass guitars.
The only drawback is that it is larger than other options on the list, so it may not be the best option for beginners or for those who are looking for an option for practicing on the road.
Related: 5 Best Combo Guitars Under $1000 in 2022
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Guitar Amp Under 150 – Buyers Guide
There are a few factors you should pay attention to when choosing a guitar amp under 150. In this price range, you ideally want something that is able to deliver a loud and clear sound and is easy to carry around for practice and small gigs.
Wattage
The first thing you need to do is decide what wattage of an amp is right for you. If you’re a beginner, a 10-15 watts amp should be more than enough. The wattage, simply put, will define how loud the amp can get. If you plan to use your amp just for practicing, it is important not to go overboard with the wattage.
Channels
Most amplifiers feature different channels, usually a clean and a distortion one. This is a great advantage as with an amplifier that features a distortion channel you won’t need to spend more money on a stompbox.
Built-In Effects
Many guitar amps on the list feature built-in effects such as compressor, chorus, reverb and delay. This is extremely useful as a beginner since you won’t need to spend on pedals and stompboxes for effects.
Budget
You should also consider how much you’re willing to spend on an amp. If you have a tight budget, there are plenty of cheap guitar amps under $100 available for beginners. You can also find some decent models under $150 and even under $200 for those on a tighter budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between a Solid-State and a Tube Amp?
Tube amplifiers, on the other hand, amplify the sound signal via vacuum tubes on the power amp and will distort when you push them.
All of the amplifiers present on this list are solid-state, because this type of amplifier is usually cheaper than their tube counterpart.
Conclusion
There are several guitar amps under $150. The models present in our list differs on their features, size, compactness and price. It is worth considering all of these factors when choosing the best guitar amp on a budget for your particular use case.
Furthermore, two amps on the list caught our eye: the Donner Mini Guitar Amp and the Fender Frontman 10G. We feel like, due to their small size and features, these are the best guitar amplifiers under $150, especially for beginners.
Below, we will explain further why these two amplifiers were our top picks.
Donner Mini Guitar Amp – Overall Best Guitar Amp Under 150
The Donner Mini Guitar Amp is an excellent budget amp for beginners and those looking for a practice amp. Priced at $85.99, it is incredibly affordable considering all of the features packed into it, such as the Bluetooth connectivity.
Fender Frontman 10G – Runner-Up
Fender is one of the most sought-after brands in the music industry. The Fender Frontman 10G is simple to use and packs all of the features a beginner will need to enhance their sound. We definitely recommend this amp.
How to Buy
The link to each product is at their respective titles on the list. Make sure to research extensively and consider your needs as a guitarist when choosing the best guitar amp under 150. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Ian Sniesko is an experienced music producer and musician who loves to share his knowledge about the best audio equipment for making and enjoying great music. For the past 6 years, Ian has written extensively about the audio equipment industry and has contributed to many of the top music magazines.