For guitarists who are always on the go, finding the right guitar amp that is both portable and powerful can be a daunting task. Whether you are a professional musician traveling for gigs or an amateur player who likes to take your guitar on the road, having a reliable and compact amp is essential.
When it comes to choosing the best guitar amp for travel, there are several factors to consider. Portability is obviously a major concern, but you also want to make sure that the amp is powerful enough to deliver the sound you need. Additionally, you want an amp that is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of travel.
Luckily, there are several small and lightweight guitar amps that are specifically designed for travel. So, if you’re looking for battery-powered amp or a compact amp that can fit in your luggage but still pack a sonic punch, there is an option out there for you. Keep reading to discover some of the best guitar amps for travel!
Best Portable Guitar Amps Under $100
I’ve included some great portable amp options above that range from less than $50 all the way up to several hundred, but now I want to go into more detail and weigh some pros and cons about the ultra inexpensive guitar amps.
When it comes to guitar amps, it can be especially tricky to find one that is portable, lightweight, and still delivers great sound. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best guitar amps for travel.
Traveler Guitar TGA-1A Acoustic Guitar Headphone Amplifier Acoustic Headphone
If you’re looking for a compact and portable headphone amplifier for your acoustic guitar, the Traveler Guitar TGA-1A is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to use and provides a decent sound quality for a reasonable price.
Pros
- Blend, volume and tone controls allow you to adjust the sound to your liking
- Built-in Enhancer effect can be blended in to make your acoustic sound sparkle
- Aux-in lets you jam with external sources
Cons
- The dimensions can be a bit awkward depending on your guitar type
- The jack can be a bit loose
- No instruction manual included
The Traveler Guitar TGA-1A is a great option for those who want to practice or play their acoustic guitar with headphones on. The controls are easy to use and the built-in Enhancer effect can add some extra sparkle to your sound. Plus, the aux-in feature allows you to mix backing tracks with your guitar for a more personalized experience.
However, the dimensions of the TGA-1A can be a bit awkward depending on your guitar type, and the jack can be a bit loose. Additionally, there is no instruction manual included, so you may have to figure out some of the features on your own.
Overall, the Traveler Guitar TGA-1A is a solid choice for those who want a portable and affordable headphone amplifier for their acoustic guitar. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done and provides a decent sound quality.
SUNYIN Mini Electric Guitar Amp Combo
If you’re looking for a portable guitar amp for travel, the SUNYIN Mini Electric Guitar Amp Combo is a great option.
Pros
- Rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of play time on a single charge
- Two tone channels (Clean/Overdrive) for playing different styles of music
- Built-in Bluetooth communication unit for playing music from your device
Cons
- No clip to attach it to your belt
- Not suitable for large performances
- May lose some tone after extended use
We were pleasantly surprised with the sound quality of this small amp. It’s perfect for practicing in a room or living room, and the rechargeable battery makes it easy to take on the go. We enjoyed the two tone channels, which allowed us to switch between clean and overdrive tones, and the built-in Bluetooth communication unit made it easy to play music from our device.
However, we wished it had a clip to attach it to our belt, and it’s not suitable for large performances. Additionally, we noticed some loss of tone after extended use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable guitar amp for travel, the SUNYIN Mini Electric Guitar Amp Combo is a great choice.
KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp Mini Plug Guitar Amplifier
If you’re looking for a compact and portable guitar amp that you can take with you wherever you go, the KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp is definitely worth considering. It’s packed with features and has a lot to offer, but there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind as well.
Pros
- The KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp is incredibly compact and portable, making it perfect for travel or for use in small spaces.
- This amp offers a wide range of guitar effects, including Clean, Chorus, Flanger, Metal, and Wah, so you can experiment with different sounds and find the perfect tone for your playing style.
- The built-in rechargeable battery lasts for more than 8 hours, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a jam session.
Cons
- The Bluetooth receiver can only be used to play background music, and it can’t be used to connect with other Bluetooth devices.
- The amp can be a bit noisy when turned up, which can be distracting or annoying for some users.
- The sound effects aren’t the best on the market, so you may want to consider using external pedals or effects processors for a more professional sound.
If you’re looking for a portable guitar amp that you can take with you on the go, the KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp is definitely worth considering. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and it offers a wide range of guitar effects that you can experiment with to find your perfect sound. The built-in rechargeable battery is also a big plus, as it means you won’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a jam session.
That being said, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. The Bluetooth receiver can only be used to play background music, so you won’t be able to connect it to other Bluetooth devices. Additionally, the amp can be a bit noisy when turned up, which may be distracting or annoying for some users. Finally, while the sound effects are decent, they’re not the best on the market, so you may want to consider using external pedals or effects processors for a more professional sound.
All in all, we think the KITHOUSE B6 Guitar Headphone Amp is a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable and versatile guitar amp. It’s not perfect, but it offers a lot of value for the price, and it’s a great option for anyone who wants to practice their guitar playing on the go.
JOYO MA-10E Electric Guitar Amplifier
If you’re looking for a small, portable guitar amp for travel, the JOYO MA-10E Electric Guitar Amplifier is a solid choice.
Pros
- The compact size and portability make it easy to take on the go
- The option to use either a power adapter or 6 AA batteries provides flexibility
- The Aux In Jack and 3.5mm stereo Headphone Output Jack allow for playing backing tracks and practicing without disturbing others
Cons
- The sound quality may not be as good as larger, more expensive amps
- The battery life may not last as long as desired
- It may not be loud enough for larger performances or gigs
We were pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of the JOYO MA-10E Electric Guitar Amplifier, given its small size. It’s perfect for practicing on the go or in small spaces, and the option to use either a power adapter or batteries makes it very versatile. The Aux In Jack and 3.5mm stereo Headphone Output Jack are also great features for practicing without disturbing others. However, it may not be the best choice for larger performances or gigs, and the battery life may not last as long as desired. Overall, we would recommend the JOYO MA-10E Electric Guitar Amplifier for anyone in need of a small, portable amp for travel or practicing.
Journey Instruments Passport Guitar Headphone Amplifier
If you’re looking for a travel guitar amplifier that’s small, lightweight, and powerful, the Journey Instruments Passport Guitar Headphone Amplifier is a great choice. It’s perfect for guitarists on the go who want to practice or perform without lugging around a heavy and bulky amplifier.
Pros
- 10 classic preamps and 6 fully customizable effects allow for versatile sound options
- Fits in the palm of your hand and is lightweight to carry around
- Wireless Bluetooth capability allows for easy jamming along to tracks on your devices
Cons
- Battery life only lasts for around 6 hours
- May not be loud enough for larger venues or performances
- Some users have reported connectivity issues with Bluetooth
The Journey Instruments Passport Guitar Headphone Amplifier is a premium guitar amplifier that’s been designed specifically for traveling guitarists. It’s created by Journey Instruments, a company specializing in travel guitars, and is tailored to the needs of musicians on the go. With 10 classic preamps, 6 fully customizable effects, an IR cabinet sim, and a powerful recording tool, this amplifier offers a lot of versatility in a small package.
One of the best things about the Journey Instruments Passport Guitar Headphone Amplifier is its portability. It’s incredibly small and lightweight, weighing in at just 1.94 ounces. You can easily fit it in your pocket or guitar case and take it with you wherever you go. It’s perfect for practicing in hotel rooms, on the beach, or on the road.
The wireless Bluetooth capability is another great feature of this amplifier. You can easily connect it to your devices and jam along to your favorite tracks. The battery life lasts for around 6 hours, so you can use it for extended periods of time without worrying about running out of power.
While there are some downsides to this amplifier, such as its limited battery life and lower volume output, overall it’s a great choice for traveling guitarists who want a versatile and portable amplifier. Plus, with Journey Instruments’ lifetime warranty, you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product that’s built to last.
Portability
When it comes to choosing the best guitar amp for travel, portability is a crucial factor to consider. A portable amp should be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. In this section, we will discuss the size and weight of the amps.
Size
The size of a portable guitar amp is an essential factor to consider when purchasing one. A smaller size means that it will be easier to carry around, while a larger size may provide better sound quality. However, a larger size may not always be practical for travel purposes. It’s essential to strike a balance between size and sound quality.
Some of the best portable guitar amps on the market are small enough to fit in a backpack or carry-on luggage. These amps usually have a power output of around 10 watts, which is more than enough for practice sessions or small gigs. Additionally, some amps come with built-in effects and battery-powered options, making them even more portable and versatile.
Weight
The weight of a portable guitar amp is another crucial factor to consider when choosing one. A lightweight amp is easier to carry around, especially if you’re traveling long distances. It’s essential to find an amp that strikes a balance between weight and sound quality.
Most portable amps weigh between 5-10 pounds, which is light enough to carry around for extended periods. Additionally, some amps come with a built-in handle, making them even easier to transport. It’s essential to consider the weight of the amp, especially if you plan on carrying it around for long periods.
In conclusion, when choosing the best guitar amp for travel, it’s essential to consider the size and weight of the amp. A smaller, lightweight amp is usually the best option for travel purposes. However, it’s important to find an amp that strikes a balance between size, weight, and sound quality.
Sound Quality
When it comes to choosing the best guitar amp for travel, sound quality is a crucial factor to consider. The amp should produce a clear and balanced sound that complements the guitar’s tone and style. The sound should be loud enough for small venues or practice sessions, but not too loud to cause discomfort or damage to the ears.
Tone
The tone of the guitar amp refers to the quality of sound produced by the instrument. It is determined by the settings on the amp, such as the equalization (EQ) controls, gain, and distortion. A good guitar amp for travel should have a versatile tone that can be adjusted to suit different genres and playing styles. It should also have a clean and natural sound, without any unwanted noise or interference.
Some guitar amps come with built-in effects like reverb, delay, and chorus, which can enhance the tone and add depth to the sound. However, it’s important to use these effects sparingly and not rely on them too much, as they can sometimes mask the true sound of the guitar.
Volume
The volume of the guitar amp is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a travel amp. The amp should be loud enough to be heard over other instruments or in small venues, but not too loud to cause discomfort or damage to the ears. A good travel amp should have a power rating of at least 10 watts, which is sufficient for most practice sessions and small gigs.
It’s also important to consider the size and weight of the amp, as larger amps tend to be heavier and more difficult to transport. Some amps come with a built-in handle or strap, which makes them easier to carry around. Others can be disassembled or folded for easier storage and transport.
Overall, the best guitar amp for travel should have a good balance of sound quality, tone, and volume, while also being compact, lightweight, and easy to transport.
Features
When choosing the best guitar amp for travel, it’s important to consider the features that will make your playing experience more enjoyable and convenient. Here are some key features to look for:
Battery Life
One of the most important features to consider when choosing a guitar amp for travel is battery life. Look for an amp that has a long battery life, so you can play for hours without needing to recharge. Some amps have rechargeable batteries, while others use disposable batteries. Consider how often you’ll be using the amp and how much battery life you’ll need.
Inputs and Outputs
Another important feature to consider is inputs and outputs. Look for an amp that has multiple inputs and outputs, so you can connect it to other devices such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. This will allow you to play along with your favorite songs or record your playing. Some amps also have headphone jacks, which can be useful if you need to practice quietly.
When it comes to inputs, consider whether you need a dedicated microphone input. This can be useful if you plan on performing or recording vocals along with your guitar.
Additionally, some amps have built-in effects such as reverb or delay, which can enhance your playing experience. Consider whether you need these effects or whether you prefer to use external effects pedals.
Price
When it comes to buying a guitar amp for travel, price is an important factor to consider. The good news is that there are options available for every budget.
For those on a tight budget, there are several great options under $100. The Journey Instruments Passport Guitar Headphone Amplifier is a popular choice among travelers due to its compact size and affordable price. Another option is the JOYO MA-10E Electric Guitar Amplifier, which offers a surprisingly powerful sound for its small size.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are several options in the $100-$300 range that offer even better sound quality and features. The Blackstar Fly 3 is a popular choice in this price range, thanks to its versatile sound and built-in digital delay. The Boss Katana Mini is another great option, offering a wide range of tones and a compact design.
For those who are willing to invest a bit more, there are high-end options available in the $300-$500 range. The Yamaha THR5A is a popular choice among traveling musicians, thanks to its realistic tube amp sound and portable design.
Ultimately, the best guitar amp for travel will depend on your budget and specific needs. By considering factors such as price, sound quality, and portability, you can find an amp that meets your needs and fits within your budget.