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Best Mini Guitar Amps: Compact Powerhouses With Amazing Tone

audiosorcerer
|
August 13, 2023 
|
Last Updated on August 15, 2023

In the world of guitars, bigger isn't always better. While grand, full-sized amplifiers have their rightful place in stadiums and recording studios, the evolution of the mini guitar amp has become impossible to ignore. Perfect for bedroom jamming, small gigs, or simply practicing without shaking the house foundation, these compact powerhouses are steadily securing their spot in the hearts of guitarists worldwide. Whether you're a touring musician in search of a portable practice solution or a beginner looking for your first amplifier, this guide is for you. Dive in as we explore the creme de la creme of mini guitar amps, offering mighty tones in small packages.

Included in this guide:

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall
Positive Grid Spark GO

Positive Grid Spark GO

  • 5 watts of power
  • 33 amp simulations and 43 effects
  • Powered by a USB rechargeable battery
4
Check Price
Runner-up
VOX MINIGO3

VOX MINIGO3

  • 3 watts of power
  • Rhythm function with 33 different patterns
  • USB battery makes this ultra portable
4.4
Check Price
Top Pick
Orange Crush Mini

Orange Crush Mini

  • 3 watts of power
  • Built-in tuner and headphone output
  • Powered by a 9V battery
4.3
Check Price
Top Pick
Fender Frontman 10G Amplifier

Fender Frontman 10G Amplifier

  • 10 watts of power
  • 6" Fender Special Design speaker
  • Standard 120v power
4.7
Check Price
Lowest Price
Danelectro Honeytone (N10A)

Danelectro Honeytone (N10A)

  • 5 watts of power
  • Great clean/overdrive tones
  • Powered by a 9V battery
4.3
Check Price

The Top 5 Best Mini Guitar Amps

1
Positive Grid Spark GO
Best Overall

Positive Grid Spark GO

  • 5 watts of power
  • 33 amp simulations and 43 effects
  • Powered by a USB rechargeable battery

The Positive Grid Spark GO is a must-have for guitarists of all levels who are looking for the best mini guitar amp. This incredible piece of equipment is compact in size but offers impressive sound quality and an extensive range of features. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this amp will enhance your playing experience on the go. The Positive Grid Spark GO is a versatile and portable companion that delivers exceptional performance and is highly recommended for all guitar enthusiasts.

Pros
  • Incredibly portable and compact, making it perfect for practicing on the go or in small spaces.
  • A wide variety of amp models and effects, allowing users to create their own custom presets or download tones from the ToneCloud community.
  • The Smart Jam feature, powered by AI, acts as a virtual bandmate that listens and learns your playing style, enabling you to jam along with it.
Cons
  • The Bluetooth feature of the amp is limited to streaming music and adjusting volumes, and does not support transmitting electric guitar audio wirelessly.
  • To change the profile settings, users need to rely on the Spark app, which means they must have a smartphone or tablet handy to make adjustments.
  • Some additional amp models and effects may require separate purchases, as they are not included in the initial package.
2
VOX MINIGO3
Runner-up

VOX MINIGO3

  • 3 watts of power
  • Rhythm function with 33 different patterns
  • USB battery makes this ultra portable

The VOX MINIGO3 is an impressive guitar combo amplifier that offers excellent value for its price. While it may lack some features found in higher wattage models, its portability and versatility make it a great choice for practice sessions and on-the-go playing. Customers have praised its sound quality, convenience, and affordability, further reinforcing its value. If you're in search of a compact and reliable amp for personal use or travel purposes, the VOX MINIGO3 is undoubtedly one of the best choices.

Pros
  • A compact and portable option for musicians on the go.
  • The revamped rhythm function of the amplifier offers 33 patterns, providing a versatile range of backing tracks to play along with.
  • The amplifier can be powered by a portable USB battery, allowing for convenient use without the need for a traditional power source.
Cons
  • Some users have mentioned that the amplifier lacks the features of the 10-watt version, which may limit its capabilities for certain musicians.
  • While the amplifier can be powered by a portable USB battery, there is no feature to securely attach the battery to the amp, which some users find to be a minor inconvenience.
  • A few users have experienced sound breakup when using the amp under battery power, particularly when other electronics are in close proximity, which may affect the overall performance.
3
Orange Crush Mini
Top Pick

Orange Crush Mini

  • 3 watts of power
  • Built-in tuner and headphone output
  • Powered by a 9V battery

The Orange Crush Mini 3W Analogue Combo Amp is a solid choice for those in need of a practice amp. Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, and the simple controls and built-in tuner offer convenience. While it may not deliver the highest quality sound at high gain or volume levels, it still provides a decent vintage tone at lower settings. Considering its affordable price and portability, the Orange Crush Mini is a reliable option for practice sessions and is worth considering.

Pros
  • Easy controls to dial in heavy distortion, crunch, or clean tones in seconds.
  • Small and lightweight, making it perfect for practicing at home or on the go.
  • Provides a speaker output that allows you to connect it to any cabinet, giving you a surprisingly big sound.
Cons
  • Some users have reported that the sound quality of the amp diminishes at higher volumes.
  • While the amp does offer distortion capabilities, some users have found that it lacks the ability to achieve high levels of distortion.
  • The amp does not come with a power cord.
4
Fender Frontman 10G Amplifier
Top Pick

Fender Frontman 10G Amplifier

  • 10 watts of power
  • 6" Fender Special Design speaker
  • Standard 120v power

The Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Combo Amplifier is undoubtedly one of the best mini guitar amps available in the market. This exceptional product offers great value for money with its compact size, excellent sound quality, and versatile controls. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this amplifier delivers impressive performance. The inclusion of an instrument cable and picks in the bundle further enhances its appeal. From practicing at home to performing in small gatherings, the Frontman 10G is a reliable and versatile option that comes highly recommended.

Pros
  • Great for home play. Excellent sound. Easy to move around the house.
  • Classic Fender clean and crunch tones.
  • Very loud for its size.
Cons
  • Some users reported it is hard to play this amp quietly. Not a big deal for live performances, but a nuisance for home practicing.
  • Distortion tones don't sound great.
  • No battery option.
5
Danelectro Honeytone (N10A)
Lowest Price

Danelectro Honeytone (N10A)

  • 5 watts of power
  • Great clean/overdrive tones
  • Powered by a 9V battery

The Danelectro Honeytone Mini Amp (N10A) is a well-made and portable amplifier that offers good value for its price. This little gem stands out with its stylish vintage design, adding a touch of charm to its compact size. While it may not deliver exceptional clean tones, it compensates with its crunch and overall sound quality. Whether you need a versatile practice amp or an on-the-go companion, the Danelectro Mini Amp is definitely a contender.

Pros
  • Great crunch and overdrive tones.
  • Portable and compact design.
  • Low price on our list.
Cons
  • Clean tone could be better.
  • Not suitable for gigging and should only be used for practice.
  • Some negative reviews regarding sound quality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I consider a mini guitar amp?

Mini guitar amps are perfect for those who need portability and convenience without compromising on sound quality. They're ideal for traveling, practicing at home without disturbing others, or even for small gigs.

Do mini guitar amps produce a sound quality comparable to full-sized amps?

While they may not match the sheer power of a full-sized amp, many modern mini amps boast impressive sound quality and can emulate the tones of larger amps quite effectively.

Can I use mini guitar amps for gigs or live performances?

Absolutely! While they are best suited for intimate venues or acoustic sessions, some mini amps are powerful enough to handle smaller live performances.

Are mini amps suitable for both electric and acoustic guitars?

Most mini amps are designed for electric guitars, but there are models available specifically for acoustic guitars. Ensure you choose the right type for your instrument.

Do mini guitar amps have built-in effects?

Many do! Some mini amps come equipped with built-in effects like reverb, delay, and overdrive. Always check the specifications to know what's included.

Product Recap

Now that you know what the best mini guitar amps out there are, the question is, which one are you going to get? We love the Positive Grid Spark Go for it's large list of features, amp simulations, and effects. The VOX MINIGO3 for a little bit more, gives that get crunch sound VOX amps are known for. Lastly, if you are on a budget, then you can't go wrong with the Danelectro Honeytone N10A.

If you found this guide helpful, please consider subscribing to our blog for more music production tips, product reviews, and buying guides. Now, go rock out with your new mini guitar amp!

"Some of the links within this article are affiliate links. These links are from various companies such as Amazon. This means if you click on any of these links and purchase the item or service, I will receive an affiliate commission. This is at no cost to you and the money gets invested back into Audio Sorcerer LLC."

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