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There aren’t many guitar players who don’t aspire to own a Marshall Plexi or Fender Twin Reverb. Yet, these legendary amps stay out of reach for the average guitar player. Why? Size and price.
If you’re looking for an amp that’s easy to move and travel with, a battery-powered amp is the way to go.
The Roland Micro Cube GX is our pick for the best battery-powered amp on the market. It’s small enough to fit anywhere while its versatile amp models make it perfect for practicing any song you want to play.
If Roland isn’t a good fit for you, there are eight other battery powered amps that stand out from the pack. So, whether you want a small combo for solo practice or a larger stereo amp for busking, you’re sure to find the perfect model for you here.
The 9 Best Battery Powered Guitar Amps:
Roland Micro Cube GX 3W Battery Powered Amp
As the maker of famous amplifiers like the Boss Katana Mini, Roland Cube amps have a reputation for build quality and value.
The Roland Micro Cube GX condenses its traditional sound and responsiveness into a small size for taking anywhere on-the-go.
With three watts of solid-state power, it’s perfect for practicing out of the house and taking on the road. That low wattage also makes the Micro Cube extremely light: it’s just 5.95 pounds and includes a handy carrying strap.
The amp offers eight Roland COSM amp models. COSM was one of the first high-fidelity modeling systems on the market and it accurately replicates the features and quirks of various amplifier tones.
This includes a JC120 model, which offers smooth clean tones and a nice sense of space. For a five-inch speaker, it’s punchy and saturates nicely, although it can sound compressed and shrill at extreme gain levels.
There are also models for Fender blackface, Vox combo amps, Marshall stacks and heavy metal tones. Along with the amp sounds themselves, the Micro Cube GX provides delay and reverb, with one extra effects knob to control chorus, phaser, flanger and tremolo.
Positives
- Lightweight frame and hard shell are tough enough to take outside
- Lots of models on board, so you have the perfect tone for any situation
Negatives
- Low wattage limits your headroom and makes it tough to play in loud places
- Smaller speaker can sound a bit shrill at high volumes, without depth or clarity
Orange Crush Mini 3-Watt Battery Powered Guitar Combo Amplifier
If you love the British crunch and saturation of Orange amplifiers, then the Crush Mini is the perfect battery powered amp for you.
This tiny combo provides a faithful approximation of the Orange sound in a package that’s flexible enough to take anywhere.
The top panel offers three control knobs for gain, shape and volume. The shape control functions like a comprehensive EQ section in one tone control.
At the low end, it boosts mids and reduces trebles for a punchy rhythm tone, while at the other end it sharpens the high-end for a more cutting sound.
The four-inch speaker does struggle to produce bass but, for the price, it’s a good response. At just two pounds, it offers a good punch for a small size. You can also power this with a 9V battery or pedal power supply, so you don’t need to buy any extra gear.
The 8 Ohm speaker output also lets you plug into an external cabinet to amplify the tones. If you want a practice amp for backstage or just a combo amp with more punch, a speaker cab is a good solution.
Positives
- Extremely affordable price makes it a great tool for practicing anywhere
- Classic Orange looks and tone, just like legendary big combos
Negatives
- Single “shape” control doesn’t provide a ton of flexibility for your EQ
- Four-inch speaker doesn’t offer the bass response of a larger model
Yamaha THR30II Wireless Desktop Battery Powered Amp
Yamaha’s THR series models are known for their versatility and tonal quality. They’re designed specifically for practice, with features optimized for players on-the-go.
The THR30II, which packs 30 watts of power into a desktop twin amp, offers rich tones and plenty of effects for the top practice experience on the market.
The heart of this guitar amp is the 15 models that give you tones from American-style cleans to crunchy, compressed lead tones. If you want a more neutral tone, you can bypass the modeling tech and dial in your own EQ and effects.
Like its little brother the Yamaha THR10C, the THR30II offers modulation effects like chorus, flanger and phaser as well as echo, reverb and delay.
You can create your own custom presets via the companion app for even more control over your volume, tone and effects. The app provides extra compressor and noise gate effects as well.
Unlike most other battery powered guitar amps, the THR30II uses a set of stereo speakers rather than one small speaker. This gives your tone extra depth and makes effects like chorus and flanger sound lush and spacious. For such a portable guitar amp, it’s an unbeatable package.
Positives
- 15 outstanding models built in, with lush effects and stereo speakers
- Sleek design and metal handle make this amp easy to carry around
Negatives
- Much more expensive than other battery-powered amps at this size
- Must download phone app to access effects like compressor and noise gate
NUX Mighty Lite BT Mini Portable Modeling Guitar Amplifier with Bluetooth
The NUX Mighty Lite BT is one of the most popular battery powered amps for players on-the-move. It’s an affordable micro guitar amplifier that packs great features into a three-watt combo amp.
The amp runs with one input and two channels for clean and distorted tones. Three dials provide volume, gain and tone control for the amp, with a fourth knob for delay/reverb.
Finally, the top panel offers an auxiliary input and headphone jack to play with headphones or use the amp as a speaker.
Along with the core features, the Mighty Lite includes a metronome and nine drum patterns on board. These are perfect for solo practice, because you can create an entire jam session with just your original guitar track.
If you want specific tracks, you can also play songs from your phone and riff over them with your guitar.
The NUX amp is one of the most versatile amplifiers for power: it can run off of AA batteries as well as a 9V power adapter and a USB connection. No matter where you are, you can power the Mighty Lite for easy jamming.
Positives
- Runs on batteries as well as 9V or USB power, so you can play in any situation
- Built-in metronome and rhythm tracks for accompanying yourself during practice
Negatives
- Fewer effects than many competing portable amps
- Small speaker doesn’t offer high-fidelity sound like Yamaha and Roland amps
Roland Cube Street EX 4-Channel 50-Watt Battery Powered Amplifier
Busking musicians need a battery-powered guitar amp that sounds great but is tough enough for the streets.
The Cube Street is one of the best portable battery powered amps around. It builds on Roland’s reputation for great battery-powered amps and incorporates thoughtful tweaks for street performers.
The core features include three electric guitar models, with clean, crunch and lead tones. They’re fairly basic, but they get the job done for styles like jazz, blues and rock.
There’s also a separate acoustic model, which provides more depth and finesse for a realistic acoustic sound. Onboard chorus and delay let you tweak your sound along with the three-band EQ.
For singer-songwriters, the amp offers two XLR inputs with separate EQ sections for vocals and guitar. There’s also an additional line input for a keyboard and extra 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch inputs for added flexibility.
The Cube Street can run on just eight AA batteries for up to five hours at 50 watts. If you’re playing a longer set, you can also switch to 25-watt or 10-watt modes and stretch out the charge.
Positives
- Amp attenuators let you adjust the output to prolong battery life
- Multiple inputs and outputs are perfect for singer-guitarists
Negatives
- Only three core electric guitar models, without much tonal variety
- Battery life doesn’t last as long at full power as other amps
Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Electric Guitar Mini Battery Powered Amplifier
The Blackstar FLY 3 offers the company’s famous crunch in a portable amplifier. The streamlined controls and two channels are perfect for practice and playing on-the-go.
This mini amp splits into two channels, with one controlling clean tones and the other providing overdrive. The clean channel is surprisingly smooth, with outstanding resonance and touch sensitivity.
The three-inch speaker manages to avoid sounding too boxy and provides a bit of depth for such a portable amp.
With lots of overdrive, the FLY 3 can provide enough gain for metal. The tone control uses Blackstar’s Infinite Shape Feature, which lets you adjust midrange, treble and bass voicings with a single dial. However, the small speaker doesn’t offer a ton of volume, which limits the versatility a bit.
The onboard tape delay is another great feature. This effect provides the smooth resonance of a standard analog delay, while the tape emulation adds some distinctive warble. You can also run the FLY 3 on AA batteries, with a line input for jamming and a headphone jack for practice.
Positives
- Tape delay provides a distinctive effect for rhythm and lead parts
- Outstanding crunch tones for classic rock and metal
Negatives
- Fewer effects than a lot of similar amps
- Small speaker struggles to produce a loud sound, even for practice
Roland AC-33 Acoustic Chorus Battery-Powered 30-Watt Guitar Amplifier
The Roland AC-33 Acoustic Chorus is a portable battery-powered guitar amp that’s tailored specifically for acoustic guitarists. With true stereo speakers and 30 total watts of power, it’s large enough for practice, busking and even outdoor gigs.
The amp features two inputs: a dedicated guitar input and a second mic/line input which can handle vocals or a line level instrument. This lets singers accompany themselves and allows a guitar and keyboard duo to play through one mini amp.
The clear, neutral voicing allows acoustic guitars to shine through without electronic compression or dampening. The onboard reverb and ambiance effects are good for adding depth without losing the amp’s airy signature.
The stereo setup adds depth to your sound and allows you to create a sense of space with different panned tracks. There’s also true stereo chorus, which is rich and luscious compared to mono outputs.
Beyond the combo amp functions, the AC-33 also provides an onboard looper with up to 40 seconds of recording time. This lets you create your own riffs, or layer parts over a base track from the auxiliary input. For silent practice, there’s a headphone jack on board.
Positives
- Delicate sound signature optimized for acoustic guitar
- Stereo speakers and onboard looper make your tunes sound lush and rich
Negatives
- Slightly bulkier than other competitors, without a ton of battery life
- Other options include lots of voices, so you can experiment with different tones
Vox Mini5 Rhythm Battery-Powered 5W Modeling Amplifier
If you want an affordable battery powered amp that’s crammed with features, it’s hard to top the Vox Mini5 Rhythm. This portable amp provides five watts of power with all the built-in features to jam on your own.
The distinctive feature of the Mini5 is its rhythm section. This mini guitar amp carries 99 tracks onboard, ranging from basic click tracks to genres like rock, blues, jazz and Latin.
With multiple variations in each genre as well as knobs for tempo and rhythm, you can quickly dial in a beat for any style of guitar.
Speaking of guitar, the Mini5 Rhythm provides 11 different models ranging from a Vox AC30 to Fender-style clean amps and harder metal tones.
To add some spice, you can pick from eight onboard effects like chorus, flanger, delay reverb and tremolo. There’s also a two-band EQ section to adjust both the bass and high-end sound.
You can run the Mini5 Rhythm on battery power or with an AC power adapter. To increase the battery life, you can attenuate the amp to 1.5 or 0.5 watts; the battery lasts up to 19 hours for longer jam sessions. The headphone output also lets you practice silently.
Positives
- Lots of rhythm tracks built in, so you don’t run out of inspiration
- Good complement of effects and amp modeling
Negatives
- Sound quality isn’t as impressive as some similar models
- Complex interface requires a learning curve
Donner DEA-1 Mini Electric Guitar Amplifier
Rounding out our list is the Donner DEA-1: a mini guitar amp with style and touch for players on a budget.
It runs on two channels, for clean and overdrive. The clean channel is simple and intuitive, with just one master control for tone and volume.
The distortion channel introduces separate controls for tone and gain along with its own volume knob. This gives you more finesse to dial in the perfect amount of gain without saturating your sound.
Along with the classic guitar input jack, there is also an aux input and output so you can practice with headphones or send your tracks to an external speaker.
Like some of the best battery powered guitar amps, the DEA-1 runs with a rechargeable battery built into the amp. This provides roughly three hours of battery life on one charge. But, if you want to extend the battery life, you can also power the amp with the included USB charging cable.
Positives
- Rechargeable battery saves you money and hassle compared to disposable batteries
- Good controls and sleek design for such a small amp
Negatives
- Distortion channel can sound compressed and a bit shrill at high volumes
- Not a ton of gain on tap for playing styles heavier than classic rock
What is the Best Battery-Powered Guitar Amp?
To get the top battery-powered guitar amp, you should evaluate the size and power, versatility and battery life.
The size and power of your amp will determine where you can use the amp and how good it sounds. If you just want to practice, a small amp without a lot of headroom might not be an issue.
However, if you want to busk with a battery-powered amp, you’ll need to focus on louder amps with more headroom. This might force you to sacrifice some modeling features or find an amp with a weaker effects bank.
The top amps include a lot of models and effects, making it easy to play across genres. Whether you’re practicing or performing, these extra sounds can be a source of inspiration. Different amp models let you mimic the sound of various amps, so you can switch between tones at the push of a button.
Finding great tones can motivate you to play more and open up new possibilities on your instrument. They’re also good for practical reasons. If you want to jam or practice a full set, only using one tone can get boring quickly. If you want to keep your amp versatile, different models and effects are essential.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the battery power of your preferred picks. A lot of smaller amps can last for 10 hours or more on AA batteries, particularly if you play at lower volumes. These amps can usually run on small power supplies as well so you can save the batteries for a gig.
Larger busking amps take more batteries and don’t last as long. If you can’t bring a rechargeable pack with you or plug in, expect to get about five hours of lifespan at full volume.
For general use, the Yamaha THR30II and the Blackstar Fly 3 can’t be beat. If you want to gig specifically, look for larger amps like the Roland Cube Street or the Roland AC-33. These amps offer great durability and good battery life if you need to play a large set.
Do Guitar Amps Use a Lot of Electricity?
Larger guitar amplifiers can use a lot of electricity, but most portable amps are small and don’t use a lot of power.
If you want to practice with your amp, you won’t need to worry about power requirements. Most mini amps run on a couple AA batteries and some can even use 9V power supplies. Together, they make it easy to play without worrying about your power dying.
However, for long sets you’ll still need to pay attention to your power. Large busking amps can burn through batteries quickly, which makes it important to conserve electricity when possible.
If you’re worried about your portable guitar amp using too much electricity, look for a model with attenuators built in. These let you reduce the power consumption of your mini amp so you can increase the charge life.
However, turning down the wattage does reduce your max volume and headroom. So, if you need to play for a large audience, you should try to avoid attenuating your portable amp too much.
How Many Watts Do I Need For My Guitar Amp?
If you want a cheap guitar amp for practice, you might only need a model with three to five watts. These mini amps provide a good sound with just enough headroom for playing on your own. Because they’re so small, they’re also easy to push into overdrive. If you like to play with lots of crunch, a tiny practice amp will be a good fit.
For busking and performing, you’ll need much more power. Many solid-state busking amps offer between 30 and 50 watts, so you have enough headroom to play for a live audience without distortion. If you’re planning on performing, make sure to get at least 25 watts of power for a solid-state amp.
What is the Best Busking Guitar Amp?
Busking is a great way to earn money and sharpen your skills in front of a live audience. However, without the right amp, your performance can sound tinny and shrill.
If you want an amp for busking, look for a larger speaker that can get loud enough for a live audience. Stereo speakers are a major plus, because they create a great sense of space for your tracks. Onboard effects are also helpful, because they can save you the hassle of carrying a separate pedalboard.
Amps like the Roland Cube Street and Roland AC-33 are great battery powered models to busk with. They’re built with performers in mind, so they include a number of thoughtful features that other amps don’t have.
Most importantly, these amps offer much more wattage than other portable amps. Compared to mini amps with just three or five watts, these busking amps offer 30 watts or more. This extra power lets you turn up the volume louder, without distorting your tone or making your music sound tinny and shrill.
Along with the wattage, the Cube Street and AC-33 provide stereo speakers. Compared to mono amps, stereo speakers give your music a sense of space and depth. They’re great for performing on your own, where you want your music to sound full and vibrant without a full band for backup.
The inputs and outputs are another important feature to keep track of. Many singer-songwriters like to accompany themselves with a guitar and instrumentalists often busk in a duo. Good battery powered guitar amps for busking offer XLR and line inputs as well as guitar inputs, so you can play an entire set with just one mini amp.
Finally, if you’re looking for a busking amp make sure that it’s tough enough to take with you. Some amps are too fragile to play on the street and include a lot of delicate pieces which can’t stand up to outdoor performances. Dedicated busking amps often include a hard exterior shell so they can withstand drops, dings and scratches.
If you want outstanding gear for busking, you might also want to pick up a new guitar. For some great portable ideas, check out our articles on the best parlor guitars and the top travel guitars.
What are the Best Small Guitar Amps?
These battery-powered amps are some of the top small guitar amps for any situation, especially for practice. Small guitar amps shine for practice sessions, because they’re easy to carry and won’t overpower you with volume.
Solid-state amps are the most common small guitar amps, because they provide lots of different tones in one package. Thanks to solid-state and digital modeling technology, you can pack lots of classic sounds into one package. Modern solid-state amps are also cheaper and lighter than tube amps.
Some amps on this list, like the Yamaha THR30II and the Roland AC-33, are great small guitar amps overall. The Yamaha offers outstanding modelling and is perfect for recording, while the Roland provides a unique signature that makes it great for acoustic guitarists.
However, tube amps are still prized for their luscious tone, and they’re very popular for recording. If you want genuine tube tone and response, take a look at our article on the best low-watt tube amps.
Bottom Line
After evaluating all the top choices, we picked the Roland Micro Cube GX as the best battery powered guitar amp. It offers good tone and durability in one of the most convenient packages anywhere.
If you want a more complex amp, make sure to check out the Yamaha THR30II and the Roland AC-33 as well. These amps provide more onboard voicings and effects so you can use them in a wide variety of situations.
Where do you take your battery-powered amp? Do you like to busk or practice with a battery powered amp? Let us know in the comments below.
