Best Guitar Practice Amps Under $150
Buying your first practice amp? Don't even think about it till you've read this!
Top Guitar Practice Amps Under $150 (2025): Noodle and Compact Combos
Every guitarist needs a small amp they actually use. Not the 100-watt monster that rattles the windows, but a little one you can plug into without ceremony when inspiration hits. In this guide I’ve picked the best practice amps under $150 — everything from pocket-sized noodling amps like the Blackstar Fly 3 and Vox amPlug, to small combos from Fender, Orange and Marshall that sound bigger than they look. Whether you’re a beginner buying your first amp or a long-time player looking for something quick and quiet to noodle on, these are the ones worth keeping.
The Best Practice Amps Under $150: Noodle and Compact Combos
The thing about electric guitars is that you can’t actually hear them until you plug them in. Sure, you can strum unplugged, but it sounds like a mosquito in an empty can of Bud. That’s where the small practice amp comes in — small enough to grab anytime, good enough to make you play more, and quiet enough not to annoy anyone.
Some ultra-compact gadgets plug straight into the guitar’s jack socket, like the Vox amPlug or the Nux Mighty Plug. They’re clever, but they don’t have a speaker. You’ll still need headphones. Step up one level and you get the “noodle amp” — a small, battery-powered combo with a speaker and a headphone output. Beyond that are the “medium box” practice amps that live under your desk or beside the sofa. They’re mains powered, have bigger speakers, and sound more like a real amp, but still won’t shake the walls.
These are the best options you can buy for under $150 — all amps I’ve either used or would happily recommend. I have no affiliation to any brand but will get a tiny commission if you put one in your Amazon cart using these links.
Tier 1: Noodle Amps (portable, battery, headphone-friendly)
Blackstar Fly 3
I’ve got a 20W Blackstar combo in the studio, but the Fly 3 is the one my pal Skipper actually grabs for noodling. That's what he took to this year's August Jam and it blew the crap out my old and battered Peavy. Gotta get one! It runs on batteries or power supply, has delay (no reverb, but the delay gives space), headphone out, and AUX-in. For its size, the tone is impressive, from clean to shred. Perfect for beginners, travellers, or maybe even busking? (not that I ever have busked).
Vox Amplug 2
This is the classic plug-in headphone amp. It goes directly into your guitar’s output jack and delivers solid amp tones through headphones. It’s the most compact way to practice silently, and the updated versions offer different amp voicings like AC30, Classic Rock, or Metal. OK the downside is no speaker, but unbeatable convenience. It's pocket sized but needs earphones and maybe you don't like having them in your ear for hours, that gives me ear ache
Boss Katana Mini
The Katana Mini bridges the gap between a noodle amp and a medium box. It’s still small and portable, runs on batteries, and has three channels (Clean, Crunch, Brown) with tone shaping and delay. It’s louder and fuller-sounding than most tiny amps but still quiet enough for late-night playing.
Nux Mighty Plug Pro
A modern alternative to the Amplug, this unit plugs into the guitar and connects via Bluetooth to your phone for backing tracks and tone editing. You’ll need headphones, but it sounds surprisingly authentic and lets you jam anywhere.
Noodle amps are about convenience, not power. They’re the kind of amps you’ll keep even after you buy your “real” amp later. Grab, plug in, and play — no setup.
Tier 1 Summary — Portable “Noodle” Amps
| Amp | Power / Type | Speaker | Power Source | Notable Features | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstar Fly 3 | 3 W mini combo | 3″ | Battery / PSU | Two channels, tape-delay, ISF tone, headphone out | ~$75–100 |
| Fender Mustang Micro | Headphone plug-in / USB | — | USB rechargeable | Amp & cab simulation, Bluetooth audio | ~$90 |
| Vox Amplug 2 | Headphone plug-in | — | AAA batteries | Built-in effects, gain & tone controls (AC30 / Classic Rock) | ~$45 |
| Orange Crush Mini | Mini combo | Small | Battery / PSU | Simple control layout, headphone out | ~$50 |
| Marshall MS-4 | Micro combo | Tiny | Battery | Small size, classic Marshall tone | ~$40–60 |
Tier 2 Medium Box Practice Amps (small but serious)
Fender Frontman 20G
Classic Fender clean tone in a compact 20-watt combo. It has an 8-inch speaker, headphone out, and AUX-in. You’ll get nice cleans and enough volume for a small room. Simple layout, reliable, and perfect for home or first-band jams.
Orange Crush 20
Solid build, strong tone, and proper two-channel design for clean and dirty sounds. Orange amps always feel “alive,” and the Crush 20 is no exception. It’s mains powered, not battery, but small enough for a bedroom. Great if you like punchy, British tones.
Marshall MG15GFX
A 15-watt combo that adds built-in effects — reverb, delay, chorus — to the classic Marshall sound. This is where practice amps start feeling like real amps. Gold faceplate, familiar tone, and versatile enough to cover most styles.
Blackstar 10 V4
If you want more tone options and stereo width, the ID:Core range is hard to beat. The 10 V4 model is within budget and offers modelling, effects, USB recording, and headphones out. It’s plug-and-play simplicity but with surprising depth if you dig into the software.
Tier 2 Summary — Compact Combo Amps
| Amp | Power / Type | Speaker | Power Source | Notable Features | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Crush 20 | 20 W combo | 8″ | Mains | Twin channels, CabSim headphone out | ~$150–180 |
| Fender Mustang LT25 | 25 W modelling combo | 8″ | Mains / USB | Full digital modelling, presets, effects | ~$140 |
| Marshall MG15GFX | 15 W combo | 8″ | Mains | Built-in reverb, chorus, delay | ~$140–160 |
| Cort CM15R | 15 W combo | 8″ | Mains | Compact, warm clean channel, reverb | ~$110 |
| Blackstar HT-5R | 10 W stereo combo | Dual 3″ | Mains / USB | bit pricier but I have the 20W version of this (and only ever use on 5W) The one I'd buy if I wanted a stage version | ~$450 |
When to Move Up
If you’re just starting out or need something you can grab and play anywhere, stick with a portable “noodle amp” from Tier 1. They’re perfect for quick practice sessions, travel, or quiet headphone playing, and most cost less than a decent set of strings and a meal out.
Once you start rehearsing, jamming with friends, or want to record, it’s worth stepping up to a compact combo from Tier 2. These amps give you real speaker response, EQ control, and headroom — still small enough for a desk or bedroom, but loud enough for practice rooms. The best part? You’ll probably keep both: a noodle amp for convenience, and a small combo for everything else.
Editor’s Picks
| Category | Winner | Why It Stands Out | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Beginners | Blackstar Fly 3 | Easy to use, great tone at low volume, portable and reliable — the classic first amp you’ll actually keep using. | ~$90 |
| Best for Silent Practice | Fender Mustang Micro | Headphone plug-in with amp models, Bluetooth playback, and USB charging — perfect for late-night sessions. | ~$95 |
| Best “Couch” Amp | Vox Amplug 2 | Pure plug-in fun. Instantly classic AC30 British tone with built-in effects and no cables. | ~$45 |
| Best Budget Combo | Cort CM15R | Warm tone, reverb included, great build quality — unbeatable value in its class. | ~$110 |
| Best All-Rounder | Fender Mustang LT25 | Full modelling amp with presets and effects; ideal home/studio hybrid. | ~$160 |
| Best Tone Upgrade | Orange Crush 20 | Real amp punch with twin channels and great overdrive; feels like a “proper” rig in small form. | ~$160 |
Final Thoughts
Every player should have something small they can switch on and play instantly. You get that song idea and you want to just play it, not switch plugs on at the wall or wait for valves to warm up. Even seasoned guitarists keep a noodle amp around for the green room, warm-ups, quick ideas, or travel. When you upgrade to a bigger rig, you won’t sell it — you’ll still use it when inspiration hits.
If an amp makes you play more, it’s worth more than any boutique head you never turn on.
If you’re just starting out or looking for a quiet companion for late-night practice, the Blackstar Fly 3 or Boss Katana Mini are the sweet spots. If you want something that feels more like a proper amp, step up to the Fender Frontman 20G or Orange Crush 20.
Check current prices and see what fits your playing style: