- Anthony
There are many different guitar amps on the market today, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this post, Hooke Audio will review a few things about the Best Headphone Guitar Amp with effects so that you can make an educated decision before purchasing your next tube amp – or any other type of amplifier.
The first thing to consider when looking at headphone guitar amplifiers is whether they have high-end audio quality. If not, then there’s no point in getting them because they won’t produce the audio quality needed for good recordings or live performances.
Contents
- 1 Top Rated Best Headphones Guitar Amp Bands
- 1.1 1. Valeton Rushed Max
- 1.2 2. Blackstar Amplug2 Fly
- 1.3 3. Ox amPlug 2 Metal Guitar Headphone Amps
- 1.4 4. Vox amPlug 2 AC30 G2
- 1.5 5. Andoer Vitoos Heavy Rock
- 1.6 6. Vox amPlug 2 Classic Rock
- 1.7 7. Sonicake Us Classic Guitar Headphone Amp
- 1.8 8. LEKATO Guitar Headphone Amplifier
- 1.9 9. Rockman Guitar Ace Headphone Amp
- 1.10 10. Kithouse B6 Guitar Headphone Amps
- 1.11 11. VOX VGH Rock Guitar Headphone Amps
- 2 Guitar Headphone Amp Buyer’s Guide
- 3 FAQs
- 4 Conclusion
Top Rated Best Headphones Guitar Amp Bands
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| Fender Mustang Micro Headphone... |
 | View on Amazon | |
| 2 |
| SONICAKE Guitar Headphone Amp... | 2,837 Reviews |
$29.85 | View on Amazon |
| 3 |
| VALETON Guitar Headphone... | 306 Reviews |
$39.99 | View on Amazon |
| 4 |
| LEKATO Headphone Guitar Amp,... | 489 Reviews |
$45.99
$39.99 | View on Amazon |
| 5 |
| JOYO JA-03 "Tube Drive" Sound... | 271 Reviews |
$19.99 | View on Amazon |
| 6 |
| Blackstar Electric Guitar... | 355 Reviews |
$54.99 | View on Amazon |
| 7 |
| FLAMMA Guitar Headphone Amp... | 47 Reviews |
$79.99 | View on Amazon |
| 8 |
| NUX GP-1 Guitar Plug Headphone... | 790 Reviews |
$18.68 | View on Amazon |
| 9 |
| SONICAKE Guitar Headphone Amp... | 84 Reviews |
$33.99 | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
| NUX Headphones Guitar Amp... | 83 Reviews |
$18.30 | View on Amazon |
1. Valeton Rushed Max
The Valeton Rushed is among the best guitar headphone amps, small and budget-friendly. It’s an excellent choice for players who don’t want to use hundreds of FX but still need a quality sound with some options to warm it up.
In addition to all these features, the Valeton Rushed Max also offers built-in effects like tremolo, chorus delay and reverb, flanger, and switchable ambient effects like delay and reverb.
It charges via USB and can run for approximately 5 hours battery life. Rechargeable means that you can save money on batteries and don’t have to worry about running out of batteries at the worst possible time.
This unit lets you choose between three amp types, “ CL ” (clean tones based on US-made amps), “ overdriven tones” (crunchy overdriven tone based on popular UK amps), and “ DIST ” (based on modern high-gain amps)
Valeton Rushed Max guitar headphone amp has analog controls for all functions and is very simple to use. The interface is straightforward, with analog controls for all positions.
You can switch between FX by using a physical switch and then modify the settings using rotary dials. While some people prefer digital controls, it does feel more like the best headphone amp. This would be useful if you wanted to use the headphone amp to perform live through a speaker.
The Valeton Rushed Max is an excellent performer. It is ideal for guitarists who don’t require or want digital controls.
It is both high quality in build and boots sound, but it could benefit from a folding Jack as being fixed in one place can cause compatibility problems with some guitars with unusually placed output sockets. It is seen as one of the headphone guitar amplifiers for electric guitars.
Highlight:
- Audio quality and build quality are excellent.
- The interface is straightforward.
- AMP Module with Clean
- You can control the tone balance
- Affordable price
2. Blackstar Amplug2 Fly
Blackstar amPlug2 Fly is an excellent choice for guitarists who love high gain levels. It can also maintain clarity even when pushed.
Blackstar’s ISF control, a patented control for guitar headphone amplifiers, provides you with an incredible range of British amp sounds and American amp sounds, all in a small and incredibly portable headphone amp.
Blackstar’s FLY amplifier has been the inspiration for their amPlug2 FLY. It is popular because of its small size and powerful sound.
You have three channels to choose from on the ampPlug2 Fly: Clean, Crunch, or Lead. This gThis headphone amp delivers a crunchy, classic rock sound. Classic tones can be found in both the American and British amp sounds.
The headphone amp can also be used to add a bit of spice to your practice session or compose moment. You can use it as the practice amp.
The amPlug2 Fly has a unique ability to handle high gain levels. This is a significant advantage over other models. This is probably the best bass guitar headphone amp under 300 dollars with two aaa batteries.
Highlight:
- This product is specifically designed for low-frequency use
- There are three types of bass channels: Overdrive, Modern, and Classic.
- Rock, Funk, R&B and Hip Hop, Blues. Metronome & Tap Tempo
- All guitar bodies can use the foldable jack plug
- Two AAA batteries provide up to 17 hours of playtime. When not in use, the device automatically turns off.
3. Ox amPlug 2 Metal Guitar Headphone Amps
High-gain guitar tones are still trendy, despite ever-changing musical styles. It’s difficult to achieve good metal tones even at low volumes. Vox managed to accomplish this feat with surprising results. This is evident by the Vox amPlug 2 Meta’s popularity and ratings.
Vox describes the tone as American high-gain, and there are two tone knobs and a mid-cut option that give you the scooped middle sound whenever you need it.
Additional features are available in the amPlug 2 Series, such as built-in effects and folding plugs, auto-power off, aux input, and more. It is one of the very best musical instrycments.
Highlight:
- Two of the most popular adjectives in reviews are excellent.
- The sound is described as musical, tight, and large by most users.
- Others are happy with the fact that they can keep their metal style sharp without disturbing others.
4. Vox amPlug 2 AC30 G2
Vox is the best company to create a compact version of the Vox amPlug 2 AC30 G2 Top Boost tone.
Vox amPlug 2 AC30 G2 headphone amp reproduces the classic jangly AC30 Top Boost tone, all in a compact bug-type profile. It conveniently plugs directly into your guitar. It also features 3 amp modes and built-in effects (tremolo chorus, delay, reverb) and can run on 2 AAA batteries without any issues.
Other features include a folding plug and Aux input jack. Auto power off is another option. Vox amPlug 2 AC30 G2 is among the very best Guitar Headphone Amps under 100 dollars.
Highlight:
- A foldable plug mechanism
- An excellent stereo system,
- Tones that are clean and not too driven
- Crunchy rhythm tone
5. Andoer Vitoos Heavy Rock
Andoer isn’t a household name, but their metal-focused headphone amp impressed. It’s a bug-style amp with a fixed position headphone jack and a small body measuring 1.5″ x 3.4″. We were able to use the amp for approximately 4 hours after charging it to 100%. This is enough time to complete most practice sessions. Let’s try it as the practice amp
Tone-wise, this amp is designed for heavy metal and heavy rock. This unit is small and compact size, yet it produces incredible distortion. It’s not very common in the headphone amp category. You can adjust the level of distortion by turning the dials on the top of your unit.
These dials alter volume, tone, and overdrive. The drive can be turned down to make it cleaner. However, this amp is designed for heavy metal, so you should consider this when considering buying an amp. This amp has an aux-in port if you wish to use a backing track.
The Andoer Vitoos heavy rock headphone amp offers great tones for anyone looking for a deeper sound. While most headphone amplifiers are designed for mass appeal and provide many styles, Andoer has chosen to focus on a niche market and made a great little headphone amp that is perfect for people who only listen to metal.
Highlight:
- Offer a broad range of tones.
- A very niche has been tapped, and they have created a fantastic little headphone amplifier.
6. Vox amPlug 2 Classic Rock
Vox is still the top-selling brand in the best guitar headphone amps, thanks to their amPlug product line, upgraded to its second generation. It’s also completely wireless
The Vox amPlug 2 Classic Rock is for guitarists looking for classic rock tones. The mids have been emphasized to reproduce the crisp rhythm tone and single-note lines of an overdriven tube amp. You can also choose from two additional amp modes to push the mids even further.
To enhance its versatility, essential switchable ambient effects such as chorus, delay, and echo are added to the tone.
The Vox amPlug 2 Classic Rock also includes a folding plug, which allows for better compatibility with different guitar shapes, a battery-saving auto power-off function, and an aux-in. It is seen as the bestseller for over a decade, viewed by guitar players.
Highlight:
- The market sentiment is very positive, with many pointing out the Vox amPlug Classic Rock’s loud tone as its strength.
- Adjustable volume
- Three sound versions and three effects
- Tone down the treble
- A real stereo system
- Two extra amp modes
7. Sonicake Us Classic Guitar Headphone Amp
Best guitar headphone amps
The Sonicare US Classic guitar headphone amplifier is ideal for people who prefer amps with American-sounding sounds.
The unit is easy to use and efficient. It’s USB-powered and comes with an internal battery. This amp is excellent for those who like simplicity but still have enough flexibility to practice saturation or clean. Because it’s very affordable, the US Classic is our top choice for this list.
The Sonicare US Classic is designed to give you the feel of a classic American amplifier, but with a tweed cloth covering.
Pairing the US Classic with headphones with a higher impedance will help you get closer to the sound you are hearing.
The US Classic includes a built-in reverb, an AUX input of 1/8 inches, and a headphones jack. This I/O option makes it easier for players to jam along to their favorite backing tracks and music. The 1/4 inch jack is used to plug straight into your guitar.
Disposable batteries are not compatible with the Sonicare US Classic headphone amplifier. It is instead a USB-chargeable unit, and the headphone cord comes with it.
A single charge lasts approximately 5 hours battery life. Additional connectivity is provided by a 1/8″ aux cord and a splitter for the headphones.
Highlight:
- Perfect Carry-On/Bedroom Effects for Guitars with Headphone Amplifiers for Silent Practicing
- Classic Tweed Amp Clean and With Overdrive Tone
- The inclusion of reverb effects enhances the overall tone.
- Included are a Headphone Splitter and 1/8” Aux Cable, which offers more options for different contexts.
- USB-Chargeable (USB Charge Cable Included) for 5 hours Continuous Operation
8. LEKATO Guitar Headphone Amplifier
Best guitar headphone amps
The Legato headphone amplifier was the most surprising in the whole review. This amp does not have to be from a major brand to be excellent quality and feature-packed.
We first looked at the tuner. The tuner was included in the headphone amp as a convenient feature. Line-in tuners are generally more accurate than clip-on, so it was a great convenience.
The other features were next. It was a modeling amp and included 10 amp modules as well as ten classic cabinet simulations. There were Fender, Marshall, and Vox simulations, but no guidance was given to how everything should be. However, all of them sounded great.
A bank of modulation, chorus, and phaser FX was included, along with delay and reverb. It was a remarkable feat to have so many FX in a headphone amp that is bug-style. Although it won’t replace a full pedalboard, this amp is excellent for FX on the go, especially at such a great price.
The lithium-ion battery pack provided a range of 5 to 6 hours, which was a bit more than what was advertised. The amp also can connect to a computer via USB to record and simulate different guitar amps. It was worth it. It also has an aux-in port if you wish to use a backing track.
Overall, the Lekato Guitar Headphone amplifiers are small amplifiers that deliver performance far beyond their great price. It is well-made and has excellent sound quality. This Legato amp will sound great no matter what music you listen to. That’s why we chose it as our top-value pick.
Highlight:
- Excellent sound
- great quality.
- Use a Micro USB cable to connect the Guitar Headphone Amp to your computer.
- Comfortable
9. Rockman Guitar Ace Headphone Amp
For those who like unique and vintage-inspired headphone amp models, the Rockman Guitar Ace is a great choice.
The guitar headphone amplifier has a striking appearance, much like a portable cassette player from the 1980s. Dunlop included vintage-looking headphones as an addition to the throwback visual.
The Dunlop Rockman Acoustic Guitar Ace guitar headphone amplifiers let you jam, practice, and compose while not disturbing your neighbors or roommates.
The Rockman Guitar Ace is an excellent unit for people who love vintage gear. It is very similar to a walkman.
Rockman’s Headphone Amp has volume control, compression, and an auxiliary stereo headphone output/input so you can enjoy your favorite songs.
These headphone amp models can be used to route the one headphone output to a mixer to record or to connect to your music player to play along for hours.
This headphone amplifier delivers classic rock sounds.
This is an excellent choice for rock fans who prefer a grittier sound. It also comes with some of those vintage-style walkman headphones.
Highlight:
- You can practice silently wherever you are and with a great tone
- Included volume control, compression, and an auxiliary stereo input/output
- Tone control: Choose between semi- and heavy distortion
- You can hear the dynamic range and clarity of your instrument to help you “pick up your violin and play.
- Listen to the dynamic range of your instrument
- High quality
- Low prices
10. Kithouse B6 Guitar Headphone Amps
Kithouse B6 headphone amps are the bug-style headphone amp. The Kithouse B6 has a flanger, chorus, and wah and overdrive, and a clean setting. Although the clean was excellent, the most surprising feature was the overdrive.
It provides a nice crunch with minimal distortion. The Bluetooth in function on the B6 is a standout feature. This allows you to stream music and backing tracks directly into the amp and then jam along with your headphones.
The rechargeable amp lasts for just over 8 hours on a single charge. It is the longest-lasting of all the rechargeable guitar amps tested. There is one button on the side that cycles through the FX.
The slider on the front allows you to adjust the levels. Lighthouse included display lights on the headphone amp to show you which setting is currently being used. This is a lovely touch.
The Kithouse B6 headphone amps are a great choice. It sounds great, both sonically and visually. The wood effect trim is a nice touch.
Although it’s well-made, a dial would be a better choice than the slider for level control. It is the best guitar headphone amp-friendly headphone amplifier, and it also offers Bluetooth input (one input jack) at a very affordable price to enjoy your perfect guitar tone.
Highlight:
- Sounds good
- pretty unique build
- Low price
- It is simple to use
11. VOX VGH Rock Guitar Headphone Amps
Vox VGH Rock guitar headphone amps are an excellent choice if you are looking for a headphone amp. This amp, unlike everything else in the review, is integrated into high-quality headphones.
The VGH isn’t modeled after a Vox amplifier, unlike the AC30 Amplug headphone guitar amps we reviewed. We still loved the crisp British rock tones it produced, even though it is not modeled on a Vox amplifier.
Audio Technica was responsible for the actual design of the headphone component. The sound quality of the audio Technica was excellent, with excellent volume control and a perfect amount of bass response.
These headphones require 2 AAA batteries. The instructions state that they can last for 16 hours on a single charge. We didn’t test them for that much time, but we are happy to report that the batteries did not fail during our tests.
The controls were easy to reach and could be used without removing the headphones. This was a huge plus.
This headphone amp features chorus, delay, and reverb. It also has 3 amp modes. You can mix and match the amp and FX modes to create a fantastic variety. This amp is built right into your headphones!
The padding of the headphones is very comfortable and doesn’t cause pressure points on the head or ears. They are very subtle in design, with plain black headphones and a red stripe around the cans. There is also a chrome logo.
The VOX VHG Rock exceeded all expectations. The set was lightweight, comfortable, easy to use, and had great tones. It was easy to navigate through the various FX and amp modes, making it a pleasure to use. It is seen as the very best headphone for guitar amp with good battery life.
Highlight:
- It is simple to use
- Breakthrough to connect directly with the guitar
- Quite subtle design
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Tones were amazing
- 2 AAA Batteries life of 16 hours
Related article: Best Studio Headphone 2023: Top Brands Review
Guitar Headphone Amp Buyer’s Guide
Sound quality is not the only feature to consider when looking at headphone guitar amps. There are many different things you need to make sure that your amplifier has for it to be good enough for studio recording or live performances.
If you’re planning on using it as a practice amp, then the one volume knob won’t matter much because you’ll want something quiet enough not to disturb anyone when you play at night.
The audio quality is essential for recording because you’ll want something that sounds good and can keep up with any band member.
Live performances are also an essential factor to consider. If your amp isn’t loud enough, it won’t be heard well against the rest of the instruments, and if it doesn’t have good audio quality, then your amplifier won’t be well-received by your audience.
Bluetooth is an excellent feature because it allows you to play along with songs on your phone or Bluetooth-enabled device.
If you’re looking for an amplification system with this type of connectivity, make sure that the amplifier has this feature.
An impedance is how much power an electrical device needs for it to work correctly. If the impedance is too low, then not enough voltage will be created, and the sound quality will suffer because less current will go through your speaker system.
Dynamic frequency range: It’s essential to look at the dynamic frequency response range when choosing a headphone amp for guitar because it will give you more information about how well the amplifier can produce high and low frequencies.
The higher the frequency range, the better your audio quality will be – especially in respect to treble and bass.
The design is another essential feature factor to consider. Generally speaking, bigger guitar amps are going to have better audio quality.
However, it’s also necessary to look at the weight and portability of your amplifier because this could factor into whether you’re able to move it around or not.
FAQs
Do you need noise-canceling?
Noise-canceling is only necessary if other people listen to your music or if there are other distractions in the room. If there are people nearby, you might hear their conversations and other noises, but it doesn’t matter as much if they’re not.
Do You Need Accessories?
If you plan on using your headphone guitar amp for recording, then you’ll want a good microphone that can pick up all of the frequencies coming from your amplifier. For live performances, you’ll want a suitable, sturdy cable that won’t break easily as well. Other than these two accessories, you don’t need anything else for your amplifier to work correctly.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best guitar headphone amp with excellent sound quality and reliability features, then look no further than Hooke Audio’s Headphone Amp Pro. It has many features that make it ideal for recording, live performances and even has Bluetooth connectivity.
And we highly recommend Valeton Rushed Max headphone amps and Blackstar Amplug2 Fly Headphone Amplifier, those are received a lot of good feedback from users.
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Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
