The 10 Best Guitar Headphone Amplifiers

Updated May 31, 2020 by Luke Mitchell

This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in May of 2020. Unlike its acoustic counterpart, which can be played anywhere, the electric guitar is limited to a practice space with an amplifier on hand. But then there is the potential problem of noise bothering roommates and neighbors. These tiny headphones amps resolve both of these issues, as they slip easily into a pocket or guitar case and allow musicians to thrash in near silence. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to Ezvid Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.

1. Valeton Rushead Max

2. Ammoon PockRock

3. Kithouse B6

4. Vox AP2AC

5. Sonicake US Classic

6. Traveler Guitar TGA-1E

7. Donner Heavy Metal

8. Nux GP-1

9. Andoer Vitoos Heavy Rock

10. Monoprice 611500

Editor's Notes

May 26, 2020:

The guitar is one of the most ubiquitous musical instruments, largely due to its ergonomics and its portability. Electric guitars are somewhat limited by the fact that they need to be plugged in, and matchbox-sized headphone amplifiers remedy this issue, while also greatly enhancing the playing experience, thanks to their tonal qualities and onboard effects.

These include gain controls that drive the signal to produce a “clipped” or distorted sound, common in all forms of rock music since the sound was popularized in the 1960s. The Andoer Vitoos Heavy Rock, Sonicake US Classic, Vox AP2AC and the NUX GP-1 all feature the option of driven tones, with the last two using modeling technology to emulate the amplifiers of classic British rock groups, such as The Kinks, Yardbirds, Cream and The Rolling Stones.

In addition to their various distortions, some, such as the Donner Heavy Metal and the Valeton Rushead Max, have integral modulation effects that may include flanger, tremolo, and chorus, while others, including the Vox AP2AC and Ammoon PockRock feature ambient effects such as delay and reverb. The latter is similar to the Line 6 POD series of amp modeling tools, in that it incorporates an onboard sound library with multiple modeled amps and pedals, patches, and even a drum machine and tuner.

Whether you wish to use it for quiet practice without disturbing others, as a mobile practicing device on the road, or as an in-line effects unit for jamming through a small practice amp, a headphone amplifier is useful in a variety of situations for electric guitarists and bassists of all styles and abilities.

Last updated on May 31, 2020 by Luke Mitchell

Having grown weary of working in office environments, music graduate Luke decided to trade the dismal skies of southern England for the far more agreeable climate of south Asia. Prior to writing for Ezvid Wiki, he established a small agency providing websites for clients all over the world. This enabled him to travel extensively, living for prolonged periods in a number of interesting countries and experiencing several different cultures along the way. When not playing or writing music, Luke likes to ride his motorcycle in far-flung regions where the air is thin and the roads are dusty. His areas of expertise are largely gleaned from his nomadic lifestyle and include travel, computers, automotive goods and accessories, musical instruments and gear, and boats.


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