One thing about guitar enthusiasts: they tend to play constantly. From early in the morning until late at night, those calloused digits will be strumming away in an attempt to work through a particularly challenging tab or a confusing chord progression.
That means playing on the move, whether embarking on overseas intercontinental travel or UK-based staycations. Guitar cases aren’t allowed in the overhead cabins, which means they’re usually condemned to the hold – or worse, considered oversized luggage. A cumbersome but necessary accessory for musicians across the globe, travelling with an acoustic guitar is one thing, but an electric one requires a whole host of extras - the most important being a decent amplifier.
Yet the vast majority of us aren’t capable of putting together a Taylor Swift-level tour fleet with amplifiers of all shapes and sizes aboard 20 different tour buses. And, with big city flats getting smaller and smaller, not everyone has the luxury of square footage to store instrumental accoutrements.
Portable amplifiers are a surprisingly mighty tool, capable of helping avid players achieve a multitude of funky tones no matter where you are. Packed with modern technological capability, they can produce room-filling sound all the while helping to hone your craft during those invaluable practice sessions.
From miniature options to mid-sized amps equipped with a nifty recording interface, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best portable guitar amps for practical playing. Keep scrolling to discover pocket-sized power.
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Positive Grid Spark GO
Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.4 x 4.3cm
Wired or wireless?: Wireless, rechargeable battery
The electronic embodiment of a pocket rocket, the Spark GO by Positive Grid is a marvellous piece of miniature tech. Measuring just 12.4 x 8.4 x 4.3 cm, the amp is nevertheless capable of producing room-filling sound, 33 different digital amps and 43 effects. Not only can you download additional presets, of which there are over 50,000 created by the ToneCloud community, but you can also create your own custom ones using digital pedals.
Hardly bigger than an average smartphone which the Spark GO is operated by, the versatile and beginner-friendly Spark Go amp doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker and is equipped with audio interface. We love how you can easily switch between brilliant presets – from the bloomy and bluesy to the ultra-clean and metallic –without having to fiddle around with pro-level tools.
What’s more, AI-powered Smart Jam means you won’t have to wait until band practice to experiment and freestyle, as the innovative application will develop a backing track for you. Go ahead and Marie Kondo that broken pedal collection, for you won’t have to dip into it any time soon.
The rechargeable battery lasts up to eight hours, and there’s also a headphone line – so you can play in peace without worrying about your neighbours, or having your neighbours worry about you. Practice makes perfect, and practicing guitar has never been easier than with the Spark GO.
Buy now £129.00, Amazon
Marshall MG10 10W Guitar Combo
Dimensions: 31.5 x 29.5 x 18cm
Wired or wireless?: Wired, power cable included
A classic and compact 10-watt practice amp, this powerful machine comes equipped with two channels for clean and overdrive tones, a headphone out for silent practice as well as an AUX input for jamming. Perfect for those looking for a portable amp with style and substance, the Marshall MG10G is realised with the iconic gold-front panel design.
While it won’t allow you to experiment with a versatile range of tones without introducing a series of pedals, it’s a top-notch and wonderfully loud piece of practice kit which is sure to rev up your solo jam sessions.
Buy now £65.00, Gear 4 Music
Orange Crush Mini Guitar Amp
Dimensions: 15 x 14.5 x 8.3cm
Wired or wireless?: Wireless, battery-operated
Though the chic design makes this guitar amp by Orange Crush look like it’s been plucked from the practice room of a famous 1970s rock group, the brand’s mini amp actually launched in 2006 and redesigned in 2018. The battery-operated, 3-watt amplifier doesn’t just look good but serves a practical purpose, too.
Equipped with three controls – volume, shape and gain – you’ll be able to explore a range of tones with ease. We particularly love the fact that it’s fitted with an in-built tuner, making this contemporary spin on a heritage amp beginner-friendly. Aux-In lets you play along to your favourite songs, while the headphone-out is brilliant for silent solo practice sessions.
Buy now £51.95, Amazon
Vox - Pathfinder 10 - 10W Electric Guitar Combo Amplifier
Dimensions: 36 x 26 x 13cm
Wired or wireless?: Wired
With its attractive vintage radio-esque design, It’s hard to believe that this pretty little 6.5” speaker can deliver 10W of sound on the move. Beloved for its ultra-clean tones, the Pathfinder is a brilliant practice amp to use on the go, or when working out difficult songs. Equipped with gain, treble, bass, clean and overdrive controls, as well as a headphone out for silent practice – you simply can’t go wrong.
Buy now £87.00, Amazon
Marshall Amp MS2 Mini Amp
Dimensions: 15.2 x 12 x 6.2cm
Wired or wireless?: Both – battery and power supply operation
A value-for-money miniature option, we wouldn’t recommend investing in the 1W Marshall MS2 as your only at-home practice amp. A model designed specifically for travel; this compact amp offers practical features for young beginners not yet ready for more powerful options. Featuring tone control, an overdrive switch as well as a headphone out, the MS2 delivers a classic Marshall sound wherever you may be.
Buy now £28.99, Amazon
Fender Frontman 10G Guitar Combo Amp
Dimensions: 14.6 x 26 x 27.9cm
Wired or wireless?: Wired
An attractive and versatile portable amplifier, the Fender Frontman was designed with the beginner electric guitarist in mind, with its straightforward and easy-to-use nature. Switch between clean and overdrive tones with the push of a button thanks to the clean/overdrive button at the front panel and enjoy the convenience afforded by a headphone out and AUX in.
Buy now £75.00, Amazon
Laney Mini-Stb Lionheart Portable Bluetooth Guitar Amp
Dimensions: 14.2 x 20.5 x 10cm
Wired or wireless?: Both – can be powered by AA batteries, PSU wire not included
With a 6W output, this mighty mini amp has been named the ‘Lionheart’ for a reason. The iconic British-born manufacturer has been making amplifiers since the 60s, but this miniature wonder might just be the best yet.
Featuring clean and overdrive channels, gain, tone and volume, the Laney Mini can certainly cover the basics while delivering brilliantly loud sound. However, this innovative model also features an onboard tape-style digital delay for further experimentation. Alongside the headphone socket, the Laney Mini also has a unique smartphone insert.
Buy now £37.44, Amazon
Yamaha THR10II Desktop Combo Amp
Dimensions: 36.8 x 18.3 x 14cm
Wired or wireless?: Wireless, rechargeable battery
The electronic equivalent of a butcher, baker and candlestick maker, Yamaha is often considered a one-stop shop for musical instruments, tech and motorbikes.
Though this compact amplifying unit isn’t actually the most travel-friendly, its desktop size is perfect for those with smaller spaces looking to experiment with tones.
Equipped with Bluetooth which allows the Desktop Combo to double up as a powerful speaker, this brilliant piece of tech has a whopping 15 guitar amps, three bass amps and three mic models for electro-acoustics and flat modes. Just download the THR Remote and get to it. The YamahaTHR10II is also footswitch compatible in case you want to customise your sound even further.
Buy now £289.00, PMT
Verdict
A modern guitar player’s dream, the Spark GO is our top pick for portable guitar amps. Filled with vintage charm, the Orange Crush Mini offers competitive sound, but we lament the lack of a rechargeable battery.
