AudioReputation is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission Learn More
Although solid-state amps used to have a bad rep, they are one of the most convenient pieces of equipment you can get for your guitar nowadays. It gives you a decent tone without breaking the bank.
Historically, tube amplifiers have always been praised by guitarists for their unique warm sound, while solid-state amps were set aside. This is not the case anymore, as technology has come a long way in the last few decades.
In fact, solid-state amps tend to be more affordable than their tube counterparts, more portable, and less demanding of maintenance. I, personally, am a fan of the Fender Mustang LT25 for its build quality and user-friendly interface.
Let’s go ahead and review 10 of the best solid-state amps in 2024. I’m Ian, a music producer and guitar player with nearly 10 years of experience, and I will use my knowledge to help you find the best amplifier for your rig.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Solid-State Amps in 2024
- Things to Consider Before Buying a Solid-State Amp
- FAQs
- Conclusion
10 Best Solid-State Amps in 2024
| Best Solid-State Amps | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fender Mustang LT25 | 4.8 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check B&H | Read Review |
| Orange Crush 20W | 4.7 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Marshall MG30GFX-U | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check B&H | Read Review |
| MOOER Electric Guitar | 4.5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Donner DA-20 | 4.5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Fender Frontman 10G | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Boss Katana-50 MkII | 4.8 | Check Amazon Check B&H | Read Review |
| Blackstar FLY3 | 4.7 | Check Amazon Check B&H | Read Review |
| Vox V9106 Pathfinder | 4.7 | Check Amazon Check B&H Check Walmart | Read Review |
1. Fender Mustang LT25
The Product
The Fender Mustang line is one of the most popular brands regarding solid-state amps nowadays. They revolutionized the market with these models, and the LT25 offers impressive technologies for a decent price tag. Let’s take a look at its features.
Review
Build Quality
The LT25 features a wooden cabinet that should stay put even in the most demanding situations, like live gigs. The cabinet itself is covered by a thick layer of leather which dramatically improves the resistance and durability of the amp.
The grille cover is sturdy as well, and as the LT25 features a single 8″ Fender Special Design speaker, you should be able to easily find a replacement in case it breaks.
Controls and Features
The controls on the LT25 are located at the top of the amp, making it easier to reach when you’re sitting down, so it’s convenient for practicing.
The LT25 features a 1.8″ color display where you can browse through a collection of 30 presets with a wide range of guitar tones. These numbers might sound low to a seasoned guitarist, but beginners should have everything they need.
Sound
With 25 Watts of power, this amp provides an excellent tone for situations such as practicing, rehearsing, and maybe a concert in a small place. It is not too loud, but we recommend going with the 50 or 100 Watts version if you need that extra sound.
Important Features
- The build quality is quite impressive for the price, and the amp is made entirely of wood.
- You can choose between 30 guitar tone presets with ease through the 1.8″ screen, and they cover a wide range of music genres and styles, perfect for beginners.
- The amp provides 25 watts of power, which should be enough for practicing, rehearsals, and small gigs.
- Be mindful of the wattage. The LT25 isn’t about high volume, but if you need something extra loud for larger gigs, 50 and 100 watts versions are available.
- It also features a stereo headphone output for silent practices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reasonable price.
- Excellent build quality.
- Easy to use and to browse through the presets.
- Features a USB port for firmware updates.
Cons
- Not very loud.
– – –
2. Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus
The Product
The Roland Jazz Chorus line is a classic, as Roland was one of the first companies to mass-produce solid-state amps. Its sound is revered by many, especially those who like to play with a clean tone. It is one of the most famous solid-state amps in the music industry.
Review
Build Quality
The build quality of the JC-22 is outstanding and similar to its bigger brother JC-40. The wooden cabinet is very thick and even features a sturdy bumper.
Controls and Features
The JC-22 steers more to the classic side and takes pride in its unique sound. You won’t find many modern features as you would with an amp, such as the Fender Mustang LT25, such as profiling.
However, the amp still features a built-in vibrato/chorus, as the name implies, and these effects are very characteristic of the Jazz Chorus line. It also features a built-in bright switch, which makes the tone of the unit shine even more.
Sound
The Roland JC-22 features a stereo 22-watt amp with two 6.5” speakers. This amp is a fantastic option if you like playing with a clean, compressed tone and a little chorus. Also, Check our Guide on What Are Stereo Amplifiers and How Do They Work?
Important Features
- The JC-22 is one of the most well-built solid-state amps on the list and will last a lifetime.
- Although the JC-22 doesn’t feature modern technologies, it features a built-in vibrato/chorus and a built-in bright switch.
- The JC-22 has a distinguishable sound and is excellent for those who like a clean tone. This amp can get very loud without distorting.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely durable. A lifetime investment.
- Classic sound.
- Built-in effects.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Not as loud as the 40-watt version.
– – –
3. Orange Crush 20W
The Product
Orange is one of the brands that comes to most guitar players’ minds when talking about distortion and genres such as metal and punk rock. The amps from the company were always praised for being capable of delivering thick distorted tones, and the Orange Crush 20W is a classic.
Review
Build Quality
The Orange Crush 20W features a very different design and is built to the same specs as the more expensive amps of the brand. It features a wooden cabinet with leather covering. One of the most sturdy components is its thick grille cover.
Controls and Features
One of the best features of the Orange Crush 20W is that it has two distinct channels: clean and dirty. Clean, as you might expect, will deliver you a clean tone, but the dirty channel will give you one of the best built-in high-gain distortions you can find on a solid-state amp.
The rest of the controls are pretty standard. You have gain controls, a 3-band EQ, and a headphone output. One interesting feature about this amp is that the headphone output is CabSim loaded, meaning it will emulate a cabinet when you have your headphones plugged in.
It also has foot-switchable channels and an analog signal path.
Sound
As we mentioned, the built-in high-gain distortion on the Crush 20W is one of the best among all solid-state amps. This one is an excellent choice if you’re playing music genres such as metal and punk, or anything that relies heavily on a distorted sound.
The 20W can get only get too far, though. This amp is suitable for practice, rehearsals, and small gigs, but if you need something louder, you might have to go with a higher-wattage model.
Important Features
- The Orange Crush 20W features a unique design and one of the best-built grilles among the models on the list.
- The headphone output is CabSim loaded, so the Orange Crush 20W is optimal for practicing.
- This amp is the best option if you like to play with distortion and heavy guitar tones.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful design.
- Great build quality.
- Amazing distortion.
- Great for practicing.
Cons
- The volume has its limitations and cannot be too loud.
- Mostly suitable for practice, rehearsals, and small gigs.
– – –
4. Marshall MG30GFX-U
The Product
Marshall is one of the most famous brands among guitarists. You’ve certainly seen Marshall stacks in a concert. The MG30GFX-U is a compact solid-state amp that aims to bring you the same playability in a more convenient way.
Review
Build Quality
The design of the MG30GFX-U is heavily inspired by the well-known Marshall classic look. It doesn’t look as appealing as the more expensive amps from the brand, but it’s still pretty stylish.
Regarding build quality, the MG30GFX-U is very sturdy and durable. Like most other models, it is built on a wooden cabinet and covered in leather, with additional bumpers on the corners for extra protection.
Controls and Features
The MG30FX provides several interesting and useful features, including two built-in overdrive effects and a digital FX suite including reverb, chorus, phaser, flanger, delay, and octave. Definitely a great buy if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution.
This solid-state amp also can store presets, meaning you can configure custom setups and switch them on the go.
Sound
The tone you get from this Marshall amp is quite decent. It doesn’t feature the same amount of character you would get with a Marshall tube amp, but it does the job, especially since the MG30GFX-U features so many built-in effects for you to tailor your tone.
For a solid-state 30W amp, the Marshall MG30GFX-U sounds quite powerful and can get quite loud. You can use this amp in small to mid-sized concerts with no problems.
Important Features
- The MG30GFX-U features the classic Marshall design and has great build quality.
- The MG30GFX-U features several built-in effects and can store presets.
- This amp can get quite loud, so it is suitable for small to mid-sized concerts.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value for the price.
- Good design.
- Several built-in effects.
- Can get quite loud.
Cons
- Not many sound features.
– – –
5. MOOER Electric Guitar Practice Amp 15W
The Product
MOOER aims to offer high-quality guitar products at an affordable price. This little amp from the brand has an excellent design from the get-go, so we decided to check how it sounds.
Review
Build Quality
As we mentioned, the design of this MOOER solid-state amp is unique and unlike any other product on the list. We like the presentation and the attention to detail the brand had with it.
As for the build quality, it is decent, but don’t expect it to be ultra-sturdy. After all, it was designed with less-demanding uses in mind, such as practicing and rehearsing.
Controls and Features
The features and technologies present on this MOOER solid-state amp are quite impressive. It features an LED screen that allows you to navigate through the presets and built-in FX.
It is also one of the only amps on the list to feature Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can play any song from your smartphone directly into the amp so you can practice along with it.
Sound
The tone of this MOOER solid-state amp is quite diverse. The tiny modeling amp is capable of mimicking 9 different famous guitar amplifiers, so you won’t run out of options anytime soon.
As for power, this is a very compact amp, so don’t expect it to be very loud. Still, it delivers a little with its 15W. The speaker inside it is smaller than the average on the list (6.5″), so we would still recommend it only for practicing and recording.
Important Features
- The design of this MOOER solid-state amp is very good-looking and unlike any other amp on the list.
- This is a modeling amp, meaning it can emulate 9 different famous guitar amplifiers.
- This MOOER is one of the best amps for practicing, as it allows you to connect your speaker/smartphone to it via Bluetooth. It is not so great for rehearsals and live performances, though.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great design.
- 9 modeling presets.
- Built-in FX.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons
- A bit fragile.
- Not great for rehearsals and live performances.
- Not very loud.
– – –
6. Donner DA-20
The Product
This solid-state amp from Donner is on the more affordable side of guitar amps listed here. And, from first glance, it seems well-designed, quite solid, and sturdy. Let’s see how it performs and sounds.
Review
Build Quality
The Donner DA-20 has impressive quality on the outside. It is very sturdy and built with high-quality materials. We also like the looks of the textured leather that covers the wooden cab.
Controls and Features
The Donner DA-20 is a very simple solid-state amp, meaning it only features controls like a 3-band EQ and a built-in overdrive. This kind of minimalism is acceptable considering its ergonomic pricing.
Sound
Regarding tone, don’t expect much from the Donner DA-20. The sound quality is decent but the tone lacks a little bit of character. We recommend using it with an overdrive pedal in order to maximize its performance. It is still a solid option if you don’t mind that kind of thing.
On the inside, the Donner DA-20 features an 8″ 20W speaker, which is quite impressive and can get quite loud, making it a good choice if you need an amp for small to mid-sized concerts that won’t break the bank.
Important Features
- This amp is one of the most affordable on the list, priced at only $83.99 by the time this article was written.
- We really like the build quality of the Donner DA-20, especially for its low price.
- The Donner DA-20 has a very simple sound and tone, with little to no character.
- Despite the price, this solid-state amp can get quite loud.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable.
- Excellent build quality.
- Built-in overdrive.
- Can get quite loud.
Cons
- Very simple amp.
- Requires an overdrive pedal to maximize performance.
– – –
7. Fender Frontman 10G
The Product
Another option from Fender, the Frontman 10G, is a simpler solid-state amp when compared to the Mustang. It is one of the most well-trusted pieces of equipment in the category, thanks to its minimalist design and style.
Review
Build Quality
The Fender Frontman 10G design is inspired by the classic Fender Deluxe Reverb 65. Of course, due to the reduced pricing, it doesn’t feature the same materials and details as the more expensive amp, but it still looks quite good.
The build quality is also decent, especially for an amp that affordable. The wooden cabinet looks thicker than most other amps in the same category and is covered by thick leather and bumpers on the corners for extra protection.
Controls and Features
The controls and features of the Fender Frontman 10G are very simple. There are only basic controls, such as a gain and volume knob and a 2-band EQ. That configuration should be enough for a beginner, but this solid-state amp really shines when used with pedals to give it more character.
Sound
The performance and tone of the Fender Frontman 10G are satisfactory. It is not as significant as the other Fender amp mentioned here, but it is perfect for beginners. Since this amp has a power of only 10W, it will work better for situations such as practicing and recording. If you need an amp to perform, then you might want to go with a higher wattage.
Important Features
- The Fender Frontman 10G has a classic Fender design and excellent build quality.
- This solid-state amp is very simple, featuring only the most basic controls and a 2-band EQ.
- This amp is optimal for practice and recording but not so much for performing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Good build quality.
- Excellent when played with pedals.
- Simple to use, especially for beginners.
Cons
- Very basic as compared to the rest in the list.
– – –
8. Boss Katana-50 MkII
The Product
The Boss Katana-50 MkII is a solid-state amp that has been around for quite some time. Many guitarists swear by its tone. There are many variations of the amp, but we decided to review the 50W version as it has good power and portability.
Review
Build Quality
The design, at first glance, looks very solid and quite simple. Thanks to its build quality, it is an excellent solid-state amp for those touring with a band. The wooden case is quite thick and is expected to survive harsh conditions with ease.
Controls and Features
The Boss Katana-50 MkII has many interesting features and technologies. To begin with, it allows you to select between five amp characters – from high-gain to acoustic guitar amps. This is something that caught our attention, as it makes this product very versatile.
The Katana also includes five simultaneous built-in effects categories. You can also customize the sections with over 60 different effect types.
One of the most interesting features of this amp is the power control knob: you can choose between 0.5W, 25W, and 50W. This means it is incredibly versatile and can be used for practice as well as for rehearsals and concerts.
Sound
The tone of the Boss Katana-50 MkII is excellent and very versatile as we said. With so many tone options built-in inside this amp, no matter if you play high-gain electric or even acoustic guitar, this amp will do the trick.
Important Features
- The Boss Katana-50 MkII is excellent for touring thanks to its sturdy and resistant build.
- This solid-state amp includes five amp characters and five built-in effect categories.
- The power control knob lets you adjust the power of the amp between 0.5W, 25W, and 50W, making it extremely versatile.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great build quality.
- Excellent for touring.
- Several built-in effects.
- Very versatile.
Cons
- None
– – –
9. Blackstar FLY3
The Product
The Blackstar FLY3 is one of the most affordable amps on the list. This tiny solid-state amp is very simple and only has 3W of power. It is solely intended for practice but still performs quite well despite its small size.
Review
Build Quality
The design of the Blackstar FLY3 is very simple, and the build quality is not that sturdy. This is understandable as this tiny solid-state amp is made for home use and practicing purposes only.
Controls and Features
The FLY3 is very simple when it comes to controls and features. It features the basic gain and volume knob, a 1-band EQ, and a built-in delay effect which is quite impressive for the price.
The FLY3 also features a headphone output and line input. One differing feature is the extension speaker output, which doesn’t tend to be present in amps that are cheap. We wish this amp featured Bluetooth connectivity, though, for more quality of life.
Sound
The tone of the Blackstar FLY3, as you might expect, is only decent, and this tiny solid-state amp doesn’t have much character to its sound. It sounds great for practicing purposes, but you can pair it with pedals for even better performance.
Important Features
- The Blackstar FLY3 is a very affordable amp that is meant for home use and practicing purposes.
- While the build quality is decent, you shouldn’t expect something very sturdy.
- The controls and features on the Blackstar FLY3 are very simple and basic, making it easy to use for beginners.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable.
- Portable.
- Simple to use.
Cons
- A bit fragile.
- Very few features.
– – –
10. Vox V9106 Pathfinder
The Product
Vox is an excellent brand that has been around for some time. If you like the tone character of the classic Vox AC30, then the V9106 Pathfinder provides you with a similar tone character under its limitations for a more affordable price tag.
Review
Build Quality
The design is very similar to the classic Vox amps, and it looks amazing. Of course, due to the price limitations, the attention to detail and materials are not the same if you compare them to the brand’s high-end models.
As for build quality, the Vox V9106 Pathfinder feels a little more fragile than other amps on the list. This is understandable as it is an amp designed with home use and practicing purposes in mind.
Controls and Features
The controls and features of the Vox V9106 Pathfinder are simple, providing only the basics. It features a VOX top boost treble/bass EQ and an impressive built-in distortion channel.
Sound
If you’d like more character in your tone, then the Vox V9106 Pathfinder is definitely a great choice. Unlike most models on the list, it is based on the tone of the classic Vox tube amps and can color your sound pleasantly, especially when you engage the built-in distortion.
Important Features
- The Vox9106 Pathfinder is a great amp for home use and practicing purposes, but only features 10W of power.
- The design is based on the classic Vox design and looks excellent.
- The sound and tone of the Vox9106 Pathfinder have a lot of character to it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value for the price.
- Portable.
- Characteristic tone.
Cons
- A bit fragile.
– – –
Things to Consider Before Buying a Solid-State Amp
Build Quality
Build quality is an important factor when looking for a solid-state amp. When you’re buying a piece of equipment that can run for a few hundred dollars, you want something worth an investment that will last you a long time.
This factor will vary a lot between brands, but if you’re buying a product from a reputable manufacturer such as Fender or Marshall, you can expect the amp to be built with high-quality materials.
Of course, consider your use before you choose a solid-state amp. Whether you’re going to use it only at home for practicing or throw it around while on tour, the priorities will be different, and you should research accordingly.
Controls and Features
As you can see in the article, the controls and features found on different solid-state amp models vary greatly. Some offer more technologies, such as built-in effects, while others are more simple and basic.
This is a factor that depends on personal preference. The best option for you will depend on what your expectations with the amp are and your plans on using it.
Sound and Tone
For a guitar player, sound and tone are the most important characteristics of any solid-state amp and will depend on a whole lot of factors.
Variations such as speaker size and features will all contribute to how a solid-state amp sounds. Each brand might also have its own signature tone, so we recommend you search on YouTube and hear the product in action before buying a solid-state amp.
Portability
Many guitar players rely on solid-state amps for their unmatched portability. Consider the size of the amp you have in mind before buying, and its weight as well. That’s why we included options of several different sizes in our review list.
Speaker Size and Wattage
The speaker size and wattage of an amp will dictate how loud it can get. For example, a 3W solid-state amp can only get so loud and will work best for practicing purposes. However, a 50W solid-state amp can be used for small to medium-sized gigs. So, do you require your speaker wattage to be higher than the amplifier wattage? Although it’s always recommended to use twice as much amp power as the speaker power rating,
To choose the best speaker size and wattage for you, you have to consider your personal use case. Generally, the more powerful an amp, the more it will cost.
FAQs
Historically, tube amps have always been praised for their warm tone characteristics, but solid-state amps have come a long way in the last few decades, and nowadays, we can’t really say that one is better than another. Each of them has its own pros and cons.
Compared to tube amps of the same wattage, solid-state amps tend to sound quieter, but this will also largely depend on the size of the solid-state amp and its total power. So, there’s no objective answer to this question.
Yes, you can hook your pedals or pedalboard to any solid-state amp. Of course, the performance and tone will vary depending on the particular model of the unit.
Many metal guitarists swear by solid-state amps, and for some heavy music genres, they might be the best option. But, this is something very personal to each guitarist and will depend on how they like their tone.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are tons of options for solid-state amps in 2024, and the technologies employed behind this kind of equipment have come a long way, providing guitar players with the best of tones.
When buying a solid-state amp, we recommend that you keep an eye on the factors we listed in our buying guide and consider your particular use case. Also, make sure to search for YouTube videos to hear these amps in action and try them in person if you can. Let’s look at our top pick.
Fender Mustang LT25 – Best Solid-State Amp in 2024
The Fender Mustang LT25 is, by far, the best solid-state amp in 2024. When we consider how many technologies and features this unit offers, as well as its quality, no other model can beat the LT25, in our opinion.
We hope this article was useful in helping you find the best solid-state amp for you in [. If you like it, consider sharing it with a friend, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Happy playing!
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.