10 Best Guitar Amps Under $500!

Hi. I am Josh Levine...and this is my 10 Best Guitar Amps Under $500! If you are already a fan of my posts or YouTube channel, Josh Levine Speaks, you know I do my best to write & build shows / series around things I hope you find interesting. And, if you know me, you already know....I LOVE GUITARS....I’ve played since the age of 4, toured professionally, owned and operated a music store for 10 years and have given guitar lessons for even more...

So, in this post, I am going offer my opinion of the 10 Best Guitar Amps Under $500 plus give you the links below, where you can find them. I want you to know what to look for, for yourself and your needs, explain power, discuss size and capabilities, tube vs solid state and so much more.... I also have a $500 Electric Guitar Post and a $500 Acoustic Guitar Post if you are shopping for those too. You, like me, may have all sorts of unforeseen free time on your hands as of late. So why not take up a hobby.

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So, what should you look for when buying a guitar amp under $500?

Today, $500 goes a lot further with Amps than it did 10-15 years ago. There is a ton of versatility out there. I know it can be tough to know exactly what is right for you, especially if you are just starting out. Heck, even if your seasoned and looking for a practice amp, it can still be challenging. When I played professionally, I used to swap out amps, like underwear as I was always searching for perfect tone. Believe me I get it, but I am jealous. Today, you can dial up just about anything with many of the super cool models out there today.

You can jump down below to amps, but Before I get started, and so it all makes sense, here's the "crash course" checklist of things to keep in mind when you are amp shopping. Most of this applies to the pricier models in your future too!

Let's Talk Power!

How much power are you going to need? 88 million gigawatts? No, I mean in your everyday practice. If it is going to be practice amp, there are still a lot of options, even in this price point. Do you know what type of music you will be playing? The setting? In doors, outdoors, in the garage? When you answer all of these, you will be much closer to a decision.

Are you planning to play mostly at home? Will there be other jamming along? (Is that dated to say?) Are you in a band and will you be gigging with this new amp?

The rule of thumb has always been.... if you an at home player, 10-50 watts will be more than adequate.

If you are playing out or practice with a full band, you should have 50-100 watts. Gotta keep up with the Jones. And by Jones, I mean that bass player with a giant rig or drummer that plays full throttle.

How Big?

How portable is really the question to be answered. When I had roadies, I did not care, but when I was back in the original band, bar scene, huffing my own gear again, I did. You home amps are generally smaller and don't move around too much, unless the family is chasing you from room to room. The more portable the amp is, the less power typically, but not always so. There are smaller amps these days that will give you plenty of power to keep up with the band. You don't need a 1/2 stack but keep the output in mind, as well as what you can comfortably move around on a regular basis. Musicians get hernias too.

Versatility: Clean or Mean?

Do you mostly play acoustic or clean with no effects? Are you a blues man or woman? Do you plan to be ripping heads off and need serious shred power? Crazy effects can be fun & when you get the hang of them you truly can create some really unique sounds. However, they are not always necessary and for some, just become a gadget you do not use. If you just need a great clean channel with no effects, a simple, single channel amp model will be fine. Might even give you a little more "power budget." And remember, you can always add effects later. But if you are experimental, make sure to test out one of the new modeling amps. The effect capabilities are insane.

The Age-Old Amp Question: Tube vs Solid State

In the under $500 amps, I only have one tube amp on the list. The tube amps generally cost more as their manufacturing costs are greater. Purists and Audiophiles love all things tube. The sound is different. Tube amps typically have a warmer sound. I find they perform best "opened up" or Turned up and this makes for angry neighbors. I just do not think of them as practice amps for the most part. Solid state amps can produce a wider range of effects and capabilities at lower "practice" volumes. If you want the BIG and RAW sound of a classic tube amp, then, by all means, step up, but I am telling you. For the money, this new class of amps, is the next best thing.

Budget: Need vs Want!

With great power, comes responsibility.... oh wait, I mean more expense. More power is typically more money & we all know, music can become an expensive habit / hobby. Like being a local race car driver. Will you need effects pedals in the future to get the sound you are really looking for? Be sure to figure out exactly what you want before making the "amp" decision. You may save a lot in the long run by going with a modeling amp or one with all the bells and whistles built in. But maybe you want to slowly build your arsenal. Pedals are awesome too.

Now that you have digested all of that. The only other thing is to wade thru the sea of options available. This is where I come in and give you my "list" or buyers guide. So here is my ever so humble, 10 best guitar amps under $500 of 2020. I truly hope this helps you make a confident decision.

For all my top tens and future recommendations....

1. Fender Champion 100 - (PRICE FINDER)

This is plug and play ready. Fender makes a great amp. With two 12" speakers, crystal clear tones, power, and amazing overdrive. I don't know why it doesn't come stock with the footswitch, but channel switching can be done by hand.

The auxiliary input is cool if you want to jam to MP3s. This is a powerful practice amp and completely handle jamming with friends in a loud space.

Most Notable: Excellent sound quality, built tough, aux input, Two 12" speakers, Fender's Rep

Perfect for acoustic and electric guitars. The clean channel's sound is bright and crisp and overdrive channel rips. Very versatile and easy to use.

2. Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 - (PRICE FINDER)

Peavey makes everything and they quite are good at it. Guitar amps, bass amps and stage speakers. The Vypyr VIP 2, they have decided that having an amp that can handle bass frequencies in a guitar amp is a good way to go. As a guitar player, having these bass frequencies available is kind of unique. And super versatile, as you can play an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, or bass guitar through it. Its 40-watts, great for recording, practice, or smaller live gigs. It does not quite have the power, as a stand-alone, to make it to the back of the room, but when mic'd up, no sweat. Along with the extra frequency capabilities, did I mention it has the modeling technology? There are tons of different presets & it has a tuner too.

Most Notable: Modeling technology, Bass capabilities, 40-watt, Lightweight, Versatile effects

Truly one of the most capable amps under $500. So many different tonal presets to play with. The fact that you can play a bass through it is kind of nuts. This would kill the speaker on most amps. This is new technology and great for players who like to pick up different types of guitars, i.e. 7 strings and Baritones.

3. Fender Mustang GT 100 - (PRICE FINDER)

Another 100-watt amp that will give you more than enough power. For an amp under $500, you get tons of features. It's in the "modeling amp" classification which just means it is packed with built-in effects. You can even download more via The Fender Tone app and Wi-Fi! Imagine custom settings, just for you, designed Fender artists and uploaded directly to your amps database. Totally nuts. Everything is controllable via Bluetooth and LED screen. This amp is loud enough to keep up with any jam session.

Most Notable: Modeling technology, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Fender Tone app, 100-watt power

Having most of your favorite artists sounds available at the touch of a button is a lot of fun.

4. Marshall Acoustic Soloist AS50D - (PRICE FINDER)

Marshall typically has a metal and hard rock reputation, but they make other amazing products like this! The Acoustic Soloi