The Best Guitar Headphone Amps in 2024

Prefer practicing quietly? Sounds like you need a guitar headphone amp - but what's the best option for you? In this blog we compare some of the most popular options so you don't have to!

Stuart Palmer

Stuart Palmer

Looking for a silent practice tool with a small footprint? Then you might want to consider using one of the best headphone amps for guitar. Simply plug into the unit as you would your regular amp, grab your favourite set of headphones and enjoy some great tones, without disturbing anyone else.

Typically equipped with multiple sounds and even built-in effects, they provide you with enough versatility to feel like you’re getting the most out of your practice sessions. Just plug one of these into your guitar, connect a pair of headphones — and jam away!

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Headphone Amplifiers are changing the way that you practice! With the amount of tonal options in these small devices, combined with their portability, practicing has never been simpler.

What is a good guitar headphone amplifier?

Some of the headphone amplifiers are in the form of a pair of headphones already, so in this case, they are truly plug-in-and-play. Lets look at some of the most popular and highest rated, and do a comparison! Our top picks are from BossNux & Fender. These desktop Amplifiers might just be the finest money can buy. Here is a small list of highly recommended Headphone Amplifiers, each with a subtle difference.

Fender Mustang Micro and Mustang Micro Plus

The innovative Fender Mustang Micro and Fender Mustang Micro Plus are a complete personal guitar amplifier, featuring a wide selection of amp tones and effects from the wildly popular Fender Mustang amp series. Plug one of these lightweight devices directly into your guitar, connect your wired headphones, choose your perfect settings — and you’re ready to go!

Both the Mustang Micro and the Mustang Micro Plus are great options for a portable, all-in-one headphone guitar amp, but which model is best for you? With over twice as many amps and effects in addition to 100 presets, a built-in Chromatic tuner and a screen for effortless navigation, the Fender Mustang Micro Plus is the perfect choice for tone chasers and knob tweakers searching for a portable, user-friendly all-in-one practice solution that gives them a complete smorgasbord of possibilities and options. The original Fender Mustang Micro headphone amp is a great solution for those who don’t want to be bogged down with too many choices but do want just a selection of pro-quality sounds available with just a few clicks of a button.

Nux Mighty Plugs

The Mighty Plug Pro offers an expanded range of amp modelling and Impulse Response cabinets. The Mighty Plug gave you the ability to connect your smart devices and use the app to change tone settings. The Pro model can go further seamlessly giving you the power to livestream or upload your favourite riffs to social media.

Using the same technology as the MP-2 version, harnessing then TSAC-HD White Box Algorithm and Impulse Responses, so that you have the ultimate guitar playing experience without compromise.

Boss Waza-Air Headphone Amplifier

Don’t be fooled into thinking these are just a pair of wireless headphones. The BOSS Waza-Air headphones are an all-in-one personal guitar amp system that offers stunning, realistic amp tones straight to your ears – no amp needed.

With an included wireless adapter, plug in and connect to your phone via the Tone Studio app and access an endless selection of pro-grade guitar tones and effects. Innovative features like Gyro Ambience add real-time surround sound, with authentic ambience for a real studio, stage and room feel. Is this the ultimate silent guitar practice solution?

Valeton Rushead

Take the Valeton Rushead Max Headphone Guitar Amp – this is perfect for silent practice! With a straightforward design that makes it effortless to just plug in and play with, the Rushead Max offers inspiring tones based on some of the world’s most famous amps.

Vox Amplug

The Vox Amplug’s come in various forms such as the AC30, Bass, Boutique & US Silver. Each Vox Amplug emulates their respective amplifier or sound and has integrated effects, making it perfect for musicians who seek authentic tone in such a small form-factor.

Headphone Amp FAQs

Can I use a headphone amp with a bass guitar?

You most certainly can. Many guitar headphone amps also include plenty of inspiring bass guitar tones so you can groove away in peace!

Can you plug headphones into a normal guitar amp?

Yes – if your amplifier has a headphone output, you can connect any headphones to a normal amplifier. The benefit of a headphone amplifier is that your total is way smaller and more portable.

Conclusion

We hope this comparison guide has guided you into the world of Headphone Amplifiers. There is a headphone amp for everyone, and with each one having different features, guitarists truly are lucky today to have these tools at their disposal!

Stuart Palmer
Stuart Palmer
Stuart is a massive fan of Metal, Prog, Jazz & Jazz Fusion. The biggest Fan of Strandberg Guitars & Neural DSP!

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