As music is becoming more digitized, the guitar amplifier is also evolving to keep up with the latest technology. Welcome to our guide on the best Bluetooth guitar amp in 2023. With these innovative amps, you’re no longer tied down by wires during a passionate riff or a soothing strum. You can now connect your guitar to your amp wirelessly, giving you more freedom and convenience during your practice sessions or performances.
Let’s explore the bold capabilities, key benefits, pros & cons of top-rated amps from renowned brands. By the time you’ve finished this article, you’ll be ready to upgrade your gear and take your guitar playing to the next level, completely wire-free. Rock on!
Positive Grid Spark Combo Amp
Overview
The Positive Grid Spark Combo Amp is a technologically advanced desktop amp that has quickly gained popularity among guitar players. With its amp modeling and onboard effects, this amp is notably recognized for its innovative features such as Smart Jam and Auto Chords.
Conveniently designed for home guitar players, this amp is capable of transposing songs from Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube into chords for you to play along. The intuitive design, wide range of controls, and sleek appearance make this amp a much-loved piece of equipment in any guitarist’s collection.
Key Benefits
- High-quality modeling technology delivering convincing tube amp tones
- An intuitive layout and an attractive design for user-friendly interaction
- Wide range of amp models, effects, and controls for versatile tone creation
- The Spark app offers access to additional presets and tones created by professional guitarists
- Auto Chord Recognition feature to display chords in real time, enhancing learning capabilities
- Virtual rhythm section for jamming and songwriting
- Capability to be used as a recording interface with USB connectivity
Pricing
The Positive Grid Spark Combo Amp is available for roughly $299.00 USD.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
See Current Amazon Pricing
Pros & Cons
The Positive Grid Spark Combo Amp is a superior choice for its versatility, innovative features, and excellent value for money. It has been appreciated for its sound quality and wide range of features. The amp’s BIAS tone engine provides a multitude of amp models and effects which along with smart features like Auto Chords and Smart Jam revolutionize the learning and recording experience for guitarists.
On the other hand, the amp’s 40-watt power output may not be loud enough for live performances, limiting its use to practice and home jamming. Issues with the headphone jack and volume jumps when changing amp models have been noted. Moreover, the accuracy of the Auto Chord Recognition feature can be an area of improvement, as it may sometimes fail to accurately detect chords. Despite these minor setbacks, the Positive Grid Spark Combo Amp remains an exceptional pick for a home amplifier offering great tone and innovative features.
Blackstar Fly 3
Overview
The Blackstar Fly 3 is a mini-sized practice amp, designed to be easily portable. It is a battery-powered amp that has been on the market since 2014. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive sound.
With features like clean and overdrive channels, digital delay, and Blackstar’s Infinite Shape Feature (I.S.F) for British and American-style amp tones, it is much more than just a toy-like amp. It is particularly well-suited for desktop or bookshelf use, as well as for portable guitar practice.
Key Benefits
- Compact and Lightweight: The Fly 3’s size and weight make it highly portable.
- Versatile Sound: The amp offers a clean sound with a bit of break for tube-like tones, and it can also produce blues and rock tones.
- Infinite Shape Feature (I.S.F): This amp features Blackstar’s patented I.S.F feature, which allows for tone shaping from US to UK settings.
- Built-in delay effect: This effect adds a nice touch to the sound, enhancing versatility.
- Great value for price: Despite its small size and affordable price, the Fly 3 delivers impressive sound quality.
- Extension cab option: This turns your Fly 3 into a fully-stereo 6-watt practice setup, enhancing the amp’s sound and stereo capabilities.
Pricing
The Blackstar Fly 3 Blue is noted for offering great value for its price at roughly $109 USD.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
See Current Amazon Pricing
Pros & Cons
The Blackstar Fly 3 is not just a step above other battery-powered plastic amps on the market but sets a new standard in the world of portable amps. It offers an impressive range of sound quality and volume for its size. It can deliver anything from clean to crunchy, grungy tones and even has an overdrive channel for heavier rock and metal sounds.
The amp’s gain control is highly responsive and can greatly impact the tone of the amp. It also features a 3-band EQ that allows for adjustment of the bass, middle, and treble frequencies to personal preference, further enhancing its versatility.
One unique feature is the ability to plug in a phone and use the amp as a speaker while playing the guitar, which is a great way to jam along with favorite songs.
Despite its many positives, it does have a few drawbacks. The Fly 3 does not come with a power supply, which needs to be purchased separately. While the amp is lightweight and made of durable plastic, it may not feel as solid as amps made of wood. Lastly, to achieve optimal sound quality, it is recommended to place the amp at ear height, which may require placing it on a table or stand.
Despite these minor issues, the Fly 3 is a highly recommended option for those looking for a portable amp with great sound quality and versatility. Overall, it’s a great option for small, portable practice sessions and it’s perfect for musicians constantly on the go.
Yamaha THR30 II Wireless
Overview
The Yamaha THR30 II Wireless is a versatile desktop amp part of the THR series. It is designed to offer superb tones at low volumes, making it perfect for home settings.
This digital amplifier boasts 15 guitar amp models, 3 bass amp models, and 3 mic models for acoustic use. The amp is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, line outs for recording, USB direct outs, and a rechargeable LiION battery, providing a wireless experience and flexibility in use.
Key Benefits
- High versatility with three amp families and various default tone presets
- Excellent sound quality with built-in effects from the Line6 pantheon and 30 watts output
- User-friendly with a built-in tuner, cabinet simulations, and various effects
- Wireless capabilities, offering mobility and convenience
- Incredible adaptability, capable of handling different instruments, including electric guitars, nylon string guitars, and bass guitars
Pricing
The Yamaha THR30 II Wireless is priced at roughly $550. This price reflects its broad range of features and exceptional versatility, making it a worthwhile investment for any guitarist.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
See Current Amazon Pricing
Pros & Cons
The Yamaha THR30 II Wireless is a powerhouse in a compact design. It offers a wide range of tones and effects, giving a world of options for personalizing the sound. It has a retro vibe, featuring a backlit grill that catches the eye, adding a unique and stylish look.
One of the standout features of this amp is its Bluetooth connectivity, providing the convenience of streaming music directly from a phone. This makes practicing or jam sessions much more interactive and enjoyable. Furthermore, it is portable, providing ease of transport and use in different spaces, even allowing silent practice with headphones.
The user-friendly interface is also a significant advantage. The controls are easy to use, making tone adjustments a breeze. Its compatibility with the Line 6 relay wireless device adds to its charm, enhancing the wireless experience.
More so, the sound quality is nothing short of excellent. It delivers a range of tones from clean to high gain, and the built-in effects add a level of depth and atmosphere to the sound. The versatility of the amp makes it suitable for a variety of musical styles.
On the downside, the price can be considered a bit on the higher end compared to some of its competitors. However, considering the broad range of features and exceptional sound quality, it is indeed a worthy investment, particularly for home use.
Fender Mustang GTX 50
Overview
The Fender Mustang GTX 50 is an adaptable modeling amp that provides an array of tones suitable for any playing style and situation. This powerful amp comes with a 12-inch Celestion speaker, capable of delivering 50 watts of power, and weighs only 20 lbs.
With 40 intricately crafted amp models, dozens of effects, and more than 200 presets, the amplifier offers a versatile and realistic guitar experience. The Fender Tone app linked with the amp enables easy exploration of amps, pedals, and effects, along with the capability to save and load presets. The amp is compact, lightweight, and perfect for live performances.
Key Benefits
- Comes with 40 quality crafted amp models and a wide range of effects.
- Includes over 200 presets for versatile sound options.
- Controlled through the Fender Tone app, allowing for deep diving into amps, pedals, and effects.
- Compact and lightweight, making it easily portable for live performances.
- Features a 12-inch Celestion speaker with 50 watts of power.
- Can be easily integrated with a home studio setup.
- Delivers amazing sound quality, reacting just like the original amp models.
- Comes with a durable cabinet design that adds to its longevity.
- Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled for enhanced connectivity and easy updates
Pricing
The Fender Mustang GTX 50 is reasonably priced, making it an accessible choice for musicians who seek quality without wanting to spend a fortune on their gear.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
See Current Amazon Pricing
Pros & Cons
The Fender Mustang GTX 50 is appreciated for its numerous amp models, effects, and presets that allow for a wide range of tones, making it suitable for guitarists of varying skill levels. Its 12-inch Celestion speaker provides ample volume and clarity, enabling it to cut through even in a band setup. The ability to control the amp through the Fender Tone app is a significant advantage, offering a deep exploration of amps, pedals, and effects.
The amp’s durable construction and sleek design make it ideal for both gigging musicians and home practice. With the inclusion of built-in tuner, Bluetooth audio streaming, and Wi-Fi capabilities for updates, this amp provides a comprehensive package of convenience and versatility. However, some occasional connectivity issues with the Fender Tone app have been reported.
When compared with other models like the Fender Mustang GTX 100, the GTX 50 may be less powerful but matches in terms of presets and amp voicings. Its compact size and lighter weight make it a suitable choice for smaller spaces. Although the Mustang GTX 50 does not include the GTX-7 Footswitch or EXP-1 Pedal, its other features make it a top candidate for guitarists looking for a versatile, affordable, and high-quality amplifier.
Marshall Code 50
Overview
The Marshall Code 50 is a compact and lightweight amplifier that brings together the rich legacy of Marshall with state-of-the-art technology. With a power output of 50 watts and a 12-inch speaker, this amplifier is designed to handle everything, from studio work, gigs to practice sessions.
As part of Marshall’s CODE range, the Code 50 offers a middle ground in power and portability, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of musicians.
Featuring 14 preamp models, 4 power amp models, and 8 speaker cabinet models, the Code 50 offers a vast array of tonal possibilities. Its built-in tuner and USB output for recording purposes further enhance its versatility. This amplifier stands out for its user-friendly interface and partner smartphone app software for easy control and customization. The authentic amp models and effects ensure that the character of the guitar plugged into it is not stripped away.
Key Benefits
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for various settings
- Comes with 14 MST preamp models, 4 MST power amp models, and 8 MST speaker cabinet models for a wide range of tonal possibilities
- Features 24 adjustable effects, a built-in tuner, and a USB output for recording purposes
- User-friendly interface and partner smartphone app software for easy control and customization
- Constructed from durable materials, suitable for gigging musicians
- Offers great long-term value with its affordable price and versatile features
Pricing
The Marshall Code 50 is known for offering great value for its price, considering its wide range of features and versatility.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
See Current Amazon Pricing
Pros & Cons
As an owner of the Marshall Code 50, what stands out is its solid-state amplifier with digital modeling and a variety of effects. Its USB and Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy tone and preset changes, offering a modern, user-friendly experience. The amp’s effects, preamp options, modulation, delay, reverb, power amp options, and cabinet emulation offer a lot of options for customization.
The Code 50 is portable and suitable for both live performances and practice sessions. The Marshall Gateway software allows for monitoring and control through a mobile device, adding convenience for live situations. The amp is moderately priced and offers great sound quality.
However, it’s important to note that the Code 50 does not come with a foot pedal included. This could be a drawback for some, but it is compatible with the PEDL-91009 foot pedal.
Overall, the Marshall Code 50 is a versatile and capable amp that offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. Its combination of the iconic Marshall sound with state-of-the-art technology makes it suitable for both beginners and gigging musicians.
Boss Katana Air
Overview
The Boss Katana-Air is a groundbreaking wireless guitar amplifier that offers guitarists the freedom to play anywhere without the constraint of cables. Compact, portable, and loaded with features like numerous amp models, built-in effects, Bluetooth streaming, and the ability to control and program the amp via an app.
The amp is unique in its wireless design and can be powered by batteries, making it truly portable and ideal for on-the-go playing.
Key Benefits
- The Katana-Air has a compact and sleek design, making it highly portable.
- The wireless transmitter has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that provides up to 12 hours of continuous operation.
- The amp can be controlled and programmed using the free Boss Katana-Air app, offering additional parameters, effects settings, and patch storage.
- Provides high-quality sound and versatile effects, suitable for any style of music.
- The wireless functionality is flawless, with a maximum effective range of up to 75 feet and ultra-low latency. It can transmit through walls and floors.
- Can be powered by batteries or AC power, making it versatile.
Pricing
Despite being on the higher end of the price range compared to the Katana 50, the Boss Katana Air offers the added convenience of wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a worthwhile investment for seasoned and intermediate guitarists.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
Pros & Cons
From my perspective, the Boss Katana Air has numerous beneficial aspects. It’s a feature-packed wireless guitar amp that can be battery operated, making it perfect for traveling. The wireless system is top-notch, automatically turning the amp on when the guitar is picked up. Also, there are various amp models, including acoustic, clean, crunch, lead, and brown, along with knobs for fine-tuning gain, volume, and a 3-band EQ. Moreover, it has Bluetooth connectivity that allows playing along to backing tracks.
The amp’s compact size and battery operation make it ideal for on-the-go playing. It offers a wide range of amp models and effects, allowing guitarists to achieve their desired tones. The Boss Tone Studio app provides additional control and customization options, making it a valuable tool for guitarists. It allows users to program and save patches, access advanced parameters, and download new patches from the Boss Tone Central library.
However, like any product, the Boss Katana Air has a few drawbacks. The price of the amp may be a deterrent for some, as it is more expensive than the Katana 50. Additionally, the lack of an in-built tuner on the top panel can be a minor inconvenience. Lastly, the Boss Tone Studio app could be improved by adding a marketplace for user-created tones.
Despite these drawbacks, the Boss Katana Air is a remarkable amp with great sound quality and convenience. It is suitable for intermediate players and those looking for a convenient practice amp.
Line 6 AMPLIFi 150
Overview
The Line 6 AMPLIFi 150 is an innovative guitar amplifier, standing out with its modern, sleek design that pairs the functionality of a standard combo amp with a wireless Bluetooth speaker. Featuring a five-speaker setup, which includes a 12″ Celestion speaker for dry guitar alongside two midrange and two high-frequency drivers for effects, this amplifier presents a unique sound experience.
The control panel is equipped with knobs for drive, bass, mid, treble, effects, and reverb, and also a master volume knob that doubles as a guitar/audio blend control. Moreover, it offers a master volume LED ring to display current levels when a knob is adjusted.
Key Benefits
- Distinctive five-speaker setup, including a 12″ Celestion speaker
- Comprehensive control panel with knobs for drive, bass, mid, treble, effects, and reverb
- Master volume LED ring delivering clear visual feedback on current levels
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity for iOS devices, with Android compatibility in the works
- AMPLIFi Remote app that allows wireless music streaming and access to preloaded amp models and effects
- Tone matching feature that suggests ideal tone matches for songs
- High convenience factor with the ability to practice and jam along favorite songs
Pricing
A notable aspect of the Line 6 AMPLIFi 150 is that it offers great value for its price, especially considering its impressive feature set and functionality.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
Pros & Cons
The AMPLIFi 150 shines with its convenience and ease of use, with many appreciating its Bluetooth capabilities, making it an excellent tool for teaching and practicing. Its ability to accurately recreate a variety of sounds is a significant strength, especially when using the blackface deluxe style tone with spring reverb and a Jc style distortion. However, some have run into issues with the amp’s functionality, specifically regarding the output from the guitar. There have been reports of screeching and crackling sounds when the amp is turned up.
Likewise, while the AMPLIFi Remote app offers a range of features and an intuitive interface, some find the reliance on Bluetooth connectivity occasionally unreliable. The app also lacks some features such as additional preset tones and enhanced browsing capabilities.
The amp’s lack of a line out and limited hardware control may limit its use for more professional settings. Additionally, the latency for the USB interface is higher compared to other Line 6 devices. However, it remains a commendable practice amp with decent amp models and effects making it suitable for home jamming or serving as a music player for devices like the iPad Mini.
Vox Adio Air GT
Overview
The Vox Adio Air GT is a compact, portable desktop modeling amp that delivers an impressively large sound for its size. Despite its compact size, this amp is rich in features, offering 11 amp models, a range of effects, Bluetooth connectivity, and eight slots for custom presets.
This amp can be easily powered via a main power source or batteries, making it adaptable for different settings. The ‘wide’ function exploits the stereo speakers, creating a captivating 3D sound image. Moreover, the amp can be used for recording by directly connecting it to a computer via USB.
Key Benefits
- Compact and portable
- Features 11 amp models (23 with the app/software)
- Offers a range of effects
- Bluetooth connectivity for playing along with backing tracks
- Can be powered by mains or batteries
- Split effects section for layering of different effects
- Can be connected directly to a computer for recording
- Produces a surprisingly large sound for its size
Pricing
The Vox Adio Air GT comes inclusive of an AC adapter, power cord, and JamVox III download card. The package offers great value considering the extensive range of features and capabilities that the Adio Air GT provides.
See Current Guitar Center Pricing
Pros & Cons
There’s a lot to appreciate about the Adio Air GT. Its unique design features a slanted front panel, improving sound projection and contributing to the amp’s overall versatility; it’s suitable for home practice, jamming with friends, and even smaller performances. The built-in wireless receiver is a standout, granting the freedom of cable-free practicing or stage performance.
Bluetooth connectivity enables streaming and playing along with favorite tracks, making practice sessions or jamming with friends a breeze. The amp delivers rich, dynamic tones suitable for a variety of musical styles. With a range of amp models from clean and crunch to high-gain tones, and built-in EQ controls, the Adio Air GT offers customization to suit personal preferences. The headphone output is also a useful feature for quiet practice or recording.
However, the Adio Air GT might not be the perfect fit for everyone. As versatile as it is, its volume output might fall short for some musicians, particularly those looking to use it for gigging. The amp models, though extensive, are not exact replications but they come close enough to cover various genres. In summary, the Vox Adio Air GT is a feature-packed, compact amp, delivering high-quality tones and offering useful features. The pros seemingly outweigh the cons, making it a worthy consideration for both beginner and experienced guitarists.
The Benefits of Bluetooth Guitar Amps
Bluetooth guitar amps are becoming more popular in the music world today, thanks to their convenience, versatility, and the cutting-edge sound technology they bring. Take the Mower Preamp pedal with Bluetooth connectivity, for example. This pedal captures the unique sound characteristics of different amp preamps, letting you replicate those sounds. You don’t need a separate power amp if you’re using studio speakers or plugging directly into a PA system, which makes the setup process a breeze.
What’s more, it’s got a built-in cabinet simulator that digitally mimics the characteristics of a speaker, adding to its functionality. The convenience of such a device can’t be overstated. You can easily integrate it into various setups and use it for live performances or studio work, making it a handy tool for any guitarist.
When you stack it up against other devices like the Kemper Profiler, known for its top-notch sound quality, the Mower Preamp pedal shines with its convenience and inspiration for pedalboard setups. It shows the potential of Bluetooth technology in modern music gear, opening the door for more innovation and flexibility in guitar playing. This is just one way Bluetooth technology in guitar amps can transform the way you create music.
How to Connect Your Guitar to a Bluetooth Amp
While most guitar amps we’ve talked about are Bluetooth-enabled, hooking up your electric guitar to a Bluetooth speaker is a bit different. You’ve got two main methods for this connection. The first one involves using a Bluetooth transmitter. You’ll need to plug the transmitter into your guitar’s jack socket and pair it with the Bluetooth speaker. It’s a simple process and you won’t need a physical cable, giving you more freedom during your performance. But, you might find the sound quality isn’t as good as when you’re using a dedicated guitar amp.
The second method lets you connect your guitar to a Bluetooth-transmitting device like a laptop. You can then link this device to the Bluetooth speaker. This setup lets you use an amp simulator software on your laptop for a better sound, but keep in mind, you might still face some latency.
While these methods offer convenience and flexibility, they do have some downsides. The most obvious one is the latency or time delay between strumming a note on your guitar and hearing it through the speaker. This delay can throw some players off. Plus, not all Bluetooth speakers are built to work best with electric guitars. So, it’s a good idea to go for speakers that support low latency transmission for the best results.
Turn Up the Volume, Not The Complexity
So, we’ve taken a look at the Positive Grid Spark Combo Amp, the Blackstar Fly 3 Blue, the Yamaha THR30 II Wireless, the Fender Mustang GTX 50, the Marshall Code 50, the Boss Katana Air, the Line 6 AMPLIFi 150 and the Vox Adio Air GT. Each of these Bluetooth guitar amps has its own unique strengths and offers different functionalities to suit a variety of your needs and playing styles.
There’s no doubt that Bluetooth guitar amps have brought a new level of ease and convenience to guitarists like you. Their versatile features, innovative designs, ability to cater to a wide range of musical styles, and the freedom that wireless connectivity brings, make these amps a sound investment. They’re a testament to the revolution and ongoing evolution in the world of music gear.
The Bluetooth guitar amp you’ll choose really depends on your specific needs, playing environments, and budget. But it’s clear that with offerings that include superb sound quality, versatility, convenience, and advanced technology features, the potential of these amps is as limitless as your creativity.
Whether you’re jamming solo at home, rehearsing with a band, performing live on stage, or recording in a studio, there’s a Bluetooth guitar amp out there that can help you rock out with style and ease. Let the power of music and technology guide you to your perfect blend of tone, convenience, and innovation. Amplify your playing experience like never before with a Bluetooth guitar amp.
