WE HIGHLIGHT 11 OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS FOR GIGGING AND HOME USE THAT WON’T GET YOU LAUGHED OFF STAGE OR GET YOU EVICTED FOR A NOISE COMPLAINT – WELL, THE LAST PART IS UP TO YOU!

When you’re looking for the best combo amp for gigging and something that won’t take up too much room at home, we’ve got you covered. We’re musicians ourselves so we understand that when you’re looking for the best combo amps possible, you want something that’ll sound good, won’t be too much of a burden to carry on and off stage and something you can use at home, too. So, with that in mind we’ve rounded up a range of solid state and valve combo amplifiers that provide world class sound and don’t need two people to lift. We’ve also included a selection of amps that have attenuation switches which can reduce the output so you get cranked amp tones and response at lower volumes.

Show me the Best Combo Amps

In this blog we'll be looking at the following amps that we believe are some of the best combo amps available:

  • BOSS Katana 50 MKII Guitar Amplifier
  • Blackstar Studio 10 6L6 Combo Valve Guitar Amplifier
  • Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV Combo Valve Amplifier
  • Vox AC30C2 Custom Combo Valve Amp
  • Vox AC4C1-12 Mini Combo Valve Amp
  • Marshall ORI20C Origin 20W 1x10 Valve Combo
  • Blackstar HT-20R MkII Combo Valve Guitar Amplifier
  • Marshall MG50GFX Guitar Combo Amplifier
  • Roland Cube Street Battery Guitar Amplifier
  • Fender Champion 100 Guitar Amplifier Combo
  • Line 6 Spider V 60 Modeling Guitar Amp

1. BOSS KATANA 50 MKII GUITAR AMPLIFIER

Boss Katana 50
Boss Katana 50

The BOSS Katana 50 MKII Guitar Amplifier is easily one of the best combo amps ever created and is quickly becoming the industry standard combo amp for gigging and home use. This is a solid-state amplifier made for people who need the dynamic response that a valve can provide, but could do without the weight and extra added cost.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

This comes out on the top of our list thanks to the fact you have 5 selectable amp characters Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic built-in plus newly voiced variations for each (thanks to the MKII upgrade), so it suits a massive variety of different genres and playing styles. It actually responds like a valve amp; crank the drive and enjoy lush overdriven break up sounds! The BOSS Katana 50 MKII Guitar Amplifier is 50 watts, so it’s loud enough for gigs and the power control allows you to drop the output so you can enjoy cranked tones at lower volumes. Finally, you have access to over 60 BOSS effects which are customisable using the free BOSS Tone Studio Editor software and you can actually store 15 of those effects on the amp. It’s essentially a multi effects pedal wrapped up in a world class amplifier. If you want a solid-state combo amp that you can gig with, start here.

  • Amp type: Solid state
  • Wattage: 50 watts

2. BLACKSTAR STUDIO 10 6L6 VALVE COMBO GUITAR AMPLIFIER

BLACKSTAR STUDIO 10 COMBO VALVE GUITAR AMP

Influenced by some of the most revered guitar amplifiers of all time, the 10-watt Blackstar Studio 10 6L6 Valve Combo packs an abundance of features into a beautiful cream and oxblood housing suitable for both practicing and gigging. 

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

The versatile 6L6 tube offers a variety of American-inspired clean tones, and the built-in overdrive is derived from Blackstar’s hugely popular HT-Drive pedal, offering your tone everything it needs to deliver some serious crunch whilst retaining clarity and smoothness.

This amplifier also includes a footswitch which is perfect for streamlining your rig for live use. This feature allows you to alternate between the rich clean tones and aggressive valve drive with one stomp, and by using a 2-button footswitch you can activate the additional lush reverb for complete control.

Delivered through a Celestion Seventy-80 12” Speaker, the Studio 10 also includes a Series Effects Loop and an emulated output - so it’s perfect for studio use, too!

  • Amp type: Valve
  • Wattage: 10 watts

3. Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV Combo Valve Amplifier

Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV Combo Valve Amplifier

Because we obviously have to have this amplifier in! The Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV Combo Valve Amplifier is easily one of the best combo amps for gigging ever crafted and the smaller size makes it ideal for around the home, too. This is relied upon by thousands of artists all over the world and an industry standard amplifier as you get 60 watts of power pumping through 2 x 12” speakers as well as 3 distinct channels of classic Fender tone.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

There’s a reason you’ll find this combo amp on pretty much every festival stage in the world; mainly the fact that you have 3 x 12AX7 PreAmp Valves and 2 x 6L6 Power Valves pushing your sound. The three channels you have - Normal, Drive and More Drive allow for a wide range of tonal options depending on your preference and all the controls you need to sculpt your sound. Try this amp out and see why it’s one of the most relied upon combo amps from small stages to the massive festivals of the world.

  • Amp Type: Valve
  • Wattage: 60 watts

4. VOX AC30C2 CUSTOM COMBO VALVE AMP

VOX AC30C2

 Again, this is a no brainer and any list of best combo amps that doesn’t have the AC30 simply is not credible. Music would simply not be the same without the impact that the VOX AC30 has had. The likes of the Beatles used them for some of their most iconic recordings and world class bands like the Foo Fighters still use them to this day - and that's only two of the thousands of bands that use them!

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

The Vox AC30C2 Custom Combo Valve Amp is a great all-rounder amplifier used by everyone from country artists, to rock, to blues to heavy metal. The quintessential British tone within this amp sings loud and clear whether you're playing clean or driving the top boost section for more drive. It takes pedals well, has its own distinct sound which is instantly recognisable on record and on stage and is powerful enough for all stages with a master volume so you can bring it down if the venue is smaller. The 2x12" Celestion Greenback speakers push some serious air around so you really feel the amp when you crank it, the effects loop allows for stereo effects to be used and the extension speaker output jacks ensure you can add an extra set of speakers should you make it to the stadium rock -we believe in you. If you get hold of one of these, you won't look back.

  • Amp type: Valve
  • Wattage: 30 watts

5. VOX AC4C1-12 MINI COMBO VALVE AMP

VOX AC4C1

 If you want the sound of a VOX AC30 and but don’t want to have to break your back carrying a valve amp around or mainly want something for home and casual use, then the VOX AC4C1-12 Mini Combo Valve Amp is the ideal option. This is a 4-watt class A valve amp which offers up the iconic VOX AC30 Top-Boost sound in a portable package. This is ideal for rehearsals, practising at home or even intimate shows - whatever you're using it for the main perk is that you don't have to worry about lugging a weighty big amp around.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

We absolutely love the VOX AC4C1-12 Mini just because of the sound on offer for its size and portability. This is especially ideal for home-practice, rehearsals and very intimate gigs as it holds all the character of the beloved AC30. The mini combo valve amp is one of the best combo amplifiers for home-use as the 4-watt of power gives you just the right output for rehearsals. This amp is also perfect for the studio simply down to the incredible tone you can get from it at low volumes.

  • Amp Type: Valve
  • Wattage: 4 watts (Ideal for studio and practice)

6. Marshall ORI20C Origin 20W 1x10 Valve Combo

Marshall ORI20C Origin 20W 1x10 Valve Combo

The Marshall ORI20C Origin 20W 1x10 Valve Combo is one of the best combo amps around for those with limited room and penchant for classic Marshall tube-driven tones. This all-valve combo amplifier makes our list with ease thanks to its simple user interface, great price and boutique sounds.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

The Marshall ORI20C Origin 20W 1x10 Valve Combo is like taking a massive Marshall stack with you everywhere you go, able to provide that tube drenched saturation at lower volumes. It’s an all-valve am, so it's heavier to cart around, but you'll still be able to gig with it and it won't take up too much room around the house or apartment. This combo amplifier features analogue circuitry for a vintage style voicing ensuring your amp responds the exact way a tube amp should. The amp only has one channel, but you can still create a world of classic Marshall tones ranging from creamy blues to all-out hard rock. The Tilt Tone control allows you to "tilt" the amp's tone to your liking, ranging from classic British all-valve rock sound to a more modern American hard-rock voice. You can isolate the two channels or blend them for your own signature sound.   

We also believe this is one of the best combo amps as you can attenuate the wattage from 20 watts down to 10w, then to 5w respectively via the 3-stage power Staging Switch. This means you can get the classic Marshall tone at all volumes, whether you're gigging, using it at home or in the studio. 

  • Amp type: Valve amp
  • Wattage: 20 watts

7. BLACKSTAR HT-20R MKII COMBO VALVE GUITAR AMPLIFIER

Blackstar HT-20R MkII Combo Valve Guitar Amplifier

If you want a smaller combo amp for rehearsal and around the home that you can comfortably gig small venues with, then the Blackstar HT-20R MkII Combo Valve Guitar Amplifier is a great option full of great amplifier voices driven by ECC83 and EL84 valves.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

We think this is one of the best combo amps for gigging and around the home as you have 20 watts to play with as well as the option to drop that down to 2 watts – ideal for around the home when you want the cranked valve amp sound at lower volumes. You have 2 different amplifier voices that give you the best of British and American amp sounds as well as 2 channels (clean and overdrive) essentially bumping that up to 4 different amp sounds in total. The emulated line out means you can record direct to your DAW and essentially emulate a 2x12 or 4x12 cab, making it a great song writing and studio partner too.

  • Amp type: Valve
  • Wattage: 20 watts

8. Marshall MG50GFX Guitar Combo Amplifier

Marshall MG50G

If you need a hardworking, highly portable amplifier that can keep up with the demands of a touring band but won’t break the bank or your back trying to carry it, then you need to take a look at the Marshall MG50GFX Guitar Combo Amplifier. With plenty of sounds built-in, lush effects and tools for recording/jamming at home you’ll find this extremely useful.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

The Marshall MG50GFX has 50 watts of power built in so it’s loud enough to compete with a drum kit and other guitarists on stage but not so loud that you’re going to blow the cat out of the room when you crank it up at home. It’s one of the best combo amps for people who love their Marshall amps as you have 4 channels at your disposal - Clean/Crunch, OD-1/OD-2, each of which have very distinct tones that can be activated on the front panel or by a foot controller (sold separately). There’s lovely built in reverb, delay and other assorted FX so there’s no need to buy any extra pedals and the headphone output allows for silent practice at home. There’s also a MP3/Line-In input so you can jam along to music or just use it as a speaker in between sets.

  • Amp type: Solid state
  • Wattage: 50 watts

9. ROLAND CUBE STREET BATTERY GUITAR AMPLIFIER

ROLAND CUBE STREET BATTERY GUITAR AMPLIFIER

The Roland Cube Street Battery Guitar Amplifier is an absolute necessity if you're a busker looking for the best busking amp money can buy. However, it's also great for performers who need a battery-powered combo amp for gigging - especially wedding duos and vocalists. At just over £200 they're also incredibly affordable.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

This is one of the best combo amps for those who need something portable as you have two high-performance 6.5 neodymium speakers which provide a big, stereo sound thanks to the dual 2.5W power. That may sound small, but it'll certainly push out a big sound. The fact you can enjoy 15-hours of continuous use thanks to 6 x AA batteries means you can gig anywhere, any time. You also have dedicated microphone and line inputs with separate effects channels. You also have 8 COSM amps, 6 digital effects, and chromatic tuner built-in, so you don't even need a pedalboard!

  • Amp type: Solid State
  • Wattage: 2.5 W + 2.5 W

10. FENDER CHAMPION 100 GUITAR AMPLIFIER COMBO

Fender Champion

The Fender Champion 100 Guitar Amplifier Combo is yet another industry standard amplifier and one of the best combo amps for gigging, home use, studio, the list goes on. If you’re looking for a budget friendly solid-state combo amplifier that you probably wont ever have to upgrade, then the Champion 100 needs to be on your “must try” list.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

It’s got 100 watts of power ready to be unleashed through the 2x12” speakers, 2 channels, one of which gives you the classic Fender clean tone based on the Twin Reverb and the other has a selectable amp voicing which allows you to cycle through a range of different voices to get your ideal sound. There’s also Reverb, Delay, Echo, Chorus, Tremolo and many more effects built-in allowing you to gig without the need for a pedal board. Best of all, it’s just over £200 making it a perfect option for players of all levels.

  • Amp type: Solid state
  • Wattage: 100 watts

11. LINE 6 SPIDER V 60 MODELING GUITAR AMP

Line 6 Spider

 Last but by no means least we have the Line 6 Spider V 60 Modeling Guitar Amp. This is not your general run-of-the-mill modelling amp but an impressive piece of kit with 200 amps, cabs and effects models built in. To make it easy, the team at Line 6 have also included 100 presets—including instantly recognisable iconic rigs, artist-built tones and Line 6 originals that offer up a world of different tonal options for all styles.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST COMBO AMPS?

If the 200 updated amps, cabs and effects models haven’t given you reason enough to believe this is one of the best and most useful combo amps, then maybe the fact it’s got a built-in tuner, metronome and drummer loops built-in should sway your vote. Seriously, this is like a full studio in an amplifier. The amp is wireless ready and compatible with the G10T Line 6 Relay transmitters, there’s 60 watts of power pumping out through a 10” full-range speaker and you can record directly to your DAW thanks to USB connectivity.

  • Amp type: Modelling amp / solid state
  • Wattage: 60 watts

Check out a full range of combo amps over at PMT online today or call in to your local PMT store today to try them out for yourself.