Best Guitar Amplifiers Under $500 - Best of The Mid-Range Segment

Last Updated: Apr-26-2019 Since the last time we checked this page, there had been plenty of changes in the sub-$500 amp market. These were reflected in this latest update. We removed models like the older Blackstar HT-5R, and added three new amps. Topping the list was the Vox AC10C1 Combo, before the Orange CR60C and the versatile Katana KTN-100 from Boss.

Many of the guitar amplifiers you can find for under $500 are ranked among some of the most popular on the market. They offer stage-worthy power, are packed with cool features, and are affordable enough for both enthusiasts and professionals on a budget. So, if your budget is in the region of $500, you’ve come to the right place! If it’s lower, don’t worry – perhaps check out our chart on the best $300 amps instead. We are about to dive into a chart highlighting what we believe are some of the best guitar amplifiers under $500 at the moment. In the chart we have included combos and heads, as well as both tube and solid-state amps. Let’s get straight in and see which models made the cut.

Top 9 Best Guitar Amplifiers Under $500:

Why Spend $500 on an Amp?

A $500 amplifier sits pretty much in between an entry-level model and a pro-grade amp costing $1,000. So, while these $500 models aren’t going to be the best amps on the market, they are going to be pretty damn good! When buying any amp, it’s worth considering what you are going to use it for – in what setting. Unlike budget amps (which are purely for practice) or premium amps (which are built for the stage), a $500 amplifier is the happy medium for most users. They tend to offer enough power for many venues, while still proving suitable for home use, should you wish. More often than not, they are also crammed with features that make experimenting, sound-shaping and recording great fun.

What Should I Get If I Gig Often?

It depends on where you are playing. Combo amps are very convenient for gigging, especially in smaller venues, providing the amp has enough power to fill the hall (or can be plugged into external speaker systems). However, combos can be very heavy and a bit of a pain if you are regularly on the move. If you gig often or are playing in large venues, an amp head will probably suit you best. These heads are lighter than combo amps and therefore tend to be more practical to carry from gig to gig. When hooked up to a decent cab, heads can offer huge power that a combo would struggle to beat. The drawback of buying an amp head is the fact that, unless you are guaranteed a cab at the venue, you’ll need to buy one for yourself. This is an additional cost to factor into your budget and another thing to carry to and from gigs. If you thought carrying a combo amp was hard enough, try transporting a head and a cab!

The Final Word

Finding a good amp in the sub-$500 section isn’t that difficult – narrowing it down to one you truly can’t live without is the hardest part. But if you use our chart to inspire you as you shop around, you should end up with something that will last you for years and years of jamming, gigging and recording.