6 Best Guitar Amps with Headphone Jacks

Best Guitar Amps with Headphone Jacks

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Guitar amps with headphone jacks allow you to practice without making a lot of noise, while enjoying the tones and features the amp has to offer. 

In certain scenarios, guitarists need powerful amplifiers to project their instruments for live performances or recordings. On the other hand, it is sometimes more beneficial to use an amp without producing a lot of noise. 

Guitar amps with headphone jacks are the ideal solution. They allow you to enjoy all of the tonal and dynamic benefits that an amp has to offer, while also having the option to practice without disturbing anyone nearby. 

In this guide, we’ve identified the best amps with a headphone jack so that you can quickly single out the options that will cater to all of your needs. 

In a Rush Roundup

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Fender Champion 40 1x12” 40-watt Combo Amp
  • 40W total power
  • 2-band EQ
  • Onboard effects
Boss Katana Artist MkII 1x12” 100-watt Combo Amp
  • 100W, 50W, and 0.5W power settings
  • USB output 
  • Parallel effects loop 
Marshall MG30GFX 30-watt 1x10” Combo Amp with Effects
  • 30W total power
  • Onboard tuner and tap tempo
  • 4 effects
Roland CUBE Street EX 2x8” 50-watt Combo Amp
  • 50W total power
  • 4 onboard channels
  • 3-band EQ
EVH 5150III 2x12” 50-watt Tube Combo Amp
  • 50W total power
  • 2x12” Celestion G12H speakers
  • 3-band EQ
Quilter Labs Aviator Cub 50-watt 1x12” Combo Amp
  • 50W total power
  • Eminence Quilter Special speaker
  • Effects loop

How We Tested

To gain an accurate overview of each guitar amplifier with a headphone jack, we performed several important tests. To begin with, we rated them based on their dynamic qualities, including maximum volume and headroom.

We then used various headphones to test how good the amplifiers sound for silent playing and finished by taking into consideration the onboard effects, EQ, and other tone-shaping features that the amps offer.

Guitar Amps with Headphone Jacks

Fender Champion 40 1x12” 40-watt Combo Amp

With its classic Fender design, the Champion 40 is a multi-faceted combo amplifier with a headphone jack, suitable for a range of guitar-playing styles.

    Fender Champion 40 1x12” 40-watt Combo Amp Review

    When it comes to guitar amplifiers, Fender is one of the best-known brands in the world. The quality of their amps, from early tube-driven models like the Super Reverb to more modern, solid-state devices like the Champion 40, has been undeniably consistent. 

    The 1×12 combo amp blends the classic tube tones of vintage Fender amps, with sophisticated digital modeling. The result is a versatile amplifier that is suitable for rock and all of its sub-genres. 

    On the right-hand side of the Champion 40’s control panel, you’ll find seemingly identical ports. The first is an auxiliary input, allowing guitarists to connect their phone or other device and play along to backing tracks, existing songs, or metronomes. 

    The next port is a headphone jack output. This can be used to deliver the wide-ranging tones of the Champion 40 without disturbing anyone nearby, making it possible to practice long into the night. 

    This amplifier has two separate channels – one is modeled on the Fender Blackface clean tone, and the other features several voice presets with different amounts of gain and overdrive. 

    A smooth reverb effect is also installed on the amp, in addition to other effects like delay, and tremolo. The rhythm of these effects can be altered using the Tap control.

    Features

    • 40W total power
    • 2-band EQ
    • Onboard effects

    Pros

    • Smooth sounding clean channel
    • Wide range of processing tools
    • Lightweight and practically sized

    Cons

    • Can sound a little harsh when overdrive is used

    Boss Katana Artist MkII 1x12” 100-watt Combo Amp

    Boss’ Katana amplifiers are amongst the most popular solid-state guitar amps in production. With a plethora of onboard processing tools and an intuitive design, this amp performs brilliantly out loud or through headphones.

      Boss Katana Artist MkII 1x12” 100-watt Combo Amp Review

      The Katana Artist MkII features numerous improvements on the hugely successful previous models in Boss’ most famous amp range. 

      With a vast selection of onboard effects, amp voice presets, and other controls, this device is perfect for guitarists who enjoy sculpting their tone. It sounds equally as good through the powerful 12-inch WAZA G12W speaker as it does through headphones. 

      This speaker delivers refined, smooth tones when the clean preset is selected. If you choose to use the crunch or lead presets, it blasts out overdriven tones without compromising on clarity or focus. 

      To further customize the sound produced by the Katana Artist MkII, you can use the 3-band controls. If a certain frequency is too prominent or weak, you can correct this easily using this feature. 

      In total, Boss has installed 60 of its most iconic effects in the amplifier’s memory bank. This selection includes every type of guitar effect you can think of, from modulation to delays. 

      In addition to the headphone output, the Katana Artist MkII also has an effects loop for pedal isolation and a set of speaker outputs which may come in handy if you need extra volume to fill a large gig venue.

      Features

      • 100W, 50W, and 0.5W power settings
      • USB output
      • Parallel effects loop

      Pros

      • Smooth sounding clean channel
      • Wide range of processing tools
      • Lightweight and practically sized

      Cons

      • Can sound a little harsh when overdrive is used

      Marshall MG30GFX 30-watt 1x10” Combo Amp with Effects

      The Marshall MG30GFX embodies everything that we love about this iconic British amp brand. Powerful, roadworthy, and typically vintage in style, it is a great option for guitarists who need an amp with a headphone jack.

        Marshall MG30GFX 30-watt 1x10” Combo Amp with Effects Review

        Most of Marshall’s tube amplifiers are bulky devices and are typically difficult to transport from the practice room to the stage. This 30-watt combo is more practical in size and weight. 

        The Custom designed 10-inch speaker produces a tight bass response, a chunky midrange, and singing highs. 

        There are four main channels on this amplifier, each of which produces a noticeably different tone. You can access Marshall’s signature clean sound, add some crunch to the output, or ramp up the gain with the OD1 and OD2 channels. 

        One of the great things about the MG30GFX 30-watt 1×10” Combo Amp is that when you’re playing through headphones and stumble across a tone that you like, you can save your settings using the preset features. 

        This feature is very useful for songwriters, as we often forget the amp settings that inspire a certain idea and it can be difficult to regain the enthusiasm without that original sound. 

        Several classic effects are available on this combo amp, and there are also line inputs and outputs for integrating recordings into your playing or capturing your ideas into a DAW.

        Features

        • 30W total power
        • Onboard tuner and tap tempo
        • 4 effects

        Pros

        • Easy to use effects controls
        • Powerful, overdriven tone
        • Solid, rugged build quality

        Cons

        • No tremolo effect

        Roland CUBE Street EX 2x8” 50-watt Combo Amp

        Roland's CUBE Street EX is a conveniently designed amplifier that is perfect for playing through headphones. With a range of effects and amp emulation settings, it can be used for any style of guitar playing.

          Roland CUBE Street EX 2x8” 50-watt Combo Amp Review

          Smaller solid-state amps are generally more practical for refining your skills as a guitarist. While large tube amps are great for recording or playing live, they can sometimes be difficult to store at home or move from one place to another. 

          The CUBE Street EX is arguably the most accessible amplifier for guitarists. It has an inbuilt headphone jack for silent playing and also has an XLR input for vocal microphones. 

          The guitar and vocal channels are split into two, with separate controls and effects for each. If you’re a singer-songwriter, having a vocal input is invaluable for your compositional process and live performances. 

          Roland has also made it possible to power this amplifier using 8 AA batteries or using conventional AC power. You can therefore take the amp anywhere and perform without any prior planning. 

          Reverb and 3-band EQ controls are present on each channel, and the amp also has an onboard tuner. It’s the perfect all-rounder for a guitarist who splits their time between practicing, performing, and writing new music.

          Features

          • 50W total power
          • 4 onboard channels
          • 3-band EQ

          Pros

          • Can be used in any setting thanks to the battery-powered design
          • Reaches surprisingly loud volumes
          • Ideal for busking or rehearsing

          Cons

          • Requires 8 AA batteries

          EVH 5150III 2x12” 50-watt Tube Combo Amp

          It can be tricky to find a portable, high-quality tube amp with a headphone jack. This EVH amplifier is one of the best of its kind, offering a blend of authentic tube tones with solid-state technology.

            EVH 5150III 2x12” 50-watt Tube Combo Amp Review

            EVH produces a selection of top-tier tube amps with headphone outputs. The EVH 5150III combo is one of their most versatile models. 

            Unlike most combo guitar amps, the 5150III uses real tubes to drive its tone. The power amp section includes genuine EL34 tubes, renowned for their vintage, warm sound that soaks up gain beautifully. 

            These tubes combine with two Celestion G12H speakers to produce a balanced tone across the frequency range of the amplifier. You can expect a tight low-end, with a powerful midrange and sparkling highs. 

            Although many solid-state amplifiers with headphone jacks have modeled tube presets, it’s hard to beat the real thing. EVH has managed to encapsulate Van Halen’s tone from the late ’70s and early ’80s in this robust cabinet. 

            With its onboard effects loop, you can ensure that the pedals in your signal chain perform to their fullest potential. Also, the headphone jack is joined by a MIDI input for connecting a footswitch. 

            The 515OIII is also kitted out with four durable wheels, to compensate for the weight of the inner components and make transportation less arduous.

            Features

            • 50W total power
            • 2×12” Celestion G12H speakers
            • 3-band EQ

            Pros

            • Great for playing medium and large venues
            • Records very well
            • Authentic tube-driven tone

            Cons

            • Slightly bulky and heavy design

            Quilter Labs Aviator Cub 50-watt 1x12” Combo Amp

            This 5-watt combo amp by Quilter Labs has an array of useful features, including a headphone output jack, an onboard limiter, and three individual guitar inputs.

              Quilter Labs Aviator Cub 50-watt 1x12” Combo Amp Review

              I’ve been impressed by the rise of Quilter Labs in recent years. Their amplifiers look simple in terms of design and layout, but in reality, they produce a versatile output of classic rock tones. 

              Instead of taking the more conventional path and splitting the sounds into various amplifier voice presets, the manufacturer has installed three inputs on the device. 

              These inputs consist of Tweed, Blonde, and Black. The Tweed input delivers a polished clean tone, that sounds like it could slot into a surf rock hit from the early 1960s. 

              Next, the Blonde input ramps up the power of the low-end frequencies, while keeping the highs glassy and sweet-sounding. The final Black input injects more gain into the signal and is suitable for classic rock, metal, or heavy blues playing. 

              When using the headphone output on the Aviator Cub, there is a noticeable increase in the sustain a guitar produces. This is down to the inclusion of an inbuilt limiter, which keeps the dynamics consistent when playing chords or lead parts. 

              The Quilter Labs Aviator Cub amplifier is built like a tank, and will likely last you for many years even if you use it extensively in the recording studio or on the stage.

              Features

              • 50W total power
              • Eminence Quilter Special speaker
              • Effects loop

              Pros

              • Tweed and blonde inputs for clean and dirty tones
              • Increases sustain
              • Makes direct recording easy

              Cons

              • Heavy design

              Best Guitar Amps with Headphone Jacks Buyer's Guide

              The search for a new guitar amp is more difficult now than it has ever been, simply because there are so many options for us to choose from. 

              Most guitarists have a checklist of essential qualities that their new amp must possess. These are often focused on onboard effects, maximum volume, headroom, and size. However, you’re also looking for one with a headphone jack. 

              This is a wise move, as having a headphone output will allow you to practice, and using your guitar amplifier when making a lot of noise isn’t an option. You’ll therefore be able to improve at a much faster rate. 

              There’s a lot to think about when choosing between all of the guitar amps with headphone jacks, so we’ll explain the most important factors below. 

              Things To Consider When Buying

              Consider solid-state vs. tube combos

              Guitar amps with headphones are either completely solid-state by design, or they combine tube and solid-state technology. If you enjoy the authentic, warm sound of tubes, look out for an amp that includes some EL34s or other valves.  

              Think about onboard effects

              Choosing a guitar amp with a range of onboard effects means that you don’t need to carry your pedalboard around to enjoy a processed tone. 

              Identify the connectivity you require

               In addition to having headphone outputs, many amplifiers also have line outputs, D.I outputs, and even USB connectivity. This can make it easy to record using your amplifier or hook it up to an additional cab. 

              Consider the speakers

              12-inch speakers are the most commonly used for a guitar practice amp with headphone jacks. They are an integral component, impacting the tonal and dynamic qualities of the amplifier’s output.

              How to Choose the Ideal Amp With a Headphone Output

              Many guitar amplifiers have headphone outputs, as you can see from the options we listed earlier in this guide. Headphone outputs are all the same – they will allow you to hear the audio without engaging the amp speaker. 

              Headphone outputs also usually come with volume control, which is sometimes independent of the overall master level control of the amp’s onboard speaker. 

              If you intend to play through your headphones with no sound coming through the amp, then you won’t need an independent headphone volume control. To hear audio through the amp and the headphones, you’ll need two separate parameters. 

              Compact guitar amplifiers are ideal for rehearsing at home, so it’s important to check how much space you have available to ensure that the dimensions of the amp are suitable. 

              You can then consider some of the more advanced features that these amps with headphone jacks may offer.

              Amp Modelling with Headphones

              Most of the amplifiers that we’ve listed in this guide are designed for practicing, which is why they must have headphone jacks. It’s also important that these amplifiers are versatile so that you can experiment with different sounds and settings. 

              Modern solid-state amplifiers often have what is known as amp modeling, which allows you to access a range of different sounds by changing the preset on the amp. 

              Tube amps aren’t capable of amp modeling, because they use analog technology to produce their warm sound. However, a digital amplifier can contain a seemingly endless number of settings for you to play around with. 

              While it’s not essential for a guitar amp to have all of these different amp models installed, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time using it to refine and improve your skills, then you want to make the process fun and interesting as possible.

              For example, if you’re playing guitar through the amp with your headphones on and you are attempting to learn a song by a metal or classic rock band, you can switch to an amp modeling setting that sounds more like the original tone used in the song.

              This will make your practice sessions more interesting, and in the long run, it will make it easier to put in the time to improve your skills as a guitarist.

              Onboard Effects

              Another thing to look out for when choosing a guitar amp with a headphone jack is the number of onboard effects that the device offers. 

              It can be impractical to use a lot of effects pedals when you’re practicing or recording with an amplifier, particularly at home or in a small space. 

              Consequently, it might be a good idea to choose an amp that offers a variety of effects more practically and compactly. These effects commonly include reverbs, delays, and modulation effects. 

              Guitar Amps with Headphone Jacks FAQs

              Can You Use Wireless Headphones with a Guitar Amp? 

              Some modern guitar amplifiers have built-in Bluetooth connectivity which makes it possible for guitarists to use wireless headphones to listen to the output. However, this is mainly found on mini-sized amps that aren’t suitable for playing gigs. 

              You can use a wireless Bluetooth transmitter and connect it to your amplifier’s headphone output if you would like to listen in wireless headphones. This is a good solution if you want the freedom to move around more while you play. 

              Are Over-Ear or In-Ear Headphones Better for Guitar Amps? 

              Over-ear and in-ear headphones both offer some benefits when they are used with guitar amps, but there are also some downsides. Firstly, over-ear headphones generally produce a better sound quality so that you can hear the finer details of your tone and play. 

              In-ear headphones, on the other hand, are more transportable. They’re also less likely to cause discomfort if you wear them for a long time while practicing guitar. 

              Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Good for Practicing Guitar?

              Passive noise cancellation is an effective tool when practicing guitar in headphones, as it prevents you from being distracted by external sounds. The danger is that you might not hear other sounds if you have the levels turned up too high, so it’s important to keep your amp at a reasonable level.

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