Best Budget Bass Amps for Beginners

When it comes to playing bass, having a quality amplifier is crucial to achieving the right sound. However, not everyone has a big budget to spend on expensive gear. That’s where budget bass amps come in. These amps are designed to provide a solid bass sound without breaking the bank.

When choosing a budget bass amp, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure the amp has enough power to meet your needs. A good rule of thumb is to look for an amp with at least 100 watts of power. Additionally, you’ll want to pay attention to the number of channels and inputs the amp has, as well as any built-in effects or EQ controls.

We spent hours researching and testing a variety of budget bass amps to identify the best options on the market. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at our top picks and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a beginner bassist or a seasoned pro looking for an affordable backup amp, we’ve got you covered.

Best Budget Bass Amps

We understand that finding a quality bass amp can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a budget. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best budget bass amps currently available on Amazon. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bassist, these amps will provide you with the sound and features you need without breaking the bank. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best budget bass amps.

JOYO 10W Mini Bass Amp Bass Guitar Practice Amp Combo Bass Amplifier Portable Small Battery Powered Bass Amp Dual Channel (MA-10B) Bass Combo

JOYO 10W Mini Bass Amp Bass Guitar Practice Amp Combo Bass Amplifier Portable Small Battery Powered Bass Amp Dual Channel (MA-10B)

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bass amp that's compact and versatile, the JOYO 10W Mini Bass Amp may be the perfect fit for you.

Pros:

• The MA-10B is a compact and lightweight bass amp that can easily fit into a backpack, making it a great option for jamming outdoors or on the go.
• With switchable 2 channels and a tone control, this amp allows for easy customization of your sound, whether you prefer a brighter or darker tone.
• The MA-10B is powered by a power adapter or batteries, making it a great option for those who want to play without disturbing their neighbors.

Cons:

• While the 10 watts of power are enough to be audible in the comfort of your own home, the MA-10B may not be loud enough for larger venues or performances.
• Some users have reported that the battery compartment does not hold the AA batteries snugly, which can cause the amp to lose power unexpectedly.
• The low end may not be as powerful as some users would prefer, especially for those who play heavier genres of music.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and portable bass amp that’s great for practicing at home or on the go, the JOYO 10W Mini Bass Amp is a solid option to consider. Its compact size and versatile features make it a great choice for beginners or those who want a simple and reliable practice amp.

Ueteto 10W Mini Bass Amp

Ueteto 10W Mini Bass Amp, Portable and Rechargeable Bass Guitar Practice Amplifier with Clean and Drive Channels

If you're looking for a portable and rechargeable bass guitar practice amplifier, the Ueteto 10W Mini Bass Amp might be worth considering.

Pros:

• With 2*5w subwoofers, this compact practice bass amp produces powerful bass, making it a great option for small gigs or jam sessions.
• The 3000mAh battery allows for up to 4 hours of continuous use, which is perfect for outdoor performances or when you don't have access to a power source.
• The clean and drive channels are switchable, so you can play the bass with your desired channels.

Cons:

• Unfortunately, this amp might not be suitable for bass players who prefer louder volumes, as some users have reported that they had to crank the dials to the max settings to generate an audible sound.
• While the independent volume control for BT and AUX input is convenient, some users might find it difficult to control the volume of background music without reaching out to their smartphones or computers.
• The Ueteto 10W Mini Bass Amp might not be the best option for those who want to connect to a Bluetooth speaker, as it doesn't have that feature.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Overall, the Ueteto 10W Mini Bass Amp is a decent option for those who need a portable and rechargeable bass guitar practice amplifier. It’s lightweight, compact, and produces powerful bass. However, if you need something that can handle louder volumes or connect to a Bluetooth speaker, you might want to look elsewhere.

VOX AP2BS amPlug 2 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier Black

VOX AP2BS amPlug 2 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier Black

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bass amp that you can use with your headphones, the VOX AP2BS amPlug 2 is definitely worth considering.

Pros:

• Three gain modes to choose from
• Speaker cabinet emulation for a more authentic sound
• Compact and portable design

Cons:

• Battery life could be better
• Controls can be a bit fiddly
• Not suitable for live performances

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

We were impressed with the sound quality that the VOX AP2BS amPlug 2 produces. The three gain modes give you plenty of options to find the right tone for your playing style, while the speaker cabinet emulation adds an extra layer of authenticity to the sound.

The amPlug 2 is also incredibly portable and easy to use. You can plug it straight into your bass guitar and start playing, and the compact design means you can easily take it with you wherever you go.

However, the battery life could be better. You’ll need to keep a supply of AAA batteries on hand if you plan on using the amPlug 2 regularly. Additionally, the controls can be a bit fiddly, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to make quick adjustments to your sound.

Overall, we think the VOX AP2BS amPlug 2 is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly bass amp that they can use with their headphones. It’s not suitable for live performances, but for practicing at home or on the go, it’s definitely worth considering.

Valeton Rushead Max Bass USB Chargable Portable Pocket Bass Headphone Amp Carry-On Bedroom Plug-In Multi-Effects

Valeton Rushead Max Bass USB Chargable Portable Pocket Bass Headphone Amp Carry-On Bedroom Plug-In Multi-Effects

If you're looking for a portable bass amp that won't break the bank, the Valeton Rushead Max Bass USB Chargable Portable Pocket Bass Headphone Amp Carry-On Bedroom Plug-In Multi-Effects is definitely worth considering.

Pros:

• The clean, overdrive, and distortion amp models are based on world-class bass amplifiers, and the cab sim feature makes it sound like you're playing through a full range frequency response system.
• The switchable MOD module offers chorus, tremolo, and flanger effects, while the AMBIENT module adds reverb and echo effects, giving you plenty of tonal options.
• The onboard USB charger means you can play anytime, anywhere for up to 5 hours, and the aux input lets you jam along with any audio player.

Cons:

• The effects may not be as high-quality as those found on more expensive amps.
• The small size may make it difficult to adjust settings on the fly.
• The volume may not be sufficient for playing with a band or in a live performance setting.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

We’ve had the chance to try out the Valeton Rushead Max Bass USB Chargable Portable Pocket Bass Headphone Amp Carry-On Bedroom Plug-In Multi-Effects, and we were impressed with its versatility and portability. The amp models and effects are surprisingly good for the price, and the cab sim feature really makes it sound like you’re playing through a full range system. The USB charger is also a nice touch, as it allows you to play for hours without worrying about running out of battery.

That being said, the effects may not be as high-quality as those found on more expensive amps, and the small size may make it difficult to adjust settings on the fly. Additionally, the volume may not be sufficient for playing with a band or in a live performance setting. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly amp that you can take with you anywhere, the Valeton Rushead Max Bass USB Chargable Portable Pocket Bass Headphone Amp Carry-On Bedroom Plug-In Multi-Effects is definitely worth considering.

Monoprice 1×8 Bass Combo Amplifier

Monoprice 1x8 Bass Combo Amplifier, 20-Watt, 3-Band EQ, Headphone Output

If you're looking for an affordable bass amp with decent features, the Monoprice 1x8 Bass Combo Amplifier is worth considering.

Pros:

• The 8-inch, 4-ohm speaker produces deep low frequencies that are perfect for bass guitars.
• The 3-band EQ allows you to customize your tone to your liking, with separate controls for bass, mid-range, and treble.
• The built-in compressor adds punch and sustain to your sound, making it ideal for genres like funk and rock.

Cons:

• At 20 watts, this amp may not be loud enough for larger venues or gigs.
• The total harmonic distortion of 0.5% (typical) may be noticeable to some players with a keen ear.
• The 3.5mm line output may not be suitable for professional recording purposes.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

In our experience, the Monoprice 1×8 Bass Combo Amplifier is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate bass players who want an affordable amp with decent features. The 8-inch speaker produces deep low frequencies that are perfect for bass guitars, and the 3-band EQ allows for custom tailoring of your tone. The built-in compressor is a nice touch, adding punch and sustain to your sound. However, at 20 watts, this amp may not be loud enough for larger venues or gigs.

The total harmonic distortion of 0.5% (typical) may be noticeable to some players with a keen ear, but for most players, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. The 3.5mm line output is a useful feature for directing the output signal to a mixer, recorder, or another amp, but it may not be suitable for professional recording purposes.

Overall, we recommend the Monoprice 1×8 Bass Combo Amplifier for bass players who want an affordable amp with decent features. It’s not the most powerful or versatile amp on the market, but it gets the job done and is a great value for the price.

SUNYIN Bass AMP Combo

SUNYIN Bass AMP Combo Portable 10W Bass Amplifier with 10ft Guitar Cable MA-10B Dual Channel Mini Bass Amplifier Practice Bass Indoor Mini Bass AMP for Bass Guitar

We recommend the SUNYIN Bass AMP Combo for those looking for a budget-friendly, portable bass amplifier with good audio quality.

Pros:

• The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around and practice anywhere.
• The drive and gain effect control allows for easy adjustment of the bass guitar timbre output.
• The dual power supply modes (adapter or AA batteries) provide convenience and flexibility.

Cons:

• The 10W output may not be loud enough for larger venues or performances.
• The sound quality may not be as good as more expensive bass amplifiers.
• The absence of a shoulder strap may make it difficult to carry around for extended periods of time.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The SUNYIN Bass AMP Combo is a great option for those looking for a portable and budget-friendly bass amplifier. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around and practice anywhere, while the drive and gain effect control allows for easy adjustment of the bass guitar timbre output. Additionally, the dual power supply modes (adapter or AA batteries) provide convenience and flexibility.

However, the 10W output may not be loud enough for larger venues or performances, and the sound quality may not be as good as more expensive bass amplifiers. Additionally, the absence of a shoulder strap may make it difficult to carry around for extended periods of time.

Overall, the SUNYIN Bass AMP Combo is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly and portable bass amplifier for indoor practice or small gatherings.

FLAMMA Bass Headphone Amp

FLAMMA Bass Headphone Amp Portable Modeling Headphone Amplifier with 28 Drum Grooves 7 Amp Models Built-in Effects 5 Tone Color Support Bluetooth USB Audio Recording&Playback OTG Function Recharge...

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bass amp that doesn't compromise on sound quality, the FLAMMA Bass Headphone Amp is worth considering.

Pros:

• The seven different amp models and individual save function for each allow for a wide range of tonal options.
• The 28 different drum groove options make it easy to practice with a variety of rhythms.
• The built-in effects, including flanger, phaser, and echo, can be adjusted to your liking.

Cons:

• The battery life of up to four hours may not be enough for extended jam sessions or performances.
• The instruction manual can be a bit difficult to follow, especially when trying to save a preset.
• Some users have reported a buzzing or background noise in certain modes.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

We were impressed with the FLAMMA Bass Headphone Amp’s versatility and range of features. The different amp models and drum grooves make it easy to experiment with different sounds and styles, while the built-in effects add an extra layer of customization. However, the battery life may not be sufficient for longer playing sessions, and the instruction manual could be more user-friendly. Overall, we recommend this amp for bass players looking for an affordable and portable option.

Caline 20W Bass Amp

Caline 20W Bass Amp Rechargeable Mini Bass Amplifer Combo for Desktop Practice with Compressor, Boost, Aux in and Headphone Jack

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bass amp that's portable and has a long battery life, the Caline 20W Bass Amp might be a good option for you.

Pros:

• The 2x10W speakers provide loud and immersive stereo sound experience.
• The amp has 2 functional knobs for compressor and boost, allowing for customized sound.
• The 1/8" auxiliary input jack and headphone output jack make it easy to jam along with media players or practice silently.

Cons:

• The plastic material of the amp may not be as durable as other materials.
• The retro design may not be to everyone's taste.
• The sound quality may not be as good as higher-end amps.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

We recently had the chance to try out the Caline 20W Bass Amp, and we were impressed with its portability and battery life. The size of the amp is only 8.7×7.5×3.1in, making it easy to carry around. The built-in rechargeable battery can provide up to 3 hours of play time on a single charge.

The 2x10W speakers on the Caline 20W Bass Amp provide loud and immersive stereo sound experience. We found that the sound quality was good for its size, but it may not be as good as higher-end amps. The amp also has 2 functional knobs for compressor and boost, allowing for customized sound. The compressor knobs include level, EQ, and compressor, while the boost knobs include volume level, tone, and harmonics.

The Caline 20W Bass Amp also has 1/8″ auxiliary input jack and headphone output jack, making it easy to jam along with media players or practice silently. We appreciated the rich interfaces of the amp, which made it easy to customize our sound and play along with our favorite songs.

Overall, we would recommend the Caline 20W Bass Amp for those looking for a budget-friendly, portable, and versatile bass amp. While it may not have the sound quality of higher-end amps, it provides a good option for those on a budget or looking for a practice amp.

Davison Guitars 15-Watt Electric Bass Guitar Amplifier

Davison Guitars 15-Watt Electric Bass Guitar Amplifier

If you're a beginner or someone who needs a compact and portable bass amplifier for practice sessions, the Davison Guitars 15-Watt Electric Bass Guitar Amplifier is a solid choice.

Pros:

• The 15-Watt bass amp offers a phenomenal amount of power to fire up those practice sessions or when bringing the show on the road.
• The built-in 6.5" speaker provides clean, powerful sound amplification. This bass amp produces pure sound with plenty of control with its top-mounted amplifier 2 band EQ (bass and treble).
• The master volume control allows complete control of the sounds to carry from your bass guitar with power and precision.

Cons:

• The amp may not be suitable for larger venues or performances as it is designed for practice and warm-up sessions.
• Some users reported issues with speaker crackle when trying to make the bass sound loud enough without using a Compression Limiter.
• The amp may not be ideal for experienced musicians who need a more complex sound.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Davison Guitars 15-Watt Electric Bass Guitar Amplifier is a versatile practice amp that includes a 1/4″ input for bass guitars and is designed with a 1/4″ output for use with headphones. The headphone option is perfect for private practicing or not disturbing others during your jam session.

The durable construction of this 15W amp offers a high-quality, durable cabinet with protective corners, rubber feet to keep the amp stable in place, and a convenient carry strap. The compact size of 12″ side to side by 4.75″ front to back by 9.25″ high and a weight of 7.5 pounds makes this a great practice amp for beginners.

Overall, the Davison Guitars 15-Watt Electric Bass Guitar Amplifier is a great budget option for those looking for a compact and portable amp for practicing at home or on the go.

Donner Bass Guitar Headphone Amp

Donner Bass Guitar Headphone Amp Basement USB Rechargeable Mini Portable Bass Headphone Amplifier for Bass Guitar

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bass amp that you can use to practice without disturbing others, then the Donner Bass Guitar Headphone Amp is an excellent option.

Pros:

• The sound quality is impressive for such an affordable amp.
• The rechargeable battery lasts for up to five hours, making it perfect for long practice sessions.
• The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Cons:

• The build quality is not the best and could be sturdier.
• The volume could be louder, especially if you're playing in a noisy environment.
• The Drive function may be too fuzzy for some players.

Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

We were pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of this little amp. The Ampeg SVT-based sound, FX Function keys, and three controls (Volume, Tone, and Drive) allow you to get the sound you want for different music styles. We found it suitable for diverse music genres, from rock to funk.

The rechargeable lithium battery has a large capacity and lasts for up to five hours when fully charged. We appreciate the power indicator that clearly shows the remaining battery power. It’s also convenient that it comes with a USB charge cable.

The portability and convenience of this amp are unbeatable. It’s so mini and lightweight that you can carry it with you and use it in various environments, such as your home, apartment, or on the journey. The 1/4″ (3.5mm) headphones splitter allows you to connect headphones, speakers, media players, and smartphones, making it versatile for multiple usage scenarios.

The Donner Bass Guitar Headphone Amp is an excellent practice partner for bass players on a budget. The 30-day unconditional refund provided by their awesome customer support makes the purchase worry-free. We highly recommend it for anyone looking for a compact, convenient, and affordable bass amp.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a budget bass amp, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

Power and Wattage

The power and wattage of a bass amp will determine how loud it can get and how well it can handle different frequencies. It’s important to choose an amp that has enough power and wattage to suit your needs, whether you’re playing at home or on stage.

Size and Portability

If you plan on taking your bass amp on the go, it’s important to choose a model that is compact and easy to transport. Look for amps that are lightweight and have handles or straps for easy carrying.

Tone and EQ Controls

The tone and EQ controls on a bass amp allow you to adjust the sound to your liking. Look for an amp that has a range of tone controls, including bass, mid, and treble, as well as any additional features like distortion or compression.

Inputs and Outputs

Make sure to choose a bass amp that has the right inputs and outputs for your needs. If you plan on using pedals or other effects, look for an amp that has an effects loop. If you plan on playing with other musicians, choose an amp that has a headphone jack or line out.

By considering these key features, you can find the best budget bass amp for your needs. Remember to do your research and read reviews from other musicians to ensure that you’re getting a quality product.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See author's posts