[Night Practice Companion] 9 Recommended Guitar Headphone Amplifiers! How to Choose the Best One? [Plug-in/Small Amplifier/Pedal Type]

"I want it to be quiet at home, but I don't want to compromise on the sound."

Practicing electric guitar with headphones can be transformed from "simple noise reduction" to "a pleasant playing experience" depending on the equipment you choose.

In this articleHeadphone amplifierBased on

• Plug-in type
• A small amplifier that can utilize a headphone jack
• Pedal-type amp simulator

It covers all the "realistic solutions" that will make quiet practice comfortable.

We'll explain the different types of headphone amplifiers and how to choose one, and introduce recommended models for different uses. From beginners to advanced players, you can get quiet, uncompromising guitar tone.

Types of headphone amplifiers and how to choose one

Headphone amplifiers come in a variety of shapes and features. When choosing one, be sure to check the "unit type" and "input/output method."

For example, if you're a beginner who wants to practice easily, a direct plug-in type or a mini amplifier that supports headphones is recommended.

On the other hand, if you're concerned about sound quality and want to record and stream, you might want to consider a pedal-type model. Bluetooth compatibility is also important. For those who want to practice while listening to music on their smartphone, a model with audio playback and rhythm functions is convenient.

Furthermore, if it supports wireless transmission and reception (transmitter), you will be able to enjoy cable-free listening, but the price will increase. Be sure to consider your budget and the features you need before choosing the headphone amplifier that is best for you.

Recommended headphone amplifier models

BOSS / KATANA:GO

The BOSS KATANA:GO is a guitar/bass headphone amplifier that packs the legendary KATANA sound into a pocket-sized package. Simply plug the amp into your guitar and connect headphones to play. Despite its palm-sized size, it boasts 10 built-in guitar amps, including high-gain models like "BROWN," over 60 BOSS effects, and 30 ready-to-use presets. Plus, the "STAGE FEEL" surround sound feature creates a spacious sound field, making you feel as if you're surrounded by the amp, even with headphones.

Its greatest appeal is its simplicity: it's all-in-one. With a built-in amp, effects, and even a tuner, all you need is a guitar and headphones. Another groundbreaking feature is the ability to connect it to your smartphone via USB and directly record your guitar sound when filming yourself playing. Another plus point is that it's reasonably priced at just under ¥1, making it a great value considering its high performance. However, some say the sound "is, for better or worse, very BOSS-like," meaning people may have mixed feelings about the modeling characteristics. Overall, though, it's an innovative piece of gear that functions as an "amp + effects + audio interface," dramatically enhancing your home practice.

Fender / Mustang Micro Plus

The Fender Mustang Micro series is a leading name in compact, plug-in guitar headphone amplifiers. The latest version, the Mustang Micro Plus, is a remarkable model that offers significant improvements over previous models. While retaining the ease of direct-plug-in guitar operation, the Mustang Micro Plus offers an expanded range of tones with 25 amp models and 25 effects, and offers improved usability with features like dedicated app compatibility and a built-in display.

Despite its compact size, it offers both professional sound and functionality, and has been praised as the "final form of headphone amplifier." In fact, those upgrading from the previous Mustang Micro have commented that it is a "dramatic evolution." In addition to doubling the number of amp models and effects, the ability to edit and share via the app also makes it a great choice for intermediate and advanced users who want to create elaborate sounds.

Positive Grid / Spark NEO

The Positive Grid Spark NEO is a headphone amplifier with a unique approach. It's a cutting-edge model that offers high-quality wireless guitar headphones, incorporating an amplifier and multi-effects unit in its own right. It's a competitor to the BOSS Waza-Air, and works by inserting a transmitter into your guitar and receiving the signal through your headphones.

Users have praised the headphones, calling them "the most immersive of the previous Spark series" and, while not as impressive as the sensation of moving the air with an amplifier, calling them "the pinnacle of headphone practice experiences." Others have said, "The sound quality is fantastic, far superior to any wired headphone + amplifier I've tried," and the wireless delay is "not noticeable at all." However, keep in mind that they are expensive, costing around ¥3 to ¥4, and the headphones themselves are somewhat heavy and require battery management (approximately 6 hours for headphones and 13 hours for transmitter). Still, the comfort and sound quality are so outstanding that some say, "I'll never go back to my small handheld amplifier (Spark GO)."

BOSS / Waza-Air

The BOSS Waza-Air is a wireless headphone amplifier system from BOSS that's often referred to as the "ultimate home guitar setup." Packed with features that guitarists covet, it's a set of headphones and a wireless transmitter, just like the Spark NEO. This pioneering model lets you experience studio-quality amp sound with headphones.

Since its release, it has been praised for revolutionizing home practice, with some users saying, "The sense of realism is so great you wouldn't believe it's headphones, so be careful not to play too long." Others say, "The sound is so realistic it's incomparable to the sound coming from the earphone jack on an amp, so you'll find yourself playing for hours on end." It's truly a quiet product that lets you get absorbed in the music.

The downside is that it's expensive, at around 5 yen. Some people also say things like, "The gyro effect is interesting, but only at the beginning," and "The distortion sound is typical of BOSS, so tastes vary." However, overall, it's highly regarded as "the only choice for practicing at home," and it's definitely worth investing in for home use.

Use a small amplifier for headphone practice

Positive Grid / Spark GO

The Positive Grid Spark GO is an ultra-compact, palm-sized smart guitar amp. Weighing just 346g, it features the same high-quality digital amp technology as the Spark series. True to its slogan, "Anywhere Amp," the Spark GO is incredibly portable and can be used at home or outdoors.

Despite its small size, it has been praised for delivering "the Spark sound as it is," making it a hot topic in 2023 as a home practice amp. Many users have cited "low noise and clarity" in particular, and some have been surprised by the near complete absence of the typical buzzing sound of amps, likely due to the built-in noise gate. While there are physical limitations to the bass due to its size, some have reported that "there's only a slight amount of noise when the TV is on, and otherwise it's silent," and the beauty of its clean tone is undeniable.

The design is also excellent, with some users saying, "Just having it in your room gives you a sense of satisfaction," stimulating the desire to own it. On the other hand, tone control is primarily dependent on a smartphone app, and there are some minor complaints about the UI, such as "it's a little difficult to select the amp on an iPad." Overall, however, many users feel that "this is exactly what I've been wanting!" It's also an excellent product for practicing with headphones, as you can enjoy high-quality sound by connecting your favorite headphones to the line-out.

Positive Grid / Spark Mini

The Positive Grid Spark Mini is a 10W stereo mini amplifier that is the big brother of the Spark GO. Although it is a little larger, it weighs just 1.5kg and is portable, yet packs all the features of the Spark series into a compact design.

Many people say the Spark Mini is "small but serious." In fact, it produces more than enough volume for a room of about 15 tatami mats, and its high-quality speakers provide a stable sound with no buzzing even at high volumes. The stereo playback is also highly praised, with many saying, "You can enjoy full-spec stereo sound even in a small room." The headphone output has also been improved, and the latest firmware now ensures a solid volume.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this product as an excellent small amplifier that can be used all-in-one for everything from practicing at home to recording.

YAMAHA / THR5 V2

The YAMAHA THR5 V.2 is the entry-level model in the THR series, which sparked the boom in compact amplifiers. It has enjoyed enduring popularity since the original model was released in 2011, and even now, with its second version, it remains a beloved classic mini amp.

The THR series is also attractive for its "design that blends into the living room," and its retro-style housing makes it an excellent interior décor item. It has been popular since its release as "it blends into the room like a decorative ornament, but produces authentic sound." User reviews have been full of praise, with many saying, "It sounds great even at low volumes," and "It's the most enjoyable amp to play at home," and there are few amplifiers that can match it, especially when it comes to the pleasant clean to crunch sound.

Even when practicing with headphones, some say, "You can feel the same realism as with speakers even with headphones," and many guitarists have been using it for many years. Compared to the latest multi-function digital models, the number of effects and functions are simple, but on the other hand, the fact that "you can intuitively create sounds just by turning the knobs" makes it a beginner-friendly unit. It is also reasonably priced and durable, making it a recommended unit for use as a headphone amplifier.

Using the headphone output of a pedal-type amp simulator

Strymon / Iridium

Strymon Iridium is an amp and IR cabinet simulator developed by Strymon, a premium effects brand trusted by professionals worldwide. It packs the tones of three legendary tube amps and nine classic speaker cabinets into a pedal-sized, studio-grade tool that even includes a headphone jack.

Iridium's greatest strengths are its sound quality and performance responsiveness. True to its concept of recreating a world-class tube amp, the best cabinets, and a great room, it has been praised for "feeling like you're playing a real amp." Even when played through headphones, some have commented that "listening with good headphones even gives the illusion of playing an amp in a room."

The subtle built-in room effect is also exquisite, with some users saying, "Even people who don't normally use reverb often will want to keep it on all the time because it's so natural." If there are any drawbacks, they're that it's expensive, costing around ¥4, and that it only comes with three amps and no other amp types. However, since these three models cover the most common, there are few complaints, and the operation is simple and easy to understand, which is also an advantage. There is also the possibility of some noise being introduced at high gain levels, and some users have commented that "it's a shame that there's no noise gate." Overall, however, this is an exceptional product that has received overwhelming support as "the ultimate pedal for everything from headphone practice to professional recording."

IK Multimedia / TONEX ONE

The IK Multimedia TONEX ONE is a cutting-edge pedal released in 2024. It is a mini pedal that packs the much-talked-about AI function "TONEX" into a palm-sized device. Its unique design packs a huge number of AI modeling sounds into a compact body measuring just 60 x 90 mm, providing a high-end amp modeling experience.

The arrival of the TONEX ONE attracted attention with its claim to "have the same sound as a large TONEX pedal in a mini size!" In fact, users have generally praised it, saying that "its sound performance exceeds its size and price," and that it has no weaknesses. It is revolutionary to be able to "play the sound created with the PC version of TONEX right at your fingertips," and the fact that you can get high-quality sound from a pedal even on a low-powered PC is also convenient for recording purposes.

On the other hand, due to its compact size, there are some quirks in operation, with some users saying things like, "Preset selection requires turning a small knob, which requires fine adjustments," and "Automatically saving all parameters is confusing." Some also point out that the 20 presets "can sometimes feel insufficient." However, the majority of users still feel that "this size is enough," and many praise the balance between compactness and functionality. One user even said, "When I added the Tonex One to my band's distortion pedal roster, it changed my world," and has incorporated it into a pedalboard and is actively used in live performances. Overall, it has been highly praised as an ambitious product that embodies the pinnacle of AI modeling in an easy-to-use way.