Below is a round up of the best free and paid amp sims for playing guitar using a computer instead of the old school method of playing through a “real” amp.
Amp sims have come a long way in recent years. Their realism and sound quality has improved immensely to the point where it can be impossible to distinguish them from the real thing.
The Best Chord Dictionary And All-Round Guitar App: Guitar Toolkit (App Store only, see Android alternative below) Guitar Toolkit has a smooth and intuitive interface that'll show you literally any chord that there is on this planet – in any position along the fretboard. Just name the chord and it'll do the rest and show you some cool new ideas. You can press and strum strings, just like a real guitar. Helps you learn what notes lie on the frets of the guitar. It is a very useful tool for every aspiring guitarist. Now, there are available an advanced chord editor and the possibility to use guitar capo (only for PRO users, In-app purchase) The app is easy to use and light.
Not all amp sims are on the same level, and none can achieve every possible guitar tone or specific kind of sound.
Some sims are better than others for certain types of music, and some end up sounding great for things you wouldn’t expect.
Basically it all just comes down to a ton to testing to see which amp sims are the best for the particular sound that you are going for; there’s not one “best” amp sim for everything.
There are way more amp sims on the market for guitar (not so much for bass amp sims) than you’d think, so let’s get this list started.
Additionally, depending on the amp sim you are using, you may also need to use a separate cabinet loader and some impulse responses (cabinet simulations).
If you’re new to all this, here are some tips for making guitars sound better with amp sims. You’ll need a good equalizer (like the free DDMF IIEQ Pro EQ) and it helps to have a tubescreamer pedal in front with high gain amps (like the free TSE 808 pedal). And of course you’ll need a digital audio workstation to work in; here’s a list of free DAWs that can get you started making music in no time.
Free Amp Sims
LePou Amp Sims – There are five amp sims included in the LePou plugins package, including simulations of a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, an ENGL Powerball amp, and a Marshal amp. There’s also a free IR loader for cabinet simulations but it’s only available in 32-bit. A good alternative is NadIR from Ignite Amps.
Brainworx bx_rockrack V3 Player – The Brainworx V3 Player is the free version of their bx_rockrack V3 amp sim collection. It includes a bunch of presets for several amp sim models. The limitation with the free version is you can’t adjust any of the parameters other than the volume. But the presets cover a number of tones and sound really good, and you can always use other plugins and EQs to shape the tone outside of the plugin.
Amplitube 4 Free – You can get access to some free gear from IK by installing their AmpliTube Custom Shop, with the free version of AmpliTube 4 that includes 4 amps, 5 cabinets, 9 stomp boxes, 3 mics and 2 rack effects. But beware, it’s like a gateway drug that induces buying more gear from IK.
Voxengo Boogex – The Voxengo Boogex amp sim is one of the better options for a free amp sim plugin. It includes a built-in reverb module, a noise gate, a cabinet IR loader that supports 3rd party IRs, and a spectrum analyzer. It’s available in VST, AU, and AAX formats for PC and Mac.
Mercuriall Tube Amp Ultra 530 Free – Mercuriall Audio offers a free version of their U530 amp that simulates the ENGL E530 preamp. The free version has a number of limitations but it still works and sounds quite good with a very minimal amount of tweaking. Mercuriall also offers some other free amp sims, including ones for the Marshall JCM800.
Ignite Amps – There a number of really good free plugins available from Ignite Amps. They have everything from an IR loader, a bass amp, tube amps, pedals, and even a vintage tube equalizer.
AmpLion Free – Audiffex offers a free version of their AmpLion amp modeling software. One advantage with it over most other free amps is that it can be used as a standalone application without having to use a DAW. They also offer some other free gear, including a bass amp, and a bunch of simulated pedals, cabinets and microphones.
Vadim Taranov Amp Simulation – Vadim Taranov offers several free VST plugins in 32-bit that simulate amps such as the ENGL Invader, Marshall JCM800, ENGL E530, Peavey 5150, and more.
Paid Amp Sims
Amplitube 4 – Price: $149-$299, with frequent sales
Amplitube has been among the top brands for guitar amp sims for some time, with over two dozen available amps and a crapload of cabinets, speakers, mics, and effects. Amplitube 4 is a very comprehensive set of software with over a hundred paid add-ons and packages. The sheer number of choices and tweaking options with Amplitube can be overwhelming. See my AmpliTube 4 Review for more information and a video demo.
Scuffham S-Gear – Price: $129
A lot of people that use amps sims often and are familiar with the different brands consider S-Gear to be one of the best options around. S-Gear includes 5 amps, an IR loader with cabinet sims and a few effects. They offer a 15-day fully functional trial.
Thermionik – Price: $35 per 5-amp bundle, or $9 per amp
Thermionik includes 30 total amps to choose from. They come in sets of 5 amps for $35 with the option to make your own bundle or buy each individually for $8.99. There’s also a complete bundle package with everything for $149, which also includes an IR loader, cabinet sims, a clipper, and EQ as well. Kazrog’s plugins don’t have sexy graphics like the other brands but their sound quality is top notch. Amp models include Fender, Marshall, Peavey, Mesa Boogie, ENGL, Vox, and more.
BIAS – Price: $69-$169
BIAS is a bit different in that it also offers an amp matching feature to capture any miked amp or recorded track. 36 HD amp models are included in the amp package, plus effects cabinets, mics and tons of customization options.
Guitar Rig 5 Pro – Price: $199
Guitar Rig 5 from Native Instruments is a complete guitar amp modelling package that features 17 amp models, 27 cabinets, 8 microphones and 54 stompboxes and rack effects.
Brainworx Amps and Pedals – Price: $49-$249
There are several different guitar amp and pedal simulations available from Brainworx over at Plugin Alliance, but they are some of the more expensive options on this list.
Line 6 Helix Native – Price: $399
Helix Native has a ton of amps and effects that can be used in a DAW independently from Line 6 hardware. It includes over 60 guitar amps, 30 cabinets, and 100 effects. There is no standalone version so a DAW is required, but it can load 3rd party IRs. There is no free version to try but there is a 15-day fully-functional demo.
Waves GTR3 – Price: $129
The Guitar Tool Rack from Waves includes over 30 amps, 30 Cabs, and 25 stompboxes. The have models for Fender, Vox, Mesa/Boogie, Marshall, and others.
Avid Eleven MK II – Price: $499
If money is no object and you are a Pro Tools users, than Avid’s Eleven MK II amp modelling software may be just what you’re looking for. It includes over 30 amps, 18 cabinets and 10 microphones. Works with Pro Tools only.
Peavey Revalver – Price: $99
Revalver 4 is the latest version of Peavey’s own amp modeling software. You can buy amps separately or with a bundle package. As you’d expect, there are a bunch of Peavey amps available, along with a bunch of cabinets and some effects. You can get started with a couple of amp modules and some gear for free.
TSE X50 – Price: $69
TSE X50 includes two amp sims, the Peavey 5150 and ENGL E530. There’re also 3 pedals, an EQ, delay, and tuner. The built-in IR loader comes with some really nice cabinet simulations and you can load your own. See my TSE X50 Review for more information and a video demo.
Mercuriall Tube Amp Ultra 530 – Price: $59
The Mercuriall Tube Amp Ultra 530 is based on the ENGL E530 preamp. The plugin also includes 8 cabinet models and three tube choices.
AmpLion Pro – Price: $99
The paid version of AmpLion’s amp software features simulations of 9 guitar preamps, 7 power amps, 12 speakers, 8 microphones and 30 effects.
TH3 – Price: $249
Overloud’s epic TH3 amp software includes an epic 203 models, with 69 guitar amplifiers and 3 bass amplifiers, 35 guitar cabinets and 2 bass cabinets, 75 pedal and rack effects, and 18 microphone models, with up to four mics on each cabinet.
This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.
Description
AmpKit transforms your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch into a powerful guitar amp & effects studio!
Includes 30 guitar amps, 30 pedals, 25 cabinets and 8 mics, based on real-world products. SAVE UP TO 60% with new Unlock all bundles!
'I found AmpKit+, the full version of the app, the easiest, most versatile and the best value, especially on an iPad.'
- New York Times
'AmpKit is the star of the show... extremely intuitive user interface, plenty of amps and pedals, great sound.'
- WIRED
FEATURES:
• Sophisticated recording capabilities with mixing and non-destructive re-amping
• Upload sessions to Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and others
• Records sharing via SoundCloud, AirDrop, Copy-Paste, iMessage and email
• Ultra-low latency, virtually undetectable
• FREE Tuner and Metronome featuring technology used in GuitarToolkit
• Works with virtually all headset and dock guitar interfaces
COMPATIBLE DEVICE:
• Ampkit, Ampkit HD (available on Amazon.com)
• Apogee JAM, Line 6 Mobile In, Line 6 SonicPort, iRiffPort, Alesis IO Dock
• iRig, iRig HD
What’s New
Ratings and Reviews
DON'T BUY ANYTHING!!!
Not worth it to buy any gear. The preloaded stuff is good for basics and if you're a beginner. I used this for years, and when I got a new phone and tried to restore my previous purchases (mostly pedals and one amp) it didn't work. Tried to load the app on my iPad and that didn't work either. I was finally able to get everything back on my phone but the headache wasn't really worth it.
Bottom line, purchases are hard to restore. If you're in the market for an average amp with easy features and relatively simple interface this is your go to. Another important note, feedback and noise filters on this aren't very good. Sometimes they just stop working if I'm playing for too long. At first I thought maybe my guitar wasn't grounded but no it was the app.
The update fixed it late 2017 !!!
I've had this app for a while. I paid for the whole package, all was well for a year, then they had a problem, and then they fixed it.
I use this on a regular basis. I would say for home use this is PERFECT !
I use it all the time with an iPad or iPhone. I love the variety and the sounds are really good. A lot of warmth , good echo, delay etc. I love the app but the quality of your interface (the thing between your phone and your guitar ) help make it sound even better. Buy the whole kit for about 40 bucks and you get everything. And there’s a ton of stuff. Used peavey interfaces are about 20 bucks and about 60 for an HD model. Great app. Glad they fixed it
Class Action Lawsuit Time
Agile Partners recently released an update to this app but they are impossible to contact. Three times I was charged for the complete unlock and just now for the Summer ’11 pack. Year ago when I first purchased this app IAPs were always restored. Since then the app will TAKE YOUR MONEY and give you NOTHING. I tried to restore and it didn’t work so I thought if I went through the purchase process it would tell me I already bought it. (Apple needs to fix this as well. You should be notified BEFORE money is taken!) It went through the purchase and then gave me an error message”PURCHASE FAILED THIS OPERATION COULDN’T BE COMPLETED. (SKERRORDOMAIN ERROR-2005)”
YES, THE PURCHASE FAILED BUT AGILE GOT MY MONEY!
This renders Apple’s quality control USELESS! This is theft. Others stolen from in this manner should consider a class action law suit against Agile Partners. If I see more reports I will create a FaceBook page for those being ripped off.
Information
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish
- Peavey 6534+ Amp$3.99
- Peavey 6505+ Amp$3.99
- Peavey 3120 Amp$3.99
Supports
Guitar Amp For Windows
Family Sharing
With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.