Like most musicians, I’ve got a few amps that I use depending on the gig, the venue and what kind of sound I want to achieve.
But I think most of us have a small “practice” amp like the Roland Cube or a Fender Micro, that we use most of the time and always take with us when we practice or play shows.
Whether it’s for practicing, jamming with your band, playing in your apartments, or you just want to create the tone of your favorite guitar heroes this one has always been the question:
What are the best small tube amps in 2022?
Below find reviews of some of the best small tube amps available in best price to high-end price ranges and what to look out for.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Amps Amplifier Part | Best Overall |  |
| Monoprice 611705 5-Watt 1×8 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier | Budget Pick |  |
1. Orange Amps Amplifier Part
Pros:
- Nicely priced
- Fifteen watts offers a wide range of flexibility
- Handles both extension cab and passive use
- Acceptable sound quality
Cons:
- Lacks a bit of bass response
- Low noise levels do not translate to good tone
If you’re just getting into amps and want to get a feel for everything, Orange makes a great small tube amplifier that you can experiment with. The Orange Rocker 15 was designed to be a classic tube amp modeler, and it does a great job of offering some really nice tones with the Orange sound.
The cool thing about this amp is the versatility it offers. You can plug directly into the amp using a quarter-inch input. You also can plug into an 8-ohm cabinet or extension cab using the 1/4-inch output. However, if you’re feeling old school, you can plug into a guitar passive speaker.
2. Monoprice 611705 5-Watt 1×8 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Hand-wired circuits
- Solid construction
- Easy 1-knob control and volume for output
- Versatile and durable for all electric guitars
Review.
A lot of guitarists worry about choosing the best small high gain tube amps for metal. With the Monoprice portable tube amp, you should have no concerns about its performance. If you are planning to get a tube amp to play in a small space, we think you should go hard at it and choose one with some power. This small tube amp is designed to meet the demands of today’s musician.
It produces 5-watts of power; it is enough to cover for a good number of Boss fans. It can handle virtually all kinds of guitars you might appreciate, which makes it ideal for guitars that are not too sensitive. As small tube amps are affordable in general, the Monoprice is the best in this category. Let’s take a look at the details.
3. Bugera BC15 15-Watt Vintage Guitar Amp
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Good sound quality
- Reasonably priced
- Good for rehearsing and practicing
- Passive volume control
- Comes with a 12-inch speaker
- Includes reverb and a 3-band EQ
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable construction
- Comes with a soft padded carrying case
The BC15 is a good entry-level model that comes with the standard issue volume, treble, and bass knobs as part of the Bugera Vintage Re-valved series. The amp can also be connected to other amplification systems or audio sources through its line, aux, and headphone outputs. It also comes with a footswitch for on/off and channel switching features.
The Bugera BC15 weighs in at 26 pounds, which means it’s ideal for portable use without being too heavy. The amp comes with a soft padded case to protect it when it’s being transported.
The Bugera BC15 will work best in a studio or home environment for rehearsing, recording, or practicing. It’s better for smaller, more intimate venues rather than large stage performances where you’ll be competing with other sound systems.
4. CALIFORNIA TONE RESEARCH SET5 Single End Tube Guitar Amplifier
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best small tube amp?
Depending on the size of your space, you'll be interested in finding an amplifier that is small, lightweight, and sounds great.
The best small tube amp is easy to find if you know what your listening habits are.
If you like to play hard rock, then a small tube amp will produce the kinds of rich sounds you are looking for.
If you listen to mellow music, then you can opt for a different amplifier.
What is the best tube amp for the money?
Is a 5 watt tube amp loud?
Tube amps are a different story and can actually be quite loud for their size. Many of the models on our list have an output in the 2-5 watt range. For example, the Peavey Vypyr 15 and the Vox VXI are both 5 watt amps and can be incredibly loud when cranked up. While the tube amplifiers on our list may not be suitable for outdoor gigs….
They are perfect for home practice and recording because they won’t disturb your neighbors and loved ones.
What is the best 15 watt tube amp?
The reason behind the grille cloth is to hide the tubes. Most people want to see the tubes at work so it's usually something you would want to have in your design.
That being said, there is something to say about whether or not it should be the same design that you use on your cabinet. Some people will want some of their internal components on their speaker cabinets to match, and same thing with the grille cloth.
Conclusion
The market now offers many options for guitarists that are looking to pick up a small tube amplifier, so you are in the right place to find the best small tube amplifier for you. We have gone through a lot of research and have come up with the five best models in the market so check it out.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Amps Amplifier Part | Best Overall | |
| Monoprice 611705 5-Watt 1×8 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier | Budget Pick | |