7 Best 30 Watt Amps 2024

While amplifiers come in all sorts of different sizes and power ratings, the 30-watt variety is special. These amplifiers provide ample power for nearly any room you might be playing in.

There are quite a few 30-watt amplifiers available on today’s market, making the market a landscape that’s difficult to traverse. The following is a list of some of the best you can plug your guitar into.

Orange DT30H – Best Overall

Amplifiers can certainly cost a fair amount of money that can make anyone think twice about their purchase. However, a versatile amp can certainly be had without having to take out a second mortgage.

If you’re looking for versatility, look no further than the Orange DT30H (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon). This can provide those classic Orange tones without breaking the bank.

The DT30H is an amplifier head, so you will need to supply a speaker cabinet in addition to this. However, this head is well worth this fact, and you’ll love the way this amp operates.

On the whole, the DT30H is a 30-watt amplifier with a 3-way attenuator. This allows you to switch to 7 watts, 15 watts, or 30.

Switching to a lower wattage allows you to retain your tone while also playing more appropriately to the room. Plus, you might even find you like the tone a bit more at the lower levels.

The DT30H is a fairly compact head with a very simplistic setup. Switches are provided for standard power as well as a 3-way switch for different standby modes.

This amp is also equipped with 2 different channels, which include the Fat channel and the Tiny Terror. Each channel has adjustable knobs for:

• Volume
• Tone
• Gain

As the DT30H is a tube amplifier, it is equipped with: 

• 4 x ECC83 tubes in the preamp section
• 4 x EL84 tubes in the power section

The DT30H is incredibly portable, largely in part due to its small size. Orange has even included a padded gig bag for safe transport.

Item Weight: 24.2 pounds

Package Dimensions: 14.96 x 7.87 x 7.87 inches

Vox AC30C2 – Best Premium

Looking for a truly iconic amp for your rig? Look no further than the Vox AC30C2 (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon).

For decades, the AC30 has been widely renowned as one of the holy grails of guitar amplifiers. The AC30C2 is a modern take on the old classic, which retains its original circuitry with updates for today’s guitarists.

This is a combo tube amplifier, so you won’t need to worry about having a speaker cabinet. Of course, you can connect speakers if you wish, which can either mute the combo speakers or run in tandem.

However, you’ll find that the AC30C2 is more than capable with the speakers in the amplifier. This model features a pair of iconic 12” Celestial G12M Greenbacks, noted for their creamy, vintage tones.

For tubes, the AC30C2 is stocked with:

• 3 x 12AX7 tubes in the preamp section
• 4 x EL84 tubes in the power section

The AC302 features 2 different channels, one of which is a standard channel, and the other featuring a treble boost. Each channel has its own adjustable parameters, including:

• Volume
• EQ

A master volume control is also provided to control the volume independent of the signal volume coming from the channel.

In addition to the 2 channels, each channel has a high and low input for extra versatility.

This amplifier is also stocked with onboard effects, which can be controlled by a footswitch if desired. These iconic effects include:

• Tremolo
• Reverb

You’ll be able to dial in each effect just the way you like. Each effect has its own adjustable parameters, so you’re not stuck with one basic sound.

It may be pricey, but this is a dream amplifier for many guitarists.

Item Weight: 70.8 pounds

Package Dimensions: 32.5 x 26.4 x 15.7 inches

Bogner Ecstasy Mini Head – Best Budget

Not looking to spend too much money on an amplifier? The Bogner Ecstasy Mini Head (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon) is the perfect solution.

This is an amplifier head, so you will need to have a speaker cabinet to use the amp. However, this is a solution that almost any guitarist of any genre can find a use for.

Don’t let the amp’s name fool you. Yes, this amplifier head is seriously very small.

However, the tones that are packed in this little box can make you astonished with its capabilities. It truly is a small Pandora’s box in and of itself.

The Ecstasy Mini is a solid-state amplifier, but that doesn't mean it pales in comparison to its tube brethren. 

This is a fairly simple setup, with 1 channel to plug your guitar’s signal into. Bogner gives you quite a bit of control over this one channel, with adjustable parameters including:

• Volume
• Presence
• 3-band EQ
• Gain

Need more gain than the basic setting? This is no problem, as there is a 2-way switch to dial in a heavy crunch.

There are also toggle switches provided for:

• Pre EQ
• Mid Freq

Each of these toggle switches will give you expanded options for fine-tuning and crafting your ideal sound. When coupled with the adjustable knobs, you’ll realize just how many possibilities exist in this head.

Sweetening the deal is a Variac toggle switch, which affects how the amp responds to your playing.

The Ecstasy Mini also includes an effects loop so you can have pedals within a dedicated loop if you wish.

This head also has 2 speaker outputs for increased speaker amplification.

The classic aesthetic completes the look of this very capable amp.

Item Weight: 5 pounds

Package Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 8 inches

Orange TremLord 30

Looking for a versatile amplifier with built-in effects that can also handle pedals? The Orange TremLord 30 (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon) is your ticket to glory.

This tube combo amplifier might be a bit pricey for some. However, any regular performer will find it to be worth its price.

Let’s be clear here, this amp is more than capable of performing quite well on the stage. In fact, you can comfortably use this in a bedroom, which is not something Orange amps are known for.

Traditionally, Orange amps are noted for their extremely loud volume levels. The TremLord 30 has a 4-way attenuator, allowing you to operate the amp at:

• 30 watts
• 15 watts
• 2 watts
• 1 watt

Having this attenuator ensures that you’ll always be able to use the amp, no matter the situation.

For tubes, the Tremlord 30 is stocked with:

• 3 x 12AX7 in the preamp section
• 2 x 12AT7 in the preamp section
• 4 x EL84 in the power section

While the TremLord30 is a single-channel amp, you’ll love the effects you can add to your signal. This amp has tube tremolo as well as a spring reverb tank for supreme vintage tones.

Onboard adjustable parameters are included for:

• Volume
• 2-band EQ
• Effects levels
• Effects rates

Connect a footswitch, and you’ll be able to control these effects without having to manually adjust the amp during play.

As this is a combo amp, it comes equipped with a single 12” Lavoce speaker. This is noted for its pristine clarity in handling heavy signal loads.

You can even choose to get this beast of an amplifier in the classic colors of orange or black.

Item Weight: 25 pounds

Package Dimensions: 22.44 x 18.11 x 11.22 inches

Peavey Classic 30 112

In search of a workhorse amplifier that can get the job done without any issues? The Peavey Classic 30 112 (compare price at Sweetwater, Amazon) is what you’re looking for.

For years, the Classic 30 has been a go-to amp for working performers in need of a no-frills amplifier.

The Classic 30 112 is a slightly upgraded version of this timeless amp. However, it is essentially the same amplifier Peavey has been producing since the amp’s inception.

This is a tube combo amp, equipped with a 12” Celestion Midnight 60. You’ll find that clean guitar tone genres will excel with the use of this amplifier.

For tubes, the Classic 30 112 is stocked with:

• 3 x 12AX7 in the preamp section
• 4 x EL84 in the power section

The amp is equipped with 2 channels, one which operates normally, and the other with added gain. You’ll have a fair amount of control over your tone, with adjustable parameters for:

• Pre-gain
• Post-gain
• 3-band EQ
• Signal volume

Need a bit of extra oomph to your tone? No problem, this amp has a Boost button that can give your tone some added beef.

The Classic 30 112 also comes with a spring reverb tank in the back of the amp. You’ll have some vintage tones on tap, which is adjustable with its own dedicated knob.

You’ll be able to attach a footswitch to this amplifier to switch between the separate channels in the amp. An effects loop is also provided for those that need one.

Aside from the traditional toggle switch for power, this model also features a standby switch. This allows you to warm your tubes without having a signal coming out of the amp.

Item Weight: 46 pounds

Package Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.25 x 13 inches

Roland Blues Cube Hot 30

Like the idea of a combo amp but want to save a little money? The Roland Blues Cube Hot 30 (compare price at Sweetwater, Amazon) fits the bill quite well in this department.

This is a solid-state amplifier but don’t let that fool you. You’ll be able to dial in plenty of tube tones thanks to its tube emulation circuitry.

While this is a 30 watt amplifier, it has a built-in attenuator to switch the power settings. You can operate this amp at:

• 30 watts
• 15 watts
• 5 watts
• 0.5 watts 

This allows you to play the amp in nearly any room you might find yourself in. Effectively, this makes the Blues Cube Hot 30 an incredibly versatile amp.

The amp has 1 channel, but there are plenty of tonal adjustment options available, including:

• Signal volume
• 3-band EQ
• Master volume

A Boost button is provided to add a bit of meat to your tone if you should find your tone needs it.

No doubt, you’ll be able to achieve some truly classic tones with this amp. It even has a built-in reverb unit for tasty vintage tones.

A 12” custom-made Roland Blues Cube speaker is built into the amp to provide a crisp and balanced tone.

Other features include:

• Footswitch capabilities
• Headphone jack
• Line out for additional speakers
• USB for computer connectivity/recording

Item Weight: 27.7 pounds

Package Dimensions: 20.47 x 20.08 x 13.39 inches

Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus 30

For decades, the Jazz Chorus has been reputed as one of the best solid-state amplifiers in the industry. These are well-known for their incredibly pristine tonal projection as well as their ability to handle pedals.

The Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus 30 (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon) is an excellent scaled-down version. All of the iconic features are here, just in a smaller package.

One of the first things you’ll notice here is that this amp is equipped with a pair of 6.5” speakers. These will produce that same crisp clarity as the original model.

As such, this amp is one of the best at providing a stereo experience in a combo amp architecture. The built-in chorus effect really takes advantage of this, which should come as no surprise.

This amp supports a stereo input but can support mono signals just as well. A bevy of tonal features is provided, including:

• Volume
• 3-band EQ
• Brightness switch

In addition to this, the amp also has a reverb unit to drench your tone in classic vintage aesthetics. Controls are also provided for the chorus effect, including the speed and depth of the effect.

Additional features packed into this amp include:

• Headphone jack
• Line out (in mono or stereo)
• Effects loop (in mono or stereo, with switch for either series or parallel operation)
• Footswitch capabilities for either chorus or reverb effects

If a clean tone or an excellent pedal platform is a desire of yours, this amp won’t let you down. Try one out and see why this amp has been so highly regarded for so many years.

Item Weight: 29 pounds

Package Dimensions: 21.46 x 16.54 x 12.99 inches

What To Look For In A 30 Watt Amp

Buying an amp is no small feat for providing the tone to embody the characteristics of your musical identity. Many guitarists consider the amp to be even more important than the guitar for a guitarist’s overall tone.

When confronted with this reality, any guitarist can likely become arrested in conflicting thoughts and decisions. It becomes apparent just how important one small decision can become in the grand scheme of things.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go on living life like this. Sure, there will be plenty of other moments when you’ll face similar circumstances.

However, there is a rough guideline you can use to at least help you in your amp purchasing decisions. Keeping these points in mind will help you avoid turning a small decision into an existential musical crisis.

Amp Type

It may seem obvious, but when purchasing an amp, you should have an idea of your ideal amp type. There are a few different categorizations within amplifier types that you need to be aware of.

The first relates to its overall constructed form. Most amps fall into the following categories:

• Combo
• Head

Combo amps are essentially amplifiers that contain both a speaker and the components required for amplification. These are quite popular, partially due to their extreme portability.

Amplifier heads, on the other hand, are essentially combo amps without the speaker. These will generally tend to be (but not always) smaller than combo amps as a whole.

However, because of its speaker-less design, you will have to supply your own speaker cabinet. This gives you a bit more control over your tone, but inevitably takes up far more space in transport.

Aside from these broad categorizations, there are also specific types within these form factors. These groups relate to the electronics used in the amplifier’s application of producing sound:

• Tube
• Solid-state
• Hybrid

As you might guess, tube amplifiers rely on the use of vacuum tubes to produce amplified sound. These are some of the oldest designs and continue to be highly sought after by guitarists.

Tube amps are especially desired due to the natural overdriven distortion that occurs at certain volume levels. 

Solid-state amplifiers emerged around the 1980s and produce amplified sound without the use of tubes. These can be far less expensive than tube amps and are noted for their clean and pristine sound capabilities.

Hybrid constructions essentially combine both tube and solid-state technologies into one unit. This way, guitarists can reap the benefits of both without having to pay much money.

There are also modeling amps that allow you to digitally change the characteristics of your amp’s sound.

Pedal Accommodations 

If you tend to use pedals during play, you’re going to want to pay attention to pedal accommodation. In other words, you need to see just how well each amp handles the pedals you use.

Each amplifier reacts quite differently when pedals are introduced to the signal chain. Some retain a clear sound while others seem to get bogged down in a muddy sonic mess.

For the most part, solid-state amps tend to handle pedals the best. This is because these types of amps do not distort under heavy loads of sound.

That isn’t to diminish tube amps by any means. Quite a few are more than capable of handling many pedals.

This is one area of amplifier criteria that is really going to require you to try out each amplifier individually. 

Many shops will allow you to bring in your pedalboard and guitar to try different amps. Simply explain your intentions and most will be quite willing to oblige to your requests. 

Extra Features

You’ll also want to pay attention to any special features an amplifier might possess. Depending on the amp, some will come with an array of different effects you can apply to your tone.

However, as you purchase higher-end amplifiers, manufacturers opt for simplicity. This is done with the idea that you’ll likely have a pedal to provide a specific effect.

In some cases, a modeling amp might be ideal depending on your own needs and sonic desires. These amps can emulate different amplifiers and give you a wide range of sounds to play with.

Budget

It goes without saying that your budget is extremely important when it comes to buying an amplifier. This essentially dictates the range of amplifiers that you have reasonable access to.

Sure, it can be quite tempting to buy the most expensive amp you can find. However, this is not always a logical thing to do.

Keep in mind the places in which you are going to be using the amplifier. More often than not, smaller (and more inexpensive) amps will be more than capable.

Also, do not discount the viability of the used market. You can often find some valuable deals on amps at a price far less than the brand new list price.

Best Brands For 30 Watt Amps

The amplifier market is saturated with a wealth of excellent manufacturers who produce quality products. Because of this, it can be a little hard to discern exactly what you should be looking for.

If you’re having issues, be sure to check out the following brands. They have excellent reputations with regard to their amplifiers.

Orange

Orange is a British amplifier company that got its start in 1968. This company has been producing amplifiers that create distinctly unique tones that are much different from any other amp.

Vox

Vox is one of those iconic British amp manufacturers that helped to spurn an iconic sound in the 1960s. Even today, these amps are highly sought after for their unique bite and chiming personalities.

Top 30 Watt Amps, Final Thoughts

Buying an amplifier can be one of the most important decisions you make in your guitar career. So much of your tone is going to depend on the type of amplifier you choose.

Nevertheless, be sure to take the time to try out different amps. This gives you the best chance at finding the most complementary amp for your playing style and genre of music.