Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Under $200 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]
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You’ve probably revered Billy McLaughlin and Bob Dylan immensely, the reason why you chose to buy an acoustic guitar and consider playing it. Almost nothing has been as enthralling to you perhaps as watching these legends perform live with their acoustic guitars. However, there’s an unsung hero of the gigs of these famous musicians, apart from their abilities or their expensive instruments – the amplifier.
By now, you’ve probably figured how the amplifier has proved to be true to its name, elevating musical performances from good to great. However, if you happen to be a beginner who’s just a couple of online guitar classes old and little experience of performing solo for an audience, a modest amplifier should suffice.
Here are the best acoustic guitar amplifiers under $200 you could consider for your gigs or even merely practicing at home to get the chords of your favorite tracks right.
Read Related Topic: Best Acoustic Guitar Amp for the Money
Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Under $200 Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Donner DGA-1 15W AMP Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Kit [amazon fields=”B07FBD8F7C” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B07FBD8F7C” value=”button”] |
| 2. Vangoa Acoustic Guitar Amplifier [amazon fields=”B07S9D9JYN” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B07S9D9JYN” value=”button”] |
| 3. Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Amplifier [amazon fields=”B00PDJXGIG” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B00PDJXGIG” value=”button”] |
| 4. SUNYIN Bass Guitar Amplifier [amazon fields=”B07MXG7JYF” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B07MXG7JYF” value=”button”] |
| 5. Stag 20 AA R USA 20 Watt Amplifier [amazon fields=”B00BK9TUXI” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B00BK9TUXI” value=”button”] |
| 6. Huntington Acoustic Guitar Amplifier [amazon fields=”B00GV0K1MA” value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B00GV0K1MA” value=”button”] |
| 7. Sawtooth 10-Watt Electric Guitar Amp [amazon fields=”B00FDU4XS2″ value=”thumb”] |
|
[amazon fields=”B00FDU4XS2″ value=”button”] |
Our Best Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Under $200 Reviews and Comparisons
1. Donner DGA-1 15W AMP Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Kit
Product Highlights
The vintage-looking DGA-1, one of the most recent inventions of reputed electronic manufacturer Donner and has emerged a favorite among both beginners and veterans alike. Weighing around 10 pounds, this cool device boasts of an impressive impedance of 8 Ohms that also probably contributes to its sound quality.
Features
One of the most noteworthy features of the DGA-1 is its speaker measuring approximately 6.5 inches and exclusive to this product as compared to several others of its kind.
If you are looking for an amplifier to help you with the electric-acoustic guitar jamming, street performance, karaoke sessions over weekends, or even a band performance, you could rely on this product. The fact that it caters to professionals and beginners alike speaks volumes about how holistic it really is.
The device includes a 1/4″ Instrument Input, 3-Band EQ, XLR Input for a microphone, and 1/4″ Headphone Output Jack, which help you play without disturbing your environment. Well, if you have nosy neighbors or siblings who complain about the loudness of amplifiers, here’s a device that’s silent to the rest of the world, and only you get to experience the brilliance of its sound quality.
The Treble/Middle/Bass controls offered by the amplifier helps tweak the high and low frequencies of the guitar seamlessly.
The design of the amplifier deserves a special mention too since the makers seem to have initiated a few smart moves to enhance its durability. For instance, the exterior frame of the DGA- 1 is made of metal, and pads of rubber have been used to make them stable and safe.
See Related Topic: Best Guitar Amp under $500
What We Like About Donner DGA-1 15W AMP Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Kit
As compared to several products of its kind, the makers are offering a one-year warranty as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee along with this product. So, these facts sort of assuring that you aren’t going to cringe losing money over a faulty device that’s landed at your doorstep.
The manufacturer has made it evident that it would do everything possible to ensure the buyers of the product would be offered adequate assistance from its customer support team too, which is quite impressive.
What We Don’t Like About Donner DGA-1 15W AMP Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Kit
The amplifier received some flak from a few buyers for being a 10W device, instead of 15W, which the makers claimed through various kinds of marketing material. So, if you are quite particular about wattage, it is better to be cautious of this fact before indulging in a purchase.
PROS
- Suited for both beginners and professionals
- One-year warranty and 30-day moneyback guarantee
- Affordable
- Sound output can be restricted to headphones
CONS
- Offers 10W wattage and not 15
2. Vangoa Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Product Highlights
It’s not often you find a three-channel amplifier from a reputed manufacturer for under $200, and that’s probably why this Vangoa product has soared in popularity over the years. So, if you are looking forward to staging a modest performance at a birthday or anniversary, you could rely on this amplifier, since it can accommodate a guitar, piano keyboard, and a microphone.
Features
Once fully charged, which approximately takes 5 hours, the amplifier can work uninterruptedly for a period of 5 to 8 hours, which is quite impressive. Alternatively, you could even plug this gadget to a socket throughout your performance if you don’t want to take any chances with power disruptions during your performance.
As compared to several amplifiers of its kind, this Vangoa device includes 2 coaxial speakers, 8 woofers, and 2 piezo tweeters. Collectively, these components can help deliver a big, full, and impressive sound, ideal for acoustic guitar and microphone. So, if you are looking for an amplifier that helps the listeners of your gigs distinguish every sound detail, yet not spend a dime, this product could be a good choice.
The Vangoa Acoustic Guitar Amplifier is one of the few instruments of its kind that’s compatible with a wide range of devices. There are several options of pairing devices wirelessly with this gadget, and you could also plug in several USB devices, your phone as well as CD/MP3 players through wires.
So, the question of the incompatibility of the amplifier with other gadgets you own shouldn’t be much of a concern. The Vongoa product is Bluetooth 3.0-compliant, which has sort of a minimal expectation today among several buyers of such products.
Its master control, headphone input and DI output, recording, and MP3 functions are other highlights that make this acoustic guitar amplifier worth considering for an investment.
Another noteworthy feature of this amplifier is its 2 Band Balance, built to meet the needs of various music styles. In addition, the built-in reverb effect ensures the delivery of echo-like sounds which makes the device almost perfect for band performances.
What We Like About Vangoa Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
The wattage of the amplifier is 40, which is easily the highest you could get for a product of its price range. This fact implies that you could bank on this Vangoa invention for those important weekend gigs which could possibly turn the tables for you in the music scene.
What We Don’t Like About Vangoa Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
It has been observed that the amplifier renders a loud buzz and rattling noises, especially when you hit the low notes. However, this behavior hasn’t been consistent across a large cross-section of users.
PROS
- High wattage
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- 2 coaxial speakers, 8 woofers, and 2 piezo tweeters
- 2 Band Balance
CONS
- Loud buzz and rattling noises
- Barely below $200 – a bit expensive
3. Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Amplifier
Product Highlights
There’s more than just a catchy name that’s sort of responsible for the acclaim this Blackstar invention has garnered from several music enthusiasts. The sound output of the FLY 3 is reasonably good for the price being quoted by its manufacturer.
Although initially designed exclusively for electric guitars, it has been found that the gadget works incredibly well with the acoustic kind too – which is surprisingly the reason behind its popularity.
Features
The amplifier includes two channels, namely clean and overdrive, and it has even made waves for the tape ‘delay’ effect that it offers. A feature that’s exclusive only to the FLY 3 is its patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature), which has helped the product receive a lot of acclaims.
The ISF is responsible for the sleekness of the amplifier and its portability. This implies you can tuck it in a corner even if your room is quite cramped already, and the FLY 3 can be easily stuffed into your car boot while traveling for gigs.
The MP3/LINE IN jack embedded in the amplifier makes it easy to pair the device with an MP3 player, mobile phone, laptop, as well as a tablet. In addition, there’s an output jack too that could be used to plug in headphones.
This emulated Line Out feature would help you practice without disturbing the other members of the house, which is one of the remarks music enthusiasts get to hear for using amplifiers. The device is battery-powered, which means you can carry it anywhere and use it as a speaker while hanging at a friend’s place, or even while camping in the woods without having to plug it to a socket.
What We Like About Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Amplifier
The amplifier is a double-delight that works well with both acoustic as well as electric guitars. So, if you are considering the purchase of an instrument pretty much a Satriani or a Van Halen-kind in the coming days, you won’t have to switch to another amplifier.
It is very well below $100 and you don’t even have to spend a lot of money shipping the amplifier, which is one of its many advantages.
What We Don’t Like About Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Amplifier
A few users have complained that the amplifier is incompatible with several other electronic devices. However, the probability is quite low and tests have revealed that the FLY 3 does work well with most cellphones and wireless devices.
PROS
- Works equally well with both acoustic and electric guitars
- Patented ISF feature
- Tape delay
- Battery-powered
CONS
- Incompatible with a few electronic gadgets
4. SUNYIN Bass Guitar Amplifier
Product Highlights
The coat of white and the black mesh at the front makes this amplifier an absolute stunner at first glance. Some of you must have already checked out the bright orange and matte black color choices and are probably blown away by these attractive-seeming pieces of electronics, but there’s more to the SUNYIN Bass Guitar Amplifier apart from the aesthetics.
If it’s been just a few days since buying an electric guitar and you are toying the idea of buying an amplifier for that incredible sound output, this is a product you can bank on.
It has garnered rave reviews from across the globe and costs well below $100, which makes it one of the coolest inventions. If all these facts have led you to the assumption that this amplifier is tailored for beginners – you are absolutely right.
Features
The amplifier is more suited for indoor use. If you love jamming within the confines of your bedroom, it is insulated from distractions of any sort. The 10-Watt speaker embedded in the amplifier offers unparalleled clarity loud enough to help you measure the output of your acoustic guitar from your bedroom, and not disturb the folks seated in your living room.
The makers offer a 9V adapter as well as 6 AA batteries along with the product that is sufficient to keep the device powered for a long time.
The amp is quite light too, weighing merely around 1.3 kgs – with a strap attached to it – makes the SUNYIN invention quite portable and easy to tuck in even within small spaces. The Bass Guitar Amplifier is also equipped with an Aux-in jack that helps play backtrack. In addition, a 3.5 mm jack included in the device helps seamlessly connect headphones and cellphones, which is a pretty cool feature.
If you are wondering what the buttons you see in the product’s pictures are for, well they are the volume knob, bright knob, gain knob, and channel switch. These controls collectively help adjust the tone to the desired level and do a better job as compared to some of its predecessors. That’s not all, the makers have also introduced an energy-saving switch for an obvious purpose.
What We Like About SUNYIN Bass Guitar Amplifier
As far as the age-old concerns of noise and buzz are concerned, the makers have employed modern programming techniques to keep such undesirable behavior at bay. Not many products manufactured by the brand’s competitors have followed such an approach. The makers also offer a user’s manual along with the amplifier if you are relatively alien to such electronic products.
What We Don’t Like About SUNYIN Bass Guitar Amplifier
The warranty offered by the makers, unfortunately, lasts only 30 days, which is an unbelievably short period for any device owner to detect a product’s shortcomings.
PROS
- Automated noise elimination
- Portable
- High aesthetic appeal
- Three color choices
- Ideal for beginners
CONS
- A 30-day warranty
5. Stag 20 AA R USA 20 Watt Amplifier
Product Highlights
Stagg isn’t the typical brand you would probably think of while discussing amplifiers, but the manufacturer has produced several other devices over the past few years. The amplifier is available in many watt sizes, which is a choice not many manufacturers offer for devices its kind. However, the product possesses many other qualities too which makes it very likable. Delving deep into its abilities would reveal several surprises.
Features
One of the most noteworthy features of the Stag 20 AA R USA 20 Watt Amplifier is the inclusion of a 3 band equalizer, which makes the sound output seem soothing to the ears. Experts or just any of you who are well-versed with amplifiers can quite easily distinguish the bass, middle, and treble aspects while listening to the sound delivered by the speaker.
The amplifier includes a slot for headphone input which helps practice effectively at home without disturbing the external environment. The jack can be used to connect your CD and MP3 players too, which implies you could even use the Stag 20 merely as a speaker to play those favorite tracks during house parties or picnics.
The description of the Stag 20 AA R USA 20 Watt Amplifier is probably incomplete without a mention of the 6.5-inch speaker embedded in the device, primarily responsible for the impressive sound output of the device.
Considering its abilities, it is the perfect amplifier to be used for jamming sessions at home, birthdays, or even small gigs at house parties.
What We Like About Stag 20 AA R USA 20 Watt Amplifier
Several professionals have hailed the product for its balanced mids and highs, unlike several amplifiers of the past. It has also been observed that notes would fade and not abruptly drop off, which is another shortcoming this amplifier has overcome as compared to many of its predecessors.
What We Don’t Like About Stag 20 AA R USA 20 Watt Amplifier
It has been observed that the amplification offered by the Stag 20 AA R USA 20 Watt Amplifier is more than desired for an acoustic guitar, almost making the sound seem slightly fabricated.
PROS
- Balanced mids and highs
- Notes fade and don’t abruptly drop-off
- 3 band Equalizer
- Many watt sizes
CONS
- Extra amplification for acoustic instruments
6. Huntington Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
Product Highlights
As far as beginners are concerned, many music industry veterans and experts opine that the Huntington Acoustic Guitar Amplifier is one of the best gadgets to consider. Not only does the black finish and the Huntington logo etched on the device make it an aesthetic wonder, but there are many other abilities that would make you absolutely love this cool guitar amplifier.
Features
This Huntington invention is a 10-Watt mini amp, which is a reasonably good wattage, considering you are looking forward to buying a product with a good configuration for a cheap price.
The most noteworthy feature that’s bound to grab your attention almost instantly is the amplifier’s 6-inch speaker, which delivers crystal clear sound that’s an absolute treat to the ears.
The manufacturer has included two channels in the amplifier, where the second serves the purpose of an extra boost. The device also offers standard gain, volume, treble, middle, and bass controls, which helps achieve a balanced sound distribution.
Apart from a guitar input jack, the makers have included a headphone jack too, which helps budding guitarists practice and yet remain silent. So, there’s no way the loudness of the speakers could turn you into a neighborhood menace.
From the pictures, you must have figured that the amplifier includes 5 control knobs that collectively help achieve the sound quality you desire and the switches are quite durable too.
What We Like About Huntington Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
If you are a beginner, you are probably unaware that every amplifier doesn’t necessarily suit every genre of music. However, the Huntington Acoustic Guitar Amplifier can complement almost any sort of track ranging from genres such as Jazz to Blues.
Considering the fact that the gadget is merely above $40, there aren’t many devices of its kind that are compatible with so many genres for such a reasonable price. The array of sounds that the device has to offer should be one of the reasons why you must probably consider buying this amplifier.
What We Don’t Like About Huntington Acoustic Guitar Amplifier
It has been observed that when turned on, this amplifier emits a loud buzz noise that’s undesirable.
PROS
- An array of sounds ranging from Jazz to Blues
- Balanced sound distribution
- 5 control knobs
- 6-inch speaker
CONS
- Loud buzz noise emitted
7. Sawtooth 10-Watt Electric Guitar Amp
Product Highlights
At first glance, the Sawtooth 10-Watt Electric Guitar Amp might seem like a suitcase – for its sturdy and compact build, as well as glossy sides. The frames of the amplifier are made of vinyl, which has made it quite sturdy and highly durable. However, learning the details of its features may make the product more appealing to you.
Features
The amplifier includes a 6.5 mm stereo jack that helps connect headphones so that you can ensure your environment is insulated from the sound emitted by the device.
Another noteworthy feature is the presence of the Master Equalizer which helps achieve uniformity in treble, middle, and bass. Of course, there’s a volume knob too which could be used to ensure the sound output doesn’t exceed the desired level.
For the price being quoted, the makers are also offering a ChromaCast 10ft Instrument Cable & Pick Sampler, which is another reason why the product is worth an investment.
The makers have also included an overdrive switch that helps seamlessly toggle between clean and overdriven sounds. You must have already observed in the pictures that the amplifier includes a reinforced handle that helps carry the gadget easily, making it quite portable, especially for gigs.
What We Like About Sawtooth 10-Watt Electric Guitar Amp
The Signal-to-Noise ratio of this amplifier is more than 70 dB, which is probably the highest among such devices priced well below $200. This ability also implies the product is quite efficient and high on sound quality.
There’s another important factor that differentiates the Sawtooth 10-Watt Electric Guitar Amp from a range of devices of its kind – the open weave grill. The open weave grill, as compared to the other kinds of mesh you’ve usually observed among amplifiers, helps achieve more sound projection, and makes the device light too. So, despite not being the most sophisticated device of its kind, this Sawtooth product is quite loud enough and ideal for small venues.
What We Don’t Like About Sawtooth 10-Watt Electric Guitar Amp
An inconsistent observation of the Sawtooth 10-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier is that the product dissipates a background static, which is highly undesirable.
In addition, bagging a warranty for this device too isn’t really straightforward since it involves an online registration formality, which many customers wouldn’t be comfortable with.
PROS
- Impressive signal-to-noise ratio
- Includes an open weave grill
- Price includes ChromaCast 10ft Instrument Cable & Pick Sampler
- Highly portable
CONS
- Background static
Final Verdict
There are quite a few interesting options for amplifiers if you are looking for devices priced less than $200. However, our research has revealed that the Vangoa Acoustic Guitar Amplifier is one of the best instruments of its kind available today.
Unlike many products of its range, the Vangoa invention has 3 channels and is compliant with many wired as well as wireless devices. Considering its abilities, it is one of the best acoustic guitar amplifiers under $200 and worth being considered for investment.
Buyer’s Guide
There are several factors to be considered while buying a guitar amplifier if you are sort of a novice as far as such instruments are concerned. Here are the yardsticks to be used to measure every amplifier’s configuration you read to learn if it’s worth an investment.
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- Design
A sturdy body and portability are important aspects to be considered if you are looking for an amplifier that would last sufficiently long and withstand the test of time. The presence of tweeters and open weave grills go a long way in experiencing incredible sound quality.
The ability to remain powered on without the aid of an external charger for long periods is also something you must expect your amplifier to do, especially if you are performing at gigs where there’s no access to sockets.
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- Controls and Ports
The inclusion of knobs to not just tweak the volume, but also bass and treble are important. 3.5 mm jacks and USB ports collectively help achieve compatibility by a great extent. Most importantly, these ports can help pair headphones to ensure your external environment is insulated from the sound.
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- Price
A comparison of expensive amplifiers, probably those above $1000, and those under $200 will help you understand if the product is worth an investment or not.
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