
Updated by Bobby
Updated on August 3rd, 2022
Added the Laney L5-Studio and Ironheart to the table. Thanks to Zalan in the comments section.
This page is a roundup of guitar amps that house their own USB port, which means you can make a direct connect between that port and a USB input on a computer (Mac or PC). With a USB connection your amp effectively becomes its own audio interface, allowing you to record and stream audio to a computer without requiring a third party device.
While this list isn't necessarily a ranking or recommendation, we've targeted amps with USB ports that are high-quality, from reputable brands and manufacturers.
All of the amps listed have an onboard USB port either on their front or back panel.
What should I look for?
Here's a quick look at a USB port, which shows you what to keep an eye out for when browsing amps:

A USB port on the back of a Boss Katana amplifier.
This allows you to connect your guitar to a computer, much like you would a printer or scanner, with a standard USB cable. These cables are sometimes included in your amplifier purchase.
If it's not included, you'll need this kind of cable to properly connect:

A standard USB connection cable.
These cables are fairly cheap, usually around $5 to $15, depending on the length you need.
Guitar Amps with USB Output
This table lists all the amps we were able to quickly identify that have a USB output. Note that we've stuck primarily to mainline brands and that there could be less popular amps with USB ports that we just don't know about. Also note that these are all solid state amps, as a USB connection is a digitized feature that isn't offered in tube amp circuits.
Read more: Best solid state amps
Amp | Title | Rated | Browse |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Boss Katana-50 MkII 1x12 inch 50-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Fender Mustang LT 25 1x8" 25-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Yamaha THR30 II Wireless - 30-watt Modeling Combo | n/a | |
![]() | Boss Katana-100 MkII 1x12 inch 100-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Fender Mustang GTX 100 1x12 100-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Yamaha THR10 II 2x3 20-watt Modeling Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Boss Katana Artist MkII 1x12 100-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Fender Mustang GTX 50 1x12 50-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Fender Mustang LT 50 Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar ID:Core 10 V3 2x3-inch 2x5-watt Stereo Combo Amp with Effects | n/a | |
![]() | Yamaha THR5 2x3 10-watt Modeling Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Roland Blues Cube Hot 30-watt 1x12 Combo Amp - Vintage Blonde | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar ID Core 40 V3 2x6.5-inch, 2 x 20-watt Stereo Combo Amp with Effects | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar ID Core 100 2 x10 100-watt Stereo Combo Amp with Effects | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II 1 x12 40-watt Tube Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Boss Nextone Special 1 x12 80-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar HT Stage 60 Mark II 2 x12 60-watt Tube Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Positive Grid Spark Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Mission Engineering Inc Gemini 2 - 220-watt 2 x12 Powered Cabinet with Bluetooth | n/a | |
![]() | Vox Adio Air GT - 50-watt Bluetooth Modeling Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Roland Blues Cube Artist 1 x12 80-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar HT-5R MkII 1 x12 5-watt Tube Combo Amp with Reverb | n/a | |
![]() | Vox Cambridge 50 1 x12 50-watt Modeling Combo Amp with Nutube | n/a | |
![]() | Mission Engineering Inc Gemini 1 - 110-watt 1 x12 Cabinet | n/a | |
![]() | Vox Mini Go 10 - 10-watt Portable Modeling Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Boss Nextone Stage 1 x 12 40-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar HT1R MKII 1 x 8 1-watt Tube Combo Amp with Reverb | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar Silverline Stereo Deluxe 2 x 12 2 x 100-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar Silverline Standard 1 x 10 20-watt Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | IK Multimedia iRig Micro Amp 1 x 4 15-watt Battery Powered Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Blackstar Jared James Signature 20 - 20-watt 1 x 12 Tube Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Peavey Vypyr X1 | n/a | |
![]() | Peavey Vypyr X2 | n/a | |
![]() | Peavey Vypyr X3 | n/a | |
![]() | Laney Ironheart IRT-Studio | n/a | |
![]() | Laney L5 Studio | n/a |
The Digital Modeling Factor
Most amps with a USB connection are going to be categorized as "digital modeling amps." This means that they're made to create their own effects and amp models with a digital signal processor, and often rely on digital preset banks instead of analog channels.
You'll have a hard time finding a USB port on an amp that doesn't operate this way, which is why many guitar players opt for the separate USB audio interface.
You can browse some of our recommendations here:
Read more: Audio Interfaces for Recording Guitar
Is it better to just buy a separate USB interface?
If you don't mind having a digital modeling amp with solid state circuits, it can be extremely convenient to plug directly into your computer. However, those who prefer a more natural form of amplification - like a tube amp - will need a DI box and an external audio interface to record.
This is truly just a matter of preference.
It's not better or worse, but just depends on what kind of amp you want and how you want your rig to be set up.
For most, the USB-equipped amp is more of a convenience/practice amp, ideal for more basic recording needs, but not always a great professional option.
Anymore amps to add?
If you know of a guitar amp with a USB output that we didn't include in this page, feel free to drop it in the comments section below.
We'll take a look, and if it fits the table we'll add the amp and give you an update credit.
Thanks for reading, and we'll see you in the comments section.
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Written by GC Editorial on Amps and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Laney Ironheart IRT Studio and Lionheart L5 Studio both have USB interfaces. Great amps!
Thanks, Zalan – added both of these to the table and credited you in the update section.
Peavey Vyrpyr VIP 1,2 & 3 also come with a USB port. They are a great modelling amp.
This also seems to:
https://www.artistguitars.com.au/buy/Nux-Mighty-Lite-BT-Mini-Portable-Modelling-Amplifi/14840?avad=265405_a24f8e081
Good find. Thanks, Kohen.