Boss Katana VS Fender Mustang (comparison)
Our pick: The Boss Katana
While the Mustang series has more amp models than the Katana, the Katana is a better-sounding amp that's easier to control. With the added software you get 60 programmed BOSS effects, which gives you back the flexibility lost in the lower number of amp models. Both amps are solid options in their price range and this is an extremely difficult choice. But we like the sound and functionality of Katana a bit more.
Back in the day when I started playing guitar, Line 6 was one of the only companies that had developed a true modeling amp. Now nearly every amp company is getting into that business, including those that are better known for tube amps, like Fender.
The Boss Katana series is the only amplifier series that Boss has put out (at least at the time of writing this comparison). So they've focused narrowly on digital modeling amps and - in our opinion - have a better product than the Mustang series (which has been around longer) for several reasons:
- Better tone quality (narrow focus with less variety)
- Easier to control
- Emulated Boss effects
- Better balance between vintage and modern tones
If you look at the rest of our comparison you'll see that the Mustang has its strengths as well. It has a lot more amp models and plenty of built-in presets. But to my ear it just doesn't sound as good and (predictably) leans more heavily on vintage tones.
I didn't like the high gain settings on the Mustang as much, though you have more to pick from than the Katana. The effects and amp model selection process is also just less convenient in the Mustang. The Katana's controls are pretty simple.
Both are great amps, especially in the given price range, but I like the Katana just a little better.
This article is opinion based on personal experience and educated guessing. Also I am a lunatic and all of this is probably wrong. Read at your own risk. Also, we support ourselves through product affiliate links. If you decide to buy through our orange buttons, we might receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your time and support.
Boss Katana VS Fender Mustang (comparison table)
We have a more detailed comparison table below, but this one gives you the basics and allows you to add more amps to the table if you want to see additional comparisons.
Amp | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boss Katana 50 | n/a | |
 | Fender Mustang 50 | n/a |
Demo Comparison of Both Amps
Bonedo does absolutely fantastic demos with no talking. On occasion we've done our own demos, but I'd rather just embed Bonedo's videos. He's way better at it than I am.
We used Fender's in-house demo for the Mustang.
These amps sound extremely similar and choosing a "better" tone between them is highly subjective. I like the Katana better, but take that with a grain of salt.
Pricing Tools
We've built pricing tools that update thousands of products and prices in real time every day. For the Katana and Mustang, you can check several vendors and even sign up for pricing alerts (if the price drops to a point you set, we'll notify you).
You also have price history which tracks the lowest number in the multiple vendors list.
Note that we do not track price history for any Amazon products.
Boss Katana Pricing
Multiple Vendors
Amazon Pricing
Price Alert
Price History
Price History for Boss BAC-KTN50 Katana-50 Amp Cover
Statistics
| Current Price | $27.99 | September 26, 2022 |
| Highest Price | $27.99 | September 26, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $27.99 | September 26, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $27.99 | September 26, 2022 |
Fender Mustang Pricing
Multiple Vendors
Amazon
Price Alert
Price History
Price History for Fender Mustang LT25 Digital Guitar Combo Amp 25W
Statistics
| Current Price | $159.99 | December 5, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $179.99 | February 9, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $126.95 | September 21, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $159.99 | April 27, 2023 |
| $179.99 | February 9, 2023 |
| $159.99 | November 14, 2022 |
| $149.99 | October 10, 2022 |
| $126.95 | September 27, 2022 |
Detailed Comparison Table
We've added this more detailed table of features and what we like/dislike about each amp. It's fairly basic, but helpful to those wanting to get a quick glance at what each amp has (or doesn't have) to offer.
Header | Katana | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
Circuit Type | Solid state | Solid state |
Channels | Multi-channel via footswitch | Change presets via footswitch (60 total presets - 30 onboard) |
Footswitch included? | No | No |
Amp models | Five total (acoustic, clean, crunch, lead, brown) | 20 total |
Effects included | Modulation and delay plus 60 BOSS effects via Tone Studio Software | Delay (general ambience) and modulation, more stompboxes in the presets and digital storage |
Wattage | 50 watts (25 and 100 available) | 50 watts (25 and 100 available) |
Speaker | 1 x 12" | 1 x 12" |
What we like | Effects are easier to control on the top panel, nice balance between vintage and modern tones, wattage selection | Tons of amp models, five-band EQ that can be dialed in digitally, very versatile tone profile with so many amp models. |
What we dislike | Just five amp models, acoustic model isn't particularly useable | Effects selection and tweaking is far less convenient |
Weight | 25.6 lbs. | 19.8 lbs. |
Does different wattage impact the comparison?
Not really.
Wattage is mainly an issue of how much power the amp has and how loud it can get. Since the Katana and Mustang are primarily directed to beginners, intermediate players, and indoor practice, the loudness isn't really going to matter that much.
There are 25, 50, and 100 watt versions of each amp, but that doesn't really impact the core features of either amplifier.
Note that wattage is one of the more significant determinants of price in a guitar amp, so if you don't mind going with lower wattage, it can definitely save you some money.
Which one would we buy?
As I've made clear, the Katana would be my preference between the two. And I say preference because with amps this similar, you have to split a lot of hairs to say that one is objectively better.
I can say that if you're prioritizing effects and narrow focus, the Katana with the Tone Studio software is probably a better choice.
If you're targeting more vintage styles, versatility, and amp models, the Mustang is going to suit you better.
What's your pick?
Let me know in the comments section below. Questions about either amp are fair game as well.
See you there.
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Written by GC Editorial on Amps and Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Amps and Comparisons
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