Boss Katana Artist MK2 VS 100 (comparison)
Our pick: The Boss Katana 100
The primary differences between the Boss Katana 100 and Artist MK2 are the contour control and voicing variations for each amp model that are both present in the Artist and not the 100.
If you upgrade to the Katana Artist over the Katana 100, you're paying primarily for the contour control, voicing variation for each amp model, a stereo USB port for recording, and MIDI control. The Artist MK2 also has two additional 16 ohm speaker outputs that are not present in the 100.
We'd say leveling up from the 100 to the Artist is probably not necessary for most players. It's a significant price increase too, at least at the time of publishing this comparison.
Check the price guide below for updated numbers.
If you want to zoom in on the Katana 100, you can check out Bobby's review of the Katana 50, most of which applies to the 100 watt version.
Katana Artist MK2 VS 100 Comparison Chart
This comparison table includes basic specs and updated pricing. The high-level specs table doesn't tell the whole story, but we have a more thorough list below.
Katana | Name | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Katana Artist | 87.3 | |
 | Katana 100 | 89.5 |
Read the full review: Boss Katana 50
The Boss Katana 50 is basically the same as the 100, aside from the reduced wattage.
Price Guide
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
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Specs for Both Amps
There are some more nuanced differences in the full specs table, but we'd still consider the two amps appreciably similar. Note that the Artist MK2 is a good deal larger.
 | Artist  | 100  |
|---|---|---|
Circuit | Solid State | Solid State |
Number of channels | 5 amp types (with variation switch for each one) | 5 amp types |
Tone Slots | 8 | 8 |
Total power | 100W (50W, 0.5W settings) | 100W (50W, 0.5W settings) |
Effects | 5 x Simultaneous Effects: Delay, Tremolo, Flanger, Pitch Shift, Phaser, Wah | Modulation, Delay, 60 Boss Effects (Tone Studio software) |
EQ | 3-band EQ, 8 x Tone Settings | 3-band EQ |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/8" (aux in), 1 x 1/4" (in to power section) | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (power amp), 1 x 1/8" (aux) |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (8 ohm internal), 2 x 1/4" (16 ohm), 1 x 1/4" (line out), 1 x 1/4" (phones/rec out) | 1 x 1/4" (line), 1 x 1/4" (rec/headphones) |
USB | 1 x Type B (stereo out) | Yes |
Knobs | Amp type, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Booster/Mod, Effects/Delay, Reverb, Presence, Master, Solo, Contour, Power Control (selection) | Amp type, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Booster/Mod, Effects/Delay, Reverb, Presence Master, Power Control |
Headphones | Yes (shared) | Yes |
Effects Loop | Series/Parallel Effect Loop | Yes |
Weight | 41 lbs. 15 oz. | 32.6 lbs. |
Comparison Summary
Between the two, we'd recommend the Boss Katana 100, or even the Katana 50 if you don't need/want the extra power. Going up to the Artist means you're probably looking for a higher-end amp, in which case the Katana series doesn't really fit that profile.
Katana's are beginner/intermediate amps that are good for indoor practice, small studio recording, and jamming.
The 50 and 100 can handle all those things just fine.
Questions and Comments
If you have questions about either the Artist MK2 or Katana, leave them in the comments section below. We'll help out as much as possible. Thanks for trusting our content.
More Guitar Amp Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
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One last thing, Bobby. It has been a while since I read your entire review but in it, do you ever say keep in mind this is my subjective opinion? Because if people take your word as gold or decision-making advice, statements like ” Katana’s are beginner/intermediate amps that are good for indoor practice, small studio recording, and jamming”.. will be misled into thinking that is all they are. The Artist is a gigging amp! My point is clearly made with the Nashville experience and my own. The difference between the sound in the 100 and Artist is understated in your review. I would not gig with the 100 but the Artist is a different animal. IMHO
Yeah, thanks for pointing that out John. I put in varying forms of a “disclaimer”, often mentioning it in the conclusion (which nobody ever reads anyway).
But I’m not particularly consistent about it. Might be a good idea to put something near the comments section that makes clear all of these are opinion pieces.
This is the most Off- Point and incorrect comparison I have seen. There is no way you played these pants side to side and came up with that evaluation.
I’ve been playing guitar for 35 years and the artist is a much powerful and gig ready amp. As for your beginner and practice amp statement I just came back from Nashville and every Club I went in without fail there was a guitarist using the Artist. I certainly saw the old timers with your occasional tube amp but the artist was by far the most common so I don’t think they would appreciate you calling them beginners.
The last post ” Amps” not pants lol was having lunch using voice to text. Sorry
John A
A product’s wheelhouse doesn’t mean it’s the only landing spot or that there aren’t exceptions to the rule.
I play Katanas at home, and I’ve been playing guitar for almost 30 years (similar to you). But that doesn’t make it a Diezel or Mesa.
Here’s the difference between the way you and me are approaching this:
On my end: I am clearly putting this forward as subjective opinion and being flexible with the context of these amps. I do that with all of the stuff on here.
On your end: You are taking your own anecdotal experience and assuming that it is an objective sample size, when it’s clearly not. You’re taking something that’s subjective and artistic and making it dogmatic, while ALSO insinuating that I am being insulting towards random people in Nashville
Also, it’s not as though “every club you visited” in Nashville is some kind of a scientific poll or sample size. In Staunton, I haven’t seen a single person gigging with any of the Katanas.
So I stand by my off-point comparison.
You also just kind of caught me on the wrong day, so sorry for my terseness or whatever.
I appreciate your response even if I still do not agree. Regarding this statement ” Also, it’s not as though “every club you visited” in Nashville is some kind of a scientific poll or sample size” If you have been playing 30 years I assume you may have been to Nashville. If so you would know those clubs are not your typical class of
local musicians. There are some serious players in the Nashville scene. With that being said my experience seeing so many Artists in the clubs is somewhat of a serious statement from professional musicians on the quality of the amp. No, it is not a Mesa but it is a high-quality amp and there are many benefits of having the Artis over having a tube amp. Great sound quality and variety with the ability to design all the sounds to your preference. No tube maintenance and less weight to lug around. I am speaking solely of the Artist BTW. Also, no worries about getting testy. I probably had it coming. Do you have the Artist or the 100? Best,
John
No worries, John. I appreciate your thoughts and being willing to share them.
So I’ve tested both, and the 50, but only kept the 50. I can say I definitely agree with you on the tangible benefits of something like the Artist over a full-tilt tube amp. Much easier to use and move around. I almost always use the 50 in my office.
I’d say whether it’s the 50, 100, or Artist, Boss deserves a lot of praise for the Katana series overall. We can agree on that I’m sure. 🤘🏻
Anyways, thanks again.
Thanks for the responses Bobby, and I do apologize for starting all this with a harsh tone. We all have a right to our opinions and God knows everyone has one. I have read some of your reviews and you provide a very good service for musicians. I was just a little caught off guard by some of the wording. I could have handled my point much more diplomatically. FYI what’s not to love about the Artist? They even named it after guys like us, although in my case that could be my subjective opinion LOL Take care.
No worries, John. Like you said, we all do it. I appreciate the kind words though and the thoughtful input. Either way, Boss tends to win big.