Marshall CODE 50 VS Boss Katana: Which one is better?
Our pick: The Boss Katana 50
Both of these amps are good beginner to lower intermediate solutions and cost roughly the same. Though we like the Boss Katana 50's tone and build quality a bit more. Plus, the Katana has a lot more effects, 60 compared to 24 in the CODE. The biggest difference is a focus on amp models in the CODE and effects in the Katana, but they're both great amps.
The difference between the CODE and Katana are pretty straightforward, based on their parent brand's reputation.
- Boss: Known for effects
- Marshall: Known for amps
This is reflected in the Katana and CODE as one might expect.
- Katana: More emphasis on effects, less on amp models
- CODE: More emphasis on amp models and less on effects
That's it. We can all go home now.
Read the full reviews: Boss Katana 50 and Marshall CODE 50
But seriously, it's not a lot more complicated than that. We'll get into all the details if you wave to dive a little deeper. Note that we're specifically focusing on the 50 watt versions of these two amps. Other versions and wattage variations may differ slightly in pricing and specifications.
Boss equals effects. Marshall equals amps.
Katana 50 VS CODE 50 Comparison Table
If you want to see the basic specs of both amps, you can use the comparison table here to view them side by side. It will also show you live pricing.
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Amp | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katana 50 | 90.0 | |
 | CODE 50 | 88.7 |
Compare More Amps
If you want to compare more amps to the CODE and Katana, you can launch this search box and search for amps in our database. You can then add them to the comparison bar that shows up at the bottom of this page.
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While we prefer the Boss Katana for the onboard effects and a tone quality that we perceive to be slightly better, there are arguments that could be made for either one. When comes to tone quality, beauty is often in the eye of the beholder.
Audio Demos of Both Amps
Please keep in mind that we're not posting these videos to phone-in-the-show for our own comparison. First, there are a lot of great channels out there that demo gear, so there's no need for us to reinvent the wheel. Their content is a resource just like ours is. Second, these comparisons should be understood as opinion and subjective to an extent.
We're not trying to reinvent the wheel or get into the circuit board or algorithmic coding of both amps.
Instead, this page is a resource that focuses narrowly on two products and gives you all the information you need to make a decision. Because everyone's situation is different, and we can't really tell you scientifically which one is better when the specs and quality levels are so close.
Keep all that in mind if/when you decide to comment.
A lot of people don't.
Now, back to demos of both amps. May God bless Ola Englund and Bonedo for their fantastic demos.
Detailed Spec Table
There isn't much to distinguish these amplifiers on the spec sheet. The Katana has a power amp input and a 1/4" headphone jack as opposed to the 1/8" headphone jack on the CODE. Also note that the CODE's i/o is all on top of the amp as opposed to the back.
 | Katana | CODE |
|---|---|---|
Circuit Type | Solid State (digital modeling) | Solid State (digital modeling) |
Form | Combo (preamp, power amp, speaker cab) | Combo (preamp, power amp, speaker cab) |
Feature focus | Effects | Amp models |
Preamp Tubes | n/a | n/a |
Power Amp Tubes | n/a | n/a |
EQ | 3-band EQ | 3-band EQ |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (power amp), 1 x 1/8" (aux in), 1 x 1/4" footswitch, USB | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/8" (aux in), Bluetooth, USB, 1 x 4" footswitch, 1/8" headphones |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (rec/headphones) | Headphones |
Style lean | Modern rock, metal, versatile | Classic rock, blues, versatile |
Quality category | Middle tier | Middle tier |
Lead/Rhythm | Both | Both |
Gain profile | Wide range, aggressive, percussive, smooth | Wide range, bite, lead |
Footswitch support | Yes | Yes |
Ideal skill level | Beginner to intermediate | Beginner to intermediate |
Price Comparison
The CODE and Katana 50 are typically priced the same, though we've seen both get temporary price reductions. The table below includes both from some of the most popular vendors for easy comparison.
Price updated Thu, March 30th, 2023.
Multiple Vendors
Amazon Only
Which one is better for metal?
For metal tones we'd definitely recommend the Katana. The gain is aggressive and modern, which is a nice compliment to the wider range of effects. All of this can also be tweaked with the Boss Tone Studio if you hook the Katana up to a computer via the USB port.
The CODE has a JCM800 setting, but even that is not what we'd consider a metal tone. It's almost more bluesy, and bright, and not a particularly good recreation of the true JCM800 tone.
Again, that's according to our ear, so do your own listening and make the call for yourself.
But if it's metal and modern rock, we'd definitely go with the Katana.
Which one is better for classic rock?
The Katana can handle a wide range of styles, but the CODE definitely has more of a classic rock persona. Maybe it's a branding thing, but as I mentioned in the previous section, even the CODE's heavier settings sound like classic rock.
Yet, I'm not totally comfortable saying it's "better" for any particular style. Because the Katana puts out a really solid tone at all gain ranges.
It's a hard call.
Which one is brighter?
The CODE puts out a brighter tone more often than the Katana, but you can EQ your way out or into that on either amp. Marshall amps have always been brighter with more of a chime quality, and that is certainly reflected in the CODE's amp models.
Which one has better distortion?
If distortion is your concern, we like the Katana a lot better in that category.
Boss Katana Pros and Cons
Pros
- Superior tone quality (in our opinion)
- High gain distortion sounds great
- Boss effects models are solid, especially with the Tone Studio software
- Perhaps this is subjective, but it just feels and looks like a better built and more intentionally designed amplifier
Cons:
- Effects selection system is not particularly straightforward
Marshall CODE 50 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong focus on Marshall amp models
- Faithful digital re-creations of Marshall classics
- Tube-esque breakup sounds great
- LCD screen is helpful (Katana doesn't have this)
- Easier to control effects and sounds
Cons
- Just doesn't satisfy on the higher-gain settings, limiting its application
- Weaker on effects compared to the Katana
Conclusion
We think the Boss Katana 50 will make the most sense for the highest number of people. That doesn't mean the Marshall CODE 50 isn't a worthy consideration, because these amps are very close in terms of quality and their most common use cases.
Check them out for yourself and see what sounds better to you. Because it's important to remember that our opinion doesn't necessarily account for your unique situation.
Take it with a grain of salt and do your own research.
If you have questions about these amps, hit the comments section below.
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Written by GC Editorial on Amps & Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Amps & Comparisons
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