Best Electric Guitar Preamps of 2025

The Friedman IRJ Preamp is a powerful all-tube high-voltage preamp designed to enhance your sound. With two independent channels, you can easily switch between tones or boost your signal for solos. The three-position CAB/IR select switch allows you to customize your sound further, giving you the flexibility to adapt to various settings. Additionally, the ultra-transparent FX loop lets you integrate effects seamlessly, ensuring that your tone remains pure. Its compact size makes it an excellent addition to your pedalboard, streamlining your entire rig without sacrificing quality.

The Friedman IRX Preamp is designed to enhance your sound with two adjustable boost channels, effectively giving you four distinct options to choose from. Each channel comes with its own EQ toggles, allowing you to shape your tone to perfection. If you need to practice quietly, the headphone output lets you play without disturbing others around you. Additionally, you can easily route the direct output to a front-of-house system or your preferred digital audio workstation, making it a versatile tool for any musician.

The Line 6 POD Express is a versatile tool for guitarists and bassists alike. With seven different amplifier models and seven cabinet options, you can easily find the perfect sound for your playing style. The inclusion of 17 effects, such as a looper, adds even more creative possibilities for your music. The device features stereo main outputs and a headphone output, allowing you to connect to various audio gear or practice quietly. Additionally, its USB-C audio interface makes recording and monitoring straightforward, giving you the flexibility to re-amp your tracks with ease.

The Universal Audio Lion 68 offers an impressive dual-engine that captures the iconic sound of late-'60s British tube amplifiers, providing you with authentic tones directly from a compact pedal. With emulations of three legendary amplifiers, including the Super Lead and Super Bass, you can enjoy rich, high-powered sounds. The pedal also features customizable options, allowing you to bypass cabinet and mic emulations for added versatility in your setup. Plus, the UAFX mobile app enhances your experience by letting you tweak settings, save presets, and access additional features, making it easier than ever to achieve your desired sound.

The JOYO Mini Amp is a versatile and portable guitar amplifier designed for convenience and performance. It is compatible with various electric guitars and even electronic wind instruments, making it a great choice for different musicians. You can easily plug it in and start playing without the hassle of cords. The built-in effects, including clean, distortion, overdrive, and reverb, allow you to customize your sound effortlessly. Additionally, with Bluetooth functionality, you can stream backing tracks directly to the amp, enhancing your practice sessions. This compact amp is perfect for musicians on the go.

The K&K Pure Preamp is a belt-clip preamp that works with various K&K and other pickups. It includes bass, midrange, treble, and volume controls to help you fine-tune your sound. The preamp can be used with Pure Western, Pure Classic, Pure Bass, Pure Archtop, The One, Big Twin, Big Shot, Bass Max, Violinissimo, and other pickups. The best part is that it allows you to add a preamp to your K&K pickup without modifying your instrument!

The Palmer Pocket Amp is a portable preamp designed for acoustic guitars and basses, making it an excellent choice for performers, recording artists, and hobbyists alike. It offers a range of sound shaping options, allowing you to customize your tone to suit any environment. The preamp supports both piezo and magnetic pickups, ensuring compatibility with various instruments. With a 3-band EQ and semi-parametric mid control, you can easily adjust the sound to highlight the best qualities of your instrument, providing you with flexibility and control during practice or live performances.

The Walrus Canvas Re-Amp offers a versatile solution for connecting your audio interface to guitar pedals and amplifiers. With a flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, you can expect clear and accurate sound reproduction. The custom-wound transformer efficiently adjusts the signal's impedance, ensuring compatibility with various equipment. You can easily connect your audio interface using either a ¼” or XLR jack, making it convenient for different setups. This flexibility allows you to achieve the sound you desire without the hassle of complex connections.

The Friedman IR-D Preamp offers two identical channels, allowing you to create rich, layered sounds for your music. It includes a boost feature for extra power when you need it most. You can also simulate a power amplifier with adjustable Presence and Thump settings, giving you the ability to customize your tone. With three multi-function foot switches, you can easily control various aspects of your performance, enhancing your playing experience. This preamp is designed to provide convenience and versatility for musicians of all levels.

The Fesley Mini Amp offers a versatile dual-channel system, allowing you to easily switch between clean and distortion sounds. This feature is perfect for experimenting with different musical styles, giving you the flexibility to enhance your playing. With its compact design, this amp delivers an impressive 10 watts of power, making it ideal for practice or even as a portable Bluetooth speaker. The long-lasting 2000mAh rechargeable battery ensures you can enjoy up to 5 hours of playtime, keeping your sessions uninterrupted. Plus, the Bluetooth functionality allows you to connect your phone, letting you jam along to your favorite tracks effortlessly.