Today we’re pitting desktop guitar amplifiers vs portable guitar amplifiers so you can decide what might be best for you. Fortunately, we make some of the best portable guitar amplifiers and desktop guitar amplifiers on the market today, so you’re in good hands in this comparison. Yeah, we’re a little biased of course, BUT we did win an award at NAMM for our pedalboard amp, the Laney Ironheart Foundry Loudpedal.
Here at Laney, been at the forefront of the evolution of portable guitar amps and now desktop guitar amps. But, when it comes to desktop guitar amplifiers vs portable guitar amps, I’ll caveat this blog and comparison by saying that there’s no clear “winner’ as such. Just what’s best for certain setups.
These days, compared to when amps were given out in starter packs, the likes of portable amps are so much better than what we may have seen around 10 years ago. Gone are the days of portable guitar amps not being able to handle practice sessions with a drummer! We’ve made a special effort with the likes of the Laney MINI amps, in particular, to pack these amps with enough options for you to jam anywhere, anytime and enjoy excellent tone. We’ve also created some of what we think are the best pedalboard amps in the world, with the Laney LOUDPEDAL collection too. And now the next evolution is the desktop guitar amplifier, which is still portable, yet used for guitarists who want to either record to a DAW or interface and go without a cabinet, able to transport their amp from home to studio, without needing a massive trunk in their car to do it.
But is a portable guitar amp or desktop guitar amp best for you?
I’ll provide a comparison between portable and desktop guitar amps, highlight some of the best options and show you which amp is “best” for each different scenario. Fortunately, I’ve played (almost) all of these amps so I know what they sound like and how to get the best use out of them!
The main difference between portable guitar amps and desktop guitar amps is down to their use. Portable guitar amps are made to carry around with you. They’re often smaller, and lightweight with outer protection in case you drop them, with battery packs and standard tone sculpting features. Think busking amps or smaller backpack-sized amps. Desktop guitar amps are designed for stationary use, designed to sit on your desk or studio top, and packed with advanced features like DAW connectivity, extra tone sculpting, higher wattage and no battery. Portable = carry with you. Desktop = stays on your desk. Both can be carried, but desktop amps are made to stay put.
Of course, the lines can blur, as some portable guitar amps are stacked with features typically found in desktop models, such as digital effects and direct recording outputs. And, desktop amps can be lower in wattage, focusing on sound quality, and tonal versatility rather than sheer volume, making them suitable for home use without sacrificing performance.
Desktop and portable amps are so popular right now because guitarists like us want to be able to travel with our equipment or set up our own recording studio at home, it’s as simple as that really. We can’t take a massive tube amp with us everywhere, nor can we crank a 30-watt amplifier to its full tube-driven tone without risking eviction! So we need something that gives us the tones and functionality we need, anywhere, anytime.
So, a portable amp provides us with the ability to busk anywhere, often powered by batteries, jam anywhere with the tones we’re used to and write a guitar part anywhere we want.
A desktop amplifier, which is still portable to some extent, often gives us the option to plug our headphones in and play in silence, record studio-quality guitar parts straight to our DAW or interface and hook up to a cab IF we want to. If we’re going ampless on guitar or going ampless on bass, we only need an amp to practice and write with at home… so desktop amps and portable amps coupled with smartphone connections for tone sculpting are the perfect solution. Of course, tube amps, solid-state amps and huge wattage amps will always have their place, just like FRFR cabinets and digital setups do, but occasionally we just want to record at home or take a small amp with us. Hence the rise of the desktop guitar amp and portable guitar amplifier and the question being asked “Are low-wattage amps better than high-wattage amps” – guitarists like us want options!
Let’s look at some of the best options we have here at Laney.
Right now I’m looking at 4 of the best portable guitar amps we have in stock right now at Laney perfect for a wide range of genres, tube amp lovers, solid-state amp lovers and those who need a small amp to take anywhere.
The Laney CUB-SUPER10 is one of the best small tube amps for home use and one of the best portable guitar amps we have here at Laney. You get Class A amplifier design, which means that each power tube operates at peak output continuously, creating a distinctive, warm tube compression that tube aficionados love – it’s classic studio and gig quality tube-driven tone at lower volumes! This 10-inch combo amp not only delivers the rich, enveloping tones reminiscent of classic tube amps from all of your favourite records but also incorporates modern features like a foot-switchable boost, allowing for instant tonal shifts from clean to overdriven sounds when you need them – perfect if you’re just in need of an amp that goes from clean to drive.
It’s got an FX loop too, so you can add your effects straight into the amp, ignoring the signal chain, ensuring that time-based effects like reverb and delay maintain their clarity even when used with the amp’s distorted tones. Don’t be fooled by its small size, this thing has 10 watts of pure tube power, able to keep up with a drummer and is ideal for small gigs. Its powerful output will certainly shine on smaller stages or in rehearsal rooms making it a versatile choice for both practice and performance and one of the best tube amps for home use and the best portable guitar amps available today for musicians who demand more from their sound.
Who is the Laney CUB-SUPER10 best for?:
The Laney LG20R offers enough functionality for the gigging musician, with more than enough tonal options for those who need a portable amp to practice with too. Straight out of the box you have 20 watts of solid-state power to play with, so you’ll keep up with drummers. A 3-band EQ with master volume ensures you can get the high-gain sounds at lower volumes and sculpt your ideal tone, so all genres are catered for. The onboard studio-quality reverb adds a lush, atmospheric quality to the guitar tone, ideal for adding depth to your clean lead runs or richness to distorted riffs. The AUX input makes it perfect for playing along with your favourite tracks or backing tracks, enhancing practice sessions. Again, with 20 watts of power through an 8-inch woofer, the LG20R delivers a balanced sound that’s suitable for a variety of playing styles, from bedroom practice to small jam sessions so you’re ready for anything really.
The fact it’s only 8.25kg makes it VERY portable indeed!
Who is the Laney LG20R best for?:
Just because an amp is portable, doesn’t mean it can’t be packed with ALL the tones you ever need! The Laney MINI-ST-LION-2 is at the forefront of digital amp technology with its Laney Smart Interface (LSI), offering unparalleled access to digital guitar tones when connected to your phone or tablet. This feature, combined with Bluetooth connectivity, eliminates the need for a tangle of cables, making setup quick and easy. The LSI feature allows you to connect your amp to your favourite guitar tone-generating app to access all your favourite guitar tones. So it’s like taking a full studio with you everywhere! The amp’s dual speakers provide a full stereo sound, enhancing the digital effects and tones accessed through the Tonebridge app, which offers over 1,000 classic guitar and bass tones. It’s portability and battery-powered operation make it an excellent choice for musicians on the go, who want to be able to practice or jam anywhere, anytime as you get 6 watts of power, powered through 6XAA batteries and it weighs just 1.25kg.
Who is the Laney MINI-ST-LION-2 best for?:
Let’s be honest, if we love heavy rock, a full stack looks great, but it’s not always…practical. Well, the Laney MINISTACK-IRON portable guitar amp combines the classic visual appeal of a stack with the modern convenience of digital integration through the Laney Smart Interface (LSI) so we’re scratching that full stack itch AND opening up a world of sounds too. Again, the LSI feature allows you to tap into a vast library of digital tones via your phone or tablet, making it a versatile tool for all genres of guitarists. The stack design not only looks impressive but also delivers a powerful sound as you get 6 watts of power pushing through 4 x 3” speakers. It’s battery-powered, weighs 2.6kg and has two channels – clean and drive as well as tap style delay and a headphone socket, so you’re good to practice your riffs anywhere, any time. Probably the portable guitar amp for those who value both the aesthetics of a “metal” guitar amp and functionality in a portable format.
Who is the Laney MINISTACK-IRON best for?:
Next up we’re looking at some of the best desktop amplifiers we have at Laney. These amps are still portable but are also designed with the writing and recording studio guitarist who wants something to plug directly into their DAW or interface and achieve studio-quality sound without using speakers.
The Laney IRONHEART IRF-DUALTOP is a powerhouse of versatility and tone, encapsulating over 55 years of Laney’s tone expertise in a compact, studio-friendly package that is easily one of the best desktop guitar amplifiers for tone snobs, like me and you.
Straight out of the box you have a 60-watt RMS twin-channel amp that boasts a foot-switchable boost, a 3-band passive EQ, and an FX loop, alongside an on-board digital reverb based on the Secret Path algorithm. Its high-quality IR-loaded speaker-emulated XLR DI out ensures studio-quality sound for recording, while the VARI WATT output feature allows for volume control from full power down to less than 1%, perfect for achieving that cranked amp tone at manageable volumes. Basically, this desktop guitar amplifier can sit on your desktop or studio workbench and help you record some of the best guitar tones you’ve ever heard directly to your DAW or audio interface, or rehearse at home thanks to the cabinet-emulated headphone output. Best of all, thanks to the IR Based DI out with emulation on/off you can plug straight into the PA when playing live meaning you get the exact same sound you’ve sculpted at home at live gigs free from the confines of a guitar cabinet. Yes, you CAN hook it up to a guitar cab – but you don’t need to.
Who is the Laney IRONHEART IRF-DUALTOP best for?:
The Laney IRONHEART IRF-LEADTOP brings the celebrated IRONHEART tube range’s dynamism and power into a more compact form, ideal for desktop use – it’s the smaller brother to the DUALTOP yet still just as useful and powerful. This 60-watt single-channel amp features a foot-switchable pre-boost, clean or lead modes, and a triple-mode EQ voicings switch for tonal versatility. You get a cabinet-emulated headphone out for silent practice, an aux input for backing tracks, and a high-quality effects loop that doubles as a line out for recording or PA connection which means you can have the same sound you’ve sculpted in the studio/at home at live gigs. The high and low power mode switch allows for performance at less than 1 watt, making it perfect for home use without sacrificing tone. Easily one of the best desktop guitar amplifiers on the market today for those who want a single-channel guitar amp that they can plug in, get their tone, record and jam with.
Who is the Laney IRONHEART IRF-LEADTOP best for:
Last but not least we’ve got my personal favourite desktop guitar amplifier, the Laney SUPERGROUP LA-STUDIO. This incredible hybrid tube amp and desktop guitar amplifier reimagines the iconic 1967 Laney SUPERGROUP amplifier with modern technology, tailored for the studio environment. This desktop guitar amp combines the warmth of real tubes with the convenience of digital plugins, thanks to its full Two Note Torpedo module built in. With options for 3W or <0.1 Watt output, it’s designed for high-fidelity, low-volume playing, allowing for the capture of authentic tube tones without overwhelming volume so you can hook it up to your monitor speakers, a cabinet or your interface and get the tube cranked sound at low volumes. The LA-STUDIO is an ideal bridge between the analog warmth of tube amps and the versatility of digital modeling, making it a perfect tool for studio recording and practice. Best of all you have 6 built-in virtual cabinet presets to choose from on the back panel, so you can simply turn it on and start playing after connecting headphones or your cabinet OR go straight into your DAW via the onboard USB connection. Read more about why you need the Laney LA Studio, which is easily one of the best hybrid desktop amps ever made.
Who is the Laney SUPERGROUP LA-STUDIO best for?:
Still curious? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each type of guitar amp.
When shopping for your desktop guitar amplifiers vs portable guitar amplifiers you’ll want to know the main differences, benefits and drawbacks. So I’ve highlighted them here for you based on my experience.
Let’s look at some of the main benefits of portable guitar amplifiers and some key considerations before you buy. Again, there’s no “best’ option, just “better” for each application.
Portable guitar amplifiers, like the Laney MINI-ST-LION-2 and MINISTACK-IRON for example, are designed for you to take them anywhere. They’re portable, designed to fit into your backpack, battery-powered, and versatile enough so you can get the tones you need whether you’re writing guitar parts at home or jamming along with friends. However, you might want to think about wattage (how loud they are), onboard functions, tone, weight, and battery life as these are the main choosing factors when shopping for a portable guitar amp.
Benefits: Portable amps, such as the Laney LG20R, offer sufficient wattage for practice and small performances without overwhelming volume as 20 watts is MORE than enough!
Drawbacks: Higher wattage needs, as seen in larger venues, may surpass the capabilities of amps like the CUB-SUPER10, which is designed for lower-volume settings. If you’re playing small gigs, you’re fine, but you might want to upgrade to a 30-watt or 12-watt amp if you want to hear yourself from the amplifier. The smaller portable amps like the MINI amps, wouldn’t really work for gigging as you won’t be able to hear yourself over a drummer or venue noise.
Benefits: The likes of the Laney MINI-ST-LION-2’s Bluetooth connectivity and digital tone access through the LSI (Laney Smart Interface) socket provide exceptional versatility and the snaller CuB SUPER amps also have enough tonal variety to sculpt any tone you need.
Drawbacks: Compared to larger amps, the range of effects and settings might be limited, as seen in more straightforward designs like the LG20R. You have everything you need in terms of tone sculp[ting, but if you want to record directly to a DAW or an interface, you might be better with a desktop amplifier.
Benefits: With features like the LSI in our portable amps, models like the MINISTACK-IRON offer digital emulation of classic sounds via your smartphone, so you’re not going to run out of tonal options on any of the portable amps featured here.
Drawbacks: The smaller speakers and lower power of portable amps like the MINI amps can sometimes result in a compromise on tone quality at higher volumes. However, you’re fine with the CUB SUPER and LG20 amps as they’re MADE to be driven hard!
Benefits: The lightweight design of amps like the Laney MINI series weighing in at around 2kg makes them easy to transport for musicians on the move.
Drawbacks: None really! Lightweight is always good!
Benefits: The battery operation of the Laney MINI-ST-LION-2 and MINISTACK-IRON ensures they can be used anywhere, providing ultimate portability as you only need 6xAA batteries.
Drawbacks: Batteries do run out… but there’s always the PSU option and external power supply, which might negate the “portable” aspect. Either way, it’s not a major drawback here.
Ok, I’m rounding up some of the main benefits of desktop guitar amplifiers and some key considerations to think about before you buy. Again, there’s no “best’ option, just “better” for each application, but just be aware desktop amps are designed more for the studio musician.
Desktop amplifiers, such as the Laney IRONHEART IRF-DUALTOP and IRF-LEADTOP, are designed for those who prioritise sound quality and extensive functionality in a stationary setting – basically, you’re not REALLY looking to take them out on the road or gig with them. They’ll do it 100% AND do it well, but they’re really going to excel in the studio. These amps offer a wide range of tonal options and connectivity features for recording, making them ideal for home studios and recording hobbyists.
Benefits: Desktop amps like the IRF-LEADTOP are compact enough for desk use, offering high-quality sound without taking up much space and they’re not THAT heavy weighing in around 5-7kg (11-17lbs).
Drawbacks: They can be a bit heavier than portable guitar amps, making them less suitable for frequent transportation. However, the likes of the CUB SUPER10 is still 9.6kgs, so it’s entirely up to you on how much you want to carry.
Benefits: The likes of the IRF-DUALTOP’s twin channels, foot-switchable boost, and digital reverb provide a broad sonic palette and recording flexibility. The Laney LA-Studio has a tonne of useful features for recording musicians and more tonal options than you’ll ever need. PLUS, both these desktop amps are geared up for recording at home and in the studio – that’s the main benefit.
Drawbacks: The wide range of features and settings might present a learning curve and potentially be a bit daunting for first-time guitar players or those who want a plug-and-play model. If that’s you, you’re better with a combo amp or portable guitar amplifier.
Benefits: Desktop amps offer a variety of wattages, allowing for desired tones at manageable volumes, as seen in the versatile wattage options of the Laney IRF-DUALTOP and Laney LA-Studio.
Drawbacks: Higher wattage models may not be necessary for those only using the amp for personal practice, such as the lower-wattage LA-STUDIO, designed for studio use. In this case, a portable amp with a master volume will probably be better for you.
Benefits: Extensive tonal shaping capabilities, as found in the Laney LA-STUDIO with its tube warmth and digital plugin integration, cater to diverse musical styles and the needs of the recording musician and studio producer.
Drawbacks: The abundance of options can be daunting for beginners or those who prefer a more straightforward amp.
Benefits: Running on mains power, and desktop amps like the IRF series ensures consistent performance without worrying about battery life.
Drawbacks: You can’t run any of these amps on a battery!
To decide whether you need a portable guitar amp or a desktop guitar amp, you must choose based on whether you want to travel with your amp or record at home. A portable guitar amp as seen in this example is perfect for throwing in your backpack or car, while a desktop amp sits on your desk and is designed to record with.
In summary, your choice between a portable guitar amp vs desktop guitar amplifier should hinge on your specific needs as a musician. If you prioritise versatility, ease of transportation, and the ability to play anywhere without reliance on mains power, a portable guitar amplifier is the way to go.
On the other hand, if your focus is on achieving the highest quality sound with extensive tonal options and advanced connectivity for recording in a stationary setting like a home studio, a desktop amplifier will serve you best.
I know, I know… what’s the best middle ground, right?
For those who seek a middle ground, the Laney IRONHEART IRF-DUALTOP and the SUPERGROUP LA-STUDIO stand out as some of the best desktop guitar amps. You can still move them around if need be, they solve both needs as both amps offer the flexibility to be used effectively in both home and mobile settings, providing a blend of portability with the high-quality sound and functionality typically associated with desktop models. Whether you’re gigging, recording, or practising, these amps deliver the best of both worlds, making them versatile options for a wide range of musical applications. I have the Laney LA-Studio and it’s easily the best desktop amp that I can still gig with. But that’s just my personal choice.
Happy gigging and recording, let us know which guitar amp YOU chose! Shop all Laney guitar amplifiers HERE and buy direct when shopping in the USA.