The Best Bass Amps - From Funky Slap to Thunderous Low-End
We present you with the best bass amps that are currently available in the market, conveniently categorized into price brackets so you can easily see the amps that fit your budget.
Hartke HD25
Bass Amp
A portable 25W bass amp with impressive lows and volume for its size, approved by virtuoso bassists including Victor Wooten.
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-110
Big Ampeg sound in a small package, delivering warm tones suitable for studio rehearsals or small venue gigs and performances.
Fender Rumble 200 V3 Bass Amp
Incredibly versatile 200W bass amp with multiple voicing and tone shaping options, with a 15″ Eminence LF driver and built-in switchable horn.
Gallien-Krueger MB115-II
Endorsed by Norm Stockton. This stage ready bass amp has incredible clarity and projection, ready for big stages and venues.
Fender Bassman 800HD Bass Head
Thunderous bass tones with vintage / overdrive channels, extra tone shaping options, and compatibility with various speaker cabs.
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Amplifiers have as much influence on the resulting sound as the instrument itself.
As such it is important to find one that brings out the sound you want and complements your playing style.
To help you do just that, we have compiled this list of highly-rated bass amps that sound great, work reliably, and offer the best value for your money.
Note that we decided to stick to combo bass amps for the most part, because of their practicality and wider availability.
To give you a better idea of how each bass amp sounds and performs, we’ve taken our time to add videos for each of the amplifiers listed.
- Table of Contents
Best Bass Amps under $200
Hartke HD25
Best Bass Amp under 200
Hartke HD25 Bass Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
An affordable amp that impresses with its punchy sound despite its modest 25-watt amp, thanks to Hartke’s HyDrive speaker technology. With a solid-state amp featuring a 3-band EQ and volume control, it caters to both passive and active basses. Its rugged build, auxiliary input, and endorsement from bass legend Victor Wooten make it a compelling choice for practice and gigs.
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It’s amazing how much quality and volume the small HD25 can produce, especially when considering its modest 25-watt amplifier.
Reviews have been consistent that this small amp sounds big and full of character, making practice more fun and inspiring.
This combo amp features Hartke’s patented HyDrive speaker technology, where the speaker cone is constructed using an aluminum cone on the inside for sweeter mids, while the outside section is crafted from traditional paper cone to reproduce deep and warm low frequencies.
The hybrid 8″ speaker works in conjunction with the compact 25-watt amplifier and the sturdy cabinet to produce quality Hartke tones at lower volume levels. Speaking of tone, the solid-state amplifier comes with a 3-band EQ for tone shaping along with a volume knob.
Hartke HD25 allows for both passive and active pickup basses and has an aux-in jack for jamming along with your favorite tracks. Finally, the amp is packed in a rugged cabinet with a great-looking metal grill.
The amp’s molded strap should be more than enough for you to safely carry the amp’s 24.9 lbs weight. Well if Victor Wooten is impressed, then who are we to complain?
Pros:
- Impressive full sound at 25W
- Sound great with active or passive bass pickups
- Warm low frequencies
Cons:
- Low projection
- Basic amp controls
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
25-Watts | 8” Speaker |
Controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, Mid | AUX-In and Headphone-Out |
Weight: 28 lbs. | |
Fender Rumble 25 V3
Best Practice Bass Amp
Fender Rumble 25 V3 Bass Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This bass amp is a standout in their bass amplifier line and garners praise for its unexpected power and vintage aesthetic. Reviews highlight its simple yet effective features: a 25-watt amp, an 8″ speaker, and versatile tone controls. Its lightweight build defies its projection, making it a top choice for budget-conscious bassists seeking quality sound.
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Fender is mostly known for their electric guitars and guitar amplifiers, but thanks to the Rumble Series, they’ve been covering more ground in the bass amplifier market.
The Fender Rumble 25 is at the forefront of their success, with rave reviews of surprised bassists who found this amp to surpass what they were expecting. This humble amp is winning more bassists over by the moment, with its elegant old-school design, and its loud and deep tone.
Looking at the reviews, we were blown away by the chorus of people who were raving about the amp. There’s nothing really out of the ordinary with the Fender Rumble 25, it has a 25-watt amplifier and an 8″ speaker, but bassists of various skill levels took their time to give a shout-out for this little amp’s sound and performance.
Aside from sounding great, this compact amplifier comes with adequate tone-shaping controls that include a 3-band bass EQ, a contour switch, an overdrive switch, and a volume knob. Another noteworthy feature of this amp is its lightweight design, weighing in at just 21 lbs, which is incredible for its projection. If you’re not sure which one to get and you’re budget is limited, check this one out.
Pros:
- Good tone options with its contour switch
- Great bass practice amp
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Sound projection is limited due to size and wattage
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
25-Watts | 8” Speaker |
Controls: Master Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Overdrive, Contour | AUX-In and Headphone-Out |
Weight: 21 lbs. | |
Best Bass Amps Under $300
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-110
Best Bass Amp under 300
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-110
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This combo amp features Super Grit Technology for tube-like warmth. With a headphone jack, aux in, and XLR output, it’s versatile for practice and gigs, offering full tones at an affordable price.
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If you’re a fan of Ampeg’s signature amp sound, the RB-110 will turn your rehearsals and performances in small venues into an enjoyable experience. This is one of those amps that’s small in size but packs a punch.
It’s a solid-state amp that delivers a warm, tube-like sound profile, thanks to its Super Grit Technology. Their specialized overdrive circuit rolls everything in a portable form factor, ensuring that you’ll have that consistent sound regardless if you’re at your studio or in a small gig.
You get a standard 3-band EQ for the low, midrange, and treble. If you choose to practice during nighttime it also offers a headphone jack, plus an aux in for playing along with a backing track. You can hook it up also to a PA using the XLR output for maximum amplification.
Its lows cut through and the tone sounds full for its size. The Ampeg Rocket Bass-110 is suitable for any bassist at its price point.
Pros:
- Warm, tube-like sound
- Super Grit Technology
- Full lows for its size
Cons:
- Limited features compared to bigger Ampeg models
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
50-Watts | 10” Speaker |
Vintage styling with modern features | Ampeg Legacy preamp |
Super Grit Technology (SGT™) overdrive | Weight: 22.5 lbs. |
Auxiliary input, headphone output, XLR Direct output | 0dB and -15dB inputs |
Fender Rumble LT25 Bass Combo Amp
Best Value Portable Bass Amp
Fender Rumble LT25 Bass Combo Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
It has 50 presets of modern to classic bass tones, USB connectivity for direct recording, and built-in effects. It’s a versatile choice for both live performance and studio recording needs.
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Fender dubbed this product as their grab-and-go amp and it goes beyond just providing you with that good tone you’re looking for.
The LT25 has a dash of new technology incorporated into its system. You have the standard 3 EQ that goes on every almost combo bass amp. However, what’s mindblowing is that, it has a simple-to-use interface that allows you to choose 50 presets of what they call the “greatest hits of bass amp tones.
This includes presets from the familiar classic tone of old amps, to modern deep bass tones. You’re not limited to just 1 amp tone and this is ideal for experimentation. This makes the Rumble LT25 a good headphone amp for quiet practice.
USB connectivity is also a distinguished feature of this bass amp, meaning you can use it as a form of audio interface so you can record directly to your DAW. Combine that with the capability to select your tones, and apply its built-in effects such as reverb and delay and you’ll have many options for your music production!
This is by far, the best bass amp in terms of features that it could offer. Ideal for live performances and studio applications.
Pros:
- 50 presets of bass guitar tones
- Can function as an audio interface
- Built-in effects
Cons:
- Can get muddy when volume is set too high
- Some amp tone simulations sound better with headphones
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
25-Watts | 8” Speaker |
Ported wooden cabinet
| 1.8″ color display |
Stereo headphone output for silent practice | Compatible with Fender Tone Desktop App |
Weight: 19.2 lbs | |
Best Bass Amps under $600
Fender Rumble 200 V3
Best Bass Amp under $600
Fender Rumble 200 V3 Bass Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This bass guitar amplifier is a balance of power and portability with added features like a 3-button voicing palette, 4-band EQ, built-in overdrive, and XLR output. While lacking some effects, it’s a strong contender for its price.
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The Rumble 200 (V3) is Fender’s third entry into this list, and like the first two, this one secured its spot with the approval and recommendation of many users and experts via ratings and reviews.
This model is bigger and louder, however, it is still quite light at 34.5″ and it doesn’t stop at just being bigger because it comes with added features that improve overall sound quality, and allow for more tone variations.
Its most noteworthy feature is the 3-button voicing palette control, which lets you tune the sound to either vintage (classic bass sound with deep lows), contour (enhanced low-end), or bright (enhanced higher frequencies) voicing.
And what’s even more interesting is that you can mix and match these filters to your preference. Further tone shaping is available via the 4-band EQ, which when combined can afford you a myriad of bass tones.
Other features include built-in overdrive, XLR output, effects loop, and optional footswitch control. It would’ve been nice if the amp had basic effects like compression and chorus, but that may be asking too much especially considering the Rumble 200’s price.
If you’re looking for a loud and versatile bass amp in this price range, this may be your best bet.
Pros:
- Tunable sounds via 3-button voicing palette control
- Built-in overdrive
- Portable
Cons:
- Vintage setting isn't the most palatable
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
200 watts | 15″ Eminence speaker |
Ported plywood enclosure with removable grille | Compression horn with on/off switch |
Overdrive circuit (controlled manually or with optional footswitch) | Three-button voicing section (bright, contour, vintage) |
Weight: 34.5 lbs | |
Hartke HD150
Extensive tone shaping
Hartke HD150 Bass Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Featuring HyDrive speaker tech and comprehensive EQ controls, it delivers warm tones and punchy attacks. With built-in limiters and send/return connectors, it suits diverse genres while ensuring safe signal levels.
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The Hartke HD150 is the much beefier brother of the HD25 with more features for tonal control and higher bass amplification capabilities.
It also uses the same HyDrive speaker technology. On their website, it says that it’s made of half paper and half aluminum hybrid. Combined, they yield about a warm tone and the punchy attack of aluminum.
At the back of the unit, you have the standard 3-EQ knobs and a whooping 5-band EQ for fine-tuning your signal further. It features an aux in for practicing on a backing track and send/return connectors for outboard effects. For silent practice, you have your 1/4-inch headphone connector.
To ensure that your signal is running at safe levels, there’s also a built-in limiter to ensure that you won’t accidentally blow up your speakers. However, you can connect it via its direct out if you want a stronger sound.
This amp fits everyone who plays in different genres. From its design, rest assured, the HD150 got you covered.
Pros:
- 3 and 7 Band EQ for max tonal control
- Loop send/return jacks
- Built-in limiter to prevent signal overload
Cons:
- Understandably heavy
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
150 watts | 15″ HyDrive speaker |
Controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, 7-Band EQ | 1″ Tweeter |
AUX-In, Headphone-Out, Line-Out, Effects Loop | Weight: 66 lbs |
Best Bass Amps Under $1000
Gallien-Krueger MB115-II
Best Bass Amp under 1000
Gallien-Krueger MB115-II Bass Amp
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This bass amplification provides a powerful 200W output, versatile tone controls, and portability. Equipped with a 15″ LF driver and switchable tweeter, it’s ideal for active bassists seeking quality sound for small to mid-sized venues.
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Gallien-Krueger or GK is well known to bassists for their premium high-quality amplifiers that professionals like Norm Stockton use on stage.
The GK MB115-II is their 200W combo amp contender in the sub $500 market, a workhorse bass amp that’s been getting great reviews because of its impressive sound, feature set and build quality.
There was even a reviewer who used this 200W amp to fill a 400-person capacity venue and was very happy with the results.
And it’s not just about being loud, because this amp sounds as great as a more premium Gallien-Krueger-made amp, only this one is more portable.
Its tone-shaping features are not too shabby either, with the MB115-II having its own active 4-knob EQ control that lets you adjust treble, hi-mid, low-mid, and bass. There’s also a contour control for even more sonic versatility.
All this control would be for naught if the speaker, or in this case, speakers were not up to the challenge. GK equipped the MB115-II with a 15″ paragon LF driver and a switchable tweeter to give you a fuller sound.
Some describe GK’s sound as being more on the modern side, but it undoubtedly can mimic vintage voicing with some tweaks. Finally, the MB115-II is portable at 35 lbs, but it is also fully expandable thanks to the “Chain Out” feature, which lets you connect the amp with GK’s powered bass cabinets when you need extra volume.
Highly recommended for active bassists who are planning to be big-venue-ready.
Pros:
- 4 band EQ
- Contour Control based on 800RB
- Can be expanded with extra speakers
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- Might be overkill in small venues
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
200 watts | 15″ speaker |
Expanded controls with boost and active EQs | With Tweeter |
With Air vent. thermal and RF protection, | Weight: 38 lbs |
Fender Rumble 500 V3
Super Loud Bass Amplifier
Fender Rumble 500 V3 Combo Bass Amplifier
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
It has an impressive, deep bass, and lightweight design, making it a top choice for gigging bassists seeking power without breaking the bank. Its versatile controls cater to personalized tones, though careful EQ adjustments are necessary to avoid muddiness. Overall, it’s a powerhouse bass amp that’s reasonably priced and easy to transport.
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If your end goal is to have the deepest low-end without having to dig deep into your savings, then this 500W 2×10″ combo amp will surely tickle your fancy. And it’s not just about its price point because weighing in at just 36.5 lbs, you’d be hard-pressed to find a similarly rated combo amp within the same weight and price range.
Reviews are consistent in saying that this amp replaced their “main” amps simply because it sounds good and is easier to haul around.
And because of its impressive power-to-weight ratio, we dub the Fender Rumble 500 as the best pound-per-pound bass amp combo.
The same features found on the smaller Rumble 200 are available in the Flagship model, only this one is much louder and meant for bigger venues.
You get the same controls so you can get vintage-style clear tones or play with the EQ and voicing controls for your personalized sound. And if you require more power, you can get the Rumble 4×10 Cab to create your wall of low-end terror.
There’s not much to complain about other than you’ll have to be careful and subtle with the EQ and Volume knob to avoid muddying the sound, an inherent concern with bigger and louder bass amps.
If you’re looking for a powerhouse bass amp that’s reasonably priced and easy to carry around, then you’ll be more than happy with the Fender Rumble 500.
Pros:
- Super loud at 500W
- Deep, rich low end
- Built for big venues
Cons:
- Difficult to store and transport
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
500 watts | 2 x 10″ speakers |
Controls: Gain, Bright, Contour, Vintage, Drive, Overdrive, Level, 4-Band EQ (Bass, Lo-Mid, Hi-Mid, Treble), Master | AUX-Input, Headphone-Output, Footswitch, Line Out, Effects Loop Send/Return, Extension Speaker |
Weight: 38 lbs | |
Best Bass Amplifiers Over $1000
Fender Bassman 800HD
Best Bass Amp Head over 1000
Fender Bassman 800HD Bass Amp Head
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This bass amp is known for its thunderous hybrid bass tone and classic look and features vintage and overdrive channels with separate EQs. It offers extensive connectivity options including parallel speaker outputs, footswitch, tuner, preamp, and power amp outputs, and an XLR output with level control for tone versatility. Compatible with Fender and any third-party speaker cabinet.
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Dubbed as having a thunderous hybrid bass tone, Bassman 800HD has the classic, vintage look of a traditional amp head that impeccably delivers the sought-after tube sound.
This hybrid bass amp (class D head) gives you vintage and overdrive preamp channels and you can use either the switch in front or connect a footswitch at the back of the unit.
The vintage and overdrive have their EQs. The vintage tone provides a cut-only 3-band EQ.
On the other hand, 3-band EQ for the overdrive is parametric where you can select where in the mids frequency you want to cut or boost.
At the back of the unit, you have parallel speaker outputs, a footswitch, a tuner, a preamp, and a power amp output. The very end features an XLR output, with pre/post and ground/lift buttons, and a dedicated level knob. These are your slew of options to get your desired tone control on this tube amp.
While this cab is highly recommended to be paired with Fender’s Bassman and Rumble cabs, you can easily mate them with other 3rd party cabs as well.
Indeed, it’s the best bass amp head out there.
Pros:
- A whopping 800W power amp
- Warm tube amp tone
- Built-in vintage and overdrive
- Includes footswitch for hands-free channel switching
Cons:
- Vintage doesn't boost the signal, only cut
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
800 watts | Tube Preamp, Solid State Class D power amp |
Vintage and Overdrive preamp channels | XLR line output, tuner output, and effects loop |
Weight: 17 lbs | Compatible with Bassman Pro series Neo speaker enclosures |
Gallien-Krueger MB212-II
Best Combo Bass Amp over $1000
Gallien-Krueger MB212-II Combo Bass Amplifier
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Proudly made in the USA, the MB 212-II bass amp boasts 500W power yet remains portable at 41 lbs. Its sturdy vinyl exterior, metal corners, and plywood construction ensure durability. With neodymium speakers and a horn for high frequencies, versatile EQ, a limiter option, and a chain out jack, it’s suitable for any venue or rehearsal space.
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The MB 212-II is proudly made in the USA. This bass amp is capable of delivering 500 watts of power, but despite that, it’s relatively easy to carry around in both small and large gigs. For its size, it only weighs around 41 pounds.
The exterior is made of tough vinyl and the corners are covered with metal for optimal protection. The majority of its body is made of plywood built on top of an aluminum chassis. You have the standard aux out, a headphone jack for silent practice, and an XLR out for running it through other speakers.
However, one key feature it has is the chain out jack. This enables you to take any XLR cable and plug it into their MBP extension cab.
You have 2 neodymium speakers for the bass notes and 1 horn for adding more high-frequency content. This is how the bass amp deals with different frequencies–it divides the into parts to effectively deliver that tone you desire. Should you choose not to use the horn, you can also turn it off by clicking the horn button.
Aside from that, you have a 4 EQ that’s patterned to the famous 800RB. You have treble, high mids, low mids, and bass. Tone-shaping is like cutting butter with a knife with this one. So, if you want some scooped-up mids or some treble boost for some bass slap, this bass amp will rock style you throw at it with some knob turns.
This bass combo amp also provides a limiter option to save yourself the risk of blowing it up. On top of that, the power button is accompanied by a light indicator that tells you if you have an unhealthy signal (red) or a healthy one (blue).
It’s a great overall amp for large and small venues and rehearsals. If you’re not on a tight budget, this will turn your bass rig into a beast.
Pros:
- Relatively Portable for a 500W Bass Amp
- Tough Exterior
- Feature Packed
- Can be hooked up to MBP extension speaker cabs
Cons:
- Chain output can't be used with other brands
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
500 watts | 2 x 12″ Speakers |
With Tweeter / Horn | 4-Band EQ |
Weight: 41 lbs | Thermal and RF Protection, Air vent |
Things to Consider When Buying
Bass Guitar Amps
Power, Size, and Weight
There’s no way around physics when it comes to reproducing quality low frequencies at higher volumes. The bigger the speaker, and the more powerful the amplifier, the better.
However, having a bass amplifier that’s too loud and bulky has its obvious drawbacks, mainly it could break your relationship with your neighbors if not break your back.
So, it is best to consider the usual venues where you play when choosing your amp. 25 to 50 Watts should be plenty enough for practice and even small venue gigs, for loud bands in medium-sized venues you’ll want around 50 Watts and up, finally you’ll need something powerful (100 Watts and up) for bigger venues.
If budget permits, you should consider having multiple bass amps and carry appropriate ones as you see fit.
Solid State vs Tube Bass Amps
Interestingly, the bass world has been much more appreciative of solid-state amplifiers than guitarists.
Just look at the overwhelming number of solid-state bass amps being produced today, compared to tube-equipped ones and you’ll have to agree.
While some still prefer the warmth of a tube bass amp with valve preamp, solid-state amplifiers have improved much over time that they are now capable of producing overdriven tones, and more importantly, great clean tones that satisfy the majority of bassists.
It’s common knowledge that tube amps tend to be more expensive, but they sound warmer and louder, they also require careful handling and maintenance. Solid state amps on the other hand are more consistent, resilient, and reliable, making them very practical especially when you have to regularly transport your amps.
As much as I wanted to feature more tube amps in this list, the market’s high demand and high regard for solid-state amps would not allow it.
In contrast with guitarists, bassists aren’t that interested with amp modeling. So most of the amps featured here have basic functions. Still, this simplicity makes them ideal platforms for pedals and other bass gear, for achieving more complex modern tones.
Combo vs Head+Cabinet Configuration
Combo amps are more practical because of their accessible price and simplified setup.
Still, some professionals prefer amp heads with cabinets because of their modular design, which allows them to be connected to more/bigger speakers when the situation calls for it.
But the sound should be the same unless a different set of speakers are used. So to simplify this list and prioritize practicality, we’ve decided to give more space to combo amps.
Brand and Model
Our original intention is to have as many brands and models included in this list, but interestingly, there are only a few brands that get high ratings, reviews, and recommendations.
So don’t be surprised to see the Fender Rumble Series appearing multiple times in this list because it continues to dominate the market in almost all price ranges.
Hartke, Gallien-Krueger, and Ampeg also secured multiple spots for their high-quality bass amps.
Other bass amps that are not included in this guide but are worth mentioning include the Aguilar Tone Hammer 700 and the Orange Crush Bass.
Final Thoughts
And these are the best bass amps your money can buy. One thing that you should also keep in mind is that the venue always matters when you’re purchasing a bass amp. Again, the wattage and how loud they could get are (almost) synonymous with the price point.
If you’re performing for small venues, you can get away with a bass amp with a smaller wattage rating. But for bigger venues, you have to invest a little more.
Let us know if the comments below for any opinions or suggestions you might want to add!
Alexander Briones
Lead Author
Allen Articulo
Contributor: Research and Supplemental Writing