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Best Guitar Amp Software in 2026

Guitar amp software lets you shape tones using virtual amplifiers, cabinets and effects. Compared on amp models, cabinet models and effects count, the options also differ in IR loader support and plugin formats. Check whether a standalone app is available and which platforms are supported, then weigh free-plan availability and paid-from pricing. Neural Amp Modeler, Amp Locker and Amplifikation 360 are among the options shown. Compare the listed setup and sound-shaping features with your playing or recording workflow.

35 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Amped

Free plan APIMacWindows

Amped combines amp simulations, effects, cabinet options, and a tuner for computer-based guitar playing. Check the AAX platform limit and the full-license price against your setup and needs.

7.5 Free plan · paid from €39.99 Visit site
2

AmpForge

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose AmpForge if you want a free, open-source amp simulator with vocal effects, flexible pedal ordering, and host automation.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
3

AIDA-X

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

AIDA-X offers amp-model playback in plugin, standalone, and browser forms, with cabinet IR support and several effect options.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
4

Amp Locker

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Amp Locker provides a free set of virtual guitar gear and supports both standalone and plug-in use.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
5

Amplifikation 360

Free plan MacWindows

Amplifikation 360 offers a free starting point and modular routing for compatible Kuassa plug-ins. Check the system requirements and note that Amplifikation One modules are excluded.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $25 Visit site
6

Amp ONE

Free plan iPhone

Amp ONE offers modeled preamps, cabinet simulation, and effects in an iPad app with preset and snapshot support.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
7

GENOME

Free plan iPhoneMacWindows

GENOME combines amp and cabinet modeling with effects, routing, and plugin support. Check the component exclusions and the separate iOS access requirement when choosing a license.

7.0 Free plan · 14-day trial Visit site
8

Gjalla

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Pick Gjalla if you want an open-source amp simulator with raw-style pedal voicings, cabinet options, and impulse response loading.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
9

Neural Amp Modeler

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

NAM combines model training, plugin playback, and community model sharing in a free project.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
10

Helix Stadium Native

Free plan APIMacWindows

Helix Stadium Native combines amp and effects models with DAW integration, MIDI control, and compatible presets.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $99.99 · 15-day trial Visit site
11

Guitarix

Free plan LinuxMac

Guitarix offers a standalone JACK-based amp with built-in effects and support for LADSPA and LV2 plugins.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
12

Soundshed Guitar

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Pick Soundshed Guitar if you want a free guitar and bass effects app with standalone and DAW use, flexible routing, cabinet simulation, and built-in practice tools.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
13

AmpliTube 5

Free plan MacWindows

6.7 Free plan · paid from $99.99 Visit site
14

Rustortion

Free plan LinuxWindows

Pick Rustortion if you need a free amp simulator for Linux or Windows and want standalone or DAW plugin use with flexible processing.

6.7 Free plan Visit site
15

ToneBytes Pedals

Free plan Windows

Choose ToneBytes Pedals if you need a free Windows VST 2 plug-in with a broad set of guitar and bass processing devices.

6.5 Free plan Visit site
16

AmpKnob BDH III

Free trial MacWindows

AmpKnob BDH III combines a simplified amp interface with a switchable overdrive, cabinet options, and standalone tools. Check its operating system and plugin format requirements before choosing it.

6.2 From €49 · 14-day trial Visit site
17

Amp Room

Free trial MacWindows

Pick Amp Room if you want Softube’s modeled guitar and bass suites inside a supported DAW, with IR loading and customizable signal chains.

6.1 From $99 · 20-day trial Visit site
18

TONEX

Free plan MacWindows

6.0 Free plan · paid from €99.99 Visit site
19

Blue Cat's Free Amp

Free plan MacWindows

5.8 Free plan Visit site
20

Ampire

Paid MacWindows

Ampire offers modeled amps, cabinet options, and effects in multiple plug-in formats. The listed plan is sold out, and older Studio One presets and songs have specific compatibility caveats.

5.7 From $59.95 Visit site
21

Helix Native

Free trial MacWindows

Helix Native brings amp and effects modeling, impulse-response loading, and preset workflows to a DAW.

5.7 From $99.99 · 15-day trial Visit site
22

TH-U

Free trial iPhoneMacWindows

TH-U brings amp modeling, captured rigs and IR processing into one guitar and bass simulation tool. Its trial offers a way to explore it before choosing among the listed purchase options.

5.7 From €89 · 15-day trial Visit site
23

Soldano SLO-100 X

Free trial MacWindows

Soldano SLO-100 X combines two amp channels with cabinet simulation, effects, and practice tools.

5.6 14-day trial Visit site
24

BIAS X

Paid MacWindows

BIAS X offers both AI-assisted tone creation and detailed manual editing in a desktop guitar effects platform.

5.4 From $149 Visit site
25

Battery 4

Paid MacWindows

Battery 4 combines drum sampling, mapping, editing, effects, and routing in standalone and plug-in forms. Its one-time price and extensive import-format list define the offering.

4.8 From $199 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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