Side by side

Amp Locker vs Gjalla

Both stand on guitar amp software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Amp Locker

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Amp Locker provides a free set of virtual guitar gear and supports both standalone and plug-in use. The $5 a month subscription adds modules but excludes some gear, and cancelling deactivates the plug-in.

Visit Amp Locker

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. It is available at no cost, but getting started currently requires building from source or waiting for a packaged release.

Visit Gjalla

The facts

	Amp Locker	Gjalla
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Windows	Linux, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Subscription: $5 a month	Free or on request
Plans published	2	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	audio-assault.com	sognevo.com
On guitar amp software	#4 of 35	#8 of 35

Amp Locker: what it does well

Free download includes an amp, pedals, rack effects, and cabs.
Cabinet microphones can be moved.
Includes MIDI support and an IR loader.
Available as a standalone app and plug-in.
Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What to know first

Subscription excludes 3D Cab packs and signature amp sims.
Cancelling the subscription deactivates the plug-in.
No refunds are given after a subscription charge.

Gjalla: what it does well

Free and licensed under GPLv3 or later.
Available as VST3, CLAP, macOS AU, and standalone builds.
Includes three pedal voicings and three cabinet voicings.
Loads WAV or AIFF impulse responses up to two seconds.
No telemetry, network access, update checks, or accounts.

What to know first

There is no packaged release yet.
Building requires Git, CMake 3.22 or later, and a C++20 compiler.
AU and standalone builds vary by operating system.

Alternatives to Amp Locker Alternatives to Gjalla The whole list