Here are the best free guitar amp VST plugins for Windows and Mac. Use these guitar amp plugins with FL Studio, Reason, Ableton Live, and other VST-supported software.
This roundup includes guitar Amp plugins with detailed lists of features, images, and videos.
What Is A Guitar Amp VST Plugin? A guitar amp plugin is a virtual amp that simulates the sound of a physical, real-world guitar amplifier. It can be used with any DAW. Musicians can use these to get a better sound when playing instruments such as guitars, bass guitars, and electric guitars.
Best Guitar Amp VST Plugins
- Amplifikation Lite
- Blue Cat Free Amp
- Voxengo Boogex
- HyBrit Head
- LeXTAC
- The Anvil
- AmpliTube Custom Shop
- Amped Roots Free
- Diode Amplifier
- Ace
- NRR-1
- Crunck V2 Guitar Amplifier
- Audiority
- Guitar Rig 6 Player
- PA FREE bx_rockrack V3 Player
- BlackShow
- GrindMachine Free
- LeCto
- Rollamp
- Amper
Guitar amp VST plugins can simulate different amplifiers, such as clean, crunch, and metal. Some plugins can also simulate various types of cabinets, such as 4×12, 2×12, 1×12, etc.
I’ve downloaded and tried out hundreds of free VST plugins, and these stand out as some of the best free Guitar Amp VST plugins.
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each guitar amp VST plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
Tutorial: How to Install VST Plugins
1. Amplifikation Lite
Amplifikation Lite allows you to create ultra-realistic sounding guitar sounds simply by plugging your guitar into your computer’s sound card input.
Get high-quality guitar tracks with a simple interface and non-obstructive workflow using Amplifikation Lite.
Amplifikation Lite’s DSP engine is based on one of the amps featured in Kuassa Amplifikation One with a fixed tone stack and power amp output type.
Features
- Ultra-realistic guitar sounds
- Non-obstructive workflow
- DSP based on Kuassa Amp
- Clean, Rhythm, Lead channels
- 9 Control Parameters
- Cabinet Impulse Response Loader
- Up to 96 kHz sample rates
Pros
- High-quality guitar tracks
- Supports PC & Mac
- 32-bit & 64-bit compatible
- VST and Audio Unit
- Flexible tone options
- Lightweight software
Cons
- Requires sound card input
- Limited to guitar sounds
- Fixed tone stack
- Power amp output type fixed
- Host software needed
- It might need additional set-up
- No advanced features
Plugin | PC & Mac
Amplifikation Lite Preview
2. Blue Cat Free Amp
Blue Cat’ssFree Amp is a free guitar amp simulator plugin offering three amp models created with the acclaimed Blue Cat’s Destructor amp simulation modeler.
Inspired by legendary guitar amplifiers from the real world, the classic clean, classic drive, and modern drive amp models cover a wide range of guitar amp tones.
From clean vintage sounds from the early days of electric guitar to modern high-gain metal tones.
Operating the plugin is extremely simple: load it in your favorite host application, choose a preset or an amp model, and play!
Great free guitar amp alternative to paid plugins such as the TH-U by Overloud, Waves GTR Amps, BIAS FX 2 by Positive Grid, Peavey Revalver, Scuffham S-Gear, NI Guitar Rig, and the Universal Audio Amp-Simulations plugin.
This Guitar Amp VST plugin stands out to me for its clean design and comprehensive features.
Features
- 3 Amp Models
- No Latency
- Undo & Redo Feature
- Full-Featured Integrated Presets Manager
- Full Midi Control and Automation Support
- Advanced Response Control
- Midi Learn
- Customizable user interface
- Any sample rate supported
Blue Cat Plugin | PC & Mac
- Unlimited Beats & Pages
- Sell Digital & Physical Products
- Full WordPress Music Website
- 90 Free Graphics - Get $15 Off
3. Voxengo Boogex
Boogex is a guitar amplifier effect AAX, AudioUnit, and VST plugin with various sound-shaping features for professional sound and music production applications.
With Boogex, it is possible to get a heavily distorted sound and a slight “jazzy” saturation sound. Boogex can also apply any speaker cabinet impulse response (selecting built-in impulses is available).
The processing latency is close to zero, making it possible to use Boogex for real-time guitar processing.
Boogex produces an excellent minimalist sound, which may be a bit noisy at higher drive settings. Higher frequencies can be quickly suppressed with its built-in Emphasis EQ.
Boogex also includes an input gate module and reverberation module derived from Voxengo OldSkoolVerb reverb.
Features
- Emphasis EQ
- 10 Amplifier Modes
- 61 Built-In Cabinet Impulse Responses
- Gate Module
- Built-In Reverb
- Stereo Processing
- 64-Bit Floating-Point Processing
- Preset Manager
- Undo/redo History
- All Sample Rates Support
- Zero Processing Latency
- User Interface Color Schemes
- Resizable User Interface
Voxengo Boogex | PC & Mac
4. HyBrit Head Guitar Amp VST
HyBrit Head is a hybrid amp model based on two famous British gears.
The PLS channel is a hybrid of the real thing’s two (tweaked) channels (Normal and Treble). Both tracks are processed, and the mix of the two signals can be adjusted through the PLS MIX knob.
HyBrit Head | PC & Mac
5. LeXTAC
The LeXTAC guitar amp VST plugin was inspired by a Californian boutique amplifier.
LeXTAC | PC & Mac
6. The Anvil
The Anvil is a digital emulation of a three-channel tube preamplifier for guitar. It has been developed to accurately model its natural hardware counterpart, designed by Andy Zeugs.
The Anvil has three independent channels with different signal paths and separate tone stack controls to maximize versatility.
The Clean channel is inspired by the classic Californian circuits and provides crystal clear tones even in high-gain settings.
The Anvil | PC & Mac
7. IK Multimedia AmpliTube Custom Shop
Build your dream guitar rig with the IK Multimedia AmpliTube Custom Shop. The free version of AmpliTube comes with 42 iconic models to get started right away.
With over 400 gear models available as add-ons, you can mix and match pedals, amps, speakers, cabinets, mics, and rack FX to create the perfect tone.
The a la carte purchasing model lets you unlock only the gear you want or need, making it easy and affordable to expand your collection.
So dive into AmpliTube Custom Shop and start building your virtual guitar rig today.
- 42 Free Models Cabinets
- Authorized Models of Top Brands
AmpliTube Custom Shop | PC & Mac
8. Amped Roots Free
This plugin is a free amp, so you can try it out and see for yourself how good it is.
The amp sims are of the highest quality, and you won’t have to spend hours tweaking them to get the sound you want.
Amped Roots Free | PC & Mac
9. Diode Amplifier
The Diode Amplifier plugin gives you all the warmth and distortion you need to get your shred on. You can dial in your tone fast with drive, low, mid, high, and output controls.
Diode Amplifier | PC & Mac
10. Ace
The Ace amp plugin delivers classic tweed tones with modern versatility. You can dial in your perfect sound with controls for adjusting feedback and adding grid-stopper resistors.
The built-in impulse response speaker emulation gives you even more tonal options. The Ace guitar amp plugin is easy to use and sounds great whether playing live or re-amping.
- Volume Adjusts to Level 12 Similar to The Original Amp
- Adjustable Feedback Control
- Model After Circuit Grid Stoppers
- Impulse Response Cab Emulation
- 8x Oversampling
- Simple Graphic User Interface
Ace | PC & Mac
11. NRR-1
The NRR-1 plugin is a digital emulation of a three-channel tube preamplifier for guitar, developed to model its hardware counterpart.
The NRR-1 core circuit is based on a famous boutique preamplifier made in 1988. Thanks to Ignite Amps 3rd generation triode modeling engine, you can now get that same sound in your studio.
The plugin offers three clean, rhythm, and lead channels, each with fully separated controls that let you dial in your tone precisely. Mono / Stereo processing support means you can use it with any setup.
NRR-1 | PC & Mac
12. Crunck V2 Guitar Amplifier VST
The Crunck Guitar Amplifier is a versatile amp perfect for various genres, from metal to fusion and rock to blues. Just turn the Gain knob from 0 to 10, and you’ll be amazed at the different sounds you can get out of this amp.
With its rugged construction and easy-to-use controls, the Crunck is built for gigging musicians who need an amp to keep up with their demanding schedules.
Controls include Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Presence, Output, and Cabinet. Tweak guitar tones.
Plugin | PC & Mac
13. Audiority
The Audiority L12X is an analog-modeled solid state amplifier plugin that captures the sound of the iconic Marshall Lead 12 amplifier from the late ’80s.
A Contour knob for even more tone shaping options and an additional Boost overdrive stage.
It is loaded with a Marshall cabinet IR for a true-to-life feel.
- Analog Modelled Amplifier
- Clean & Boost Channels
- Integrated Cabinet Simulator
- Resizable Interface
- EQ to Adjust Your Guitar Tones
- Standalone Version Included
Audiority | PC & Mac
14. Guitar Rig 6 Player
Guitar Rig 6 Player gives you the power to craft great guitar tones right out of the box.
This free effects processor includes a British-style tube amp and matched cabinet, plus 13 essential effects and tools. Whether you’re warming up a signal or recording guitar, Guitar Rig 6 Player has got you covered.
- Amp Simulation Cabinet
- 13 Effects & 50 Presets
- Flexible Multi-Effects Unit
View Plugin | PC & Mac
15. PA FREE bx_rockrack V3 Player
PA FREE bx_rockrack V3 Player offers emulations of coveted, high-end guitar amplifiers, providing plugins that sound like a real amp and feel like one when you play them.
With over 112 amps and 256 microphones to choose from, you’ll find the perfect tone for your music.
- 26 Program Presets
- 8 Powerful Guitar Amp Models
Plugin | PC & Mac
16. BlackShow
BlackShow by Analog Obsession offers impressive control over your tone, with treble, bass, bright, and volume knobs to help you dial in the perfect sound.
BlackShow | PC & Mac
17. GrindMachine Free
GrindMachine Free by Audio Assault is modeled after one of the most sought-after hi-gain amps and three dynamically modeled cabinets.
GrindMachine Free | PC & Mac
18. LeCto Free Guitar Amp VST
LeCto is an innovative guitar amp simulator inspired by the sounds of America’s modern high gain heads.
- Mono & Stereo Routing
- 8x Oversampling
- Resonance Controls
LeCto | PC & Mac
19. Rollamp
Rollamp is a combo amplifier emulation perfect for recording guitar ITB and features a calibrated input level for optimal results. You can bypass the cabinet simulation for an even more true-to-life tone.
Rollamp | PC & Mac
20. Amper
What sets Amper apart from other metal amps is its dual drive section. The sections are not parallel but connected in series.
This gives you more control over your sound, allowing the perfect distortion.
The volume controls work independently to fine-tune the amount of pre-gain tube distortion before the main preamp.
Amper | PC & Mac
21. Amped Stevie T Free
Amped Stevie T Free gives you the power to rock like a pro without spending a fortune on gear.
This fantastic custom amp simulation has one free amp called “Djent God”. You can create any sound you can imagine with four cabinet options.
Amped plugins have a shared pedalboard, so pedals will continue to grow.
Whether recording in your home studio or jamming with friends, Amped Stevie T Free is the perfect way to achieve that big amp tone.
Amped Stevie T Free | PC & Mac
22. SmartAmp
SmartAmp is the smartest way to get that perfect tube amp sound without ever having to leave your home studio.
You can even load your own tones into the plugin if you’re feeling creative.
SmartAmp | PC & Mac / Linux
23. Guitar amp 2 FE
The Guitar amp 2 FE is a free VST plugin that gives you the sound of a classic tube amplifier without the hassle or expense.
With its easy-to-use controls, you can dial in the perfect sound for any situation, from a gentle overdrive to a full-on assault.
The built-in noise gate ensures that your sound is clean and clear, even at high-gain settings.
Plugin | PC
24. TSE X50
The TSE X50 amp is a digital emulation of a famous US guitar amp, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to rock out.
With two channels modeled after the original amp, you can’t go wrong. The X50 also has a boost function to make your sound stand out.
- Stereo Switch
- Quality Switch
TSE X50 | PC
25. Clang
Clang is a guitar amp simulation that gives you the ability to get the exact sound you want with incredible detail and accuracy.
Featuring stereo and HQ/LQ modes, Clang provides you with endless possibilities for getting the most out of your guitar sound.
Clang | PC
26. Dick Head
This classic hybrid guitar amp head provides the perfect tube and solid-state tones blend, giving you the best of both worlds in one convenient virtual package.
With its built-in cabinet modeling, the Dick Head is perfect for using an external cabinet effect plugin.
Dick Head | PC
27. Jump
Jump is a guitar amp by Igor Shaev to replicate the Tomato tone beyond its original capabilities. The reference tone was retrieved by reamping a special DI through the amplifier schematics.
Jump | PC
28. Meat Head
Meat Head is the amp head for anyone who wants to achieve classic tones inspired by the 60s. From crunchy Powerchords to searing leads, Meat Head never loses dynamic response and sweetness. With the roll-back gain, you can enjoy great overdriven British-style Blues and Classic Rock tones.
Meat Head | PC
29. Razor Head
The Razor Head guitar amp head from AcmeBarGig is designed to play metal, so you can get those signature crunchy tones and wailing solos that metalheads crave.
Razor Head | PC
30. Mr Tater Head
Mr. Tater Head is a classic hybrid amp head with three different gain controls, allowing you to dial in the perfect saturation level for your playing style.
Mr Tater Head | PC
31. HG2Amp
HG2Amp offers the realism and flexibility you need to create the perfect tone. With HG2Amp, you’ll be able to replicate the sound of your favorite amplifier models, giving you access to the tones you’ve always wanted.
HG2Amp | PC
32. Classic Thirty
The Classic Thirty is the perfect amp simulator for those who want to get the most out of their sound. This fantastic tool uses an AC30 tone stack to create beautiful, rich tones perfect for any situation.
The Classic Thirty also comes with various useful and convenient features, such as 64-bit VST3 support and 24 different cabinet models.
Classic Thirty | PC
33. Vee Guitar Amp
Vee Guitar Amp is a powerful tube amp simulator that delivers clean, crunched, and distorted signals in a lo-fi style.
It has features like a noise gate, speaker cab emulation, studio ambiance emulation, flanger, and widening/doubling effect.
- Noise Gate Controls
- Brickwall Limiter
- Semi Parametric EQ
- Spring Reverb
- Flanger Effects
- Studio Ambience Emulation
Vee Guitar Amp | PC
34. Shred Suite
The Shred Suite gives you six amps perfect for metal and hard rock. You’ll find everything from warm, sweet cleans to hair-raising metal thunder.
The Shred Suite head is all about rocking out, while the Enthalpos Median is a power amp, perfect for the wildcard in your band.
- 6 Stereo out Rack Effects
- Mix and match Amp Settings
Shred Suite | PC
35. Dirthead – Virtual Tube
Dirthead is my latest attempt at modeling a tube guitar amp VST. It features three channels, clean, crunch, and ultra, that can be activated by clicking on the yellow, orange, or red leads.
It comes with the usual controls found on guitar amplifiers and a voicing knob that alters some internal power-amp parameters—a clean guitar amp VST plugin.
Dirthead | PC
36. Juicy77 Guitar Amp VST
Inspired by its legendary role model, which has set the industry standard for high-gain amplifiers, Juicy 77 aims to become the definitive benchmark for crystal clear articulation, solid punch, and singing sustain in the digital domain.
Juicy77 | PC
37. Bass Grinder Free
Bass Grinder Free is the ultimate metal bass machine.
Just plug Bass Grinder into your bass guitar track and enjoy instant mix-ready tones that cut through your mix effortlessly and give you that powerful, aggressive low-end you were always looking for.
Bass Grinder | PC & Mac
38. California Sun
California Sun is a guitar combo.
- Guitar Combo Amp
- Clean & Dirty Channels
- Built-in Distortion
- Cabinet Amp Simulation
- Great Sound Quality
- Incredible Low-ends
- Low CPU Usage
California Sun | PC & Mac
39. Flextron
Flextron is a virtual-analog guitar amp VST based on a concept of the hybrid guitar distortion pedal AXP built for himself.
The prototype pedal is based on two commercial tube emulation technologies – Flexwave by Crate and Cooltron by VOX.
In addition to the fully-featured 3-channel preamp and a tube saturation stage, Flextron offers a dual-mode stereo reverb, a speaker simulator with two cabinet models, and ambiance control.
Flextron | PC
40. Knuckle Head Guitar Amp Simulations
Knuckle Head is a guitar amp VST head capable of tones that range from sweet, glistening clean to SRV and Yardbirds style smoking hot crunch right through to punishing high gain destruction. Knucklehead is the brute force amp of the collection.
This power amp is the main tone maker. It gives you a raunchy, heavy distortion or a friendly, crunchy yardbird-type tone.
Knuckle Head | PC & Mac
41. Pedals
Pedals is a VST effect plugin for Windows, designed for processing electric and bass guitars.
It is also possible to process other audio sources for various artistic techniques. For more convenience, Pedals GUI simulates real devices for sound processing: guitar amp VST pedals, amplifiers, speakers, etc.
There are 19 models of pedals, two amps, seven-speaker models, and three rack units. These devices are not a copy of the real-life models, each with its own sound but identical working principles.
Pedals | PC
42. SoftAmp FM25
SoftAmp FM25 is a virtual-analog model of the Fender Frontman 25R combo amp.
The Frontman is a versatile solid-state practice amplifier for electric guitar is equipped with a ten-speaker with two channels that share a 3-band equalizer and spring reverb.
The current issue sports a classic look.
This VST model is a tribute to the original design and faithfully models all its essential features.
It is mainly intended for quick and simple recording of draft tracks and some live jamming whenever you don’t feel like setting up a more sophisticated free amp simulator.
This one runs straight out of the box, looks exactly like a guitar amp VST, and has everything you need to start playing – clean and distorted channels with speaker simulation and a reverb!
It’s got all the conveniences associated with AXP plugins, like stereo processing capability, high-quality anti-aliasing oversampling, and switchable speaker simulation.
All controls are carefully mapped to produce linear sound pressure level changes, i.e., they are linearized in the dB scale.
Plugin | PC
43. Tribe
The Tribe is a clean amp and pickup simulator designed to give you pure, crystal clear, clean tones, providing you with the perfect blank canvas to sculpt your tone further.
The Tribe is designed to give out a smooth stream of constant clean tones with the ability to load the impulse response file of your choice.
- Load external pickup impulses
- Includes 24 pickup models
- Powerful EQ
- Built-in stereo imager
Tribe | PC
44. Nick Crow 8505 Lead
The Nick Crow 8505 Lead is a powerful and versatile tube guitar amp VST plugin that can give you the sound of a classic tube amplifier without the hassle or expense.
With its easy-to-use controls, you can dial in the perfect sound for any situation, from a gentle overdrive to a full-on assault.
The 8505 Lead also features a handy oversampling function to clean up your sound even at high-gain settings.
Nick Crow 8505 | PC / Mac / AU
45 Cypress TT-15
This amp has been meticulously modeled after a low-wattage amplifier known for its unique sound.
Cypress TT-15 | PC & Mac
46. SHB-1 by Ignite Amps
The SHB-1 simulates the sound of a tube amplifier for bass.
Mono and stereo processing is supported, as well as global input/output controls and fully automated features. It also has zero latency.
SHB-1 | PC & Mac
47. Code Red Free
Code Red Free is a guitar amp inspired by a classic British console from the 60s.
Code Red Free | PC & Mac
In conclusion, with the abundance of amp simulators and cab emulations available, finding the best amp sims for your guitar sound has never been easier.
Virtual amplifiers and cabinet emulation offer a versatile plugin that can replace real hardware without sacrificing authentic sound quality.
Guitar players can now access high-quality sounds with built-in tuner controls, virtual stomp boxes, and guitar effects.
Guitar sims and amp plugins sound good and offer a highly customizable guitar tone that can be great for your next music project.
These plugins are great free alternatives to paid plugins like the Positive Grid BIAS Amp 2 and Native Instruments Guitar Rig Pro.
I hope you enjoy these free guitar amp VST plugins.
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