Best Portable Bass Amp 2024 - The Winners Revealed
The best portable bass amp gives you excellent low end in a profile that’s easy to carry around. Check out our top picks for 2024.
Fender Rumble LT25
A product of Fender's extensive experience in bass amp design. It is a compact amp with modern presets, and convenient connectivity options.
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108
This compact amp serves you a nice blend of classic tone and vintage style aesthetics from Ampeg. With easy to use controls and practical features.
Phil Jones Bass Double Four
Delivers professional-grade performance in a compact and portable bass amp package. It sounds super good for its size, and has good tweakability.
Hartke HD25
The Hartke HD25 Combo is a sturdy and reliable compact bass amp. You won't have to do much tweaking to sound good with its simplified controls.
Blackstar Fly 3 Bass
The Blackstar FLY 3 Bass mini amp gives you the convenience of running a bass amp on batteries, for true untethered use. Perfect for playing bass outdoors or on the go.
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Bass amps are usually bulky to produce their distinct low-end sound. But good portable bass amps can give you good low end with less of the bulk and weight.
These compact bass amps offer a good balance of tone, projection and portability.
For portability, primary factors include weight and size, but you’ll also have to consider having good handles, sturdy build, and reliability for an amp to be really viable for portable use.
Added features such as onboard effects or tuners, among others, are also good, especially for those who prefer a simplified straight to amp setup.
These amps are all combo amps, meaning they have an amp and a speaker in one unit. If you want to hear some bass heads, check out our list of the Best Bass Amps.
Best Portable Bass Amp Selection 2024
Fender Rumble LT25
Feature Packed Modern Bass Amp
Fender Rumble LT25 Combo Bass Amp - 25W 1x8"
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
A product of Fender’s extensive experience in bass amp design, the Fender Rumble LT 25. This portable bass amp features intuitive controls, a vast range of presets, and convenient connectivity options for your recording and jamming needs.
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The Fender Rumble LT25 is the culmination of Fender’s decades-long expertise in crafting killer bass amps.
It’s a combo amp with a single 8″ bass speaker and 25 watts of power. A straightforward 1.8″ color display makes it easy to navigate through its features, making it intuitive to get the sound you like from this small bass amp.
The LT25 comes loaded with 50 presets, spanning a broad range of sounds. These presets are split into editable and “hidden” categories, giving you plenty of room to explore different tones.
There’s something here for your varied taste, from vintage classics to modern bass tones. You have 15 amp types and 20 onboard effects to play around with and shape your sound.
The amp features a USB connectivity option that enables easy recording into your DAW and firmware updates. However, it uses a micro USB, often found on older phones but not newer smartphones. This can be inconvenient if you don’t have a micro USB cable available and must purchase one separately.
It also features a chromatic tuner for quick tuning and stereo inputs and outputs for jamming along with some tracks or practicing silently with headphones.
Pros:
- Classic Fender bass tone sounds good
- Diverse presets and effects
- User-friendly interface
- USB connectivity
Cons:
- Micro USB plug is dated
- Gets muddy when driven too hard
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Power: 25W | Speaker: 8″ |
Controls: Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Master, DSP | Effects: 30 Customizable and 20 Hidden Presets |
Dimensions: 15.25″ (H), 15.25″ (W), 11″ (D) | Other Features: AUX-In, Headphone Out, Footswitch, Micro-B USB, Models, and DSP Effects |
Battery Powered: No | Weight: 14.6 lbs |
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108
Portable Bass Amp with Classic Design and Tone
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 Combo Bass Amp - 30W 1x8"
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Rocket Bass RB-108 offers a nice blend of classic Ampeg aesthetic and tone, including Ampeg’s Super Grit Technology (SGT) overdrive. It sounds surprisingly loud and full for its size, and has a rugged build.
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The Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 is a 30-watt combo amp designed with a vintage-inspired look and modern features. It features a 1×8″ speaker, delivering clear and punchy bass tones while remaining lightweight, making it easy to transport.
The Ampeg Legacy preamp and Super Grit Technology (SGT) overdrive adds extra grit and character to your bass lines. However, its SGT only features an on/off function and does not have gain control, making fine-tuning your OD challenging.
Speaking of fine-tuning, this small bass amp has a classic 3-band EQ that provides tone-shaping action. This allows you to dial in and access iconic tones.
Regarding connectivity, the RB-108 has 0dB and -15dB inputs and an auxiliary input. But it lacks a line or DI out for direct recording or connecting to external audio equipment.
And if you need to practice silently, this unit also comes with a headphone jack output.
Pros:
- Iconic Ampeg tone in a small package
- Good sounding Super Grit Technology (SGT) overdrive
- Loud enough for jamming
- Vintage appeal
Cons:
- Limited controls
- No DI out
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Power: 30W | Speaker: 8″ |
Controls: SGT, Volume, Bass, Midrange, Treble | Effects: None |
Dimensions: 16.2″ (H), 17″ (W), 12″ (D) | Other Features: Ampeg Legacy preamp, Super Grit Technology (SGT) overdrive, |
Battery Powered: No | Weight: 22 lbs |
Phil Jones Bass Double Four
Best Portable Bass Amp (Overall)
Phil Jones Bass Double Four Combo Bass Amp - 70W 2x4"
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Phil Jones Bass Double Four delivers professional-grade performance in a compact and portable bass amp package. Instead of a single speaker like most portable amps, this one features two 4″ speakers driven by a 70W amp section, allowing for more headroom, improved clarity, and good overall tone.
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Phil Jones Bass: despite its small size, this small bass amp packs a punch with its innovative driver and amplifier technologies. This 2 x 4-inch 70-watt Bass Combo Amp is designed for great tone without lugging around a big, heavy rig.
These new 4-inch “Neo Power” drivers are precision-built to handle the extreme signals from your amplified bass guitar. Each speaker has its own PWM amplifier, which is super efficient and helps the amp run cooler for longer.
Plus, dual amplifiers for each speaker improve bass control, resulting in a tight and punchy tone that avoids getting muddy.
Another nice feature is its custom Rectangular Auxiliary Low-Frequency Radiator (RALFR®). It enhances the bass output while reducing speaker cone excursion. This means you get a better bass response without sacrificing power handling.
You can also trust that what you hear from the Double Four accurately represents your instrument’s sound. This is thanks to its heavily braced enclosure and acoustic damping materials.
It’s a solid choice if you want professional-grade performance in a compact and portable package.
Pros:
- Great sounding and responsive tone
- Innovative Driver and Amplifier Tech
- Incredible clarity and transparency
- Portable handle design
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Limited volume
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Power: 70W | Speakers: 2 x 4″ |
Controls: Input, Bass, Mid, Treble, AUX-In, Master | Effects: None |
Dimensions: 19″ (H), 17.5″ (W), 13.5″ (D) | Other Features: AUX-Input, Headphone-Output, and Line-Out |
Battery Powered: No | Weight: 8.8 lbs |
Hartke HD25
Easy to use portable bass amp
Hartke HD25 Combo Bass Amplifier - 25W 1x8"
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Hartke HD25 Combo Bass Amp is a sturdy and compact bass amplifier from a brand used by many notable virtuoso bassists. This amp has streamlined controls but you still get good tones even with minimal tweaking. It also helps that it’s simple design is easy on the eyes.
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The Hartke HD25 Combo Bass Amplifier is a solid choice if you want nice tone and portability.
Hartke is widely known for its professional touring bass amps. Big-name bassists like Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, and Stu Hamm are seen using this small bass amp.
It delivers a rich and dynamic tone with 25 watts of power and an 8″ HyDrive speaker (Hathe’s patented speaker).
It also has a 1/8″ stereo auxiliary input and a 1/4″ headphone output for jamming with some tracks or silent practice.
Its HyDrive speaker design combines paper and aluminum for a unique blend of warmth and punch.
It has a basic volume, bass, mid, and treble control to let you dial in your sound. But without an effects loop, you’re limited to plugging in all your effects in front of your amp.
The HD25 features a rugged enclosure with a sleek metal grille and a molded strap carry handle.
And with its built-in limiter, you can trust that the amp will stay running at safe levels.
Pros:
- Simple yet effective controls
- Get good tones with minimal tweaking
- Rugged build
Cons:
- Minimal connectivity options
- Limited controls
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Power: 25W | Speaker: 1 x 8″ |
Controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, and Treble | Effects: None |
Dimensions: 19″ (H), 17.5″ (W), 13.5″ (D) | Other Features: AUX In, Headphones Out |
Battery Powered: No | Weight: 28 lbs |
Blackstar FLY 3 Bass
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
Blackstar FLY 3 Mini Bass Amp - 3W 1x3"
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Blackstar FLY 3 Bass is the smallest amp on this list but, has a lot of things going for it. First of which is being able to run on batteries, which makes this a true untethered amp. Combine with it’s miniscule stature, this is the perfect amp to take out for intimate playing outdoors, in hotels, or while on the go.
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The Blackstar FLY 3 Bass mini bass amp is ideal if you need something portable without sacrificing tone.
It has two channels—clean and overdrive—plus a range of controls, including gain. Volume, EQ, and compression controls give you plenty of options for shaping your sound.
With an MP3/line-in jack, you can plug in your phone or tablet to jam along with your favorite tracks. And if you want to practice quietly, you can plug in your headphones.
In addition to its compact size, you also have the option to power it with batteries. This is the smallest amp on this list making it the most convenient to carry around. But the absence of a carrying handle is quite a bummer.
To expand your setup, you can link the FLY 3 Bass with the FLY 103 to create a stereo effect. Although don’t expect it to help with projection much, as the Fly 3 isn’t meant to be loud.
Given its low wattage and small speaker, the Blackstar Fly 3 Bass is not meant for jamming or gigging.
But it is the best bass practice amp for those who don’t want to disturb the people around them.
This is meant for bassists who want to hone their playing through low volume practice.
Pros:
- Can run on batteries
- Super light and portable
- Good tones at lower volumes
- Offers a decent amount of tone options
Cons:
- For low volume use only
- Limited connectivity
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Power: 3W | Speaker: 1 x 3″ |
Controls: Gain knob, EQ, Comp, Volume | Effects: Compressor |
Dimensions: 4.96″ (H), 6.69″ (W), 4.01″ (D)
| Other Features: AUX In, Headphones Out, Bluetooth |
Battery Powered: 6 x AA batteries | Weight: 1.98 lbs |
Fender Rumble 40
Best User-Friendly
Fender Rumble 40 Combo Bass Amp - 40W 1 x10"
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Fender Rumble 40 delivers a classic Fender bass tone, an onboard overdrive circuit, and tone-shaping options, all in a portable design with convenient connectivity features.
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Fender Rumble 40 packs 40 watts of power and features a 10″ Fender Special Design speaker.
So you’re getting that classic Fender bass tone in a compact and lightweight package.
It comes with an onboard overdrive circuit, so you can easily add some grit to your sound with the flick of a switch.
A three-button tone voicing section lets you tweak your tone to something bright and punchy or more vintage and warm.
Regarding connectivity, it has an auxiliary input for jamming along to your favorite tracks and a headphone output for silent practice.
Because of its XLR line output, you can quickly hook it up to external stages or studio setups.
If you’re looking for similar design and functionality but smaller, you can check out its smaller sibling, the Fender Rumble 25.
Pros:
- Classic Fender Bass Tone
- Three-button voicing selection
- Onboard overdrive
- Auxiliary input and XLR output
Cons:
- Minimal onboard effects
- No Aux input
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Power: 40W | Speaker: 1 x 10″ |
Effects: Overdrive (controlled manually or with optional footswitch) | Controls: Gain, Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, Treble, Master; Three-button voicing section (bright, contour, vintage); Drive, Level |
Dimensions: 16.5″ (H), 16.5″ (W), 12″ (D)
| Battery Powered: No |
Other Features: XLR line-out with ground lift | Weight: 18 lbs |
Orange Crush Bass 25
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
Orange Crush Bass 25 Combo Bass Amp - 25W 1x8"
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Orange Crush Bass 25 Combo Amplifier packs the iconic ‘Orange’ vibe into a compact bass amplifier. You get the distinct Orange look and tone, along with an active bass parametric EQ for precise control over your tone.
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Orange Crush Bass 25 Combo Bass Amplifier brings that classic ‘Orange Sound.’ Despite its small size, it still delivers that warm and rounded tone that Orange Amps are known for.
Under the hood, it has a 25-watt power output and an all-analog signal path. However, its standout feature is the active parametric EQ, inspired by Orange’s 4 Stroke Series amps.
With this EQ, you can fine-tune your frequencies precisely, from 300Hz to 2.7 kHz. And you’ve got up to 15 dB of boost or cut on the bass and mid frequencies. You also have up to 20 dB on the treble side, giving you control over your tone.
But if you want to add more depth to your tone, you’ll need a pedal, like the Aguilar Tone Hammer. This is because this unit does not include spatial or time-based effects like delays or reverbs.
In terms of design, it’s got a ported cabinet for better low-end response and an 8″ speaker for that fat, rounded sound. Plus, it’s got some handy features like a CabSim headphone jack output for silent practice that still has authentic sound. It also has an aux input for backing tracks and a built-in chromatic tuner.
Pros:
- Classic warm and rounded tone
- Distinct Orange design
- CabSim headphone output
- Good low-end for its size
Cons:
- One trick pony
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Power: 25W | Speaker: 1 x 8″ |
Effects: None | Battery Powered: No |
Controls: -6db Pad Switch, Bass, Frequency, Middle, Treble, Volume | Dimensions: 12.8″ × 14.37″ × 9.25″
|
Other Features: Chromatic Tuner, Cabsim-Loaded Headphone Output, and Aux In | Weight: 18.26 lbs |
Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Portable Bass Amp
When choosing a portable and cheap bass amp, it’s important to prioritize quality. Class D amps are often a good choice for this demographic. To ensure you select the right amp for your needs, consider the factors listed below.
Portability
The ultimate practice amp should be easy to carry. Your intended use for them is while you’re on the go. Take into account factors like weight, size, and the presence of carrying handles for added convenience. If you already have a portable speaker cabinet for bass, then you can opt for bass amp heads like the TC Electronic BH250. Some bassists have opted to just use a bass preamp pedal when performing on stage for even more portability.
Output
Determine the amp’s wattage and consider whether it will provide enough volume for your needs. Check the size of its speakers as well. In the bass world, the bigger the speaker, the bigger your bass amp sounds. This goes with any other amps as well. Given their diminutive size, portable amps usually have low output volume, which makes them ideal practice amps for those who leave in apartments.
Sound Quality
A good bass amp boils down to how good it sounds. Consider factors like tone-shaping controls (EQ), blend control, presets, and onboard effects. Look for amps that allow you to dial in your desired tone and match your playing style. Given that these are small amps, don’t expect them to have the same harmonic content as vintage stage amps that bass players use.
Room acoustics can also be a factor, so don’t be surprised if your bass amp sounds different in your room compared to a music store studio.
Battery Powered
These amps are already highly portable and lightweight, but having a battery-power option makes them even more convenient. This adds flexibility, allowing you to use them in various settings without relying on a power outlet. On the flipside, batteries are added expense and another piece of gear to worry about. Personally, I prefer drawing electricity from a reliable power supply.
Durability and Reliability:
Assess the build quality of the amp, as if it’s the only amp you’ll ever get. Check the materials used, enclosure design, and overall construction. Look for amps capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use and transport. If the cabinet assembly feels and looks solid, then that’s a good sign. If the amp comes with a strap, ensure that it can support the weight of the amp well.
Intuitiveness
Amps with intuitive controls and user-friendly interfaces make navigating settings, adjusting tones, and customizing presets easy. Consider factors like display screens, knob layouts, and the accessibility of controls. Essential controls that you need include EQ (treble, bass knob at minimum), gain, and volume. Don’t make the mistake of driving small amps too hard, as this may damage the speaker, and would usually sound muddy.
Connectivity
Input and output ports; USB connectivity for recording or firmware updates. Also, check its compatibility with external devices, like phones or tablets. Aux and headphone input are nice features as well. Note that lower price range amps will usually have limited connectivity. More expensive desktop amps give you more of this, you can even share and edit presets. It’s also worth mentioning that modern desktop amps usually work well as portable bass amps as well, like the Positive Grid Spark 40, Joyo MA 10B, and the Yamaha THR series amps.
Conclusion
Good bass amps are no longer limited to bulky design. With the best portable bass amp, you can produce your signature bass thud and provide a steady backbone of low frequency notes without the usual weight and big size expected from bass amps. More importantly, portable bass amps are accessibly priced, so financing one is accessible for most bassists.
Alexander Briones
Lead Author
Jerome Arcon
Contributor: Research and Supplemental Writing
2 thoughts on “Best Portable Bass Amp”
I’m a guitarist that has picked up bass (and is learning it’s unique qualities). I own and frequently use a Hartke A-35 bass portable amp (which is a heavy 35 plus pounds). I have played through a Pignose Hog 30 and bought and sold off my Roland Micro Cube Bass Rx. I also have a Vox Bass Amplug for headphone use only. Here are my somewhat biased opinions: 1) Portable Bass Amps are an oxymoron. Anything that projects bass tone and volume is about 30 watts. If you intend to play with a band and can only afford one amp, don’t go for less or no one will hear you. 2) The Roland Micro Cube is lovely. It has drum tracks and tuner and effects and bass cabinet mods. It does not project well. Nice for a tiny room or dorm. Pricey though for the size. 3) The Pignose Hog 30 is awesome. Clean tones and plenty loud enough for busking (my friends use it for harmonica and guitar as well). It has a headphone jack, lines out and contour controls. It’s 25 + lbs, but doable to schlep around. The hinky part is the battery because it needs mindfulness. You have to let it run down before recharging or the battery will not recharge 100%. You also can’t let it overcharge. Love it or hate it, but it’s got charm. 4) Hartke no longer makes my amp, but I’d recommend the brand for anyone seeking quality of build and tone. Their solid state amps have a remarkably clean tone and usually will have line out, headphone jacks, tone contours and what should sell ya is the aluminum speaker cone that won’t blow out if you play too loud or hard. Solid compact wood cab on mine with a metal grate over the cone, it’s a tough beastie. 35 watts gets pretty loud and yet loses no tonal qualities at lesser volumes. I have a pedal board plugged in mine and use it for my guitars as well. One of the best amp buys I ever made, albeit not lightly portable because it weighs about as much as my Vox AC15. 5) The Amplug Bass Headphone jack amp: No matter what jack amp you buy, you’ll experience some sort of hiss through the headphones as well as a volume limiter. I hate that. Vox Bass has less hiss than most though. It offers 3 gain stages that seem to effect the output of volume as well. It also comes with rhythm tracks for jamming. At about 40 bucks of family and neighbors won’t chase you with torches and pitchforks, it ain’t bad. It doesn’t project, obviously. And frankly…all the above have headphone jacks as well. Finally: Most of us don’t have a lot of money especially if we’re new and not sure we’re going to stay with a musical commitment. I’ve changed out a lot of gear because I was dumb and didn’t know how to modify tone on an amp or guitar or bought something too tricked out to give me something to lock onto or even just what I wanted to pursue as genre or tonal ability. My best advice is to buy a great clean amp with enough room/volume/capability to grow. Add pedals to taste…it’s cheaper than changing gear. And in bass, portability is relative to the heaviness of tone and volume. Have fun! : )
I have a BG250 one of the first ones comes with one tone print and one tube amp modulator.
As light as it was for its time its a little bulky for practice sessions in my buddies living room.
Looking for something small, Light and that does not sound too bad and reasonably priced.