- Looking for the best free standalone guitar amp simulators?
- We tested and demoed 15 of the best free amp sims available today.
- Full reviews included for each virtual amp sim.
Thanks to modern technology, the days of needing to mic up a guitar amp to get great results are gone.
Awesome guitar tones can be achieved with a simple plugin, and many let you switch between amps, microphone emulators and even their position in relation to the speaker cone.
In this article, we share our top 15 free guitar amp sims that we think deserve a place in your DAW.
| Amp Sim | Features | Based On |
| Amped Roots | Based on a single amp, but it nails it. | Classic Peavey amps |
| Guitar Rig 5 Player | Wide range of amp models and effects, user-friendly interface | Various |
| AmpliTube 5 CS | Wide range of amp models and effects, user-friendly interface | Various |
| Ignite Amps Emissary | High-gain amp sim, easy-to-use interface | Ignite Amps Emissary amp |
| Blue Cat Audio Free Amp | Simple interface, lightweight and efficient | Legendary’ guitar amps |
| Audified ampLion Free | Authentic tube amp sound, easy-to-use interface | Various |
| Voxengo Boogex | Lightweight and efficient, includes cabinet simulation | N/A |
| Shattered Glass Audio Ace | Authentic vintage tube amp sound, easy-to-use interface | Vintage tube amplifiers |
| LePou Amp Sims | Authentic tube amp sound, includes a variety of amp models | Various |
| Amp ONE for iPad | High-quality amp sim for iPad, includes a variety of amp models | Various |
| Nick Crow Lab 8505 | High-gain amp sim, easy-to-use interface | Peavey 5150/6505 amps |
| Peavey ReValver 4 | Wide range of amp models and effects, user-friendly interface | Various |
| Kuassa Amplifikation Vermilion | Authentic vintage tube amp sound, includes a variety of tone-shaping controls | Vintage tube amps |
| SimulAnalog Guitar Suite | Authentic vintage tube amp sound, includes a variety of amp models | Vintage tube amps |
| Black Rooster Audio Cypress TT-15 | Authentic vintage tube amp sound, includes a variety of tone-shaping controls | Vintage tube amps |
Rounding Up The 15 Best Free Amp Sims
1. Amped Roots (Our Pick!)
Amped Roots is developed by ML Sound Labs, and designed to be a faithful emulation of vintage tube amps.
The paid version gives you a whole host of different ones to choose from, but the free version can also hold its own.
You get a single amp model that is inspired by the old-school Peavey amplifiers. Dubbed the ‘5034 Fluff’, it sounds so good that you’re left wondering why they would give it away for free. Expect warm and dynamic tones that crunch and break up just the way you like.
It’s one of those amp sims that sounds great right out of the gate. Set the dials to 12 o’clock, and it already sounds killer. Try it for yourself.
2. Guitar Rig 6 Player (Most Versatile)
Based on the Guitar Rig Pro, this version is a completely free ‘watered down’ plugin, although that doesn’t mean there is any compromise on sound.
Guitar Rig 6 Player is a great option for those wanting to dip their toe in the world of amp sims without any financial commitment. With a simple to use interface and foolproof drag and drop layout, the software allows you to create your own custom signal chains with ease.
Rig 6 is available for free as part of the (also free) Komplete Start package which contains a selection of synths, effects, loops, and samples.
Guitar Rig 6 Player is available for free download on the Native Instruments Website.
3. AmpliTube 5 CS (Runner Up)
AmpliTube 5 CS is one of the best free guitar amp simulators available, and the 5 “CS” is essentially a ‘lite’ version of AmpliTube5.
The free version comes with 400 gear models, including 39 “must-have” pedals, amps, cabinets, mics and rack FX.
It’s a fantastic entry into the world of AmpliTube, and gives you plenty of combinations as a starting point. One of the things we love about AmpliTube so much is the way you can customize your own package should decide to purchase the full version.
The paid version allows you to pick and choose your own amps and gear by purchasing ‘Gear Credits’. Your credits allow you to select what gear you purchase meaning you can buy individual items if you are sticking to a budget, although the more you buy the cheaper everything gets.
AmpliTube 5 CS can be downloaded on the IK Multimedia website.
4. Ignite Amps Emissary
If we’re discussing the best free guitar amp sims then this one definitely needs to be included! On first listen, the Emissary could easily be pigeonholed into the category of ‘for metal players only’. However whilst this sim offers crushing distortion, its also great for overdrive and clean tones, adding value for players of any genre.
The Emissary has been modelled on a custom dual-channel tube amplifier which was designed to emulate its hardware counterpart. The amp’s components have been painstakingly recreated digitally to match the original sound without pushing your CPU too hard. The Emissary comes recommended by metal legend Glenn Fricker, so if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for us!
Ignite Amp’s Emissary can be downloaded for free at KVR Audio.
5. Blue Cat Audio Free Amp
Whilst the name isn’t as jazzy as some of the other amp sims on our list, the Blue Cat Free Amp makes up for it in tone.
The Free Amp gives you access to tonnes of guitar amp models from crisp overdrives through to brutal modern metal tones. With three amp models included, you’ll be able to tweak your tones with the built-in EQ and also load your own cabinet and impulse responses.
We were really impressed with the Free Amp, which can be downloaded free of charge on the Blue Cat Audio website.
6. Audified ampLion Free
ampLion Free is the (you guessed it!) free version of ampLion Pro, its bigger brother. That’s not to say that the free version isn’t loaded with great amps and effects – there’s more than enough to get you started.
While other amp sims rely solely on impulse responses to do their thing, Audified employs ‘precise circuit modelling technology’ to get as close to the real thing as possible. This means electronic components and voltage are simulated with code, giving you the feel of a live amp.
ampLion Free can also be found in Audified’s free Live Guitar and Bass Bundle LE, which includes additional speaker and amp sims, as well as a huge range of virtual stompboxes for you to play with.
You can find more information on ampLion by heading to Audified’s website.
7. Voxengo Boogex
Although the user interface might not be as visually exciting as other amp sims, the Voxengo Boogex offers a lot in terms of sound.
Included with the download are a host of sound-shaping tools giving you the option to go from jazzy clean sounds to screeching distortion tones. You’ll also have access to an input gate and reverberation module derived from the Voxengo OldSkoolVerb reverb.
If you find the included options lacking, you can check out their list of free downloadable cabinet impulse responses!
Voxengo Boogex can be downloaded free of charge from Voxengo’s website.
8. Shattered Glass Audio Ace
This one is perhaps the quirkiest in our list, and probably not for the metalheads among us!
Ace by Shattered Glass Audio is modeled on a 1950s tweed 5-watt tube amp. Load up the software and you’ll hear a really cool, twangy tone, with bags of character.
If you need a real old-school rock and roll sound, you won’t be disappointed. While this may not become your ‘go-to’ amp sim, it’s certainly worth keeping in the arsenal for adding some extra spice to your guitar recordings!
You can download Ace for free at the Shattered Glass website.
9. LePou Amp Sims
LePou actually offer eight of the best free guitar plugins (each to be downloaded separately).
You get a variety of tones available, from the bright and twangy through to distortion soaked tube sounds, all highly rated. You’ll also be able to download their cabinet impulse response loader. We’re really impressed with this range, and though they are free to download, LePou does request a donation of your choosing to help support their work.
You can download the full range over at VST4Free.
10. Amp ONE for iPad
Ok so this isn’t an amp sim in the same way as a VST plugin, but nonetheless Amp ONE is one of the best free guitar apps available. Amp ONE is an app which turns your iPad into a high-quality guitar amp, meaning you don’t even need a computer or laptop to get great sounds.
The audio is monitored via your headphones and offers an array of sounds from high-gain to classic clean vibes. Download the app and you’ll have access to seven preamp sections based on famous amplifiers, and effects such as chorus, delay and reverb.
Of course, this isn’t quite the same as some of the other free sims on our list, but if you have an iPad you may even prefer Amp ONE to the plugins in your DAW.
Download Amp ONE at the Apple App Store.
11. Nick Crow Lab 8505
Nick Crow Lab 8505 is one of the best free sims available. If you’re looking for high gain metal sounds based on Peavey amps, this plugin does not disappoint.
With a simple to use interface, the 8505 allows you to craft your perfect metal tone. You can go from a chunky crunch through to face-melting distorted lead sounds. While you won’t get quite as much flexibility and customisation as you would with others on this list, this is perhaps the best option for metal guitarists looking for a quality free amp sim!
Nick Crow Lab 8505 can be downloaded at VST4Free.
12. Peavey ReValver 4
ReValver 4 by amp legends Peavey is an entire suite of cabinets and stompboxes, though not everything here is free. The software comes with advanced cabinet modelling technology, meaning you can customise your own impulse responses, mic placements and speaker configurations.
One of the really unique aspects of ReValver is the ability to host 3rd party plugins. This means if you have a favourite stompbox plugin, or even other 3rd party amp plugins you can expand ReValver and utilise these to create your own tones with almost endless possibilities.
If you’re looking to get more in-depth than just preset simulations, you can dig deeper and begin playing with tube types, resistor values, and more, meaning you can really create a one-of-a-kind guitar amp that is unique to you.
For more information and to download ReValver head to the Audio Media Research website.
13. Kuassa Amplifikation Vermilion
This is one of the amp sims on our list that offers a free trial, however if you do want to invest in the full software it’ll only set you back $39 + VAT. This is cheaper than most other ‘premium’ amp sims, and for this price the Vermilion is well worth the investment.
The free version still offers all the same features as the paid one, and is one of the best for classic clean tones through to crunchy, overdriven tones. If you’re looking for crushing distortion then this isn’t for you, but if you’re after Fender-style clean tones (think country, blues, rock) then this is a great addition to your collection of amp sims.
Plug your guitar in and you’ll have access to three voicings as well as tremolo and reverb. You’ll also be able to customise your tones with four different microphones (both condenser and dynamic) and the ability to change their placement.
Although you won’t be getting extreme distortion tones, the added noise gate will still be useful if you’re going loud!
Download Vemilion for free (or purchase the full version) at Kuassa’s website.
14. SimulAnalog Guitar Suite
The Guitar Suite is a great piece of software if you’re looking to incorporate stompboxes as well as an amp into your guitar signal chain. Unfortunately, these plugins are quite old and will only work in 32bit Windows environments, so be prepared to bust out some bridging software if you want to use them in a modern DAW.
Some of the best stompboxes are modelled here including the
SimuAnalog Guitar Suite is available for free download at the SimulAnalog website.
15. Black Rooster Audio Cypress TT-15
The Cypress TT-15 is, as we’re told, modelled after a “very versatile, yet uniquely sounding low wattage amplifier”, and you can probably guess the amp it’s based off just by looking at it.
Another quirky addition to the list of free guitar sims, it uses six simple controls to get you on your way without having to spend ages crafting your tone.
The TT-15 gives you a great variety of tones, from sizzling distortion to crunchy overdrive, and a 2×12 cabinet emulator is also included.
Check out the sound of the Cypress TT-15 and download free of charge from the Black Rooster Audio website.
Before You Go…
Are there any we’ve missed off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
This list is quite an extensive collection of the different types of amp sims that are available to you for free. Remember that each one will offer a different selection of sounds, tones, amps, mics, cabinets and more.
The great thing is you don’t have to compromise on sound just because you can’t mic up your amp or cabinet. If you’re recording guitar in a home studio, check out our guide to getting great guitar sounds at home on a budget.)
The new ninja, the ML sound lab, and the flextron dc14 all sound excellent