Best Guitar Amp Simulators for Beginners in 2026: Free and Paid
Compare free and paid amp simulators for recording a real guitar through an audio interface.
The Short Answer
Start with your DAW’s amp effect or a free rig such as AmpliTube 5 CS or Guitar Rig 7 Player. Consider a paid collection when you know which extra amps or effects you need.
Compare the Options
Swipe to see the full comparison →
| Option | Best For | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Your DAW’s Guitar Amp | First Thing to Check | Availability and included gear vary by DAW and edition. |
| IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 CS | Free Starter Rig | The free selection is smaller than paid editions, and installing it requires IK Product Manager and an account. |
| Neural Amp Modeler | Free Captured Amp Models | You need appropriate model files, and a model’s source and compatibility matter. A conventional bundled rig may be easier to start with. |
| Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Player | Free Effects Rack | It includes fewer amps and effects than Pro; check the current included selection and your system requirements. |
| Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro | Paid Creative Effects and Amps | It is paid. Compare it with Player first and check whether an upgrade offer requires an eligible licence. |
| IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 MAX v2 | Large Paid Gear Collection | The large collection can be overwhelming and costs more. Check that the listing is the full MAX v2 licence rather than an upgrade or crossgrade. |
Our Picks
Your DAW’s Guitar Amp
Some DAWs include guitar amp or cabinet effects. If yours does, try them with your guitar and interface before buying a separate plugin.
Keep in mind: Availability and included gear vary by DAW and edition.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 CS
AmpliTube 5 CS is a free expandable amp and effects collection. It is a useful starting point if you want to try a range of gear in one application.
Keep in mind: The free selection is smaller than paid editions, and installing it requires IK Product Manager and an account.
Neural Amp Modeler
Neural Amp Modeler is a free open-source player for amp and pedal models. Consider it if you are comfortable exploring model files rather than choosing only from a fixed rack.
Keep in mind: You need appropriate model files, and a model’s source and compatibility matter. A conventional bundled rig may be easier to start with.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Player
Guitar Rig 7 Player combines a free amp selection with effects and a modular rack. Try it if you also want to experiment with effects chains.
Keep in mind: It includes fewer amps and effects than Pro; check the current included selection and your system requirements.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro
Guitar Rig 7 Pro expands the Player with more amps and effects. It suits a buyer who wants a flexible rack for guitar and other audio.
Keep in mind: It is paid. Compare it with Player first and check whether an upgrade offer requires an eligible licence.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 MAX v2
MAX v2 includes a much larger selection of amp, cabinet and effects models than the free CS edition. Compare it if you want many gear options in one package.
Keep in mind: The large collection can be overwhelming and costs more. Check that the listing is the full MAX v2 licence rather than an upgrade or crossgrade.
Which Guitar Amp Sim Should You Choose?
An amp simulator processes a guitar signal; it does not play guitar parts for you. You will need a guitar, a suitable audio interface and a compatible DAW or standalone app.
Try a free option with your own guitar and headphones before buying. Compare the amps, cabinets and effects you would actually use, and check whether the offer is a full licence or an upgrade.
Related Plugins on Sale
Current deals, ranked by deal rating. These are separate from our recommendations above.
