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The Best Portable Guitar Amps for Playing Your Tunes On the Road

By Joshua Kanter

Joshua Kanter

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Portability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sound quality, especially when it comes to guitar amps. While even the biggest guitar amps for electric or acoustic models still have handles that make it easy to take on the road, most still aren’t ideal for commutes to the studio or a venue. The good news is that you can still find plenty of new portable guitar amps that feature a more lightweight, travel-friendly design with all the functions you’ll need. Whether you occasionally play an open mic, or just want a great-sounding amp that’s ready to hit the road when you are, we found a range of the best portable guitar amps for every situation.

Portable Guitar Amp Buying Guide

Here’s what to look for in a powerful, portable guitar amp:

Amp Type : When you’re shopping for the best portable guitar amp for you, you’ll likely find two main options out there: solid state and tube. Solid state amps use transistors to amplify the signal, while tube amps use vacuum tubes. Generally, solid state amps tend to be more reliable and less expensive, but many guitarists prefer the warmer, more natural sound of tube amps.

Power: If you’re playing small gigs or practicing at home, a lower-wattage amp will likely suffice. However, if you’re playing larger venues or need more volume, you’ll want to look for a higher-wattage amp to reach the back row. An amp that’s 40 watts should be powerful enough to get loud for a good-sized crowd, while 20 watts and under will keep the coffeehouse patrons happy.

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Effects: Reverb, delay, and distortion are just a few to think about, as well as tone-shaping controls like EQ and gain. These can be useful for shaping your sound and adding extra dimension to your playing, and if possible, we recommend going for an amp that has at least these options on it. Other extras can include a built-in drum machine, and the ability to control everything from an app via Bluetooth.

What Are the Best Portable Guitar Amps?

Here are our favorite portable guitar amps for both playing on the road and practicing alike.

Mark Five: 25 Guitar Combo Amp

This combo amp has the power to get seriously loud, while still being light enough to stay portable. The Mark Five: 25 contains a total of six preamp tubes and two power tubes inside, with two channels, two inputs, and 10/25W of switchable kick. Controls like presence, reverb, and even a footswitch are included, while there’s plenty of equalization opportunities to play with to get your perfect sound and volume set for any small to mid-sized performance.

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Buy Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amplifier $89.99

Fender Mustang LT40S

The bigger brother of the Micro, Fender’s Mustang brings all the fun and experimentation into an amp that’s about half the size of other portables and still powerful (and light) at 40 watts with 4″ speakers inside. The user interface is easy to get the hang of, with a screen and plenty of effects and settings to explore. An added bonus: You can save your favorites with the Fender app. Use the built-in tuner to get started, tap your desired tempo, and crank this light-but-loud unit all the way up.

Buy Fender Mustang LT40S $229.99

Yamaha THR10II 10W 2×3 Guitar Combo Amp

Compared side-by-side with the others in the bunch, Yamaha’s THR10II looks like it’s from another time, maybe even another planet. But it sounds great, and portability wasn’t lost in the design of this rectangular little powerhouse. At 15 watts, it’s still plenty loud for solo practice, and provides the option of emulating realistic tube-amp tones along with 15 guitar amps, three bass amps, three mic models for acoustic-electrics, and flat modes for everything else. It’s Bluetooth and USB compatible for headphones and desktops/laptops for when you’re ready to record.

Buy Yamaha THR10II 10W Guitar Combo Amp $299.99

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THESE 5 Best Small Travel Guitar Amps You Can Bring Along

Need a guitar amp that you can take with you on your travels with no hassle.  Check out these best small travel guitar amp choices for 2022.

Quick Links To Our Best Mini Travel Guitar Amp Recommendations

• Positive Grid Spark 40 – Our Top Choice!

Roland Cube-ST

Boss katana compact, vox amplug 2 ac-30, blackstar fly3.

• 1 Quick Links To Our Best Mini Travel Guitar Amp Recommendations
• 2.1 Our Favorite Micro Guitar Amp For Traveling – Positive Grid Spark 40
• 2.2 Roland Cube-ST
• 2.3 BOSS Katana Compact
• 2.4 VOX Amplug 2 AC-30
• 2.5 Blackstar Fly3
• 3 Best Travel Guitar Amplifier Conclusion

Looking for travel guitars ?  Look here.  Also take a look at these best small tube amps .

Our Best Micro Guitar Amp For Traveling Reviews

Our favorite micro guitar amp for traveling – positive grid spark 40.

The fact that this amp is a 40-watt power hybrid amp is the first thing to notice.  This means you can control your sound through the device’s physical interface or software download on your phone.

It has the physical interface you’d expect from a solid-state amp: 7 amp models, including bass and acoustic guitar, a 3-band EQ, gain and master controllers, and built-in FX (Mod, Delay, and Reverb).

Its software, on the other hand, is driven by Positive Grid’s outstanding BIAS technology, which gives you access to over 10,000 sounds.  This amp provides every tonal setting you could want.

This is an excellent choice for a portable guitar.

The Roland Mobile Cube and Roland Micro Cube are smaller Cube alternatives, but the Street demonstrates why you might want to go a little bigger on sometimes.  You’ll give up some portability in exchange for higher sound quality, more features, and more versatility in how you can utilise the amp.

Although this amp’s power output isn’t as high as some of the other options, the larger speakers are more crucial.  The sound quality difference between a tiny amp with a 3′′ driver and two 6.5′′ speakers can be substantial.  Even switching from a mono to stereo setup might result in a significant improvement in perceived audio quality.

The twin input channels are another important feature of this amplifier.  You’ve got your standard guitar/instrument input, as well as built-in effects, amp models, and EQ.  Then there’s a separate mic/line level input with EQ, volume control, and effects.  This is a tremendous benefit for a busker because you can use the same amp for your guitar and voice.

As you can see, the separate mic/line and guitar/instrument inputs and controls give you a lot of flexibility over your overall sound.  Unlike some other amps with built-in effects, the EFX and delay/reverb are on distinct settings, allowing you to combine them.

Check The Latest Price On The Roland Cube-ST

Both the clean and driving sounds on the Katana are wonderful, whether you’re relaxing on the sofa at home, jamming with your band, or sneaking in a practice session at work.  This amp not only sounds great, but it’s also a lot of fun to play thanks to the variety of ‘brown,’ crunch, and clean tones.

This Boss mini amp delivers much more than you’d expect once you plug it in and let it rip. Rich full tones with a soft ambient delay, this Boss micro amp offers much more than you’d expect once you plug it in and let it rip.

Check The Latest Price On The BOSS Katana Compact

It’s easy to plug into any electric guitar or bass thanks to the 180-degree rotating socket, and the built-in Reverb, Chorus, and Delay Effects make it a terrific alternative for crafting intriguing tracks.

The Gain, Tone, and Volume controls are all simple to use, and the Aux in connector lets you connect an external sound source to play through the device as you play guitar!  This is perfect for jamming in silence over any music you have.  This is wonderful if you’re a late-night guitarist who wants to be able to perform anytime, anywhere.

Check The Latest Price On The VOX Amplug 2 AC-30

Not only is this a great practice amp and desktop amplifier because of the smaller size and MP3/Line input, but it’s also a great recording amplifier because you can use the Emulated Line Out to record directly to your computer or hook straight up to a PA when your big touring rig is out of commission! It may be battery or DC powered, and you can make your FLY 3 into a 6 watt stereo amp by adding the Blackstar FLY 103 3″ Extension Speaker Cabinet!  If you want to stream music to a speaker via Bluetooth, the Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth Mini Amp is a great option for people who like to jam along with their music.

We have a full Blackstar Fly 3 review as well.

Check The Latest Price On The Blackstar Fly3

Best Travel Guitar Amplifier Conclusion

If you are looking to bring along a guitar amp that is easy to travel with, any of these options above will suit you well!

Check out these small Fender guitar amps as well or these best small acoustic guitar amp choices.

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What is a TWT Amplifier?

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What is a Traveling-Wave Tube (TWT) Amplifier? When are they used and how are they different from Solid State Power Amplifiers?

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Editorial Team - everything RF

A Traveling-Wave Tube or TWT Amplifier is a high power, high-frequency amplifier that is built using traveling wave tubes. A traveling-wave tube is a type of vacuum tube used to amplify high-frequency signals. The RF signal is amplified by absorbing power from a beam of electrons as it goes through the tube.

TWTAs usually operate from 300 MHz up to frequencies over 100 GHz (there are cases where these go as high as 650 GHz). They provide power levels from a few watts to megawatts with a gain of 40 to 60 dB.

A typical TWT Amplifier consists of a traveling wave tube, an RF input section, a power supply & logic interface section, and an RF output section. The TWT is the part that is responsible for the amplification of the signal.

The TWT consists of an electron gun (composed of a cathode, a control or modulating grid, and an accelerator), an RF circuit (delay line), an attenuator and a collector.

The cathode produces an electron beam, which is slower than the speed of light, and is focused into a tight beam using magnetic field along the axis of the tube. The speed of electron beam in a TWT amplifier is generally 10 to 50 % of speed of light and it depends on the cathode voltage.

The RF signal, however, propagates at the speed of light and there must be a mechanism to slow down its speed to permit interaction between the beam and the signal. This slowdown is achieved by using a slow wave structure, which is usually a helix, and the slowed down RF signal is called the slow wave. The attenuator isolates the input and output sections to prevent oscillations. The velocity of the electron beam, traveling through the helix, induces/adds energy to the RF waves on the helix, thus amplifying the signal.

Click here to see Traveling-Wave Tube or TWT Amplifiers from the leading manufacturers .

Click here to see Traveling Wave Tubes from the leading manufacturers listed on everything RF .

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Top 10 Portable Guitar Amps (2022 Edition)

Portable guitar amps can take your enjoyment of guitar playing to the next level by allowing you to play at the beach, on the road, or just your front porch. Because everybody’s wallet size is different, we’ll be discussing high-end portable amps that can reach around $500 bucks, and we’ll also talk about some more affordable amps around $100 and under.



Also, I know that I should have a “ this goes to 11 ” joke somewhere in here, but I’ll leave that to the pros. Without further ado, here are the top 10 portable guitar amps:

1. Marshall MS-2 



2. Fender Mini Tone-Master 





3. Sawtooth ST-AMP-10ST-AMP-10 



4. Pignose Legendary 7-100 Portable Amp 



5. Orange Micro Crush 



6. Line 6 Spider IV 15 



7. VOX Mini3 G2 Modeling Guitar Amplifier 





8. Roland Micro Cube 





9. Yamaha THR5 10-Watt Desktop Guitar Combo Amp

 



10. Roland AC-33 





Whether you’re a higher end shopper looking at the AC-33, or just looking to get your foot in the door of portable amps, there’s definitely something for you on this list. Most music shops will carry a majority of these amps, so definitely go try them out first before buying.

Do you have a hot lead on a portable amp? Let us know in the comments! 
 By John Lombard


Home » Amps » 17 Best Mini Guitar Amps in 2024 (All Price Ranges)

17 Best Mini Guitar Amps in 2024 (All Price Ranges)

Buying a new mini guitar amp, just like any other piece of gear, can be a lot of fun. The experience of going to guitar shops, watching videos, and reading articles can be a good experience if you’re getting accurate information.

All this is even more interesting when you know what you are looking for in an amplifier. Once you know what you’re looking for, all that’s left to do is compare specs and listen to what others in the industry are saying about different models.

I’ll start this article by jumping straight into reviews on the best mini guitar amps at each price point, but if you want to learn more about them before reading reviews check out our buying guide at the bottom of the page.

Here Are the Best Mini Guitar Amps

1. yamaha thr5 (best overall).

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My Review: If you are a guitarist who composes and records, but also travels constantly, this Yamaha amp is ideal for you. This is one of the most powerful mini amps on this list thanks to the 2×3″ speakers with a total power of 10W. Although quite powerful, the dimensions are small, 271x 167x 120 mm, and weighs 2 kg. This is a digital amplifier that offers many effects and preamps that I will talk about in more detail below. But first, let’s mention the power supply options.

Like other mini amps in this review, the THR has two options: an AC adapter or 8xAA batteries depending on how you use it. The downside with the batteries is that due to the power of the amp, they do not last long, about 8h. So batteries are not a good option for practicing or recording. This means if you are at home or have the option to use the AC adapter, you are going to want to use the AC adapter. For any outdoor occasion, the batteries will do the job for you.

When it comes to the inputs, you have the standard features, the instrumental jack, and the aux.

But with the outputs, other than the headphones, there is also a USB port that connects to a computer. With the amp, there is also a complimentary copy of Cubase AI in which is a great software to record in. Imagine a scenario where you travel and carry a laptop, headphones, and a Yamaha THR5 amp. Nothing can stop you from recording the latest material that comes into your head.

To all of this you can add 5 different preamps: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brit Hi, and Modern as well as the most famous and most used effects: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Delay, and Reverb. All in all, I would say this is the best mini guitar amp out there right now that’s reasonably priced.

2. Roland Micro Cube (Editor’s Choice)

My Review: The Roland Micro Cube is the real deal when it comes to mini amps. It may not be the most compact amp in this category but it definitely has everything a modern guitarist needs. With dimensions of 227 x 247 x 172 mm and a weight of only 2.7 kg, it is a highly portable amp for practicing at home but also for playing outdoors. The amp is powered by 6 AA batteries or DC adapter.

This is a modeling/digital amp so there are a bunch of preamps and effects on it. Plus it comes with an extra perk, an original feature for this amp, the I-Cube link. This connects the amp to any iOS device to help you enrich your practice session and gives you the option to record the music you play. There are several free guitar apps for jamming, learning, and recording that are compatible with the Roland Micro Cube.

The guitar connects to the instrumental jack, and in addition to the I-Cube link, there is another output for headphones or recording. And the most interesting part of any amp, the knob panel.

Here the knob panel is divided into two groups, one of which contains the most basic settings: gain, volume, tone, and master. The other group of knobs is for choosing one of the 8 amp models, adding effects (chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, and octave) and the delay/reverb knob. And to the right of the knob panel is the tuner.

What is rare with this type of amps is the holding strap. This makes the amp easy to carry around. The only real limitation is that it only with iOS devices. Everything else is top-notch.

3. Vox Mini 3 G2 (Best Value)

My Review: The Vox Mini 3 G2 is a compact, lightweight, and portable mini amp with a classic look. This makes it ideal for anyone on the go who wants to be able to spend more time practicing guitar wherever they are. It has 1×5″ speakers with 3W output power. There are two power supply options, an AC adapter or 6 AA batteries that last up to 12h.

On the control panel, you will find the standard (1/4) instrumental input. Next to it here are the microphone and the aux input for playing songs or backing tracks. There is also a headphone output. This can be handy because it allows you to play at any time without being too loud for your family or neighbors.

This amp is digital which means that you can choose between 11 different amps and 12 most used effects including a compressor, chorus, flanger, tremolo, different types of reverb, and delay on tap. And what makes this mini amp complete for practicing is the tuner.

Popular Related Article: The 14 Best Wireless Guitar Systems

4. Boss Katana mini combo (Best Under $100)

My Review: If you are anything like me, you are probably not used to hearing Boss in context to a guitar amp, are you? But not only does it produce amplifiers, Boss has come out with a great “katana” series with different dimensions and power, but also with great performance and features.

Like (almost) all amps on this “mini” list, the Boss Katana amp has small dimensions of 230 x181 x116 mm and weighs only 1.2 kg. Surprisingly, this small size amp is packed with a 1×4″ speaker with the power of 7W. This is loud enough to be used in any environment although I would definitely not recommend it for band rehearsals.

The Boss Katana mini combo is a solid state amp that can operate on an adapter (DC) or batteries (6 x AA). It has two inputs, one instrumental and one aux. What is interesting is that besides the standard headphone output, the Boss Katana mini combo also has a recording output. This feature gives it a huge advantage over its competitors.

It is a USB output that connects the amp to your computer. It can be used as a recording insert to record music in a recording program. This gives a well-balanced clean and overdrive so you don’t need to make any adjustments in the recording program itself. On the knob panel are the gain, volume, EQ, and delay panels, and on the right is the power button.

Unlike other amps where the delay is set with a tap button, here the delay is adjusted via two knobs, time and volume, which in my opinion is much easier to use. All in all, I would say this is the best mini guitar amplifier under $100.

5. Blackstar Fly 3 (Budget Pick)

My Review: Blackstar is a guitar amp manufacturer that has made tremendous progress in the last few years. This is thanks to a group of ex-Marshall engineers who are really well versed in the art of making guitar amps.

This amp has a phenomenal design that, to be fair, can be said for all Blackstar models. What makes the “Fly 3″ a mini amp are its dimensions, of course. With a size of 170 x 126 x 102 millimeters and a weight of less than one kg (0.9).

The body of this amp houses a 1×3” speaker that produces 3W of output power. According to the dimensions and its power, this is an ideal portable mini guitar amp. Next to the instrumental jack for the guitar, there is also a line-input for practicing with backing tracks or simply for playing music. And, of course, the inevitable part of this type of amps is the headphone jack which is very useful when it comes to practicing in any environment.

The knob panel is very simple and created from only four knobs which looking from left to right are gain, volume, EQ / ISF, and delay. The first, second, and fourth knobs are probably already familiar to you. But let’s focus on the third one because it is something that only exists in the Blackstar amps, and that is the ISF. This is a very interesting and innovative feature that is a characteristic of the Blackstar amps, the Infinite Shape Feature, or IFS.

By simply turning this knob clockwise, you can choose between two types of amp sound, American or British. The difference between them is that the American style sounds tight, focused, percussive response, and the British sounds woody, crunchy, and warm.

This technology in this analog amp is a great replacement for the preset in the digital amps (selecting different types of guitar models).

Related Article: Recommended Guitar Amps (All Price Ranges)

6. Marshall MS2 (Best Micro)

My Review: If you want to have a guitar amp with you every time you leave the house, the Marshall MS2 is a great option. This is the smallest solid-state guitar amp you can find on the market. Its dimensions of 110 x 140 x 60 mm and weight of only 0.34kg make this amp very portable.

However, its tiny body houses a 1×2 ‘speaker, and the output power is very small at just 1W.

While it is quite good for practicing, 1W is too little unless you practice in a quiet environment, which to be honest, is not always the case. If you set it to a higher volume the clean channel will distort, like any other amplifier regardless of the power.

Fortunately, there is a headphone output so if you wear headphones you can literally play while walking down the street. In addition to the “micro” size and weight, the amplifier runs on batteries and can even be attached to your guitar strap.

In any case, the guitar would take up way more space than the amp. But when you are using it at home and there is no need to spend the battery (which to be fair, does not last long) you have an AC adapter that will do the job.

This amp with a classic Marshall look will surprise you with the original and recognizable Marshall clean and overdrive sound. As this is a solid-state amp, the sound generator options compared to other digital amps are minimal.

On the front panel, there are only 3 knobs, one for volume and tone, and the third one for activation and change from clean to overdrive.

But what this micro amp lacks is the aux input. Without it, backing tracks can not be added to play along, so if you are not a solo performer you will need an extra device to make your playing more interesting. And finally, the amp also comes in three color variants. Standard black, silver, and red.

7. Fender Frontman 10G

My Review: You have probably come across this amp many times before and you roughly know what it’s all about. Compared to all amps so far, this Fender amp falls behind, by far.

So why is it on this list? One simple reason, the Fender Frontman 10G is the most popular guitar amp for beginners, and it really deserves this status. The amp has the standard recognizable Fender look with skirted knobs, silver grille cloth, and a black frame.

Its price is low because it is a small solid-state amp. Plus it usually goes in a beginner combo package with a guitar, a guitar strap, a cable, picks, etc. The reason is simple, it is very cheap and small, which makes it suitable for even the youngest beginners.

Measuring 280 x 260 x 146 mm and weighing 3.8 kg, it is easy to carry from one place to another. Although it does not run on batteries (which reduces mobility) it has all the other features of a solid amp for home practicing. It has a standard 1/4 instrumental jack input, an aux-in for backing and play-along tracks, and a standard and useful headphone output.

The front panel is clear and simple. Looking from left to right they are Gain, Clean/Drive button, Volume, Treble, Bass, and a power switch.

Related Article: Our Favorite Guitar Tuners

8. Laney Mini Lion (Best Under $50)

My Review: The Laney Mini Lion is a good example of an inexpensive, nicely designed, and original amplifier. The dimensions of this amp are 173 x 100 x 120 mm and it weighs 1 kg, which makes it an ideal desktop and practicing amp. Its maximum power of 3W comes from the 1×3” speaker mounted in an elegantly built body that looks like a retro radio.

Like all other mini amps, the Laney Mini Lion works on a power adapter when it has access to electricity or on 6 AAA batteries as an alternative when playing outdoors or on the road. The reason for the low cost and lack of guitar effects is that this is a solid-state amp. Now let’s look at the knob panel.

Here, besides the most basic gain, tone, and volume knobs, there is another feature that makes the amplifier unique, and that is the LSI, or more precisely, the Laney Smartphone Insert. It is an output that works best with iOS devices but also supports Android systems. Basically, it is an output that connects the amp to the “Tonebridge” app.

This Ultimate Guitar’s app gives you access to thousands of presets made for a wide range of songs and styles. So with help from your device, you can transform your solid-state amp into an amp with a bunch of original sounds from famous songs and artists. The app is easy to use and selecting amp presets and effects can be a very fun process. In addition, you can also make a list of sounds that will give you easier access to the original amp and effects sounds. Well done, Leney!

9. Orange Crush Mini

My Review: This amp is a direct competitor to the Laney Mini Lion especially in terms of size, weight, power, and price. It has dimensions of 149 x 139 x 80 mm, and it weighs 0.8 kg. Before we really get into the specifics of this amp, for all those who are not familiar with the brand I can say that the Orange amps are a great manufacturer that is very reliable and offers great blues models.

Although the output power is 3W, it comes with a 1×4” speaker, which in terms of size could be more powerful. It is a solid-state guitar amp that works on a DC adapter or a 9V battery that lasts up to 12h.

Although in the input/output section the options are standard, this amp also has an external speaker output for connecting to a more powerful speaker which is a good option to have if you even need to use this amp on a stage.

Standard in and outputs include the instrumental jack, the aux-in, and the headphone output.

The knob panel is also very simple with gain, tone, and volume plus a built-in tuner. The amp has no on/off switch and is activated just by inserting the input jack. And as its last feature, the design of this Orange Crush Mini has the standard and original look, recognizable for all other Orange models.

Related Article: Our Favorite Guitar Straps

10. Monoprice 611705 (Best Mini Tube Amp)

My Review: Now here is something different when it comes to mini amps. This amp is ideal for all tube fans.

The Monoprice 611705 is the smallest and the cheapest tube amp on the market. Compared to the previous amps, this tube amp is the largest and heaviest, but for a reason. With dimensions of 305 x 310 x 210 mm and weighs 6 kg, the guitar cabinet houses an 8” Celestion Custom speaker with 5W output power.

This speaker is very specific and is often used as part of other more expensive tube amps. In the preamp section, there is one ECC83/12AX7 preamp tube, and in the power section, there is one 6v6GT power tube that produces the natural and unpredictable sound which is specific to the tube amps.

The amp does not run on batteries and is not a good option for playing outdoors. But the amp is lightweight and can be easily carried by hand from one place to another. This is great when you want to go to a friend to jam and you do not want to compromise the warm tube sound.

The amp also has an option to limit the power so it can be limited to 1W. This is good if you want to have a fresh clean sound without the natural distortion. The knob panel is very simple.

It has the high and low canal guitar input, the on/off switch, the volume, and the tone. Here the tone knob is a balance between bass and treble that is controlled by turning from left to right. Simple as that.

11. Danelectro N-10 Honeytone (Cheapest Mini Amp)

My Review: Here is the cheapest option for a mini amp. It is a micro solid-state amp with a 1×2” speaker with a total power of 1W. And the dimensions are small: 152 x 76 x 152 mm, weighing only 0.43 kg.

What makes it extra portable is the belt clip with which the amp can be easily carried wherever you go. It also has a leather handle.

Normally, in favor of portability, this amp runs on a single 9V battery or a DC adapter. The input and output are simple, instrumental jack and headphone out. The downside that makes it fall short of being a good amp for practicing is that it doesn’t have an aux-in.

But the idea is to use it more for playing instead of practicing, so it does serve its purpose.

The amp is off when the volume knob is turned all the way to the left. One move to the right turns it on and then increases the volume. The second knob is the tone knob, and the last one is for turning on and controlling the overdrive. What gives this amp an extra character is its unique design. It is characterized by its specific aqua color and a beautiful vintage look.

Related Article: Our Favorite Electric Guitars Amps Under $1000

12. Vox Pathfinder 10

My Review: Here is another Vox model. But this one is made to serve a different purpose. The Vox Pathfinder 10 is a super amp for jamming with other musicians and recording. The amp is easy to transport because it does not take up much space (380 x 260 x 170 mm) and is quite lightweight (4.8 kg).

The output power is 10W, which is solid for an amp of this size. The sound comes out through a 1 x 6.5” Vox Bulldog speaker, specially built for Vox amps. This solid-state type of amp is powered by a power cable, which is limited to use only in an indoor environment (home or a studio). There is a standard instrumental jack input and a headphone output. The same output can be used for recording.

However, to record with this amp, it will need extra effect pedals because the options for different sounds and effects are limited. The knobs on the knob panel from left to right are: gain, clean/overdrive button, the treble, and the bass knob. The last knob is the volume, and then on the right, there is an on/off switch.

13. Marshall MG10

My Review: The Marshall MG10 is one of the most obvious rivals to the Vox Pathfinder 10 for several reasons. The dimensions (296 x 314 x 175 mm) of the two amps are almost the same, and the same goes for the weight of 4.8 kg which is exactly the same. This is a solid-state amp with a 1×6.5” speaker and with a total output power of 10W. This makes it very portable.

The line out makes this amp good for gigs and rehearsals with the band, but only if you happen to have a bigger speaker or a sound mixer control. This way you are not sacrificing the original Marshall tone. The amp has no batteries so it is best to keep it at home or in a studio. It is also good for practicing due to the aux-in and the headphone output.

A big downside is that it doesn’t have reverb (as with all other amps that do not have reverb). Without it, the sound usually sounds drier and duller. But with the right placement of the other knobs and an extra pedal, a phenomenal Marshall sound can be achieved.

The knob panel is simple: the clean volume is located on the left. In a separate section there is the gain and the volume for the overdrive, on the spot that is usually reserved for the tone is the control knob. And all the way to the right is the power switch. The amp comes in two color variants: the standard Marshall black and gold, and a black and silver option. This is easily one of the best mini amps out there.

14. Vox Amplug 2 AC30

My Review: Here is something very different. This is an amp that you will definitely not even feel that you are carrying with you. It weighs only 40 g, which by itself is amazing, and the dimensions of 86 x 31 x 80 mm make it smaller than your phone. Its size does not allow it to have a built-in speaker, but there is a solution for that as well. Using the correct jack, the headphone output can also be used to connect it to another amp, speakers, or headphones, depending on your needs, of course.

This modeling amp runs on two AA batteries that can last up to 15 hours of active use. The guitar connects with an Integrated 6.3mm jack for direct connection which saves a lot of space plus it would not be the end of the world if you forget the cable at home. This amp is ideal for practicing due to the aux-in for adding extra tracks to play along and a headphone output so it can be used virtually anywhere.

The amp also allows the possibility of using multiple effects, namely three: chorus, delay, and reverb. There are four knobs, one for gain, tone, volume, and one for the rest of the effects.

Looking at the name of this amp it is obvious that it is an imitation of the legendary model of Vox, AC30. Besides the Vox Amplug 2 AC30, there are four other models: blues, clean, lead, and metal. So choose wisely.

15. Harley Benton Rockplug

My Review: The Harley Benton Rockplug Classic Rock amp is cheaper and in my opinion a better replacement for the Vox Amplug 2. Let’s focus first on the common features in which the Harley Benton is equal with the Vox Amplug 2, and then we will focus on the advantages that this amazing device has. The dimensions are very similar (80 x 30 x 15 mm), with a very minimal difference that is frankly imperceptible. The same goes for the weight because there is only a 10 g difference. A small advantage that the Vox Amplug has is the effects.

However, the Harley Benton Rockplug has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 15h.

The great thing is after your battery runs out, there is no need to bother buying new ones or recharging the old ones. Simply plug the USB cable on the charging mini USB port.

To always know how full your battery is there is also an LED indicator.

In addition to the instrumental jack, the standard aux-in, and headphones-out, this amp also has an adapter for connecting a second headphone. There are three control knobs, drive, tone, and volume. Another perk is that the Harley Benton Rockplug has an analog overdrive circuit.

16. ZT Lunchbox Junior

My Review: Jazz musicians, here’s an amp for you. Looking at the specifications above this amp sounds impressive. It is a loud mini portable amplifier that can be used wherever you are, even in a car without consuming the battery. Imagine, an amp measuring 197 x 112 x 165 mm, and weighing just 2.3 kg can have an output power of an incredible 35W.

This power comes from the unique 5” ZT custom speaker. The power supply has three options: using the power cable for playing at home, in a studio, for recording and even playing gigs. And then the second option is using the 12V battery so you can perform outside. As an extra option is the 9V output power for your pedals (loop, if you ask me). And the third option is a car adapter cable if you want to practice while traveling and at the same time not use the battery.

Like most of the amps on this list, the ZT Lunchbox Junior has aux-in for audio files and headphone output for silent practicing. The great warm and mellow sound is controlled through a simple knob panel that has three knobs: volume, tone, and gain. At the back of the amp are the power switch and the speaker on/of switch.

17. Roland Mobile Cube

My Review: This is a complete package for you and your family, friends, and bandmates. Although it has two 4” speakers with a total power of 2×2.5W, the amp has quite small dimensions of 280 x 108 x 177 mm and weighs only 2.5 kg. It is super portable because it is powered by a DC adapter or 6 AA batteries. An extra accessory to this amp is the carrying strap.

What makes it different from the other amplifiers on this list is that the Roland Mobile Cube is not exclusively a guitar amp. You can plug in a microphone, keyboard, guitar, and bass guitar.

This is ideal if you play multiple instruments. So you do not have to carry a different amp for every instrument. There are two aux inputs, one single and one dual so there is an option to connect two audio devices or with two different aux jacks.

The knob panel is on the top of the amp and is very simple and clear. Looking from left to right, first, there is the microphone volume, then two knobs, one for selecting an instrument and one for volume. At the far right are the tone and the delay/reverb knob. The Roland Mobile Cube is great for practicing any instrument, street performance, or singing and playing outside.

Choosing the Right Mini Guitar Amp (Buying Guide)

There are amplifiers of different sizes, for different guitars and styles, principles of operation, effects, and imitations, So the chances are that all that stands between you and your perfect amp is a bit of research.

Let’s look at what the options are specifically for mini guitar amps and what you should pay attention to before buying.

Do I Need an Expensive Mini Amplifier?

Every time we enter a store for musical instruments we already have a certain budget in mind that we are willing to spend. So of course, one of the first things you are going to ask about is the price of the product. As a beginner, it is normal for the budget to be smaller. And with a smaller budget, there are fewer options.

Most low budget amplifiers have about the same quality or options. But even with cheaper guitar amps, there are good models that stand out from the rest. The price of these products is always dictated by their brand, so when you buy a Fender, Vox, or a Marshall amplifier you will pay more but you will have a guarantee for good sound.

However, technological progress has given a boost to less branded manufacturers to reach quality but at a significantly lower price. That is why you will meet guitar amps that have a similar price but differ greatly in power, size, effects, etc.

My advice when it comes to cheaper amps always look for and research lesser-known manufacturers (lesser-known brands) because sometimes they offer much more for the same amount of money. On the other hand, if you decide to spend more money on a more expensive amplifier as a permanent solution, do not skimp. In this case, a cheaper option can be found as well, but it might be a 50-50 chance that you end up with a quality product.

What Size and Weight Should I Choose?

Customer needs have led guitar amps manufacturers to produce a variety of models. This mostly depends on the environment in which it is used.

So it makes sense to use the largest amplifiers in the studio or at home, but not so much on a gig. They have a very high quality and powerful sound, so they are usually played in concerts where there is a large stage, so the size is not a problem. Their size and weight also make them more difficult to transport and take up more space, so they are not very practical if you travel constantly.

Medium-sized amps are much easier to use outside the home, rehearsing, playing live gigs, and exercising. They are good for playing in bars because they do not take up much space in the vehicle or on stage, and their dimensions allow them to have an output power of at least 50W, which is the minimum to be used in combination with the rhythm section. However, these amplifiers compared to the larger ones have lower sound quality because their power does not permit a lot of room to balance the sound and the volume.

Lastly, the mini guitar amps are here for anyone who is not into the previous two types or already owns one (or two) of them. The main purpose of these amps is for practicing and playing outdoors and their main perk is that they are very portable. They are small and light so you can easily take them with you wherever you go. This way you can play constantly and stay in shape. What makes them ideal for practicing are the extra features that make practice easier and more interesting.

This includes a USB connection, aux input, headphones, multiple effects, recording options etc. In addition to practicing, the mini amps are the best choice for any street performer. Almost all mini amps run on batteries so you do not have to worry about where you want to stop and perform.

How Important is the Volume?

The size greatly affects the volume, and the volume affects the sound quality. Larger amplifiers are more powerful, leaving more room for manipulation of volume and sound quality. The ideal volume for producing quality sound is usually found when the volume knob is set between 2 or 3.

What happens with smaller amps when trying to reach loudness to catch up with other instruments or on a gig, while the volume increases, the sound loses quality. This applies to almost every device. The louder it is, the more it is strained and eventually, it will break faster.

With amplifiers, the first thing to go is the speakers.

But the need for loud volume is mostly for live performances, gigs, and concerts or band rehearsals. For playing and practicing at home or in a quiet environment the mini amps are more than enough. They have more options for using headphones or USB connections with your computer or other devices so the volume and power of the speakers are not crucial.

Why Should I Buy Tube Amp?

This is the oldest type of amplifier and although it is “ancient” technology, they are still among the most sought after on the market and the most popular among fans of good guitar sound. These amps produce the sound through the tubes that receive the electric signal from the guitar and then they amplify it.

The tubes are not perfect units so the sound is very organic, natural, and soft. By increasing the amp, the tubes create a natural distortion and the sound is amazing.

But the tubes heat up and wear out with time and use. They also need to be preheated to a certain degree for the amp to start producing the sound. This means that, even after the amp is turned on, the tubes need a few minutes to warm up and start processing the signal and producing the sound.

That’s why there is a “standby” switch on them that deactivates the speaker but the amp stays on to keep the tubes warm. This way you do not have to wait before playing. As a solution for overheating, the body of the amp is large enough to have more ventilation and space to reduce overheating.

The size also brings weight so these amplifiers are not a good option for performing and playing gigs. But they still remain ideal amps for recording music in the studio or for playing concerts. Recently, several tube models have appeared on the market that fall into the category of “mini” amps, a few of which we will take a look at later.

Why Should I Buy Solid-state Amp?

These amplifiers were a temporary solution to the problematic tube amps. Although the principle of sound production is the same (the amp registers the electrical signal and converts it into a sound wave), the difference is in the parts that make the sound. With solid-state amps, this is done by the transistor circuit.

In these amplifiers, the parts from which they are made take up significantly less space than the tube amps. Therefore the solid-state amps are smaller compared to the tube amp with the same power. Although when it comes to power, size, and weight, the solid-state amps might sound ideal, still their sound can not be compared to the tube.

The reason is simple, the sound produced by the transistor is perfectly accurately measured in frequencies. That is why it is flat and does not have the natural sound waves that the tube amp is capable of producing.

But in some cases these amplifiers are irreplaceable. They are physically very durable because the parts are simply built, are stronger, and more compact. When using a solid-state amp you are free to relax and not think about whether it will be damaged or broken during transportation or when you up the volume. This makes them ideal for constant travel and playing live gigs and rehearsals.

A big advantage that the solid-state amps have over the tube amps is that the solid-state amps do not need time to warm up before they start producing sound. In the case of solid-state amps with a simple press of the on/off switch you are ready to go.

Why Should I Buy a Digital/Modeling?

With the rapid technological progress in this area, the modeling amps are getting better and it will not be long before they take over from the tube amps. Before getting to know the modeling amps in more detail I too was skeptical. I personally did not expect something so “artificial” to simulate such an original and natural sound.

Although not yet at the right level, the modeling amplifiers are slowly starting to catch up with the best tube amplifiers. Proof that they are moving in the right direction is that there are modeling amps that are produced by companies such as Fender or Vox, which are already manufacturers of some of the best tube amplifiers.

The sound they produce mimics the unpredictability of the tubes and their natural distortion. But the plus side is that all the problems we usually encounter with the tube amps are excluded when we are talking about modeling amps. There are no heating tubes here so the amplifier can start as soon as it is switched on.

The system that produces the sound is small and does not take up space, and therefore doesn’t add too much weight. And they have imitations of many different models of the most famous tube amps plus all the most famous and most used guitar effects. This already looks like a perfect amplifier. However, when buying a modeling amp, it is worth investing in more expensive manufacturers and models.

Best Amp for Every Style?

Each style of music is recognizable by its original sound, so it is no coincidence that there are many different models of amplifiers. The amplifiers and their purpose were determined by the most famous guitarists and bands that left a mark on a certain style of music.

Your guitar idol is a very big factor in choosing guitars, amps, and effect pedals. So choose the amplifier that best matches the music you listen to and want to play. Let’s look at a few examples of amplifiers that suit a particular style or genre according to their most popular users.

• Vox is a leading manufacturer of guitar amps because of their consistency, something

they have proven time and time again. This is a versatile amp that is the first choice of many blues, jazz, and blues/rock musicians. They gained their popularity through the endorsement of several guitarists, including Ritchie Blackmore, Queen’s Brian May, and U2’s lead guitarist, Dick Evans.

• Marshall (in my opinion) is the most legendary manufacturer of guitar amplifiers when it

comes to rock and hard rock music. This does not necessarily mean that it is the best, but still, to get a true picture of what kind of amplifier it is, take a look at the long list of names in rock and roll culture that are supporters of this brand, such as, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Tom Morello, and of course, Slash.

• Fender is another manufacturer of incredibly good amplifiers.

Unlike the previous two, the Fender amps are designed for virtually any type of music. Since these amps have existed for a very long time they have been played by jazz, blues, and rock musicians alike with some big names to back up the brand.

The best examples would be Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, George Benson, and Joe Bonamassa. This is just a very short list of my favorite amplifier manufacturers based on purpose and style. Naturally, there are several other very good amplifiers that deserve to be found on this list so we will take a look at them below.

Do I Need a Portable Amp?

When choosing an amplifier for guitarists who are constantly traveling and always want to have the option of playing and practicing, portability is a very big factor. This is especially important when looking for an amp that will work for band rehearsals, small gigs, playing outdoors, or for practicing at home or on the road.

The best amps for this purpose belong to the category “mini amps”. They usually have fewer options for setting treble, bass and middle, reverb, and overdrive. But if you invest in a quality modeling amp with all the most important features (aux-in, headphones outputs, USB connections, recording, etc) you can get a phenomenal amp that will last. These amps are, of course, small, and they might not be the most powerful amps, but you will find that they are loud enough to fulfill their purpose.

Do I Need Battery-powered Amp?

The battery-powered amps are very useful when you want to play wherever you are.

This is especially important for street performers who rarely have the opportunity to supply their gear with electricity. While the ability to run on batteries is a big advantage, it is just as important to have the option of an adapter or power cord.

With constant use, the batteries wear out and need to be constantly replaced or recharged.

Most batteries last between 12 and 15 hours of active use. This is good if you use the amp outdoors. But while you are using it at home and have access to electricity, it makes the most sense to plug the amplifier into an electrical outlet.

What Guitar Effects Do Amps Have?

The most basic control knobs in amplifiers are the equalizer (treble, middle, and bass), the reverb, and the drive knobs. These options are found in the tube and solid-state amplifiers. With the mini amps, it often happens that they are limited, usually at the expense of the middle and the reverb control. But the new modeling amps are a different story.

With modeling amps, in addition to the most basic options, there are also various preamps of already known and popular models. Next to them, there is a whole section that houses the most used guitar effects such as reverb, distortion, delay, flanger, and chorus. The quality of these effects cannot be compared to analog guitar pedals. But when you take a look at the price, they are not to be underestimated.

The way these effects work is very simple and they are selected through a single knob.

For certain effects, such as the delay, three knobs are mainly used, time, feedback, and volume. If there is less space on the knob panel (especially with the mini amps) a simpler variant is tap to set the delay.

How to Choose the Best Mini Amp for Practicing?

Practicing the guitar for many guitarists is a daily aspiration and even need. It’s about staying in shape, learning songs, or recording music. But hardly anyone can be in the studio or in a practice room for long periods of time. Every day we waste a lot of time waiting for transportation, during work breaks or long trips. And if you have the right guitar gear you can use it this time.

That’s why you need a mini amp for practicing wherever you need it, which you can put in a backpack or even in your pocket. And it would be ideal if it had a headphone output so that you would not disturb your family or neighbors if you stay up practicing in the late hours. Another feature that a good practice amp must-have is the aux input through which songs can be played for learning or backing tracks to play along.

And as an extra feature that would complete the best practice amp is a recording output through which you can record and save all the ideas that come to you while playing.

Can I Use a Mini Guitar Amp for Gigs?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the ideal guitar amplifier for gigs.

First, you need an amp that will be loud enough to match the rhythm section, especially with the drums. The ideal power for this purpose is about 60 watts. Anything below 60 watts should be played much louder to balance with the band, which is not good for the amp.

Amplifiers with this power are usually made with a 1×8” speaker or bigger which means it no longer belongs to the mini amp category. So if you want to carry a more powerful amp it will cost you a lot of space and weight. Therefore, for playing gigs, you can not use a mini amp.

And last but not least, do not wear tube amps on gigs.

The reasons are simple, compared to the solid-state or the modeling amps they are heavier, bigger, and more fragile, and then they need time to warm up. But still, to be fair, nothing can replace the tube sound so if some gigs mean a lot to you, feel free to bring your favorite amp.

What Extra Features Should a Good Mini Amp Have?

When it comes to functionality, the latest models of guitar amps (whether small or large, but mostly digital) have many features that make practicing and playing much easier than some older models. Among the first important features of the guitar amp is the aux input. This input connects devices (such as phones, tablets, etc.) using an aux cable through which audio exercises, songs, or backing tracks can be played.

The next thing a good amplifier should have is a headphone output. This is ideal for practicing anytime, anywhere without bothering other people. One of the most useful things you can find in amps is the USB connection for recording on your computer.

This means that the amplifier is connected through a special recording software with your computer. This allows you to make and record your original music through the amplifier and its effects.

My name is Chris and I’ve had a passion for music and guitars for as long as I can remember. I started this website with some of my friends who are musicians, music teachers, gear heads, and music enthusiasts so we could provide high-quality guitar and music-related content.

I’ve been playing guitar since I was 13 years old and am an avid collector. Amps, pedals, guitars, bass, drums, microphones, studio, and recording gear, I love it all.

I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. My background is in Electrical Engineering, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University. With my engineering experience, I’ve developed as a designer of guitar amplifiers and effects. A true passion of mine, I’ve designed, built, and repaired a wide range of guitar amps and electronics. Here at the Guitar Lobby, our aim is to share our passion for Music and gear with the rest of the music community.

3 thoughts on “17 Best Mini Guitar Amps in 2024 (All Price Ranges)”

I’m so glad to see that there are still some great mini guitar amps available in 2022! I’m currently using an amp that is about the size of a pack of cigarettes and it works great for me.

Thanks for this article. Would you mind sharing why you left the Spark MINI out of this list? It gained so much popularity recently! Not warranted?

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Best mini amps for guitar: power up your practice with these tiny towers of tone

Short on space? Practice anywhere with these small guitar amps that pack a punch

• Our top picks
• Product guide & reviews
• Buying advice

If you're looking for a compact solution to practice, the best mini amps for guitar will deliver great sound without costing the earth, or taking up too much space. Perhaps you’re looking for something small to sit at your desk when the inspiration to noodle strikes, or maybe you just want something compact and portable for warm-ups before a show. Whichever it is, we've got a great selection of small guitar amps for you.

Mini guitar amps have come a long way in recent years, going from the sort of thing your aunt would buy you at Christmas, to great amps for home practice in their own right. Thanks to major advances in technology the best small guitar amps no longer fizz like a wasp in a jar but instead offer a character that’s just as good as any full-sized offering. We’ve seen more and more major manufacturers join the micro amplifier gang, so we figured it was time to put all of these amazing amps in one place.

If you’re new to guitar amplifiers, or just want to learn more about mini amps themselves, check out our buying advice section at the end of this article. If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a miniature practice solution, keep scrolling to see our top picks.

Best mini amps for guitar: Guitar World's choice

Coming in at number one for us, it just had to be the Positive Grid Spark Mini. Bagging itself four and a half stars in our review, this 10-watt mini amp sounds a lot louder than you’d expect, with a fantastically intuitive app that features plenty of practice tools and loads of flexibility when dialing in your dream guitar tone. Simply superb.

Coming in a close second, we’ve gone for the Blackstar Fly 3, partly due to its great sound, and partly because it's incredible value for money. The drive channel is fantastic and it’s got a lovely built-in delay too. When you consider the price, you’re getting a lot of amplifier for your hard-earned cash.

Best mini amps for guitar: Product guide

1. Positive Grid Spark Mini

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

We’ve had one of these amps sitting on our desk for the last few months now, and it really does live up to the hype. The Positive Grid Spark Mini is the perfect practice or writing companion, simple enough to dive into quickly, yet with enough depth to keep you coming back for more.

The sounds are outstanding quality and whether clean or high gain, this amp delivers such an incredibly vibrant and clear tone you’ll forget it’s coming from a tiny cabinet. Thanks to the passive radiator located on the underside, this thing is stupendously loud. Seriously though – turn it up over halfway with a humbucker-equipped guitar and watch the complaints come in from partners and family members.

It’s not just got great sound either, the companion Spark App is truly useful, providing a way to sculpt exacting guitar tones, or just download user-made presets. It also features a tuner and metronome, as well as some incredible practice tools like Smart Jam, which gives you a full band to play with that responds to your playing dynamics.

Read the full Positive Grid Spark Mini review  

2. Blackstar Fly 3

The Blackstar Fly 3 has been around for a while now, but it’s still one of the best mini amps in the game. Combining ultimate portability with an incredibly loud sound, this battery-powered beast delivers fantastic tone on the go.

It’s got clean and overdrive channels, a built-in digital delay, and Blackstar’s patented ISF feature for tone sculpting. There’s a lot of play in the gain control on both settings, allowing you to dial in a great sound whether you’re a single-coil or humbucker kind of player.

The built-in delay is really usable, and whilst the delay time isn’t as long as what you might get on a bespoke pedal, it adds an excellent sense of space to your tone that’s perfect for practice. It’s also available for bass and acoustic guitar , so has got every type of guitar player covered. 

3. Boss Katana-Mini

Featuring Boss’ renowned Waza technology, the Boss Katana-Mini delivers searing rock tones in a tiny format. Weighing in at just north of a kilo and able to be powered by batteries, this mini amp is a fantastic way to practice on the go.

It excels at distorted tones and we absolutely loved the ‘brown’ setting on it, which is perfect for classic rock and metal. It’s clear and articulate, with bags of sustain considering the size of the amplifier. The clean tones are perfectly usable, but we found them to be a little boxy compared to some others on this list.

On battery life, it’ll last between 6 and 8 hours depending on the setting but it doesn’t come with a power adapter so we’d recommend getting some rechargeable batteries for it. Considering the cost and the quality of the sound, the Katana-Mini is a hell of a lot of amplifier for your money.

Read the full Boss Katana-Mini review  

4. Orange Crush Mini

If you’re looking for a great practice amp to use with your existing pedalboard , or you just want top-tier sound without having to download any apps, then you should definitely check out the Orange Crush Mini. 

The clean tone is a little on the quiet side, but dial in some gain and you’ll soon find this mini amp’s full voice. The single EQ knob adjusts the midrange content, giving you everything from super scooped to a lovely, heady guitar tone. Combined with your guitar’s tone and volume controls, you can dial in pretty much any sound you can think of.

It’s got a built-in tuner, an aux-in, and interestingly, an 8ohm speaker out for connecting to a larger cabinet. This makes the Orange Crush Mini a fantastic, no-frills mini amp for practice at home or on the move.

5. Laney Mini-ST Lion

Combining retro styling with phenomenal clean tones, the Laney Mini-ST Lion offers a massive sound thanks to its stereo speaker setup and excellent connectivity options. Considering the cost of this amp, you’re getting a lot for your money.

The clean tones are really quite nice here, giving you excellent clarity and articulation with a variety of playing styles. The onboard delay works excellently to accentuate your licks and riffs, and although the drive channel is a little flabby at higher volumes, it does the job well enough for a practice amp.

To get the utmost out of this amp it really needs to be paired with the Ultimate Guitar ‘ToneBridge’ app, which allows you to instantly dial in famous guitar tones and play along with their respective guitar tabs. You’ll have to pay after the first three months, but for the guitarist who needs a small practice amp, we’d say it’s worth it.

6. Yamaha THR5

The Yamaha THR5 is the smallest of the Japanese giant’s modeling range of amplifiers. Despite its size, it still provides all the excellent sounds we’ve come to expect from the THR range, matching realistically modeled amps with some excellent effects.

There are five amp sounds on offer here, ranging from pristine and clean to modern high gain. We found the crunch tone to be particularly addictive, delivering a lovely saturated tone that’s not a million miles away from a full-fat tube amplifier. The modern high gain setting is super fun as well, great for lead work and heavy riffs.

One of the best things about the THR series is the quality of the effects, and this is present on this mini amp as well. There’s a real sense of stereo space on some of the delays and reverbs, even though the speakers are only small, the fact that they are full-range makes for an amazing depth of sound.

7. Vox Mini Go 3

The Vox Go Mini definitely flies under the radar when it comes to the best small guitar amps. Despite this, it’s really quite good, and definitely worth your consideration if you’re after an amplifier with lots of tone and practice options.

With amp models based on the popular Vox Cambridge series, you get a nice selection of tones from Fender-inspired clean amps right through to Mesa/Boogie style high gain sounds. The sound quality is fantastic considering the size of the speaker, with all the tones providing an excellent platform for practice, no matter what your playing style.

It’s got loads of other great features too, with a built-in rhythm machine to jam along to, a mic input for practicing your vocal lines, and some really high-quality effects. An aux-in and headphone out allow for jamming along to your own tunes or silent practice, rounding out this mini amplifier’s complete feature set.

8. Marshall MS-2

This two-channel mini amp has been around for a while now but still remains popular thanks to its excellent value for money and two-channel operation. The Marshall MS-2 has that classic Marshall black and gold look, with the benefit of a belt clip for playing on the go.

We love the clean tone on this thing, which stays clean no matter the volume and has a nice variety used in conjunction with the tone knob. There’s a bit of boxiness to the drive channel, which is inevitable considering the size of the cabinet, but we still felt it captured the majority of that Marshall mojo, perfect for hard rock riffing.

It definitely sounds better with the volume cranked and it’s deceptively loud, so if you’re planning on playing while walking around the house with it, be warned you will get noise complaints! Thankfully it also features a headphone jack so you can practice silently.

9. Danelectro Honeytone

As far as vintage cool goes, the Danelectro Honeytone has got you covered if you want a small guitar amp that looks great. Combining excellent tone with its retro-inspired design, this amp is perfect for practicing at home and looking great whilst doing it.

The clean tone on this is really nice, sounding very articulate and full. It’s your classic solid-state clean tone, but for a practice amp more than capable of doing the job. The overdrive can be dialed in to taste and gets a little fizzy at higher settings, but it adds nicely to the overall versatility.

It’s not got tonnes of features compared to some others on this list, but you do get a headphone out, and the ability to run it on a 9V battery if you wish. Considering its size it’s very loud too, so you won’t have any problems hearing yourself.

10. Fender Mini '65 Twin-Amp

The Fender Mini ‘65 Twin-Amp sees one of the world’s most popular, and most weighty, amps get the miniaturized treatment. Of course, it’s not as excessively loud as its full-size counterpart, but considering it is just one watt, it still packs a hefty punch.

It’s all about the clean tone on this amp, which as you’d expect from Fender is excellent. It’s nice and clear without ever getting shrill and sounds really full for an amp this size. Dialing in the gain offers a tone that’s usable, but it’s not going to blow you away compared to some of the other offerings here.

A headphone out and belt clip round out this amplifier’s features, making it a simple and easy-to-use affair. We will say it looks absolutely amazing though and is sure to win the affection of other guitar players when they spot it on your shelf or desk.

Best mini amps for guitar: Buying advice

What is a mini amp?

A mini amp is just like a regular guitar amp , but smaller. Due to the smaller size, you’ll find they have less overall volume and fewer features as the speakers and cabinet need to be smaller in order for them to fit into your living space. That doesn’t mean you can’t get great sound out of them, many mini guitar amps use technologies like passive radiators to increase the volume, resulting in an amplifier that’s deceptively loud. 

What are the benefits of using a mini amp?

Most guitarists turn to small guitar amps when they need something to practice with whilst either saving space, or being easy to transport with them. We use a mini amp on our desk, as it’s super easy to plug in and play when inspiration strikes. Many of the best small guitar amps feature recording outs, which means you can either use it as an audio interface in its own right or plug it into your existing rig. Many mini amps also come with practice apps, which can include backing tracks to play along to, access to more effects or amp sounds, as well as tuners and metronomes.

Rather than having to set up your whole rig each time you want to play, a mini amp lets you quickly plug in and get a great sound. They’re also much lower in volume, so less chance of annoying your neighbors or family trying than cranking your regular 2x12 tube amp . If you find that you do need more volume and have a little more room to play with, take a look at our pick of the best desktop amps . 

Are there any mini amps with effects?

Most mini amps come with either a single effect or none. Usually you’ll find digital delay onboard, and sometimes an overdrive switch but as technology has advanced more modern offerings like the Spark Mini, Yamaha THR5, and Vox Mini GO 3 have started to include both amp models and effects. Mini amps with effects are typically more expensive, whereas those without can often come in around or below the $/£50 mark. It all depends on what you need for your practice regimen, so if you don’t use effects with your regular rig, you probably won’t miss them with your practice amp. 

Can I use a mini amp for live performances?

Unfortunately, a mini amp isn’t likely to have enough power for a live performance. Most of the small guitar amps on this list come in under 10 watts, which is nowhere near enough to shine onstage. These amps are designed for use at home, and some of them will sound very loud in smaller spaces. Put a mini amp in a proper venue though and it’ll soon get swallowed up by the drums, bass, PA system, and other guitars. If you need an amp on the cheap, have a look at our best budget guitar amps under $500 for some bargain buys that are gig ready. 

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I’m a Junior Deals Writer at Guitar World. I regularly test and review music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, and pedals, as well as being responsible for over 60 buying guides, and helping musicians find the best deals on gear. I worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars, and have written for various music sites including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog. 

I’m a regularly gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience playing live and producing bands covering everything from jazz to djent. When I’m not buying new plugins for my studio or guitar pedals for my pedalboard, you’ll find me making a racket with Northern noise hounds JACKALS . 

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Moscow-City: 7 surprising facts about the Russian capital’s business center

1. Guinness World Record in highlining

The record was set in 2019 by a team of seven athletes from Russia, Germany, France and Canada. They did it on September 8, on which the ‘Moscow-City Day’ is celebrated. The cord was stretched at the height of 350 m between the ‘OKO’ (“Eye”) and ‘Neva Towers’ skyscrapers. The distance between them is 245 m. The first of the athletes to cross was Friede Kuhne from Germany. The athletes didn't just walk, but also performed some daredevil tricks. Their record is 103 meters higher than the previous one set in Mexico City in December 2016.

2. Domination of Europe's top-10 highest skyscrapers

7 out of 10 Europe’s highest skyscrapers are located in Moscow-City. Earlier, the  ‘Federation Tower’ complex’s ‘Vostok’ (“East”) skyscraper was the considered the tallest in Europe.

Left to right: the lower of the ‘Neva Towers’ (296 m), Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt (300 m), Gorod Stolits (“City of Capitals”) Moscow tower (302 m), Eurasia tower (309 m), The Shard’ skyscraper in London (310 m), Mercury City Tower (339 m), Neva Towers (345 m).

However, in 2018, the construction of the 462 meter tall ‘Lakhta Center’ in Saint-Petersburg was completed, pushing ‘Vostok’ (374 m) into 2nd place. The 3rd place is taken by OKO’s southern tower (354 m).

3. The unrealized ‘Rossiya’ tower

If all the building plans of Moscow-City were realized, the ‘Lakhta Center’ in St. Petersburg wouldn't have a chance to be Europe's highest skyscraper. Boris Tkhor, the architect who designed the concept of Moscow-City, had planned for the ‘Rossiya’ tower to be the tallest. In his project, it was a 600 meter tall golden cylindrical skyscraper ending with a spire that was inspired by traditional Russian bell towers. Then, the project was reinvented by famous British architect Sir Norman Foster. He had designed ‘Rossiya’ as a pyramid ending with a spire. The skyscraper itself would have been 612 meters tall, and the height including the spire would have reached 744,5 meters (for comparison, the ‘Burj Khalifa’ in Dubai, UAE, would have been just 83,5 meters taller). Unfortunately, the investors faced a lot of economic problems, due to the 2008 financial crisis, so the ‘Rossiya’ skyscraper was never built. A shopping mall and the ‘Neva Towers’ complex was constructed at its place in 2019.

4. Changed appearance of ‘Federation Tower’

In its first project, the ‘Federation Tower’ was designed to resemble a ship with a mast and two sails. The mast was to be represented by a tall glass spire with passages between the towers. It was planned to make a high-speed lift in it. The top of the spire was going to be turned into an observation deck. But the ship lost its mast in the middle of its construction. Experts at the Moscow-city Museum based in the ‘Imperia’ (“Empire”) tower say, that the construction of the spire was stopped, firstly, due to fire safety reasons and secondly, because it posed a threat to helicopter flights – the flickering glass of the spire could potentially blind the pilots. So, the half-built construction was disassembled. However, an observation deck was opened in the ‘Vostok’ tower.

5. Open windows of ‘Federation Tower’

We all know that the windows of the upper floors in different buildings don’t usually open. Experts say that it’s not actually for people’s safety. Falling from a big height is likely to be fatal in any building. The actual reason is the ventilation system. In a skyscraper, it’s managed with a mechanical system, and the building has its own climate. But in the ‘Zapad’ (“West”) tower of the ‘Federation Tower’ complex, the windows can open. The 62nd and last floor of the tower are taken up by a restaurant called ‘Sixty’. There, the windows are equipped with a special hydraulic system. They open for a short period of time accompanied by classical music, so the guests can take breathtaking photos of Moscow.

6. Broken glass units of ‘Federation Tower’

The guests of the ‘Sixty’ restaurant at the top of the ‘Zapad’ tower can be surprised to see cracked glass window panes. It is particularly strange, if we take into consideration the special type of this glass. It is extremely solid and can’t be broken once installed. For example, during experiments people threw all sorts of heavy items at the windows, but the glass wouldn’t break. The broken glass units of ‘Zapad’ were already damaged during shipment . As each of them is curved in its own way to make the tower’s curvature smooth, making a new set of window panes and bringing them to Russia was deemed too expensive . Moreover, the investors had financial problems (again, due to the 2008 financial crisis), so the ‘Vostok’ tower even stood unfinished for several years. Eventually, the cracked window panes were installed in their place.

7. The highest restaurant in Europe

‘Birds’, another restaurant in Moscow-City, is remarkable for its location. It was opened at the end of 2019 on the 84th floor of the ‘OKO’ complex’s southern tower. Guests at the restaurant can enjoy an amazing panoramic view at a height of 336 meters. On January 28, the experts of ‘Kniga Recordov Rossii’ (“Russian Records Book”) declared ‘Birds’ the highest restaurant in Europe, a step toward an application for a Guinness World Record.

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Pope Francis to travel to Indonesia, Singapore, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea

By Courtney Mares

Vatican City, Apr 12, 2024 / 06:45 am

Pope Francis will travel to the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore later this year, the Vatican announced Friday.

The 11-day multi-country voyage from Sept. 2–13 will be the longest international trip of Francis’ papacy.

The trip announcement comes after the 87-year-old pope has slowed down his travel schedule in recent months as health issues have forced him to cancel some public appearances. Francis, who often uses a wheelchair, has not traveled internationally since September 2023.

Pope Francis’ first stop will be Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population in the world. The country’s 229 million Muslims make up more than 12% of the global Muslim population. Nearly all of Indonesia’s Muslims are Sunni.

Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta welcomed the news that the pope will visit Indonesia from Sept. 3–6.

“Catholics throughout Indonesia want to shake hands with the pope one by one, but we all know that is impossible,” Suharyo said in a video message announcing the visit.

More than 29 million Christians live in Indonesia, 7 million of whom are Catholic. Pope Paul VI visited the country in 1970 and Pope John Paul II traveled there in 1989.

“Hopefully, with this visit, Indonesian Catholics will become more courageous in voicing the truth and become an example for people of other religions in terms of truly religious life, namely love above all, as the pope always emphasizes,” the Indonesian cardinal told UCA News.

Papua New Guinea

Pope Francis will be the second pope to visit Singapore, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea after John Paul II.

The pope will visit the cities of Port Moresby and Vanimo in Papua New Guinea from Sept. 6–9.

Papua New Guinea is a country of nearly 9 million people on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea. The other side of the island consists of two Indonesian provinces. Papua New Guinea is a nation of considerable cultural diversity, comprised of hundreds of ethnic groups indigenous to the island with 851 Indigenous languages spoken in the country.

Nearly all Papua New Guinea citizens are Christians, and 26% of the population is Catholic.

The pope’s next stop on his Southeast Asia tour will be Dili, the capital city of East Timor, from Sept. 9–11.

East Timor is a small country on the island of Timor. It gained independence from Indonesia in 1999, following decades of bloody conflict as the region vied for national sovereignty.

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More than 97% of East Timor’s population of 1 million people is Catholic. It is one of only a few Catholic-majority countries in Southeast Asia.

A Catholic bishop from East Timor, Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, received the Nobel Peace Prize together with the country’s second president, Jose Manuel Ramos-Horta, in 1996 for their efforts to reach a peaceful and just end to fighting in the country.

The Vatican confirmed in 2022 that Belo has been under disciplinary restrictions since September 2020 due to accusations of sexual abuse of minors.

Pope Francis will conclude his trip with a visit to the island country of Singapore from Sept. 11–13.

Singapore has the highest GDP per capita in Asia and the second-highest population density of any country in the world. The Archdiocese of Singapore has a diverse population of 395,000 Catholics, offering Masses predominantly in English, Chinese, Tamil, as well as other languages from Southeast Asia.

Nearly 75% of Singapore’s population is ethnic Chinese, according to the 2020 census, which also lists 13% of the population as ethnic Malay and 9% ethnic Indian.

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The U.S. Report on International Religious Freedom states that among ethnic Indians in Singapore, 57.3% are Hindu, 23.4% Muslim, and 12.6% Christian. The ethnic Chinese population includes Buddhists (40.4%), Christians (21.6%), Taoists (11.6%), and 25.7% with no religion.

Pope Francis has long expressed interest in visiting Indonesia and other neighboring island nations in Southeast Asia. A papal trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that the pope’s full schedule for this apostolic journey will be published at a later date.

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The Kremlin and Red Square were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.

Russian secrets? Here’s the ultimate Moscow itinerary

Tour architectural wonders, discover Soviet history, and savor local flavors in this gold-domed city.

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here you will find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers. Moscow’s spirit mirrors its uncontainable size. Muscovites, the city’s approximately 12 million residents, are always on the run, so be prepared to keep pace with their energy. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Moscow .

Day 1: Mosaics and metro stations

9 a.m. Navigate the labyrinth of the Moscow metro , a living, breathing work of art crisscrossing the metropolis. Expect marble arches and pillars, gilded mosaics, and sparkling chandeliers. Each station is unique. Some of the most beautiful stations are Kievskaya and Prospekt Mira (brown line); Mayakovskaya (dark green line); and Ploschad Revolutsii , Arbatskaya and Elektrozavodskaya (dark blue line). Getting lost on the metro is a rite of passage. However, ahead of the 2018 World Cup, most trains introduced route maps and announcements in English to make navigation easier for outsiders.

Three stations take you to Red Square, but Ploschad Revolutsii is ideal. Its platforms have numerous bronze statues of soldiers with their dogs. Locals often stop by to rub the dogs’ noses as they make a wish. ( See pictures of Moscow’s surprisingly elegant subway stations. )

Related: 25 of Russia’s Natural and Cultural Treasures

9:45 a.m. Head to the iconic Red Square to see the red-bricked towers and the eastern wall of the Moscow Kremlin, Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum, the State Historical Museum , and the psychedelically colorful domes of the St. Basil’s Cathedral . Queue early outside Lenin’s mausoleum for a spooky date with the man behind the Russian Revolution, who has rested in this tomb, preserved in chemicals, for almost 100 years .

The postcard-perfect St. Basil’s Cathedral was built in the 16th century to commemorate Tsar Ivan the Terrible’s victory over the Khanate of Kazan and the transformation of Moscow into a major center of power. Drop in for a quick visit or keep walking south towards the Moskva River and the Bolshoi Moskvaretskii Bridge for spectacular views of the Kremlin and the Red Square.

Another structure that will catch your eye is the golden-domed Cathedral of Christ the Savior , just southwest of the Kremlin. Unlike St. Basil’s, this Cathedral did not survive the communist persecution of religion. The original was destroyed in 1931 and the area was converted to an open-air swimming pool, the largest in the world. The fall of communism brought with it religious freedom and the Cathedral was rebuilt in the 1990s. If you turn around, you will see one of the “Seven Sisters,” the Stalinist monoliths that command Moscow’s skyline .

11:45 a.m. Head back towards the Red Square for a shopping trip at GUM (pronounced goom ), the largest department store in Russia. Much like Russia, the store has undergone many changes. Built in imperial times as a massive trading center, GUM’s Soviet-era badge of honor was being relatively better stocked than other stores. Today, it’s a glittering mall that houses Hermès and Louis Vuitton. Even if you don’t shop, the long, arched galleries and concave glass roof make it an architectural delight. Next, make your way to the third floor for Stolovaya No. 57 (Canteen No. 57), a Soviet-style restaurant with local dishes and a laid-back vibe. Try the syrniki (roughly translated as cheesecakes), buckwheat with mushroom sauce, or meat cutlets.

2 p.m. The Moscow Kremlin , the seat of the Russian Government, was built in the 15th century and houses cathedrals, museums, and unique objects from imperial Russia. Start with the Armory Chamber , a treasure trove of Fabergé eggs, imperial dresses, and gifts presented to the Tsars. Don’t miss the Diamond Fund inside the Armory where guests can marvel at the crown of Tsarina Catherine the Great.

The Bolshoi Theatre hosts ballet and opera performances, including classics like Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

Take a stroll around Cathedral Square to admire the golden domes that mushroom from Orthodox cathedrals. Look out for the 19-foot-high bronze Tsar Bell for great photo ops. The nearby Tsar Cannon is also worth a look. Wrap up in the Kremlin Garden and see if you can spot Cosmos, the lone oak tree that was planted by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, two days after his extraordinary flight in April 1961 . ( Trees that traveled to space now live on Earth. Here’s where to find them. )

7 p.m. Finish your day with a ballet or opera performance at Bolshoi Theatre , one of the strongholds of Russian theatrical excellence since the 19th century. If you are lucky, you might be able to catch Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Swan Lake on the stage where it premiered in 1877. Performances sell out so book in advance, and arrive early to enjoy the neoclassical building. Russians take theater seriously so wear your best outfit.

Day 2: Fine art and food

10 a.m. The extraordinary entrance to Tretyakov Gallery welcomes guests to Moscow’s most definitive collection of fine arts spanning almost a millennium. You can explore 12th-century icons and mosaics or get lost in the brushstrokes of 19th- and 20th-century Russian heavyweights such as Ivan Shishkin and Ilya Repin. The New Tretyakov wing showcases artists from the Soviet period.

1 p.m. Soak up some summer sun in one of Moscow’s most dynamic open spaces: Park Gorky , a hipster paradise that underwent a major makeover from a Soviet relic to the center of cultural life. Grab some food on the go or sit down for a meal at Grill Bar Zharovnya or La Boule . Wander through the open-air sculpture museum, Muzeon , the home of countless statues and symbols from the Soviet times. Muzeon runs next to the Moscow River and offers a great view of the almost 322-foot-high statue of Tsar Peter the Great.

7 p.m. One place you must dine in Moscow is White Rabbit . The restaurant, which has been featured among the top 50 in the world, owes its success to chef Vladimir Mukhin, whose culinary prowess was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table . White Rabbit serves Russian food with innovative twists; think sea urchin caviar and beetroot hummus. Quite fittingly, there is also rabbit on the menu. Did we mention the restaurant’s glass dome offers spectacular views of Moscow City?

Day 3: Markets and museums

10 a.m. If the Moscow Kremlin is stately, then the colorful Izmailovo Kremlin cultural center has a bit of a Disneyland feel to it. Built in 2007, Izmailovo is a great place for a stroll before bargain-hunting at Vernisazh , a flea market with stalls selling Cold War memorabilia. You will find stamps, banknotes, pins, propaganda posters, and even steel mugs from Soviet times. Score great deals on matryoshkas , Russian nesting dolls; khokhloma , hand-painted wooden handicrafts; and Baltic amber jewelry. Don’t miss contemporary twists on traditional Russian gifts, such as nesting dolls of modern politicians and music boxes shaped like Orthodox cathedrals. For a market of its popularity, Vernisazh prices are a steal and you can haggle without hesitation. Saturdays and Sundays are the best days to visit.

Russian nesting dolls make the perfect souvenir, and are sold throughout Moscow, including at the Vernisazh flea market.

1 p.m. By now, you have probably got the sense that there is more to see in Moscow than time to see it. So pick what you crave most. Want more of Orthodox churches? Head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Novodevichy Convent , which was once used by the women of the Tsar’s family. Still looking for souvenirs and gifts? Make your way to Stari Arbat (Old Arbat), a historical cobblestone street of shops and restaurants. Want to delve deeper into Russian history? Visit the State Historical Museum on the Red Square. A Cold War buff? The Bunker 42 Museum located 18 floors below Taganskaya metro was a strategic command center and an anti-nuclear shelter. A fan of Russian literature? Check out the Gogol House and the Bulgakov Museum . Want another serving of art? Try the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts or the Garage Museum .

8 p.m. End your stay in Moscow with a nice meal. Café Pushkin offers antique interiors, delicious Russian dishes, and five-star service. Even if you don’t eat here, grab a cup of the Pushkin chai, a signature Earl Grey blend with citrusy overtones. For casual fare, go to Varenichnaya (multiple locations), which has an extensive menu of Russian dishes and decor straight out of a Soviet poster. Mari Vanna (multiple locations) is another choice Russian chain.

Moscow is also a great place to try the food from other Soviet states. Head to Khachapuri to try the namesake khachapuri , Georgian stuffed-cheese bread. For authentic Uzbek plov , make a reservation at Uzbekistan . Want to keep enjoying the outdoors? Bar Strelka is a trendy spot with great views, excellent food, and a dance floor to keep the night going .

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