Top 10 Amp Modeler Pedals for 2025

February 10, 2025

Find Your Perfect Tone With the Best Amp Modelers for 2025!

Amp modeler pedals have revolutionized the way guitarists shape their tone, offering studio-quality amp sounds in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format. Whether you're gigging, recording, or practicing at home, these pedals provide incredible flexibility—letting you access iconic amp tones without hauling heavy gear.

In 2025, amp modelers are more powerful than ever, featuring cutting-edge digital processing, realistic cab simulations, and deep customization options. But with so many choices, how do you find the right one?

In this guide, we will explore the best amp modeler pedal options for 2025, plus give you some tips and tricks to help you find the perfect match for your sound and pedalboard. Let’s dive in!

In a hurry? Check out our quick guide with all of the featured pedals at the end of the article.

What Are Amp Modeler Pedals?

Amp modeler pedals aim to replicate the sound and feel of guitar amps, usually in a compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure. These devices use digital signal processing (DSP) to emulate the tonal characteristics of different amplifiers.

While the discussion between real and simulated amps will not cease to exist anytime soon, modeling technology has come a long way and nowadays amp modeler pedals are nearly identical to the real thing, with more and more guitar players opting for these devices thanks to their compactness and reliability.

There are a few different types of amp modeler pedals in the market. While some include built-in cab simulation, others aim to only emulate the preamp section and allow users to load external IRs for more flexibility. However, if a pedal lacks IR capabilities, you can always pair it with an external cab sim or use software-based solutions in a DAW.

Best Amp Modeler Pedals for 2025 - In-Depth Review

Amp and Cab Combo Pedals

Universal Audio Dream '65

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Main Features

Based on the Fender Deluxe Reverb 1965 amplifier
Three distinct amp modes for endless tonal options
Built-in spring reverb and vibrato for vintage '60s tones
Three speaker and mic options for unique sound customization
4-cable mode for enhanced channel switching and routing flexibility
Bluetooth-enabled for seamless integration with the UAFX app

The Dream ‘65 is currently one of the best amp-in-a-box pedals inspired by the Fender Deluxe Reverb 1965. This pedal replicates the tone stack and behavior of the famous vintage amplifier at a minute level of detail.

Apart from the unique EQ section and the highly coveted spring reverb and vibrato, this pedal offers three speaker cab and mod options, the latter being inspired by unique gear from legendary guitar players such as Stevie Ray Vaughn. As a bonus, the Dream ‘65 also packs in a very handy clean boost.

One of the most unique features you will find on UAD pedals is the integration with the UAFX app, which lets you shape your tone, download and create your own presets, and customize certain functions of the pedal.

Carl Martin Ampster Amp-Speaker Sim DI

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Main Features

Versatile design: Use as a supplemental amp or stand-alone unit.
Responsive tube-driven sound: Reacts organically to your playing style.
Cabinet selector: Switch between 2x12 Open-Back or 4x12 Closed-Back speaker simulations.
Easy integration: Input for pedals and a DI output for direct connection to mixers or consoles.

The Carl Martin Ampster is a minimalistic yet very versatile amp modeler pedal. Featuring a responsive EQ section, two cab options (2x12 open-back or 4x12 closed-back), and rugged construction, this is the perfect, hassle-free unit if you want to quickly get to the action.

On the back side of the pedal, you will find a very extensive I/O configuration, including send/return jacks, a dual voicing switch, and even a balanced DI output, which is very useful for using the Ampster in the studio with mixing and recording consoles.

Nonetheless, while this pedal doesn’t offer the same amount of customization as other options on the list, the Ampster is a simple yet effective plug-and-play solution for both studio and live gigs.

Hotone Audio Ampero II Stomp

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Main Features

Second Generation amp modeler effects processor with a pedalboard-friendly case
Perfectly fits any pedalboard matrix when used as an effect pedal
Enhanced Ampero sound quality brought by the more powerful tri-core DSP platform and ESS Sabre AD/DA
4-inch 800 x 480 dynamic touchscreen
Highly customizable DUAL effect chain with multiple serial/parallel signal routing support

The Ampero II Stomp is one of Hotone’s flagship pedals. Equipped with a huge number of amps, cabs, and effects, this unit is a compact all-in-one solution that’s perfect for the studio and for live performances.

The Ampero II Stomp packs in 87 amp models, 68 cab sims, and over 60 effects, allowing you to combine up to 12 effects modules simultaneously. You can also load your own custom impulse responses for even more versatility.

Two very interesting features of the Ampero II Stomp are the amount of routing possibilities it offers and its ease of use: the 4-inch dynamic touchscreen is very convenient when customizing your rig. Alternatively, you can use the Ampero Editor software on your computer to edit your presets.

IK Multimedia TONEX

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Main Features

Includes TONEX MAX software and IK Multimedia's AmpliTube 5
Can hold up to 150 separate TONEX Tone Models of your favorite pedals, amps, cabinets, or whole-rig models at once
Comes with 1,000 Premium Tone Models from IK Multimedia right off the bat, with limitless access to free user Tone Models on ToneNET
Download your preferred Tone Models using TONEX software, or you can even capture your own gear with TONEX Capture
Load up your own custom IRs to perfectly dial in your tone

The IK Multimedia TONEX is one of the latest inventions when it comes to amp modelers. This pedal uses AI Machine Modeling technology to emulate amplifiers, cabs, and effects pedals down to the last detail, creating a much more dynamic tone when compared to standard modelers.

When it comes to amp modeling, the options with the TONEX are virtually endless, as it comes with 1100 premium Tone Models and allows you to download unlimited Tone Models from other users, plus capture your own with the TONEX Capture device.

The TONEX is also a perfect choice for recording, as it doubles as an audio interface when connected to your computer via USB. The pedal also comes in a much smaller, extremely compact version: the TONEX One.

Line 6 HX Stomp

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Main Features

The power of Helix in a compact form
Over 300 amp, cab, and stomp models from the Helix family, M-series, and legacy Line 6 products
Can be used as a USB audio interface
MIDI capability
Plenty of I/O options

The Line 6 HX Stomp is currently one of the most sought-after multi-effects processors in the guitar community. It features the same amp modeling technology and stomp models from its bigger brother, the Helix, in a much more compact form.

The pedal features over 300 amplifier models that can be combined with different cabs and with custom IRs, an amount that will surely keep you busy for a while. Paired with the many effects pedal emulations, the HX Stomp can be used either as an all-in-one solution or as a powerful addition to your current pedalboard.

Make sure to also check the other models in the company’s line such as the Line 6 POD Go Wireless, packing in extra features such as a built-in expression pedal and wireless capabilities.

Universal Audio Enigmatic '82

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Main Features

Based on the Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier
Gives you the rich, smooth tone of iconic boutique amps.
Offers two distinct sound styles: clean elegance or powerful overdrive.
Built-in speaker and mic settings let you create studio-quality sounds.
Easy to pair with your smartphone for custom tones and presets.
Lets you switch seamlessly between amp sounds for extra versatility.

The Universal Audio Enigma ‘82 replicates the tone of the mythical Dumble Overdrive Special and its many variations, from the 1970s Santa Cruz designs to the LA-built ‘80s and ‘90s models.

This pedal offers a whopping number of nine different mic/speaker pairs which you can download via the UAFX app, as well as the classic Rock/Jazz modes that the Dumble amps are known for.

Additionally, you can also build your own D-style amp in Custom Mode, where you can select everything from tone stack EQs to output tubes, and even power supply, making the Enigma ‘82 one of the most versatile compact amp modelers in our list.

Carl Martin Rock Bug

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Main Features

Realistic tube amp simulation for an authentic playing experience
Compact design that fits easily in your gig bag
Use headphones for private practice or connect to a console for live gigs
AUX inputs allow you to jam along with your favorite tracks
Great for studio use, solo performances, and more

Another option from Carl Martin, the Rock Bug is a simple yet very effective amp modeler pedal. This unit only features two knobs: Master and Guitar, as well as a closed/open cab switch, but offers no control over the EQ section.

Just like its bigger brother, the Carl Martin Ampster, the Rock Bug aims to be a compact and hassle-free solution. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a travel-sized and/or practice amp modeler.

The Ampster can very well be a solid solution for live performances, but you will probably need to pair it with an EQ or compressor pedal to squeeze out more tone from it and have more versatility.

Preamp Only Pedals

Vertex Effects Steel String MKII

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Main Features

Captures the magic of a legendary amplifier in a pedal-sized unit
Easy-to-use controls for dialing in inspiring tones
Works as a clean boost, overdrive, or EQ shaper
Compact design fits effortlessly on any pedalboard
Enhances the tonal character of tube or solid-state amps

The Vertex Effects Steel String MKII is a pedalboard-friendly recreation of the preamp section of the famous Dumble Steel String Singer, offering the same touch sensitivity, fatness, and top-end spank that the D-style amps are known for.

This pedal was based on a serial #001 version of the legendary Dumble amplifier, which is very rare and costs several hundred thousand dollars, making it a unique unit that can give you both powerful overdriven tones and squeaky-clean sounds.

It’s worth noting that the Steel String MKII doesn’t feature a built-in cab emulator, so you will either need to pair it with an IR modeler like the UAD OX Stomp, or with a plugin on your DAW of choice.

Bass Amp Modeler and Preamp Pedals

Darkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra V2

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Main Features

Shape your perfect bass tone with a 4-band EQ and customizable overdrive.
Switchable cabinet emulation lets you go straight to the sound system for a full, amp-like sound.
Blend dry and overdriven tones effortlessly for the ideal mix of clean and gritty sound.
Practice with ease using the aux input for jamming along to your favorite tracks.
Take your sound anywhere with headphone output featuring cabinet emulation.

The DarkGlass Microtubes B7K Ultra is definitely one of the best amp-in-a-box solutions for bass players, featuring a preamp section with built-in overdrive, a blend knob, and optional custom speaker cabinet profiles.

The MicroTubes B7K Ultra is perfect for live settings as well as for practicing, as it features reliable routing options and a dedicated headphone jack. A balanced XLR output is also present for achieving pristine recordings in the studio.

If you’re interested in this pedal, we also recommend you to have a look at the rest of DarkGlass' pedal line, since the company offers many amp-in-a-box and preamp units made specially for bassists.

Aguilar AG Preamp

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Main Features

Ultra-clean preamp with 4-band EQ
Foot-switchable "Deep" and "Bright" broadband boosts
Headphone out and aux in for silent practice
Balanced DI with pre/post and ground lift controls
Compact design with 18-volt operation for maximum headroom

Another great option for bassists looking for a live and studio solution, the Aguilar AG Preamp offers a very responsive 4-band EQ section and flexible controls, delivering amazing clean bass tones while leaving lots of headroom for additional effects.

One interesting feature of this pedal is the Bright/Deep footswitch, which allows you to switch between different tone options on the fly, excellent when playing live gigs or simply exploring the tonal capabilities of the AG Preamp.

While you can pair the AG Preamp with an IR loader (pedal or plugin) or simply run it through a real cab, you can also use it on its own as it is a very versatile yet reliable unit to sculpt your bass tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between an Amp Modeler and a Preamp Pedal?

An amp modeler recreates the sound and feel of an entire guitar amplifier, including the preamp, power amp, and sometimes even the speaker cabinet. A preamp pedal, on the other hand, replicates just one part of an amp—specifically, the section that shapes the core of your tone before it reaches a power amp or speaker.

Do I Need to Pair My Amp Modeler Pedal With an IR Cab Loader?

Not always, but it depends on how you're using it. Some amp modelers already have built-in IR (Impulse Response) cab sims, so you can plug straight into a PA system, audio interface, or even headphones and get a full, realistic amp tone. If your modeler doesn’t include cab simulation, pairing it with an IR loader will give your tone more depth and realism.

Are Amp Modelers Better Than Real Amps?

It depends on your needs. Modelers offer convenience, versatility, and consistency, especially for gigging musicians and home studios. Some players still prefer the organic response of real tube amps, but modern amp modelers are virtually indistinguishable from real amplifiers.

Can I Use an Amp Modeler Pedal With My Existing Amp?

Definitely! You can run an amp modeler into your amp’s effects return to bypass its preamp or place it in front of your amp for additional tonal options. Some pedals even support the ‘4-cable method’ for more seamless integration.

Conclusion

Finding the right amp modeler pedal can transform your sound, whether you're playing live, recording at home, or practicing silently with headphones. The best modelers in 2025 offer incredible realism, flexibility, and convenience, making them a solid choice for any guitarist.

When choosing one, consider your needs. Do you want an all-in-one unit with built-in effects and IRs? Or are you looking for a simple, great-sounding amp tone that you can tweak with external gear? No matter your setup, there's a modeler out there that fits.

Thank you for reading our article! Here is a recap of all the pedals mentioned in our post: