Updated Mar. 10, 2024 | by Paolo De Gregorio

This article is about pedals that simulate the tone of guitar amps and cabs but are not able to power a speaker cabinet. If you are looking for a pedal that can do that, see our article about the best power amp pedals.

Once upon a time, most electric guitarists (i.e. those with a limited budget) had to pick an amplifier and a cabinet that would pretty much define their tone – until they got tired of it, and bought new gear. Settling on one amp/cab combo wasn’t easy, and generated a fair amount of anxiety.

Luckily for them, today’s six-stringers don’t need to face that conundrum, because technology has developed systems that allow them to carry dozens of amps and cabinet tones in a very small (stomp)box.

A Buyer’s Guide to the Best
Amp Modeling Pedals and Cab Simulators

This is a guide to the best amp modeler pedals and cab simulators on the market, today. The article is focused on regular stompboxes and doesn’t cover board-size multi-effect units or tabletop devices. 

Best Amp Modeling Pedals & Cab Simulators

Ready to buy? Please use our affiliate links to zZounds, Sweetwater, Thomann, Reverb.com, Amazon, and the other independent stores – that’s what’s allowing us to keep this site alive at no cost to you!

Updated on December 07, 2023

Before we dive into the various offerings, a little bit of history is due…

A Brief History of Amp Simulation Devices

| Click here to expand/shrink this section |

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Our Amp and Cab Modeler Pedal Categories

As usual, in our guides, we make an effort to organize the categories in ways that are useful to our readers. Here’s how we decided to lay out the content of this article, you can click on any of these titles to jump to the category’s list of pedals:

• Amp + Cab Modeler Pedals with Two Footswitches
• Amp + Cab Modelers with One or No Footswitch
• Multi-Mode, Full-Size Cab Modeling Pedals (No Amp)
• Mini Cab Modeling Pedals (No Amp)
• Single Mode Cab Emulators (No IR, No Amp)
• Stereo Amp/Cab Modelers

note 1

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Amp + Cab Modeler Pedals with Two or More Footswitches

The devices in this list allow you to switch between presets right with your feet, thanks to their dual footswitches. They will all provide you with tonal options in both the amp and cab simulation realms. The more pricey ones also include third-party IR compatibility, XLR out, headphones out, and, in some cases, dual outputs. With the exception of the Two-notes Revolt, they are all DSP-powered (digital).

3481185683
Line 6 HX Stomp
$599 | The first Line 6 product to pack all of the Helix‘s amps, cabs, and effects into a stompbox, which is roughly the size of a BOSS Space Echo. It integrates with your studio or live rig, offering over 300 amps, cabs, and effects, including a looper and algorithms from classic LIne 6 pedals like the DL4. It's stereo, fully Midi integrated and can act as an audio interface.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
https://amzn.to
Strymon Iridium
$399 | A Stereo Amp and IR Cab simulation device including a Room effect and 4 presets. While the Cabinet component of the Iridium features an infinite amount of options thanks to the IR features, the amp one focuses on three classic amps. Fender® Deluxe Reverb (Chime), Vox AC30TB (Round) and Marshall Plexi (Punch). The Room section has settings for Small, Medium or Large.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2081562994
IK Multimedia Amplitube Tonex
$249 | a stereo pedal/USB interface that puts the full power of the AmpliTube software at your toetips, including IR loading technology that allows you to model your own amplifiers. It offers hundreds of amp, preamp and effect simulations, storable in 50 banks of 3 preset slots each. It can be fully integrated with your studio, the latest Amplitube software and your live MIdi setup.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2855938754
line 6 Pod Express
$175 | The first Pod in stompbox format, very affordable but with much improved tones inherited from the Line 6 HX series, from which it borrow 7 amp models, 7 cab sims, and 17 effects. All of it is accessible via 5 knobs and their alternate function and no LED screens, a departure from previous PODs. All the outputs are in stereo. Stores up to 21 presets and works with batteries.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
3067417811
Walrus Audio ACS1
$399 | A Stereo in/out pedal packing in a compact enclosure 6 cab IRs and 3 amps (Fender Deluxe, Marshall Blues Breaker and Vox AC30). A Boost footswitch provides extra Volume and Gain setting. 3 presets in the box and 128 via Midi. The Stereo outs can be used Dual mode with a different amp/cab assigned to each channel. Room knob adds ambience.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
1839728124
two notes reVolt
$399 | a 3-channel amp simulator/DI featuring an all-analog signal path, a 12AX7 preamp tube, integrated OD-boost circuit with dedicated switching and level control, and Analog Cab Sim. The channels replicate a Fender Bassman 100, a Marshall JMP Superlead and a Soldano SLO 100. The new Genome software allows for in-depth IR cabinet, amp, and mic simulation.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
362198043
Universal Audio OX Stomp
$399 | boasts 22 speaker/cab combos and a Speaker Drive knob simulating the cab's input breaking up. Cab recording techniques are emulated via two virtual Mic controls (dynamic, condenser or ribbon) plus a Room Mic knob. 6 onboard presets and lots more via the free app, which also gives access to EQ and various effects. Two footswitches and dual in/outs are fully configurable.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
109810096
BOSS IR-200
$399 | An uber-comprehensive stereo device for performing, rehearsing, and recording for both guitar (8 amp types) and bass (3 amp types). Up to two Cabinet IRs can run at once at once in mono or stereo, with individual and global parametric or graphic EQ, and 3 reverb options. 128 User Presets and 128 IR slots, with an onboard library of 144 IRs. Stereo FX Loop, Midi and deep Exp control options.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2144420748
NUX Amp Academy
$189 | Packed with features and affordable, this device comes with 6 built-in amp models + infinite more uploadable via app; 32 slots for Cab IRs; A/B or A-B-C footswitch; Reverb with 2 "alt" knobs; Dirt FX section + 6 band EQ via app; USB audio interface capability; Headphones Out + Aux In; Flexible routing; Drum & Loop function and Full Midi compatibility. If you like how it sounds, it's a no brainer.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3833111788
NUX MG-300
$149 | a digital amp modeler/audio interaface pedal that packs a lot of features at a very affordable price: 25 amp models, 25 Cab IRS + user slot, 39 Effects, Looper, Drum Machine, Expression Pedal and great user interface with 2.8" color screen. Effects can be freely moved in the chain. The wider MG-400 lets you save and easily recall via footswitch 3 variation for each preset.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
638094986
Atomic Ampli-Firebox MKII
$299 | Based on the engine of their popular Amplifire amp/IR cabinet simulator, it also includes a 3 band EQ and a variety of effects configurable through an app. Channel switching mode lets you toggle between any two custom of the 9 presets. Configurable footswitches. USB connectivity allows deep editing. XLR out included.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
601542082
NUX Solid Studio
$149 | A pedal version of the most classic amp/cabinet scenarios including mic and power amp tubes. Choose 1 cabinet and 1 microphone , and fine-tune the position of the microphone using the mic position switch. Plus, you can add the tube sound by engaging the power amp simulation. 8 speaker cabinet simulations.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3363522179
Joyo Preamp House
$169 | An amp and cab simulator with 9 classic amps models and a fixed cab simulator (4x12). Each preamp has a clean and distorted channel assigned to the two footswitches, and lets you save separate settings for each. It features 3-band EQ, XLR out and FX loop.
Alt Seller | Reverb | Amazon
254631618
Joyo Cab Box
$169 | Featuring a giant full-color LCD screen, this IR cab loader includes 20 cab models, 11 microphone types, 4 power amp simulations, programmable EQ, and 32 presets. It can load third party IR and connects to your PC for in depth editing. Programmable Parametric/Graphic EQ, Midi In and Heaphones out round up the features.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
2730385794
Engl Cabloader
$349 | Mostly a digital speaker cab simulator, IR loader and DI box, this device also features optional Power Amp emulations. A 3-knob section lets you "move" the virtual mic's distance and axis. It has 12 built-in ENGL cab tones but new ones can be imported and created through the IR system. Two separate footswitches allow to easy alternate between presets. Headphone and XLR outs included.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3411234272
Hotone Binary Cab
$149 | A dual DSP-powered IR cab simulator in a compact horizontal enclosure delivering the tone 100 vintage and modern guitar and bass cab models, 8 Power Amp emulations, and 10 mic colors. The two footswitches allow to navigate the screen menu and to swiftly alternate between presets.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon

Back to List of Categories

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Amp + Cab Modeler Pedals with One or No Footswitch

If toggling between presets is not a priority for you, the pedals in this list are excellent options in all price ranges. (Some still allow switching between presets through a separate switchboard). They all offer both amp and cab simulations, some through digital circuits, others through analog ones, while some employ hybrid circuits. A bunch of them feature an on/off footswitch, while many do not – at the end of the day, electric guitarists never need to bypass their amp and cabinet! The pricier ones include handy features like third part IR compatibility and XLR and headphone out.

2479500692
Boss IR-2
$199 | a compact but still stereo version of the IR-200 with 11 amp emulations each paired with cab simulation curated by Celestion, plus the ability to load third-party IR files. A 3-way EQ section lets you tweak the tone, while the ambience control lets you add reverb. An FX loop lets you add other effects between the preamp and cab section of the circuit. It includes headphones out and Channel selector 1/4" in
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
3420682454
DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkII
$349 | | A stereo amp and cab emulator with a true analog preamp that recreates in fine detail the most popular clean channel preamps, a power amp sim and dual independent Cab sims with spread control. Stereo FX loop, headphone amp with Aux input for monitoring/ practicing, two XLR DI out, and two bypassable ¼-inch jacks round up the features. MkII adds reverb and Speaker type knob.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2239156486
Two-notes Opus Cab Sim
$299 | an evolution of the CAB M+ with 5 preamp simulations on top of the DI/cab sim capabilities, and a new IR loading system. It features 4 tube models (6L6, EL34, EL84 and KT88) in PushPull / AB class, or Single Ended A class configurations. The Torpedo Remote app gives access to extra editing and features. MIDI connectivity, XLR and headphones outs round out the features.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3748052799
Tech 21 SansAmp GT2
$189 - Like the original SansAmp classic, it offer a menu of switches that allow you to mix and match different voicings for Amp model (California, Brit and Teed), Modc(Hot Wired, Hi Gain and Clean) and Mic (Off Axis, Center and Classic). High and Low controls allow for extra tone sculpting.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
3476836307
Two notes CAB M
$319 - Hailed as “the missing link between the guitarist’s rig and PA or audio interface” the Torpedo C.A.B. M is loaded with some impressive digital cabinet simulations and impulse responses. A new firmware adds a virtual preamp section. A PC/Mac software allows to access a series of cabs and mic emulation (including dual micing) and to import 3rd party IR. It includes XLR and headphone out
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3073974316
MOOER Radar Cab Simulator
$148 - A mini pedal packing 30 cab modes, 4 power amps emulations, several EQ options, and 11 virtual mics to choose from. It can load impulse responses through a desktop interface and store them on its 36 presets. Its lone footswitch/knob allows you to control all its features rather effortlessly through a color LED screen.
Alt Seller | Reverb | Amazon
2424318986
Flamma FS06 Preamp
$75 - A digital Preamp pedal with presets and a three-way EQ section, it offers 7 amp+cab models with a preset slot for each mode and a 3 way EQ. No heaphones out.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
756168854
Tech 21 SansAmp Classic
$200+ - The device that first introduced amp and cab simulation back in the '90s. 100% analog, it offers 8 DIP switches and 3 modes (Lead, Normal and Bass) that allow to mix and match several tonal tweaks simulating amp, cabs, amp features (like the bright switch) and even micing techniques.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
548221792
Tsakalis MultiCab MK4
$316 | A hybrid analog/digital circuit offering wide tonal palette: 8 virtual guitar cabinets (with the reverb, the only digital circuits); Pre-amp type: Clean, Hot or Off; Power-amp emulations of EL34 or 6L6 tubes; Cabinet back type can be Open, Semi and Closed; Mic type: dynamic, ribbon or both mixed (analog). Ambience knob adds a natural room reverb. XLR and headphone out.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3316603269
Behringer TM300
$29 - A repackaged vbersion of the GDI 21, it offers the same 3 classic guitar amps, 3 gain modes and 3 mic placements for a total of 27 configurations.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
3596276318
Behringer V-Tone DI GDI21
$33 - Recreates three of the most sought-after classic guitar amps (Tweed, Brit and Calif), with three gain modes and three mic placements for a total of 27 possible configurations. Gets mixed reviews on Amazon.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
4017227677
DSM NOISEMAKER Omnicabsim MINI
$159 - Packed with features, this analog mini Cab emulation pedals gives you deep control on the sonic element of a speaker to allow you to create your own cab tone, without emulating specific existing models. It includes an XLR out.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon

Back to List of Categories

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Multi-Mode, Full-Size Cab Modeling Pedals (No Amp Simulation)

Considering that cabinets affect the tone a lot more heavily than amps and that many guitarists use overdrives that emulate amps, some of you may want to stick to pedals that only offer cab modeling options. If that’s the case, this is your list.

3681629077
Flamma Cab FS07
$89 | A stereo cab simulator with 11 modes that can be assigned to the Left and Right output for stunning stereo sounds. Seven presets are browsable through the on/off footswitch. Through the included free software, the pedal can also load third-party impulse responses that allow for a potentially infinite palette of tones.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3548430907
Darkglass Element
$249 - Offers 5 cabinet simulations with the ability to change them via software, and a Aux/bluetooth in for backing tracks. A blend touch sensitive slider controls the mix between the effect and the Aux input. It features XLR out for direct PA connections and two headphone outs with separate volumes.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2677425452
GFI System Cabzeus Stereo
$319 - A software-editable Stereo cabinet and miking simulator system with an integrated DI box, it features original functions like the blending of two simulations and phase control. The Stereo effect can be obtained by using two different cabs or two different mics with the same cab.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2005667538
Digitech CabDryVR
$187 - A dual cabinet simulator that splits signal in two and feeds it to two different cabs, for Stereo (or mono) magic. It features a selection of 14 guitar and bass cab impulse responses, and dual inputs and outputs (you can plug two guitars in it. One of the inputs has an optional dry path that can run to your own stage amp.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
310613550
DSM Noisemaker Deluxe OmniCabSim
$249 - An analog cab simulator that offers a wide range of controls, allowing the user to create their own cabinet tones rather than offering emulation of existing ones. Each knob controls one crucial element of the virtual cabinet, like size, resonance, high and mid frequency response and punch. Heaphones Out.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
2958433788
Bluguitar Blubox
$299 - A straightfoward IR cab emulation pedal with Mic Position knob, it offers 16 presets of classic cabinets.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
1019904513
Hotone Omni IR
$129 - A compact, digital cab impulse response pedal with minimal controls. You get 40 guitar/bass cabinet IRs (it supports 3rd party files) editable via PC/Mac software, which includes a useful 4-band parametric EQ. It features XLR out and headphone out.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon

Back to List of Categories

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Multi-Mode Mini Cab Modelers (No Amp Emulation)

If size and budget are limited, and you only want a spectrum of cab sonic flavors, the tiny devices in the list might be just what the doctor ordered.

726354968
NUX Pulse Mini Stereo IR Loader
$99 | a deceivingly simple mini pedal with stereo in-out that packs 24 IR-based cab simulations (8 for electric guitar, 8 for bass and 8 pickup simulation for acoustic guitar). The Space knob adds reverb, while the free Pulse Editor software app lets you edit existing IR files in depth, upload your own IR files in wav format, and update the firmware.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
https://amazon.to
TC Electronic Impulse IR Loader
$129 | a mini Cab simulator with 25 factory presets (12 curated by Celestion) and room for another 74 Impulse Responses. An A/B mode can be set by holding the footswitch. Pressing the two preset browse buttons at the same time gives access to a two-band EQ with high (at 10kHz) and low-shelving (at 100Hz).
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
578604582
Valeton Coral Cab
$79 - Packs 28 cab IR based emuilations for both guitar and bass (14 each). 3-band EQ and presence knobs allow extra fina-tuning.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
2514441823
NUX Mini Studio IR Loader
$99 - A classic speaker cabinet emulations in a tiny pedal with 8 built incab models. The space knob adjusts the simulation of the speaker cabinet's room size. You can load your own IR files. Gets mixed reviews on Amazon
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
765515326
Mooer MTC1 TresCab
$60 - An affordable mini cab modeler that offers 5 emulations and two controls for both EQ (Low High) and Mic Positioning (Distance and Position). Gets mixed reviews on Amazon.
Alt Seller | Reverb | Amazon
1265404459
Sonicake Sonic IR
$59 - A mini Cab simulator with Impulse Response and 11 on-board classic Guitar/Bass simulations with Volume Control. Drag and Drop operation for managing IR files via USB and XLR Balanced Output for direct connection to PA or for recording direct. Gets mixed reviews on Amazon. No headphones out though!
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
3229868045
Hotone Cab
$49 - Minuscule analog cab simulator offering 1 x 12, 2 x 12, and 4 x 12 cab sizes. and Low/High EQ knobs
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
1806264872
Rowin Lef-3802 Shaper
$45 - Simple, super-affordable cab modeler with 11 settings and a Color knob for shaping your tone.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon

Back to List of Categories

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Single Mode Cab Emulators (No IR, No Amp Emulation)

The devices in this list provide cab emulation (no amp) without modeling technology: rather than emulating specific existing models, they provide the player with controls that allow to creation of original tones by experimenting with various settings affecting several sonic elements.

2062560255
Neunaber Iconoclast
$219 - A high quality, Stereo device that captures the dynamic response of a guitar speaker cabinet. The knobs adjusts the type and size of the cab (Low), the speaker's dynamic interaction with the amp (Mid) and the cab's high-end roll off. Delivers output compatible with powered speakers, headphones or recording interface.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
2210676510
AMT Electronics CN-1
$129 - An analog cab and mic placement simulator that lets you control, via knobs, the virtual cab's Size and Magnet (frequency cutoff response) and the mic's Position (close or far) and Turn (angle), for an infinite spectrum of tonal variations.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
4266837351
Suhr A.C.E. Analog Cab Emulator
$259 - An Analog Cabinet Simulator with balanced and XLR out that uses a three knob filter (Sub, Highs and Presence) to impart cab-like quality to your tone. Ground, Phase and Bypass switches round out the features. It can be placed after your amp or in the FX loop.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon

Back to List of Categories

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Stereo Amp/Cab Simulators

For the forward-thinking guitarists, we thought it would be handy to group together all the Stereo options from the previous lists!

3481185683
Line 6 HX Stomp
$599 | The first Line 6 product to pack all of the Helix‘s amps, cabs, and effects into a stompbox, which is roughly the size of a BOSS Space Echo. It integrates with your studio or live rig, offering over 300 amps, cabs, and effects, including a looper and algorithms from classic LIne 6 pedals like the DL4. It's stereo, fully Midi integrated and can act as an audio interface.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
https://amzn.to
Strymon Iridium
$399 | A Stereo Amp and IR Cab simulation device including a Room effect and 4 presets. While the Cabinet component of the Iridium features an infinite amount of options thanks to the IR features, the amp one focuses on three classic amps. Fender® Deluxe Reverb (Chime), Vox AC30TB (Round) and Marshall Plexi (Punch). The Room section has settings for Small, Medium or Large.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
3420682454
DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkII
$349 | | A stereo amp and cab emulator with a true analog preamp that recreates in fine detail the most popular clean channel preamps, a power amp sim and dual independent Cab sims with spread control. Stereo FX loop, headphone amp with Aux input for monitoring/ practicing, two XLR DI out, and two bypassable ¼-inch jacks round up the features. MkII adds reverb and Speaker type knob.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
726354968
NUX Pulse Mini Stereo IR Loader
$99 | a deceivingly simple mini pedal with stereo in-out that packs 24 IR-based cab simulations (8 for electric guitar, 8 for bass and 8 pickup simulation for acoustic guitar). The Space knob adds reverb, while the free Pulse Editor software app lets you edit existing IR files in depth, upload your own IR files in wav format, and update the firmware.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
2081562994
IK Multimedia Amplitube Tonex
$249 | a stereo pedal/USB interface that puts the full power of the AmpliTube software at your toetips, including IR loading technology that allows you to model your own amplifiers. It offers hundreds of amp, preamp and effect simulations, storable in 50 banks of 3 preset slots each. It can be fully integrated with your studio, the latest Amplitube software and your live MIdi setup.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2677425452
GFI System Cabzeus Stereo
$319 - A software-editable Stereo cabinet and miking simulator system with an integrated DI box, it features original functions like the blending of two simulations and phase control. The Stereo effect can be obtained by using two different cabs or two different mics with the same cab.
Thomann | Reverb | Amazon
2005667538
Digitech CabDryVR
$187 - A dual cabinet simulator that splits signal in two and feeds it to two different cabs, for Stereo (or mono) magic. It features a selection of 14 guitar and bass cab impulse responses, and dual inputs and outputs (you can plug two guitars in it. One of the inputs has an optional dry path that can run to your own stage amp.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon
2062560255
Neunaber Iconoclast
$219 - A high quality, Stereo device that captures the dynamic response of a guitar speaker cabinet. The knobs adjusts the type and size of the cab (Low), the speaker's dynamic interaction with the amp (Mid) and the cab's high-end roll off. Delivers output compatible with powered speakers, headphones or recording interface.
eBay | Reverb | Amazon

Back to List of Categories

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Relevant Video About Cab/Amp Emulating Pedals

Cab M vs. Iridium vs. Ampli-Firebox vs. Simplifier (Andertons)

Where does an Amp Modeler go in the Effects Order? (Chords of Onion)

Impulse Response Cab Sims Explained (Wampler)

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