Best Guitar Amp Software in 2026
Updated
In short: GENOME is ranked #1 of 24 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Amped and Helix Stadium Native. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Amped. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Amp Locker at $5/mo.
Choosing guitar amp software means weighing tone-shaping tools against the way you play or record. Compare amp and cabinet models, effects count, and whether an IR loader is included; then check plugin formats and standalone app support for your setup. Supported platforms, free-plan availability, and the paid starting price add practical context. GENOME and AIDA-X lead the entries, with Amped and Helix Stadium Native also near the start. Neural Amp Modeler, Amp Locker, IK Multimedia ReSing, and Amplifikation 360 follow. Use the listed capabilities and cost details to see which options align with the sounds and workflow you need.
24 guitar amp software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
#1 GENOME Top pick · 7.6 Free plan · Free
#2 Amped Runner-up · 7.4 Free plan · Free #3 Helix Stadium Native Also great · 7.4 Free plan · Free
- Free planFree trial iOSmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Amp models
- 24 models
- Cabinet models
- 16 models
- Effects count
- 65 effects
- Plugin formats
- VST3, AU, AAX
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free planFree trial macOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Amp models
- 2 models
- Cabinet models
- 3 models
- Effects count
- 6 effects
- Plugin formats
- VST3, AU, AAX (Mac)
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free planFree trial macOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 99.99 one-time
- Amp models
- 132 models
- Cabinet models
- 46 models
- Effects count
- 274 effects
- Plugin formats
- AAX, AU, VST3
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST3, AudioUnit, LV2
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Amp models
- 111 models
- Effects count
- 74 effects
- Plugin formats
- AU, VST3, RTAS, AAX
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial$5/mofirst paid tier About Amp LockerVisit site - Free plan macOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 99.99 one-time
- Amp models
- 13 models
- Cabinet models
- 14 models
- Effects count
- 33 effects
- Plugin formats
- Audio Units, VST 3, AAX
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - LinuxmacOSself-hostedWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- CLAP, LV2, VST2, VST3
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan macOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 25 one-time
- Plugin formats
- VST, VST3, Audio Unit, AAX
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - macOSWindows
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- 199 one-time
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial$39/mofirst paid tier About MASCHINEVisit site - macOSWindows
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- 59.95 one-time
- Amp models
- 5 models
- Cabinet models
- 16 models
- Effects count
- 13 effects
- Plugin formats
- VST3, AU, AAX, Studio One Native Effects
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOS
- Free plan
- No
- Amp models
- 1 models
- Cabinet models
- 1 models
- Effects count
- 9 effects
- Plugin formats
- VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free trial iOSmacOSWindows
- Amp models
- 16 models
- Cabinet models
- 15 models
- Effects count
- 16 effects
- Plugin formats
- AudioUnit, VST, AAX64
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST3, LV2, CLAP
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOS
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST, VST3, AAX, Audio Unit
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST3, CLAP, AU
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2, standalone
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOS
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- 99 one-time
- Amp models
- 3 models
- Cabinet models
- 5 models
- Plugin formats
- AU, VST, VST3, AAX
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOS
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- 149 one-time
- Amp models
- 33 models
- Cabinet models
- 25 models
- Effects count
- 63 effects
- Plugin formats
- AU, VST3, AAX
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - LinuxmacOS
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST3, LV2
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOS
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- 99.99 one-time
- Plugin formats
- AAX, AU, VST3, VST2
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST3, CLAP
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOS
- Free plan
- No
- Plugin formats
- VST3, AU, AAX
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - iOS
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Windows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST 2
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial
Is your tool on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which guitar amp software is ranked first on Specifiction?
GENOME is ranked #1 of 24 with a score of 7.6. Amped is second and Helix Stadium Native third.
How many of these have a free plan?
7 of the 24 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Amp Locker has the lowest first paid tier we found: $5/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on what each maker publishes, the fullest spec sheet first: how deeply the product is documented, the platforms it runs on, a free tier or trial to test it, and its standing. Paid placements never change a rank.