What are the most popular amp sims right now? We crunched the numbers, did the research to find out. Here’s the 8 biggest and most popular options right now…
Amp sims are BIG business these days. The entire market is said to be worth around $125 million annually, so that explains why every man and their dog seems to be launching one.
Regular readers will know, here as ELECTRIKJAM, we’re big fans of STL AmpHub; for the money, you really cannot go wrong with this package – it’s updated constantly and it delivers a ton of value.
But what are the other options? I hear you ask. As it goes, there’s A LOT. And they all range in price from inexpensive to high-end, studio-grade prices.
As of right now, these are the 8 most popular and most used amp sims on the market right now, so if you’re looking for a good one, chances are it’ll be listed below…
Most Popular Amp Sims (In No Particular Order)
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 Max 🎸
- Overview: Regarded as the best overall amp simulation, featuring over 100 integrated amp models and a wide range of effects.
- Price: Starting at $149.99 for standard versions, premium bundles available for $299.99 and up 💵
- Key Features:
- Extensive Amp Models: Over 100 meticulously modeled amplifiers
- Wide Range of Effects: Over 200 effects pedals, rack effects, and stompboxes
- Advanced Routing: Flexible signal routing for complex setups
- Real-Time Audio Processing: Low-latency performance
- Integration with Hardware: Compatible with IK Multimedia’s hardware controllers
- Pros: Unmatched variety, highly realistic tone, user-friendly interface
- Cons: Can be resource-intensive, steeper learning curve for beginners
Neural DSP Plugins 🎛️
- Notable Models: Includes the Gojira, Nolly, and Soldano SLO-100
- Overview: Known for high-quality sound and versatility, particularly in heavy genres 🔊
- Price: Ranges from $99 to $199 per model, with bundle deals available 💵
- Key Features:
- High-Quality Modeling: Advanced algorithms for nuanced amp replication
- Genre-Specific Presets: Tailored for metal, progressive, and hard rock
- Dynamic Response: Responsive to playing dynamics
- Standalone and Plugin Modes: Flexible usage in DAWs
- Pros: Exceptionally realistic amp tones, ideal for heavy genres, regular updates
- Cons: Limited appeal outside of metal and hard rock, higher price for individual plugins
Line 6 Helix Native 🎶
- Overview: Offers extensive options with over 100 effects and cabinets. Powerful but may be complex for beginners.
- Price: Approximately $399 💵
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive Effects Library: Over 100 amps, cabs, pedals, and effects
- Advanced Routing: Flexible signal path customization
- True Bypass Modeling: Ensures no loss of signal quality
- Presets and Snapshots: Create and manage detailed presets
- Integration with Helix Hardware: Seamless compatibility
- Pros: Vast selection of amps and effects, highly customizable, exceptional sound quality
- Cons: Steep learning curve, higher price point
Overloud TH-U 🎸
- Overview: Features the largest collection of amps (203 models) and over 1000 presets, making it suitable for users seeking variety.
- Price: Around $300 💵
- Key Features:
- Largest Amp Collection: 203 amp models covering various tones and styles
- Extensive Preset Library: Over 1000 presets
- Rig Player: Import rigs from Helix, Line 6, and Neural DSP
- Dynamic Noise Gate: Clean signal processing for high-gain setups
- Comprehensive Effects: Delays, reverbs, modulators, and more
- Pros: Unmatched variety, Rig Player for cross-compatibility, user-friendly interface
- Cons: Can be overwhelming, occasional stability issues reported
Waves PRS SuperModels 🎛️
- Overview: Contains three high-quality amp models that can produce a wide range of tones despite the limited selection.
- Price: Approximately $129 💵
- Key Features:
- Signature Amp Models: PRS Archon, PRS 305, and PRS 435
- Intuitive Interface: Easy-to-navigate controls
- Dual Signal Paths: Complex signal routing and layering
- High-Resolution Sound: Pristine audio quality
- Integrated Cab Matching: Simplified cabinet selection
- Pros: High-quality amp models, user-friendly interface, great value
- Cons: Limited number of amp models, less suitable for genres outside rock and blues
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 🎸
- Overview: A comprehensive solution for amp simulation with a competitive price point, praised for its ease of use.
- Price: Typically around $199 💵
- Key Features:
- Versatile Amp Models: Diverse selection for various genres
- Modular Design: Easy creation and modification of signal chains
- Customizable Interface: Personalize layout to match workflow
- Built-In Effects: Wide range of effects available
- Presets and Snapshots: Save and recall complex setups
- Pros: User-friendly interface, flexible modular design, excellent sound quality
- Cons: Lacks some specialized models found in other plugins
Positive Grid Bias FX 2 🎛️
- Overview: Known for its extensive library of amps (over 100) and effects (122), allowing for complex signal chains.
- Price: Starting at $199 for the standard version, varies based on features 💵
- Key Features:
- Extensive Amp and Effect Library: Over 100 amp models and 122 effects
- Bias Amp Technology: Customize amp parameters
- Infinite Signal Paths: Design complex signal chains
- Integrated Presets: Access thousands of presets
- Compatibility: Works with major DAWs on Mac and PC
- Pros: Highly customizable, vast library, intuitive interface
- Cons: Can be overwhelming, performance may vary on less powerful systems
STL Tones Tonality Series 🎸
- Overview: Popular among users for its reliability and quality tones, particularly in high-gain settings.
- Price: Generally around $99, depending on the specific model 💵
- Key Features:
- High-Gain Amp Models: Tailored for heavy genres
- Robust Effects Suite: Includes distortion, modulation, delay, reverb, and more
- Stable Performance: Optimized for low CPU usage
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and preset management
- Regular Updates: Continuous improvements based on user feedback
- Pros: Exceptional high-gain tones, reliable performance, affordable pricing
- Cons: Limited amp models, primarily focused on high-gain sounds
What’s The Best Amp Sim To Go For?
What’s The Best Amp Sim For Metal?
If you’re looking for killer amp sims, Neural DSP is one of the top dogs, especially for metal. Their Archetype series is the go-to for a reason—it delivers top-tier sound with a super easy-to-use interface.
Whether you’re chasing the crushing tones of an EVH 5150 or need something with more bite, like the Fortin Cali or SLO-100 models, Neural DSP nails it.
These plugins are perfect for dialing in heavy, aggressive tones, and they’re versatile enough to handle pretty much any metal style you throw at them.
And The Cheaper Option?
If you’re looking for an amp sim that hits all the right notes for modern metal on a much more palatable budget, STL AmpHub is a standout. I continue to be seriously impressed with what it brings to the table.
In fact, we described it as “absolutely AMAZING” in our review—and that’s no exaggeration. The beauty of AmpHub is how easy it is to dive in and start building your perfect virtual rig. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, its user-friendly interface lets you create and save custom tones without the headache.
Sure, it might not be a jack-of-all-trades for every genre out there, but for heavy, crushing tones? It’s exactly what you need. The variety of amps and effects are fine-tuned for modern metal, making it feel like you’ve got a pro-level rig at your fingertips.
If you’re serious about getting killer tones without the fuss, STL AmpHub comes highly recommended. It’s reliable, intuitive, and most importantly, it sounds fantastic for heavy music styles.
