Photo by Adi GoldsteinIt can be hard to find the best orange amp that both fulfills your needs but will also inspire you to create music. Let this article help you find The One.
The problem most musicians find themselves confronting today is the fact that they have now so many options. If they’re looking for the best orange amp in the market, they have to scour through millions of websites.
They need to read many reviews of the best features of a particular amp. They even have to compare hundreds of prices, specs and other details. Who has time for all of that?
That’s why we find it useful to compile a good, solid list of the most popular, featured-packed brands of orange amps in the market today. Check the longform article below to hopefully find out the best orange amp for you!
Contents
Top 6 Orange Amp: Comparison Chart
| Image | Name | Output Wattage | Weight | Product Dimensions | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Orange Amplifiers Micro Crush PiX 3 | 3 volts | 2 pounds | 3.35 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches | Check Price |
 | Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier | 12 watts | 11.46 pounds | 7.87 x 11.81 x 12.6 inches | Check Price |
 | Orange Crush Mini Guitar Combo Amplifier | 3 watts | 904G (1.99LBS) | 7.01 x 6.85 x 6.46 inches | Check Price |
 | Orange Crush 20 Twin-Channel 20W | 20 watts | 17 pounds | 16 x 9 x 13 inches | Check Price |
 | Orange PPC108 1×8-Inch | 20 watts | 3.57 pounds | 10.59 x 6.89 x 4.96 inches | Check Price |
 | Orange Amplifiers Crush12 | 12 watts | – | 7.87 x 11.81 x 12.6 inches | Check Price |
Best Picks of Orange Amp
#1: Orange Amplifiers Micro Crush PiX 3
- Built-in tuner
- Overdrive function
- Headphone out
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What makes this Orange Amp a popular option for many users seems to start from how it just looks so authentically vintage. Plus, it has a built-in tuner, a headphone jack for maximum output and an overdrive function that just delivers crisp sound.
I also recommend this if you’re looking for a good companion for your electric guitar when you want to travel. The size is compact enough to lug around without much inconvenience.
This can be a great gift for your children, too, since it’s not too heavy. If your kid wants to jam with his or her buddies at lunchtime with this, then you’d be happy to know that this is light enough for even a grade school to carry.
The no-noise, clean sound you get from this seems to be a hit to its users, too. For only three watts, it’s almost surprising for some that it has such level of loudness.
Another reason why people call this a “kick in the pants” could be because it sounds similar to a hybrid tube-made amp. You get the same high level of sound quality for half the price and the weight.
This amp’s long-life battery gives it also an added reputation for its loyal users.
- Long battery life
- Powerful, voluminous sound at only 3 watts
- Very compact, convenient to carry around in camps, dorm room, gigs
- Perfect as a practice amp for beginners
- Requires a bit of fidgeting to adjust its controls
- Input jack appears to be prone to loose ends
- Not ideal to use with an auxiliary cord
- Requires 9V battery or an AC adapter
- Amp won’t switch on without an input of a lead plug
- Limited distortion levels
#2: Orange Amps Electric Guitar Power Amplifier
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another Orange Amp release today that has captured many enthusiasts’ hearts is the Crush 12, which is designed to amplify your guitar power to incredible heights.
Some of its fantastic features include: a 12 wattage of volume, a 6-inch speaker design, with dual gain controls, as well as an EQ that’s made for 3-band settings. The master volume of this amp is also noteworthy.
I recommend this model if you want something affordable but also practical. If your kid wants to practice his guitar skills, then this may be the one you’d have to look at.
The style you get from this model is sporty, decorated with some Orange basket weaves that are vintage and appealing. You have to give it to this model, too, that it weighs just as light as 12 pounds.
Portability is another high feature of this release. The 6″ inch speaker size that it has means you can carry it around, while its affordable price means it doesn’t hurt as much when you lose it.
The 12 watts of power it has is quite deceiving. It’s too little for the kind of voluminous sound it can generate. It’s so loud, even a seasoned pro can appreciate it, other than for its essential but packed features.
- Portable and light, perfect to carry around anywhere
- Loudest sound at only 12 watts
- Aesthetic looks vintage and classic
- Perfect for a practice amp because it’s affordable and durable
- Robust body design
- Produces clean sound
- Transporting this is easy
- This model distorts well easily, so not ideal when you want clean, loud riffs
- The power cable can be a little loose and wobbly
- No built-in effects and whistles
#3: Orange Crush Mini Guitar Combo Amplifier
- Built-in Tuner
- Battery-powered with 9V power adapter option
- Headphone out
- AUX IN for phone/PC play-along
- External speaker output
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to feel the retro classic grooves of Austin Powers, then this Austin Mini Crush will really bring you back to those nostalgic times. I recommend this if you want a jam-packed bundle with lots of freebies but doesn’t compromise on quality.
Some of the elements in the bundle you’d really appreciate include the 10″ instrument cable, the 9V power supply, and a collection of stylish, colorful guitar picks. At 9V power, you’re really getting a lot of power and volume with this.
Aside from the amplified 9V power, you get an added feature of installing this micro crush into a cabinet to make it into a modular amp. Its versatile controls are also appealing.
These simple controls include options to adjust the shape, volume and gain of whatever tune you’re playing. You can even back off the gain and boost the volume to get that crunchy tones.
If you want high gain distortions or scoop your sound in whatever direction you want to take, this is also a good practice amp to start. Plus, if you want to practice your guitar skills, there’s a connecting headphone output in the amp for your solo practice.
- Powerful output, considering it is just 9V
- Groovy, vintage amp design
- Delivers high gain distortions
- It has headphone output for solo practice
- Easily installed into cabinets
- Packed with a bundle of features and accessories
- Value for money
- Comes with a built-in tuner, making it a versatile all-in-one amp
- Lightweight and portable, perfect companion for light travels
- Not ideal for a microphone during voice lessons
- Not ideal for ukulele
- No reverb controls and effects
- Requires special adapter to operate
#4: Orange Crush 20 Twin-Channel 20W
- Foot switchable channels
- Analogue signal path
- CabSim loaded headphone output
- New High gain preamp Design, 4 stage preamp
- 20 Watts
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What makes the Crush 20 model of Orange popular today seems to be its ability to mix an analogue circuitry in its amplifier with a twin channel design. It’s also designed for variations and extreme saturations, making it an all-in-one amp.
If you ever find yourself looking for high gains in its preamp design, I truly recommend this. It’s got high-quality sounds in its low ranges, and its low noise range is made up of four stages of gain for many options.
You’d also be impressed by how this model offers classic blues crunches, as well as crisp cleans. It’s not that easy to achieve high gains during distortion sounds for heavy metal music, but the Crush 20 nails it.
Cabinet simulation is an added feature here that many customers like. With its patented CabSim feature, you can genuinely emulate the sound of a well-branded cabinet amp for lesser the cost. Plus, you can use this with a headphones for those solo jams.
Style is an important factor, and fortunately the stunning, classing orange aesthetics of this model has a lot to be admired. You may even appreciate what they did with its livery design that bates back to 1968.
The basket weave pattern, with a grille cloth and “picture frame” slot in its style will also make you reminisce those groovy days and years. There are iconic hieroglyphics printed on its control panel for added detail.
- Masterful vintage style reminiscent of the 60s
- Compatible for cabinet simulation
- Filled with lots of controls for gains and complex tone adjustments
- Ability to reach detailed variations and saturated effects
- Ability to reach hard-to-reach distortions for heavy metal sounds
- Cannot be installed into a micro-terror design cabinet
- Reverb effects and the built-in tuner controls need improvement
- Back panel needs improvement, since it feels like it’s made of cardboard
- Dirty channel will emit a slight buzz noise when the volume is increased
#5: Orange PPC108 1×8-Inch
- Voice of the world speakers
- Classic orange styling
- Power Handling 20 Watts
- For use with the Micro Terror or Micro Dark only
- Sharing the same iconic looks as Orange's larger stage-ready PPC cabinets
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want something light, compact and really handy during light travel trips, this could be the one for you. It’s categorized as one of the most compact and portable terror amps in the market, with a 12AX7 pre-amp standard valve.
Its popularity as one of the best pedals for orange amps among users may be because of its value-added accessories that makes buyers feel like it’s a good bang for the buck. This has already the essentials you need, and its big-volume sounds is such a surprise because it’s got a tiny build.
This model’s Aux and headphone outlets may also appeal to you if you want to use this for those private, silent practice inside your room. It’s easy to store if you’re in a dorm room because of its compact size.
For depth of sound, you get more than you’re paying for in this top Orange amp, since you can even use this to pair with any 8-16 Ohm cabinet speaker, giving you more optionality and allowance to experiment. The added classic orange design can add detail to your room and make the entire experience even more outstanding.
You may also love the fact that this comes with a series of effects look that other brands can’t replicate. The metal build that comes with a robust handle will also make this amp last for as long as possible.
- A perfect companion when you want a compact, lightweight amp
- Can be installed like a cabinet speaker
- You can play a wide range of tones, from clean to heavy-metal riffs without quality loss
- Headphone jack is available for those private practice sessions
- Multiple controls in gain, volume and shape made to be very responsive
- Elegant, stylish aesthetics
- Robust metal build and solid handle
- You may experience negative issues with cranking the volume
- Its bass options leaves a lot more to admire
#6: Orange Amplifiers Crush 12
- Power: 12W (solid state)
- Single channel
- Speaker: 1x6" Orange Voice of the World
- Controls: 3-band EQ, volume, gain
- Headphone output with CabSim
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links (#ad) / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Many Orange amp reviews today would generally agree that the Crush12 release elevates the Orange brand to even greater heights. With its 12W power in a solid state, you’re already getting a jam-packed load of volume and power.
If you’re aiming for variety of controls in the gain, volume and EQ, then this is the one you may be looking for as it’s built with those features in mind. It also has a headphone output that’s designed to have a CabSim feature.
The Cabsim technology is an ingenious addition that lets you play huge, large-volume sounds at a remarkably whisper-like level. Plus, you’re able to connect this to a mixer or a recorder, and you can already capture authentic, more expensive Orange combo amps sounds.
You can get this in orange and black, too, giving you more options to match with your studio or room’s aesthetics. Style is everything, and if you think this matters more than anything else, then give this a go.
The standard bundle of this set will include an amp and an AC table, with a 12 Watt amp and a power supply, with no added accessories. If you’re aiming to get a good deal or bang for your buck, be content with the fact that you get no fun guitar picks in this bundle.
- Its compact, mini size makes it a good portable amplifier Orange has created
- You have the ability to pair this with a recorder to capture a studio sound experience
- It has the ability to emulate expensive cabinet amp sounds
- Great tonal quality that satisfies picky guitarists
- You may experience durability issues after one year of use
- The design of this amp is not meant for a variety of bass tones
- No added accessories other than the amp and an AC cable
What is the Best Orange Amp?
If money was not an issue, then the best Orange amp would be the Orange CS50 Custom Shop. It’s considered to be the no-nonsense option in the market because of its high-quality features.
Some of its powerful features include a no-nonsense series of rock tone settings. Good value for money, too, if you want stunning tones.
Which Orange Amp is Good for Metal?
The best orange amp for metal may arguably be the Orange Crush CR60 60-Watt Combo since it’s packed with heavy-metal distortions but it’s lightweight enough to carry around anywhere.
However, there are many lists of best metal amplifiers today that would beg to disagree, but if you’re planning to research on one, dig the details of this model.
The level of distortions it offers may be something similar with others but what this model delivers is more authentic in its Orange sound than anything in the market. You may get two stages of gain in its controls, too.
What this means is that the clean channel can reach two stages when cranked, but its dirty channel can go as far as four stages. When this happens, you can generate classic overdrive tones that define what an Orange amp means.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Orange Amp
Clean Channels – when you want the best out of your orange amp, it pays to start with looking for the brand or model that offers the cleanest channels.
Every amp is designed to vary its tone, from the cleanest to the dirtiest. Play the amp at its dirtiest, most distorted sound and feel if it still has the solid sound that you want.
One good way to check for the clean channels is to push the clean volume at its maximum. Then, introduce subtle distortions and variations to the pedals and see if it suits you.
Dirty Channels – for the dirty channel levels, go for the distorted sound that still sounds solid and unique. Every amp can be pushed to the maximum level, but a good Orange amp will have a gain that’s truly distinct from other brands.
Full-band mix – any amp has a variation settings to adjust the bass. Explore the bass variations that Orange gives you.
A good Orange amp will give you a unique sound in your bass levels, and so check if the Orange amp sound you get from the brand you’re purchasing will be suited to your taste.
Difference Between A Tube and A Solid-State Amplifier?
Technically, the difference between the two would simply be in what kind of amps they use for the guitar signal. For the tube amps, they generally use what are called vacuum tubes.
These vacuum tubes are the ones that amplify the guitar signal to desired levels. On the other hand, the solid state amps today will require the use of electronics to generate a variety of amp effects.
Either way, the two kind of amps will transform the guitar experience in either a noisy, distorted sound direction or in a cleaner profile. The best thing to know if the solid amp you bought is the best one for you is through a complete test drive.
FAQs
Which is better: an Orange or a Fender?
It depends. If you prefer British sounds, Fender is for you. For American rock n roll, it’s Orange.
Is it worth the money to buy an Orange?
Yes, if you want compact amps.
Is Orange good for blues?
Yes, many Orange models are made for clean, blues sound.
Final Verdicts
After a thorough, impartial assessment of the different amps’ features and specs, my verdict is that the Orange Amplifiers Crush12 is the best Orange amp in the market.
I say this because only the Crush12 has the patented Cabsim technology that lets you play huge, large-volume sounds at a remarkably whisper-like level. This is not something that other Orange releases can easily replicate.
The ability, too, of connecting this amp to a mixer for professional recordings gives it more value for your money. This also allows you to experiment on millions of Orange combo amps sounds.
Truly, with the features above, it’s hard to beat the Crush12 as the best Orange amp available today.