A guitar amp simulator makes a guitar or bass sound as if it were played through an amp and speaker. You can build guitar tones at home without owning an amp. Free versions usually include fewer amps and effects than paid ones. This page compares 2 free guitar amp simulators offered by their makers (AmpliTube 5 CS, Guitar Rig 7 Player) using official information only.
Disclosure: this site uses affiliate programs. The fact that each product is free, and its features and formats, were checked on the makers’ official pages around 2026-10-16. Terms of distribution can change, so please check the official page before you download.
The short answer: which one?
- AmpliTube 5 CS (rank B): People who want to try the AmpliTube sound for free and buy only the gear they need later.
- Guitar Rig 7 Player (rank B): People who want to give line-recorded guitar an amp-like sound without spending money.
Free guitar amp simulators compared
| Product | Rank | Range of tones | Recording and practice | Modeling technology | Also usable for bass | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmpliTube 5 CS | B | 42 models | Standalone | Standard | Guitar and bass gear | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Guitar Rig 7 Player | B | 2 amps + 26 tools | Standalone | Machine learning (ICM) | No bass amps | VST3, AU, AAX |
Ranks use the same criteria as paid products in the same category (scored from the makers’ official information only). How scores and ranks are decided is explained in How we rate.
What to look at
- Range of tones: Choices of amps, cabinets, microphones and so on
- Recording and practice: Features that help with home recording and practice
- Modeling technology: The technology used to recreate real gear
- Also usable for bass: Whether it includes bass amps and the like, so you can record bass with it too
AmpliTube 5 CS (IK Multimedia) | Rank B
The free version of AmpliTube, with 42 models in total, including 10 stomps, 5 amps, 6 cabinets, 3 microphones and 6 rooms. It works as a standalone app or a plug-in.
- Range of tones: A free version with 42 models, including 10 stomps, 5 amps and 6 cabinets. Microphones and rooms can also be chosen.
- Recording and practice: It can also be used as a standalone app.
- Modeling technology: A standard approach using models of amps and effects.
Who it is for: People who want to try the AmpliTube sound for free and buy only the gear they need later.
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX (official information)
Score 3.0 / 5 (average of the 18 products compared: 3.3)
- Price
- Free
- Specs last checked
- 2026/09/25
- Range of tones
- 42 models
- Recording and practice
- Standalone
- Modeling technology
- Standard
- Price (store, date)
- Not listed
Get it: IK Multimedia official site (free)
Guitar Rig 7 Player (Native Instruments) | Rank B
The free version of Guitar Rig 7, with amp simulation (with cabinets), 26 effects and tools, and 60 presets.
- Range of tones: A free version with two amps (with cabinets), Fire Seeker and Jump, and 26 effects and tools.
- Recording and practice: It can be launched as a standalone app.
- Modeling technology: Even the free version includes the Fire Seeker amp built with machine learning (ICM) and the Red Fuzz pedal.
Who it is for: People who want to give line-recorded guitar an amp-like sound without spending money.
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX (official information)
Score 2.6 / 5 (average of the 18 products compared: 3.3)
- Price
- Free
- Specs last checked
- 2026/09/25
- Range of tones
- 2 amps + 26 tools
- Recording and practice
- Standalone
- Modeling technology
- Machine learning (ICM)
- Price (store, date)
- Not listed
Get it: Native Instruments official site (free)
Tips for using free guitar amp simulators
- Record the guitar directly into the interface (DI recording) so you can change the amp sound freely later.
- Set the input level just before it distorts, then choose the amp sound. This keeps the sound from clipping.
- An amp sound can feel flashy on its own but different next to other instruments. Adjust it while listening in the band mix.
- The choice of cabinet (speaker) changes the sound a lot, even with the same amp.
When to move to a paid one
When you want more amps, pedals and cabinets, or finer control, consider the paid (upper) version. For a comparison including paid products, with ranks on the same criteria, see Guitar amp simulator plug-ins compared.
From download to first use
- Open the product page on the maker’s official site and press the download button. You may be asked to register an email address or create an account.
- Choose the installer for your computer (Windows or Mac) and download it.
- Run the installer. Choose a plug-in format (VST3, AU, AAX and so on) that your DAW can load.
- Open your DAW and rescan plug-ins.
- Load the plug-in on a track insert (the place where effects are placed) and start using it.
Always download free plug-ins from the maker’s official site. Files on third-party download sites may be old or altered.
FAQ
Q. What do I need for an amp simulator?
An audio interface to connect the guitar to the computer. Choose one with an instrument (Hi-Z) input.
Q. Can I make a band-style sound with a free version?
Yes. Free versions include basic amps and effects. If you need finer tone building, consider the upper versions.
Q. How do free and paid guitar amp simulators differ?
It depends on the product, but paid products tend to have more automatic suggestions and finer controls. A comparison that includes paid products is in Guitar amp simulator plug-ins compared.
Q. What should I check before installing?
Check that your DAW can load the plug-in format (VST3, AU, AAX and so on). Some makers require an email address or an account.
To see free plug-ins across categories, see Free plug-ins for music production.
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