Top 15 Best Headphone AMP under 100 Dollars – Guide & Reviews 2022

Did you just purchase a pair of those high-end headphones but still cannot get the best out of them?  You surely need a good headphone amp that can breathe a new life into your headphones.

Headphones are a great way for listening to your favorite music privately but they need a headphone amplifier to work. That is why pretty much all smartphones, laptops, PCs, and other modern music devices come with a built-in amplifier. But, if you have high performance or high-impedance headphones, this built-in amplifier is not enough to supply them the power they need to perform to their full potential.

A headphone amp works by taking the low-voltage audio signal from your music device and convert it to high-level sound so it can be heard through the headphones. Headphone amps under 100 are an affordable solution to get more controlled, clear, and improved sound output from your headphones.

Read our latest guide about the best headphone amplifiers.

Moreover, they also provide the power your headphones need to work properly. However, even a high-quality headphone won’t be able to amplify the sound output if your headphones are not of good quality.

Since headphone amps under 100 are an inexpensive way to enhance the performance of your headphones, they are in high demand these days. From beginners to experts, headphone amps under 100 are perfect for both.

Because there are so many different types of headphone amps available under 100, it can sometimes get difficult to figure out which one is the best for your headphones. If you are looking for a reasonable headphone amp, the 15 top product recommendations in this detailed guide will definitely help you in picking the right one for your needs.

However, when you are choosing a headphone amp under 100, you must take into account the type of headphones you have. Moreover, you should also consider the impedance and sensitivity of your headphones. Are you looking to enhance the sound quality of your headphones or do you want to provide them more power? When you are aware of these factors, it becomes quite easy to choose the headphone amp that best fits your needs and requirements.

Read our complete guide about the best guitar headphones amplifiers.

Advantages of Headphone Amps Under 100

Top headphone amps under 100 are just as good as high-end headphone amps. They give a whole new feel to your favorite music creating an immersive experience. These headphone amps not only make the output of headphones louder but produce enhanced sound at every volume level and provide undistorted and clear audio even at peaks. Moreover, they are designed to provide the power input a pair of high-quality headphones need.

One of the best things about headphone amps under 100 is that you can upgrade the audio quality of your headphones without spending a fortune. High-quality headphones amps under 100 are strongly built and lightweight. Some of them are even portable and are powered through a battery.

Most high-quality headphone amps under 100 come with a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) so you don’t need to spend on a separate one. DAC is an important and necessary component for your headphones to produce audio output as it converts the digital audio signals to a low-voltage signal.

Another great thing about high-quality headphone amps under 100 is that different amplifiers offer different input connections options such as optical, USB, RCA or coaxial so you can choose the best one according to your requirements.

Types of Headphone Amps Under 100

Headphones amps under 100 come in different shapes and sizes. Some are portable and work using a battery while others are desktop amplifiers that are more powerful for those high-quality headphones. Moreover, some use transistors for amplifying the output while some use vacuum tubes.

Before purchasing a headphone amp, it is wise to be aware of what different types of amplifiers offer.

Portable Headphone Amps

As the name suggests, these amplifiers are portable so you can carry them anywhere with you. Moreover, these are lightweight, slim, and small in size so you can easily adjust them in your pockets.

Portable amplifiers are usually powered through a battery but need to be recharged. However, some portable headphone amps don’t come with a battery and need to be plugged in all the time.

These amplifiers are perfect for smartphones and MP3 players. If your headphones don’t require high power input but you want to improve their sound quality, these types of amplifiers are your best bet.

Desktop Headphone Amps

Desktop amplifiers are bigger than the portable ones so you need to place them on a desk near your music device. These amplifiers are powered through an adapter so they must be plugged into a power source.

Desktop amplifiers are powerful and usually offer multiple inputs and output connections. If you use powerful headphones that require high power to work properly, these headphones are perfect to get the most out of them.

Transistor Headphone Amps

Transistor amplifiers use a transistor for amplifying the sound signal. The transistor is built using a positively charged silicon layer called emitter sandwiched between two negatively charged silicon layers named base and collector. The positive layers take electrons from the negative layer to conduct electricity. The transistor draws the current from its base and amplifies the signal according to the current supplied to the base.

Usually, transistor amplifiers consist of multiple transistors to produce better sound quality. These headphone amps are quite common these days and many high-quality transistor amps are available under 100. Transistor amplifiers can either be portable or desktop and they don’t consume much power. Moreover, these are usually simpler and smaller than vacuum tube amplifiers.

Vacuum Tube Headphone Amps

Vacuum tube headphone amps work pretty much like transistor amplifiers but they use small oxide-coated vacuum tubes instead of transistors. These amps use three stages to amplify the signal. They take the input in the form of current and amplify it by heating a filament which releases the electrons used for amplification then send this amplified signal to the output.

These amplifiers are perfect for improving the sound quality of your headphones as they minimize the distortions and have low negative feedback.

Key Features of High-Quality Headphone Amps Under 100

Before you purchase a headphone amp under 100, you should know the characteristics and features that a high-quality amplifier possesses.

Impedance

All headphones have an impedance; some have low while some have high impedance. Impedance is the resistance to the current or electric load which means high-impedance headphones show more resistance to the electric signal. Hence, they need more power or voltage to work properly which a headphone amp can provide.

If you have headphones with high-impedance such as studio headphones, you should consider whether the headphone amp you wish to purchase can provide the power your headphones need. You will find the impedance of your headphones rated in ohms.

However, an external headphone amp can also significantly enhance the sound quality of a pair of low-impedance headphones because such headphones need more current to minimize the damping factor. Different high-quality headphone amps under 100 work with different range of headphone impedance.

Source Device Connections

The source device is the device you wish to play the music from which can be PC, laptop, smartphone or MP3 player, etc. So, before purchasing a headphone amp, it is very important to check whether it has the input connections that your music device needs to connect with it.

If you are looking to make a digital connection to the music device, make sure the headphone amp has a DAC so it can support digital cable connections such as USB, optical or coaxial. Similarly, if you are looking for an analog connection, you will need an RCA cable.

DAC

DAC, also known as Digital to Analog Converter, is a very important component as your smartphones, PCs, and tablets, etc. cannot produce sound through headphones without it. The role of DAC is to convert the digital audio information to a low-voltage analog signal so that the headphone amp can amplify it.

Most high-quality headphone amps under 100 have a built-in DAC but if it doesn’t have one, you will need to buy it separately for the headphone amp to work.

Output Connection

Before choosing a headphone amp, you should take into account if it has the output connection your headphones require. Usually, most of the headphones either support a 3.5mm or a ¼ inches connection. However, some also support a balanced connection.

Build Quality

High-quality headphone amps under 100 are made of durable materials and are long-lasting. Moreover, they are lightweight and have a neat look.

FAQs

Q: Do headphone amps under 100 have a gain switch?

A: It depends on the model and the brand of the headphone amp. Some high-quality headphone amps under 100 do come with selectable impedance or gain switch so you can set the impedance according to your headphones. This allows them to work with a wide variety of headphone impedance, making them versatile.

Q: What is the frequency response of headphone amps under 100?

A: Frequency response is the range of audio frequencies that the amplifier can reproduce. There isn’t any fixed frequency response and different models support a different range of frequencies.

Q: What are the standard dimensions of a headphone amp under 100?

A: There are no standard dimensions and different headphone amps have different sizes and shapes. However, portable ones are compact, smaller in size, and lightweight compared to the desktop versions.

Q: What is the Noise Floor of a headphone amp?

A: Noise floor is how much noise the headphones amp adds to the audio signal before sending it to the headphones. Typically, all headphone amps add some level of noise to the signal as they amplify the signal. The lower the noise floor, the better the output sound quality produced by the headphone amp.

Noise Floor is usually stated in negative dBV or Volts. However, some manufacturers mention a signal-to-noise ratio, given in dB or dBA, instead of the Noise floor.

Top 15 Best Headphone Amps Under 100 in 2022

Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
	1. FiiO Headphone Amplifier, E10K	5 mm headphone jack	$$	4.4
	2. SMSL Headphone Amplifier, VA1 DT	Output short-circuit protection	$$$	4.4
	3. FiiO Headphone Amplifier, Q1 Mark II	Compatibility: iPhone, iPod, iPad	$$	4.4
	4. Sabaj Headphone Amplifier, PHA2	5V power input	$$	4.3
	5. FX-Audio Headphone Amplifier, DAC-X6	2-in-1 DAC and headphone amplifier	$$	4.3
	6. Douk Audio Little Bear Headphone Amplifier, B4-X	Compatible with 16-300 ohms headphones	$$	4.3
	7. SMSL Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, T2	High drive current	$$	4.2
	8. Nobsound Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, NS-02E	Stylish look	$$	4.2
	9. Nobsound Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, NS-08E	Can drive 18~600 ohm headphones & headsets	$$	4.1
	10. VOX amPlug 2 Headphone Amplifier, AP2BS	Power supply: AAA batteries x 2	$$	4.1
	11. Sabaj Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, PHA3	Low Ground Noise	$$	3.9
	12. FiiO Portable Headphone Amp, A1	Durable anodised aluminum Chassis	$$	3.9
	13. Behringer MicroMON Headphone Amplifier, MA400	Stereo Monitor input	$$	3.9
	14. Neoteck Headphone Amplifier	5mm AUX Input and Output	$$	3.9
	15. SONICAKE Guitar Bass Headphone Amp	USB-Chargeable	$$	3.9

1. FiiO Headphone Amplifier, E10K

Founded in 2007, FiiO is one of the best-known brands of audio equipment, especially headphone amps, due to its high-quality products and affordable prices.

The E10K headphone amp is another reasonable yet high-performance product by FiiO that is ideal for beginners and audiophiles.

Design and Dimensions

E10K is a solid-state transistor amplifier and comes with a built-in DAC so you don’t need to purchase a separate one.

In terms of build quality, the durable device features a sturdy aluminum chassis and shell. There are rubber feet on the bottom which gives it stability and prevents it from slipping. The black exterior has a sleek look and sits decoratively with your PC or laptops etc. There is also a blue LED light on the front panel for indicating if the device is on.

It may have a portable design but you need to power it through a micro USB connection as there is no internal battery, which means it must be plugged in all the time. When you wish to use it with your smartphone, you can use a micro USB to female USB cable.

The small-sized and compact amplifier measures 79 mm in height, 49.1 mm in length, and 21 mm in width. It is a lightweight device and weighs only 78 g.

Performance

With an improved DAC and amplification design, the powerful amplifier delivers a clear and undistorted audio output to create a more realistic experience. It supports headphones with impedance ranging between 16 to 150 ohms and takes their sound quality to the next level with a frequency response of 20 Hz- 20 kHz. There is a gain switch on the back for controlling the impedance.

The PCM102 DAC chip enhances the audio quality by reducing the delay, preventing phase shifts, and improving the linearity of the filter. And, it can support up to 24-bit PCM files. In addition, the amplification opamp features a buffer design that not only enhances transient response but gives your headphones more power.

The amplifier features a low-pass filter and bass boost circuits which help in lowering the Noise Floor. There is also an on/off switch for extra bass and an analog dial to control the volume depending on your requirements.

Connections

The amplifier features a 3.5mm jack on the front panel for connecting your headphones. It supports digital connection to your music device through a coaxial out port. There is also a line out port on the back panel.

Product Highlights

• Features a gain switch
• Built-in DAC
• 5 mm headphone jack

2. SMSL Headphone Amplifier, VA1 DT

With separate high and low impedance output, SMSL VA1 DT headphone amp is a great way to upgrade the sound quality of your headphones.

Design and Dimensions

The VA1 DT uses transistors to amplify the input, making it a solid-state transistor amplifier. It has a portable design but it’s a desktop amplifier and comes with a  power adapter. The black aluminum exterior is solid and classy so you can use it with any desktop setup.

The medium-sized amp measures 9.6 inches in length, 7.5 inches in depth and it is only 1.9 inches tall. It is a bit heavier device, at around 1.8 Kg.

Performance

Although there isn’t any built-in DAC, the high-performance amplifier offers excellent sound quality with true balanced input. This allows the device to deliver output with very low noise and distortion. And, it is designed with output short-circuit protection which protects the device from damage due to overload. In addition, there is a volume knob on the front panel for adjusting the sound level.

It has an excellent gain of 12dB and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. There are separate outputs for high and low impedance with a range of 50R to 600R and 8R to 600R respectively. It is capable of supporting the headphone impedance ranging between 30-600 ohms. Moreover, its output capability is 21dBu @ 150R Load.

Connections

The amplifier offers both 3.5mm and RCA inputs. There is a switch on the back which lets you select the input between 3.5mm and RCA stereo input. There are two separate inputs for high and low impedance, both with a 3.5mm jack.

When you wish to connect your smartphone, you can use a cable with a 3.5mm plug on each end or you can get a cable with two RCA plugs and a 3.5mm plug on the other end.

Product Highlights

• True balanced input
• Output short-circuit protection
• Comes with both 3.5 mm and RCA inputs

3. FiiO Headphone Amplifier, Q1 Mark II

Featuring several advanced amplification technologies, Q1 Mark II is the perfect portable headphone amp for any of your music devices, especially your iPhone.

Design and Dimensions

Measuring around “99 x 59 x12.5 mm,” Q1 Mark II is a compact and extremely lightweight device with a weight of only 101 g or 0.22 pounds. It is a portable headphone amp and it is powered through a battery that you can charge with the USB input. There is a green light on the front pane; for indicating DSD256 decoding.

The amplifier is efficient and automatically detects the device it is connected to. This way it prevents your iPhone’s battery from draining as charging through USB is turned off when connected to your iPhone. But, when you connect it to any other smartphone or a PC, it will continuously charge over USB.

In terms of durability, the device is well-built. The stylish black exterior is solid and made of metal so its performance is not affected by any electromagnetic waves. And, the shell is also sandblasted to give the surface an easy-to-hold texture.

It comes with a long micro USB data cable, a short lightning-to-micro USB cable, 2 silicon bands, a 3.5mm cable, and a pouch.

Performance

Featuring XMOS platform, the amplifier can decode up to DSD256 and PCM files of up to 32 bits. It comes with a built-in DAC that offers high-quality conversion with low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio with the help of two crystal oscillators. And, the low-pass filter reduces the noise floor.

For different sound experiences, there are two headphone outputs; single-ended and balanced. With more than 220mW balanced output, you get a more rich and detailed audio output when you connect headphones with impedance ranging from 16 to 1500 ohms. There is also a gain switch to adjust impedance depending on your headphones and a bass-boot switch to control bass levels for different kinds of music. And, you can adjust volume with the easy-to-rotate volume knob on the front panel.

In terms of battery, the 1800mAh battery has an exceptional runtime of 20 hours with AUX and 10 hours with the USB DAC connection.

Connections

There are two headphones outputs. The single-ended port supports 3.5mm plugs while the balanced output is 2.5mm. To connect it with your iPhone, you can use the Lightning-to -micro USB cable and for PC, use the long USB data cable. There is also a line-in/line-out port on the front panel so you can use it as an amplifier and as a DAC when paired with an external amplifier.

Product Highlights

• Both single-ended and balanced outputs
• Supports DSD256 and PCM files of up to 32 bits
• Compatible with 16-1500 ohms headphone impedance

4. Sabaj Headphone Amplifier, PHA2

Started in 2016, Sabaj is a relatively new brand in the audio products industry but it has gained popularity among audiophiles with its premium products.

If you are looking for a headphone amp that can upgrade the sound quality of your low as well as high impedance headphones, PHA2 is your best bet.

Design and Dimensions

PHA2 is a desktop amplifier. You can power it through your PC or laptop etc. through USB connection or you can plug it directly in a power outlet with the AC adapter. The small power LED on the front panel turns on when the device is in use.

The solid-state transistor amplifier is sturdy and durable with a classy CNC aluminum shell. It comes in two elegant colors, black and silver, and fits perfectly with different desktop setups. The medium-sized device measures “3.94 x 1.22 x 4.13 inches” and weighs as little as 10.6 ounces or 0.66 pounds.

Performance

Featuring the Sabaj-patented boosting power module, the amplifier instantly increases the 5 volts input power to 15 volts and enhances the sound quality of even high-resistance headphones. It is equipped with advanced TPA6120A2 amplifier chips for improved amplification.

It offers separate inputs for low and high resistance/impedance headphones for a better sound experience which means you can use it with a wide range (8-600 ohms) of headphone impedance. There is also a volume knob on the front panel for adjusting the sound level.

Connections

The amplifier supports RCA analog input with your music device. You can also use this input for active speaker connection. For output connections, there is a 3.5 mm jack for high-impedance headphones and a 6.5 mm of low-impedance headphones.

Product Highlights

• Separate high and low impedance output
• Analog RCA input
• Compatible with 8 to 600 ohms headphones

5. FX-Audio Headphone Amplifier, DAC-X6

FX-Audio DAC-X6 is a 2-in-1 device that can be used as an external DAC with desktop speakers or as a high-power headphone amp.

Design and Dimensions

Measuring 3.9 inches in width, 5.7 inches in depth, and 1.4 inches in height, the silver-colored amplifier is a powerful 2-in-1 device that can be used as a DAC with active speakers or a desktop headphone amp. It is powered through the 12 volts power adapter, that comes with it, which means it is not portable and must be plugged in all the time. It weighs around 1.1 pounds.

In terms of build quality, the stylish exterior is made of lightweight but durable aluminum alloy. There are gold-plated sockets so the audio output you get is free of any noise due to electromagnetic waves. In addition, the inside black immersion PCB board with a dense structure is corrosion-, impact- and moisture-resistant and prevents oxidation to ensure long-lasting and uncompromised performance.

Performance

Equipped with durable and advanced USB audio control, decoding, opamp, receiver, and conversion chips, the powerful amplifier brings you a more clear and rich sound of every little detail with a frequency response of 20hz-20khz. You can also adjust the volume of headphones through the volume knob on the front panel.

It gives you a sampling rate of 24 bits/ 192 kHz with optical/coaxial connection and 24 bits/ 96 kHz with PC-USB connection. You can use it to drive headphones ranging from 32 to 600 ohms.

Connections

The DAC/amplifier supports multiple input connections; optical, coaxial, and USB which allows you to connect different kinds of audio sources including PC, smart TV, phones, and DVD players. There is a toggle switch on the front panel so you can choose the right input option.

In terms of output connection, there is a 6.5 mm port and RCA sockets that support both headphones and active speakers simultaneously.

Product Highlights

• Can connect headphones and active speakers simultaneously
• 2-in-1 DAC and headphone amplifier
• Loud and powerful audio output

6. Douk Audio Little Bear Headphone Amplifier, B4-X

Founded in 2013, Douk Audio or Nonbound is a Chinese brand, popular for its innovative and premium audio equipment.

If you are looking for a durable yet affordable tube headphone amplifier, Little Bear B4-X is a perfect choice.

Design and Dimensions

B4-X is a portable vacuum tube headphone amplifier that gets its juice from the internal chargeable 1000mA lithium battery so you can conveniently listen to high-quality music anywhere. It is compact and has built-in tubes that make it easy to carry the device even with one hand.

With gold-plated sockets for electromagnetic noise reduction, original DALE resistors, and original nichicon electrolytic capacitor, you can trust this durable amplifier for long-lasting performance. It’s super light at around 245 g and measures  “L: 4.5, W: 2.7, D: 0.9 inches.

Performance

The dual-mono balanced amplifier enhances the audio output of your headphones with a high degree of separation as it features separate amplification components including tubes and opamp for right and left channels. It delivers a soft and warm sound output that gives you a more realistic experience. With a power output of 450mW, it can drive a wide range of headphones with impedance ranging from 16-300 ohms.

In terms of battery performance, the long-lasting lithium battery gives you 4-4.5 hours before it needs charging and it fully charges in 2-2.5 hours. There is also a built-in battery protection circuit that turns off the device automatically when the battery is fully charged.

Connections

There are two output ports, 3.5 mm and 2.5mm, for balanced and standard headphones. You can connect your music device such as smartphone, MP3 player, or iPod with the included 3.5 to 3.5 mm audio cable.

Product Highlights

• Runs on lithium battery
• Separate output ports for balanced and standard headphones
• Compatible with 16-300 ohms headphones

7. SMSL Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, T2

With high-grades tubes, the SMSL T2 headphone amplifier offers a clean audio output for an unmatched sound experience.

Design and Dimensions

With lightweight yet solid CNC aluminum construction, the small-sized amplifier measures “2.9 x 3.5 x 1.02 inches” and has a scratch-resistant surface for long-lasting performance. It is a desktop vacuum tube amplifier so you need to plug it in a power socket whenever you wish to use it.

The high-temperature portion of the tubes is fixed inside the device for safety purposes while the other end sticks out of the amplifier. The single chip microcomputer and relay inside are designed to protect the device from damage. There are blue LED lights on the front face for indicating the device is ready to be used. It comes fully assembled and the tubes are replaceable.

Performance

With two 6J9 J-grade tubes and 5532 circuit core, the amplifier converts the input single into high-quality audio with high drive current which allows it to support 32-300 ohms headphones.

It takes your music experience to the next level with a frequency response of  20Hz—20kHz. And, low ground noise allows it to give you clean and noise-free audio output. But, there isn’t any built-in DAC. You can also control the volume from the knob on the front panel.

Connections

The amplifier has a 3.5 mm output jack for connecting headphones. The input jack is also 3.5 mm and supports different kinds of music devices such as mobile phones and tablets etc.

Product Highlights

• High drive current
• 20Hz—20kHz frequency response
• Supports 32-300 ohms headphones

8. Nobsound Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, NS-02E

For detailed and warmer sound output, Nobsound NS-02E by Douk Audio is the perfect little tube amplifier.

Design and Dimensions

Featuring a sturdy aluminum exterior, the hexagonal shaped amplifier boasts an elegant look with a black case and gold volume dial. For added stability, the bottom panel has rubber feet. It’s a tube amplifier with one end of the tube sticking out from the top. It gets its power from 6 Volts power adapter that is included in the package so you don’t need to buy it separately.

You can replace the 6N3 tube with 6385, 6185, WE396, and several other models depending on your requirements. It comes almost fully assembled; you just need to fix the tube and plug in the adapter.

It’s a small and lightweight device with a weight of just 165 g and dimensions of “L: 3.54,  inches W: 3.54, H: 1.54 inches”

Performance

The powerful amplifier offers a frequency response of 20 Hz – 30 kHz for a more detailed audio output. It uses two DIP8 opamps and a tube to amplify the input sound and makes it warmer and clearer to give you an exceptional audio experience. And, the knob on the front panel allows you to adjust the volume.

With more than 1100 mW output power, it can drive 18-600 ohms headphones. But, it doesn’t come with a built-in DAC.

Connections

From PCs and laptops to smartphones and tablets, you can connect this versatile amplifier with different music devices. If you wish to use it as a pre-amp, you can also connect it to an external power amplifier. Both the input and output ports are 3.5mm.

Product Highlights

• Replaceable tube
• Can also be used as a pre-amp
• Stylish look

9. Nobsound Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, NS-08E

NS-08E is another low priced yet high-performance amplifier by Nobsound or Douk Audio that uses both tubes and transistors for high-quality amplification.

Design and Dimensions

Featuring two tubes that are protruding out from the top, NS-08E is a tube amplifier but it uses both tubes and transistors for amplification. You can also replace the 6J3 tubes with the same model or with 6J4, 6J5, 6K4, and many other models. It comes with a power adapter that must be plugged in whenever you want to use the amplifier which means it is not portable.

It’s a well-built device. The durable casing is made from CNC aluminum that makes it scratch resistant. And, the anti-oxidant tube sockets are built from ceramics for long-lasting performance. The black case with a gold front panel gives it a classy look that goes with any desktop setup. There are four rubber feet on the bottom panel which give it added stability. To assemble it, all you need to do is plug in the tubes.

It is a small device that doesn’t take much space as it measures 4.37 inches in length, 2.72 inches in width, and 1.26 inches in height (2.87 with the tubes). It weighs 185 g.

Performance

Although it is a tube amplifier, the tubes are used for pre-amplification only and it uses transistors for the final sound output. This means you get the benefits of both tubes and transistors which allow the amplifier to give you warmer and clearer audio output with powerful bass. And, the high-quality microprocessor reduces the ground noise.

Its frequency response is 20 Hz – 30 kHz and you can use it for headphone impedance ranging from 18-600 ohms. One of the best things about the amplifier is that it comes with an 18-month warranty.

Connections

Featuring two 3.5 mm jacks on the front panel, the amplifier allows you to connect a variety of music devices includes PC, smartphone, and CD player. You can not only connect 3.5mm headphones but it also supports active speakers. And, it can also be connected to a power amplifier to be used as a pre-amp.

Product Highlights

• Supports active speakers
• Replaceable tubes
• 18-month warranty

10. VOX amPlug 2 Headphone Amplifier, AP2BS

Offering amplification solutions for upgrading the sound quality of your headphones and speakers since 1958, VOX is now among the industry leaders.

AP2BS by Vox gives you all the features to amplify the input of your guitar or use it as a standard headphone amp.

Design and Dimensions

AP2BS is a portable amplifier and requires 2 AAA batteries to power up so you can take it anywhere and use it anytime you want. On the top panel are the AUX input, Gain, tone, volume, and effects controls. There is also an indicator on the top panel which lights up in different colors depending on the amplification mode.

It’s made of plastic but the input plug is built from metal. The input plug is foldable and it can rotate 180º to connect with almost any guitar. It’s a super light amplifier at just 40 g or 1.41 oz.

In terms of size, it is a small device with a width of 3.39 inches, a depth of 1.50 inches, and a height of 1.22 inches.

Performance

In terms of sound quality, AP2BS is a beast. It gives your headphones louder, richer, and clearer audio output with an upgraded analog circuit and picks up even low frequencies so you don’t miss out on any details. You can choose from three gain modes of amplification depending on your requirements. And, there is also an option to choose from nine different effects/ rhythm patterns; 3 Chorus, 3 Delay, and 3 Reverb.

In terms of battery performance, you get 17 hours of battery time before it needs charging.

Connections

Since it is both a headphone amp as well as a guitar amp, there is an input plug on the bottom panel for connecting it to your guitar and an AUX input for connecting your music device such as smartphones. When you want to practice with recordings, you can connect your guitar and smartphone simultaneously.

For the headphones connection, there is a 3.5 mm jack on the right panel. You can also connect portable speakers to it.

Product Highlights

• 17 hours of battery time
• 3 amplification modes
• 9 rhythm patterns

11. Sabaj Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, PHA3

With a noise-free audio output, Sabaj PHA3 Tube Headphone Amplifier delivers a next-level music experience that takes you into a world of your own.

Design and Dimensions

Made from scratch-resistant CNC aluminum and premium components, PHA3 is solid with a deep black finish which gives it a stylish and elegant look. It is a desktop amplifier and runs on a  12V power supply.

It uses two military J grade tubes for pre-amplification and transistors for actual audio output. The high-temperature end of the tubes is fixed inside the casing with the other end sticking out from the top. You can also replace the tubes with E180F, 6688 and many other models depending on the type of sound output you want.

There is a power switch and volume knob on the front panel while the feet on the bottom face adds more stability. It is 4.13 wide, 1.22 inches high, and has a depth of 2.87 inches.

Performance

Equipped with two 6J9 tubes for pre-amplification and two NJM4556D op-amps, the amplifier gives your headphones a brighter and warmer sound output. And, with the high-grade microprocessor, it gives you clean/noise-free audio for more realistic music experience.

To drive a wide range of headphone impedances, 32-300 ohms, it features a large current headphone driver. It has a frequency response of  20Hz—20kHz.

Connections

The amplifier features two analog inputs on the back panel and one analog input on the front panel for connecting your music devices. There is a 3.5mm jack on the front panel for connecting your headphones.

Product Highlights

• High-quality tubes for pre-amplification
• Replaceable tubes
• Durable design

12. FiiO Portable Headphone Amp, A1

A1 is another high-performance mini portable headphone amp by FiiO which gives you 4 equalization modes for different sound experiences.

Design and Dimensions

Measuring 1.57 inches in width, 0.37 inches in depth, and 1.65 inches in height, the A1 headphone amplifier is a little portable device that runs on Li-poly battery so you can enjoy your music anywhere anytime. It is super light with a weight of just 0.71 oz.

The durable casing is built from sandblasted aluminum alloy which gives it a classy look and makes it easy to hold. There is a transparent removable chip on the back which makes it easy to keep it in place.

The front panel features two volume buttons that utilize Alps switches for long-lasting performance. There is also a power button with LED light on the front panel which uses different combinations of Blue light for indicating equalization mode and combinations of red light for indicating battery level.

Performance

This little amplifier gives your headphone a higher audio quality as well as quantity with a gain of 3.65dB and a frequency response of 10 Hz-90 kHz. The 160 mAh battery gives you a runtime of more than 13 hours and it charges in less than 90 minutes through micro USB. You can use it to drive 16-100 ohms headphones as it has a power output of more than 78mW.

Connections

The amplifier has a 3.5 mm input jack on the bottom panel for connecting audio sources such as smartphones, iPods, MP3 players, and laptops, etc. To connect the headphones, there is a 3.5mm jack on the front panel.

Product Highlights

• Portable
• More than 13 hours of battery time
• Lightweight

13. Behringer MicroMON Headphone Amplifier, MA400

Started in 1989, Behringer has been in the amplifier industry for quite some time and its premium quality has made it popular among audiophiles.

Behringer MA400 is a professional’s choice as it offers all the features you need for upgraded sound quality in your studio or on stage.

Design and Dimensions

Measuring 2.5 inches in width, 4 inches in depth, and 1.85 inches in height, MA400 is well-built and has a stylish black finish so it sits perfectly with any studio setup. It is a compact desktop amplifier which runs on a 12V power supply. It’s a lightweight device, at around 0.84 pounds, especially if you consider its high power output and audio quality.

On the front face, you get two knobs for adjusting the volume microphone signal and the mixer. The red LED light on the front face lights up when the device is on.

Performance

When it comes to audio quality, MA400 offers a next-level experience with noise-free, clear, detailed, and rich sound output. It’s s perfect amplifier for studio recordings as it allows you to connect your studio-grade mic, send the signal to your mixer, and hear your voice without any distortions through headphones. You can also use it as a standard headphone amp by directly connecting your audio device and headphones to it.

You can use it for both mono and stereo input signals depending on your requirements. There is a switch on the bottom panel for selecting the type of signal.

Connections

For connections, there is a MIC input on the top panel for connecting your microphone with an XLR connector and a MIC THRU port for connecting your mixer with another XLR connector. When you want to send a signal from your mixer or some other audio source to the amplifier, you can use the monitor input. For connecting headphones, there are both 6.35 and 3.5 mm jacks on the bottom panel.

Product Highlights

• Compact and lightweight
• Can be used with a mixer
• 35 and 3.5 mm headphone jacks

14. Neoteck Headphone Amplifier

Neotech Headphone Amplifier is another great option for those looking for a portable amp with long battery life.

Design and Dimensions

Built from durable CNC aluminum, the scratch-resistant amplifier has a modern look with a black matte finish. It’s a small device with a length of 3.7 inches, a width of 2.5 inches and a height of 0.5 inches so you can conveniently hold it in your palm. And, it weighs just around 5 ounces.

It is a transistor amplifier and works on a chargeable lithium battery which means you can easily use it anywhere you want without needing a power socket. On the front panel, you get two volume buttons, a power button, and a LED for indicating the device is powered up. It comes with a USB cable for charging the battery but you don’t get an adapter so you can either use your smartphone’s adapter or buy a separate one.

Performance

Using OPA2140 for pre-amplification and other premium components, the amplifier delivers clear, noise-free, and enhanced audio output. It has more than 100 Db signal-to-noise ratio and supports headphones with impedances ranging from 16-500 ohms. In addition, the 1500mAH battery gives you 8 hours of continuous operation.

When you use this amplifier, you will instantly notice a change in your headphone’s sound quality. And, it is backed by 18 months warranty.

Connections

For connecting your music device such as laptop, smartphone, and MP3 player, there is a 3.5mm jack on the front panel. For the headphones connection, there is another 3.5 mm jack on the front panel.

Product Highlights 

• Portable
• More than 8 hours of battery time
• Supports 16-500 ohms headphone impedance

15. SONICAKE Guitar Bass Headphone Amp

SONICAKE Guitar Headphone amp is a great way to practice guitar with high-quality audio output through your headphones.

Design and Dimensions

With a portable design, the lightweight amplifier measures “ W: 2.56, D: 3.82, H: 1.65 inches” and has a weight of 130 g. It runs on a chargeable lithium battery which means you can use it without an external power source.

There are four LEDs on the front panel for indicating the battery level. You will find the volume, gain, and tone controls on the top panel.

Performance

The amplifier gives high-quality audio output to your headphones and it is a great option to practice guitar with backing tracks using your smartphone or any other audio device. It gives you the option to adjust the volume level, gain, and tone depending on your requirements. And, there is a built-in chorus circuit so you can also turn on the chorus effect with the FX switch on the left panel.

With excellent battery life, you can use it continuously for more than 5 hours without charging. It comes with a USB cable for charging.

Connections

The amplifier has a 3.5 mm jack for connecting headphones and a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting your music device. The input plug for the guitar is 6.35 mm.

Product Highlights

• Portable
• More than 5 hours of battery time
• Selectable volume, gain and tone levels