The 9 Best Guitar Amp Sim Plugins 2025

Let’s discuss some of the best best amp sims 2025. As a guitarist, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible convenience and versatility of amp plugins. 

They’ve completely changed the game for me, offering the same iconic tones as their hardware counterparts but with the added flexibility of digital control. The beauty is that they let me shape and tweak my tone precisely, no matter where I am. Whether I’m recording at home or jamming on the go, they deliver top-tier sound without requiring massive gear setups.

What stands out to me is how amp plugins let me easily recreate the sound of legendary amplifiers. The ability to adjust parameters like gain, EQ, and even mic placement means I can dial in the perfect tone every time.

Plus, with built-in effects and seamless DAW integration, I save time and space while still getting that professional sound. And let’s face it, the sheer variety of amp plugins available these days is overwhelming.

2024 has seen a wave of incredible amp plugins that have elevated my tone to new heights. Whether I’m after a classic rock crunch or a modern metal distortion, these plugins have something to offer.

It’s fantastic to have such powerful tools at my fingertips, all with the flexibility to craft a unique mine sound..

In this post, I’ll walk you through 9 of the best guitar amp vst plugins of 2024 that have significantly impacted my sound. From versatile tones to specific genres, these plugins offer everything I need to take my playing to the next level. Let’s dive in and explore which ones might just become your new favorite!

1. Neural DSP Archetype: Gojira X

I’m really excited to talk about this amp sim. With all its bells and whistles, the Gojira plugin captures the raw energy and tonal complexity of Gojira’s signature sound, bringing modern metal to life in your DAW. This plugin, developed in collaboration with Gojira’s frontman and guitarist Joe Duplantier, is an impressive collection of features tailored to heavy music.

Whether it’s the crushing distortion, atmospheric clean tones, or creative modulation options, the plugin embodies the band’s unique sonic identity that guitar players like me crave.

The Gojira guitar amp VST plugin offers three distinct amplifiers: Clean, Crunch, and Lead. Each amp has a matching cabinet that can be swapped for full customization. I’m impressed with the Clean amp as it delivers sparkling tones and vintage warmth, especially when paired with the shimmer reverb.

The Crunch amp offers versatility, ranging from tight chugs to tones reminiscent of a dual rectifier. I mean, this amp is phenomenal when playing heavy riffs or rhythm sections. The Lead amp is a high-gain powerhouse, perfect for intense modern metal riffs and soaring solos.

If you collect pedals for a hobby, let me introduce you to what the Gojira plugin offers. Some pedal options include an overdrive, dirt pedal, phaser, chorus in the preamp section, and delay and reverb in the post-amp chain.

You’ll also get a real kick out of the whammy pedal and octaver, which allow for pitch manipulation and harmonic layering. The plugin’s intuitive interface mimics Neural DSP’s renowned layout, enabling users to tweak settings effortlessly. I truly love how simple they’ve made it to dial in everything perfectly.

The plugin’s attention to detail is evident in its dynamic response. It reacts authentically to subtle changes in pick attack, string weight, and EQ adjustments, providing an experience that feels remarkably close to playing through a real amp. The phaser adds a polished, rhythmic texture to solos for lead players like myself, making even basic techniques stand out. Meanwhile, the reverb and delay modules enhance spatial depth for ambient cleans or high-gain leads.

The Archetype: Gojira plugin is compatible with Windows and macOS, supporting VST, AU, and AAX formats. It seamlessly integrates with popular DAWs, making it accessible for studio and live applications.

2. Aurora DSP Rhino

The Aurora DSP Rhino plugin is unlike any other amp sim I’ve used. Rather than replicating a specific amp, Rhino offers a modular design, providing seven sections to shape your tone. This means I have complete control over the entire signal chain, allowing me to fine-tune every aspect of my sound, from the input and preamp stages to the cabinet simulation and effects. This feature is a game-changer for someone like me who loves to experiment with different setups.

What I appreciate most about Rhino is its flexibility and depth. The modular design lets me build my sound from scratch, with options like a noise gate, various drive options (Scream, Brute, Buzz), and a full EQ section. The preamp section is especially impressive, with the ability to tweak everything from low-end punch to high-end shimmer.

If I want a more modern, scooped sound, I can shape it, but I can also warm up my tone with vintage characteristics using high-pass and low-pass filters.

Another standout feature for me is the built-in effects. Rhino includes flanger, chorus, delay, and reverb, which can add depth and movement to my tone. These effects are unique because they integrate seamlessly into the overall signal chain, allowing for smooth transitions between distortion and modulation. Plus, with the ability to load my impulse responses (IRs) and blend them, Rhino allows me to create the perfect cabinet tone for my needs.

The power amp section is equally impressive, with options to adjust presence, resonance, and tightness. I love how it reacts to changes in my playing dynamics, adding that organic feel that’s often hard to achieve with digital plugins. Whether I’m going for clean, tight rhythms or heavy, saturated leads, Rhino delivers a tone that feels alive and responsive.

The Aurora DSP Rhino Guitar Amp Sim is compatible with macOS (10.12 or later) and Windows (7 or newer). It supports VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU formats, making it compatible with most major DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

3. MixWave Spiritbox – Mike Stringer

The MixWave Spiritbox – Mike Stringer plugin is a versatile and comprehensive tool that encapsulates the essence of Mike Stringer’s tone from the band Spiritbox. Designed in collaboration with MixWave, it offers everything Mike uses for writing and performing music. With features tailored for high-gain tones, clean tones, and intricate DI processing, it’s built to cater to a wide range of soundscapes.

This Guitar Amp Sim plugin opens with a Rhythm Default Setting that immediately showcases its powerful amp and cab modeling. What I find great about the plugin is the inclusion of DI-specific EQ and compression options that allow customization of the input and output signal chain without relying on external plugins. I believe that things must be easy to use for an enjoyable experience.

The interface design ensures a seamless workflow and contributes to its user-friendly interface. Additionally, the Focus and Contour knobs on the cab section address high-gain tone artifacts and offer tonal shaping options, setting it apart from conventional plugins, in my opinion.

This VST Guitar Amp Sim’s flexibility is enhanced by its dynamic signal chain arrangement. Users can reorder effects such as overdrive, compression, and EQ with ease. It also boasts an extensive cab section with 21 microphone options and speaker choices between V30 and Greenback.

These features allow for in-depth tone sculpting, making it ideal for both casual play and professional recording. Trust me, you’ll be getting your money’s worth with this one.

Another highlight is its clean tone capability. I would recommend using the middle pickup for the best results. The plugin is capable of delivering shimmering, articulate, clean tones that suit Spiritbox’s dynamic sound. From soaring leads to heavy rhythm tracks, it provides a polished and adaptable palette rhythm and lead players alike.

MixWave Spiritbox – Mike Stringer is compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms. It supports VST, AU, and AAX formats, ensuring broad accessibility across DAWs.

4. IK Multimedia TONEX

The IK Multimedia TONEX represents a revolutionary leap in rig modeling, delivering unprecedented authenticity and flexibility. What I like best is its advanced AI-powered machine modeling technology that allows you to replicate the sound of any amp, cabinet, or pedal and transform it into a standalone application or plugin. Whether used with your favorite DAW, integrated into AmpliTube 5, or as a standalone solution, TONEX offers a seamless way to experience and manipulate tone.

First off, let’s talk about the modeler. You start with selecting your instrument type: guitar or bass, and choosing from five-tone modes tailored to your needs. Once your instrument is set, you connect your rig using a straightforward interface that ensures proper amplification, mic placement, and monitoring configurations.

The capture process records your rig’s audio signature, and you can adjust the accuracy level to achieve the desired fidelity. A neural network then processes this data, creating an incredibly precise tone model of your setup.

The editor section is next, where you can tweak EQ, noise gates, compression, and reverb parameters with ease. The intuitive interface lets you fine-tune every detail while offering options for custom skins and metadata organization. This ensures not only that your tones are polished but also that they are easy to access and manage.

Another interesting feature that I find particularly useful is that TONEX excels in its ability to connect players across the globe. With ToneNet, IK Multimedia’s dedicated online platform, you can explore, demo, and download tone models from other users.

Whether you’re searching for rare vintage amps or cutting-edge modern rigs, ToneNet makes it easy to find and share tones within the community.

The integration with AmpliTube 5 enhances TONEX’s capabilities even further. You can seamlessly incorporate tone models into your existing gear chains, build complex signal paths, and save presets for future use. This makes TONEX a powerful addition to any guitarist’s or bassist’s toolkit, offering both standalone functionality and deep integration with existing platforms.

In my view, what truly sets TONEX apart is its vast library of tone models. From legendary vintage rigs to ultra-modern setups, the software offers a comprehensive collection of sounds to inspire creativity. The ability to audition these tones with preloaded audio files means you can explore their nuances even without picking up an instrument.

TONEX is compatible with macOS and Windows, functioning as a standalone application or plugin. It supports popular plugin formats such as VST, VST3, AAX, and AU, making it a versatile tool for virtually any digital audio workstation.

5. Brainworx Suhr SE100

The Brainworx Suhr SE100 Amp Head plugin is a stellar addition to any guitarist’s arsenal, offering the legendary tones of the Suhr SE100 amp right within your DAW. As a longtime fan of Suhr amplifiers, I was thrilled to explore this plugin on the UAD platform.

Brainworx has truly captured the essence of the SE100, delivering both high-gain aggression and pristine clean tones that Suhr is renowned for. Whether dialing in scorching solos or smooth rhythm parts, the SE100 plugin provides the versatility and reliability you need to elevate your sound.

Setting up the Suhr SE100 plugin was a breeze with my UAD Apollo interface. Plugging in my guitar and loading the SE100 onto the first channel’s unison slot instantly opened up a world of tonal possibilities. From the get-go, the plugin impresses with its high-gain capabilities, perfect for modern rock and metal tones, yet it seamlessly transitions to clean and mid-gain sounds without losing clarity.

I was particularly impressed by how effortlessly I could switch between different amp settings, allowing me to tailor my tone to any musical context.

One of the standout features of the SE100 plugin is its flexible signal chain. Brainworx has designed it to let you reorder effects such as overdrive, compression, and EQ with ease. This flexibility means you’re not confined to a rigid setup; instead, you can experiment and create custom signal paths that suit your playing style.

Additionally, the Focus knob in the cab section effectively eliminates unwanted high-frequency noise and whistles, ensuring a smooth and polished tone. The Contour knob, a unique addition by Brainworx, adds a layer of tonal shaping that I found indispensable for fine-tuning my sound.

The plugin also boasts an impressive array of artist presets, including those inspired by legendary guitarist Doug Aldrich. These presets offer a fantastic starting point, allowing you to quickly dial in professional-grade tones without spending hours tweaking settings.

I particularly enjoyed experimenting with the Les Paul Artist and Malmsteen Strat presets, which faithfully replicate the signature sounds of these iconic guitars. The ability to load and switch between these presets effortlessly makes the SE100 plugin a versatile tool for both studio sessions and live performances.

Another major advantage of the Brainworx Suhr SE100 plugin is its integration with the UAD Apollo hardware and software. The Guitar Amp Sim works seamlessly within your existing setup, allowing you to incorporate additional UAD effects like the Lexicon 224 Reverb and two Lane Modulation plugins.

The Brainworx Suhr SE100 Amp Head plugin is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems. It supports popular plugin formats such as VST, AU, and AAX, ensuring smooth integration with major DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live. Additionally, it requires the UAD Apollo interface for optimal performance, making it a perfect fit for users already invested in the UAD ecosystem.

6. Softube Marshall Kerry King Signature

The Softube Marshall Kerry King Signature Amp VST plugin brings the iconic sound of Slayer’s lead guitarist to the digital realm. Developed in collaboration with Kerry King and Marshall, this plugin recreates the signature tone of King’s modified JCM800 2203 amplifier, a mainstay of his setup for decades.

King’s amp, famously equipped with an MXR 10-band EQ for mid and gain boosts, has been meticulously translated into plugin format, providing players with a compact yet powerful tool for unleashing high-octane metal tones.

The moment I loaded this Guitar Amp Sim VST into my DAW, its user-friendly interface captured my attention. Faithful to the classic JCM800 design, it incorporates standard controls for presence, bass, mid, treble, and master volume while introducing features like “The Beast” and “Assault” modes. These controls simulate King’s legendary tone-shaping tricks, offering gain and mid boosts that push the amp into ferocious territory.

I like the Beast mode as it replicates the effect of Kerry’s MXR EQ pedal, while Assault acts as an additional level boost before the preamp, saturating the tone for extra intensity. Despite its high-gain capabilities, the plugin also excels in delivering vintage JCM800 tones that are perfect for classic rock enthusiasts.

In my view, the plugin’s cabinet simulation options are a standout feature. With setups meticulously crafted by Terry Date, users can explore configurations ranging from SM57 and M88 microphones to combinations with Neumann U87s and D19s. These presets capture the essence of King’s live rig, including the “Slayer Live” setup, which channels the raw energy of a Slayer concert.

For those looking for inspiration, the plugin includes artist presets designed by Kerry King himself, covering everything from crushing rhythms to searing leads. Whether using passive pickups or active EMGs, the Kerry King Signature plugin delivers a dynamic and authentic response, ensuring compatibility with a variety of guitars.

The Softube Marshall Kerry King Signature Amp plugin is compatible with major DAWs and supports VST, AU, and AAX formats on macOS and Windows systems. While it excels in high-gain metal tones, its ability to handle classic Marshall sounds ensures broader appeal for players across genres.

7. Nembrini Audio Overdrive Special Guitar Amplifier

The Nembrini Audio Overdrive Special Guitar Amplifier plugin captures the essence of the legendary Dumble Overdrive Special, bringing its iconic tones to your digital rig. This plugin features two channels, Clean and Overdrive, that cascade into one another, mimicking the real amp’s ability to transition effortlessly from pristine cleans to rich, harmonic overdrive.

Whether you’re chasing jazz warmth or rock grit, the Overdrive Special delivers unmatched tonal versatility. One of my favorite aspects of this plugin is its expanded digital capabilities, which go beyond the original hardware.

The Clean and Overdrive channels offer a wide range of tonal possibilities, further enhanced by features like the Bright switch (for high-frequency emphasis), Deep mode (for added low-mid richness), and Preamp Mode (which toggles between Rock and Jazz voicings).

The cascading overdrive design allows the Clean channel’s tone stack to influence the Overdrive channel, creating smooth, natural clipping that feels incredibly dynamic. The cabinet and impulse loader panel elevates the experience by providing six carefully modeled cabinet emulations, ranging from a VHT 4×12 to a Fender Tweed 4×10 (my favorite).

I love how each cabinet can be paired with up to two virtual microphones, including emulations of the Shure SM-57, Royer R-121, AKG C 414, and Sennheiser MD-421. The mic position, distance, and axis settings are fully adjustable, allowing you to craft a precise, studio-quality sound. You can also load your favorite third-party impulse responses, blending up to three for ultimate flexibility.

For tone sculpting, the Guitar Amp Sim VST includes a cleaner section (to reduce rumbling and harshness), a noise gate, and advanced input/output level controls. The noise gate is a must-have for lead guitar players like me as it tames high-gain tones, while the Fix button ensures consistent input levels when switching presets.

Speaking of presets, the plugin offers extensive save/load functionality and even A/B banks for comparing different settings. These tools make it easy to dial in and refine your perfect tone.

The Nembrini Audio Overdrive Special Guitar Amplifier is compatible with macOS and Windows, supporting VST, AU, and AAX formats. This ensures smooth integration with popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

8. Bogren Digital MLC S_Zero 100

The Bogren Digital MLC Sub-Zero 100 plugin is a powerhouse for guitarists like me who seek high-gain, metal, and rock tones. Crafted by the renowned Bogren Digital team, this plugin offers a streamlined yet highly tweakable interface that delivers studio-quality tones with minimal effort.

Whether you’re dialing in clean Fender-like tones, Marshall-style crunch, or Mesa-inspired high-gain filth, the MLC Sub-Zero 100 offers versatility and sonic depth.

The plugin features three distinct channels: Clean, Crunch, and High Gain, each with independent EQ controls for precise tone shaping. The Vanilla Sky and OVD1 pedals provide tube screamer-like overdrive and rich distortion, letting you push the amp’s gain structure even further. The built-in 10-band graphic EQ and modulation effects (reverb and delay) complete the package, ensuring every detail of your sound is fine-tuned for your mix.

A standout feature is the Impulse Response Dynamics with X (IRDX) technology, which adds organic compression, distortion, and harmonic depth to the cabinet emulation. The plugin includes two cab types (Modern and Vintage) with five microphone options each, allowing you to mix and match configurations for your desired tone. If you prefer, you can bypass the IRDX and load your own impulse responses, giving you full control over your cab simulations.

The MLC Sub-Zero 100 excels in its organic feel and dynamic response, mimicking the sag and compression of a real cab. Turning the IRDX up enhances the realism, making it feel like you’re playing through a live amp. The ability to switch between EL34 and 6L6 power amp tube emulations further expands the tonal palette, catering to a variety of genres and playing styles.

The Bogren Digital MLC Sub-Zero 100 plugin is compatible with macOS and Windows operating systems. It supports VST, AU, and AAX formats, ensuring seamless integration with major DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

9. Fuse Audio Labs VPRE-562A Vintage Tube Amplifier

The Fuse Audio Labs VPRE-562A Vintage Tube Amplifier plugin takes me on a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of analog sound. Modeled after a rare early 1960s all-tube amp originally designed as a PA amplifier, this plugin offers vintage tones that bring warmth and character to any track.

I love how it delivers the same gritty, harmonic richness that UK bands famously coaxed out of the original hardware when repurposed as a guitar or bass head.

What draws me to the VPRE-562A is its unconventional EQ design. The Mic/Aux and Pre/PA selectors give me complete control over how the harmonics, presence, and transformer-induced effects color my tone. Whether I’m boosting subtle warmth for a clean sound or cranking the gain for authentic vintage overdrive, the results are always musical and inspiring.

It’s a plugin that I can rely on for both subtle coloration and powerful distortion, depending on what the track demands. Another standout for me is how seamlessly this plugin works with both classic and modern instruments. I’ve used it as a standalone spice booster for my guitar and bass tracks, but it’s equally effective when paired with a full amp simulation.

It has this amazing ability to enhance instruments without sounding artificial, adding a layer of depth and authenticity that’s hard to replicate with digital gear.

The VPRE-562A is compatible with macOS (10.12 or newer, Intel or Apple Silicon) and Windows (7 or newer) systems. It supports VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU formats, ensuring it integrates smoothly with popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

Extra: Blackstar Amplification JJN 50

The Blackstar Amplification JJN 50 plugin brings the tonal versatility and dynamic feel of the real JJN 50 amp to your fingertips. As a blues guitarist or even just a rock ‘n’ roll fan like me, you’ve probably heard of Jaret James Nichols. This amp, crafted through his collaboration with Blackstar Amplification, captures his unique sound. And guess what…now you get to experience it in plugin form.

Channel 1 is an excellent starting point for players relying on pedals or modulation effects. It’s clean and clear and offers great headroom for adding external tone-shaping elements, which I prefer.

Turning the volume down results in a cleaner, more subdued tone, while cranking it up adds a snappy edge, giving players control over the amp’s character. I especially love the built-in reverb, which easily goes from subtle to lush and provides ample flexibility. I’d roll the reverb all the way up to achieve a full and atmospheric sound.

I urge you to experiment with the different pickup selection settings at your disposal, as the clean channel responds differently to the bridge, neck, and middle pickup positions, retaining clarity and musicality across all settings. This dynamic interaction is particularly beneficial for players who like to use their guitar’s controls to shape their tone.

If you’re seeking classic breakup tones and bluesy overdrives, you’re going to love Channel 2. The gain control offers plenty of saturation without losing clarity, and even minor tweaks to the EQ affect the amp’s response, showcasing the plugin’s fidelity to real amp dynamics.

My favorite scenario is rolling up the gain and making slight tonal adjustments to produce authentic blues tones that feel organic and inspire expressive playing.

The Blackstar Amplification JJN 50 plugin is compatible with major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live, on both macOS and Windows. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for a seamless experience.