How to Practice Electric Guitar Without Worrying About Noise Complaints!!

Hey guitarists — how’s your home practice going?
One of the biggest appeals of the electric guitar is that heavily distorted tone or that crystal-clear clean sound with spacey effects. But, both of those require running your signal through an amp… and blasting an amp at home isn’t always an option.
Even small practice amps can be too loud. And without enough volume, it’s hard to get into the groove.
So in this guide, we’ll focus on silent practice setups and I’ll recommend some great gear that lets you practice electric guitar at home without being too loud!

01. Headphone Amps with Simple Operation

These have become a staple for home guitar practice. Just plug the small unit directly into your guitar, connect your headphones or earphones, and you’ve got instant amp sound. They’re affordable and many models come with an AUX jack so you can connect your smartphone and play along with your favorite tracks.

VOX / amPlug3 Series

It goes without mentioning the well-known VOX amPlug series. The latest third-generation models feature upgraded analog circuitry, stereo support for wider sound, enhanced ambient effects, and even nine built-in rhythm patterns.

Photo: AP3-US amPlug3 US Silver

NUX / GP-1

This one is a simple headphone amp from NUX.
Despite the low price, it includes a distortion channel and allows you to control Level, Tone, and Gain directly on the unit. It runs on alkaline batteries and offers around 40 hours of continuous use.

02. Headphone Amps Controlled by Apps

Digital headphone amps have advanced significantly in recent years. Like analog models, these plug directly into your guitar, but they offer the added benefit of controlling effects and amp settings via a mobile app. Many also support wireless connections with smartphones or tablets, allowing you to play along with music streamed directly to the amp.

BOSS / KATANA:GO

This headphone amp comes from BOSS, who’s well known for their compact effect pedals. It includes audio interface functionality that allows for connection to a smartphone in a wide range of applications. For more details, check out the special feature page:

⇒ BOSS KATANA:GO Feature

FENDER / Mustang Micro Plus

A headphone amp positioned as an extension of the Fender Mustang amp series. It features 25 amp models covering everything from clean tones to high gain, and it’s controllable via the Fender Tone App.

NUX / Mighty Plug Pro

A more advanced headphone amp from NUX that offers serious tone-shaping capabilities. In addition to the app-based controls and Bluetooth audio playback, it also supports third-party IR loading, a feature inherited from multi-effects processors.

03. Headphone-Style Amps

The devices I have introduced so far require connecting headphones to an amp. But this one is a headphone-shaped amp! And, it’s wireless! Just plug the transmitter into your guitar, put on the headphones, and you're ready to play. Naturally, it supports tone editing and audio playback via an app. These cutting-edge amps are ultra-portable and let you play guitar anytime, anywhere– no matter the place or hour!

BOSS / WAZA-AIR

A headphone-style amp loaded with the acclaimed KATANA amp tones from BOSS. Beyond its impressive sound quality, the standout feature is the stage mode, which uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect head movement and simulate the experience of having an amp behind you. It’s something you really have to experience for yourself!

Positive Grid / Spark NEO

From the popular Spark series that’s now a go-to for home practice. Here comes the long-awaited headphone-style amp! It’s fully controllable with the existing Spark app, making it an excellent option for those who already own a Spark amp.

04. Multi-Effects Units

Another option: just go with a multi-effects unit!
While you’ll need to connect your guitar with a regular instrument cable, most of these units come with a headphone output and AUX input, so you can use them just like the headphone amps introduced above. Recently, even compact models support app control and Bluetooth audio playback, making them perfect for both studio use and home practice.

MOOER / Prime M1

One of the most compact models in MOOER’s extensive multi-effects lineup. Despite its small size, it features two footswitches and relies primarily on app-based control for sound editing. Naturally, it also includes a headphone out and Bluetooth music playback for silent practice.

SONICAKE / Pocket Master

Arguably one of the most talked-about multi-effects units right now. Despite its compact ~10cm body, it packs a wide range of effects. Its standout feature is its ability to import NAM (Neural Amp Modeler) files via an editor. The output jack doubles as a headphone out, and Bluetooth music playback is also supported.

05. Audio Interfaces

Another great method is using an audio interface with a mobile device (iOS, etc.). With apps like GarageBand, which includes built-in amp modeling, or third-party amp sim apps, you can play along with backing tracks and even record your playing. This lets you objectively critique your performance, which is incredibly useful for self-improvement.
Personally, I started my guitar practice this way.

IK MULTIMEDIA / iRig 2

My go-to compact audio interface for iOS since their beginner days. Simply plug it in and launch an app, and your iPhone or iPad instantly transforms into an amp/effects unit. Comes bundled with Amplitube and supports other apps like GarageBand and Positive Grid’s Bias Amp 2 (highly recommended). There are also some unexpected ways to use it involving the Amp Out jack, which I will share another time!

Saramonic / SmartRig+ Di

Features two combo XLR/TRS jacks and connects directly via Lightning. Ideal for those who want to use instruments as well as microphones, since it supports phantom power supply.

Conclusion

In recent years, digital gear has rapidly advanced with wireless functionality and app integration greatly improving home practice environments. Whether you’re someone who’s hesitant to start guitar because you can’t play loudly at home, or you already own lots of gear but want an easier way to play indoors, there are plenty of thoughtfully designed devices to enjoy. Be sure to check them out!