AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Solid-State Bass Combos Under $500 2026
The top pick is Ampeg RB-112 Rocket Bass 100-Watt 1x12" Bass Combo ($445). Blackstar FLY 3 Charge 3-Watt 1x3" Rechargeable Battery-Powered… gives you the most for the money at $80. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 46 models across 18 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Ampeg RB-112 Rocket Bass 100-Watt 1x12" Bass Combo
RB-112 · Ampeg
34 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight11.75 kg
If you play bass and want one amp for practice, rehearsal, and small gigs, you will find a lot to like here. It puts out 100 watts through a 12-inch speaker, with a 3-band EQ and an overdrive you can add grit to with a level control. It also has an XLR DI output, so you can send your signal straight to a mixing board.
Pros
- 100W at 4 ohms gives plenty of power for practice, rehearsal, and small gigs
- Custom Lavoce 12-inch speaker covers the low end of your bass
- 3-band EQ plus Ultra-Hi and Ultra-Lo switches let you shape your tone
Cons
- Single 12-inch speaker makes it a combo, not a stack for very large venues
- Weighs 11.75 kg, so it is not the lightest option to carry to gigs
79AudioFu
Index↓ 15.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$529 · Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Rumble 25 V3 25-Watt 1x8" Bass Combo Amp
Rumble 25 · Fender
105 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight9.53 kg
The Fender Rumble 25 is a small bass combo amp with 25 W of solid-state power and an 8-inch speaker. You get bass, mid and treble knobs, a contour switch, and an overdrive you can turn on and off. It suits you if you are a beginner or someone practicing at home who wants a simple amp with a headphone jack and an AUX input for playing along to songs.
Pros
- Puts out 25 W of solid-state power to drive a bass.
- Includes an 8" Fender Special Design loudspeaker in a black vinyl cabinet.
- Gives you a switchable overdrive and a contour control to shape your sound.
Cons
- Has only one channel, so you cannot switch between two different sounds quickly.
- Weighs 9.53 kg, so it is on the heavy side to carry to gigs or lessons.
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Fender Rumble 40 V3 40-Watt 1x10" Bass Combo Amp
Rumble 40 · Fender
100 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight8.16 kg
You get a 40 W bass combo with one 10 inch speaker. It has a single channel with Gain, Drive and Overdrive controls, plus a Contour and Vintage switch to shape your sound. It suits you if you play bass at home or in a small group and want simple controls with a line out to send your sound to a mixing desk.
Pros
- Class D design delivers 40 W from a compact body
- Includes a 1 x 10 inch Fender special design loudspeaker
- Single channel with Gain, Drive, Overdrive, Contour and Vintage controls
Cons
- Single 10 inch speaker may feel limited for larger rooms
- Weighs 8.16 kg, so it is not the lightest option to carry
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$367 now$367€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ampeg RB-108 Rocket Bass 30-Watt 1x8" Bass Combo
RB-108 · Ampeg
41 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight10.5 kg
You get a 30-watt bass combo with one 8-inch Ampeg speaker, a three-band EQ, and an SGT switch for overdrive. It has a headphone out and aux in, so you can plug in a phone or practice quietly with headphones. It suits beginners and players who want a simple amp with a few useful controls.
Pros
- Solid-state 30-watt amp drives a single 8-inch Ampeg speaker
- Three-band EQ lets you shape your bass tone
- SGT switch adds Super Grit Technology overdrive for extra grit
Cons
- Single 8-inch speaker and 30-watt output limit how loud it can get
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$188 now$188€168 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Rumble 200 V3 200-Watt 1x15" Bass Combo
Rumble 15 · Fender
83 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight7.26 kg
The Rumble 15 is a fantastic little practice amp or a super-portable bass rig for solo gigs. It's got a surprisingly full sound for its size, and the simple controls are great for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, reliable tone. Just be aware it's not going to fill a large room with thunderous bass.
Pros
- Surprisingly punchy low-end for its size, thanks to the Fender Special Design speaker.
- Lightweight and portable – easily giggable for solo bassists.
- Simple, intuitive controls make dialing in a usable tone effortless.
Cons
- The 8-inch speaker limits low-frequency extension, sounding thin at higher volumes.
- EQ is basic; lacks a mid-frequency sweep for precise tone shaping.
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Vox Pathfinder 10 10-Watt 1x6.5" Guitar Practice Amp
Pathfinder 10 Bass · Vox
57 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight5.6 kg
The Pathfinder 10 Bass is a surprisingly capable little amp – it nails that classic Vox character, even at low volumes. It's an absolute winner for bassists needing a portable practice amp or a simple recording solution; don’t expect earth-shattering low-end, but for its size and price, the tone is remarkably good.
Pros
- Distinctive Vox tone, surprisingly full for its size
- Compact and lightweight for practice and small spaces
- Simple, intuitive controls for quick sound shaping
Cons
- Small speakers limit maximum volume and low-end extension
- EQ is basic, lacking nuanced tonal sculpting ability
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Boss Katana-110 Bass 60-Watt 1x10" Bass Combo
Katana-110 Bass · Boss
45 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight16.8 kg
The Katana-110 Bass is a seriously impressive practice and gigging amp for the money. It’s got a ton of amp models and effects, and that tweeter really helps cut through the mix. This is perfect for gigging bassists or students who want a versatile, affordable all-in-one solution.
Pros
- Excellent modelling versatility covering a wide range of bass tones.
- The tweeter adds clarity and definition lacking in many combo amps.
- BOSS Tone Studio software offers deep customization and tonal shaping.
Cons
- The 10” speaker can feel a little constrained at higher volumes.
- While versatile, it lacks the nuanced feel of a truly high-end tube amp.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$402 now$402€360 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight6.1 kg
The Hartke HD15 is a solid little practice amp, particularly for beginners or bassists needing something portable. The HyDrive speaker gives it a surprisingly warm and defined sound for its size and wattage, making it surprisingly versatile for a budget-friendly combo. It's perfect for bedroom practice, quiet rehearsals, or recording.
Pros
- Compact size ideal for practice and small gigs
- HyDrive speaker delivers surprisingly full low-end response
- Simple EQ offers focused tone shaping capabilities
Cons
- Limited wattage restricts performance in louder band settings
- 6.5 inch speaker lacks the deep extension of larger drivers
63AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$122 · Aug 17$118 now$118€106 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Boss Dual Cube LX 10-Watt 2x4" Stereo Digital Modeling Guitar Combo
Dual Cube Bass LX · Boss
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight4.4 kg
The Boss Dual Cube Bass LX is a clever little practice amp. It’s perfect for students, bedroom players, or anyone needing a truly portable bass rig with some creative features. Don’t expect earth-shattering volume, but it’s surprisingly versatile for its size and price.
Pros
- Compact size and battery power offer incredible portability for practice and small gigs.
- The built-in drum machine and looper add substantial value for solo practice and song creation.
- Multiple amp types provide surprising tonal flexibility, from clean to crunchy rock tones.
Cons
- 5” speakers limit low-end extension; lacks the thump for serious gigging.
- Limited wattage means it's not loud enough for rehearsals or larger venues.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$329 now$329€295 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Blackstar FLY 3 Charge 3-Watt 1x3" Rechargeable Battery-Powered…
FLY 3 Bass Amp BK · Blackstar
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1 kg
The Blackstar FLY 3 Bass is a brilliant little practice amp. It’s incredibly compact and surprisingly capable for its size, perfect for students, bedroom players, or anyone needing a truly portable bass solution. Don't expect to fill a venue, but for quiet practice, it's a solid choice.
Pros
- Surprisingly robust 3in speaker handles low frequencies well
- Clean channel delivers a remarkably clear and defined bass tone
- Integrated bass EQ provides useful shaping for various styles
Cons
- 3W output is truly limited to practice and very small gigs
- Speaker simulation in the Line Out is rudimentary, not studio-grade
All 46 solid-state bass combos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Blackstar MM Debut Bass 25 Marco Mendoza Signature 25-Watt 1x8" Bass…Marco Mendoza Debut Bass 25 · Blackstar58Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 12
Cort CM150B MKIICort · 2 finishes58↓ 28.7%$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 13
Fender Rumble 40 V3 IvoryFender58↓ 25.0%$372€333$372€333Check ↗
- 14
Vox Adio Air GT 50-Watt 2x3" Bluetooth Digital Modeling Guitar…Adio Air Bass · Vox57↓ 6.0%$349€313$349€313Check ↗
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Markbass Micromark 801 60-Watt 1x8" Bass ComboMicromark 801 · Markbass56↓ 2.4%$370€331$370€331Check ↗
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Bugera BXD15A 700W 2-Ch Bass Amp-15" SpeakerBXD15A · Bugera · 2 finishes55↓ 7.2%$372€333$372€333Check ↗
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Phil Jones X4C Nanobass 35W RDPhil Jones · 2 finishes55Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
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Orange Crush Bass 50Orange · 2 finishes54Stable$322€288$322€288Check ↗
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Harley Benton HB-20BHarley Benton · 2 finishes53Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
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Harley Benton HB-40BHarley Benton · 2 finishes53Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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Joyo BA-30 Micro Bass Amp WhiteJoyo · 2 finishes50Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
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Hartke HD25 25-Watt 1x8" Bass ComboHD25 · Hartke50↓ 6.5%$162€145$162€145Check ↗
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Orange Crush Bass 25Orange50Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
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Orange Crush Bass 50 Glenn Hughes LTDOrange50↓ 1.0%$320€287$320€287Check ↗
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Ampeg RB-110 IIAmpeg50Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
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Warwick BC 20Warwick48Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
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Harley Benton HB-80B CelestionHarley Benton48Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
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Warwick BC 40Warwick48Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
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Warwick BC 80Warwick48Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
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Warwick BC 150Warwick48Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
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Hartke HD50 50-Watt 1x10" Bass ComboHD50 · Hartke47Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
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NuX Mighty Bass 50 BT 50-Watt 1x6.5" Digital Modeling Bass ComboMighty Bass 50BT · Nux47Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
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Hartke HD150 150-Watt 1x15" Bass ComboHD150 · Hartke47Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
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Cort CM40B BlackCort46Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
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Warwick BC10 10-Watt Bass Combo AmpBC 10 · Warwick45Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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Ibanez P20 PrometheanIbanez44Stable$145€130$145€130Check ↗
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EBS Session 30 Mk3EBS44Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
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Boss Katana-110 Bass 60-Watt 1x10" Bass ComboKatana-110 Bass Bundle · Boss41Stable$433€388$433€388Check ↗
- 39
Markbass CMB 101 Blackline ComboMarkbass37↓ 1.4%$242€217$242€217Check ↗
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Markbass CMB 121 Blackline ComboMarkbass37Stable$404€362$404€362Check ↗
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Harley Benton JAMster BassHarley Benton33Stable$44€39$44€39Check ↗
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Blackstar Debut Bass Combo 25WBlackstar31Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
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Yuer Portable Bass Amp BluetoothYuer29Stable$44€39$44€39Check ↗
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Orange Crush Bass 50 Glenn Hug BundleOrange21↓ 1.8%$367€329$367€329Check ↗
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Orange Crush Bass 50 BundleOrange21Stable$372€333$372€333Check ↗
- 46
Orange Crush Bass 50 Black BundleOrange21↓ 1.2%$380€340$380€340Check ↗
Solid-State Bass Combos by the numbers
Measured across all 54 models we track, not a sample.
Median $278 — half of all solid-state bass combos here cost less.
median of 42 models · 2.4 kg–21 kg
How to choose the best solid-state bass combos
Low-End Response
A good bass amp needs serious low-end extension without sounding muddy or fizzy. We're listening for that fundamental clarity and definition, not just a vague rumble.
Headroom & Clean Breakup
How much can you push the amp before it starts to distort? Clean headroom is important for a variety of genres, but a usable breakup character can be a bonus for rock and blues.
EQ & Tone Shaping
A decent EQ section is crucial for cutting through the mix and compensating for different basses and playing styles. We're looking for controls that offer meaningful adjustments, not just a few basic knobs.
Speaker Quality & Size
The speaker is the heart of the amp. Smaller speakers (8-10") will be fine for practice and smaller gigs, but you'll lose low-end punch and headroom. Larger speakers (12") are preferable but harder to find in this price range.
Build Quality & Reliability
Let's be real, $500 isn't going to buy you a tank. We're assessing the construction, component quality, and overall feel to gauge long-term reliability. Cheap plastic knobs and flimsy connectors are red flags.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk bass combos under $500. It's a tricky budget, but you can get something usable - even giggable - if you know what to look for. Forget the hype; we're hunting for solid-state amps that deliver decent low-end thump and don't sound like a transistor radio. This isn't about pristine cleans; it's about getting a working rig without breaking the bank, and maybe even finding a little grit along the way.
At this price point, expect compromises. You're not getting a boutique amp. Speaker quality will likely be the first thing to suffer - don't expect audiophile-grade clarity.
Look for amps with decent EQ controls; those are essential for shaping your tone. If you plan on gigging regularly, consider the headroom limitations; you might need to mic the amp or supplement it with an external cabinet later on.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 54 solid-state bass combos from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Can I record with these amps?
Absolutely, but don't expect pristine, studio-quality tones. They can work well for rock and blues, but you might need to EQ carefully to tame any harshness. A good DI output is a plus, but often absent at this price.
Are these amps loud enough for a gig?
It depends. For small venues or playing with acoustic bands, maybe. For louder gigs, you'll likely need to mic the amp or pair it with an external cabinet. Headroom will be a major limiting factor.
What's the difference between 'solid-state' and 'tube' amps?
Solid-state amps use transistors to amplify the signal, offering consistent tones and often more headroom. Tube amps use vacuum tubes, which introduce harmonic distortion and a more 'organic' feel - but they're also more expensive and require more maintenance.
What does 'EQ' mean?
EQ stands for equalization. It's a set of controls (bass, mid, treble, sometimes more) that allow you to adjust the frequency balance of the amp's output, shaping your tone to cut through the mix or dial in a specific sound.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Power cables and speaker cables are essential! Don't skimp on those. Also, consider a noise filter if you're dealing with ground loops or hum - a cheap power conditioner can make a surprisingly big difference.
