JOYO
JOYO Mini Amp Review
Reviewed by Eric Davis · Published
Discover the JOYO Mini Amp with Bluetooth, built-in effects, and portable design. Perfect for practicing guitar anywhere in 2023.
The verdict
The JOYO Mini Amp is a portable and versatile practice amp that delivers solid performance for guitarists.
Why we recommend it
Portable Plug-In Practice Amp: Plug the JA-05G directly into your electric guitar and play without extra instrument cabl
Built-In 4 Practice Effects: Shape your practice tone with Clean, Overdrive, Distortion, and Reverb effects. Use the EFF
Bluetooth for Backing Tracks: Bluetooth lets you play songs or backing tracks from your phone through the amp, making it
Rechargeable USB-C Power: The built-in 3.7V/1500mAh battery supports up to about 5 hours of use per full charge, dependi
Fits More Guitars with Plug Extender: Works with most electric guitars using a standard 1/4-inch 6.35mm output jack. An
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Built-in effects for sound experimentation
- Bluetooth connectivity for backing tracks
- Rechargeable battery with decent life
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Volume may not be sufficient for all users
- Mixed reviews on distortion quality
- No headphone jack for silent practice
Gallery
Full review
Overview The JOYO Mini Amp 5W is a portable plug-in guitar amplifier that promises to deliver a convenient practice experience for guitar enthusiasts. With a compact design and unique features such as Bluetooth connectivity and built-in effects, it's positioned as a versatile option for musicians on the go. As a bestseller in the amplifiers and effects category, the JOYO Mini Amp has garnered significant attention and positive reviews, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their practice sessions.
Key Features One of the standout features of the JOYO Mini Amp is its portability. The device is designed to plug directly into your electric guitar, eliminating the need for cumbersome instrument cables. This compact 5W amp is perfect for bedroom practice, casual playing, or even warm-ups before a gig. Its lightweight build allows for easy transport, making it an ideal choice for musicians who travel frequently or prefer practicing in different locations.
In addition to its portability, the JOYO Mini Amp includes four built-in practice effects: Clean, Overdrive, Distortion, and Reverb. This feature enables users to experiment with their sound and find the tone that best fits their playing style. Switching between these effects is straightforward, thanks to the EFFECT button that allows for seamless transitions. However, it's essential to note that while the amp offers some versatility, opinions on the quality of the distortion effect vary among users.
Another impressive feature is the Bluetooth capability, which allows guitarists to play along with backing tracks or their favorite songs from a smartphone. This aspect makes practicing more enjoyable and interactive, although it is important to remember that the Bluetooth connection is solely for audio playback and does not support guitar audio transmission or headphone connectivity.
The amplifier is powered by a rechargeable USB-C battery, boasting a capacity of 1500mAh. Users can expect around five hours of playtime on a full charge, depending on usage factors such as volume and effects used. The inclusion of a USB-C charging cable adds to the convenience, allowing for quick and easy recharging. However, users should be cautious to use only a 5V charger, as higher voltage can potentially damage the device.
Who Is It For The JOYO Mini Amp is designed for a wide range of guitarists, from beginners to more experienced players looking for a portable practice solution. Its compact size and ease of use make it especially appealing for those who may not have the space or resources for a full-sized amplifier. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for musicians who frequently travel or need a practice amp that can easily fit into a backpack or gig bag.
This amp also caters to guitarists who enjoy experimenting with different sounds and effects. The built-in effects provide a quick and easy way to shape tones, making it suitable for players who appreciate versatility in their practice sessions. Furthermore, the Bluetooth functionality will resonate well with those who like to jam along with tracks, adding a layer of enjoyment to their practice routines.
Final Verdict In conclusion, the JOYO Mini Amp 5W Portable Amplifier is a remarkable option for guitarists seeking a portable, feature-rich practice amp. While it may not be the loudest option on the market, its sound quality and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize convenience and experimentation in their playing. Whether you are a beginner looking to hone your skills or an experienced player wanting a reliable practice tool, the JOYO Mini Amp stands out as an admirable choice.
With its compact design, Bluetooth capability, and built-in effects, it offers an impressive range of features at a budget-friendly price. Despite some mixed feedback regarding the distortion effect and volume levels, many users find it to be an excellent addition to their practice gear. For anyone looking to enhance their guitar practice experience, the JOYO Mini Amp is definitely worth considering.
Specifications
| Compatible Devices | Electric Guitar, Guitar |
|---|---|
| Output Wattage | 5 watts |
| Speaker Size | 10.5 centimeters |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Output Channel Quantity | 1 |
| Amplifier Type | Solid State |
| Connector Type | 6.35mm Jack, USB-C |
| Color | Black |
| Enclosure Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Metal |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 4.8"D x 4.5"W x 2"H |
| Item Weight | 140 g |
| Brand | JOYO |
| Model Name | JOYO Mini Guitar Amp JA-05G |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Manufacturer | ShenZhen JOYO Technology |
| Built-In Media | 6.35mm Plug Extension Adapter ×1, JA-05G Mini Guitar Amp ×1, Owner’s Manual ×1, USB-C Charging Cable ×1 |
| Item Type Name | Music Recording Equipment |
| Model Number | Manufacturer-JOYO-JA05G-0011 |
| Mfr Part Number | 041-JA05G-0011 |
| Warranty Description | 1-year Manufacturer Warranty We stand behind the quality of our product. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. If you encounter any issue, please contact us directly. We will provide a replacement, repair, or refund after we receive and verify the returned item. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #424 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)#4 in Electric Guitar Amplifiers & Preamps |
| ASIN | B0CNRGCG3Z |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,548) 4.3 out of 5 stars |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“I just got it an hour ago, and right out of the box I plugged it into my Ibanez 6 string. and it works beautifully. The sound is wonderful (For what it is) If you compare this to a more expensive amp you are cheating yourself out of a good product, because you will think it is not as good.For $30 this is a great travel/practice amp. You can get great clean/overdrive/crunchy tone out of it. It connects with my phone and I was able to play some backing tracks on Spotify from my phone to jam to.I personally love it! Will it replace my main amp? NO! But it is not supposed to, this can be bought for pennies and works straight out of the box with no setup. This is great for your 8 year old's first practice amp. Even at full volume, while the sound was clear and nice to me, my wife was able to watch television in the next room, without problem.You can use it while charging, so during long jam/practice sessions, when the battery eventually dies. You can just plug it in and continue playing. I have not had it long enough to comment on the battery life, but every other aspect of it I love so far, and I give it that 5 star rating honestly.My two criticisms are small ones. First of all, it rolls around in the output port of the guitar, as you move or shift its weight, it does not stay still. I worry about breaking it on something as it sticks out from the guitar very far. But even still it is only $30 to replace it if it does. It would be nice to have a mounting bracket (Sell it separately to not increase the price of the unit) But a simple 3d printed bracket to clip it to the body of the guitar better would be something I would buy.The additional 6.5mm adapter that came with it makes no sense, and I am not sure what it is for, and it is not mentioned in the owners manual at all. I thought it would attach to give some more space between the unit and the guitar if you wanted that. But it does not.The unit also comes with Bluetooth functionality, very cool as I said you can plug it into the guitar, connect it to your phone, and then play music or a backing track from your phone to play guitar along to. Or if you just want a small portable speaker to play music from your phone with, it will do that. The owners manual, shows you just propping the amp up on the connection adapter, like a kick-stand. However Guitar people will not want to do that as it can damage that adapter and cause an unwanted buzz or other unwanted sounds. So you could 3d print a small plastic cover to clip onto it, so when you use it as a kick-stand the metal of the adapter is protected from scratches.Do those things and I would give it 10 stars. I would buy three or four more of them to keep in various places like my gig bag, or my friends house where I jam and practice a lot.This is a good product, that is worth the 5 stars and the $30 already. Those two additions would make it way better.”
“I use this device as a practice amp when I just dont want to use my big amp and set that up with a cord and blow my neighbors away. Also in a small group like a camp fire situation it works and you do get some reverb distortion etc. but not like a pedal but it is something that is compact small quick and dirty and for the price why not. For practice or going to a guitar store and trying out a new electric guitar it can be brought along because the sales people are busy and dont want to setup and plug in an amp for you and run a cord. This way you take it from your pocket and can test out electric guitars and its good enough. I bought it for this reason because I was looking for another electric guitar and was frustrated by the lack of sales support in big box stores or pawn shops because there is no cord to plug in an amp and no electrical outlet. This way you plug this in and can do your own thing and not bother people and be too loud. The device fits in a jacket pocket or cargo pants. You can perform in front of a mic with this thing but for that you need an amp becuase there are sound quality issues. For practice or going for a guitar lesson this is great. Makes learning electric guitar that much easier and you get some effects as well. The price was right. Also for my acoustic electric guitar it gives me some reverb so it works to check out acoustic electronics in a guitar store. Who wants to buy an acoustic electronic guitar only to bring the guitar home and find out the electronic part of the guitar does not work. Happened to me once. Had to go back to the store and get a refund what fun.”
“This is a good option if you live in a place where space and loudness are limited. The sound is good for what it is. I wouldn't recommend using with electric acoustic guitar because it will be hard to hear. On electric acoustic It will sound exactly the same as your acoustic guitar, so you may not notice its even there. With electric guitar, it makes a difference. Greater depths of sound. However, the range of sound will be very limited compared to a real amp. It will not pick up the sound of all the guitar knobs. It provides convenience. I wouldnt recommend using for performing. A $100-$200 amp will sound much better. Or get spark headphones. Its worth having. With this amp I can get about 2 different distinct sounds. With my headphones i can get 1000s of different sounds. This is just good for its size and accessibility.”
“The first thing you should know it will keep you up all night. I haven’t been asleep yet. I’ve been playing with that thing all night and all day is really cool and you can hear the sound effect sound good comes out good and clear what I really like I recorded it then I ran it back through the Bluetooth while it was playing back we recorded a jam together It was really cool. I love it and you can walk around the house freely with it. The Stratocaster didn’t sounded good with it cause it’s kind of a light guitar but the less Paul they got along real well. Keep up the good work guys.”
“This is perfect for if you want to travel and play your guitar at the park or out with friends. You don’t have to worry about carrying around a giant amp. The battery last very long so it’s reliable. It’s has different sound effects. There’s no assembly necessary just plug it in and it’s ready. Great sound and volume for the price. Great for beginners.”
Frequently asked questions
Does the JOYO Mini Amp have a headphone jack?+
No, the JOYO Mini Amp does not include a headphone jack for silent practice.
How long does the battery last on a full charge?+
The built-in battery lasts approximately five hours on a full charge, depending on usage.
Can I connect my guitar wirelessly?+
No, the Bluetooth feature is only for audio playback and does not transmit guitar audio.
What types of guitars can I use with this amp?+
The JOYO Mini Amp is compatible with most electric guitars that have a standard 1/4-inch output jack.
Is the amp suitable for live performances?+
While the amp is mainly designed for practice, it can be used for small, informal performances in intimate settings.
About the reviewer
Eric Davis
Music Editor
Eric is a musician with 15 years experience reviewing instruments for players of all levels.
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