The Best Budget NAM Compatible Gear for Guitarists: Under $100, $200, $300
Check out NAM-compatible gear at every price point—for every guitarist.
Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) has completely reshaped how guitarists (and bassists) approach tone. With hundreds of thousands of free amp captures and impulse responses (aka IRs) on TONE3000, players at any level can access studio-quality sound without needing physical amps or expensive plugins. All you need to get started is the right NAM-compatible hardware to unlock those tones.
Whether you're creating a rig for performing live or just want to jam at home, you can build an awesome rig for less than the price of a used Squire Strat. Here are some of the best NAM-compatible hardware options for under $100, $200, and $300.
Best NAM Compatible Hardware Players Under $100
Valeton GP-5
The Valeton GP-5 is one of the most affordable NAM-capable hardware devices available today. For under $80, it supports Nano NAM captures, includes USB audio, Bluetooth connectivity, impulse responses, and built-in effects. The GP-5 is ideal for new players or for anyone looking for a portable practice solution.
Valeton GP-5
Sonicake Pocket Master
The Sonicake Pocket Master is one of the most convenient and affordable amp sim units for guitarists who want to explore NAM tones without carrying a full-size multi-FX unit. Designed as an ultra-portable, headphone-ready amp sim it offers built-in effects, cabinet simulations via impulse responses, and USB connectivity. The Pocket Master works perfectly as a plug-and-play front end for running NAM tones on a laptop or mobile device.
Sonicake Pocket Master
Best NAM Compatible Hardware Player Under $200
NUX Amp Academy Stomp
If you’re looking for something in a compact, stompbox-sized pedal, the NUX Amp Academy Stomp delivers the goods. Its 32-bit DSP and 96 kHz processing deliver fast response, natural-sounding dynamics, and plenty of headroom. Note that the NUX Amp Academy Stomp doesn’t run NAM models natively, but you can use NAM captures with it through the USB audio or effects-loop routing. With bells and whistles like Bluetooth support, full MIDI control, and built-in USB audio interface functionality, the NUX Amp Academy Stomp offers a whole lot of bang for very few bucks.
NUX Amp Academy Stomp
Best NAM Compatible Hardware Players Under $300
Valeton GP-200LT
The GP-200LT is one of the most impressive budget NAM players on the market. It supports Nano NAM captures natively, loads high-resolution IRs, and offers deep routing options normally found on much more expensive units. For under $280 at retail (sometimes even less if you shop around), this is the closest thing to a flagship NAM unit in the budget category.
Valeton GP-200LT
Hotone Ampero One
The Ampero One is a fantastic all-in-one processor offering touch-screen navigation, 3-button control, extensive effects options, and excellent IR handling. It doesn’t run NAM natively, but you can convert NAM files into Hotone’s proprietary .clo format by using Hotone’s Sound Clone software. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, Hotone’s Ampero II unit adds more features and improved processing power giving you even more options.
Hotone Ampero One: An Affordable Ampless Rig for All Your Recording Needs
Final Thoughts
NAM has made professional tones accessible to everyone, and you don’t need expensive hardware to get started. Whether you’re spending under $100 to enjoy the basics, or spending a couple more bucks to access all of the modern features guitarists expect in a multi-effects guitar processor, every option above pairs perfectly with the free NAM captures and IRs available on TONE3000.
