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Head-to-head · Guitar Amp Software

AmpliTube 5 vs TH-U

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score AmpliTube 5 #2 in Guitar Amp Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit IK Multimedia
TH-U #5 in Guitar Amp Software 8.9/10 15-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Overloud

AmpliTube 5 leads on 1 check, TH-U on 2, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAmpliTube 5 · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly AmpliTube 5
  • Free trialonly TH-U

AmpliTube 5 scores higher on our rubric for guitar amp software: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

TH-U leads on amp models: 16 models versus 13 models. TH-U leads on cabinet models: 15 models versus 14 models. AmpliTube 5 leads on effects count: 33 effects versus 16 effects.

AmpliTube 5 is the better fit for mature all-in-one practice and recording. TH-U is the better fit for captured-rig playback and advanced tone shaping.

  • AmpliTube 5 fits best

    Mature all-in-one practice and recording

  • TH-U fits best

    Captured-rig playback and advanced tone shaping

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Side by side

Feature AmpliTube 5 9.2/10 Visit ↗ TH-U 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.9
Ranking #2 in Guitar Amp Software #5 in Guitar Amp Software
Best for Mature all-in-one practice and recording Captured-rig playback and advanced tone shaping
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $99.99 one-time €89 one-time
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — 15 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, iOS
Support Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features AmpliTube 5 2/2 · TH-U 2/2
Standalone app ✓ ✓
IR loader ✓ ✓
Specs
Amp models 13 models 16 models (best)
Cabinet models 14 models 15 models (best)
Effects count 33 effects (best) 16 effects
Plugin formats Audio Units, VST 3, AAX AudioUnit, VST, AAX64
Supported platforms macOS, Windows macOS, Windows
Our review
Pros
  • Broad amp, cabinet, effects, room, microphone, and speaker modeling
  • Integrated 8-track recorder, DAW, looper, tuner, and practice tools
  • Standalone and plug-in operation with custom IR and TONEX support
  • Captured-rig playback with Rig Player and extensive preset libraries
  • Flexible parallel routing, IR tools and Amp Tweak controls
  • Standalone, DAW plug-in and MIDI support across desktop platforms
Cons
  • Available only on Windows and macOS
  • The broad feature set may exceed focused practice needs
  • Choosing among gear libraries requires comparing several editions
  • THU Premium requires a €299 one-time purchase
  • THU Metal has a narrower model and effect collection
  • The iOS version is separate from the macOS and Windows application
Our verdict

AmpliTube 5 is desktop guitar and bass amp-modeling software for musicians, producers, and recording engineers. It covers amps, cabinets, speakers, microphones, stomp effects, rack effects, and rooms, with standalone operation or DAW…

Read the review →

TH-U combines amplifier and cabinet modeling, captured-rig playback, effects, impulse-response processing, MIDI control and live performance tools. It is designed for guitarists, bassists, producers and performers who want both ready-made…

Read the review →
  1. AmpliTube 5Guitar Amp Software 9.2Free plan
  2. TH-UGuitar Amp Software 8.915-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AmpliTube 5 — where it wins

    • Broad amp, cabinet, effects, room, microphone, and speaker modeling
    • Integrated 8-track recorder, DAW, looper, tuner, and practice tools
    • Standalone and plug-in operation with custom IR and TONEX support

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only on Windows and macOS
    • The broad feature set may exceed focused practice needs
    • Choosing among gear libraries requires comparing several editions

  • TH-U — where it wins

    • Captured-rig playback with Rig Player and extensive preset libraries
    • Flexible parallel routing, IR tools and Amp Tweak controls
    • Standalone, DAW plug-in and MIDI support across desktop platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • THU Premium requires a €299 one-time purchase
    • THU Metal has a narrower model and effect collection
    • The iOS version is separate from the macOS and Windows application

More comparisons

All guitar amp software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update