Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Guitar Amp Software

Helix Stadium Native vs Amp Locker

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Helix Stadium Native #1 in Guitar Amp Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 15-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Helix Stadium
Amp Locker #11 in Guitar Amp Software 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Audio Assault

Helix Stadium Native leads on 2 checks, Amp Locker on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreHelix Stadium Native · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Helix Stadium Native
  • Most featuresAmp Locker · 2 of 2

Helix Stadium Native scores higher on our rubric for guitar amp software: 9.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #11.

Helix Stadium Native leads on amp models: 132 models versus 111 models. Helix Stadium Native leads on effects count: 274 effects versus 74 effects. Amp Locker offers standalone app; Helix Stadium Native doesn't.

Helix Stadium Native is the better fit for broadest amp-and-effects coverage. Amp Locker is the better fit for feature-rich users on Linux or desktop.

  • Helix Stadium Native fits best

    Broadest amp-and-effects coverage

  • Amp Locker fits best

    Feature-rich users on Linux or desktop

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Helix Stadium Native 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Amp Locker 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.3
Ranking #1 in Guitar Amp Software #11 in Guitar Amp Software
Best for Broadest amp-and-effects coverage Feature-rich users on Linux or desktop
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $99.99 one-time —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 15 days —
Deployment Desktop Cloud, Desktop
Platforms macOS, Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Helix Stadium Native 1/2 · Amp Locker 2/2
Standalone app — ✓ (best)
IR loader ✓ ✓
Specs
Amp models 132 models (best) 111 models
Cabinet models 46 models Not checked yet
Effects count 274 effects (best) 74 effects
Plugin formats AAX, AU, VST3 AU, VST3, RTAS, AAX
Supported platforms macOS, Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros
  • 132 amps, 46 cabinets, and 274 effects
  • Loads third-party cabinet IRs and Proxy clones
  • Supports MIDI, snapshots, routing, and hardware presets
  • 111 verified amp models and 74 effects on the subscription tier
  • Standalone app, DAW plug-in support, MIDI, and Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • 3D cabinets, movable microphones, and third-party IR loading
Cons
  • Full license costs $399.99
  • No standalone app
  • Full feature access depends on a paid license
  • Linux compatibility can vary by distribution
  • The subscription excludes 3D cab add-on packs
  • Certain signature amp simulations are excluded from the subscription
Our verdict

Helix Stadium Native is a DAW plugin for creating guitar and bass tones with modeled amplifiers, speaker cabinets, studio effects, cabinet impulse responses, and Proxy clones. It is aimed at guitarists, bassists, producers, engineers,…

Read the review →

Amp Locker is Audio Assault’s guitar amp simulation environment for musicians, producers, and recording engineers who want virtual amplifiers, pedals, rack effects, cabinets, and microphone positioning in one software suite. It runs as a…

Read the review →
  1. Helix Stadium NativeGuitar Amp Software 9.4Free plan · 15-day trial
  2. Amp LockerGuitar Amp Software 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Helix Stadium Native — where it wins

    • 132 amps, 46 cabinets, and 274 effects
    • Loads third-party cabinet IRs and Proxy clones
    • Supports MIDI, snapshots, routing, and hardware presets

    Where it doesn't

    • Full license costs $399.99
    • No standalone app
    • Full feature access depends on a paid license

  • Amp Locker — where it wins

    • 111 verified amp models and 74 effects on the subscription tier
    • Standalone app, DAW plug-in support, MIDI, and Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • 3D cabinets, movable microphones, and third-party IR loading

    Where it doesn't

    • Linux compatibility can vary by distribution
    • The subscription excludes 3D cab add-on packs
    • Certain signature amp simulations are excluded from the subscription
  • Helix Stadium Native9.4/10 · Free plan · 15-day trial

    A wide-ranging guitar and bass plugin with strong hardware integration and a high full-license price.

    Visit Helix StadiumFull verdict →
  • Amp Locker8.3/10 · Free plan

    A broad amp-and-effects suite with Linux support, standalone use, and detailed cabinet control.

    Visit Audio AssaultFull verdict →

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