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Head-to-head · Guitar Amp Software

Helix Stadium Native vs AmpliTube 5

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 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
AmpliTube 5 #2 in Guitar Amp Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit IK Multimedia

Helix Stadium Native leads on 3 checks, AmpliTube 5 on 1, and 2 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 scoreHelix Stadium Native · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Helix Stadium Native
  • Most featuresAmpliTube 5 · 2 of 2

Helix Stadium Native scores higher on our rubric for guitar amp software: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Helix Stadium Native leads on amp models: 132 models versus 13 models. Helix Stadium Native leads on cabinet models: 46 models versus 14 models. Helix Stadium Native leads on effects count: 274 effects versus 33 effects. AmpliTube 5 offers standalone app; Helix Stadium Native doesn't.

Helix Stadium Native is the better fit for broadest amp-and-effects coverage. AmpliTube 5 is the better fit for mature all-in-one practice and recording.

  • Helix Stadium Native fits best

    Broadest amp-and-effects coverage

  • AmpliTube 5 fits best

    Mature all-in-one practice and recording

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 ↗ AmpliTube 5 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Guitar Amp Software #2 in Guitar Amp Software
Best for Broadest amp-and-effects coverage Mature all-in-one practice and recording
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $99.99 one-time $99.99 one-time
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 15 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms macOS, Windows Windows, macOS
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Helix Stadium Native 1/2 · AmpliTube 5 2/2
Standalone app — ✓ (best)
IR loader ✓ ✓
Specs
Amp models 132 models (best) 13 models
Cabinet models 46 models (best) 14 models
Effects count 274 effects (best) 33 effects
Plugin formats AAX, AU, VST3 Audio Units, VST 3, AAX
Supported platforms macOS, Windows macOS, Windows
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
  • 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
Cons
  • Full license costs $399.99
  • No standalone app
  • Full feature access depends on a paid license
  • Available only on Windows and macOS
  • The broad feature set may exceed focused practice needs
  • Choosing among gear libraries requires comparing several editions
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 →

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 →
  1. Helix Stadium NativeGuitar Amp Software 9.4Free plan · 15-day trial
  2. AmpliTube 5Guitar Amp Software 9.2Free 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

  • 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
  • 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 →
  • AmpliTube 59.2/10 · Free plan

    A mature all-in-one desktop suite with broad modeling, routing, recording, and practice tools.

    Visit IK MultimediaFull 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