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Head-to-head · Guitar Amp Software

Helix Stadium Native vs TH-U

  • 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
TH-U #5 in Guitar Amp Software 8.9/10 15-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Overloud

Helix Stadium Native leads on 3 checks, TH-U 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 planonly Helix Stadium Native
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresTH-U · 2 of 2

Helix Stadium Native scores higher on our rubric for guitar amp software: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

Helix Stadium Native leads on amp models: 132 models versus 16 models. Helix Stadium Native leads on cabinet models: 46 models versus 15 models. Helix Stadium Native leads on effects count: 274 effects versus 16 effects. TH-U offers standalone app; Helix Stadium Native doesn't.

Helix Stadium Native is the better fit for broadest amp-and-effects coverage. TH-U is the better fit for captured-rig playback and advanced tone shaping.

  • Helix Stadium Native fits best

    Broadest amp-and-effects coverage

  • TH-U fits best

    Captured-rig playback and advanced tone shaping

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 ↗ TH-U 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.9
Ranking #1 in Guitar Amp Software #5 in Guitar Amp Software
Best for Broadest amp-and-effects coverage 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 15 days
Free trial length 15 days · no card needed 15 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop, Mobile
Platforms macOS, Windows Windows, macOS, iOS
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Helix Stadium Native 1/2 · TH-U 2/2
Standalone app — ✓ (best)
IR loader ✓ ✓
Specs
Amp models 132 models (best) 16 models
Cabinet models 46 models (best) 15 models
Effects count 274 effects (best) 16 effects
Plugin formats AAX, AU, VST3 AudioUnit, VST, AAX64
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
  • 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
  • Full license costs $399.99
  • No standalone app
  • Full feature access depends on a paid license
  • 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

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 →

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. Helix Stadium NativeGuitar Amp Software 9.4Free plan · 15-day trial
  2. TH-UGuitar Amp Software 8.915-day trial

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

  • 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
  • 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 →
  • TH-U8.9/10 · 15-day trial

    A deep guitar and bass rig platform for players who want detailed control.

    Visit OverloudFull 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