Buying Guides

Latest Buying guides

PRS Silver Sky on blue background

Best Strat-style guitars 2025: Our choice of the finest S-style guitars for all budgets and players

By James Farmer last updated

Don’t want a Fender? Here’s our expert pick of the top Strat-style electric guitars from the likes of Ibanez, Yamaha, G&L, PRS and more

Electric Guitars
Man in pink shirt on train platform carrying a guitar in a case

Best guitar cases and gig bags 2025: from cost-effective protection, to indestructible travel companions

By Simon Fellows last updated

Our road-tested hard case and gig bag offerings for acoustic and electric guitar

Accessories
A Cordoba ukulele at an angle on a yellow background

Best ukuleles 2025: Acoustic and electric ukes for all budgets and playing styles

By Chris Corfield last updated

Get started with our pick of the best ukes from Mahalo, Martin and Cordoba, plus a cool Fender Jazzmaster ukulele

Ukuleles
Three Squier guitars leaning against a wall

Best Squier guitars 2025: Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jaguars and more for the budget-conscious player

By Rob Laing last updated

From budget Teles, to vintage-spec’d Strats, we look at the best Squiers available today

Electric Guitars
Close up of Line 6 Helix LT screen and logo

Best amp modelers 2025: rack-mounted and floorboard options for every budget

By Alex Lynham last updated

Want a bunch of amp sounds packed into one unit? Start your research with our pick of the best amp modelers for guitarists

Amp Modeler Pedals
Guitar player wearing in-ear monitors playing live

Best in-ear monitors for guitar players 2025: stay in tune and on time

By Chris Corfield published

Whether you're taking to the stage or hitting the studio, in-ears help you take control of your sound and improve your performance

Headphones
Strymon Iridium on a wooden surface

Best pedal amps 2025: big sounds in a small package

By Chris Schwarten last updated

Here are the best small-yet-mighty pedal amp options from top brands such as Blackstar, Strymon, Universal Audio and more - including our pick of amp simulator pedals

Effects & Pedals
Martin Guitars SC-13E leaning against a brick wall

Best Martin guitars 2025: we rank the legendary acoustics of an industry icon

By Matt McCracken last updated

Our expert pick of the best Martin acoustics from one of the oldest instrument makers on the planet

Acoustic Guitars
Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Jet Bass guitar on a black background

Best budget bass guitars 2025: our top pick of basses under $500/£500

By Richard Blenkinsop last updated

Need to tackle the low-end on a budget? Not to worry, our experts have run the rule over our favourite bass guitars that come in under $500/£500

Bass Guitars
A Fender The Bends compressor pedal on a wooden floor

Best compressor pedals 2025: tame your tone's dynamics with compression

By Jonathan Horsley last updated

With great options from Boss, Keeley, MXR, and more, there has never been a better time to add a comp pedal to your 'board

Effects & Pedals
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