The Best Axe Fx Alternatives (2023 Edition)

If you’re looking for the best Axe Fx alternatives, you’ve come to the right post!

Listed below are some awesome multi-effects processors similar to the Axe Fx!

1. Line 6 HX Stomp

Line 6 is one of the leading brands in the guitar modeler game. But if you need a more affordable unit, their HX Stomp is worth checking out. In fact, at this point, I think it’s one of the best options for its price.

Here we have a compact floor-based unit. It comes with a fairly simple layout and 3 footswitches. However, it also supports some of the more advanced features. For instance, It comes with MIDI connectivity.

There’s also an option to use third-party cabinet simulators. This significantly improves your tone-shaping options. What’s also impressive is that you can use it as a multi-effects pedal along with your other pedals. This is enabled using its true bypass mode.

Finally, you can also use HX Stomp as an audio interface. Connect it to your computer, and with a DAW of your choice, you have a home studio. 

2. HeadRush Pedalboard

HeadRush Pedalboard is a gig-ready amp modeler and a multi-effects unit. It’s an all-in-one kind of deal. From my experience, it’s one of the best options for live shows if you prefer to go directly into PA.

It’s packed with some pretty realistic amp and cabinet models. What’s impressive is that you can also choose different microphone simulations. In addition, you can also use third-party impulse responses.

The unit also comes with an onboard looper. It has an impressive 20 minutes of recording time.

All of this is accompanied by a 7-inch display for clear tone-shaping options. And we also have 12 individual switches, each customizable with different functions. On the right side, there’s the expression pedal for controlling parameters of various effects.

3. HeadRush MX5

But if you prefer something compact and more affordable, HeadRush has you covered with MX5. It has some similar features, like the 4-inch onboard display. And there’s also the expression pedal. It even has MIDI connectivity, an onboard looper, and supports third-party cab impulse responses. 

Other than that, it comes with three footswitches. This makes it more compact although it limits functionality compared to larger HeadRush Pedalboard.

Nonetheless, the tone quality and amp models are pretty much the same. It’s an incredibly compact alternative to complex rigs.

4. Boss GT-1000

Boss stepped up the amp modeler game with their GT-1000. This one continues the company’s tradition of floor multi-effects units. However, it brings a more advanced twist to the whole concept.

With an improved audio resolution, things sound very realistic. Additionally, GT-1000’s back panel brings a lot of advanced features. You have options to expand switching possibilities and add expression pedals. There are two loops for combining with additional pedals and even XLR outputs.

The so-called AIRD technology improves its sonic possibilities. And it works with Roland’s unique Tube Logic technology which convincingly replicates tube amps. All this is accompanied by a total of 250 user presets and 250 factory presets.

5. Boss GT-100

Then we have the GT-100 as a more modest option. It’s about half the price of GT-1000. And it’s more in the style of Boss’ older processors. So it has the more conventional approach.

GT-100 also works with older Roland’s COSM technology. However, it’s far from outdated. It may need more tweaking to make it fully realistic, but it’s still incredible what it can achieve.

The unit’s A/B Channel Divide is pretty impressive as well. You can let it switch between two types of tones depending on frequencies or dynamics. This is a pretty powerful tool that can replace entire live rigs.

Finally, we have a total of 200 presets. You can assign each with amps and effects that you prefer. Additionally, you can connect it to your computer for easier recording and tone shaping.

6. Mooer GE-300

I have to say that I’m more than impressed with what Mooer does. For its price, the GE-300 is simply incredible. All that comes with an impressive build quality and an interface that’s pretty easy to use.

It comes with a total of 108 amp models. This is more compared to what some of the more famous brands are doing. It also comes with 43 cab IRs, third-party IR compatibility, and 164 onboard effects. You can use them all in its 256 onboard presets.

It’s even capable of some more advanced features. For instance, it has MIDI connectivity, an effects loop, and even XLR outputs.

As I mentioned, the GE-300 outperforms its price level. As far as live shows go, this one will get things done. And, what’s more, you can even use it as an audio interface for home recording.

7. Atomic Amps AmpliFIRE 6

Atomic Amps may not be as common of a brand compared to some others here. However, if you get your hands on one of their modelers, you’ll be surprised at what they can do.

The AmpliFIRE 6 is a more compact version of their products. It comes with 6 assignable preset footswitches. However, with an external MIDI controller, you can do more advanced switching. There’s an option to create 128 presets.

Aside from numerous amps, it also has 1024 cab simulations, as well as third-party IR compatibility. There’s also an incredible selection of effects. All of this works with the unit’s great processing power which creates some very realistic tones.

AmpliFIRE 6 is a viable option for both studio and live work. If you ask me, I’d rather have this little beast than a whole bunch of amps, cabinets, and racks loaded with effects.

8. Strymon Iridium

Now, here’s something a little different. Strymon Iridium is not much larger than your regular effects pedal. Nonetheless, it’s a very potent device with 3 amp and 3 cabinet simulators. This makes up a total of 9 basic tonal combinations.

This also works in combination with its onboard room reverb. The feature makes it sound and feel like a miked-up amp.

The pedal works as a combination of analog and digital technology. When your guitar signal enters the pedal, it’s first processed through its analog circuitry. It’s then processed digitally, creating some very realistic amp simulations.

If you like to keep things compact, Strymon Iridium is the best choice. Combine it with other effects pedals, and you’ve got yourself a full custom live rig.

9. Kemper Profiler Stage

Lastly, I wanted to include Kemper Profiler Stage. It’s the most advanced on the list. And even though it’s not cheap, it’s one of the best alternatives to Axe-FX on the market.

This one does the same as the brand’s legendary head unit. It’s just in the form of a floor-based device with intuitive switching options.

Of course, it comes with hundreds of super-realistic amp models. There’s also an abundance of effects, as well as send and effect loops for additional pedals. The unit also supports all sorts of connectivity, making it a fairly advanced one.

Nonetheless, the Profiler Stage is designed to make things much more practical. You don’t need a Kemper Head with an external controller except for an expression pedal if you really want one.

The unit is also capable of profiling amps and rigs. You can simply run a rig through the Return 1 ¼-inch jack and store it as a preset. It’s as simple as that.  

Best Axe Fx Alternatives: Conclusion

I hope this article has given you some ideas of multi-effects processors besides the Axe FX.

And if you want to read more about gear on this blog, check out:

• Hot Rod Deluxe vs Deluxe Reverb
• Rat vs Big Muff

Lastly, feel free to leave a message in the comments below if you have questions about this or another guitar-related topic!