Best Wireless Guitar Systems

Why get a wireless guitar system? Let me take you back in time for a moment…

In the not-so-distant past, cords littered every stage and many musicians’ floors, and they had people ensnared (sometimes literally) in a messy situation.

Thankfully, the best wireless guitar systems are changing this situation. While wireless options emerged a long time ago, they weren’t really any good. So, they send people running back to their precious cords.

Due to recent advances in technology, there are now cordless guitar systems that really work. So, you can finally focus on chords instead of cords.

Regardless, navigating such high-tech territory can be tricky. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of the best wireless guitar systems that can liberate you from cords once and for all.

The 10 Best Wireless Guitar Systems

Finding and choosing the best wireless guitar systems can be an ordeal if you don’t know where to start. So, I’ve done that work for you. Now all you have to do is choose between some of the most popular and impressive options on the market.

Since there’s no universal consensus about what makes the best wireless guitar systems, comparisons are all subjective. So, the listed systems appear in no particular order.

BOSS WL-20

Guitar gear enthusiasts know the BOSS pedal formula well. Keeping it simple, focusing on performance, and avoiding gimmicky features leads to products that work excellently without costing a fortune.

That’s also how they’ve created one of the best wireless guitar systems on the market.

There’s nothing complicated about using it. You dock the transmitter and receiver for 10 seconds to calibrate the connection, and that’s it. Also, you charge the battery via ordinary USB, and the battery runs for 12 hours straight on a single charge.

Despite its long range and high sound quality, it has an incredibly low latency of 2.3 milliseconds. And it really sounds like a cable.

It has an effective range of 50 feet, using the 2.4GHz frequency band. Also, it can handle up to 14 compatible channels depending on conditions.

Pros

• Easy to use
• High-quality cable tone
• Long battery life

Cons

• Somewhat susceptible to interference
• Fairly short range
• Not the most versatile

Xvive U2 Rechargeable

Xvive U2 is a compact, rechargeable wireless system with a transmitter that can bend to fit better into a variety of guitars and basses. But what makes it one of the best wireless guitar systems?

Well, it has a 70-foot maximum range with less than 6ms of latency. You get a clean, uncompressed signal with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. So, it’s ideal for use on stage.

Additionally, there’s the visual appeal. Since you can get it in different colors, including a wooden finish, the Xvive U2 may be the best wireless guitar system for making a good impression.

You get four channels to choose from. On the license-free 2.4GHz spectrum, it’s generally safe from interference, although it’s best to stay 10 feet out of range from the nearest WiFi signal.

I like that the charger is a Y-cable that takes both USB and ordinary power supplies for quick charging. With a battery life of 4-5 hours, it may be a bit limiting, but it should suit most purposes.

Pros

• Compact and foldable
• Minimal interference
• Long operational distance
• Stylish color options

Cons

• Relatively short battery life
• Doesn’t work with active pickups

Shure PGXD14

Shure is one of those brand names that immediately instill a sense of high quality. In fact, many of their products comply with military specifications. While you don’t usually see this brand on guitar gear, many consider PGXD14 one of the best wireless guitar systems.

Like their microphones, Shure’s PGXD14 bodypack transmitter is very durable. It has LEDs for battery level, power, and mute status. Plus, there’s a gain dial that lets you change the volume by up to 26 decibels.

Sound-wise, you get a 48kHz 24-bit sound with a frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz and only 3.5ms of latency. So, it’s ideal for guitars, basses, and other instruments. And the signal reaches up to 200 feet.

The transmitter uses an included quarter-inch instrument cable. That’s convenient because there won’t be any problems plugging it into your guitar, and it clips nicely onto your belt or guitar strap.

Pros

• Automatic frequency selection
• High quality
• Good for bands
• Uses regular AA batteries

Cons

• The sensitive gain dial
• Only works with proprietary cord
• The price tag

Well, the PGXD14 is a real beast. It’s one of the most elaborate options you can get.

Getaria 2.4Ghz

If you’re looking for the best wireless guitar systems on a tight budget, a Getaria 2.4GHz is a promising candidate. Like the Xvive U2, it’s small and folds for a better fit.

As the name implies, it operates on a 2.4GHz signal. Regarding sound quality, it’s got a 48K sample rate with cable emulation and a latency of less than 12ms. It doesn’t compress the signal or reduce the frequency range, which is impressive at this price point.

Its effective line of sight range is around 100 feet without obstructions. What’s cool is that you can sync multiple receivers to one transmitter, and use up to six pairs at once. Syncing is fast, and the units automatically reconnect to the last pairing.

These qualities make it one of the very best wireless guitar systems for people on a budget.

As for power, there’s a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You can expect around four hours per charge.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Very affordable
• Low noise floor
• Low interference

Cons

• Pretty flimsy construction
• Not very transparent sound
• Incompatible with active pickups

Without a doubt, the Getaria is one of the cheapest options that still work. If keeping costs down is a priority, these may be the best wireless guitar systems for you.

But, stay tuned for more cheap wireless guitar solutions.

Shure BLX14

If luxury is what you’re after, Shure BLX14 kits may be the best wireless guitar systems for you. BLX is a lot like the high-end ULX series but more affordable and geared toward customization.

In terms of sheer sound quality, it’s incredible and almost indistinguishable from actual cables. In typical Shure fashion, it’s also a sturdy build.

The transmitter takes two AA batteries, and it’ll run for roughly 14 hours before you need to replace them. Also, there’s a gain dial and an LED that’ll show you when you only have around an hour left. You can lock the controls as well, and the LED will react with a different light pattern.

Since the receiver can accommodate up to 12 transmitters in a given frequency band, it’s ideal for touring with a band. Much like the PGXD14, it has a display for easy configuration and an LED that lets you know if the input signal is too hot.

The receiver can pick up the transmission from up to 300 feet away without obstruction. Since it operates in the 500-600Hz range, you may need a license to use it. It generally depends on the power level – check your local rules. (Systems in the 600-700Hz range are generally not allowed.)

Pros

• Pristine sound quality
• Incredible range
• Perfect for bands and events
• Useful LED indicators
• Nifty frequency-matching function

Cons

• It’s quite pricey
• Proprietary components
• Same gain dial problem as PGXD14

Overall, the BLX14 is very similar to the PGXD14. However, the differences are significant, so you’ll probably want to compare them more before deciding.

Line 6 Relay G10S

Line 6 is a big name in guitar gear, and their Relay G10S deserves a spot among the best wireless guitar systems. It gives you a 24-bit lossless sound signal with a line-of-sight of up to 130 feet and less than 3ms latency. Plus, the full dynamic range and broad frequency range make it very transparent.

The first thing that defines this as one of the best wireless guitar systems is that they’ve designed it for your pedalboard. It fits nicely, and it has a 9-volt DC jack for easy powering on the board. There’s also an included power supply.

In addition to the usual instrument cable output, there’s also an XLR jack, which means the receiver doubles as a DI box for studio work. Both outputs can be active at the same time.

Also, you get 11 channels to choose from automatically or manually. Docking the receiver triggers automatic pairing and detection of the strongest frequency range. Also, it encodes the signal with a digital signature to make it distinct from other signals such as WiFi.

The transmitter is a super-compact fellow that easily plugs into any guitar or bass. It charges when you dock it on the receiver, and a full charge will last you for eight hours. Conveniently, the transmitter enters sleep mode after four minutes of silence to preserve power.

While it’s compatible with all guitars, it won’t work if you have inverse-polarity active pickups. However, those are rare, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Also, it won’t drain active pickups when it enters sleep mode.

A nifty bonus is that the system is compatible with others in the Line 6 Relay G series.

Pros

• 11 frequencies (manual or auto)
• Very easy to use
• Dock to recharge
• Sturdy metal construction
• Sounds like a cable

Cons

• Fairly pricey
• Somewhat prone to interference

The Line 6 Relay G10S belongs among the best wireless guitar systems for several reasons. If you want the most well-rounded option, this is probably it.

Shure GLXD16

If you like the specs of the Shure systems above but wish for something pedalboard-friendly, you’re looking at it. So, if you’re willing to splurge, you’ve probably found the best wireless guitar system available.

It operates in the 2.4GHz band with a reach of up to 100 feet. Plus, it automatically manages frequencies and provides a steady signal with excellent audio quality. Like the other Shure systems, it provides professional audio quality with minimal latency.

The rugged bodypack transmitter has a clip and comes with a short cable for an ideal fit. Its built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery can give you a whopping 16 consecutive hours of use. Plus, you get a spare battery.

Now, the receiver itself is tough as nails and looks like an ordinary guitar tuner stompbox. Yes, it does have a high-quality tuner.

What’s cool is that it can handle up to eight compatible systems under ideal conditions. Combined with the LINKFREQ auto-selection, it makes bigger gigs hassle-free.

Pros

• Great audio quality
• Sturdy and pedal-shaped
• Automatic frequency management
• Perfect for bands
• Features a tuner

Cons

• It’s expensive
• Only works with a proprietary cable
• Reception could be better

If it wasn’t for the steep price, you’d probably see one of these in every guitarist’s arsenal. It may be the most versatile option, and you’ll find it a joy to use if you get one.

Sennheiser EW Evolution D1-CL1

Sennheiser also offers one of the best wireless guitar systems. The general formula is the same as that of the most Shure systems. You get a bodypack transmitter and a pretty big, flat receiver with LEDs and a display.

A key feature that places it among the best wireless guitar systems is the automatic scanning and configuration of channels in the 2.4GHz spectrum for a powerful signal. Wireless link protection adjusts its transmission power and frequency to avoid dropouts. It’ll seamlessly switch to a better channel when possible.

Regarding sound quality, it’s a transparent 24-bit 48kHz signal, and it even adjusts itself to give you the best sound. The frequency response is 50Hz to 20KHz, the dynamic range sounds natural, and there’s no audible noise. Also, the latency is only 3ms.

A sturdy metal design means this wireless guitar system should endure many years of frequent use. As for battery life, it’ll give you 11 hours with a proprietary battery pack or 6 hours with two AA batteries.

Also, the receiver has an on-board equalizer for sound shaping, and it can handle up to 15 compatible signals.

Pros

• Powerful frequency management
• Easy to use
• Durable build
• Versatile

Cons

• Very costly
• Proprietary components
• Somewhat sensitive to interference

Since it’s essentially a clone of the Shures, comparing it more to those is wise. Anyway, it’s one of the best wireless guitar systems, especially if you need one for big events.

Donner DWS-3

Like Donner’s guitar pedals, the DWS-3 system offers an impressive bang for the buck. That’s what makes them some of the best wireless guitar systems for hobby guitarists.

The audio quality is clean and noise-free with full frequency response and dynamic range. Also, the latency is less than 2.5ms.

What’s more, it can handle four devices in tandem. Configuration and syncing are almost effortless. It’ll even auto-reconnect linked pairs when you turn them on.

Like the Getaria and Xvive, it has a small transmitter with a rotating head that makes it easier to fit on your guitar. Its rechargeable battery is good for up to 6 hours at a time. You charge it with an included USB cable.

The receiver has the same general design, which makes it fit well right on your amp or at the start of a pedal chain. Plus, its line of sight range is over 100 feet.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Good sound quality
• Reasonable price

Cons

• External antenna
• Not very feature-rich

Much like the BOSS WL-20, the Donner DWS-3 is a simplistic solution that does a good job with your guitar signal. Sometimes, less is more.

Ammoon Wireless Guitar System

If you’re a fan of budget-friendly guitar gear, you’re probably familiar with Ammoon products. If you want the best bang for the buck deal, these may be the best wireless guitar systems for you.

Despite the low price, it works from up to 100 feet away. It transmits over the 2.4GHz frequency band. Due to its integrated anti-jamming features, it can handle up to six compatible sets at the same time. So, these could be the best wireless guitar systems for newer bands.

Also, the sound is impressive for the low price. You get 24-bit, 48kHz transmission without noticeable noise. Like the earlier compact wireless systems, its transmitter and receiver both bend for a universal fit. Overall, it’s very simple. It gets the job done, it sounds all right, and it doesn’t cost a fortune.

Pros

• Hard to beat that value
• Easy to use
• Good range

Cons

• External antenna
• Not compatible with active pickups
• Pretty flimsy build

All in all, it’s very similar to the Getaria and costs about the same. So, you may want to have a closer comparison.

Why Use a Wireless Guitar System?

Wires can be a real hassle on stage and in your rehearsal space. Sooner or later, someone stumbles or damages a cord. Or worse – a cable catches on someone and makes your precious amplifier topple over and crash.

A wireless guitar system puts an end to these problems. But only the best wireless guitar systems do this without ruining the sound. If it weren’t for the questionable wireless solutions from yesteryear giving cordless options a bad reputation, more guitarists would go wireless.

So, the only cords you may need are the handy little ones that connect pedals together. And those aren’t a hassle at all when there’s no instrument cord getting tangled up with them.

Wireless guitar systems consist of a transmitter that plugs into your guitar and a receiver that plugs into your amp or pedalboard. You can think of them as the ends of a cord, except there’s no physical cord.

In other words, you can run around the stage and engage the audience without any risk of unplugging your guitar or causing other accidents.

Qualities to Look For

With so many brands and models to choose from, it’s very helpful to know what to look for. After all, you don’t want to waste money on something that’s overkill or doesn’t do what you need. So, here are the qualities that define the best wireless guitar systems.

Signal Quality

One of the most central things is the receiver’s ability to pick up on incoming signals and distinguish between them. It affects sound quality and helps to prevent interference. Namely, it counteracts intermodulation between signals.

This becomes increasingly important the more musicians share the system. With poor distinction, signals from one instrument will bleed over into another, or a non-musical signal will slip in. This causes modulation, much like the sound artifacts when your radio picks up two signals at once.

Higher-quality cordless guitar systems often feature automatic frequency scanning. These receivers detect signals and switch to the strongest one. As a result, you get cleaner, more precise guitar signals.

This is especially important during gigs where you and your bandmates move around. Plus, it’s pretty important in general these days when WiFi and similar signals are everywhere.

Also, general signal strength and frequency matter too. If the signal is too weak or clashes with others, you’ll experience dropouts. If you’re unfamiliar with that term, it means you lose your signal for a moment, and no sound comes through.

The Battery Situation

Many of the best wireless guitar systems have built-in rechargeable batteries. However, some depend on regular AA or AAA batteries.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both solutions.

Normal batteries are easy to replace, and keeping some spares around is simple and cheap. But you’ll go through a lot of them over time, which gets costly, and you may forget to buy new ones before a gig.

Rechargeable battery packs are more convenient most of the time. Charging is easy, and they tend to hold a charge for a long time. However, if one is lost or no good, replacing it will be costly and difficult.

If you want a rechargeable transmitter, it’s best to get one with a lithium-ion battery. They last longer and are more efficient.

Regardless of battery types, how long they stay charged is crucial. All the options I’ve picked for this compilation of the best wireless guitar systems should easily get you through any gig. However, some of them require charging before every use while others don’t.

Operating Range

How far apart will you and your amplifier be when you play? Even the best wireless guitar systems have a limited operating range. If you tend to sit or stand still when you play, that won’t be a problem. But if you want to move around, you’ll need a longer range. Also, big stages may require that even if you won’t move much.

Tone

Cordless guitar systems often color your sound. This is especially true for the cheaper options. The best wireless guitar systems use high sample rates and bit-depths, and they emulate the sound of a normal cable. However, this formula isn’t always perfect. So, spending a bit more on trusted brands is wise.

Ease of Use

One of the main reasons you’re switching to a cordless setup is probably convenience. So, it would be counterproductive to get something that’s hard to use. Many of the best wireless guitar systems require very little configuration and preparation before use. Pairing the transmitter and receiver is quick and simple, and so is recharging the battery.

However, some of the more elaborate options don’t follow this pattern. So, consider this when you pick your ideal wireless guitar plugs.

Durability

Since a cordless guitar system is both an investment and something you’ll depend on, it’s got to stand the test of time. Budget-friendly options can wear out pretty fast if you’re unlucky.

The same goes for damage caused by accidents. Rugged metal constructions will withstand rough use, but flimsy plastic gadgets won’t stand a chance.

Therefore, investing in quality is usually more economical in the long run. Buying cheap often means having to buy a new one before long. And it eventually leads to getting something more high-end because replacing your stuff gets tiresome.

Frequency Regulations

While this isn’t technically a quality of the wireless transmitter itself, it’s worth considering the regulations for different signals where you live. It differs between countries and states, so make sure that you get something that’s legal where you live.

The Federal Communications Commission have declared a complete transition away from devices that operate in the range between 600Hz and 700Hz. This means that wireless systems using those frequency bands were not allowed starting in 2020.

Digital vs Analog Cordless Guitar Systems

In the world of guitar tech, analog products are generally seen as superior. But is this true for cordless guitar systems? Analog wireless guitar systems first compress the signal and then convert it into a frequency modulation (FM) signal. Just like an FM radio, the receiver uses this transmission to produce audio. Then, the receiver expands this signal and feeds it into the amplifier.

Compressing and then expanding, conveniently nicknamed companding, is a signature audio artifact of analog wireless systems. The process raises the noise floor and alters the dynamics, thus giving you a reduced sound quality.

Analog systems transmit in the VHF (Very High Frequency, 30-300MHz) or UHF (Ultra-High Frequency, 300MHz to 3GHz) regions of the spectrum. This means they’ll often clash with radio and TV signals. Plus, the signal is always slightly delayed.

Digital options are much more refined gadgets. They don’t compress the signal or turn it into radio waves. Instead, they encode the signal into digital data which the receiver can easily identify and decode.

This process minimizes audio quality loss.

Furthermore, digital wireless systems operate in much higher frequency ranges, such as the 2.4GHz band. That translates to less interference and minimal, unnoticeable signal delays.

These are the reasons why all the best wireless guitar systems are digital.

What Do the Pros Use?

If you’ve been watching live shows frequently in recent years, you’ve probably noticed more and more wireless systems on stage. Both performers and event hosts like the convenience granted by the best wireless guitar systems.

But with all those microphones, instruments, and earpieces on stage – and all the phones in the audience – the air must be saturated with signals. What kind of system can pull that off?

Well, the Shure systems above are popular options. So is their higher-end ULX-D series. The Sennheiser EW D1-CL1 is also a viable option for professional applications. These days, pros use all sorts of gear, so you may find also find some of the others from the list in a professional musician’s arsenal.

The Bottom Line

Stage presence is essential to a good gig, and that requires some movement. Even when you’re rehearsing, you’ll probably be moving around the room.

With two or more people moving around, tangles and accidents are only a few steps away. That is unless you’re using cordless systems.

Switching to one of the best wireless guitar systems is a major milestone on your journey to becoming a pro. But now, you know what the terms and features are all about.

If you get one of the best wireless guitar systems listed above, you’ll be all set to rock the stage.

They each have those little extra things that circumvent the common problems associated with going wireless – whether it’s signal issues, sound quality, or high prices that have kept you ensnared in the world of cords.