No amp debate would be complete without the tube vs solid state argument. However, in this situation, solid-state amps are going to take the majority of the plaudits as they give you the same sound regardless of volume. They’re also cheaper, so you’re more likely to see additional features like onboard effects, Bluetooth, and recording outs that will help augment your practice regimen.
That said, more and more tube amps are starting to come with power attenuation options, which allow you to get that cranked tube tone at lower volumes. For tube-tone enthusiasts who can’t do without the real thing, this gives you a great option to use an amp with a similar response to that of the one in your full-size rig.
If you use effects in your regular rig, getting a practice amp with some onboard effects is a no-brainer. Adding reverb, modulation and delay will enhance your practice, inspiring you to write new music that you can then take to the rehearsal space or lay down in the home studio. More and more practice amps come with a full suite of studio-quality effects, so it’s definitely worth checking out the effects list to see if it’s got what you need.
Additionally, connectivity is worth factoring into your elimination process too. USB recording outs will allow you to record your ideas as soon as inspiration strikes, as well as create demos to send to the rest of your band mates. If you’ve already got a pedalboard you use, looking for an amp with an FX Loop will allow you to run your time-based effects into it. This helps to increase the articulation and clarity of your delays and reverbs.