Picking the best wireless guitar system that has clear sound and big range isn’t easy. There are tons of wireless guitar cables out there, but not all of them have the same features.
Don’t worry though. We’ve reviewed all of the most popular cable-free guitar setups, so you can find the right one for you. Depending on your guitar rig and the size of the stages that you typically play on, there are few different cordless guitar systems that will work. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Total range
- Power source
- Bands used
- Sound interference
Now let’s check out the top-rated guitar wireless setups, so you can find the right one for your guitar rig.
Click Below to Compare the Top Wireless Guitar Systems in 2020
Contents
- 1 Click Below to Compare the Top Wireless Guitar Systems in 2020
- 2 What We Recommend and Why
Here is a list of the best wireless guitar systems that will make your guitar sound awesome on stage without tying your down with a guitar cable.
- Line 6 Relay G50 Wireless Guitar System
- AKG WMS 40 Mini Wireless Instrument System
- JOYO JW-01
- Audio-Technica System 8 ATW-801/G-T8
- Line 6 Relay G30 Wireless Guitar Transmitter
- Shure GLXD16
- Nady U-1100 GT
- Shure PGXD14
Line 6 Relay G50 Wireless Guitar System
Specs, features, and benefits
The Line 6 Relay G50 wireless guitar system is a fully digital system offering a 10 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response and a 2.4 GHz band. The product consists of everything you need to set up your guitar wirelessly – a transmitter, a receiver, a power supply, a locking cable, and batteries.
It offers a 200-foot range, which makes it compatible with every kind of situation. Do you play with the Rolling Stones? – No problem, Relay G50 by Line 6 has your back covered.
It is a “compander-free”, which means that your original tone won’t change due to the usage of the device. It also won’t interfere with other devices. The Relay G50 also has a Cable-Simulator control, which offers you the option to make your rig sound like you are using an actual cable. Also, this device supports twelve channels, which means that you can use up to twelve Relay G50 devices working at the same time on the stage.
The receiver of the unit has two detachable antennas, control knob for setting the length of the simulated cable, a led indicator showing you how much battery life you have left on your transmitter, a led indicator showing you the signal strength, a channel select rotary knob, an Aux-in/Tuner port, Main Out port, and power supply port. The receiver is designed as a pedal, which makes it a perfect fit on your pedalboard. The transmitter is designed so it can be clipped on your belt, and it is powered by two AA batteries. It has a led power and audio indicators, buttons for setting up the channel and the value, and a small LCD screen showing you battery status and selected channel. The transmitter can be powered up to eight hours with two AA batteries.
Pros and Highlights
- 200-foot range!!! – This is great for all of you “rockstars” out there, rocking on big stadium stages!
- No interference – If you were disappointed with the old analog wireless systems due to interference with other devices, you can now sleep calmly with the Relay G50. Your signal won’t interfere with other devices, and other devices won’t interfere with your signal.
- High-quality sound – With using this device, you won’t compensate your precious guitar tone.
In fact, you can set the unit to sound just like it would sound if you were using a guitar cable!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- You might experience some signal drop-outs – If you experience this, try switching to another channel. Also, read the user manual!!!
Bottom line
There are many guitar players that absolutely hate cables, and want to move freely on stage without hassle. Line 6’s Relay G50 is probably one of the best wireless systems for guitar and bass. It offers a lot of range, it is compact, and it is pretty reliable. However, we strongly suggest doing good research on it, if you are planning to buy one of these. Also, reading the manual is a must!
AKG WMS 40 Mini Wireless Instrument System
Specs, features, and benefits
The AKG WMS 40 Mini Wireless Instrument system is a cheap and sturdy wireless system, perfect for guitarists and instrumentalists who play at small venues. It is compatible with guitar, bass, headsets, and instrument microphones. The package you will get consists of a receiver, a transmitter, MKG L Instrument cable, a power supply adaptor, and a single AA battery.
The transmitter of the unit runs on a single AA battery. It has a three-way On/Mute/Off switch and the port where you put your guitar cable in. The receiver has an On/Off button with led indicator, Volume control knob, and led indicators – “RF OK” and “AF clip”. On the back of the receiver you can find the Audio Out port, and the power supply out.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable – It is one of the cheapest wireless systems that get the job done!
- Easy to use – The AKG WMS 40 Mini is a very easy-to-use type of device. Just plug & play!
- Gets the job done! – If you are a player that plays small venues (like most of us) you will probably be pleased with the performance of this unit.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- It does not work very good for bass guitars; it has a small range;
Bottom line
If you like running around the stage a lot, this device won’t do the job for you. Also, if you are a bass guitar player, this unit is not for you. However, if you are a guitarist that plays small venues, that does not run around the stage, and just wants to get rid of the cable, the AKG WMS 40 Mini Wireless Instrument System fits you very well.
It is affordable, compact, and gets the job done.
JOYO JW-01
Specs, features, and benefits
The Joyo JW-01 is one of the cheapest wireless systems for guitar in this list. It is a rechargeable system – it has a built-in lithium battery. It charges up fully for one hour and lasts two and a half hours of playing. The system consists of a transmitter, a receiver, and a power adaptor. You won’t need any cables to set this system because the transmitter plugs directly in your guitar, and the receiver plugs directly into your amp. It uses 2.4ghz Bluetooth technology for transmitting the signal.
You can use multiple transmitters with the receiver, or multiple receivers with one transmitter. The JOYO JW-01 has a decent range, up to 30 meters indoors, and up to eighty meters outdoors! Pretty impressive, right? For setting it up, after powering up the two parts, you will need to press the “catch” buttons on both the receiver and the transmitter, and you are good to go.
On the transmitter, there is also an “Anti-Interference” button that you should press if you experience any interference from some other device. Both the receiver and the transmitter have a led indicator that will be green if your battery is charged, and red if it needs a recharge. The transmitter also has a 1/8 Microphone port with Volume control, which is a cool feature.
Pros and Highlights
- Cheap! – This device very affordable, which always plays a huge role when we are buying new stuff.
- Plug & Play – You don’t have to be a nuclear physicist to use this thing! It is rather an easy-to-use type of device.
- Good quality for the price – It gets the job done!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Not for professional usage – The device has a small delay. Also, some of the owners have reported that their system is noisy – they probably have active pick-ups on their guitar. Not recommended for gigging.
Bottom line
If you are a beginner or a stay-at-home guitar player, you might love this system. Many owners also claim that they are using it on small gigs. However, if your guitar has active pick-ups, or you are a bass guitar player, the Joyo – JW01 is not recommended. It is best for home practice!
Audio-Technica System 8 ATW-801/G-T8
Specs, features, and benefits
The Audio-Technica System 8 ATW-801/G-T8 is a guitar wireless system that transmits the signal using VHF electromagnetic waves, just like TV and Radio does. This means it can be great for using it on smaller stages but is not compatible with guitarists that want to run around big stadium stages. The system consists of a receiver, a transmitter, a cable, and a power supply adaptor.
The receiver has two antennas, led indicators for RF, Power, and Peak on the front panel, and output port, a volume control knob, and a squelch control knob on the back. It is powered by the adaptor that comes with the package. The transmitter runs on two AA batteries, and you can clip it on to your belt.
Pros and Highlights
- Cheap! – It is a very cheap wireless system, very affordable!
- Good quality – You shouldn’t judge by the price always… Some of the cheap gear its actually of decent quality;
- Easy to use – Plug & Play!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- There are disappointed owners – Well, there are impressed owners too! And there is always a chance to get a dud. So, yeah, always try it before you buy it!
Bottom line
If you are just curious about wireless systems as a guitar player, you certainly don’t want to spend a fortune. If you are a beginner or a guitar player that plays smaller gigs, the Audio-Technica System 8 ATW-801/G-T8 might work wonders for you. However, there are a few people that were disappointed with the performance of the device, so trying before buying should be applied in this case. There are many players who absolutely love this thing, but please, do your trying before buying – we don’t want you to end with a useless piece of gear.
Line 6 Relay G30 Wireless Guitar Transmitter
Specs, features, and benefits
The Relay G30 is the small brother of the Relay G50 by Line 6. It is a digital compander-free device and uses 2.4 GHz frequencies to transmit the signal.
It has a pretty good range – you can go up to 100 feet without experiencing any signal drops. The transmitter runs on two AA batteries that last for eight hours, while the receiver runs on the power adaptor that comes in the package. The receiver is designed as a guitar pedal, and it fits perfectly in a pedalboard. On the receiver, there is a channel selector with six channels, in case you’ve got somebody on the stage that uses the same wireless system, and a transmitter status indicator – that shows how strong your signal is.
Also, there is a “Cable Tone” three-way switch (Off/15 feet/30 feet) that can simulate a “cabled” tone. On the transmitter, you can find the channel select switch (you have to select the same channel as you did on the receiver), and a power On/Off switch. It is fairly easy to use, and it gets the job done. Also, it is pretty affordable.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable – It is half the price of the Relay G50 system!
- Nice range – Up to 100 feet!
- Gets the job done! – The Relay G30 uses modern, digital technology. It should not interfere with other devices, and it shouldn’t compress or change your sound in any way.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- It has all sorts of issues – First, we must say, the design of the transmitter is very poor. The battery door on the transmitter is very flimsy; the belt-clip can be broken very easily. It is not sturdy at all. Also, many owners of the system reported signal drops.
Bottom line
If you feel like you must “cut the cord” we suggest you should do proper research on wireless systems for guitar. Although the Line 6 Relay G30 has some flaws, it is still one of the best in its price range. There are many players that gig a lot with this system that are completely satisfied with its performance. Of course, there are also many owners that are disappointed with this device. So yeah, do your research before buying, and if you can – try it before you buy it.
Shure GLXD16
Specs, features, and benefits
The Shure GLXD16 is a digital guitar wireless system designed like a pedal. Not only it transmits the signal from your guitar to your amp, but it also has a built-in tuner. The system consists of a receiver, a transmitter, a locking-thread guitar cable, and power adaptors for both the transmitter and the receiver.
The Shure GLXD16 system has a range of up to 200 feet (60 meters), and it is guaranteed that you won’t experience any interference or signal loss up to 100 feet (30 meters). The built-in tuner is activated by stomping on the footswitch, and you can tune your guitar muted. The receiver has a led screen for showing you the tuning information, with both strobe and needle indicators.
It is powered by the power adaptor that comes included in the price. The transmitter has its own rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to sixteen hours, and then you recharge it with the adaptor that comes in the package. Also, it has a “quick-charge” feature – charging it up for fifteen minutes gives you a playtime of an hour and a half. It has a belt clip, so you can easily attach it to your belt.
The Shure GLXD16 operates with 2.4GHz frequencies, and it connects automatically on the best available frequency after you have switched the power on.
Pros and Highlights
- Big range – This fella is a perfect fit even for players that run around big stadium stages!
- Easy to use – It is a plug & play!
- Professional – If you are a professional, gigging player, this item will make you dancing on the stage. Owners absolutely love it! It is very hard to find somebody that has experienced interference or any kind of signal loss.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Pricey – Well, yeah… But you get what you pay for!
Bottom line
Surely, the Shure GLXD16 is one of the best wireless systems for guitar on the market. It is very easy to use, the performance is almost always flawless, it is sturdy, and has a pretty big range. Also, the built-in tuner is a great feature. It is a bit pricier than some of the other systems in this list, but the quality you will get with this one is priceless.
Nady U-1100 GT
Specs, features, and benefits
The Nady U-1100 GT wireless system is an affordable, yet good quality wireless system. It is a UHF wireless system, which is not the best type of wireless systems – but gets the job done. The system consists of a receiver, a transmitter, a power adaptor, two AA batteries, and a patch cord – basically everything you will need to set it up.
On the front panel of the receiver, you can find the power knob, the Volume control knob, the set buttons for channel selection, auto-scan, and auto-sync, the RF led indicator, the IR window for linking the transmitter, and the LCD display that shows RF/AF parameters, the number of the channel, and the channel frequency.
On the back, you can find a balanced XLR out for Microphone, a squelch control, an unbalanced 1/4 line-out jack, the DC input, and the antenna jack. The antenna on the receiver is removable. The transmitter runs on two AA batteries, and they last eight to ten hours of playing time. It has an attached antenna, Mute led indicator, a power switch, an input jack, a small LCD display that shows selected channel number, the frequency of the channel, and battery level.
On the back of the transmitter, you can find the battery compartment, the IR Receptor Sensor (for auto-linking with the receiver), up and down buttons for manually selecting the channel and a metal belt clip.
You can either manually set the frequencies of your system, or automatically, using the given features. Your guitar sound will pretty much stay the same – it won’t get compressed. For the price range, it is in; it is probably one of the best wireless systems on the market.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable – Thank you China!
- Amazing range – Up to 500 feet/150m!!!
- Good performance – You will rarely experience interference, and if you do, just change the channel. If you play it on stage, you won’t experience signal loss. Don’t expect to walk around the house and have a clear signal though; walls are getting in its way. Also, your guitar sound will not experience compression.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- It is made of plastic – it doesn’t feel sturdy. It is not a very lasting product…
- Definitely not for professionals!
Bottom line
There are many players who absolutely love this wireless system. Mainly, due to its price. But it also has a good (amazing) range, it is very easy to use, and it is of decent quality when it comes to performance. However, it is not made very sturdy, and there are big chances that it will not last a long time. Try it before you buy it – would be our best advice on the matter.
Shure PGXD14
Specs, features, and benefits
If you are looking for a reliable wireless system, probably you should go for a company that has decades of experience making them. The Shure PGXD14 system consists of PGXD1 body pack transmitter, a PGXD4 receiver, power supply, two AA batteries, and a carrying case. It works well with both guitar and bass guitar.
It is a modern digital wireless system that uses 24-bit, 48 kHz technology to transmit the signal. The receiver has two antennas, it has an automatic frequency selection feature that lets you set yourself in seconds, it has five compatible channels in every frequency band, it has a 1/4 unbalanced Out, and a balanced XLR Microphone Out.
The transmitter runs up to ten hours on two AA batteries and offers a range up to two hundred feet (60 meters). It has a belt clip on the back, so you can easily attach it to your guitar strap or belt. The Shure PGXD14 is very intuitive and easy to use, and it offers great performance, and for the price, it is probably the best wireless system.
Pros and Highlights
- Perfect range – Well, I believe 60 meters is more than enough!
- Easy to use – Very easy to set-up, very intuitive.
- Flawless performance – No interference, no signal loss, no compression…
Cons and Potential Flaws
- No cons!
Bottom line
Of course, you heard before about Shure. They are one of the best companies for this kind of gear for decades now. It is a household name.
If you are a professional, gigging musician, our advice is to not waste time with cheap, unreliable gear. You should rather buy yourself a decent gear – this way you will save up on both money and nerves. The Shure PGXD14 is probably the best wireless system in its price range. It is very easy to use, and it offers great performance.
What We Recommend and Why
If you are looking for a wireless system, and you are a professional – gigging musician, we suggest buying a system from a company that is reliable and experienced in manufacturing this type of gear.
We recommend the Shure PGXD14! It is an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use wireless system. Works great for both guitar and bass guitar, and probably many other instruments. Performs flawlessly. Great price, great quality.