7 Best Wireless Guitar Systems – Perfect Tone and Total Freedom of Movement!

A good wireless system give you freedom of movement on stage as well as the assurance that your carefully crafted tones will come through. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there is a wireless model that suits you. 

This is thanks to the fact that technology has come a long way and the marketplace now offers an assortment of wireless systems that run the gamut from simple and cheap to pricey and loaded with features. 

In other words, you no longer have to get all tangled up with cables, whether it is in a live gig or in your own rehearsal space. Furthermore, when you go for some of the more upmarketing offerings, you get ease of use and intuitive operation in spades.

Many of the world’s top audio companies now produce fantastic wireless systems to fit all budgets and needs. With so many options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to make sense of it all. How do you know what to get? We’re here to help! Keep reading.

Read more about our review process.

Editor's Choice
Sennheiser EW500 G4-Ci1

Sennheiser EW500 G4-Ci1

Features: Rackmountable reciever, OLED Display, Metal housing

Benefits: Backwards compatible with older systems, Extremely durable, Interference free recepton

Best Value
Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Features: One touch sync, 1/4" & XLR audio outputs, 24-bit/48kHz Digital technology

Benefits: Light weight, Great battery life, Highly accurate sound

Best Budget
Xvive U2 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Xvive U2 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Features: Rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, 70' Range, 4 Channels

Benefits: Extremely affordable, Easy to set up, Compact form factor

Our Top Picks

The Shure PGXD14 Digital is our Top Pick. It features 24-bit/48kHz digital audio for ensuring quality and reliability and offers consistency and convenience for the modern guitarist. 

The Xvive U2 Digital is our Best Budget pick as it offers clean audio quality, in a very compact design sans bodypack. This system is easy to set up, up and comes in a variety of color options that you can pick from. 

Finally, the Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 is our Editor’s Choice. It operates on an 88 MHz bandwidth and excels by offering fewer dropouts and less interference, giving you simple operation with an impressive set of features for dedicated professionals.


Individual Reviews

Top Pick
Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Shure PGXD14 Digital Wireless Guitar System

A perfect blend of quality and simplicity.

A sturdy, practical, and easy-to-use wireless system that protects the quality of your tone. The PGXD14 features the reliability, quality, and functionality that Shure is renowned for, and will make your life onstage much easier.

The Shure PGXD14 features a PGXD1 bodypack transmitter paired up with a PGXD4 receiver. This system delivers 24-bit/48kHz digital audio for ensuring quality and reliability and comes with a WA302 instrument cable and an X8 Band ranging from 902 MHz to 928 MHz. 

The PGXD4 receiver features dual antennas for stability. It also comes with a mechanism of automatic frequency selection that finds a clear channel instantly. With a one-touch scanning mechanism, the receiver is able to find a clear frequency and offer a reliable connection conveniently.

On top of that, the PGXD4 receiver can give you up to five compatible channels per frequency band, and also comes with 1/4″ and XLR audio outputs. 

On the other hand, the PGXD1 bodypack transmitter features one-touch sync for automatically synching with the receiver. It also gives you control over your volume with a Gain adjustment range of 10 dB. 

Just like the receiver, this transmitter is well-built and sturdy, capable of handling the rigors of live shows and tours. It operates via two AA batteries and gives you a battery life of up to nine hours.

In our tests, the PGXD1 transmitter was stage-ready and gave us outstanding protection against feedback while preserving the quality of our sound. It was easy to set up and use, and we loved how convenient and seamless the one-touch sync was.

In short, a fantastic digital wireless system that is durable, easy to use, and that makes sure that your tone remains intact throughout your entire performance. 

Verdict: The Shure PGXD14 comes with a PGXD1 bodypack transmitter and a PGXD4 receiver and delivers 24-bit/48kHz digital audio. This system is not only convenient but also ensures that your tone remains stable and that no quality is lost.


Best Budget
Xvive U2 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Xvive U2 Digital Wireless Guitar System

An ultra-portable system that gets the job done.

This is a slick and effective digital wireless guitar system that offers superior convenience at a low price. The Xvive U2 is great for beginners and anyone looking for their first wireless system.

The Xvive U2 offers clean audio quality, in a very compact design sans bodypack. This system is easy to set up, up, comes in a variety of color options and offers reliability at a low price. 

The Xvive U2 features 6 ms of latency and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is more than enough to cover guitars and basses, regardless of which tuning they’re in. 

It operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band for ensuring clear signal transmission and avoiding dropouts. This system comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that lasts up to five hours per charge. 

In order to ensure its safety, durability, and convenience, the U2 transmitter and receiver are built with rigid ABS plastic. You also get four channels to choose from and signal transmission with 24-bit/48KHz of uncompressed conversion and up to 103 dB of dynamic range. 

For our tests, we plugged the transmitter directly into our Gibson Les Paul while the receiver went on our Twin Reverb’s amp input. Both are small and very convenient, with a swiveling mechanism that you can adjust so they fit perfectly with basically any guitar or amp. 

The setup was quite simple. We turned it on and selected the desired channel by pressing the channel button on the side of the unit. A light flashed to tell us which of the four channels we were on. The system then automatically picked which frequency was to be used for the chosen channel. This entire process took seconds and was ready to rock! 

It was fun to try this system out and jam with it, as it was very convenient to set and did not interfere at all with our true tone. With the Xvive U2 you get up to 70 feet of range, so you can move about the stage as you please. In short, a great option for beginners looking for functionality and convenience.

Verdict: The Xvive U2 gives you clean audio quality, with a small form factor that forgoes the bodypack. This system is easy to use and set up and comes at a truly affordable price.


Editor's Choice
Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 Wireless Guitar System

Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 Wireless Guitar System

A superior wireless system for the discerning guitarist.

Sennheiser really went all out with this wireless system. If you are a professional guitarist looking for quality and reliability in an easy-to-use wireless setup, look no further.

The Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 comes with an EM 500 G4 rackmount receiver and an SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter. It operates on an 88 MHz bandwidth, providing 3,520 tunable frequencies in each of Sennheiser’s designated frequency bands. In practical terms, more frequencies allow you to have fewer dropouts and less interference. 

This Sennheiser wireless system comes with an auto-frequency scan feature. As a result, it offers simple operation despite the impressive features set that it boasts. For instance, if you change anything on the receiver, a simple push of the “sync” button will make the SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter match them. 

In case you want to go deeper into the features set of this system, you get 32 channels with up to 88 MHz of bandwidth as well as an Ethernet port for remote control via Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager (WSM).

This system also gives you true diversity reception with high-quality, and a pilot tone squelch for avoiding RF interference when the transmitter is turned off. 

With an impressive frequency response of 25 Hz to 18 kHz, intuitive menu operation with a jog wheel, and a frequency range of 558 to 608 MHz (GW1 band), the Sennheiser EW 500 offers you exceptional tone preservation and fantastic reliability. 

For extra reliability and protection, this system also comes with an auto-Lock function for preventing the accidental changing of settings and increased protection against humidity. 

Housed in a sturdy metal chassis, the Sennheiser EW 500 offers you ultimate convenience and reliability so you can go wireless with confidence. In short, a fantastic system for the dedicated professional guitarist that is willing to pay for superior quality. 

Verdict: The Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 comes loaded with useful features but still allows for simple operation. With an impressive 3,520 tunable frequencies available in each of Sennheiser’s designated frequency bands, you get unmatched reliability and quality. Sturdy and well-built, this system was made for professionals of the highest caliber.


Also Consider
Line 6 Relay G30 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Line 6 Relay G30 Digital Wireless Guitar System

Reliable and clean tone on a convenient and durable package.

This is the most affordable model of Line 6's popular Relay G Series. It comes from one of the most beloved companies among guitarists and delivers convenience while ensuring that your tone is clear and your signal is reliable.

The Line 6 Relay G30 features six compatible channels and a range of up to 100 feet of line-of-sight stage movement. Its design includes a compact transmitter as well as a pedal-style receiver for convenience. 

Just like all models on the Relay series, the G30 employs Line 6’s Virtual Wire Transmission technology. This feature gives you a fantastic dynamic response while preserving the integrity of your tone.

This digitalsystem also comes with Cable Tone Simulator to match the sound of your preferred guitar cable and offers high-quality 24-bit A/D conversion. 

The transmitter works on two AA alkaline batteries and gives you approximately 8 hours of continuous use. On the other hand, you can power the receiver with the included adaptor or any standard 9 V power supply. 

In use, we set the receiver to channel 1 (out of the six available ones) and matched that on the transmitter by selecting the same channel. That’s all it took to start playing, and it became clear to us just how easy to use and convenient the Relay G30 is.

We then wanted to try the Cable Tone Simulator. The switch for this feature is on the receiver and gives two options, one for emulating a 15-feet cable and one for a 30-feet cable. We auditioned both of them and with each position we got a frequency loss that is commonly associated with cables of those lengths. In all honesty, we found this to be an unnecessary feature of this model. 

Verdict: The Line 6 Relay G30 gives you up to 100 feet of line-of-sight so you can move around the stage while providing stability and a clear tone. It is very easy to set up and use, and a good choice for anyone looking to move to wireless operation.


Also Consider
Audio-Technica ATW-1101/G Digital Wireless Guitar System

Audio-Technica ATW-1101/G Digital Wireless Guitar System

Quality and reliability from one of audio's most respected names.

Audio-Technica is one of the most reputable companies in audio and has provided quality solutions to musicians for decades. The ATW-1101/G is a reliable system made for professionals and offers consistency while preserving your tone.

The Audio-Technica ATW-1101/G features advanced 24-bit operation at the 2.4 GHz range, ensuring that you get reliable performance with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This system’s operating range is 100 ft. Line-of-sight, which gives you plenty of freedom onstage. 

Despite all of its impressive features, the ATW-1101/G is also relatively easy to use. With the touch of a button, this unit automatically sets the best available frequency. This feature becomes quite important in order to avoid interference and intermodulation when multiple wireless systems are employed on a live show. 

Additionally, the ATW-1101/G gives you up to eight channels that can be used together without any frequency coordination issues or group selection problems. 

This unit also features an easy-to-read LCD display that is perfect for environments with poor lighting, which are quite common for live shows.

Regarding I/O, the ATW-1101/G comes with a balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4″ output jacks.

The transmitter features a dynamic range of 109 dB and functions with 2 AA batteries that give you up to 7 hours of continuous operation. Another great feature of this unit is the Ground-lift switch that helps curb audible hum generated by ground loops between the sound system and receiver.

In short, this fantastic wireless system is a good choice for professional guitarists that take great care of their tone and performance. Beginners and amateurs may want to consider a simpler and more affordable model.

Verdict: The Audio-Technica ATW-1101/G brings quality and consistency to professional guitarists. It relies on a 24-bit operation at the 2.4 GHz range and comes with a variety of fantastic features in order to ensure top-notch performance.


Also Consider
Sennheiser EW 100 G4-Ci1 Wireless Guitar System

Sennheiser EW 100 G4-Ci1 Wireless Guitar System

Quality and functionality at its best.

Sennheiser is among the greatest audio companies in history. Their products deliver top quality and performance, and the EW 100 G4 is further proof of that.

The Sennheiser EW 100 G4-Ci1 offers 1,680 tunable UHF frequencies and a 42 MHz bandwidth for ensuring that your performance is free of interference. With a range of 330 feet and up to eight hours of operation, this system offers everything a guitarist needs to be free onstage. 

At 0.35 lbs, the SK 100 G4 bodypack transmitter is truly lightweight, which can make a big difference for long shows or tours. Additionally, it comes with a clear graphic display, RF mute, infrared sync, cable emulation, charging contacts, as well as an intuitive menu. 

This unit also excels in audio quality, with an AF frequency response of 25 Hz to 18 kHz that provides clear sound.

On the other hand, the EM 100 G4 is a well-built rack receiver that comes with useful features for the guitarist. For instance, you get a sound check mode that allows you to monitor the audio and RF signal during your setup. 

You also get 20 frequency banks, each with 12 preset frequencies. Add to that a user-programmable bank, and you can run several channels of G4 wireless simultaneously. 

The cable emulator feature on this unit lets you adjust virtual cable lengths so the response can approximate the sound a cable would provide. 

Guitarists are also going to love the onboard tuner right on the display, as well as the built-in 5-band EQ for further tonal tweaking. Additionally, the EW 174 G4 comes with several accessories. These include a power supply unit, a linking cable, a rackmount kit, two antennas, an instrument cable, and two stacking elements.

We really like the high-contrast LCD display with blue sync LED and dedicated Escape button, perfect for using this unit in darker rooms. Another great feature is the auto-Lock function which avoids changing settings accidentally.

In short, a great wireless system for the guitarist. The EW 100 G4 is reliable and comes in sturdy metal housing. Naturally, some guitarists may be put off by its price and opt for a more affordable option. 

Verdict: The Sennheiser EW 100 G4-Ci1 comes with 1,680 tunable UHF frequencies and a 42 MHz bandwidth. It offers an impressive range of 330 feet, clear sound, and is reliable.


Also Consider
AKG DMS300 Digital Wireless Instrument System

AKG DMS300 Digital Wireless Instrument System

Excellent quality and expandability.

When it comes to quality and functionality, few companies have the pedigree that AKG does. This German firm has a rich history of offering top-notch audio solutions for musicians, and this wireless system is no exception.

The AKG DMS300 Digital Wireless Instrument System offers eight channels, an easy setup process and an audio resolution of 24-bit with 48 kHz. You also get a reliable operating range of 30 m (100 feet) for avoiding signal loss and dropouts. 

This system comes with the SR300 stationary receiver, which gives you adaptive channel selection by pressing a button that auto-assigns you to the best available option. It also comes with a well-designed LCD screen that displays the channel IDs for easy identification. 

On the other hand, this system also includes a PT300 belt pack transmitter that gives you an impressive 12-hour battery life. All you have to do is plug in your guitar with the included cable and you’re ready to rock. 

The bodypack can also be used with compatible AKG headsets and clip-on mics, which is a nice and convenient add-on to this system. 

The AKG DMS300 features a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a dynamic range of 116 dB. Besides being convenient and easy to use, this wireless system is also comfortable for the performer, with the Transmitter weighing only 0.24 lbs. with batteries and both AA batteries included. 

In short, a solid wireless system that offers quality and convenience, with the ability to hook up and expand to eight more DMS300s. As good as it is, many guitarists looking to go wireless themselves will have no use for the expandable options that this AKG system offers and may opt for a more affordable option. 

Verdict: The AKG DMS300 Digital Wireless Instrument System gives you eight channels with an audio resolution of 24-bit/48 kHz. With this system, you get renowned AKG quality and functionality for preserving your tone in a convenient and comfortable way and operating with a range of 30 m.


How To Choose The Right System For You

A wireless system typically includes two main parts: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter usually features a jack plug going into a small pack through a cable. 

Your signal is then transmitted to the receiver wirelessly. Some transmitters have a built-in jack plug and plug into your guitar jack, much like you would with a cable. 

The receiver’s job is to receive your signal and then send it to your pedalboard or amp with a cable. The receiver is normally powered by a power supply, while the transmitter typically uses batteries, although some come with a rechargeable built-in battery for added convenience.

Now that we have a basic understanding of how these systems work, it is important to talk about some relevant points you should consider before deciding which model to get. 

Wireless range

Like most things guitar related, you need to ask yourself what you need your wireless system for. A good place to start is the wireless range. Will you be playing in your room, or do you need to go wireless for live shows? 

If it’s for live shows, how much freedom of movement do you need? If you’re playing festivals, you need a model that covers a good distance. On the other hand, if you’re only playing at the pizza place down the street, then you don’t need to worry about range.

Channels

This is another consideration that is directly impacted by the size of the venues you’re playing at. For instance, for bigger shows that feature other bands, you might get interference in a given channel. Being able to change your system to another channel or frequency range is a must for folks that play in bigger productions where interference issues may arise. 

On the other hand, if you’re just playing at the local bar or alone in your room, one channel will do the trick just fine. 

Quality

As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. This is also true for wireless systems. The pricer models will not only have more features but will also preserve your guitar’s tone better

Additionally, a transmitter with superior quality will keep the strength of your high and low frequencies much better than a cheaper one. That said, if you just want to have a more convenient and hassle-free gig with your cover band, you do not need a lot of channels, and a more affordable system will do just fine. 

Again, you need to ask yourself what you need the wireless system for, how simple you want it to be, and how much you want to spend, to then proceed accordingly.


Final Thoughts

Dealing with tangled cables is a common issue that many guitarists face. It can be frustrating, particularly if you’re onstage with other cables that also get in the way. Luckily, nowadays, you have plenty of options to go wireless. Not only does breaking free of cables reduce tangles and on stage mess, but it also totally opens up your freedom of motion, and allows you to get even more creative during performances.

The right wireless system for you will provide convenience, reliability, and peace of mind that your tone will be preserved throughout your performance. 

To recap our choices, the Shure PGXD14 is our Top Pick. It comes with 24-bit 48kHz digital audio and is a great choice in terms of quality and reliability and at a fair price. 

The Xvive U2 Digital is our Best Budget pick with clean audio quality and an ultra-compact design sans bodypack. It is easy to set up and a great choice for beginners.

Finally, the Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 is our Editor’s Choice for discerning guitarists who can pay for quality. By offering fewer dropouts and less interference, this system gives impressive performance and durability. 

  • Rodrigo Sanchez

    Rodrigo is an award-winning songwriter (Best Popular Song Of 2018 for Ibermúsicas), and has worked with the prestigious EMI Music Publishing Latin America. He has production credits on artists such as Descemer Bueno, and has also composed alongside Grammy and ASCAP award-winners such as Sebastián De Peyrecave and José Luis Morín. For over ten years, he's been an editor/writer for Recording Magazine, and spent a year as head of translation for Brazilian magazine Musica & Mercado.