Excellent Wireless Guitar System Choices At All Budgets
- Matt
- Aug 17
- 6 min read
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Unplug and Move Around The Stage With Wireless Guitar Systems
I once went in a battle of the bands competition put on by the local youth centre - I think I was probably 14 or 15. Nerves in the stomach we got up and played our roughly put together punk song and thought we did pretty good when we got off the stage...
Then the next band got up and the first thing I noticed was that they didn't have any leads - They had these little pack things where the lead was supposed to go. Not only were they more polished, had a better song - they also had a better stage presence.
Not limited by the 10ft of cord, they moved around the stage just like a professional group... Even at that point I hadn't seen wireless systems at gigs I actually paid for.
I hadn't thought of that story for a long time but it popped in my head the other night when I was watching a band at a local bar who were using a wireless system so I thought, maybe I should write a post about them and look at whats available these days.
A good wireless system keeps your sound clean but also gives you the freedom to move around the stage - not to mention not having to pack up all the cables every night.
Continue reading to look at the background of these devices and to get a comparison of a few of the best models around these days.
Contents
A Quick History & How Wireless Guitar Systems Work
Wireless guitar systems have been around since the late 70s. Early early versions were being used by bands like KISS and Van Halen - bands that had an energy that needed to bust out on the big stages they played. Back then they were bulky and could go a little haywire with interference - sometimes even changing the actual tone of the instruments.
Wireless guitar systems these days are much smaller & reliable - and the sound quality is about as close as you can get to natural.
They work by converting your guitar’s signal into a digital or analog radio signal before sending it to a receiver (usually on your pedalboard or amp) and then it gets converted back to audio instantly.
Digital systems are a pretty common thing today because they give players a clear sound, lower noise/interference. On the professional stage they allow your favourite musicians freedom - especially with those giant arena stages with long catwalks - Looking at you Miss Swift.
High Level Buyer’s Guide For Wireless Guitar Systems
When you’re picking a wireless guitar system here are the key points to assess on to find the product that is right for you:
Sound quality
You want it to feel just like a cable with no noticeable loss in tone.
Latency
Lower latency means what you play and when you hear it is in sync. There is a degree of latency in the conversion process - even when recording digitally into your DAW. Under 5ms is ideal.
Range
Consider how far you’ll be from your amp or receiver during a show. Maybe think about planning for the future i.e. you might not need something with a huge distance now but, if you are going to invest in a device, will you need it to reach further in the future.
Battery life
Rechargeable systems are convenient and you dont need to go scouting for batteries but also consider their battery life and time to charge.
Ease of use
Some systems are plug-and-play while others offer more advanced controls - figure out what is the right level of control vs ease for you - if its too hard, you might not keep using it.
Wireless Guitar System Comparison Table
Model | Latency (ms) | Range | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.3 | 50 feet / 15m | 10 hours | $ | |
4 | 200 feet / 60m | 16 hours | $$$ | |
3.9 | 250 feet / 75m | 5 hours | $$$ | |
4 | 70 feet / 21m | 6 hours | $$ |
Boss WL-20 – Plug and Play Simplicity
This is one of the easiest wireless systems to use. Just plug in the transmitter to the instrument and then the receiver into the amp/DAW and you’re good to go. It automatically sets the best channel so you dont have to deal with complicated menus. The WL-20 has a natural sound profile, making it feel like you’re still using a cable.
Why I think musicians will love it:
Simple setup with no menus or pairing steps
Natural tone like a guitar cable
Small and light for easy transport
Best for:Â Players who want a quick, cable-free setup without any learning curve.
Shure GLXD14 –Pro Level Reliability
Shure’s GLXD14 is a serious tool for players who need solid performance. It’s built for clarity and consistency - even in busy wireless environments. It's rechargeable & the battery can lasts up to 16 hours. Shure has a automatic frequency system which keeps the signal clean.
Why I think musicians will love it:
Super battery life for long sets
Handles interference automatically
Premium build quality
Best for: Touring and stage-heavy musicians who can’t risk losing their signal mid-song.
Stylish and Easy
I like the Sennheiser XSW-D for its clean look and simple one button operation. It’s small but can still provide professional sound. The USB recharging is handy and it feels strong without being bulky.
Why I think musicians will love it:
Minimalist design
One button control
Crisp, full range sound with low latency
Best for:Â Players who want professional audio quality in a simple to use device.
Fender Telepath Tone and Style
The Mystic Ice Blue and Black finish makes this one stand out. Fender’s Telepath system keeps your tone intact while giving you a good range. It’s light, responsive and pairs well with Fender guitars - but id does work with any instrument.
Why I think musicians will love it:
Eye-catching design that looks great on stage
Reliable tone across the full range
Transmitter that won’t get in your way
Best for:Â Guitarists who care about visuals as much as the technical performance.
Recap & Final Thoughts On Wireless Guitar Systems
So there you have it - my guide to wireless guitar systems. I think some of the key points to remember are:
Wireless systems where 1st introduced in the late 70s - they were bulky and prone to interference.
Modern systems are compact, reliable and deliver near-cable sound quality.
They work by transmitting your signal as a radio frequency to a receiver and then convert it back to audio.
Digital systems dominate today and provide freedom on stages.
And to briefly summarise the products mentioned:
The Boss WL-20Â is the probably the easiest to set up - perfect for players who just want to plug in and go.
The Shure GLXD14Â is for demanding professional with unbeatable reliability and battery life.
The Sennheiser XSW-DÂ offers professional sound in a great looking, minimalist package.
The Fender Telepath adds style without impact to your tone.
As always - thanks very much for reading and let me know in the comments if you have any questions, opinions or ideas for my next article.
Have a great one!
About The Author
Matt A, Founder and Head Writer @ Music Thought House
I have had a lifelong passion for music. I picked up my first guitar when I was 10 and it's been there, most of the time haha, ever since. I have played and studied music ever since that time, always trying to learn more and get better. There is not one aspect of music that I am still not in awe of.
I have gathered a lot of information over time and now, with Music Thought House, I have decided to release it on the world.
I know that music can be daunting and seemingly complex and I am not a complicated person. The blog posts I write aim to keep things simple and straightforward so everyone can get a better understanding of music.
Glossary
Latency - The slight delay between when you play a note and when you hear it through your amp. Measured in milliseconds (ms).
Range - The maximum distance you can be from the receiver before the signal drops out or loses quality. Usually measured in feet or meters.
Digital Wireless - A system that converts your guitar signal into digital data before transmitting it. This can result in clearer sound and less interference than older analog systems.
Analog Wireless - An older technology that sends your guitar’s signal as a continuous radio wave. It can add slight coloration to your tone but some players prefer the sound.
Transmitter - The small device you connect to your guitar that sends the signal wirelessly.
Receiver - The device that picks up the signal from the transmitter and sends it to your amp or audio system.
Interference - Unwanted noise or signal loss caused by other wireless devices in the area.