Open source BIAS FX 2 alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data
Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank 2 of the 3 BIAS FX 2 alternatives we track are open source. Neural Amp Modeler and guitarix rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.
BIAS FX 2 has been discontinued. No longer for sale, according to Positive Grid's BIAS FX 2 page, which directs buyers to its successor BIAS X.
Quick comparison
| # | App | Pricing | Verified price | Open source | Platforms | Verified facts | Score |
|---|
| 1 | Neural Amp Modeler | Open source | — | Yes | Windows, macOS | 5 of 5 | 64.8 |
| 2 | guitarix | Open source | — | Yes | Linux | 4 of 4 | 61.8 |
1
Best for: Guitarists who want accurate captures of real amps for free and don't mind building their own chain
Open sourceWindows, macOS
Why switch from BIAS FX 2
Free, open-source capture-based amp modelling with a big community library of profiles.
Pros
- Free and open source under the MIT licence
- Large community library of shared amp and pedal captures
- Runs as a VST3 or AU plugin and as a standalone app
- You can capture your own gear with the free trainer
Cons
- Each model is a fixed snapshot, so amp knobs can't be turned like a full simulation
- No built-in effects rack; you add cabinets and effects yourself
- Quality varies between community-made captures
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.387
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
2
Best for: Linux guitarists who want a free amp and effects rack that plugs into JACK and LV2 hosts
Open sourceLinux
Why switch from BIAS FX 2
Free open-source amp simulator, a no-cost option for Linux users.
Pros
- Completely free and open source under the GPL
- More than 25 built-in effects modules alongside the amp section
- Works as a standalone JACK app and as LV2 plugins inside a DAW
- Packaged by most Linux distributions
Cons
- Linux only, with no official Windows or macOS builds
- Needs a working JACK setup, which can be fiddly for beginners
- Far fewer amp and cabinet models than commercial suites
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.377
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula