# Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 (Boss) and Blackstar HT-1R MkIII (Blackstar) among guitar amplifiers. Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 is the cheaper of the two at $349.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 | Blackstar HT-1R MkIII |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $349.99 | $449.99 |
| Brand | Boss | Blackstar |
| Amplifier type | solid-state | tube |
| Power watts | 50 | 1 |
| Speaker config | 1x12 | 1x8 |
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Form factor | combo | combo |
| Onboard effects | Yes | Yes |
| Effects loop | No | No |
| Direct out | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone out | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (lb) | 25 | — |

## Key differences

- Amplifier type: Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 solid-state vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII tube
- Power watts: Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 50 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII 1
- Speaker config: Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 1x12 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII 1x8

## What reviewers say

**Boss Katana-50 Gen 3** — Only one whitelisted tester, MusicRadar, published a hands-on review covering the Katana 50 Gen 3; it is positive but qualitative with no lab measurements. Praised for clearer, more detailed and more responsive tone and the new 'Pushed' voicing; the sole gripe is that Bluetooth is a paid optional extra rather than built-in. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Boss Katana-50 Gen 3: https://www.boss.info/us/products/katana-50_gen_3/ (boss.info, verified 2026-07-11)
- Blackstar HT-1R MkIII: https://blackstaramps.com/product/ht-1r-mk-iii/ (blackstaramps.com, verified 2026-07-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/guitar-amplifiers/boss-katana-50-gen-3-vs-blackstar-ht-1r-mkiii/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Boss Katana-50 Gen 3 ($349.99) vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII ($449.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/guitar-amplifiers/boss-katana-50-gen-3-vs-blackstar-ht-1r-mkiii/
License: CC BY 4.0.