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Quick Answer
A beginner should choose a practice amp if they want the simplest setup. Choose an audio interface if they want to record guitar into a computer or use amp plugins. Both can work with headphones, but the amp is usually faster.
If practice is the goal, buy the amp. If recording is the goal, buy the interface. If you want both eventually, start with whichever solves today’s problem.
Full setup: Quiet Electric Guitar Practice Setup Canada.
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Open guitar headphone amps on Amazon.ca · Open headphone-output practice amps
See the apartment practice answer · Read the quiet practice guide