I like using a DAW for practice. It means I don't need an amp or effects, I just plug straight in to an interface box (Scarlet DI2 £70ish) and then use Reaper (free trial that never ends but its only $60 USD anyway) on my PC which allows me to drop in mp3's and then set up loops or slow the track without effecting frequencies. I've downloaded loads of free plugins such as amp sims and effects and cab sims.