Best budget multi-effects pedals 2024: access a world of effects at a reasonable price

There was a time when the thought of an affordable multi-effects unit struck fear into the hearts of tone-conscious guitarists, thanks to awkward menu diving and less-than-sturdy materials. However, as this list of the best budget multi-effects pedals proves, this category of wallet-friendly stomp has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. 

Now, let’s face it, a colorful, spaceship-like array on a mammoth pedalboard is very Instagrammable. Not to mention, you'll be the envy of all the pedal-geek aficionados at your local practice space. Still, this isn’t the most practical or financially achievable. Therefore a budget multi-effects is ideal for players just starting out in the world of effects, those with limited funds, or even those in need of a gap-filling pedal to cover numerous sounds.

While there are some trade-offs in tactility and modularity, a great-sounding multi-effects unit can be an excellent option for many players. Unlike in the late '90s, when your choices were largely limited to Zoom or DigiTech pedals, today's guitarists enjoy a brilliant selection from a wide range of notable brands. While those two trailblazers are still around, brands like Mooer, Donner and NUX now offer budget guitarists even more options.

In this guide, we're looking at some of the best budget multi-effects pedals on the market today. We've also got some helpful FAQs in case you're new to this world.

Our top picks

Best overall

If you think of affordable multi-effects, chances are Zoom is a brand that’ll be top of the list. It’s pedals like the MS-70CDR that have made the brand synonymous with fantastic value-for-money effects. Released over a decade ago, the MS-70CDR doesn’t look like it’ll falter in popularity any time soon. 

CDR stands for Chorus, Delay, Reverb, and the MS-70 has over twenty algorithms in each category to choose from. Astonishingly for such a small pedal, the MS-70 can run up to six effects at once, in whatever order you choose. This flexibility means it's ideal for rounding out a cramped pedalboard with additional sounds that you might not use often.

The MS-70 can also load patches, and it's here where the magic lies. There's a community around the pedal, making and sharing patches of everything from normal delays to exotic reverbs. Add to that a chromatic tuner function, and there's a reasonable argument to be made for just replacing your guitar tuner with the MS-70 and getting all the other features for free.

Best for value

NUX is no stranger to the multi-effects game, but the new MG-400 may be its best unit yet. This value-packed modeler builds on what NUX established with the MG-300 and adds user-friendly features that every guitarist will enjoy. 

Hidden inside are two powerful DSP chips that power the impressive White-Box Amp Modeling algorithm and Core-Image post-effects. Better yet, the new MG-400 introduces moveable signal blocks for an extra level of flexibility. There’s also impulse response, featuring 25 guitar cabs, eight bass cabs, and three acoustic guitar IRs. The MG-400 isn’t just for effects; it offers a plethora of enjoyable tones that complement its awesome effects.

The expression pedal can accommodate volume swells and wah-wah action, and its ability to function as an audio interface with a USB-C output makes this incredibly affordable machine super versatile. For us, the NUX MG-400 is a reliable, robust, and fantastic-sounding multi-effects unit that punches well above its weight. 

Best pedalboard integration

The MS-3 is technically a loop-switcher, aimed at being the core of a small rig. It's also a capable multi-effects unit in its own right though. Besides an intuitive interface and great core sounds, it benefits from Roland's excellent Librarian software for editing on a computer.

A common complaint about modeling FX is that they often emulate distortions and overdrives poorly. While this is no longer a given with modern units, the MS-3 sidesteps this issue with its loop switcher functionality.

Most players will likely use the MS-3 for delays, reverbs, modulations and pitch effects, leaving core drive sounds to pedals in the three integrated loops. Additionally, the MS-3's built-in EQ, noise gate and tuner eliminate the need for other utility pedals on a small board.

In this way, the MS-3 can be used either as the starting point for a small, flexible board, or the final pedal to round one off. Furthermore, the MS-3 can even be used to switch the channels on an amp as part of its patch switching, for extra flexibility.

Read our full Boss MS-3 review

Best compact

Given the number of features it has and its MIDI control, the Line 6 M5 is nothing short of a steal if you have a small MIDI-routed set-up. 

Even if you don't, it's got a huge number of effects lifted from popular Line 6 stompboxes, as well as a tuner. This makes it a true Swiss Army knife solution to round out a pedalboard. It has expression input as well, meaning you can create custom dynamic effects.

Considering the number of original Line 6 Pods still kicking around decades after its release, it’s no surprise that the M5 is built to last. While this might not be the flashiest brag, it certainly matters for a unit designed to be stomped on by size-10s. The only drawback of the M5 is that it can only run one effect at a time. Many of the other pedals on this list are instead designed to build up a mini-chain of effects.

Best user interface

A pared-down version of the larger Mooer GE-300, the GE-200 is a huge amount of firepower at its price point. There are all the effect types you could want, along with utility functions like a noise gate, EQ and looper.

Most importantly, the GE-200 has a decent user interface. With such a complicated unit, delivering great sounds without an intuitive interface would have been a frustrating missed opportunity. Luckily, the GE-200 is intuitive enough to operate, meaning you don’t have to reach for the manual every five minutes.

The stock models and impulse reponses are pretty decent, but the GE-200 also supports external loading. This means they're easily replaced if you have models that you prefer. However, the desktop editor leaves a little to be desired; it's somewhat clunky and awkward compared to competitor options such as Boss' Tone Studio.

Best portability

Boss is no stranger to multi-FX, and the compact GT-1 is its latest entry offering. It's small enough to fit in a gig bag and features the same core GT engine as found in its higher-spec units. Multiple FX can be combined into a single patch using a relatively intuitive interface, even if it's not the best around. The draw is very much the FX, which as you'd expect from Boss, is top drawer.

Like many other modern units, the GT-1 can be hooked up to a computer, and new patches downloaded from Boss Tone Central, opening up loads of additional possibilities.

The GT-1 can be used as a USB audio interface to record guitar, perfect for making quick demos. Although the build quality isn't the most durable, it is incredibly lightweight and portable. As long as you're not too heavy-footed, the GT-1 should last you for years. Maybe leave the Dr. Martens at home for the next gig though, eh? 

Best for expression

Zoom should know what they're doing - after all, their 505 unit defined consumer-grade multi-FX in the first place.

Where other pedals use a screen to show a virtual signal chain and per-block navigation, the Zoom opts for more of a tactile 'board' feel, with three 'pedals' in a row.

Each patch supports seven simultaneous effects, with five amp and cab simulations to choose from. For home use, practice spaces, or even small gigs, the complete signal chains offered by the Zoom are likely to be enough for many players.

Although you can load and recall patches via the computer software, you can't load external IRs. Granted, the models on this generation are a head-and-shoulders improvement on past efforts, but it's worth being aware of.

Best for gain

The Black Truck is the high-gain sibling of Mooer's Red Truck, though it's possible to get great low-gain sounds from it. Unlike the LCD-screen heavy offerings available elsewhere, the Black Truck opts for a larger, more intuitive front panel, with every parameter accessible.

As it's designed to be a complete portable board, it also includes utility features like an EQ and guitar tuner, as well as a case.

Though most players will use it in 'live' mode, where what you see is what you get, it is possible to build up patches where the individual blocks are routed in a custom order.

Although it doesn't include amp simulation, there is speaker simulation on the headphone out port, as well as a level control to help with silent use.

Best for simplicity

In a brand new collaboration with Chinese affordable effects company, Donner, Jack White has opened up his iconic, gritty sound to the masses. The Triple Threat is the first collaboration between the former White Stripes man and Donner, offering an easy-to-use, good-quality multi-effects pedal at a very attractive price.  

You may be thinking that three effects push the limit for being considered a ‘multi-effects unit,’ but the Triple Threat’s charm lies in its simplicity. It offers an Echo, Phaser, and Distortion, each based on Donner’s own effects pedals. These have been enhanced by White and Third Man’s expertise to ensure a sturdier build and higher-quality components. It’s easy to use and sounds great. 

As for sturdiness, the Triple Threat is no delicate creature. The aluminum alloy casing and metal footswitches are very rigorous whilst retaining a small and portable construction. Although the effects are in a fixed order and can’t be changed, the Triple Threat is a great tool for adding Stripes-like mojo on a budget. 

Read our full Donner X Third Man Triple Threat review

FAQs

What do I want in a budget multi-effects pedal?

There's a lot of different things that you might want from a budget multi-effects pedal.

Of course, the most important thing is how good the pedal sounds. Though this is somewhat subjective, most budget multi-effects these days will sound good. Whether or not those sounds and all their various parameters appeal to you is another story.

Even if some of them aren't useful to you as a player, to a point, more effects or patches means more options, so that's an important number to know.

Can I run patches simultaneously?

It's also important to know if patches can be run simultaneously, and if so, how many. For example, on modern delay units like the Boss DD-500 you can run two patches in series or parallel. This sort of functionality is even more important on a multi-effect.

Whether or not the pedal has amp simulation is an important factor, as amp modelling is difficult and taxing on a DSP chip. As a result, normally at the budget end of the market you wouldn't expect to see decent amp modelling.

This has changed in recent years, however, with some units offering modelling that's good enough for practice use. Some pedals allow for loading of studio-grade external IRs, which takes the pedal into viable gig-use territory.

Can I edit each effect?

Some units will have more editable parameters per patch than others, while some have software companions, and allow loading and saving. This means that useful patches can be shared by a community of users. Some pedals like the Zoom MS-series have an enthusiastic community around them, with a subreddit to share patches and advice.

Do I want mono or stereo?

A key question is whether the pedal is mono or stereo, and what inputs it has. Some have a built-in expression pedal, while others allow for an expansion unit to be plugged in. The ability to expand either the number of footswitches or to add expression is very useful, especially if the stock unit is compact.

Is the user interface important in a budget multi-effects?

Finally, the user interface is the most important feature besides core sound. If the pedal feels good to use, then you will enjoy using it. Intuitive pedal design isn't a given though, and even pedals with touch interfaces sometimes get it wrong. In recent years, the best interface has been that of the Line 6 Helix series, but other manufacturers have been working hard to catch up.

Find out more about how we make our recommendations and how we test each of the products in our buyer's guides.

How we test products

Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar and bass related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.

When choosing what we believe to be the best budget multi-effects pedals available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.

First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability.

Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.