If you’ve got a bit of spare cash and want to freshen up your guitar sound, then grabbing yourself one of the best cheap guitar pedals is probably the quickest and easiest way to do it. For not much money at all, you can introduce a completely new sound, or enhance the sound you’ve already got.
Maybe 10 or so years ago, the selection of pedals that was widely available was much more limited, and they tended to be fairly expensive. Nowadays, you can pick up a cheap guitar pedal for literally the price of a few guitar cables. Whether you’re after a new modulation effect, a ferocious fuzz, or a clone of a classic unit, you’re spoilt for choice.
There’s a whole wide world out there filled to the brim with good quality stompboxes for not much money, so we’ve compiled a list of the best cheap guitar pedals to make it easier for you. Many of these brands offer a wide range of models, so if you don’t see what you’re after, check out what else the brand does.
Quick list
The Ibanez Tube Screamer is an icon of the pedal world, and for good reason. This emerald stomp has the ability to tighten unruly metal amps, push tube amps into natural overdrive and even add a little dirt to a clean tone. Coming in at not far off the price of a cheap Tube Screamer imitation, the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini is the definition of a bargain.
The Boss FZ-2 fuzz pedal has long been the subject of pleas for a Waza Craft reissue. The FZ-2 was a modernized Univox Super Fuzz with switchable modes and two-band EQ, discontinued in the late 90s. For whatever reason - those in the know have sometimes mooted availability of the right transistors - Boss has demurred on a reissue. This has left the coveted pedal to grow in cult popularity.
This is a clone of the legendary Klon Centaur. For a pedal with only three knobs, it’s surprisingly versatile and actually houses a fairly clever design. The footswitch, when held down, lets you choose between Gold and Silver versions of the Centaur - whilst the differences between originals might not be as big, on the Horseman, the Silver mode gives you a little more gain and a bit of an extra boost in the mids/high-mids.
Though there are a few options for mini-sized analog delay pedals at around the same price, we always like slightly larger delays so that we can bend down and twist controls live. In that regard, the TC Echobrain is a fun unit. The controls are intuitive, with plenty of scope for runaway oscillations and psychedelic weirdness.
To our ears, it's still one of the fizzier distortions, and we wish it had some more volume on tap, but we can't deny that this Boss pedal is a classic. For many, the Boss DS-1 was their first pedal, and at this price point, it's easy to see why it's still so popular. It's easy to use, sounds fantastic, and is extremely robust!
The Oceanic is a simple reverb pedal with subtle modulation that allows it to cover a lot of ground. NUX claim that they've carefully modeled the algorithm such that additional controls are unnecessary, hence it being single-knob. The pedal goes from 'studio tiled bathroom' through 'concert hall' to the kind of huge, abstract atmospheric space that will get all the shoegaze space cadets all hot and bothered.
Best cheap boost
✅ Buy if you want a pedalboard classic: The Ibanez Tube Screamer is a classic pedal for a reason, it sounds fantastic and is a brilliant boost for solos.
❌ Avoid if you are using a digital amp: To get the most out of this pedal we suggest using it with a tube amp.
The Ibanez Tube Screamer is an icon of the pedal world, and for good reason. This emerald stomp has the ability to tighten unruly metal amps, push tube amps into natural overdrive and even add a little dirt to a clean tone.
Coming in at not far off the price of a cheap Tube Screamer imitation, the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini is the definition of a bargain.
Locked away inside its tiny case are the original TS-808 sound and true bypass switching, while its small size means you'll save much-needed space on your 'board. What's not to like?
Best budget fuzz
✅ Buy if you want a very affordable fuzz: Fuzz pedals don't come much cheaper than this one!
❌ Avoid if you need a reliable pedal for stage use: This isn't the most sturdy pedal, so we wouldn't trust it at a live show.
The Boss FZ-2 fuzz pedal has long been the subject of pleas for a Waza Craft reissue. The FZ-2 was a modernized Univox Super Fuzz with switchable modes and two-band EQ, discontinued in the late 90s.
For whatever reason - those in the know have sometimes mooted availability of the right transistors - Boss has demurred on a reissue. This has left the coveted pedal to grow in cult popularity.
Luckily for those needing a fix, Behringer released its own take on the pedal, the SF300. It's pretty close and there are even DIY guides available online for rehousing the guts of the pedal in a more robust metal enclosure if you want a project.
Best budget Klon
✅ Buy if you want the Klon tone on a budget: Perfect for blues leads and so much more, the sound of a Klon is instantly recognizable, and now you get it without spending a fortune!
❌ Avoid if you need lots of gain: By its very nature, this is not a high-gain pedal, so if you want more gain you'll want to choose a different overdrive.
This is a clone of the legendary Klon Centaur. For a pedal with only three knobs, it’s surprisingly versatile and actually houses a fairly clever design.
The footswitch, when held down, lets you choose between Gold and Silver versions of the Centaur - whilst the differences between originals might not be as big, on the Horseman, the Silver mode gives you a little more gain and a bit of an extra boost in the mids/high-mids.
This can be used as a clean boost, as a straight-up distortion/overdrive or to get you those great on-the-edge-of-breakup sounds. It plays well with different amps and stacks really well with other pedals. If you’re looking for something that does the Klon thing on a budget, this is definitely one to check out.
Best analog delay
✅ Buy if you want classic analog delay sounds: We love the analog warmth of the Echobrain, making it an obvious pedal to recommend.
❌ Avoid if you are tight on space: This isn't the smallest of pedals, so it can take up a fair amount of space on your pedalboard.
Though there are a few options for mini-sized analog delay pedals at around the same price, we always like slightly larger delays so that we can bend down and twist controls live.
In that regard, the TC Echobrain is a fun unit. The controls are intuitive, with plenty of scope for runaway oscillations and psychedelic weirdness.
That said, it's not only bizarre repeats on offer. If you are after a solid, warm analog delay sound then, of course, it has that in spades.
For more options check out our guide to the best budget delay pedals.
Best cheap distortion
✅ Buy if you want a pedal that is built to last: The humble DS-1 may be cheap, but the build quality here is second to none.
❌ Avoid if you don't like bright-sounding distortion: The DS-1 is known for its bright attack, which isn't to everyone's taste.
This orange oblong box has been a staple on players 'boards for decades, and it will continue to be a firm favorite for many years to come.
To our ears, it's still one of the fizzier distortions, and we wish it had some more volume on tap, but we can't deny that this Boss pedal is a classic. For many, the Boss DS-1 was their first pedal, and at this price point, it's easy to see why it's still so popular. It's easy to use, sounds fantastic, and is extremely robust!
If you want a no-frills distortion that will likely outlive you, then you can't go wrong with the tangerine mean machine.
Best cheap reverb
✅ Buy if you want atmospheric reverb on a budget: With plenty of massive reverb sounds onboard, this pedal is a must for ambient music fans.
❌ Avoid if you like to tweak the settings: With its single knob it can get difficult to dial in the perfect sound.
The Oceanic is a simple reverb pedal with subtle modulation that allows it to cover a lot of ground. NUX claim that they've carefully modeled the algorithm such that additional controls are unnecessary, hence it being single-knob.
While we're not sold on that argument, it is true that with decay set at 9 o'clock it's a different pedal than with the decay knob dimed. The pedal goes from 'studio tiled bathroom' through 'concert hall' to the kind of huge, abstract atmospheric space that will get all the shoegaze space cadets all hot and bothered.
There is a wet/dry control on the Oceanic. However, to access it you have to hold down the footswitch for two seconds, at which point the decay knob becomes a level knob.
How to choose
Honestly, the best way to pick your first pedal is to think about what sounds you’re actually trying to make. Listen to your favorite songs and figure out what effects you’re hearing - is it that crunchy distortion, spacey delay, or shimmery reverb?
Start with one pedal that does one thing well rather than a multi-effects unit. Yeah, multi-effects seem like better value, but single pedals are way easier to understand when you’re learning. Plus, a good overdrive or delay will never go out of style.
Don’t stress too much about brand names. Sure, Boss and Electro-Harmonix are reliable, but there are tons of cheaper brands making solid pedals now - Behringer, NUX, and Mooer all make decent budget options.
Most importantly, remember that even “cheap” pedals can sound great. The expensive boutique stuff is cool, but you don’t need it to have fun or sound good. Start simple, learn what you like, then build from there.
Glossary
- Analog: Pedals that use old-school circuitry instead of digital chips. They tend to sound warmer and more natural, but they’re also usually simpler in what they can do.
- Buffered: A circuit that keeps your guitar signal strong when you’re running through a bunch of pedals. Some pedals have them built in, which is handy for longer cable runs.
- Chorus: Makes your guitar sound thicker and more shimmery, like multiple guitars playing at once. Think 80s rock ballads or that jangly indie sound.
- Clone: A pedal that copies a famous (usually expensive) pedal’s circuit. Clones can sound nearly identical for way less money. Totally legal and a great way to get classic sounds cheap.
- Daisy chain: A cable that lets you power multiple pedals from one power supply. Super convenient but can sometimes cause noise issues if you’re not careful.
- Delay: Creates echoes of what you just played. Can be a subtle slapback or crazy spacey repeats. One of the most fun pedals to mess around with.
- Distortion: The classic rock sound - makes your guitar crunchy, aggressive, and loud. Different from overdrive because it’s more intense and compressed.
- Dry signal: Your guitar’s original sound before any effects hit it. Some pedals let you blend dry and wet signals together.
- Fuzz: The gnarliest, most aggressive distortion type. Sounds fuzzy and broken in the best way. Think old Hendrix or modern garage rock.
- Gain: How much distortion or overdrive a pedal adds. More gain = more crunch. It’s usually the first knob you’ll want to tweak.
- Modulation: Effects that mess with your signal in a rhythmic or cyclical way - like chorus, phaser, tremolo, or flanger. Adds movement to your sound.
- .Overdrive: A warmer, more natural-sounding distortion that mimics a cranked tube amp. Great for blues, rock, and just adding some grit to your tone.
- Pedalboard: The board or case you mount your pedals on to keep everything organized. Can be as simple as a piece of wood or a fancy professional setup.
- Phaser: A swirly, swooshy modulation effect. Sounds kind of like a spaceship or a jet plane. Classic on funk and psychedelic stuff.
- Reverb: Simulates the natural echo you’d hear in a room, hall, or cathedral. Makes your guitar sound bigger and less dry. Almost every guitarist uses at least a little.
- True bypass: When a pedal is off, your signal passes through completely unaffected. Prevents tone loss, which is why people care about it, though it’s a bit overrated honestly.
- Wet signal: The affected sound coming out of your pedal, as opposed to the dry (original) signal. Some pedals let you control how much wet vs. dry you hear.
FAQs
Are cheap guitar pedals a false economy?
It used to mean that if a guitar pedal were cheap, it probably wasn’t very good. However, that’s not the case today - there are quite a few examples of decent pedals for less than $/£50, from well known brands such as TC Electronic, Electro Harmonix and more, as well as lesser known brands that are on the rise like Mooer and NUX.
There are companies out there that own huge factories that make pedals on the behalf of other brands. Some of these companies have since gone on to create their own brands and sell directly to the consumer, meaning that you can get the same pedal, perhaps with a slightly different design, for a lower cost.
What is a cloned guitar pedal?
Cloning is pretty big in the pedal world too. Since you can’t actually copyright a circuit in the abstract, it’s possible to look at a pedal and ‘take inspiration’ from it - i.e. if you’re clever about it, you can copy it. The Klon Centaur is one of the most widely cloned pedals - largely because original units are rare and go for crazy money, but also because many companies have been able to make decent enough replicas. Even pro guitarists use a variety of pedal clones - they’re not just reserved for those on a budget!
What makes a great cheap guitar pedal?
When it comes to analogue pedals, there’s not actually that much inside that can go wrong. As long as the PCB design is right, and it has been constructed properly then there’s every chance you’ll end up with a good pedal. Digital pedals are harder to get right on a budget, and they’re harder to clone, which is why our list of the best cheap guitar pedals is mostly made up of analogue models.
A good cheap guitar pedal should of course, sound great which because of all the above, is now easier to find than ever. You want it to last more than a few rehearsals too! It might not last a lifetime, but you should be able to get a few years out of it. Ideally, you want it to have an easy to use interface too - this boils down to how it’s been designed.
What are the benefits of buying cheap guitar pedals?
Cheap guitar pedals can be great as they allow you to try out a whole range of new sounds, without having to spend a lot of money. Times are tough, and for a lot of musicians there’s less disposable cash available. If you need a new overdrive, or you just fancy adding a new dimension to your rig, then one of the best cheap guitar pedals lets you do so without it hitting your wallet too hard.
Cheaper guitar pedals are also less valuable and therefore one less thing to worry about if you’re touring the country playing in bars and clubs. If you’ve got an original Klon, a Boss CE-1 and a Tone Bender on your ‘board and an over-excited audience member spills a pint over them, then you’d better hope you’ve got them insured. Accidents do sometimes happen, so cheap pedals can mean that you’re a little less precious about them, whilst still being able to do your job as a guitarist.
Are cheap guitar pedals built to last?
One thing to look out for when buying a cheap guitar pedal is the construction - plastic does keep the cost down, but is easier to break. You’re essentially going to be standing on your new purchase, so sturdiness is something to consider. If it’s a clone, then whoever has made it hasn’t had to put a ton of money into R&D, so you’ll probably be able to make a saving there.
Can cheap guitar pedals be noisy?
Some cheap guitar pedals, especially the smaller ones, can be noisy. If corners are cut, or if the PCB hasn’t been properly designed, then you can end up with some unwanted noise. It might not be super loud or obvious though, so it might be something you can live with.
How we chose the best cheap guitar pedals
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar gear 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 cheap guitar 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 to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best cheap guitar pedals on the market right now.
Find out more about how we make our recommendations, how we test each of the products in our buyer's guides and our review policy.
Why trust us?
☑️ A global audience of 3.8 million guitarists monthly
☑️ 1,200+ reviews on GuitarWorld.com
☑️ 30+ years of product testing at Guitar World
Guitar World boasts over 44 years of expertise and stands as the ultimate authority on all things related to guitars. The magazine and website feature expertly written gear round-ups and top-quality, authoritative reviews penned by a team of highly experienced industry professionals.
Guitar World's inaugural print issue hit the shelves in July 1980, and ever since, it has been captivating players and enthusiasts with engaging lessons, insightful interviews with the biggest guitar heroes, and priceless buying advice for newbie players.
Furthermore, GuitarWorld.com continues this legacy online and serves as the hub of the world's foremost authorities on guitar playing. The site not only hosts content from Guitar World but also showcases articles from respected publications such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques, and Bass Player. With a reach extending to 3.8 million players each month, GuitarWorld.com is a go-to destination for guitar fanatics globally.
Below, you'll find more information about the expert author of this guide.
Alex Lynham is a gear obsessive who's been collecting and building modern and vintage equipment since he got his first Saturday job. Besides reviewing countless pedals for Total Guitar, he's written guides on how to build your first pedal, how to build a tube amp from a kit, and briefly went viral when he released a glitch delay pedal, the Atom Smasher.
I'm Guitar World's Senior Deals Writer. In this role I create and maintain the 200+ buyer's guides you'll find on the site, find the best deals on guitar products for our readers, and test the latest gear. My reviews have been featured in prominent publications including Total Guitar, Future Music magazine and MusicRadar.com.
During my career, I have been lucky enough to talk to many of my musical heroes, having interviewed Slash and members of The Offspring, Foo Fighters, Sum 41, Thrice, and more. Prior to joining the Guitar World team, I worked in music retail, at Kenney's Music in Dundee, Scotland. For a decade, I advised everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned pros on the ultimate gear for their needs, from beginner acoustic guitars, to top-end modelers.
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