A volume pedal may not instantly spark excitement in the way a fuzz, a chorus, or their rocker-pedal cousin – the wah-wah – does, but the best volume pedals can be super creative and provide a sought-after quality that sets some guitarists above others: dynamic control. To really understand and utilize dynamics in your playing is an incredible quality to add to your skill set, and a volume pedal is the perfect tool with which to achieve this.
Volume pedals can be much more than just subtle, too; they can be used to create amazing swells in your sound, working superbly well with reverbs and delays to grow your tone from something distant and mysterious to bold and cavernous. Tube amplifier fans should also take note, as a good volume pedal can be used as a boost pedal, pushing your guitar’s signal up to drive your preamp into a luxurious harmonic overdrive.
Choosing from the huge number of volume pedals on the market isn’t the simplest task, though. After all, they should all do pretty much the same thing, right? In fact, there are plenty of nuances between different volume pedals, which means some could be much better suited for your pedalboard than others.
To find out just how useful volume pedals can be, check out our buying advice section, or to discover the top volume pedals on the market, scroll on.
We'll admit that the Lehle Mono Volume Pedal isn't cheap, but if you want something that's a smooth operator, low noise and will stand the test of time, it doesn't get better than this.
This multi-role pedal covers both volume and tuning duties, making the Ernie Ball VPJR one of the most versatile volume pedals out there. We love the multiple color options too.
A passive volume pedal saves you a precious slot on your pedalboard power supply, which makes the Boss FV-500H a fantastic choice for the power-hungry guitar player.
With its ergonomic treadle, the Mission Engineering VM-1 Aero is a volume pedal for the future, equally at home whether you play standing up or sitting down.
Volume pedals take up a lot of room, so if you've got a busy 'board, then the DOD Mini Volume won't encroach too much on your setup, whilst still providing top-tier performance.
Volume pedals can get pretty expensive, but if you need something on a budget, the Behringer FCV100 offers reliable performance at a less eyebrow-raising price point.
Here you'll find full write ups and reviews of the best volume pedals available today. Many of these have been tested first hand by our expert writing team here at Guitar World, so you can rely on our recommendations.
Best overall
(Image credit: Lehle)
1. Lehle Mono Volume Pedal
In our opinion, the best volume pedal money can buy
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Active
Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (out), 1 x 1/4" (buffered direct out)
Boost: +10dB
Reasons to buy
+
Incredibly precise control
+
Up to +10dB boost
+
Additional direct output
Reasons to avoid
-
Eye-watering price
If you want the best of the best, the Lehle Mono Volume Pedal is about as good as it gets. Combining precise control with fantastic build quality and some handy extra features, this powerful pedal takes a different approach from its competitors, producing excellent results.
Unlike most volume pedals, which use a potentiometer, the Lehle design features a magnet-controlled VCA, which offers much-improved performance. Instead of the many moving parts of a potentiometer, this pedal only moves a magnet, with a sensor measuring the distance. This means increased control and no hissing or humming sounds.
We’ll admit it’s expensive for a volume pedal. But it works phenomenally well. There’s no signal loss at all and no noise that we could perceive, either. The gain knob takes you from -92dB all the way to +10dB, offering a hefty boost if you need it. There’s also a direct out if you want to run two amps or plug into a DI when playing live. If you run a stereo rig, check out the Stereo version, which shares the same features but across stereo channels.
Taking volume pedals firmly into the future, the Ernie Ball VPJR features touchscreen functionality and a tuner to help you save space on your pedalboard. With a rugged build quality and a range of colors, it’s a great choice as a multi-role pedal for your ‘board.
The touchscreen display is incredibly bright, so there won’t be any issues seeing it on dark stages. With the heel down it displays the tuner and once you start moving it upwards it tells you a volume level, with 10 displaying the toe fully up position. Think of it as a speed-o-meter for your sound.
A double tap on the screen opens up options for running it as a volume pedal or tuner only, but most players will run it in the dual tuner/volume setting. It also allows you to set your reference for the tuner and set the treadle as a volume or gain control. A built-in FX loop just adds to the functionality, making the VPJR one of the most versatile volume pedals out there.
The best volume pedal for players who want a passive pedal
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Passive
Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (main out), 1 x 1/4" (expression), 1 x 1/4" (tuner)
Additional functions: Tuner out, expression function
Reasons to buy
+
Rugged build quality
+
Works as an expression pedal
+
No power supply needed
Reasons to avoid
-
Needs a buffer in front of it
If you’re short on pedalboard power supply outs, then the Boss FV-500H allows you to add a volume pedal to your setup without having to sacrifice a valuable power out. Housed in an aluminum die-cast body, as with all Boss pedals it’s a rugged bit of kit that will put up with plenty of abuse.
As well as handling volume duties the FV-500H doubles as an expression pedal, so you can use it to control swells on your favorite reverb pedal. It’s got an adjustable torque feature to control the feel too, accessible by turning the adjustment screw on the bottom panel with a Phillips screwdriver.
A separate tuner out is available, although depending on your setup, you may want to run your tuner in front of the pedal. To get the best out of a passive volume pedal, you need to ensure you have some kind of buffered pedal before it in the chain. Most guitarists would use a buffered tuner here, although anything can suffice depending on how you run your particular pedals.
Best for comfort
(Image credit: Mission Engineering)
4. Mission Engineering VM-1 Aero
A top-quality volume pedal built with ergonomics in mind
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Passive
Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (main out), 1 x 1/4" (tuner out)
Additional functions: N/A
Reasons to buy
+
Super comfortable feel
+
Isolated tuner output
+
LED base looks great
Reasons to avoid
-
Only works with passive pickups
The Mission Engineering VM-1 Aero takes volume pedal design a step further by making it just as comfortable to use standing up as it is sitting down. Great for use at home, it’s a ruggedly built unit that will certainly put up with abuse on the gigging circuit too.
We absolutely love the curved heel of the VM-1 Aero’s treadle and the sweep of it’s movement feels super smooth. An isolated tuner output is a nice feature, activated by pressing it fully into the toe-up position, much like you would with a wah pedal.
There is a power supply input and a battery compartment, but this is exclusively to power the LED base of the pedal, which lights up to let you know what mode it’s in. It can be green or blue to indicate volume control, whilst it lights up red when the tuner output is activated.
Best compact pedal
(Image credit: DOD)
5. DOD Mini Volume
The best compact volume pedal for busy ‘boards
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Passive
Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4"
Additional functions: N/A
Reasons to buy
+
Perfect for busy pedalboards
+
Super easy to use
+
Rugged build quality
Reasons to avoid
-
Treadle resistance is hard
If you’re like us and you’ve got too many pedals on your ‘board, then the DOD Mini Volume is the perfect choice for adding a volume pedal to your setup. Not only is it tiny, but it doesn’t require a valuable power supply out either.
We’ve got to say the DOD Mini Volume looks fantastic and whilst it’s very simple, it does exactly what you need it to. Despite the small treadle, it still feels like the full sweep of a regular-sized volume pedal, which is no mean feat from DOD.
Because of the increased resistance and smaller treadle size, this means you get a bit of a calf workout when using it over long periods of time, but you quickly get used to it. A treble bleed circuit built into the pedal ensures there are no high-end losses when you ramp the volume down, making this a fantastic option for space-strapped players.
Best budget pedal
(Image credit: Behringer)
6. Behringer FCV100
The best volume pedal for guitarists on a budget
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Active
Inputs: 2 x 1/4"
Outputs: 2 x 1/4"
Additional functions: Expression
Reasons to buy
+
Ridiculous value for money
+
Works as an expression pedal
+
Large treadle sweep
Reasons to avoid
-
12v power supply not included
If you’ve been scrolling through this article and raising your eyebrows at some of the pricing, then the Behringer FCV100 will offer you some solace. As with most Behringer gear, it’s priced exceptionally low, making it the perfect option for players on a budget.
It functions as a dual volume/expression pedal and can operate one stereo instrument or two mono instruments if you wish. The treadle angle is absolutely huge too which some players find a little uncomfortable when playing standing up, although it does give you a lot of control over the sweep of your foot.
It’s made of plastic but feels very sturdy, certainly hardy enough to put up with live shows. A minimum volume setting lets you use it as a gain control or as a pure volume control, and it will take either a 12v power supply or a 9v battery for power. For the money, you’ll be hard-pressed to find such a feature-rich pedal for your volume control needs.
More options...
(Image credit: Morley)
7. Morley 20/20 Volume Plus
A petite volume pedal perfect for gigging
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Active
Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4"
Additional functions: N/A
Reasons to buy
+
Nice size for pedalboards
+
Optical design for reliability
+
Glow in the dark Morley logo
Reasons to avoid
-
Only controls volume
The template for the Morley 20/20 Volume Plus is similar to their renowned wah pedals, with a triangular treadle that features controls at the heel end. It’s a design that works fantastically well, so it makes sense to do the same with their volume pedals.
The 20/20 Volume Plus is optical, so instead of a potentiometer to measure where the treadle is, it uses an LED and an LDR (light-dependent resistor) which means no moving parts that can fail. It also gives the Volume Plus an exceptionally smooth feel that’s perfect for those violin-esque swells.
A minimum volume knob lets you use it to control either the volume or as more of gain control, and there’s a handy minimum volume off switch that you can use as an instant boost. The glow-in-the-dark logo on the treadle means you’ll never miss it on a dark stage, and we love the space-saving design too.
(Image credit: Dunlop)
8. Dunlop DVP3 Volume X
An excellent volume pedal that can handle expression duties too
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Passive
Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (output), 1 x 1/4" (tuner) 1 x 1/4" (expression)
Additional functions: Expression
Reasons to buy
+
Works as an expression pedal
+
Smooth treadle action
+
Lots of flexibility in set up
Reasons to avoid
-
Awkward switches
Serving a dual purpose as a volume and expression pedal, the Dunlop DVP3 Volume X features the same rugged housing as their famed wah pedals. With plenty of functionality on offer, it’s a versatile bit of kit that can do a lot for your pedalboard.
The transition from silence to full volume is lovely and smooth, with a screw beneath the heel end of the casing to adjust the torque to your liking. With the use of a TRS cable, you can use it to control any pedal with an expression input, making it great for manipulating delay times and creating reverb swells.
In expression mode you can reverse the heel-up and toe-down functions, adding an extra bit of flexibility you won’t find on many other volume pedals. The minimum value for your volume is adjusted via an internal potentiometer which is awkward to access, but typically once you’ve set this you aren’t likely to need to do it again.
(Image credit: Xotic)
9. Xotic XVP-250K High Impedance Volume Pedal
A premium volume pedal with exotic looks
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Passive
Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (out), 1 x 1/4" Tuner Out
Additional functions: N/A
Reasons to buy
+
Great build quality
+
Handwired construction
+
Keeps tone in tact
Reasons to avoid
-
Gold color might not be to your taste
-
Not loads of features
Xotic is well known for making high-end rocker-style pedals, with their range of wahs being among the best on the market, so it’s no surprise that their volume pedal is also a standout. The XVP-250K High Impedance volume pedal is designed for passive guitar pickups – active pickup users should check out the XVP-25K – with the intention of retaining supreme signal clarity.
Where the XVP-250K stands out is undoubtedly with its build quality, with hand-wired construction and all-aluminum chassis adding a level of class and quality that is hard to find in mass-manufactured pedals. The nylon pivot bushing and rack pinion design for the rocker action is durable, smooth, and super reactive to foot movements, which leaves you confident that you are in full control.
A dedicated tuner out is useful and, among other high-end competitors, it isn’t offensively expensive – however, it does lack some of the features of other rivals. For those looking for elegant simplicity in a superb package, this could be the pedal for you… assuming you’re a fan of the color gold.
Best volume pedals: Buying advice
(Image credit: Future)
What is a volume pedal used for?
Volume pedals are pretty self-explanatory by name, offering the user the chance to control their guitar’s volume by rocking their foot backward and forward on a rocker pedal in real time. This can create musical moments of magic, allowing the user to conjure smooth swells that mimic bowed instruments such as the violin.
A volume pedal can also control your dynamics during a set. For specific musical moments – perhaps the final chorus of your song needs a bit more oomph – a volume pedal can add that little bit extra that makes all the difference. For lead guitarists, the ability to add an extra level of boost to their sound might be just what is called for in solo sections, helping push both your volume and your amplifier’s preamp that bit harder.
Of course, another thing you can do with a volume pedal is simply mute your guitar signal, which is really useful if you have silent sections in your music. This can also be achieved with a tuner pedal that mutes your signal; however, the volume pedal is a far more graceful solution.
Should I get a volume pedal or an expression pedal?
A volume pedal does the specific job of controlling your overall volume, whereas an expression pedal can theoretically change a parameter of any kind of effect. However, it requires another pedal to do this, and the majority of pedals may not have an expression pedal input. For example, Strymon’s BlueSky reverb pedal has an expression input that can be used to control the parameters of the pedal when you sweep the expression pedal, but you would not be able to do this on an Electro Harmonix Holy Grail.
If you have a pedal or multi-effects unit with an assignable expression input – the ability to assign an expression pedal to just about any of the pedal’s parameters – an expression pedal, in this instance, could provide the same effect as a volume pedal if assigned to the master volume.
However, bear in mind that this may not be quite as smooth as a dedicated volume pedal, which is designed specifically to fluidly alter your volume. Some volume pedals can double as expression pedals, so if you are unsure which you would prefer, these give you the best of both.
(Image credit: Future)
Do volume pedals need a power supply?
There are two types of volume pedals: passive and active. Passive volume pedals do not require external power and work mechanically by allowing or restricting the amount of signal that passes through them.
Active volume pedals do require external power, and this may be because they offer additional features such as integrated buffers, boost, or even built-in tuners. Typically, an active volume pedal will require 9 volts of power (or more), just like the majority of other pedals, and this can come from an external power supply or, in some cases, a battery.
Does a volume pedal affect tone?
Typically, of the two types of volume pedals (active and passive), it is passive pedals that have the potential to impact your tone more due to "tone suck", the process of signal loss when passing through an object that introduces impedance. The higher the impedance, the more likely this tone suck will be noticeable. Fortunately, the majority of passive volume pedals are designed to have low impedance to minimize any signal loss. Alternatively, "the suck" can be mitigated by adding a buffer into your chain before the volume pedal – some tuners, such as the Boss TU-3, feature a built-in buffer, so having that at the start of your chain will do the job perfectly.
Active volume pedals have the same potential of changing your tone as pretty much all other active effects pedals – the introduction of noise. If your effects chain is not grounded properly or you do not have isolated power supplies, you run the risk of introducing noise into your signal chain. The best active volume pedals are made with robust circuitry that shouldn’t generate much noise, but make sure you power these pedals with either their accompanying power supply, a battery, or a good isolated external power supply.
Ultimately, any additional pedal in your signal chain will have some effect on your tone – it doesn’t matter if they’re true bypass or buffered, active or passive. The best effects pedals take all the necessary actions to reduce any changes in your tone to unnoticeable levels, and the best volume pedals do this, too.
Meet the experts
(Image credit: Future)
☑️ 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.
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Below, you'll find more information about the expert author of this guide.
Matt McCracken
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer at Guitar World and has been playing guitar as his main instrument for well over 20 years. He also plays drums, bass, and keys – producing out of his home studio in Manchester, UK. He has previously worked for Dawsons Music, Northwest Guitars, and freelanced for various magazines and blogs, writing reviews, how-to's, and features. When he's not downloading the latest VSTs or justifying yet another guitar pedal purchase, you'll find him making a racket with Northern noise hounds JACKALS.
Connor Godfrey
Connor is a contributor to Guitar World and MusicRadar. Having been a guitarist since the age of 10, he's played bass and guitar in bands across the South West of England. He has a background in audio engineering, having worked in some of the UK’s best studios including Rockfield and Invada, and has a passion for recording guitar. He is always keen to discover the greatest gear for capturing tone, be that microphones, audio interfaces or cab simulators.
How we choose the best volume pedals
(Image credit: Olly Curtis/Future)
At Guitar World, our writing team of experienced musicians are deeply entrenched in the world of guitar gear. With years of playing and rigorous product testing behind us, we bring a depth of understanding that comes from real word experience with musical equipment. Our dedication spans every facet of the musical journey, from live performances to studio sessions, forming the basis for our expertly curated recommendations across various categories.
In the pursuit of identifying the best volume pedals in the market, we embark on a meticulous selection process. This involves a fusion of practical experience, insights gleaned from user reviews, and extensive deliberations within our editorial team. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded evaluation, providing a trustworthy guide for you to base your next purchase on.
As passionate guitarists, our primary goal is to guide fellow players in discovering gear that perfectly aligns with their needs. Factors such as budget considerations, features, and the pedal's usability are all carefully weighed to compile a list that confidently represents the best volume pedals in the current musical landscape.
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Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and pretty much anything else guitar-related. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog. A regularly gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience playing live and writing and recording in bands, he's performed everything from jazz to djent, gigging all over the country in more dingy venues than you can shake a drop-tuned guitar at.
