So you’ve got your stompboxes together, cemented your settings, and are ready to go to your first show. But you soon realize that 15-minute changeover time goes a lot quicker than expected, leaving you to rush through your setup, frantically plugging all your pedals in individually. If this sounds like you, then you need one of the best pedalboards in your life.
A pedalboard is an addition that makes life so much easier as a guitarist. We’ve had loads over the years and would never dream of playing a show or going to a rehearsal without one. A good ‘board makes it a million times easier to set up of course, but keeping everything in order also makes it much easier to plot changes should you decide to add new pedals or want to change your sound.
If you’ve never owned a pedalboard before, make sure you check out our FAQ section, which features loads of expertly curated advice from the writing team here at Guitar World. If you’re a pedalboard veteran, then keep scrolling for our top picks.
Our top picks
We believe the Metro 16 is a really great pedalboard for mounting around five to eight effects pedals, throwing them in the nylon shoulder bag and running out the door to practice. Even if you only have three or four right now, the extra space will come in handy when you inevitably size up the floor show.
This Dingbat comes in three different sizes. For us, the medium is the happy option for mounting eight to 12 pedals – size depending, of course – with the adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners. Power supplies can be mounted on top or below the pedalboard and Voodoo Lab offers bundles with supplies included.
In our experience, this is a great pedalboard for the money. It has a clean construction with routing across the middle of the 'board for threading cables through. You should be able to fit around 10 pedals on this – more if you are using minis. Pedals are mounted using the usual hook-and-loop tape and a roll is included with the unit.
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Best pedalboard overall
1. Pedaltrain Metro 16
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you want a utilitarian 'board that does the job: The rail design is a classic in the pedalboard world, and Pedaltrain is synonymous with reliable performance and rugged build quality.
❌ Avoid if you're using a non-Pedaltrain PSU: Unless you're using a Pedaltrain branded power supply, you may find most third-party PSUs are too big to fit on this 'board.
We believe the Metro 16 is a really great pedalboard for mounting around five to eight effects pedals, throwing them in the nylon shoulder bag and running out the door to practice. Even if you only have three or four right now, the extra space will come in handy when you inevitably size up the floor show.
For an extra $70 you can get a super-tough tour case, and the Metro 16 is small enough to take as a carry-on item with most US airlines.
Pedals are attached with Pedaltrain's “professional-grade, hook-and-loop pedal fasteners” and it comes with plenty of cable ties. You’ll need to buy your power supply separately, though.
Best mid-priced option
2. Voodoo Lab Dingbat Medium Pedalboard
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you've got a complex setup: There are quite a few slots on the top side of the Voodoo Labs Dingbat which makes it great for complex setups with patchbays and multiple power supplies.
❌ Avoid if you want a good case included: While the case included here is serviceable, there are precious few pockets to store necessities like spare patch cables, cable ties, and hook and loop tape.
This Dingbat comes in three different sizes. For us, the medium is the happy option for mounting eight to 12 pedals – size depending, of course – with the adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners.
Power supplies can be mounted on top or below the pedalboard and Voodoo Lab offers bundles with supplies included. Shipped with a Pedal Power 4X4, which powers up to eight pedals, it’ll cost around $300, and an extra $100 buys you the Pedal Power Mondo, which powers up to 12 pedals.
The slots make for easy arrangements with plenty of space to tidy the cables underneath the unit. A bag makes it easy to transport.
Best on a budget
3. On-Stage GPB3000
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you're on a budget: This On-Stage pedalboard is phenomenal value for money, making it perfect for the guitarist on a tight budget. Plus more money for new pedals!
❌ Avoid if you want easy routing: The cable routing holes are few and far between here, so unless you've got a variety of cable lengths routing could be problematic.
In our experience, this is a great pedalboard for the money. It has a clean construction with routing across the middle of the 'board for threading cables through. You should be able to fit around 10 pedals on this – more if you are using minis.
Pedals are mounted using the usual hook-and-loop tape and a roll is included with the unit. The setup should make it easy to arrange your pedals however you like them.
Despite the lightweight construction, non-slip rubber feet will keep this firmly in place on the floor. Best of all, the gig bag has pockets and a shoulder strap.
Best lightweight option
4. RockBoard TRES 3.1 Pedalboard
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you want a lightweight pedalboard: Constructed from cold-rolled aluminum, the Rockboard Tres 3.1 is incredibly lightweight yet super sturdy.
❌ Avoid if you're using a chunky power supply: Space is quite tight underneath this pedalboard so a slimline power supply is a must.
The TRES 3.1 sees RockBoard improve upon already solid past designs with a seamless, folded aluminum construction and a powder-black finish, and plenty of routing for cables and a sturdy support beam down the middle. It makes the most of its board space so mounting up to around eight to 10 standard sized pedals shouldn’t be a problem.
It comes with a gig-bag with a shoulder strap and an all-important accessories pocket, but an extra 60 bucks gets you a flight case if you need something more rugged.
Power supplies can be mounted on the bottom of the unit and you can easily adjust the height to your preference.
Best modular pedalboard
5. Temple Audio Duo 17
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you want a flexible pedalboard: The Duo 17 is modular, so you can add purpose-made accessories like patch bays and mounting brackets.
❌ Avoid if you're using a lot of odd-shaped pedals: the cable routing holes are placed a little less generously than others, which could make arranging pedals difficult.
The Temple Audio Duo 17 is perfect for those who want to keep their ‘boards looking clean and fresh as much as possible. There’s space to run cables and arrange your pedals as you choose, and Temple’s own Quick Release pedal mounts mean you can fix your pedals down without the hassle of velcro or other strong adhesives.
The pedalboards themselves are modular, to make setting up and packing down even less of a chore. All you have to do is unscrew the end panels, and then you’ve got space for any of Temple’s extensive list of separate power and I/O accessories, which include 1/4” patch bays, USB sockets for charging devices, and IEC sockets for your power supply.
Most of all, we think it looks great. They come in loads of different colors to match your vibe and – more importantly – different sizes to accommodate even the beefiest of pedal collections. Unfortunately, there’s no case included – but for the sheer quality of the board alone, you’re getting a great deal.
Best bundle pedalboard
6. Gator GPT-PRO-PWR
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you've got lots of pedals: There's loads of real estate here so if you've got a big pedal collection you're not likely to run out of room.
❌ Avoid if you need something lightweight: The solid plywood construction means this pedalboard weighs quite a lot compared to others.
The GPT-PRO-PWR is a hefty ol’ beast but it can house and power up to 11 pedals. It may even squeeze some more onto its Velcro-covered space if your rig is packing a lot of mini-stompboxes.
It comes with a pre-mounted G-BUS-8 power supply that has eight 9V and three 18V outputs. There's room to mount another G-BUS-8 should you need it.
We did find the board to be fairly heavy but the built-in handle can take the weight, and the roomy accessory pockets on the gig-bag will come in handy. It also comes with plenty of Velcro tape for fastening pedals.
More options...
So those are our top picks, but there are many more great options to choose from that offer something a little different in terms of features and performance. We've selected a few more stellar pedalboards below.
7. Friedman Tour Pro 1520 Pedalboard
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you want easy accessibility: The two-tier design of the Friedman Tour Pro makes it easy to reach those stompboxes at the back of your setup when playing live.
❌ Avoid if you're on a budget: This pedalboard is on the pricey side so definitely one to avoid if you've already spent too much money on reverb pedals!
Oftentimes, your pedalboard is easy to arrange until you try and fit a wah or volume pedal on there. But the Tour Pro 1520 has an ingenious two-tier solution, with a riser allowing you to sit the wah on there above the rest of your pedals.
The riser is detachable, you can buy supplementary risers should you have a volume or whammy pedal, and is screwed to the board.
Options include the ultra-transparent Friedman Buffer Bay 6 for an extra $70, while you can get that plus a Power Grid 10, powering up to ten effects and designed as an extra riser, all for $569.
The wiring options are hugely configurable and eliminate the signal issues you can get with complex signal chains. This latter “platinum option” is not cheap but it truly has all the bells and whistles.
8. Outlaw Effects NOMAD-ISO-M
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you want a wireless option: The Nomad is chargeable, giving you over 10 hours of wireless power. Perfect for busking or making music on the go.
❌ Avoid if you've got power-hungry pedals: That 10-hour lifetime is dependent on the voltage draw of your pedals, so avoid if you have lots of digital stompboxes.
Is this the tidiest power solution on the market? Quite possibly. The Nomad is powered by an onboard lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 12800mAh, which translates to over 10 hours of power after around three hours of charging.
As far as DC outputs go, the Nomad is pretty versatile, with seven 9V outputs, a pair of 12V outputs and one switchable between 18 and 24V.
The unit comes in a soft bag with a whole bunch of cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners and DC connector cables. Just plug it all in and play.
9. Boss BCB-90X
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you already own loads of Boss pedals: The foam insert is pre-cut to fit Boss stompboxes, making it super easy to set up if you already have Boss pedals.
❌ Avoid if you've got a complex setup: Those running stereo setups or lots of different pedals might find the routing a tad limiting with this pedalboard.
The Boss BCB-90X is the successor to the much-loved BCB-60, a staple for beginner players getting their first pedalboards up and running. The best thing about this pedalboard is that it contains everything you need apart from the pedals themselves and the patch cables to connect them.
It includes a daisy-chain cable and PSB-1U adaptor that powers up to ten pedals, built-in junction boxes for your instrument input, plus stereo outputs to ensure you get the most out of your rig. The high-density insert foam is scored to fit 9 standard Boss stompboxes, but can be easily cut to fit your pedal of choice.
The unit itself is super rugged yet lightweight, great for those dingy venues with no lift to get your gear upstairs. The lid is detachable too, making it a breeze to rock up to your next show and get yourself up and running.
10. D’Addario XPND 2
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you're planning on adding more pedals: The expansive nature of the XPND 2 makes it great for those looking to grow their pedal collections in the near future.
❌ Avoid if you don't want to mess with PSU mounting: There are no dedicated power supply mounting points here, so you'll need to get creative when attaching your pedalboard of choice.
If you’re constantly changing your ‘board around or you just want to make sure you have room for future pedal purchases, the D’Addario XPND 2 is an ingenious way to ensure you always have enough room for your pedals. With its patented telescoping design you can instantly change the size of the pedalboard whenever the mood takes you.
Able to accommodate two rows of regular sized stompboxes, the XPND 2 nearly doubles in size when you pull out the telescopic section. It’s pre-fitted with loop Velcro, so you just need to attach the hook side to your pedalboard and drop your pedals straight on.
It’s also got a unique cable management system, with clips included to keep your cables secure and out of sight. Add in the incredibly durable aluminium construction and you’ve got yourself a ‘board that will put up with regular touring.
11. Mono Pedalboard Lite
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Buy if you've got a simple setup: Designed for around 3-4 pedals, the Mono Pedalboard Lite is perfect for those who want to keep their simple setups nice and tidy.
❌ Avoid if you need a case: There's no included case here, so you'll have to buy one separately if you want to take this pedalboard on the road with you.
Many famous guitarists have gotten by with three pedals or less but it doesn’t hurt to have everything nicely arranged on a pedalboard. Enter the Mono Pedalboard Lite, perfect for guitar players rocking small setups.
The ‘board itself has been laser cut and is constructed from anodized aluminum so it’s strong while remaining nice and lightweight. The finish has been electrochemically treated too, so it won’t corrode, although that probably won’t save it from any dings during heavy use.
We love the smooth surface of the Pedalboard Lite, which means you can mount your pedals pretty much any way you please. The cable cutouts have been done thoughtfully too, so even if you have weirdly shaped pedals like a Fuzz Face. It’s got rubber feet to prevent any unwanted sliding and includes some hook and loop so you can get attaching straight away.
FAQs
What is a pedalboard?
A pedalboard is a unit designed to contain your guitar pedals, making them easy to access whilst keeping all your cables neat and tidy. As well as providing ease of use, they’re also great for players who gig regularly, as you simply need to turn up, plug your guitar into one end, amp into the other, and away you go.
How much do pedalboards cost?
Pedalboards aren’t hugely expensive, nor are they cheap either. You could make your own with a little ingenuity and some Swedish-made shelves if you’re the handy sort, but for most of us it’s a lot easier to purchase one ready made. Generally speaking the more room you need, the more expensive the board becomes. Realistically you spend $/£60 on a small pedalboard, right up to $/£1000 for more professional, custom-made options. You’ll also need to take in the additional costs of hook and loop, cable ties, power supply, and patch cables if you don’t already have these.
How do I attach my pedals?
The most popular way is using hook and loop Velcro or one of it’s non-trademarked derivatives. Simply attach the loop side to your pedalboard and the hook side to your pedals themselves and stick them on your board. Some pedalboards will come with the loop side already attached, so you can quickly add and remove pedals. Hook and loop is surprisingly strong, so provided you attach them firmly, there’s little chance of your pedals moving around.
You can also attach pedals with cable/zip ties. This method is more popular if you have a pedalboard that doesn’t have traditional rails, like some of the more modern, lightweight pedalboards. However some guitarists feel it looks a little ugly, and attaching them in this fashion can make it awkward to remove the pedal, especially if you need to quickly swap something on your board.
They’re pretty rare, but you can also get pedalboards with their own bespoke fittings, like those from Temple Audio. For the most part you’ll be deciding whether to use zip/cable ties or hook and loop fastening.
How do I choose the right size pedalboard?
Getting a mini-board can seem like a great idea, until someone releases a shiny new fuzz pedal. We’d always factor in a little room for growth, unless you’re building a specifically small pedalboard for practicing or recording alongside your regular pedalboard. It’s important to think about the space that cables and power supply will take up too. Some pedals have side mounted jacks whereas others have them on the top, so a little breathing room will ensure you make the most out of your pedalboard real estate.
What’s the best guitar pedal order?
We’ll preface this by saying that there are no hard and fast rules. However, if you’re building a board for the first time, there are certain orders that will help you get a usable sound which you can then experiment with later on. We have a full article on how to arrange your pedalboard, but here are some quick tips for you to get you up and running quickly.
It’s always best to start with a tuner, as you don’t want pedals getting in the way of tuning your guitar properly. Next dynamic effects like compressors and volume pedals, followed by fuzz, overdrive, and distortion pedals. If you have a boost pedal you can add it after your drive pedals for a boost in volume, or before to help shape the tone of your guitar.
Time-based effects are best served going at the end of your chain, and can sound even better in your amp’s FX loop if you have one. Modulation effects such as chorus, flanger, and phaser should go first, then your delay pedals, and finally reverb. You can always experiment with these placements however, many ambient effects can create wild sounds if you place them before your drive pedals, so don’t be afraid to mix things up.
Which pedalboard power supply should I choose?
You’ll have to think hard about your pedalboard power supply to. A lot of pedalboards feature a mounting system on the underside to hide them away and give you more space up top, but not every pedalboard has this feature, and some guitarists prefer to have their power supply top mounted for ease of use. Make sure to check which options your pedalboard has so you don’t end up with too little room.
Mounting your pedalboard power supply will differ depending on the manufacturer too. Some will include brackets that you canmount the pedalboard power supply to, whereas with others you have to buy these separately. We’ve found you can quite often use hook and loop Velcro to attach it to the board, as well as cable ties if your chosen pedalboard doesn’t come with its own mounting system, or your pedalboard power supply won’t fit the included brackets.
What about pedalboard cable management?
Cable management is the bane of all pedal users. We’ve built loads of different pedalboards, painstakingly tidying all of the cables away, only to find we’ve wired something wrong, or a couple of weeks later we want to change the order of the pedals. Our top tip for new pedalboard users is to build your board, try it in a few rehearsals, then work on your cable management if you’re happy with the sound.
Many pedalboards offer bespoke solutions for cable management, with special clips and runners that will keep things nice and tidy, making it a lot easier to chop and change as you need. However many pedalboards leave you to work this out yourself, which means getting out the cable ties and getting creative. It’s easier than you think to create a neat looking pedalboard, but it does take time, and you should always plan out your cable runs before committing to cable tying them. Trust us, there’s nothing more annoying than undoing all your hard work because something is wired wrong, or won’t reach its destination.
How we choose the best pedalboards
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 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 pedalboard 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 pedalboard on the market right now.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
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