These Are the Best Guitar Pedals for Beginners on a Budget
While the price of a guitar pedal can range from a couple of bucks to thousands of dollars, you don't need to spend a fortune when building or upgrading your pedalboard. In fact, the market is full of amazing pedals at a reasonable price.
In this article, we cover the best guitar pedals on a budget, priced at $150 and under. Among the options, we included overdrives, fuzzes, modulations, and many more, with prices starting as low as $89.99. Let's dive in!
In a hurry? Check out our quick guide with all of the featured pedals at the end of the article.
Overdrive, Distortion & Fuzz Pedals on a Budget
ProCo Rat 2
Price: $89.99
Main Features
- Classic hard-clipping distortion pedal
- Distortion, Filter, and Volume controls
- Same circuit and construction as its vintage predecessors
Starting off our list, we have the ProCo Rat 2. This hard-clipping distortion pedal has a classic tone that defines the sound of many genres and is pretty affordable given its rugged construction, high-quality components, and versatility.
Depending on how much you crank the Distortion knob, it can go anywhere from subtle distortion to fuzz. However, despite the myriad of tone options it offers, it leans more towards high-gain applications, being a perfect choice for punk power chords, metal riffs, and even distorted basslines.
Another interesting parameter present on the Rat 2 is the Filter knob, which lets you further explore sonic textures, allowing you to either add more brightness to your tone or roll off your highs for a beefier sound.
Humanoid FX Goblin
Price: $100
Main Features
- Overdrive, distortion, and fuzz in a single pedal
- Volume, Drive, and Fuzz controls
- Wide, full-spectrum EQ response
- Based on a rare classic
The Humanoid FX Goblin is one of the best pedals for beginners on a budget and experienced players looking for versatility. Based on a rare classic, it's priced at $100 and combines overdrive, distortion, and fuzz in a single, compact unit that can deliver plenty of great tones.
The parameters in the Goblin function in an interesting way: there are two separate knobs for the Drive and the Fuzz parameters, and depending on where you set them, you can go from a slight preamp boost to classic 60s/70s transistor distortion and all the way to heavy fuzz tones.
Considering the quality of the components inside the Humanoid FX Goblin and all of its tone possibilities, this is one of the best pedals on a budget we currently have in our store.
EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker
Price: $119
Main Features
- All-discrete analog distortion pedal
- Diode selector (Germanium and Silicon)
- Wide gain response range
- Level, More (Gain) and Tone controls
The EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker is an all-discrete analog distortion pedal with two diodes: Germanium and Silicon, as well as a wide gain response range. Given the amazing quality of the company's units, it's one of the most cost-efficient options on our list.
Despite stepping into high-gain territory, the Special Cranker still maintains transparency and won't overpower the natural tone of your amp. The Germanium transistor has a softer sound while the Silicon option is brighter and edgier.
What's also great about this pedal is its frequency response of the Tone knob, designed to preserve low-end without muddiness and push the midrange for a signal that cuts easier through the mix.
BLAMMO! Electronics ZAP Master
Price: $129
Main Features
- Treble booster based on the classic Dallas Rangemaster
- Pedalboard-friendly enclosure
- NOS MP38A germanium transistor
- 3-way input cap switch
The BLAMMO! Electronics Zap Master is based on the classic Dallas Rangemaster, a legendary treble boost pedal used by the likes of Brian May and Tony Iommi. It features many improvements when compared to the original such as a pedalboard-friendly enclosure and a 3-way input cap switch.
While the Zap Master sounds very close to the original, the 3-way input cap switch lets you select between the stock tone or two additional mods that enhance the low frequencies of your signal, making it even more versatile than the Rangemaster.
Modulation Pedals on a Budget
Mojo Hand FX RVT
Price: $149
Main Features
- Reverb, tremolo, and vibrato combo pedal
- Based on 60s vintage tweed amplifiers
- DSP-based
The Mojo Hand FX RVT features reverb, tremolo, and vibrato in a single enclosure. It's based on the classic sound of 60's vintage tweed amplifiers. Considering all of the unit's features and the price of $149, it's a pretty good deal, especially for beginners.
This pedal offers a straightforward design: three knobs control each effect, and a central switch lets you toggle between vibrato and tremolo. Although the modulation section pairs with the reverb, you can only use either tremolo or vibrato at a time.
Warm Audio Mutation Phasor II
Price: $149
Main Features
- Electro-optical phaser based on the Mu-Tron Phasor II
- True-to-spec recreation
- Premium vintage-style components
- Rate, depth, and feedback controls
A true-to-spec recreation of the legendary phaser originally made by Mu-Tron, the Warm Audio Mutation Phasor II can deliver psychedelic swirl sounds and new exciting analog textures to otherwise bland tones at a price of $149.
While the original Mu-Tron version was favored by guitarists such as Billy Corgan and Robin Trower, the Phasor II, being an exact replica, also sounds good with basses and even synthesizers.
Considering its very reasonable price, some of the most special things about this pedal include the high-quality components and sturdy build. It's definitely the best choice for a phaser pedal under $150.
Electro Harmonix Nano Clone
Price: From $56.30 (New)
Main Features
- Classic compact chorus pedal
- Shimmering doubling effect
- Rate knob
You most likely heard about the Nano Clone before, one of Electro Harmonix's most popular modern pedals. This compact and minimalist chorus is extremely affordable, and you can easily find it for around $50.
While the Nano Clone only features a single Rate knob, it's really easy to dial in great tones and create shimmering doubling effects, offering a plug-and-play experience that's unmatched to this day.
This pedal also sounds very close to its predecessor, the Small Clone. The Small Clone was heavily used throughout the 90s by guitarists such as Kurt Cobain and Jonny Greenwood, so the Nano Clone is a solid option if you're after that type of sound.
Reverb and Delay Pedals on a Budget
Humanoid FX Shadows
Price: $136
Main Features
- Digital clean-sounding delay
- Designed to work well with distorted tones
- Based on the PT2399 chip
- Internal repeats trim pot adjuster
The Humanoid FX Shadows is a unique type of delay pedal based on the famous PT2399 chip. It's designed to sound as clean as possible and to be used with distorted tones without mudding up your signal.
Capable of delivering up to 700ms of delay, the Shadows also has extra headroom if compared to other echo units on the market, allowing you to place both before or after your distortion section.
Even though the Shadows has a very clean tone, the unit also offers an internal trim pot as a "hidden feature", which lets you set the upper limit of repeats up to infinite, perfect for experimental-inclined players.
EarthQuaker Devices Silos
Price: $149
Main Features
- Tri-voice delay
- Digital, analog, and tape delay switch
- Six preset slots
- Tap footswitch
The EarthQuaker Devices Silos is a tri-voice delay that features digital, analog, and tape delay tones in a single unit. With features such as six preset slots and a tap footswitch, it delivers excellent value for its price.
The digital delay mode has a bright and transparent tone, while the analog and tape options can add more texture and vintage artifacts to your sound, pairing very well with both clean and distorted sounds.
Another very useful feature present in the Silos are the six preset slots, which can be easily recalled either by using the built-in knob or a separate expression pedal. You can switch between the two available operating modes with the middle button.
Mojo Hand FX Dewdrop
Price: $149
Main Features
- Spring reverb based on vintage amps
- Mix, tone, and dwell controls
- Expression jack
The Mojo Hand FX Dewdrop is a simple yet affordable spring reverb, priced at $149 on our website. Based on the sound of vintage amps such as the Fender Twin Reverb from the 1960s, it delivers usable tones with unmatched easiness.
While there are only three knobs on the Dewdrop (Mix, Tone, and Dwell), there is a wide range of vintage sounds you can get from this unit, from bright surf rock reverb to dark cavernous reflections, since the Tone and Dwell parameters are very responsive.
Compressor Pedals on a Budget
Mojo Hand FX Clarity
Price: $139
Main Features
- Clean, studio-quality compressor
- Built-in silent noise gate
- Two compressor types (slope and envelope)
- Mix, Comp, and Level controls
If you want to add a compressor to your setup to improve your tone on a budget, the Mojo Hand FX Clarity is your best bet. Priced at $139, it includes several parameters to tweak your tone as you like.
While you get the traditional Mix, Comp, and Level controls present in most compressor pedals, the Clarity also features a switch that lets you switch between Slope and Envelope: two distinct compression models, with the former delivering a linear and smooth tone and the latter a dynamic and punchier sound.
MXR Dyna Comp
Price: From $100 (New)
Main Features
- Classic analog compressor pedal
- Output and Sensitivity controls
- Great for both clean and distorted tones
The MXR Dyna Comp is perhaps the most popular compression pedal of all time, heard on countless records and present in the setup of many famous guitar players. Usually priced around $100, it is your best bet if you're looking for a hassle-free budget compression solution for your pedalboard.
The beauty of the Dyna Comp lies in its simplicity, as there are only two controls: an Output knob, to control your volume ceiling, and a Sensitivity knob, to set the amount of compression you're adding to your signal.
Last but not least, this pedal works exceptionally well with clean tones, but can also help you tame overdrive and distortion pedals without adding any noise or unwanted artifacts to your signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Budget Guitar Pedals Sound as Good as Expensive Ones?
Of course! As is the case with many products, price is not exactly an indicator of quality when we're talking about guitar pedals. Many affordable effect units are present in the setup of legendary guitar players and have been used in countless legendary records throughout history.
What Types of Pedals Should I Buy First if I’m Starting Out?
Start with essential pedals like overdrive, delay, and reverb. Once you get the basics laid down, you can start exploring modulation effects, fuzzes, and so on. Of course, this will all depend on the tone you're after and your particular playing style, so even as a beginner, make sure to explore all the possibilities if you can.
Is It Better to Buy Multi-Effects or Individual Pedals if I’m on a Budget?
Multi-effect pedals can be a great option if you're on a budget since they provide optimal versatility for the best price. However, single pedals are also an excellent choice if you're looking for customization and tone possibilities, as you can always add more effect units to your pedalboard in the future.
Conclusion
As we've seen in the article, the market is full of great guitar pedals on a budget and under $150. No matter if you're a beginner or an experienced player, these effect units are reliable and will certainly provide you with a great tone despite their low price.
As a last tip, make sure to either check small boutique pedal brands or larger tried-and-tested brands such as BOSS and Electro Harmonix, as these two options will give you the best chance of finding a great pedal within your budget range.
Thank you for reading our article! Here is a recap of all the pedals mentioned in this blog post:
|
Effect Type |
Pedal |
Price |
|
Distortion |
$89.99 |
|
|
Overdrive/Distortion/Fuzz |
$100.00 |
|
|
Distortion |
$119 |
|
|
Overdrive/Booster |
$129 |
|
|
Reverb/Vibrato/Tremolo |
$149.00 |
|
|
Phaser |
$149.00 |
|
|
Chorus |
From $56.30 (New) |
|
|
Delay |
$136.00 |
|
|
Delay |
$149 |
|
|
Reverb |
$149.00 |
|
|
Compressor |
$139.00 |
|
|
Compressor |
From $100 (New) |
You can check these and many other pedals in our store!
More Interesting Reads:
Essential Guitar Pedals for Beginners | What Pedals Should I Buy First?
Overdrive, Distortion, and Fuzz Pedals | Understanding the Differences
Modulation Pedals Explained: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Effects Unit
Bonus: Use the code IASN10 at checkout for an extra 10% discount!