We present to you the best cheap guitar pedals, where quality comes at a reasonable and affordable price. These pedals give you the same sound but with a more streamlined plug-and-play interface.
MXR Phase 90
The phaser has been a pedalboard mainstay for decades, used by regular gigging musicians and even rock legends.
Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi
A compact version of the iconic Big Muff dirt pedal, which is still surprisingly versatile for the price.
Mooer GE100 Multi-Effects Guitar Pedal
A versatile multi-effects pedal loaded with innovative features that inspire creativity and promote learning.
TC Electronic Forcefield Compressor Pedal
An analog compressor pedal that provides vintage compression in a durable, compact form.
Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus Pedal
This stompbox has all the essential chorus controls, while keeping the price accessible.
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You can always find good, affordable guitar pedals that perform well. And that’s exactly what we did in this guide, we recommend an outstanding yet affordable guitar pedal for each of the essential effect types that guitarists use.
These affordable pedal options provide essential functionalities without compromising on quality.
While they may not have the extensive features or superior design of higher-end models, they offer excellent sound quality, durability, and user-friendly interfaces.
The best cheap guitar pedals can get the job done despite being in the lower price tier. We highly recommend these pedals if your budget or pedalboard space is limited or if you are a student learning the ropes.
- Table of Contents
The Best Cheap Guitar Pedals - $50 Below
Donner DT-1 Chromatic Guitar Tuner Pedal
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
Donner DT-1 Chromatic Guitar Tuner Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The DT-1 Chromatic Tuner from Donner is a true bypass tuber pedal with an intuitive design. The display makes it easy to visualize your tuning status. It’s compact and portable while retaining a very durable profile that can handle the beating of regular gigging.
Manufacturer: Donner
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With one step, you activate its tuning mode, facilitating silent tuning. This is useful, especially when performing, as you can tune your guitar on stage without making any noise.
With another step, it easily returns to bypass mode. Because the DT-1 tuner is a true bypass pedal, it doesn’t alter or color much of your signal.
Its chromatic tuner accurately tunes with a range of A0 (27.5 Hz) to C8 (4186 Hz). This includes a rapid strobe mode with an accuracy of +/- 1 cent, guaranteeing that you get the right pitch.
The LED lights and LCD provide a visual monitor of your pitch. Their hue and brightness are calibrated to ensure visibility even on huge stages and outdoor locations.
Lastly, the DT-1 pedal tuner is encased in a robust metal enclosure. This is ideal for harsh performance environments, giving your instrument stable and reliable support. It is also small, which makes it portable and easier to store.
Overall, the Donner DT-1 is a nice and inexpensive tuner pedal. It provides your guitar with a reliable tuning option at a low price tag.
Pros:
- Accurate Tuning
- Dual Mode Functionality
- Durable Construction
Cons:
- Limited Display
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Tuning Accuracy: +/- 1 cent
| Tuning Range: A0 (27.5 Hz) ~ C8 (4186 Hz)
|
Reference Pitch:
| Tuning Modes: Bypass and Tuning
|
Display: LED
| Bypass: True Bypass
|
Power Supply: 9V DC (negative in the center).
| Battery Life: Not Applicable
|
Dimensions: 95(D)*45(W)*48(H)mm
| Weight: 268g (with box) |
TC Electronic Forcefield Compressor Pedal
Best Cheap Pedals for Guitar – Vintage Compression
TC Electronic Forcefield Compressor Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Forcefield Compressor pedal is a versatile analog pedal that provides vintage compression in a durable, compact form.
Manufacturer: TC Electronic
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Line 6 did cut some features here and there to compensate for the lower cost. But it did not when it came to processing.
You see, the Line 6 Helix LT has the same dual-SHARC processing and professional-quality HX modeling that is present on the Helix Floor. The same processor can also be found in the Helix Rack.
This translates to identical amp models, effects, and processing power. After all, the most important feature of a multi-effects pedal is its tone-shaping capability. So, living without a few other features is no biggie for the most part.
Not if you want to record vocals or acoustic guitars, that is. That’s because this unit does not feature an XLR mic input.
It can also be less flexible, as you’ll be limited by more advanced setups since it has fewer send/return effects loops and no S/PDIF digital output.
If you’re familiar with the features of the Helix Floor, one thing that stands out with this unit is that it doesn’t have scribble strips. It has an identical 6.2″ 800×480 screen, though, and when you pair it with touch-sensitive footswitches, navigation becomes a breeze.
And let’s not forget its impressive 100+ core effects that you can save in over 1000 presets accessible via a simple foot tap. You can also easily recreate some of the most iconic sounds with different amp models, speakers, and even mic placement options. This provides you with a serious arsenal of tones.
This unit is also equipped with a built-in expression pedal. Although a bit lower than the flagship models, it still features the same hand-free pedal edit mode present in the Helix Floor. On top of that, you could also use it for volume control, pitch shifting, and as a wah pedal.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Helix LT provides portability at a lower cost. It also maintains great build quality that is professional-grade. It may not have some of the fancy features of a Helix Floor but it has its core functionality.
And true to its name, the LT carries the same stunning sound and overall high-quality build known by many.
Pros:
- Vintage analog sound
- Dynamic Compression
- Sturdy and Pedalboard-Friendly Design
Cons:
- Lack of additional controls
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Headroom (Max input level): -1 dB
| Controls: Sustain, Attack, and Level |
Analog Circuit | True Bypass |
9-Volt Battery/Adapter (recommended) | |
Behringer NR300 Noise Reducer Pedal
Behringer NR300 Noise Reducer Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Behringer NR300 pedal is unlike other noise gate pedals. It has the essential noise reduction function, and on top of that, it also has a mute function that works like a killswitch. Its intuitive design enables you to see its status visually, and it feels solid and is durable despite being made of plastic.
Manufacturer: Behringer
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The NR300 serves as two pedals in one, including the Reduction and Mute modes. In Reduction mode, users can utilize the Threshold and Decay knobs to efficiently eliminate unwanted noise while retaining the original attack and envelope of their instrument’s tone. In Mute mode, the NR300 functions as a super-quiet on/off switch for smooth operation.
The NR300 has two main mode functions: Mute and Reduction. In Reduction mode, the pedal performs its main purpose of eliminating unwanted noise. Using the Threshold and Decay knobs, you can control the attack of your playing. In Mute mode, this pedal serves as an on-and-off switch that completely kills your guitar’s sound.
For visual intuitiveness, it has two LED indicators. These lights display the activation and deactivation of the two primary modes.
It also features the wide footswitch that Behringer is known for. Although the pedal’s casing is plastic, don’t let this fool you because these cheap pedals are very sturdy. I’ve used a Behringer UM300 for almost a decade now. And so far, it has withstood being tossed around, has been used for a lot of gigs, and is still a reliable pedal to this day.
Noise gate pedals like the NR300 are also “set-and-forget” devices. So, I’m certain you won’t be tweaking this pedal as much as other pedals.
Pros:
- Dual-Functionality
- Preserves tone and dynamics
- Easy Operation
Cons:
- Limited Controls
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Controls: Mute and Reduction Mode; Threshold; Decay | Analog |
Buffered Bypass | Dimensions: 54 x 70 x 123 mm |
Weight: 0.73 lbs/0.33 kg | 9-Volt Adapter/Battery |
Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus Pedal
Best User-Friendly
Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
For the price, the UC200 pedal has a surprisingly thick texture and a rich stereo chorus sound.
Manufacturer: Behringer
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This chorus effect pedal is ideal if you want to broaden your tone and add depth to your sound.
You get ample tone shaping with its separate Depth, Rate, and Level controls. This allows you to create interesting sounds.
Use it with your distortion and get a thicker, distorted sound. You could also use it with your clean tone to get a nice sound with a lot of depth.
The UC200 includes built-in support for the Behringer Ultralink ULM Series wireless microphone system (sold separately). This provides wireless flexibility and mobility without the need for wires. It is a convenient function that is handy, particularly during live performances or rehearsals.
Pros:
- Thick Tone Enhancement
- Good Sound Shaping
- Built-in wireless connectivity
Cons:
- Limited Bypass Options
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Control: Level, Tone, Rate, Depth | Circuit: Digital Circuit |
Bypass: True Bypass | Power: 9-Volt Adapter/Battery |
Dimensions: 54 x 70 x 123 mm | Weight: 0.73 lbs (0.33 kg) |
Donner Yellow Fall Analog Delay Pedal
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
Donner Yellow Fall Analog Delay Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Yellow Fall pedal has an easy-to-use control that provides smooth, warm delay tones. Despite its low price, it has a nice build quality suitable for different environments.
Manufacturer: Donner
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This analog pedal includes three knobs for adjusting delay characteristics, which is straightforward. The ‘TIME’ knob controls delay time, ‘ECHO’ controls delay level, and ‘F.BACK’ sets feedback for the desired number of repeats.
This user-friendly interface enables quick and easy adjustment of delay parameters.
As expected from an analog pedal, the Yellow Fall produces smooth and warm delay tones. These tones are typically associated with old analog delays.
This pedal recreates the vintage delay effect found on old recordings. Whether you’re playing jazz, rock, or pop, adding depth and richness to your tone, makes it more unique.
To provide clear, rich, and natural-sounding delays, the Yellow Fall pedal is designed with high-quality electrical components and circuitry. Its powerful chip contributes to its remarkable performance, resulting in a superior delay experience.
Furthermore, despite its low price, the pedal’s aluminum alloy construction improves its durability. A true bypass circuitry that preserves your tone, making it suitable for both studio and stage use.
Pros:
- Easy-to-Use Controls
- Classic Analog Delay Sound
- Quality Construction
Cons:
- Limited Delay Time Range
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Controls: Echo, Feedback, Time | Circuit: Analog Emulation |
Switching: True Bypass | Power: 9V DC center negative |
Dimensions: 42×93.5x52mm | Weight: 0.50 lbs (0.23 kg) |
Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi
Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Nano Big Muff Pi gives you the iconic Big Muff sound in a compact and more affordable unit. It sports some good tone-shaping capabilities for the price, and it won’t take much space on your pedalboard.
Manufacturer: Electro-Harmonix
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The Nano Big Muff Pi’s allow you to dial in your preferred dirty sound, from high treble to deep bass. Crank the Tone knob clockwise to increase the treble and counterclockwise to dial it back and reach a bassier sound. This allows you to tailor your tone depending on what you like or what the song demands.
To set the amount of sustain and distortion, use the Sustain knob and produce the Big Muff Pi’s trademark saturated tones of fuzz pedals. It delivers plenty of sustain and distortion to improve your guitar or bass sound. Whether you want delicate overdrive or full-on fuzz saturation, the Nano Big Muff Pi has it covered.
The Nano Big Muff Pi delivers a powerful Big Muff sound despite its small footprint. This small size makes it ideal for use even on smaller pedalboards as well.
Its True Bypass feature ensures that your original tone is preserved even when the effect is turned off. This nice blend of portability and tonal versatility makes it an excellent choice if you want a dirt pedal for touring or studio sessions.
I choose this distortion pedal over another iconic pedal: ProCo RAT because it’s surprisingly versatile for a cheap pedal.
Pros:
- Iconic Fuzz Tone
- Versatile Tone Control
- Pedalboard-Friendly Size
Cons:
- Power Adapter Not Included
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Controls: Volume, Tone, Sustain | Circuit: Analog Circuit |
True Bypass | 9V battery included (optional 9.6V DC-200mA power adapter not included) |
114.3 x 69.85 x 53.34 mm | |
MXR® PHASE 90
MXR® PHASE 90
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The MXR Phase 90 is a guitar pedal that gives you basic phaser functionality. Its one-knob simplicity is what made it a staple among gigging guitarists and even rock legends, cementing the Phase 90 as one of the great cheap guitar pedal options.
Manufacturer: MXR
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For years, the MXR Phase 90 has been a staple of countless pedalboards. Its the same pedal that EVH used, and it has become an iconic symbol of its effect category.
Its huge influence even caused some pedal manufacturers to imitate its form. In the guitar world and pedal world, guitar players’ image of a phaser pedal is a small orange pedal with only one knob in the middle. No wonder the MXR Phase 90 dominates this pedal class.
Phase 90 improves the tone of classic riffs from different genres and instruments with its signature lush modulation.
It provides a wide range of modulation effects by changing the Rate knob.
Whether you like a mild spatial shimmer or an all-out high-velocity swooshing, the MXR Phase 90 can adjust the amount of its warm modulation to suit your musical style and preferences.
The Phase 90 is also versatile. Aside from guitar, you could also use it with bass, keyboards, or vocals to achieve interesting sounds.
The MXR Phase 90 is an iconic and versatile pedal that legends have used before. It adds a thick swoosh to your chords or a shimmering velocity to your lead lines.
Pros:
- Great Sound and Legendary Status
- Simple Operation
- True Bypass
Cons:
- Limited Controls
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Controls: Speed | Analog |
True Bypass | 9-volt battery, a Dunlop ECB003 9-volt adapter, or the DC Brick™, Iso-Brick™, and Mini Iso-Brick™ power supplies (not included). |
Mooer GE100 Multi-Effects Guitar Pedal
Best User-Friendly
Mooer GE100 Multi-Effects Guitar Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The GE100 is a compact and user-friendly multi-effects pedal. It offers essential effects and amp modeling, along with a built-in looper and a drum machine. Additionally, it features innovative learning tools such as the Scales & Chords Dictionary, which is perfect for learning music theory.
Manufacturer: Mooer
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Mooer boasts authentic, modern, and rich tones produced by a new fully digital platform, GE100. It provides a diverse range of effects, such as amp modeling, simulation, and others.
The GE100 caters to a wide range of distortion pedal preferences, with 23 distortion sounds and 7 amp simulations. You can go from light overdrive to heavy distortion, making it suitable for playing rock and metal.
Despite its small size, this pedal packs a lot of punch, with a wide range of capabilities. It is packed with 8 effect modules with 66 effect kinds, 80 preset patches, and 80 user patches for creating your sound library.
It also includes a 180-second looper and a drum machine with multiple rhythm patterns, which is perfect for jamming even when you’re alone.
The assignable expression pedal settings add convenience and diversity to tone control. You can set it for volume control or as a wah pedal. Its changeable output mode setting ensures good pedal tone quality even when performing without an amp.
The GE100 goes beyond standard multi-effects pedals by introducing novel learning tools. As seen in the image, it features a Scales and Chords Dictionary 1.0.
It shows detailed information on scales and chords, making it a great learning tool for both novice and advanced players. All the previous information is displayed on a wide LCD that you can view even when standing.
The Mooer GE100 distinguishes itself from the competition by providing essential functions for guitarists of all skill levels along with an excellent learning tool.
Pros:
- Authentic and versatile tones
- An Array of Functionality
- Innovative Learning Tools
Cons:
- Limited power source
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Effects: 8 effect modules and 66 effect types
| Amp Modeling: 7
|
Presets: 80 factory presets and 80 user patches
| Footswitches: 2
|
Expression Pedal
| Input: 1 x 1/4″ mono
|
Output: 1 x 1/4″ stereo
| Power: DC 9V adapter or AA battery (X4)
|
Looper: 180 seconds
| Dimensions: 140 mm (D) × 230 mm (W) × 60 mm (H)
|
Weight:1.60 lbs | |
Things to Consider
Functionality and Features:
A guitar pedal should provide you with the function that you need. Choose the pedal category or feature that satisfies what you need. For example, if you might have a noisy guitar, then a noise-gate pedal is what you need. If you want to have multiple functions in one unit, then a multi-effects pedal will be sufficient. Maybe you want to create an interesting guitar tone that sounds fantastic. You can use modulation effects like phaser, chorus, tremolo, etc. Select the one pedal that can help you achieve the result you want.
Durability and Build Quality:
Check the materials used in the construction of the guitar pedal. The metal casing is nice because it means that the pedal can endure long usage. However, plastic casings can also be dependable. I own one with a plastic casing, which I’ve used for many years. That is why it is also important to check users’ reviews. Some pedals might be more durable despite their seemingly budget-friendly construction. Having a sturdy pedal means that it will last longer, and you can get more value than what you paid for.
Sound Quality:
Decent pedals don’t always equate to expensive pedals. There are cheap pedals that produce nice guitar sound quality. Check out product reviews or watch our linked videos for sound reference.
Ease of Use:
Intuitiveness is important for a guitar. You want a device that you can operate even without using a manual or watching a video tutorial. Cheap pedals with straightforward controls are good for this. Consider how fast you can change the settings on the spot and even while you’re playing.
Compatibility and Power Options:
Lastly, make sure that you check the pedal’s power needs. Ensure that you can provide the appropriate power supply or battery for it to operate. Some cheap pedals include both power options, which makes them more convenient and portable.
The best cheap guitar pedals provide dependable performance despite their low price point. Budget pedals are perfect if you want to explore the world of effects without overspending on equipment. Additionally, they are a practical option if your pedalboard space is limited.
Alexander Briones
Lead Author
Jerome Arcon
Contributor: Research and Supplemental Writing
2 thoughts on “Best Cheap Guitar Pedals 2024 – Guitarsite Results”
Can the fab chourus make loops
I have the Nano Double Muff from EH and it’s not a bad pedal, basically two of the above pedal in one unit. Sadly, it can only be used in the front of the signal chain, and squeals like a pig if I put it anywhere else. Also can’t use the guitars I make with active electronics 🙁
Definitely missing from this list is the Boss OD-3 Overdrive. I got it for the same money as the Nano OD, but it’s a much sweeter pedal. Nice overdrive with a decent range, and best of all it doesn’t flavour your tone much, so you can use it in conjunction with other pedals, or as a good boost pedal.