AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best MXR Chorus / Flanger / Phaser Pedals 2026
The top pick is MXR M101 Phase 90 ($104). MXR M101GLD 50th Anniversary Phase 90 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 20 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The Phase 90 is the quintessential phaser – simple, iconic, and nails that vintage vibe. Perfect for players chasing that classic 70s swirl, especially for rock, funk, and even some subtle psychedelic textures. It's a go-to for anyone wanting a straightforward, reliable phase effect without a ton of fuss.
Pros
- Classic 70s phase tone, instantly recognizable and versatile
- Rugged metal enclosure withstands gigging abuse reliably
- Simple, intuitive single-knob control for easy speed adjustment
Cons
- Single control limits nuanced tone shaping capabilities
- True bypass is absent, potentially coloring the signal
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This MXR M 234 is a fantastic little chorus pedal. It nails that classic, shimmering analog vibe without the digital sterility you sometimes get. Ideal for guitarists wanting a subtle, warm chorus for cleans or a more swirling effect for leads—a real workhorse for a wide range of styles.
Pros
- Warm, lush analog chorus sound rarely found at this price point
- Compact size makes it pedalboard-friendly, a real space saver
- Effective bass and treble EQ shaping avoids muddy or harsh tones
Cons
- Analog nature can introduce a bit of noise, especially at higher rates
- Smaller enclosure can make tweaking controls feel a little cramped
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$140 now$140€126 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pedal delivers Eddie Van Halen's famous choral sound in a solid metal case. It handles your signal with stereo outputs and lets you choose between true or buffered bypass. Great for players who want that classic effect without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Eddie Van Halen signature model for classic choral sound
- Stereo wet and dry outputs for flexible mixing
- Metal case for durable road use
Cons
- Input level switch offers three distinct settings
- Output level switch offers two distinct settings
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 12Sep 12$227 now$227€204 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
MXR MX100 Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor
Rockman X100 · MXR
173 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This Rockman X100 is a clever re-imagining of a classic, bringing that instantly recognizable Boston chorus sound to a stompbox format. It's a great option for players seeking a clean, compressed tone with a touch of 80s sparkle, and the preset functionality is surprisingly useful. Ideal for players wanting a compact, all-in-one solution for clean, slightly driven, and chorus-laden tones.
Pros
- Authentic MN3007 chorus chip delivers that iconic 80s shimmer.
- Dynamic compression adds punch and sustain without excessive squashing.
- Four presets offer flexibility for different tonal needs and performances.
Cons
- Limited control over chorus depth and rate compared to dedicated chorus pedals.
- The 'Edge' distortion is more of a light overdrive, not a full distortion.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$255 now$255€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
MXR M68 Uni-Vibe Chorus / Vibrato Pedal
M68 Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato · MXR
149 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The M68 nails the vibe of the original Uni-Vibe, offering that swirling, hypnotic character perfect for psychedelic rock, classic soul, and adding a touch of vintage warmth. It's a straightforward pedal – no endless tweakery – making it easy to dial in a great sound quickly. If you’re chasing that late-’60s tone without the vintage price tag, this is a fantastic option.
Pros
- Faithfully recreates the classic Uni-Vibe swirl and movement
- Solid build quality with MXR’s reliable footswitch and enclosure
- Depth control adds a unique modulation character beyond standard chorus
Cons
- Limited control compared to more complex modulation pedals
- Uni-Vibe sound isn't universally appealing; can be quite 'woody'
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$172 now$172€154 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The M148 Micro Chorus is a fantastic, budget-friendly option for players wanting that classic, shimmering chorus sound. It’s super easy to dial in, and the build quality is what you'd expect from MXR - solid and dependable. If you're after a simple, reliable chorus without a ton of bells and whistles, this is a great starting point.
Pros
- Warm, lush chorus tones evoke classic 80s vibes.
- Simple, intuitive controls for immediate, usable sounds.
- Robust MXR construction; feels solid and reliable.
Cons
- Limited control depth compared to more complex chorus pedals.
- Mono output only; lacks true stereo capabilities.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$136 now$136€122 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The M290 Phase 95 is a clever little package – it's essentially two iconic MXR phasers distilled into a mini-pedal. It’s a great option for players wanting that vintage swirl without the bulk of the full-size units, especially if you’re already running a power supply. If you’re after a straightforward, quality phaser for a range of styles, this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Compact size ideal for pedalboards with limited space.
- Script mode offers nuanced phasing, expanding sonic possibilities.
- Combines classic Phase 45/90 sounds in a single unit.
Cons
- Lacks stereo output, limiting its use in wider stereo rigs.
- No battery operation; requires a dedicated power supply.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$139 now$139€125 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The MXR Micro Flanger is a surprisingly potent little box. It nails that vintage, slightly watery flanger vibe, perfect for adding movement to clean guitars or thickening up lead tones. If you want a classic flanger sound without a ton of bells and whistles, this is a great, affordable option.
Pros
- Analog circuitry delivers a warm, classic flanger tone.
- Regeneration control offers incredible swirling, jet-like sounds.
- Compact size makes it pedalboard-friendly and easy to transport.
Cons
- Limited control set restricts nuanced sound sculpting.
- Single Rate/Regen knob can feel less intuitive than dedicated controls.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pedal brings Eddie Van Halen's early sound right to your floor. It lets you tweak speed and width for that floating chorus or loud jet engine noise. You can lock in Eddie's favorite setting with a special switch, and you can even set the delay time manually. It's perfect for players who want that classic Van Halen intro effect without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Classic Van Halen design inspired by Eddie
- Manual delay time control for precise settings
- EVH signature switch for favorite preset
Cons
- Knobs sawed off to prevent accidental turns
- Limited to single channel mono output
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MXR M101GLD 50th Anniversary Phase 90
50th Anniversary Phase 90 Gold · MXR
53 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This 50th Anniversary Phase 90 Gold is a beautiful and authentic recreation of a legendary effect. The added inSpeed control gives you more flexibility to dial in subtle or dramatic phasing. It's perfect for players seeking that classic, swirling phase tone without needing a huge pedalboard – especially those who appreciate a bit of visual flair.
Pros
- Gold finish adds a touch of vintage class and visual appeal
- The inSpeed control provides significantly more nuanced phasing than the original
- Robust metal housing feels incredibly solid and durable for gigging
Cons
- Limited control set restricts sonic sculpting beyond speed adjustment
- Gold finish can be a fingerprint magnet, requiring frequent cleaning
All 20 chorus / flanger / phaser pedals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
MXR M107 Phase 100 ReissuePhase 100 · MXR58Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 12
MXR WA90 Wylde Audio PhaseWylde Audio Phase · MXR57Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 13
MXR M-117R FlangerMXR57Stable$210€188$210€188Check ↗
- 14
MXR M134 Stereo ChorusMXR41↓ 2.3%$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 15
MXR Custom Shop Phase 90 LEDMXR39Stable$165€148$165€148Check ↗
- 16
MXR EVH Phase 90MXR39Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 17
MXR 1974 Vintage Phase 90MXR39Stable$185€166$185€166Check ↗
- 18
MXR MX-126 Flanger / DoublerFlanger/Doubler · MXR39Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 19
MXR Phase 90 Bundle PS A1 RBMXR24Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 20
MXR EVH Phase 90 Bundle PS A1MXR24Stable$182€163$182€163Check ↗
Chorus/Flanger/Phaser Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 142 models we track, not a sample.
Median $182 — half of all chorus/flanger/phaser pedals here cost less.
median of 5 models · 0.35 kg–2.1 kg
How to choose the best chorus/flanger/phaser pedals
Heritage & Circuit Design
MXR's analog circuits, especially the early ones, have a unique warmth and character. That classic bucket-brigade delay in the Chorus is different than a digital recreation - it's got a subtle thickness that just feels right, even if it's not the 'most pristine' sound.
Tone Shaping Options
While some MXR pedals are straightforward, the best ones offer a surprising amount of control. Things like rate, depth, and resonance are standard, but look for features like blend knobs or filter controls to really dial in a signature sound - that subtle chorus shimmer on a clean strat, or a thick, scooped flanger for doom metal.
Build Quality & Durability
MXR pedals are generally built like tanks. Those metal enclosures and robust footswitches can take a serious beating on the road, which is a huge plus if you're gigging regularly. The older, smaller enclosures can sometimes feel a little cramped, though.
Noise Floor
Analog modulation isn't always silent. Some older MXR pedals can be a bit noisy, especially with high rate settings. While it's often part of the charm, it's something to be aware of, especially if you're recording in a quiet environment.
Versatility
Can this pedal do more than just one thing? A great MXR modulation isn't just a chorus or flanger; it can add subtle movement to a distorted rhythm tone, or create a swirling, almost Leslie-like effect. That adaptability is what separates the good from the great.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that swirling, watery chorus, a vintage flange vibe, or a psychedelic phaser - and you're thinking MXR. Good call. They've been doing this modulation thing right since the 70s, and their pedals have a distinct character that's instantly recognizable. We're diving deep into the best MXR chorus, flanger, and phaser pedals, because nailing these effects isn't just about swirling sounds; it's about adding movement and depth to your tone.
Don't chase the 'most pristine' sound; MXR's character is part of their appeal. Older, vintage pedals are desirable for a reason - that early analog warmth is hard to replicate, but be prepared to potentially deal with a slightly higher noise floor. Newer pedals often address this, but sometimes at the expense of that classic mojo.
Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance between vintage vibe and modern usability.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 20 chorus/flanger/phaser pedals from the Thomann catalogue (of 142 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are vintage MXR pedals worth the money?
That depends. Early Chorus and Flanger pedals are highly sought after, but prices are inflated. Factor in potential maintenance (pots can get scratchy, capacitors can fail) before dropping serious cash.
My MXR pedal is noisy. Is that normal?
It's common, especially with older models. Try different power supplies - a noisy power supply can exacerbate the issue. Capacitor replacement is also a potential fix, but it's a soldering job.
Can I use an MXR pedal with my bass?
Absolutely! Many MXR pedals work great on bass, adding subtle movement or a more aggressive swirl. Just be mindful of the low-end - too much depth on a flanger can get muddy quickly.
What's the difference between a chorus and a flanger?
Think of chorus as a subtle shimmering effect - it's like two slightly detuned versions of your signal playing together. A flanger is more dramatic, creating a whooshing, jet-plane-like sound due to a more complex delay and feedback loop.
Are MXR pedals true bypass?
Many modern MXR pedals are true bypass, meaning they don't affect your signal when disengaged. Older models often used a buffered bypass, which can be beneficial for maintaining signal strength over long cable runs, but can also color the tone slightly when the effect is off.





