AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Delay / Echo Pedals for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Walrus Audio ARP-87 Multi-Function Delay ($218). Electro Harmonix Canyon Delay & Looper gives you the most for the money at $145. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 149 models across 55 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
Walrus Audio ARP-87 Multi-Function Delay
ARP-87 · Walrus Audio
97 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.36 kg
You get a digital delay pedal with four delay programs, from Digital to Slapback, and up to 1000 ms of delay time. Tap-Tempo lets you set the echo timing by tapping your foot, which helps you stay in time with a song. You will need your own 9 V DC power supply, because it does not come with one and cannot run on batteries.
Pros
- Digital delay with up to 1000 ms delay time
- Four delay programs: Digital, Analog, Lo-Fi and Slapback
- Tap-Tempo with quarter, dotted 8th, 8th and 8th note triplet subdivisions
Cons
- Needs a 9 V DC power supply, which is not included
- No battery operation possible
71AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$222 · Aug 17$218 now$218€195 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.49 kg
If you play psychedelic sounds or ambient rock, this pedal is built for you. It gives you tap tempo, external switching, and a hold mode so you can layer leads and solos over a carpet of sound. It works with electric guitar and electric bass, and it also offers stereo mode and expression pedal capability.
Pros
- Highly flexible delay with intuitive controls for tempo, rhythm and more
- Onboard tap tempo and external switching for precise control of delay time
- Hold mode lets you layer leads and solos over a carpet of sound
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$268 now$268€240 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you want an analog echo pedal, this one gives you up to 600 ms of delay with controls for Delay, Regen and Mix. It runs on a 9 V battery, or on the Dunlop ECB-003 AC adapter if you buy it separately. Its sturdy metal housing and metal foot switch make it a good pick for guitarists who want straightforward echo.
Pros
- Analog signal path, the core of an analog delay pedal
- Delay time goes up to 600 ms
- Controls for Delay, Regen and Mix give you simple, direct adjustment
Cons
- Needs a 9 V battery or the Dunlop ECB-003 AC adapter, which is not included
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$192 now$192€172 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you want a delay pedal with many modes and a looper in one box, this one is worth a look. It offers up to 3 seconds of delay, tap tempo, and access to hidden parameters for deeper tweaking. It suits you if you like building layers of echo or looping your own parts as you play.
Pros
- Ten delay modes give you many different echo styles in one pedal
- Delay times run up to 3 seconds, enough for long, spacious repeats
- Full-featured looper lets you record and layer phrases on the fly
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$145 now$145€130 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Deluxe Memory Boy is a fantastic throwback, delivering those rich, warm analog delay tones that are hard to find these days. It’s a great choice for guitarists seeking that vintage vibe, especially for rock, blues, or anything needing a touch of modulated echo. While not a modern, super-versatile delay, it nails its classic aesthetic.
Pros
- Warm, analog delay tones evoke classic 70s echo units
- Triangle/square wave modulation offers unique chorus/vibrato textures
- Tap tempo provides rhythmic delay control for live performance
Cons
- Shortest delay times can feel a bit muddy and indistinct
- Build quality feels a little plasticky compared to higher-end units
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$190 now$190€170 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get an analog delay that stretches out to 550 milliseconds, with a built-in chorus and vibrato. Turn up the modulation and you can get close to old tape echo, or push it into more experimental floating sounds. This pedal suits you if you love classic delay sounds and want one built around them.
Pros
- Analog delay with a long maximum delay time of 550 milliseconds
- Integrated chorus and vibrato effect for added modulation
- Modulation setting brings the sound close to legendary old tape echoes
Cons
- Power supply is required; the 24DC-100 unit is included
60AudioFu
Index↓ 9.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$218 · Aug 17$197 now$197€176 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The DD-3T is a solid, no-frills digital delay – a modern re-release of a classic. It’s a fantastic option for players seeking a dependable, straightforward delay with tap tempo, especially those who appreciate the clean, almost sterile character of early digital delay. This is a workhorse pedal for gigging musicians needing a reliable and affordable delay.
Pros
- Robust Boss build quality; feels like it’ll survive a tour.
- Tap tempo functionality adds rhythmic precision and flexibility.
- Direct Out provides convenient recording and live routing options.
Cons
- Limited delay modes compared to modern, multi-effect units.
- The original DD-3’s slightly sterile tone is present in this version.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$159 now$159€142 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Nano Deluxe Memory Man is a fantastic little box if you’re chasing that iconic EHX chorus/delay sound without the bulk. It nails the vibe, especially for dreamy textures and subtle modulation – think shoegaze, ambient, or adding a touch of vintage warmth to clean tones. It’s a premium-priced option for players who appreciate the EHX legacy and need a compact solution.
Pros
- Captures the core Deluxe Memory Man vibe in a remarkably compact form factor.
- Analog circuitry delivers the characteristic warmth and subtle imperfections of vintage EHX.
- The Rate and Depth controls offer nuanced modulation shaping beyond the original.
Cons
- The Nano series' small size can make tweaking controls a bit fiddly.
- Limited delay time compared to full-size Memory Man, restricting longer repeats.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 8.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$207 · Aug 17$190 now$190€170 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The DD-8 is a powerhouse in a compact Boss package. It’s got a ton of delay types, a looper, and a really solid build – perfect for gigging musicians or serious home recordists who want a wide range of delay sounds at your fingertips. It’s a significant upgrade from earlier Boss delays.
Pros
- Versatile delay modes cover a huge range of sonic textures.
- The looper is genuinely useful for practice and songwriting.
- Boss’s renowned build quality ensures years of reliable use.
Cons
- The interface can feel a little overwhelming initially with so many options.
- Some of the more esoteric delay modes aren't as immediately inspiring.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The DM-2W is a fantastic choice for players seeking a classic, warm analog delay. It's a faithful recreation of a sought-after vintage Boss pedal, perfect for adding subtle depth or creating rhythmic echoes in genres like rock, blues, and indie – especially if you appreciate the character of older delay circuits.
Pros
- Waza Craft circuitry delivers a warm, responsive analog delay tone
- Custom Mode offers extensive delay time manipulation for creative textures
- Robust Boss build quality ensures years of reliable performance on stage
Cons
- Limited delay time compared to modern digital delays, restricting longer repeats
- Standard Mode's short delay times are best suited for subtle effects
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 149 delay / echo pedals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
JHS Pedals Flight Delay WhiteJHS Pedals · 2 finishes59↓ 3.9%$272€244$272€244Check ↗
- 12
Eventide UltraTap PedalUltraTap · Eventide58↓ 25.1%$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 13
Keeley Caverns Reverb / Delay V2Caverns Delay Reverb V2 · Keeley58↓ 9.2%$232€208$232€208Check ↗
- 14
Electro Harmonix Grand CanyonElectro Harmonix57↓ 2.8%$270€242$270€242Check ↗
- 15
MXR M299 Carbon Copy Mini Analog DelayM299 Copy Mini Analog Delay · MXR56Stable$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 16
Keeley RK2000 Funk Siren DelayKeeley56↓ 36.0%$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 17
Electro Harmonix Attack Decay Tape Reverse Sim.Electro Harmonix57↓ 7.8%$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 18
Boss SDE-3 Dual Digital DelaySDE-3 Delay · Boss55Stable$156€140$156€140Check ↗
- 19
MXR M292 Carbon Copy Deluxe Analog DelayM 292 Carbon Copy Deluxe · MXR55Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 20
Strymon Brig dBucket DelayBrig Delay · Strymon55Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 21
Boss TE-2 Tera EchoBoss53Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 22
Catalinbread EchorecCatalinbread53↓ 4.6%$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 23
Boss DD-200 Digital DelayBoss53↑ 3.7%$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 24
JHS Pedals 3 Series DelayJHS Pedals55Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 25
Way Huge WM71 Smalls Aqua Puss Analog Delay MkIIISmalls Aqua-Puss · Way Huge51↓ 8.6%$212€190$212€190Check ↗
- 26
EarthQuaker Devices Silos Multi-Generational Time Reflection DeviceSilos Time Reflection · EarthQuaker Devices51Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 27
Dunlop EP103 Echoplex DelayEchoplex Delay · Dunlop50Stable$274€245$274€245Check ↗
- 28
Electro Harmonix Pico Rerun Tape DelayElectro Harmonix52Stable$130€116$130€116Check ↗
- 29
NuX NDR-5 Verdugo Series Atlantic Delay/ReverbAtlantic Delay & Reverb · Nux49↓ 5.4%$136€122$136€122Check ↗
- 30
Keeley Magnetic Echo DelayKeeley48Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 31
Keeley Memphis Sun Lo-Fi Reverb, Echo and Double TrackerMemphis Sun Echo & Reverb · Keeley48Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 32
Eventide MicroPitch Delay PedalMicroPitch Delay · Eventide48↓ 0.8%$265€237$265€237Check ↗
- 33
JHS Pedals 3 Series Oil Can DelayJHS Pedals50Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 34
Walrus Audio Fundamental DelayFundamental Lo-Fi-Delay · Walrus Audio52Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 35
Walrus Audio Fundamental DelayWalrus Audio52Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 36
JHS Pedals 3 Series Tape DelayJHS Pedals49Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 37
NuX Duotime NDD-6 Delay EngineDuotime Delay · Nux49↓ 9.5%$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 38
Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape EchoUniversal Audio45Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 39
Death By Audio Micro Dream DelayMicro Dream · Death by Audio45Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 40
JHS Pedals 3 Series Glitch DelayJHS Pedals48Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 41
Danelectro Back Talk Reverse Delay ReissueBack Talk Reverse Delay · Danelectro43Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 42
Electro Harmonix Memory ToyElectro Harmonix55Stable$102€91$102€91Check ↗
- 43
TC Electronic 2290 P Dynamic Digital Delay2290 P Dynamic Delay Pedal · tc electronic40↓ 14.6%$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 44
TC Electronic Flashback 2 Delay and LooperFlashback 2 Delay · tc electronic46Stable$117€105$117€105Check ↗
- 45
Mooer Ocean Machine II Devin Townsend Signature Reverb / DelayOcean Machine II Delay/ Reverb · Mooer38Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 46
Red Panda RD-1 Pitch DelayRed Panda35Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 47
tc electronic Flashback 2 X4 Delaytc electronic34Stable$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 48
MXR M299 Carbon Copy Mini Analog DelayMini Delay Bundle PS L · MXR34Stable$202€181$202€181Check ↗
- 49
JHS Pedals Milkman Delay BoostJHS Pedals34Stable$208€186$208€186Check ↗
- 50
Catalinbread Belle Epoch BOSCatalinbread34↓ 4.2%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
Delay/Echo Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 164 models we track, not a sample.
Median $256 — half of all delay/echo pedals here cost less.
median of 17 models · 0.3 kg–12 kg
How to choose the best delay/echo pedals
Ease of Use
As an intermediate player, you want to use the pedal, not spend all your time reading the manual. Clear controls, logical layout, and a reasonable learning curve are essential. No one wants to be fumbling with modulation rates during a quiet verse.
Delay Time Range
A wider range allows for everything from subtle slapback to sprawling, psychedelic soundscapes. Limited range can feel restrictive, especially as you start experimenting.
Delay Type/Character
Are you after pristine digital clarity, warm analog emulation, or something in between? Different delay types impart different tonal characteristics, and knowing what you want is key.
Modulation Options
Subtle modulation (chorus, vibrato) can add a lot of movement and character to your delays. Too much, though, and it becomes a muddy mess. Find a pedal that lets you dial it in tastefully.
Tap Tempo
This is almost a non-negotiable at this level. Syncing your delays to the tempo of the song is crucial for tight, professional-sounding repeats - way better than guessing.
Buying guide
So you're past the basic distortion and chorus, huh? Time to start layering some depth and space with delay. As an intermediate player, you're probably craving more sonic flexibility than a simple tape echo offers, but you're not ready to dive headfirst into the labyrinth of complex, multi-tap machines. This list is about finding that sweet spot: pedals that inspire creativity without inducing a full-on panic attack when you're staring at the controls mid-set.
Don't chase the bells and whistles. A lot of pedals will throw a million knobs at you, but that doesn't mean they're good. Focus on a pedal with a clear purpose and controls you understand.
Cheaper pedals often use lower-quality components, resulting in a muddier low-end or a noisy signal - something that'll kill you in a band setting. Spend a bit more for a pedal with decent headroom and a clean, articulate repeats.
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 164 delay/echo pedals from the Thomann catalogue. 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
What's the difference between analog and digital delay?
Analog emulates the warmth and imperfections of vintage tape or bucket brigade delays. Digital is cleaner, more precise, and offers a wider range of delay times, but can sometimes sound sterile. Many pedals now blend both.
I'm playing bass, can I use these pedals?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of low-end muddiness. Look for delays with a clean, defined tone and a good amount of headroom to handle the low-end thump without getting lost.
What does 'modulation' do to a delay?
Modulation adds a subtle, swirling effect to the repeats, like a slow chorus or vibrato. It can add character and movement, but too much can sound cheesy or drown out the original signal.
Tap tempo - do I really need it?
Seriously, yes. It's the easiest way to keep your delays locked in with the song. Trying to eyeball delay times is a recipe for disaster, especially when playing with other people.
My delay sounds muddy - what's going on?
It could be several things: too much low-end in the delay repeats, too much modulation, or a noisy signal. Try filtering the low end with an EQ pedal or reducing the amount of modulation.
