AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Delay / Echo Pedals Under $500 2026
The top pick is Walrus Audio ARP-87 Multi-Function Delay ($218). Electro Harmonix Memory Boy gives you the most for the money at $122. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 137 models across 52 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.
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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 an analog delay with simple knobs, this pedal gives you Delay, Depth, Blend and Feedback controls. A switch lets you choose vibrato, chorus or expression pedal mode, so you can try a few different effects in one box. It suits guitarists who want an analog delay and have room on their board for a pedal of this size.
Pros
- Analog delay with Depth, Blend and Feedback controls for shaping the repeats
- Delay time adjustable from 30 to 550 ms
- Switch between Vibrato, Chorus and Exp. Pedal modes
Cons
- Compact body measures 102 x 120 x 57 mm, so it takes up a fair bit of pedalboard space
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 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 ↗ -
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 137 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 Attack Decay Tape Reverse Sim.Electro Harmonix57↓ 7.8%$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 15
Electro Harmonix Grand CanyonElectro Harmonix57↓ 2.8%$270€242$270€242Check ↗
- 16
Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo MachineVolante · Strymon57Stable$454€407$454€407Check ↗
- 17
TC Electronic Echobrain Analog Delay PedalEchobrain Analog Delay · tc electronic56Stable$38€34$38€34Check ↗
- 18
MXR M299 Carbon Copy Mini Analog DelayM299 Copy Mini Analog Delay · MXR56Stable$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 19
Keeley RK2000 Funk Siren DelayKeeley56↓ 36.0%$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 20
Strymon El Capistan V2Strymon56Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 21
Electro Harmonix Slap-Back EchoElectro Harmonix55Stable$82€73$82€73Check ↗
- 22
Electro Harmonix Memory ToyElectro Harmonix55Stable$102€91$102€91Check ↗
- 23
JHS Pedals 3 Series DelayJHS Pedals55Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 24
Boss SDE-3 Dual Digital DelaySDE-3 Delay · Boss55Stable$156€140$156€140Check ↗
- 25
MXR M292 Carbon Copy Deluxe Analog DelayM 292 Carbon Copy Deluxe · MXR55Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 26
Strymon Brig dBucket DelayBrig Delay · Strymon55Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 27
Keeley Halo Andy Timmons Signature Dual EchoHALO Andy Timmons Dual Echo · Keeley55Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 28
Keeley Halo Andy Timmons Signature Dual EchoHalo Core - Andy Timmons Echo · Keeley55Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 29
T-Rex Replicator D´Luxe Tape EchoT-Rex54↓ 20.0%$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 30
Strymon Deco V2Strymon54Stable$438€392$438€392Check ↗
- 31
Boss TE-2 Tera EchoBoss53Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 32
Catalinbread EchorecCatalinbread53↓ 4.6%$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 33
Boss DD-200 Digital DelayBoss53↑ 3.7%$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 34
Boss DM-101 Delay MachineBoss53Stable$421€377$421€377Check ↗
- 35
Walrus Audio Fundamental DelayWalrus Audio52Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 36
Walrus Audio Fundamental DelayFundamental Lo-Fi-Delay · Walrus Audio52Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 37
Electro Harmonix Pico Rerun Tape DelayElectro Harmonix52Stable$130€116$130€116Check ↗
- 38
Way Huge WM71 Smalls Aqua Puss Analog Delay MkIIISmalls Aqua-Puss · Way Huge51↓ 8.6%$212€190$212€190Check ↗
- 39
EarthQuaker Devices Silos Multi-Generational Time Reflection DeviceSilos Time Reflection · EarthQuaker Devices51Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 40
Eventide TimeFactor DelayTimeFactor · Eventide51↓ 1.8%$438€392$438€392Check ↗
- 41
JHS Pedals 3 Series Oil Can DelayJHS Pedals50Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 42
Dunlop EP103 Echoplex DelayEchoplex Delay · Dunlop50Stable$274€245$274€245Check ↗
- 43
NuX Duotime NDD-6 Delay EngineDuotime Delay · Nux49↓ 9.5%$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 44
JHS Pedals 3 Series Tape DelayJHS Pedals49Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 45
NuX NDR-5 Verdugo Series Atlantic Delay/ReverbAtlantic Delay & Reverb · Nux49↓ 5.4%$136€122$136€122Check ↗
- 46
JHS Pedals 3 Series Glitch DelayJHS Pedals48Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
- 47
Keeley Magnetic Echo DelayKeeley48Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 48
Keeley Memphis Sun Lo-Fi Reverb, Echo and Double TrackerMemphis Sun Echo & Reverb · Keeley48Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 49
Eventide MicroPitch Delay PedalMicroPitch Delay · Eventide48↓ 0.8%$265€237$265€237Check ↗
- 50
NuX Reissue Series Analog DelayAnalog Delay · Nux47Stable$57€51$57€51Check ↗
Delay/Echo Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 143 models we track, not a sample.
Median $219 — half of all delay/echo pedals here cost less.
median of 5 models · 0.3 kg–0.5 kg
How to choose the best delay/echo pedals
Versatility
Can it do subtle repeats for thickening a clean tone, or a slapback for that vintage vibe? Does it offer modulation, tap tempo, or other useful features? A one-trick pony won't get you far.
Tone Quality
We're looking for delays that don't sound sterile or digital. A bit of warmth, a pleasing decay, and the ability to handle different pickup voicings are key. That ice-picky top end is a deal-breaker.
Ease of Use
Complicated menus and tiny knobs can be a nightmare on stage. Intuitive controls and a logical layout are essential, especially if you're swapping pedals between songs.
Build Quality
Let's be honest, gigging gear takes a beating. Sturdy construction, reliable components, and a decent enclosure are important for longevity. Rattling pots and flaky finishes are a bad sign.
Noise Floor
Delay pedals, by their nature, amplify signal. A noisy pedal will become painfully obvious in a quiet mix or a clean amp setting. Low self-noise is a must for a clean, usable sound.
Buying guide
So, you want delay? Great choice - it's the glue that holds a lot of cool sounds together. But dropping five hundred bucks on a pedal isn't always necessary. I've seen plenty of players chase boutique tones only to realize a well-chosen, budget-friendly delay can do 90% of what they need, especially when you're gigging in less-than-ideal spaces. Let's break down some killer delay pedals under $500 that won't leave your wallet weeping.
At this price point, you're going to find some trade-offs. Don't expect a massive buffer like you'd find on a Strymon. That said, you can find seriously impressive delay options.
Look for analog-voiced digital delays - they often offer the best of both worlds. Pay attention to the feedback controls - too much and you'll get muddy repeats, too little and it's useless. And remember, a good delay isn't about flashy features; it's about adding depth and dimension to your sound.
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 143 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 delays use analog circuitry, which can sound warmer and more organic, but are limited in repeat time and often noisy. Digital delays convert the signal to digital, offering longer repeats, more features, and generally lower noise - but can sometimes sound sterile. Many modern pedals cleverly mimic analog characteristics digitally.
Does tap tempo really matter?
It's a huge convenience, especially when playing with a drummer who isn't perfectly locked in. Syncing your delay to the tempo of the song adds a professional polish and makes your sound sit better in the mix. If you're mostly playing solo, it's less critical but still a nice-to-have.
What's 'modulation' in a delay pedal?
Modulation adds a swirling, chorus-like effect to your repeats, creating a more dynamic and interesting sound. It's great for subtle thickening or psychedelic textures. Too much can sound cheesy, so use it sparingly.
I'm on a tight budget. Should I prioritize features or tone?
Tone always wins. A simpler delay with great tone will always be preferable to a feature-packed pedal that sounds bad. You can always add features later, but you can't improve a bad sound.
My delay pedal is making my amp sound noisy. What's going on?
That's likely a noisy pedal, or a buffering issue. Try placing it after a clean boost, or check your power supply - a noisy power adapter can introduce noise. A good quality power supply can sometimes make a noticeable difference.
