AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Delay / Echo Pedals Under $500 2026
The top pick is Boss DD-500 Digital Delay ($435). Electro Harmonix Memory Boy gives you the most for the money at $123. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 135 models across 52 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight1 kg
The DD-500 is a powerhouse of a delay pedal. It’s packed with features and sounds incredible, offering a huge range of creative possibilities, especially for players needing complex, studio-quality delays in a live setting. This is an ideal tool for producers, studio musicians, and experienced players who demand flexibility and pristine sound.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and dynamic range thanks to 32-bit processing
- Versatile delay modes cover a huge sonic spectrum, from tape to shimmer
- The phrase looper is surprisingly robust and genuinely usable live
Cons
- The sheer number of options can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Power consumption is noticeable when running on batteries
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$435 now$435€387 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.49 kg
The Joshua Ambient Echo is a fantastic tool for creating lush, evolving soundscapes. It's a bit of a specialist – if you're chasing dreamy, textured delays and aren't needing pristine repeats, this is a serious contender for post-rock, ambient, and experimental guitarists.
Pros
- Exceptional ambient textures with its modulated delay algorithms.
- Intuitive controls offer precise rhythmic and tempo manipulation.
- Stereo capabilities create expansive, immersive soundscapes.
Cons
- Limited clean delay tones; excels in ambient, less so in pristine repeats.
- Can be complex for beginners; learning curve to master all features.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$270 now$270€240 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Walrus Audio ARP-87 Multi-Function Delay
ARP-87 · Walrus Audio
99 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.36 kg
The ARP-87 is a seriously fun and versatile delay pedal. It’s a great option for players who want a range of delay tones without the complexity of a full-blown multi-effect. I'd recommend this to guitarists and bassists looking for a creative delay solution that doesn't break the bank.
Pros
- Versatile delay types cover everything from pristine to lo-fi textures
- Excellent Damps control shapes delay decay realistically
- Intuitive Ratio knob adds unique character and filtering
Cons
- Lack of battery power limits portability considerably
- Modulation depth can feel a bit subtle for some users
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$224 now$224€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Carbon Copy is a fantastic choice for guitarists and bassists seeking that warm, vintage analog delay vibe. It's incredibly easy to use, sounds great for subtle thickening or more pronounced repeats, and feels rock-solid—a true workhorse pedal for anyone wanting that classic delay sound without a ton of complexity.
Pros
- Warm, saturated analog tone delivers classic delay character
- Robust metal enclosure and footswitch inspire confidence
- Simple, intuitive controls allow for quick tweaking and dialing-in
Cons
- Limited delay time compared to digital or hybrid delays
- No tap tempo feature restricts rhythmic precision
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$194 now$194€172 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Memory Boy delivers that iconic, warm, slightly-muddy analog delay that's perfect for adding character to rock, indie, and even ambient textures. It's a straightforward, no-frills delay that nails a specific vibe—ideal for players wanting that classic '80s echo without a ton of complexity.
Pros
- Warm, saturated analog delay tones evoke classic '80s sounds
- Versatile modulation options (vibrato, chorus) add unique character
- Expression pedal input expands creative possibilities for live performance
Cons
- Limited maximum delay time compared to modern digital delays
- Tone shaping options are basic; lacks extensive EQ controls
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$123 now$123€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Canyon is a clever little pedal – a great entry point to EHX’s sound. It's ideal for guitarists or bassists wanting a compact, versatile delay and looper without the complexity of a full-blown studio setup. The looper's simplicity makes it a real asset for practicing and creating quick song sketches.
Pros
- Versatile delay modes offer everything from tape echo warmth to digital precision.
- Looper functionality is surprisingly robust for the price point, great for practice.
- Compact size makes it pedalboard-friendly, a definite plus for smaller rigs.
Cons
- 3-second delay time limits longer, ambient textures; a bit short for some users.
- Hidden parameters require digging into the manual, a slight learning curve.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$146 now$146€130 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Deluxe Memory Man is a fantastic choice for players seeking that warm, vintage delay vibe with a touch of modulation. It's a real character pedal – perfect for adding depth and movement to your sound, especially if you’re chasing those old-school echo tones. It’s not a workhorse for pristine, long delays, but excels at what it does.
Pros
- Warm, analog repeats evoke classic tape echo character.
- Unique modulation creates swirling, ethereal textures easily.
- True bypass preserves your signal integrity when disengaged.
Cons
- 550ms max delay is relatively short compared to modern digital options.
- The modulation controls can be a bit sensitive, requiring careful tweaking.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 9.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$219 · Aug 17$198 now$198€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.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$160 now$160€142 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.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$201 now$201€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$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 135 delay / echo pedals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Keeley Caverns Reverb / Delay V2Caverns Delay Reverb V2 · Keeley58↓ 9.2%$234€208$234€208Check ↗
- 12
Electro Harmonix Attack Decay Tape Reverse Sim.Electro Harmonix57↓ 7.8%$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 13
Electro Harmonix Grand CanyonElectro Harmonix57↓ 2.8%$272€242$272€242Check ↗
- 14
Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo MachineVolante · Strymon57Stable$458€407$458€407Check ↗
- 15
TC Electronic Echobrain Analog Delay PedalEchobrain Analog Delay · tc electronic56Stable$38€34$38€34Check ↗
- 16
Electro Harmonix Memory ToyElectro Harmonix56Stable$102€91$102€91Check ↗
- 17
Boss SDE-3 Dual Digital DelaySDE-3 Delay · Boss56Stable$158€140$158€140Check ↗
- 18
MXR M299 Carbon Copy Mini Analog DelayM299 Copy Mini Analog Delay · MXR56Stable$186€165$186€165Check ↗
- 19
Electro Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory ManElectro Harmonix56Stable$208€185$208€185Check ↗
- 20
Strymon El Capistan V2Strymon56Stable$472€419$472€419Check ↗
- 21
Electro Harmonix Slap-Back EchoElectro Harmonix55Stable$82€73$82€73Check ↗
- 22
MXR M292 Carbon Copy Deluxe Analog DelayM 292 Carbon Copy Deluxe · MXR55Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
- 23
Strymon Brig dBucket DelayBrig Delay · Strymon55Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 24
Keeley Halo Andy Timmons Signature Dual EchoHALO Andy Timmons Dual Echo · Keeley55Stable$359€319$359€319Check ↗
- 25
Keeley Halo Andy Timmons Signature Dual EchoHalo Core - Andy Timmons Echo · Keeley55Stable$438€389$438€389Check ↗
- 26
Boss TE-2 Tera EchoBoss54Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 27
Boss DM-101 Delay MachineBoss54Stable$424€377$424€377Check ↗
- 28
Strymon Deco V2Strymon54Stable$441€392$441€392Check ↗
- 29
Boss DD-200 Digital DelayBoss53↑ 3.7%$287€255$287€255Check ↗
- 30
Walrus Audio Fundamental DelayWalrus Audio52Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 31
Walrus Audio Fundamental DelayFundamental Lo-Fi-Delay · Walrus Audio52Stable$123€109$123€109Check ↗
- 32
Electro Harmonix Pico Rerun Tape DelayElectro Harmonix52Stable$131€116$131€116Check ↗
- 33
Eventide TimeFactor DelayTimeFactor · Eventide52↓ 1.8%$441€392$441€392Check ↗
- 34
Way Huge WM71 Smalls Aqua Puss Analog Delay MkIIISmalls Aqua-Puss · Way Huge51↓ 8.6%$214€190$214€190Check ↗
- 35
Eventide UltraTap PedalUltraTap · Eventide51Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 36
EarthQuaker Devices Silos Multi-Generational Time Reflection DeviceSilos Time Reflection · EarthQuaker Devices51Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
- 37
Dunlop EP103 Echoplex DelayEchoplex Delay · Dunlop51Stable$276€245$276€245Check ↗
- 38
Catalinbread EchorecCatalinbread51Stable$294€261$294€261Check ↗
- 39
Keeley RK2000 Funk Siren DelayKeeley50↓ 3.9%$421€374$421€374Check ↗
- 40
Keeley Magnetic Echo DelayKeeley49Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 41
NuX NDR-5 Verdugo Series Atlantic Delay/ReverbAtlantic Delay & Reverb · Nux48↓ 5.4%$137€122$137€122Check ↗
- 42
Keeley Memphis Sun Lo-Fi Reverb, Echo and Double TrackerMemphis Sun Echo & Reverb · Keeley48Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 43
EarthQuaker Devices / Death By Audio Time Shadows II Subharmonic…Time Shadows II Multi-Delay · EarthQuaker Devices48Stable$314€279$314€279Check ↗
- 44
Mooer ReEcho Delay PedalReecho · Mooer47Stable$78€69$78€69Check ↗
- 45
Eventide MicroPitch Delay PedalMicroPitch Delay · Eventide47↓ 0.8%$267€237$267€237Check ↗
- 46
Walrus Audio Lore Stereo Reverse Soundscape Generator MKIILore MKII Green · Walrus Audio · 2 finishes47Stable$415€369$415€369Check ↗
- 47
Source Audio SA263 Collider Delay + ReverbSA 263 Collider Delay+ Reverb · Source Audio47Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton Digital DelayHarley Benton46Stable$34€30$34€30Check ↗
- 49
NuX Reissue Series Analog DelayAnalog Delay · Nux46Stable$57€51$57€51Check ↗
- 50
Death By Audio Echo Master Vocal DelayEcho Master · Death by Audio46Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
Delay/Echo Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 142 models we track, not a sample.
Median $224 — half of all delay/echo pedals here cost less.
median of 6 models · 0.3 kg–1 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 142 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.
