AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Distortion Pedals 2026
The top pick is Boss DS-1 Distortion ($174). Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive gives you the most for the money at $77. MXR EVH5150 5150 Overdrive leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 546 models across 90 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
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All Distortion PedalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The DS-1X is a worthwhile upgrade from the classic DS-1, offering more refined distortion while retaining that signature aggressive character. It’s a great, affordable option for players seeking a raw, high-gain sound, especially those wanting a more modern take on the original's grit – think hard rock and punk, but with a bit more clarity.
Pros
- Improved clarity over the original DS-1, retaining its aggression
- MDP processing yields a surprisingly dynamic and responsive distortion
- Solid Boss build quality – reliable for gigging and studio use
Cons
- Can still sound a bit 'fizzy' at higher gain settings for some tastes
- Lacks true bypass – tone coloration even when disengaged is present
78AudioFu
Index↓ 4.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$182 · Aug 17$174 now$174€156 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings7-string
- Weight0.4 kg
The ML-2 is a no-nonsense distortion pedal built for pure metal mayhem. It’s got a tight, aggressive sound with a surprisingly flexible EQ section thanks to the dedicated Low and High knobs. If you’re carving out a place in the deathcore or industrial scene, this is a seriously effective tool – just be prepared to tweak those knobs to tame it sometimes.
Pros
- Aggressive, modern high-gain distortion excels in extreme metal genres
- Dedicated Low and High controls tailor the frequency response effectively
- Boss’s robust construction ensures durability for stage and studio use
Cons
- Limited versatility outside of heavily distorted metal tones
- Can sound overly harsh or fizzy without careful EQ adjustments
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$143 now$143€128 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Walrus Audio Ages Five-State Overdrive
Ages Overdrive · Walrus Audio
105 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight0.27 kg
The Ages is a clever little box; it's not just another overdrive. The five modes, combined with the LED/silicon clipping choices, let you dial in a surprising range of tones, from subtle boost to crunchy rhythm sounds. It's a great choice for players wanting a versatile, mid-gain overdrive that won't color their core tone too drastically – perfect for blues, rock, and even some heavier genres needing a touch of grit.
Pros
- Five distinct modes offer surprising tonal flexibility and versatility.
- LED and Silicon clipping options genuinely alter the character, avoiding predictable overdrive.
- Effective bass and treble controls tame harsh frequencies for various pickups.
Cons
- The sheer number of modes can be overwhelming initially, requiring dedicated experimentation.
- While versatile, it leans towards mid-gain territory, not a full-blown high-gain distortion.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$227 now$227€204 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Electro Harmonix Bender Royale Fuzz Orange
67 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
This pedal gives you that old-school Germanium fuzz sound using three transistors. You can tweak the tone with seven knobs and power it up with the included adapter. It works well for players who want a specific vintage fuzz tone but needs a wall outlet. The main downside is that it cannot run on batteries at all. Still, the USA-made build and solid controls make it a reliable choice for your pedalboard.
Pros
- Classic Germanium MKIII 3-transistor fuzz circuit design
- Includes a dedicated 9V DC power adapter
- Made in USA with solid construction
Cons
- Battery operation is completely unsupported
- Cannot run on standard AA or 9V batteries
68AudioFu
Index↓ 11.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$151 · Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a killer pedal if you're chasing that searing, high-octane EVH tone. The gate really helps tame the chaos at high gain, and the EQ gives you a surprising amount of control. It’s a focused design, so it’s not a jack-of-all-trades, but it nails what it sets out to do.
Pros
- Robust metal enclosure offers excellent durability for stage use
- Gate control effectively tightens high-gain sounds, reducing noise
- Versatile EQ section allows shaping of the overdrive’s character
Cons
- Limited versatility compared to multi-effect units or broader distortion pedals
- Gate control can be overly aggressive if not adjusted carefully
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$231 now$231€207 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Boss SD-1 is a classic for a reason. It nails that warm, slightly compressed overdrive tone that's perfect for blues, classic rock, and adding a little grit to your clean amp. It's a workhorse pedal for gigging musicians wanting that vintage vibe without the fuss of a tube amp.
Pros
- Warm, tube-like overdrive delivers a classic, vintage amp feel
- Durable Boss build quality ensures years of reliable performance
- Simple, intuitive controls allow for quick dialing-in of tones
Cons
- Limited tonal versatility compared to more complex overdrive pedals
- Can be a bit noisy with high gain settings and certain pickups
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This Nano Big Muff delivers that iconic, creamy fuzz tone in a seriously small package. It's fantastic for guitarists craving a thick, saturated sound for rock, stoner, or even shoegaze – a great entry point to the Big Muff legacy without the bulk.
Pros
- Classic Big Muff tone in a compact, convenient Nano format
- Offers a surprisingly wide range of sustain and fuzz textures
- The tone control allows for some degree of brightness shaping
Cons
- True bypass is absent; can color the signal even when disengaged
- Limited control options compared to full-size Big Muff versions
66AudioFu
Index↓ 12.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$88 · Aug 17$77 now$77€69 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Op-Amp Big Muff Pi is a fantastic recreation of a classic fuzz sound. It’s surprisingly compact, which is a plus for pedalboards, and delivers that thick, sustaining tone perfect for rock, stoner, and even some heavier genres. A great choice for players seeking that iconic Muff vibe without the vintage price tag.
Pros
- Robust die-cast enclosure provides excellent protection during gigging.
- Faithful recreation of a sought-after vintage circuit delivers classic Muff tone.
- True bypass preserves your signal when the effect is disengaged.
Cons
- The compact size can make knob adjustments a little fiddly.
- Limited control set might restrict advanced tone shaping options.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 10.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$94 · Aug 17$84 now$84€75 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The TS9 is the quintessential overdrive pedal for a reason. It’s not a distortion monster, but it’s magic for boosting a clean amp or adding warmth and sustain to a crunchy one. If you’re into blues, classic rock, or need a subtle boost to push your amp into sweeter territory, this is a fantastic and affordable choice.
Pros
- Warm, mid-focused overdrive enhances clarity and sustain.
- Simple controls allow for quick tonal shaping and dialing in.
- Durable construction with a solid metal enclosure for road use.
Cons
- Limited versatility; excels in specific genres, less ideal for extreme distortion.
- Can muddy high-gain amp setups if not used carefully.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$146 now$146€131 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Soul Food is a surprisingly versatile little overdrive. It's fantastic for adding a touch of warmth and sustain, or kicking your amp into a more aggressive territory while retaining clarity. Blues, rock, and country players will find a lot to love with this pedal’s responsive character.
Pros
- Warm, tube-like overdrive delivers a pleasing, natural grit
- Treble control sculpts highs, preventing harshness in darker rigs
- Excellent clean boost functionality maintains signal integrity
Cons
- Limited tonal flexibility compared to multi-mode distortion pedals
- Can become muddy with high gain settings and certain pickups
All 546 distortion pedals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
MXR CSP039 Duke of Tone OverdriveThe Duke of Tone · MXR63Stable$169€152$169€152Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Reissue 2004 - PresentTS808 · Ibanez · 2 finishes63Stable$209€187$209€187Check ↗
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MXR M104 Distortion +Distortion + · MXR62Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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MXR RR104C Randy Rhoads Signature Special Edition Distortion +Randy Rhoads Special LTD · MXR62Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
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Walrus Audio Eras Five-State DistortionEras · Walrus Audio · 2 finishes62Stable$230€206$230€206Check ↗
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JHS Pedals Morning Glory V4JHS Pedals62Stable$231€207$231€207Check ↗
- 17
JHS Pedals The BonsaiJHS Pedals62↓ 3.5%$279€250$279€250Check ↗
- 18
MXR M294 Sugar Drive Mini OverdriveM 294 Sugar Drive Mini · MXR61↓ 5.3%$139€125$139€125Check ↗
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MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion75 Super Badass Distortion · MXR61Stable$146€131$146€131Check ↗
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MXR M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion78 Custom Badass Distortion · MXR61Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 21
JHS Pedals PackratJHS Pedals61Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Crayon 69 Full-Range OverdriveElectro Harmonix60Stable$69€62$69€62Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix East River DriveElectro Harmonix60Stable$72€65$72€65Check ↗
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Boss OS-2 Overdrive/DistortionOS-2 · Boss60Stable$114€102$114€102Check ↗
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JHS Pedals 3 Series OverdriveJHS Pedals60Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
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Boss FZ-5 FuzzBoss60Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 27
EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal ShredderEarthQuaker Devices60Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
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Walrus Audio Voyager MKII Preamp / OverdriveVoyager Mk2 SFM · Walrus Audio60Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Metal Muff/ Top BoostElectro Harmonix59Stable$106€95$106€95Check ↗
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MXR M193 GT-OD OverdriveM193 GT-OD · MXR59↓ 6.2%$135€121$135€121Check ↗
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MXR WA44 Wylde Audio OverdriveWylde Audio Overdrive · MXR59↓ 9.6%$137€123$137€123Check ↗
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EarthQuaker Devices Special CrankerEarthQuaker Devices59Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
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Fulltone OCD V2 Transparent OverdriveOCD Overdrive V2 · Fulltone · 2 finishes59Stable$209€187$209€187Check ↗
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Boss FZ-1W Fuzz Waza CraftFZ-1W Fuzz · Boss59Stable$216€194$216€194Check ↗
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Walrus Audio Eons Five-State FuzzEons Fuzz · Walrus Audio · 2 finishes59Stable$269€241$269€241Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff PiElectro Harmonix58Stable$69€62$69€62Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi w. Tone WickerElectro Harmonix58Stable$93€83$93€83Check ↗
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Boss DS-2 Turbo DistortionDS-2 Distortion · Boss58Stable$98€88$98€88Check ↗
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Nobels ODR-1X Natural OverdriveODR-1 BC · Nobels · 3 finishes58Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
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JHS Pedals 3 Series FuzzJHS Pedals58Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
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MXR M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D.M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D · MXR58Stable$135€121$135€121Check ↗
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MXR M249 Super Badass Dynamic O.D.Super Badass Dynamic O.D. · MXR58↓ 6.0%$156€140$156€140Check ↗
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JHS Pedals MuffulettaJHS Pedals58Stable$273€245$273€245Check ↗
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Old Blood Noise Endeavors Beam Splitter V2Beam Splitter V2 Shadow · Old Blood Noise Endeavors · 3 finishes58Stable$478€429$478€429Check ↗
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Ibanez Tube Screamer MiniIbanez57Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
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Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion PedalMD-2 Mega Distortion · Boss57Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Spruce Goose OverdriveElectro Harmonix57Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 48
JHS Pedals 3 Series DistortionJHS Pedals57Stable$127€114$127€114Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff PIElectro Harmonix57Stable$130€117$130€117Check ↗
- 50
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal ShredderEarthQuaker Devices57Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
Distortion Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 572 models we track, not a sample.
Median $194 — half of all distortion pedals here cost less.
median of 17 models · 0.23 kg–460 kg
How to choose the best distortion pedals
Gain Structure
This isn't just about volume. It's about how the pedal responds to your playing dynamics. Does it clean up nicely when you roll back the volume knob? Does it choke out or remain a screaming mess? A good pedal offers headroom and a usable range of breakup.
Tone Shaping
EQ is your friend. Many distortion pedals offer controls beyond just gain - bass, mid, treble, presence - allowing you to sculpt the tone to cut through the mix or blend seamlessly with your amp. Watch out for pedals with muddy low-mids or ice-picky highs; those are hard to tame.
Articulation & Clarity
A lot of distortion pedals turn your playing into a fuzzy blob. The best ones maintain clarity and articulation, even at high gain. This is especially crucial for complex riffs and fast playing - you want to hear each note, not just a smear of distortion.
Noise & Signal Integrity
Cheap distortion pedals are often noisy. Hiss, hum, and unwanted artifacts can ruin a recording or make a gig unbearable. Higher-quality pedals often use better components to maintain signal integrity and minimize noise - it's a trade-off, but a worthwhile one.
Versatility
Consider what genres you play. A high-gain pedal might be amazing for metal, but useless for blues or country. Some pedals offer multiple modes or voicing options to cover a wider range of tones, giving you more bang for your buck.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that wall of sound, huh? Distortion pedals are the gateway to a million tones, from gritty blues to face-melting metal, but wading through the options can be overwhelming. Let's cut through the hype and figure out what kind of sonic mayhem you actually need, because a $300 pedal won't magically fix a weak signal or muddy pickups - it'll just cost you $300 to find out.
Don't fall for the marketing. A pricey pedal won't automatically make you a better player. Think about your amp first - a great distortion pedal can enhance a good amp, but it can't save a bad one.
Budget for a power supply too - voltage drops can drastically alter a pedal's tone. And honestly, sometimes a well-chosen, affordable pedal can sound just as good as the expensive stuff, especially when dialed in with care.
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 572 distortion 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 distortion, overdrive, and fuzz?
Overdrive is generally a milder form of gain, aiming for a warm, pushed amp tone. Distortion is more aggressive, often with a harsher edge. Fuzz is the most extreme, creating a saturated, often woolly or gated sound. They overlap, but that's the general idea.
Do I need a boost pedal to use a distortion pedal?
It depends. If your amp is already low on headroom, a boost can help push the distortion pedal into more aggressive territory. Otherwise, it's not essential, but can add extra punch and sustain.
Can I use a distortion pedal with a bass guitar?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of the low-end. Some distortion pedals can get muddy quickly with a bass. Look for pedals with a good low-end response and EQ controls to shape the tone.
True bypass vs. Buffered bypass - which is better?
True bypass means the signal passes directly through the pedal when it's off, preserving your signal strength. Buffered bypass includes a buffer circuit, which can help maintain signal clarity over long cable runs, but some purists feel it colors the tone. It's a subtle difference, often dependent on your setup.
My distortion pedal is noisy - what can I do?
First, check your power supply. A noisy power supply is the most common culprit. Try a different power supply or a power conditioner. Also, ensure your cables and connections are clean and in good condition.
