Best Distortion Pedals 2025

Top-rated distortion pedals 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Punk For Grunge For Hard Rock For Alternative

BRANDS: Electro Harmonix Harley Benton JHS Pedals MXR Boss Wampler Tone City tc electronic EarthQuaker Devices British Pedal Company Walrus Audio Keeley Joyo J. Rockett Audio Designs Wren & Cuff Behringer Origin Effects JAM pedals Xotic Mythos Pedals Marshall Crazy Tube Circuits Mooer Fulltone Cornerstone Z.Vex Warm Audio Tubesteader Revv Maxon KMA Audio Machines Fender Dunlop Digitech Way Huge Strymon Old Blood Noise Endeavors Mad Professor LPD Pedals Kasleder Ibanez Harby Pedals

J. Rockett Audio Designs PXO Phil X Signature - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

J. Rockett Audio Designs PXO Phil X Signature

by J. Rockett Audio Designs

Rock Alternative Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Enhances amp overdrive
• Great for lead guitar solos

✗ CONS

• May add unwanted noise
• Requires careful EQ adjustment

J. Rockett Audio Designs PXO Phil X SignatureEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarPhil X Signature ModelOverdrive /...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 601923

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3

by EarthQuaker Devices

Punk Rock Grunge

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Adds sustain and compression
• Wide range of gain levels

✗ CONS

• Can mask guitar's natural tone
• Requires careful EQ adjustment

EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3Effect Pedal for Electric GuitarDistortion / Boost with adjustable Octave-Up...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 554207

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Rush Pepbox - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Rush Pepbox

by British Pedal Company

Metal Hard Rock Punk

Key Feature:

• Enhances amp overdrive

✓ PROS

• Classic rock and metal tones
• Wide range of gain levels

✗ CONS

• Requires careful EQ adjustment
• Can cause feedback at high volumes

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Rush PepboxEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarFuzzFaithful reproduction of the...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 547330

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fairfield Circuitry 20% More Slew Limit Distortion - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Fairfield Circuitry 20% More Slew Limit Distortion

by Fairfield Circuitry

Rock Grunge Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for lead guitar solos

✓ PROS

• Adds sustain and compression
• Great for lead guitar solos

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• Can mask guitar's natural tone

Fairfield Circuitry 20% More Slew Limit Distortion, Effect Pedal for Electric Guitar or Electric BassVersatile slew...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 613804

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

British Pedal Company Special Edition Britsound Fuzz

by British Pedal Company

Punk Alternative Metal

Key Feature:

• Wide range of gain levels

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Classic rock and metal tones

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• Can cause feedback at high volumes

British Pedal Company Special Edition Britsound FuzzEffect PedalBased on the MKIII Tone Bender Fuzz from 1968Authentic...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 547648

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

British Pedal Company Vintage Series MKI Fuzz - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

British Pedal Company Vintage Series MKI Fuzz

by British Pedal Company

Grunge Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Wide range of gain levels

✗ CONS

• May add unwanted noise
• Battery drain in active pedals

British Pedal Company Vintage Series MKI FuzzEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarLimited EditionFuzzFaithful replica of the...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 547314

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

British Pedal Company Wooden Case MkI Tone Bender - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

British Pedal Company Wooden Case MkI Tone Bender

by British Pedal Company

Punk Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Wide range of gain levels

✓ PROS

• Wide range of gain levels
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

• Requires careful EQ adjustment
• May add unwanted noise

British Pedal Company Wooden Case MkI Tone BenderEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarFuzz pedalDetailed replica of the...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 547555

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Beetronics Zzombee - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Beetronics Zzombee

by Beetronics

Grunge Alternative Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Classic rock and metal tones
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• Can cause feedback at high volumes

Beetronics ZzombeeEffect PedalAnalogue filter emulator "multi-effect" pedal with digital...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 545923

$435

Buy at Thomann View Details

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Buzzaround Fuzz - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Buzzaround Fuzz

by British Pedal Company

Alternative Metal Grunge

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Classic rock and metal tones
• Great for lead guitar solos

✗ CONS

• Can mask guitar's natural tone
• Battery drain in active pedals

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Buzzaround FuzzEffect PedalLimited editionFuzzFaithful replica of the original...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 547294

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Wren & Cuff Eye See '78 OG - Fuzz - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Wren & Cuff Eye See '78 OG - Fuzz

by Wren & Cuff

Punk Rock Grunge

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Adds sustain and compression
• Classic rock and metal tones

✗ CONS

• Requires careful EQ adjustment
• Battery drain in active pedals

Wren & Cuff Eye See '78 OG - FuzzEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarFuzzFaithful reproduction of the IC-based...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579001

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tubesteader Roy Overdrive - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Tubesteader Roy Overdrive

by Tubesteader

Rock Grunge Alternative

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Enhances amp overdrive
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

• Can mask guitar's natural tone
• Can cause feedback at high volumes

Tubesteader Roy OverdriveEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarDual-channel tube preamp and overdriveInspired by the vintage...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 615827

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tubesteader Beekeeper Preamp/Overdrive - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Tubesteader Beekeeper Preamp/Overdrive

by Tubesteader

Alternative Grunge Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for lead guitar solos

✓ PROS

• Adds sustain and compression
• Enhances amp overdrive

✗ CONS

• Can cause feedback at high volumes
• May add unwanted noise

Tubesteader Beekeeper Preamp/OverdriveEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarOverdriveTwo-channel D-style preampClean channel...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615276

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

British Pedal Company Vintage Series OC75 Fuzz - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

British Pedal Company Vintage Series OC75 Fuzz

by British Pedal Company

Punk Rock Alternative

Key Feature:

• Wide range of gain levels

✓ PROS

• Wide range of gain levels
• Great for lead guitar solos

✗ CONS

• Can cause feedback at high volumes
• Can mask guitar's natural tone

British Pedal Company Vintage Series OC75 FuzzEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarLimited EditionFuzzFaithful replica of...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 547348

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Fault V2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Fault V2

by Old Blood Noise Endeavors

Metal Rock Grunge

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Enhances amp overdrive

✗ CONS

• Requires careful EQ adjustment
• Can cause feedback at high volumes

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Fault V2Effect Pedal For Electric GuitarOverdrive + distortion effectEnlarged gain range and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 550771

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL

by Allpedal

Hard Rock Alternative Punk

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Wide range of gain levels
• Great for lead guitar solos

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• May add unwanted noise

Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DELEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarJeff Loomis Signature PedalFour effects in one...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 563260

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Distortion Pedals

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced distortion pedals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Distortion Pedals 2025

J. Rockett Audio Designs PXO Phil X Signature

EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Rush Pepbox

Fairfield Circuitry 20% More Slew Limit Distortion

British Pedal Company Special Edition Britsound Fuzz

British Pedal Company Vintage Series MKI Fuzz

British Pedal Company Wooden Case MkI Tone Bender

Beetronics Zzombee

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Buzzaround Fuzz

Wren & Cuff Eye See '78 OG - Fuzz

Tubesteader Roy Overdrive

Tubesteader Beekeeper Preamp/Overdrive

British Pedal Company Vintage Series OC75 Fuzz

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Fault V2

Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL

How to Choose the Best Distortion Pedals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying distortion pedals?

How much should I spend on distortion pedals?

Are expensive distortion pedals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for distortion pedals?

Should I buy distortion pedals online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Best 4-String Basses

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