AudioFu

Best Maxon Distortion Pedals 2025

Premium Maxon distortion pedals - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 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
Maxon ST9Pro+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Maxon ST9Pro+

by Maxon
Metal Grunge Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for lead guitar solos
✓ PROS
  • • Enhances amp overdrive
  • • Great for lead guitar solos
✗ CONS
  • • Battery drain in active pedals
  • • Can cause feedback at high volumes

Maxon ST9Pro+Effect PedalBased on the ST9 Distortion from 1980DriveLevelMid EnhanceToneLow Boost (Low Boost/Classic)...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 245467
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maxon OD-9 Overdrive - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Maxon OD-9 Overdrive

by Maxon
Punk Alternative Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Wide range of gain levels
✓ PROS
  • • Adds sustain and compression
  • • Enhances amp overdrive
✗ CONS
  • • Can mask guitar's natural tone
  • • Can cause feedback at high volumes

Maxon OD-9 OverdriveEffect pedal for electric guitarOverdriveFaithful reissue of the legendary OD-9/TS-9 circuit from...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 160755
$164
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro

by Maxon
Metal Punk Grunge
Key Feature:
• Classic rock and metal tones
✓ PROS
  • • Great for lead guitar solos
  • • Wide range of gain levels
✗ CONS
  • • Battery drain in active pedals
  • • Can cause feedback at high volumes

Maxon OD-820 Overdrive ProEffect Pedal for Electric Guitar & BassOverdriveUnique voltage doubling circuit with very...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 519246
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maxon D&S Distortion/Sustainer - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Maxon D&S Distortion/Sustainer

by Maxon
Rock Hard Rock Alternative
Key Feature:
• Classic rock and metal tones
✓ PROS
  • • Wide range of gain levels
  • • Classic rock and metal tones
✗ CONS
  • • May add unwanted noise
  • • Requires careful EQ adjustment

Maxon D&S Distortion/SustainerEffect Pedal for Electric Guitar & BassDistortion / SustainerDelivers warm...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 519245
$138
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion

by Maxon
Grunge Metal Alternative
Key Feature:
• Adds sustain and compression
✓ PROS
  • • Wide range of gain levels
  • • Adds sustain and compression
✗ CONS
  • • May add unwanted noise
  • • Battery drain in active pedals

Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion, Sonic DistortionThe Japanese company Maxon has been around for a long time, although it...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 161663
$175
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maxon OD-808 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Maxon OD-808

by Maxon
Alternative Metal Punk
Key Feature:
• Adds sustain and compression
✓ PROS
  • • Enhances amp overdrive
  • • Great for lead guitar solos
✗ CONS
  • • Can mask guitar's natural tone
  • • Battery drain in active pedals

Maxon OD-808, Effects pedalThe Japanese company Maxon has been going a long time, despite it never really being known...

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 152419
$125
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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