Best Distortion Pedals Under $200 2025

Affordable distortion pedals under $200 - great value without compromising quality

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

Crazy Tube Circuits Falcon Overdrive - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Crazy Tube Circuits Falcon Overdrive

by Crazy Tube Circuits

Rock Punk Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Adds sustain and compression
• Great for lead guitar solos

✗ CONS

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

Crazy Tube Circuits Falcon OverdriveEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarClassic tweed and brownface soundVolume control for...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 455514

$174

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V1 Kraken - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Victory Amplifiers V1 Kraken

by Victory Amplifiers

Grunge Metal Punk

Key Feature:

• Wide range of gain levels

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Enhances amp overdrive

✗ CONS

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

Victory Amplifiers V1 KrakenEffects Pedal for Electric GuitarBased on the VX KrakenControls:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572252

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker

by EarthQuaker Devices

Hard Rock Punk Metal

Key Feature:

• Enhances amp overdrive

✓ PROS

• Wide range of gain levels
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

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

EarthQuaker Devices Devices Special CrankerEffect PedalBoost / Medium-Gain OverdriveGives the signal extra grit and a...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 543571

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2

by EarthQuaker Devices

Hard Rock Grunge Rock

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Enhances amp overdrive
• Great for lead guitar solos

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• Requires careful EQ adjustment

EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2Effects pedalPower Amp Style Distortion PedalBased on the power amp distortion of...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 406047

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Electro Harmonix Hell Melter Distortion - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Electro Harmonix Hell Melter Distortion

by Electro Harmonix

Hard Rock Punk Grunge

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Enhances amp overdrive

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• Requires careful EQ adjustment

Electro Harmonix Hell Melter DistortionEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarDistortionModern version of the iconic heavy...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 562768

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Electro Harmonix Pico Triboro Bridge Drive - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Electro Harmonix Pico Triboro Bridge Drive

by Electro Harmonix

Hard Rock Alternative Grunge

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

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

Electro Harmonix Pico Triboro Bridge DriveEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarOverdriveDistortion and Fuzz modesFuzz mode...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 576532

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal Shredder - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal Shredder

by EarthQuaker Devices

Grunge Metal Punk

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Classic rock and metal tones
• Enhances amp overdrive

✗ CONS

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

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal ShredderEffect Pedal for Electric BassBass overdriveBased on a modified plumeDeep...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 583306

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V1 The Copper Overdrive - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Victory Amplifiers V1 The Copper Overdrive

by Victory Amplifiers

Metal Hard Rock Grunge

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Enhances amp overdrive
• Classic rock and metal tones

✗ CONS

• May add unwanted noise
• Requires careful EQ adjustment

Victory Amplifiers V1 The Copper OverdriveEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarOverdriveA collaboration between Victory...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 577089

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

EarthQuaker Devices Devices Plumes Signal Shredder - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

EarthQuaker Devices Devices Plumes Signal Shredder

by EarthQuaker Devices

Metal Alternative Grunge

Key Feature:

• Great for lead guitar solos

✓ PROS

• Enhances amp overdrive
• Classic rock and metal tones

✗ CONS

• Requires careful EQ adjustment
• May add unwanted noise

EarthQuaker Devices Devices Plumes Signal ShredderEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarLow to Medium Gain...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 469712

$143

Buy at Thomann View Details

Westminster Effects Knox V2 - Distortion - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Westminster Effects Knox V2 - Distortion

by Westminster Effects

Rock Alternative Metal

Key Feature:

• Adds sustain and compression

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

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

Westminster Effects Knox V2 - DistortionEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarOverdriveClassicBritish soundControls for...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 565718

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Crazy Tube Circuits Killer V Pre Amp/Vibrato - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Crazy Tube Circuits Killer V Pre Amp/Vibrato

by Crazy Tube Circuits

Rock Metal Punk

Key Feature:

• Wide range of gain levels

✓ PROS

• Enhances amp overdrive
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• May add unwanted noise

Crazy Tube Circuits Killer V Pre Amp/VibratoEffect Pedal for Electric Guitar and BassPre-amp / vibratoInspired by...

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 481965

$188

Buy at Thomann View Details

JHS Pedals Notaklön - Overdrive DIY-Kit - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

JHS Pedals Notaklön - Overdrive DIY-Kit

by JHS Pedals

Punk Alternative Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic rock and metal tones

✓ PROS

• Great for lead guitar solos
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

• Battery drain in active pedals
• Requires careful EQ adjustment

JHS Pedals Notaklön - Overdrive DIY-KitEffect Pedal DIY KitDIY overdrive pedal with all the necessary componentsNo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 600200

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Electro Harmonix RH Big Muff Bundle PS A1 RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Electro Harmonix RH Big Muff Bundle PS A1 RB

by Electro Harmonix

Grunge Alternative Metal

Key Feature:

• Enhances amp overdrive

✓ PROS

• Wide range of gain levels
• Adds sustain and compression

✗ CONS

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

Electro Harmonix RH Big Muff Bundle PS A1 RB*Bundle offer comprising*, Electro Harmonix Ram's Head Big Muff...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 494627

$124

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive

by Mad Professor

Metal Grunge Alternative

Key Feature:

• Enhances amp overdrive

✓ PROS

• Wide range of gain levels
• Enhances amp overdrive

✗ CONS

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

Mad Professor Royal Blue OverdriveElectric Guitar Effects PedalOverdriveControls for VolumeDriveBass and TrebleTrue...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 322607

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars Chug Lite Distortion - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Solar Guitars Chug Lite Distortion

by Solar Guitars

Alternative Grunge Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Wide range of gain levels

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars Chug Lite DistortionEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarHigh Gain DistortionCircuitry optimally designed for...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 615654

$153

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 Under $200 2025

Crazy Tube Circuits Falcon Overdrive

Victory Amplifiers V1 Kraken

EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker

EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2

Electro Harmonix Hell Melter Distortion

Electro Harmonix Pico Triboro Bridge Drive

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal Shredder

Victory Amplifiers V1 The Copper Overdrive

EarthQuaker Devices Devices Plumes Signal Shredder

Westminster Effects Knox V2 - Distortion

Crazy Tube Circuits Killer V Pre Amp/Vibrato

JHS Pedals Notaklön - Overdrive DIY-Kit

Electro Harmonix RH Big Muff Bundle PS A1 RB

Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive

Solar Guitars Chug Lite Distortion

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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