Best Volume/Expression Pedals for Beginner 2025

Perfect volume/expression pedals for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

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

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Ambient For Post-Rock For Clean Tones For Swells For Dynamic Control For Professional Setup

BRANDS: Mission Engineering Ernie Ball Boss Lehle Hotone

Black Mountain Roller Volume Pedal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Black Mountain Roller Volume Pedal

by Black Mountain

Swells Clean Tones Ambient

Key Feature:

• Professional live performance tool

✓ PROS

• Essential for ambient textures
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

• May introduce noise if low quality
• Requires additional pedalboard space

Black Mountain Roller Volume PedalEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarVolume pedal with roller controlImpedance: 500...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 601939

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lehle Dual Expression - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Lehle Dual Expression

by Lehle

Swells Professional Setup Ambient

Key Feature:

• Can control external effects

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Essential for ambient textures

✗ CONS

• Requires additional pedalboard space
• Requires practice to use effectively

Lehle Dual ExpressionExpression Pedal2 OutputsActivewear-free expression pedal equipped with a precise magnetic sensor2...

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 513940

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ernie Ball EB6203 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Ernie Ball EB6203

by Ernie Ball

Dynamic Control Professional Setup Post-Rock

Key Feature:

• Hands-free volume control

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

• May introduce noise if low quality
• May need specific cable requirements

Ernie Ball EB6203Volume PedalCombines an active 2-in-1 volume pedal and a chromatic tunerControl via touchscreen...

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 490044

$289

Buy at Thomann View Details

Morley 20/20 Volume Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Morley 20/20 Volume Plus

by Morley

Post-Rock Ambient Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Can control external effects

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Essential for ambient textures

✗ CONS

• May introduce noise if low quality
• Requires additional pedalboard space

Morley 20/20 Volume PlusEffects Pedal for Electric GuitarVolume PedalAlso suitable for bass guitar or for...

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512116

$193

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mission Engineering EP1-L6-BK SPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Mission Engineering EP1-L6-BK SPL

by Mission Engineering

Ambient Professional Setup Clean Tones

Key Feature:

• Great for creating swells

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

• Requires additional pedalboard space
• May need specific cable requirements

Mission Engineering EP1-L6-BK SPLExpression PedalThe ideal complement to Line 6 amps and effectsThe EP1-L6 is the only...

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537627

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ernie Ball EB6202 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ernie Ball EB6202

by Ernie Ball

Dynamic Control Swells Clean Tones

Key Feature:

• Essential for ambient textures

✓ PROS

• Hands-free volume control
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

• Can be accidentally activated
• May need specific cable requirements

Ernie Ball EB6202Volume pedalCombines active 2-in-1 volume pedal and chromatic tunerControl via touchscreen...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 490043

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ernie Ball EB6201 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Ernie Ball EB6201

by Ernie Ball

Dynamic Control Ambient Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Can control external effects

✓ PROS

• Hands-free volume control
• Essential for ambient textures

✗ CONS

• May need specific cable requirements
• Requires additional pedalboard space

Ernie Ball EB6201Volume PedalCombines active 2-in-1 volume pedal and chromatic tunerControl via touchscreen...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 490042

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Westminster Effects Micro Volume - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Westminster Effects Micro Volume

by Westminster Effects

Dynamic Control Clean Tones Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Professional live performance tool

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Great for creating swells

✗ CONS

• May introduce noise if low quality
• Requires additional pedalboard space

Westminster Effects Micro VolumeEffect Pedal for Electric GuitarVolumeLarge control knob for operation by foot250K...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 566239

$61

Buy at Thomann View Details

Boss EV-1-WL Wireless Expr. Pedal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Boss EV-1-WL Wireless Expr. Pedal

by Boss

Clean Tones Swells Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Can control external effects

✓ PROS

• Essential for ambient textures
• Hands-free volume control

✗ CONS

• May need specific cable requirements
• Requires additional pedalboard space

Boss EV-1-WL Wireless Expr. PedalWireless Expression PedalProvides wireless foot control for Boss Eurus GS-1 synth...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 524485

$178

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hotone Tuner Press - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hotone Tuner Press

by Hotone

Post-Rock Swells Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Essential for ambient textures

✓ PROS

• Great for creating swells
• Hands-free volume control

✗ CONS

• Requires practice to use effectively
• Can be accidentally activated

Hotone Tuner PressEffect Pedal for Electric Guitar and Electric BassCombines the functions of volume pedalexpression...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 586935

$147

Buy at Thomann View Details

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Slider HK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Slider HK

by Old Blood Noise Endeavors

Ambient Swells Post-Rock

Key Feature:

• Can control external effects

✓ PROS

• Great for creating swells
• Professional live performance tool

✗ CONS

• Requires additional pedalboard space
• May introduce noise if low quality

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Slider HKEffect Pedal for Electric Guitar and Electric BassCompact expression...

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598235

$61

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hotone Ampero II Press - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Hotone Ampero II Press

by Hotone

Professional Setup Swells Clean Tones

Key Feature:

• Hands-free volume control

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Essential for ambient textures

✗ CONS

• May introduce noise if low quality
• Requires additional pedalboard space

Hotone Ampero II PressExpression Pedal with SwitchCompact and sturdySuitable for controlling multi-effects from the...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579360

$76

Buy at Thomann View Details

Endorphin.es Plus 3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Endorphin.es Plus 3

by Endorphin.es

Post-Rock Ambient Swells

Key Feature:

• Hands-free volume control

✓ PROS

• Can control external effects
• Hands-free volume control

✗ CONS

• Requires practice to use effectively
• Can be accidentally activated

Endorphin.es Plus 3Desktop Expression and Sustain Controller50 mm Expression fader with TRS jack socket (6.3 mm) for...

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 601933

$86

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lehle Mono Volume S - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Lehle Mono Volume S

by Lehle

Clean Tones Post-Rock Ambient

Key Feature:

• Hands-free volume control

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Great for creating swells

✗ CONS

• Requires practice to use effectively
• May need specific cable requirements

Lehle Mono Volume SVolume PedalCompact format with 50% less weight and 35% less size compared to the Lehle Mono Volume...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 542524

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ernie Ball Volume Pedal 500K - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ernie Ball Volume Pedal 500K

by Ernie Ball

Post-Rock Swells Ambient

Key Feature:

• Essential for ambient textures

✓ PROS

• Essential for ambient textures
• Professional live performance tool

✗ CONS

• Requires practice to use effectively
• May need specific cable requirements

Ernie Ball Volume Pedal 500KGuitar / Bass Volume PedalStandard sizeSuitable for stereo and mono applicationsStereo jack...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 463515

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Volume/Expression 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 volume/expression 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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Volume/Expression Pedals for Beginner 2025

Black Mountain Roller Volume Pedal

Lehle Dual Expression

Ernie Ball EB6203

Morley 20/20 Volume Plus

Mission Engineering EP1-L6-BK SPL

Ernie Ball EB6202

Ernie Ball EB6201

Westminster Effects Micro Volume

Boss EV-1-WL Wireless Expr. Pedal

Hotone Tuner Press

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Slider HK

Hotone Ampero II Press

Endorphin.es Plus 3

Lehle Mono Volume S

Ernie Ball Volume Pedal 500K

How to Choose the Best Volume/Expression Pedals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying volume/expression pedals?

How much should I spend on volume/expression pedals?

Are expensive volume/expression pedals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for volume/expression pedals?

Should I buy volume/expression pedals online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies