Best Volume/Expression Pedals Under $50 2025

Affordable volume/expression pedals under $50 - great value without compromising quality

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

Behringer FCV100 V2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Behringer FCV100 V2

by Behringer

Dynamic Control Swells Post-Rock

Key Feature:

• Hands-free volume control

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

• Can be accidentally activated
• Requires additional pedalboard space

Behringer FCV100 V2Expression and Volume PedalSwitchable polarity2 OutputsPower supply via 12 V mains adapter or 9 V...

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 516855

$28

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lead Foot LFV-2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Lead Foot LFV-2

by Lead Foot

Dynamic Control Clean Tones Ambient

Key Feature:

• Great for creating swells

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

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

Lead Foot LFV-2Stereo Volume Pedale.g. for keyboardsExceptionally robust versionHigh-quality bushingsDimensions...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 129442

$24

Buy at Thomann View Details

Nektar NX-P - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Nektar NX-P

by Nektar

Dynamic Control Post-Rock Swells

Key Feature:

• Hands-free volume control

✓ PROS

• Hands-free volume control
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

• Requires additional pedalboard space
• Requires practice to use effectively

Nektar NX-P, Universal Expression Pedal, Works in conjunction with all common keyboards, Switchable polarity,...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 539648

$20

Buy at Thomann View Details

Artec VPL-1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

Artec VPL-1

by Artec

Ambient Professional Setup Dynamic Control

Key Feature:

• Professional live performance tool

✓ PROS

• Great for creating swells
• Can control external effects

✗ CONS

• Can be accidentally activated
• May introduce noise if low quality

Artec VPL-1Electric Guitar EffectsVolume pedal1x Jack input1x Jack output for amp1x Fixed Gain jack output (e.g. as...

⭐ 5.0/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 274328

$47

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lead Foot LFV-1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

8/10

Lead Foot LFV-1

by Lead Foot

Post-Rock Clean Tones Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Essential for ambient textures

✓ PROS

• Professional live performance tool
• Essential for ambient textures

✗ CONS

• Can be accidentally activated
• May need specific cable requirements

Lead Foot LFV-1, Mono Volume Pedal*Ideal for guitars*It is not without reason that the pedals of the Lead Foot series...

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 129441

$22

Buy at Thomann View Details

M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

9/10

M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal

by M-Audio

Dynamic Control Professional Setup Clean Tones

Key Feature:

• Can control external effects

✓ PROS

• Essential for ambient textures
• Hands-free volume control

✗ CONS

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

M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal, Expression PedalM-Audio's EX-P Expression control pedal works with all M-Audio MIDI...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 195660

$16

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lead Foot LFX-1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

Lead Foot LFX-1

by Lead Foot

Swells Ambient Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Great for creating swells

✓ PROS

• Great for creating swells
• Professional live performance tool

✗ CONS

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

Lead Foot LFX-1, Expression Pedal, e.g. For keyboards and effects processors, Highly robust construction, Built-in 1.3...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 129443

$24

Buy at Thomann View Details

Valeton Surge EP-2 Mini - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

9/10

Valeton Surge EP-2 Mini

by Valeton

Ambient Dynamic Control Professional Setup

Key Feature:

• Essential for ambient textures

✓ PROS

• Great for creating swells
• Hands-free volume control

✗ CONS

• Can be accidentally activated
• Requires practice to use effectively

Valeton Surge EP-2 Mini2-in-1 Volume and Expression PedalFor electric guitarselectric bassesand keyboardsAutomatically...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 404847

$39

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.

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Best Volume/Expression Pedals Under $50 2025

Behringer FCV100 V2

Lead Foot LFV-2

Nektar NX-P

Artec VPL-1

Lead Foot LFV-1

M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal

Lead Foot LFX-1

Valeton Surge EP-2 Mini

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?

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