AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Wah Pedals for Metal 2026
The top pick is Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah ($175). Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah gives you the most for the money at $124. Dunlop DB01B Dimebag Signature Cry Baby From Hell Wah leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 74 models across 20 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings8-string
This little Dunlop Bass Mini Wah is surprisingly capable, especially for bassists. The added Volume and Q knobs give you a lot of control over the wah's intensity and character – it's a good option for players who want a wah effect without a huge footprint or complex controls. Great for funk, rock, and adding a little extra something to your low-end.
Pros
- Aluminum housing provides robust protection and a premium feel.
- Volume and Q controls allow for tonal shaping beyond basic wah.
- Buffered bypass maintains signal strength, crucial for bass clarity.
Cons
- Miniature size can make the rocking motion less precise.
- Auto-off feature might frustrate players preferring constant wah availability.
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$175 now$175€157 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Dunlop GCB95F Cry Baby Classic Fasel Wah
Crybaby Classic GCB95 F · Dunlop
108 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.68 kg
The GCB95 is a solid choice for players chasing that iconic '70s Crybaby sound – think Hendrix, Robin Trower, that kind of vibe. It's built like a tank, and the Fasel inductor really nails the vintage character. If you're looking for a dependable, classic wah without a ton of bells and whistles, this is a great starting point.
Pros
- Fasel inductor delivers a classic, vocal wah tone
- Hot Potz pots offer smooth, consistent sweep and long-term reliability
- Die-cast aluminum housing provides robust durability for gigging
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy with high-gain pickups, requiring careful EQing
- Limited tonal versatility compared to more modern, feature-rich wah pedals
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$158 now$158€142 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Dunlop GCB65 Custom Badass Dual-Inductor Cry Baby Wah
Cry Baby Custom Badass GCB65 · Dunlop
52 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.5 kg
This pedal gives you two classic wah sounds in one box. The Halo coil brings a thick midrange, while the Red Fasel coil adds clarity and harmonics. You can switch between them easily with a side-kick switch. It works with a standard 9V power source, but you must provide your own power brick since it isn't included.
Pros
- Delivers two distinct legendary wah sounds from single pedals
- Throaty midrange from the Halo Inductor coil
- Crisp, clear sound with rich harmonics from Red Fasel Inductor
Cons
- Weight is not specified in the provided description
- Lacks a dedicated volume control knob for output level
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 12Sep 12$188 now$188€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Dunlop DB01B Dimebag Signature Cry Baby From Hell Wah
Dimebag Cry Baby Wah · Dunlop
43 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.72 kg
This Dimebag Cry Baby is a beast for players wanting a modern, versatile wah. The extended range and adjustable boost really let you dial in aggressive, articulate tones perfect for metal and high-gain genres, while still offering usable sounds for funk and rock. It’s a signature model for a reason – it delivers serious performance.
Pros
- Skate-grip pedal surface provides exceptional grip, even with sweaty feet.
- Extended sweep range caters to a wider variety of wah tones and playing styles.
- Adjustable 'toe-down' frequency allows for fine-tuning of the wah's lower end.
Cons
- The black camo aesthetic might not appeal to all players' tastes.
- The complex controls, while powerful, can be overwhelming for wah beginners.
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Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Wah
Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah · Dunlop
103 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This Cry Baby is a real statement piece, nailing Kirk's signature wah sound – that aggressive, vocal quality perfect for metal and hard rock. It’s built tough for the road, but the fixed voicing means it's not the most flexible wah out there. If you’re a Metallica fan or chasing that specific tone, this is a no-brainer.
Pros
- Unique yellow sparkle finish provides excellent stage presence.
- Kirk Hammett's signature voicing delivers aggressive, articulate wah tones.
- Robust cast aluminum enclosure ensures exceptional durability for touring.
Cons
- Limited versatility compared to pedals with adjustable Q settings.
- Requires a 9V power supply, adding to overall cost of ownership.
72AudioFu
Index↓ 12.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$300 · Aug 17$262 now$262€235 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah
CBM95 CryBaby Mini Wah · Dunlop
173 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This Mini Cry Baby is a surprisingly capable wah pedal. It nails that iconic Cry Baby sound in a much smaller footprint, making it a great choice for players with limited space or those wanting a classic wah tone on the road. It's especially appealing to players who prioritize portability without sacrificing core Cry Baby character.
Pros
- Fasel coil delivers that classic Cry Baby vocal quality
- Mini size is genuinely useful for tight pedalboards
- Adjustable resistance tailors feel to individual playing style
Cons
- Miniature size can make the pedal feel cramped underfoot
- True bypass adds slight noise floor when bypassed, noticeable in quiet passages
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$124 now$124€111 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Dunlop IM95K Iron Maiden Signature Killers Cry Baby Wah
Iron Maiden Killers Cry Baby · Dunlop
67 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This pedal is a special collector's item for Iron Maiden fans. It uses a solid metal box to protect the electronics inside. You can run it on a battery or plug it in, but the power brick is missing. It sounds like the classic wah pedal many players love.
Pros
- Exclusive Iron Maiden signature model status
- Heavy-duty metal housing for durability
- Standard 6.3mm mono jack connectivity
Cons
- Power supply adapter is not included
- No specific control knobs listed in text
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- Weight0.92 kg
The Morley 20/20 Bad Horsie is a unique wah pedal, perfect for players who want a distinct, expressive voice – think Steve Vai's wild, soaring solos. Its optical circuit gives it a really vocal quality, and the buffer helps keep your tone strong. While the 'Bad Horsie' setting is intense, the Contour mode offers a more subtle option for a wider range of styles.
Pros
- Optical circuit delivers exceptionally smooth, vocal-like wah response
- Cold-rolled steel housing provides robust build quality and roadworthiness
- Integrated 20/20 buffer maintains signal integrity, even with long cable runs
Cons
- The 'Bad Horsie' mode can be overly aggressive for subtle playing styles
- Limited control over the wah's range; shaping is less flexible than some competitors
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$244 now$244€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.92 kg
The Morley 20/20 is a clever little pedal. It's a great option for players wanting a compact wah and volume solution, especially those who like a more classic, vocal-like wah tone. This is a solid choice for blues, rock, or anyone needing a subtle volume boost with wah versatility on tap.
Pros
- Solid steel housing provides excellent durability and roadworthiness.
- Optical circuitry ensures exceptionally quiet operation, a Morley hallmark.
- Integrated 20/20 buffer preserves signal integrity, especially crucial in long rigs.
Cons
- The sweep range, while vintage-voiced, may feel a little narrow for modern wah styles.
- Battery power can be limiting for stage use; external power supply highly recommended.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$243 now$243€218 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The CBJ95 is a fantastic entry point into the Cry Baby world. It nails that iconic wah tone and its smaller footprint is a huge bonus for pedalboard users. Perfect for guitarists looking for that classic funk and rock wah without the complexity of higher-end models.
Pros
- Solid metal housing provides excellent durability for gigging musicians.
- 3-way voicing switch offers tonal flexibility across a range of styles.
- Compact Junior size is pedalboard-friendly, saving valuable space.
Cons
- Weight (840g) can be a factor on smaller, portable pedalboards.
- Lack of expression control limits nuanced wah manipulation.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$188 now$188€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 74 wah pedals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby WahKirk Hammett Signature Wah · Dunlop66Stable$236€212$236€212Check ↗
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Dunlop MC404 CAE Custom Audio Electronics WahAudio Electronics MC-404 · Dunlop65Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
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Boss AW-3 Dynamic WahAW-3 · Boss63Stable$159€143$159€143Check ↗
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Dunlop SW95 Slash Signature Cry Baby WahSW-95 Slash Signature Wah-Wah · Dunlop63Stable$254€228$254€228Check ↗
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Dunlop JH-1D Jimi Hendrix Signature Cry Baby WahJimi Hendrix Sig. Wah JH1D · Dunlop62Stable$221€198$221€198Check ↗
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Dunlop JB95 Joe Bonamassa Signature Cry Baby WahJoe Bonamassa CryBaby JB95 · Dunlop62Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
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Dunlop EVH95 Eddie Van Halen Signature Cry Baby WahEVH-95 Wah Wah · Dunlop62Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
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Dunlop DD95FW Cry Baby Daredevil Fuzz WahDD95FW Cry Baby Daredevil · Dunlop61Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
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Vox V845 Classic WahV845 Wah-Wah · Vox60↓ 3.2%$68€61$68€61Check ↗
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Dunlop Crybaby GCB95Dunlop60↓ 5.3%$99€89$99€89Check ↗
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Vox V847A Wah with 9V JackVX V847A Wah · Vox59Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
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Dunlop SC95 Slash Signature Cry Baby Classic WahSlash Cry Baby Classic · Dunlop59Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Micro Q-TronElectro Harmonix58Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
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Dunlop JC95B Jerry Cantrell Signature Cry Baby WahCry Baby Cantrell Blk Edition · Dunlop58Stable$232€208$232€208Check ↗
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Dunlop CM95 Clyde McCoy Cry Baby WahClyde McCoy Cry Baby Wah · Dunlop58Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
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Dunlop JCT95 Justin Chancellor Signature Cry Baby WahJCT95 Justin Chancellor Wah · Dunlop58Stable$362€325$362€325Check ↗
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Dunlop MR95LTD Mick Ronson Signature Cry Baby WahMick Ronson Cry Baby Wah · Dunlop57Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
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Electro Harmonix Q-Tron Plus Envelope FilterElectro Harmonix56Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
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Morley BH 2 Bad Horsie WahMorley55Stable$251€225$251€225Check ↗
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Morley MTG3 - 20/20 Wah LockMorley55Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
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Morley MTLW2 - 20/20 Lead Wah BoostMorley55Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
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Dunlop ZW45 Zakk Wylde Signature Cry Baby WahZakk Wylde Cry Baby Wah · Dunlop54Stable$244€219$244€219Check ↗
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Xotic XW-1 Wah PedalXW-1 Wah · Xotic52Stable$308€276$308€276Check ↗
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Ibanez TWP10 Twin Peaks WahTWP10 Twin Peaks Wah-Pedal · Ibanez51Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
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Harley Benton Space WahHarley Benton50Stable$49€44$49€44Check ↗
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Harley Benton Space Wah / VolumeHarley Benton50Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
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Boss PW-3 Wah PedalBoss50Stable$154€138$154€138Check ↗
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Xotic XW-2 WahXW-2 Wah Metallic Blue · Xotic49Stable$273€245$273€245Check ↗
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Fulltone Clyde Deluxe WahClyde Wah Deluxe · Fulltone47Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
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Ibanez WH10V3 WahWH10V3 Wah Pedal · Ibanez45Stable$139€125$139€125Check ↗
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Vox V846HW Wah WahVox · 2 finishes45Stable$212€190$212€190Check ↗
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Mad Professor Snow White Auto Wah with Guitar/Bass SwitchSnow White Auto Wah GB · Mad Professor45Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
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Dunlop Crybaby CB-535QDunlop44↓ 3.4%$192€172$192€172Check ↗
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Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q WahDunlop43↓ 1.7%$192€172$192€172Check ↗
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Real McCoy Custom RMC10 The Perfect 10 WahRMC10 Wah Pedal · Real McCoy Custom43Stable$322€289$322€289Check ↗
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Dunlop Crybaby 95QDunlop42Stable$183€164$183€164Check ↗
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Dunlop Bass Q CrybabyDunlop42Stable$184€165$184€165Check ↗
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Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q Auto ReturnDunlop42Stable$216€194$216€194Check ↗
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Dunlop Cry Baby Cantrell IWB LTDDunlop42Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
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Dunlop Cry Baby 535 Reissue WahDunlop42Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
Wah Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 75 models we track, not a sample.
Median $222 — half of all wah pedals here cost less.
median of 11 models · 0.83 kg–1.68 kg
How to choose the best wah pedals
Responsiveness
Metal demands tight, immediate response. A sluggish wah will feel like it's fighting you, especially when trying to nail those syncopated rhythms. We're looking for a pedal that reacts instantly to your foot movement, not one that feels like it's wading through molasses.
Frequency Range
A lot of wahs get dark and muddy in the lower frequencies, which is a no-go for metal. You want a pedal that opens up the mids and highs without becoming brittle. That sweet spot between a vocal-like sweep and a clear, articulate tone is the goal.
Gain/Headroom
High-gain amps and distortion can really expose a wah's weaknesses. A cheap wah will likely compress and sound fizzy when pushed hard. We're after pedals with enough headroom to maintain clarity and dynamics even when cranked.
Build Quality
Gigging is rough. A flimsy wah pedal won't last. Look for solid construction, robust pots, and a reliable action that won't develop a weird quirk mid-set.
Versatility
While metal is the focus, a wah that can also do other styles is a bonus. Being able to dial back the aggression and get a usable clean tone is always a plus, especially if you're a multi-genre player.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk wah for metal. It's not just about that funky Hendrix vibe anymore. We're talking about using a wah to carve out space in a dense mix, add percussive accents, or even create a screaming vocal-like effect. Finding the right wah for metal isn't about the prettiest chrome, it's about how it responds and how it sits with high-gain amps and aggressive pickup voicings.
Don't fall for the hype. A lot of wahs sound great in a YouTube demo but fall apart when you throw a high-gain amp and a drummer at them. Budget wahs often use cheaper potentiometers that get scratchy and inconsistent.
Spending a little more on a pedal with a solid build and a wider frequency range will pay off in the long run - it'll sound better, last longer, and be less frustrating to use. Ultimately, feel is king - try before you buy if you can.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 75 wah pedals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Do I need a vintage-style wah for metal?
Not necessarily. While vintage-style wahs like the Cry Baby and Vox are classics, they're not always ideal for metal's aggressive tones. Many modern wahs are specifically designed to cut through high-gain mixes.
What about active wahs?
Active wahs can offer more consistent response and wider frequency range, but they often lack the organic feel of a vintage-style wah. They're a good option if you prioritize consistency over feel, but be aware they can sound a bit sterile.
Can I use a wah with humbuckers?
Absolutely. In fact, humbuckers often benefit from a wah's ability to cut through the mids. Just be mindful of the pickup voicing - high-output pickups can sometimes clash with certain wahs.
Is a Morley wah pedal a good choice for metal?
Morley wahs, especially the Mark III, are popular for their hands-free operation. They're great for moments when you need to focus on other things, but the feel is different - it's more of a controlled sweep than a foot-operated one.
How do I get a screaming vocal effect with a wah?
Experiment with extreme sweeps and fast foot movements. Rolling the wah back and forth quickly while playing a high-gain chord can create a surprisingly convincing vocal-like sound. It takes practice, but it's a cool trick.
