AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Wah Pedals Under $300 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 60 models across 15 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 60 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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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 MTLW2 - 20/20 Lead Wah BoostMorley55Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
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Morley MTG3 - 20/20 Wah LockMorley55Stable$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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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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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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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 ↗
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Mooer Free Step Wah & VolumeFree Step · Mooer41Stable$77€69$77€69Check ↗
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Hotone Soul Press II Volume / Expression / Wah PedalSoul Press II · Hotone41Stable$106€95$106€95Check ↗
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Vox V863-CA Semi-Auto WahVox41↓ 7.4%$236€212$236€212Check ↗
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Morley LBB Lerxst Blah Blah WahMorley40Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
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Morley MTPBA3 Tye Trujillo WahMorley40Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
Wah Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 61 models we track, not a sample.
Median $200 — 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
Sweep Range
A wider sweep gives you more tonal options, from subtle vocal-like sounds to those exaggerated funk wahs. Too narrow and it feels limiting; too wide and it can get muddy quickly.
Potentiometer Quality
This is a big one. A cheap pot will feel scratchy and inconsistent under your foot. A smooth, responsive pot makes a huge difference in the feel and expressiveness of the wah.
Noise Floor
Even a good wah can be noisy, especially with high gain amps.
Build Quality/Durability
Gigging is rough on gear. We looked for pedals that feel solid and can handle the abuse of being stomped on repeatedly and shoved in pedalboard bags.
Expression/Feel
Does the wah feel like it's responding to your foot movements accurately? A good wah feels like an extension of your playing, a bad one feels clunky and unpredictable.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want that classic wah sound but your wallet's not screaming for a vintage Crybaby? Totally get it. A good wah pedal doesn't have to bankrupt you. We've been through a ton of wahs over the years, and we're gonna break down the best options under $300 that'll actually inspire you to play, whether you're laying down funky rhythm parts or trying to nail some soulful lead lines.
Under $300, you're making trade-offs. You likely won't get the ultra-precise voicing and build quality of a vintage Crybaby or a high-end Morley. Expect some compromises in noise performance or pot smoothness.
Focus on finding a pedal with a wide sweep and a decent feel; those are the things that'll actually make you want to use it. Don't chase the 'vintage' sound - chase a wah that inspires your playing.
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 61 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
Are budget wahs noisy?
Some are, yes. Expect a little more hiss than a pricier model, especially with high gain. Experiment with your EQ and amp settings to minimize it. Pedalboard power supplies can also help reduce noise.
Can I get a true bypass wah under $300?
Absolutely. Many of the options on this list offer true bypass, which means the signal isn't colored when the wah is disengaged. It's a worthwhile feature for preserving your tone.
What's the difference between an optical and a mechanical wah?
Optical wahs (like the Vox V847-A) use a light sensor and LED, which can offer a smoother, quieter feel. Mechanical wahs use a traditional potentiometer and lever - they're generally more affordable but can be a bit noisier and less smooth.
Can I use a wah with a bass?
You can! You'll want a wah with a wide sweep and a flat frequency response. Some bass amps will need EQ adjustments to tame the low-end thump, but it can be a really cool effect.
Is a Morley Classic Fuzz Wah a good option?
The Morley's auto-wah functionality is a different beast than a traditional wah. It's great for certain sounds, but if you're after that classic vocal-like wah, it's not going to deliver the same feel. It's a trade-off - convenience versus the expressive control of a manual wah.
