Capture the iconic 80s guitar sound by using the best chorus pedal. Achieve classic tones that reigned during the MTV and Hair Metal Era, or experiment to create your own unique sound.
Best Chorus Pedals - Under $50 | Best Chorus Pedals - Under $50 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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Best Chorus Pedals - Under $100 | Best Chorus Pedals - Under $100 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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Best Chorus Pedal - $100 & Above | Best Chorus Pedal - $100 & Above Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
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What Does a Chorus Pedal Do?
A chorus pedal enriches your sound by introducing subtle pitch and timing variations, simulating the effect of multiple instruments (like guitars) playing together. This creates a lush, vibrant tone that can elevate your live performances and studio recordings.
The chorus effect has been a cornerstone in various music genres for decades, particularly gaining traction in the ’80s as a counter to the Flanger and Phaser effects of the ’60s and ’70s. Heavily chorused guitars became iconic in many hit songs, especially within hair metal tracks. The effect found its way into pop, new wave, country, and rock music, largely due to its exposure on MTV.
Despite its rich history, the chorus effect has seen a decline in popularity in recent years, likely due to its overuse in the ’80s and its association with flamboyant performances of that era. However, it remains relevant today, as evidenced by its continued presence on pedalboards around the world.
Even a subtle addition of a chorus can significantly enhance your guitar’s sound. You might not consciously recognize it, but you’ll definitely notice its absence.
In this guide, we present the best chorus pedal deals on the market, covering both analog and digital choices organized by price. This way, you can find a chorus pedal that fits your budget while achieving the sound you desire.
Best Chorus Pedals – Under $50
The two chorus pedals below let you add a surprisingly good chorus effect to your tone while keeping the cost really low. Understandably, they are not rated as highly as their more expensive counterparts.
TC Electronic 3rd Dimension
If you’re looking for a chorus pedal that needs no parameter tweaking, the TC Electronic 3rd Dimension is the one for you.
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Chorus Pedal Under $50
Pros:
- Simple operation
- 16-chorus sound combination
- Great value for the price
- Space-saving design
- Not for mid-song changes
- No fine-tuning knobs
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The TC Electronic 3rd Dimension draws inspiration from the Boss Dimension Chorus making it quite unique from most chorus pedals.
Instead of having different knobs, the 3rd Dimension only has 4 buttons. Each button features a unique chorus preset or mode.
You can use each mode on its own, or combine the chorus modes, or turn them all on at once, giving you a total of 16 variations to choose from.
If you’re into fine-tuning, this pedal isn’t for you. But, if you just want a classic ’80s chorus sound, it does the job perfectly.
The buttons don’t have LEDs, and their small size makes accurate stepping challenging. So, if you’re switching sounds mid-set, you might need to double-check, but it’s best as a set-and-forget pedal.
This true bypass analog pedal offers exceptional durability because of its all-metal case. The top jacks are great for saving space on tight boards. Power it with a 9-volt battery or a separate 9-volt adapter, which you’ll need to buy separately.
- Control: 4 Preset Buttons and a Single Footswitch
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-volt Battery and Power Adapter (not included)
- Dimensions: 5.2″ x 2.9″ x 2.3″
- Weight: 1.1 lbs.
Donner Tutti Love
If you’re looking for a budget, mini-sized chorus pedal, the Donner EC744 Tutti Love is the one for you.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Basic operation
- Lush chorus sounds (for the price)
- Mini-size
- No adapter included
- Can get overly saturated at high volumes
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The Donner EC744 Tutti Love is a small, budget-friendly chorus pedal. Its lightweight and compact size design allows it to fit easily even on a cramped pedalboard.
You’ll find a simple set of controls—Depth, Rate, and Level. Although it lacks an extensive range of sounds, the Tutti Love performs well in a band setting.
This pedal delivers a lush tone that competes with other analog pedals. Just be careful as turning the level past 2 o’clock can get a bit too swampy sound. Plus, the true bypass and analog circuit produce a clean, rich chorus effect.
It may not match the depth of a high-end chorus pedal like the Walrus Audio’s Juliana, but for the price, it performs impressively well.
Keep in mind that this pedal doesn’t include a power adapter. So, you’ll need a 9-volt adapter if you don’t have one.
- Control: Level, Rate, Depth
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (not included)
- Dimensions: 3.74″ x 1.73″ x 1.89″
- Weight: 0.53 lbs.
Best Chorus Pedals – Under $100
In the $50 to $100 price tier, you see chorus pedals that are of a gigging and recording quality. They differ from the more expensive chorus pedals with their respective amount of features as opposed to their tone.
JHS 3SChorus
If you want a mid-priced chorus pedal that sounds expensive, the JHS 3 Series Chorus is the one for you.
Pros:
- Lush chorus
- Lo-Fi feel
- Vibe effect
- No power supply adapter
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The JHS 3 Series Chorus might seem like your standard chorus pedal at first glance, with its Volume, Rate, and Depth control. But it also includes a ‘vibe’ function.
Flipping this small toggle switch cuts your guitar’s dry signal. This gives you a cooler, more warbly vibrato effect.
The Vibe mode offers a nice effect, but avoid cranking it too high, or it might turn from a pleasant detuned sound into something that makes you feel seasick.
Regarding tone, the JHS 3 Series Chorus leans more toward a Lo-Fi vibe instead of the bright, shimmery chorus you might expect.
With its standard size and lightweight design, it fits easily on most pedalboards.
The digital circuit maintains a sharp sound, and the pedal features a true bypass. You’ll need to purchase a separate 9-volt adapter to power it.
Overall, although it lacks stereo outputs like some pricier options, this chorus pedal performs well with both clean and distorted tones.
- Control: Volume, Rate, Depth, Vibe
- Circuit: Digital
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Dimensions: 1.22″ x 2.38″ x 4.42″
- Weight: 0.36 lbs.
Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone
The Neo Clone preserves the classic charm of the Small Clone while offering a more durable and budget-friendly package.
Pros:
- Compact & rugged
- Affordable classic recreation
- Analog warmth
- Simple controls
- Tinnier tone
- Limited depth
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The Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone is a modernized version of the classic Small Clone chorus pedal. The designers created it for players seeking a compact and more rugged alternative.
Its circuit closely mimics the original, retaining the analog warmth and signature sound that made the Small Clone famous, while incorporating a few practical updates.
The controls remain straightforward and similar to the original. It still features a depth switch to toggle between subtle and more pronounced chorus effects and a rate knob for adjusting the modulation speed.
The Neo Clone offers side-mounted input and output jacks, as opposed to the original, which was on top. Despite this, it offers greater pedalboard compatibility than the original design.
This chorus pedal offers affordability, making it accessible. It especially appeals to players who appreciate vintage chorus tones without breaking the bank.
While it delivers the familiar, shimmering chorus sound, it produces a slightly ‘tinnier’ tone compared to the Small Clone. However, the difference remains minimal and might go unnoticed in a full mix.
- Control: Depth and Rate
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: Battery equipped with optional 9.6DC-200 power supply
- Dimensions: 2.75 (w) x 4.5 (l) x 2.1 (h)
- Weight: 0.55 lbs.
Best Chorus Pedals – $100 & Above
The chorus pedals below are phenomenal, with premium features and build quality.
Walrus Audio Julia V2
If you’re after a versatile chorus and vibrato pedal that sounds fantastic and you don’t mind spending a bit more for quality, the Julia V2 is definitely worth checking out.
Pros:
- Exceptional versatility and tonal range
- Stunning pedal design
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Space-saving design
- Steep learning curve
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The Walrus Audio Julia V2 really adds a nice shimmer to your sound without drowning out your core tone—your chords will sparkle.
This analog chorus provides the basics, allowing you to tweak the speed and intensity of the effect with Rate and Depth controls.
As a high-end chorus pedal, it offers some cool extra features. The Wave Switch lets you toggle between a smooth sine wave for vibrato and a sharper triangle wave for that classic chorus vibe.
You’ll also appreciate the Lag control as a nice feature. It adjusts how long the modulation takes. This allows you to shift from tight sounds to more detuned warbles.
Use the D.C.V Blend knob to mix your dry and modulated signals.
Its tough build quality can withstand the harshness of the road. Additionally, the top-mounted jacks simplify cable management.
- Control: Rate, Depth, D.C.V Blend, Lag, Wave Switch
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter and Battery
- Dimensions: 4.77″ x 2.3″ x 2.9″
- Weight: 0.59 lbs.
Boss CE-2W
If you want a blend of classic Boss Chorus vibe and modern flexibility, the Boss CE-2W Waza Craft is definitely a great chorus for your pedalboard.
Pros:
- Lush, vibrant sound reminiscent of the original
- Durable compact design from Boss
- Three modes: two choruses and one vibrato
- Stereo output not available on the original CE-2
- Only depth and rate knobs
- No mix or volume options
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The Boss CE-2W Waza Craft delivers classic Boss chorus sounds in one unit
This chorus pedal honors Boss’s legacy, tracing back to the legendary CE-1 from 1976. At that time, players sought something easier to fit on their pedalboards.
So, Boss responded with the CE-2. Now, decades later, the CE-2W revives that quality with a modern twist, crafted in Japan.
Using the Boss CE-2W is straightforward, as it features the typical Rate and Depth controls to shape your modulation. But it gets interesting as it includes a versatile 3-way switch.
The first setting to the left gives you that signature CE- 2 chorus sound. This updated version includes an added depth control and stereo chorus output—features not in the original model.
In the middle position, you get the vintage chorus effect of the CE-1, while the far right allows you to dial into a vibrato effect.
Notice subtle differences in sound character based on the setting. In the main chorus mode (CE-2), you achieve a basic rate, while the vibrato option (CE-1) can reach a faster rate.
Thanks to true bypass and stereo outputs, this chorus pedal simplifies integrating vintage tones into your setup.
- Control: Rate, Depth, Chorus/Vibrato Mode
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: Buffered Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter and Battery
- Dimensions: 5.12″ x 2.87″ x 2.37″
- Weight: 1 lbs.
JHS Emperor V2
The Emperor V2 gives you the nice mix of analog warmth of the original Emperor, but now in a more modern and streamlined version.
Pros:
- Clean and vintage-sounding
- Subtle effects chorus
- Tap tempo and expression pedal options
- No mix knob
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The Emperor V2 is basically a more streamlined version of the original bulky Emperor. It still keeps all the essential controls like Volume, Speed, EQ, & Depth knobs. Plus, the two toggle switches for the Waveform and Chorus/Vibrato.
Now in a much smaller package, the Emperor V2 offers a more lightweight and pedalboard-friendly design. This version operates on a 9-volt battery or adapter, allowing you to toggle between true and buffered bypass via an internal dip switch.
The big draw of the Emperor V2 comes from its classic analog sound, thanks to the 3207 bucket-brigade circuit. It really nails those vintage tones you’d expect from older chorus pedals.
A toggle switch makes switching between chorus and vibrato easy. Another toggle switch below it allows you to change the waveform to three different shapes.
The single EQ knob feels subtle but proves effective when switching between different guitars or amps.
The sturdy build of the chorus pedal ensures quiet operation, which is always a plus. The tap tempo feature adds convenience by syncing modulation speed to your playing.
In terms of chorus effect, the Emperor V2 remains subtle, similar to the JHS 3 Series Chorus. However, it still delivers great sound, especially with some overdrive.
The slow vibrato rate adds a lo-fi pitch movement for extra character. And if you want stereo output, just plug in a TRS cable, and you’re all set.
- Control: Volume, Speed, EQ, Depth, Waveform Switch, Chorus/Vibrato Switch
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: Switchable (True/Buffered)
- Power: 9-volt Battery and Power Adapter (not included)
- Dimensions: 5″ x 2.1″ x 2.5″
- Weight: 0.63 lbs.
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone
The Small Clone remains a classic chorus pedal that helped define a revolutionary genre.
Pros:
- Favored by an iconic artist
- Sturdy construction
- Simple controls
- Lush modulation effect
- Larger size
- Higher price
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The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is a beloved chorus pedal, particularly through its association with Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, who famously used it for their song ‘Come As You Are’.
Ironically, the Small Clone does not qualify as a compact chorus pedal. In fact, it is larger than many standard pedals from brands like Boss. So, make sure you have enough space on your pedalboard if you plan to include it.
This chorus pedal features a classic design with an aluminum housing that contributes to its durability and sturdiness. The layout is straightforward, with two primary controls: Depth and Rate.
The Small Clone produces a smooth chorus tone that feels warmer and more lush compared to the Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone.
The Small Clone provides richer modulation, while the Neo Clone features a more rugged build and delivers a slightly tinnier sound.
While the Small Clone Chorus Pedal is slightly pricier than the Neo Clone, its classic status and tonal quality make it a worthy investment.
- Control: Depth, Rate
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter and Battery
- Dimensions: 5.19″ x 1.6″ x 3.37″
- Weight: 1 lb.
Boss CH-1 Super Chorus
If you want a standard yet highly tweakable stereo choruses, the CH-1 is a reliable and versatile option.
Pros:
- Classic, warm chorus sound with many usable tones
- Boss pedal reliability and ruggedness
- Has stereo outputs
- Very popular chorus pedal
- Can sound uninteresting and cheesy
- No saving settings to memory
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As one of Boss’ most popular and best-selling pedals, the CH-1 has been a mainstay in a lot of pedalboards since its conception in the late 80s.
The Boss CH-1 chorus pedal has a stereo output and 4 knobs for adjusting the chorus tone.
I have used the CH-1 during rehearsals, recording, and at live gigs. It produces a clear, creamy, and thick chorus tone, even at subtle effect levels.
While it offers many usable classic chorus sounds, it doesn’t produce the extreme detuning or weird sounds I was hoping for.
In addition, its classic sound can sometimes border on cheesy and generic, which might not quite be to my personal liking. But still, this is a great chorus pedal, with no surprises, and sometimes you just want to be surprised.
However, don’t let my personal take hold you back from trying out this one. When based solely on the number of reviews or rating sources, the Boss CH-1 is still the most popular chorus pedal. And nothing else comes close, on our recommended list.
- Controls: Effect Level, EQ, Rate, and Depth
- Connectors: Input Jack, Output Jack A (mono)/ B, AC Adapter Jack (9V DC)
- Circuit: Analog 1989-2001, Digital 2001-Onwards
- Power Supply: 9V Battery or an AC Adapter
- Bypass: Buffered
- Dimensions (WHD): 2.9″ x 2.4″ x 5.1″
- Weight: 1 lb.
MXR M234
The MXR M234 might not be as bold as some other chorus pedals, but it’s reliable and gets the classic sound without much problem.
Pros:
- Not overpowering
- Easy Controls
- Compact Size
- Allows for pseudo-stereo effects
- Not True Stereo
- Lacks intensity
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The MXR M234 doesn’t shout ’80s pop/glam in your face. But it effectively delivers rich, subtle tones that enhance clean or dirty signals.
The pedal’s controls are simple: you’ve got your usual Level, Rate, and Depth knobs, plus Low and High EQ knobs.
The EQs are different than most pedals with dedicated frequency bands. These ones let you tweak the tone by cutting or boosting the bass and treble frequencies.
When you set them to noon, it’s at neutral, meaning it doesn’t boost or cut the signal. Turn them to the left, and you start cutting while turning them to the right boosts those frequencies.
Its compact and lightweight design means it won’t weigh down your pedalboard. You get a dry chorus vibrato blend output for some pseudo-stereo action. However, it lacks true stereo capabilities with two independent chorus signals.
If you expect huge, lush sounds, you might find it a bit too subtle. The modulation is there, but it doesn’t overwhelm your tone, which can be good or bad, depending on what you’re looking for.
It works well for adding some depth to clean chords and even enhances lead tones without making the sound too wobbly.
- Control: Level, Rate Control, Depth, Low, High
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: Buffered Bypass
- Power: 9-volt battery, 9-volt AC adapter, or DC Brick™ power supply
- Dimensions: 2.5″ (H) x 4.5″ (W) x 5.5″ (D)
- Weight: 0.84 lbs.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Chorus Pedals
Here, we take a look into key factors to keep in mind when selecting the ideal chorus pedals for guitar, along with some insights into the chorus effect itself.
Budget vs. Premium Chorus Pedals
In the realm of music gear, higher prices don’t always mean better quality. In most cases, the types of modulation pedals often deliver diminishing returns in quality as prices increase. Typically, once you exceed a certain price point (around $100), significant jumps in quality become less common.
With chorus pedals, spending more often gives you additional features like time controls, feedback adjustments, or expression pedal inputs. Time controls manage how long it takes for the modulated signal to emerge, while feedback can add resonance. An expression pedal allows for foot-controlled parameter adjustments.
Keep in mind that while more expensive pedals can offer more features, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee improved tone quality. If you’re not utilizing those extra features, a highly-rated simpler pedal may serve you better, the Ibanez CS9 is a good example of this.
Digital vs. Analog Chorus Pedals
The analog vs. digital debate is a classic one among guitarists. Some prefer the warmth of analog effects, while others appreciate the clarity of digital, which can help a signal stand out in a mix.
Although there are technical distinctions between the two, the best approach is to trust your ears. Generally, analog chorus pedals will deliver a warmer sound, while digital chorus has more clarity. Also take into account that digital chorus pedals have more connection options, and allow for more features and controls, like reproducing the Tri Chorus effect.
Bypass Types: Buffered, Hardwired, and True Bypass
Guitarists often consider the bypass configuration of their pedals crucial. Bypass refers to the signal path when an effect is not engaged. A buffered output enhances the signal strength, while a true bypass allows the signal to flow without interference from the pedal’s circuitry.
Many musicians believe true bypass minimizes tone loss, which is valid, especially as signal length increases. Significant degradation begins around 12 feet, and true bypass helps mitigate this. Buffered bypass can boost the signal, restoring high-end frequencies lost over distance.
The only bypass type that doesn’t enhance the signal is hardwired bypass, where the signal simply passes through without any boosting.
Positioning Chorus in Your Signal Chain
Guitarists commonly arrange their pedals starting with compression, followed by filters (like wah), distortion/overdrive, modulation effects (including chorus), delay/reverb, and volume pedals. However, many musicians rearrange this order to achieve their desired tone.
Consider that the signal is continuously modulated as it passes through different pedals. For instance, if a distortion pedal comes before a chorus, the distortion gets modulated, affecting the overall sound. With numerous effects and configurations available, you should experiment to find the best setup for your needs.
Chorus Effects in Multi-Effects Pedals
Many multi-effects units and guitar processors include various chorus effects, among other types. While standalone chorus pedals generally deliver superior sound quality, don’t overlook multi-effects units. They often provide an affordable entry point into chorus effects, thanks to advancements in Digital Sound Processing (DSP) technology.
The Best Chorus Pedal Selection Methodology
The first Edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on October 28, 2024.
First, we considered all the standalone chorus pedals rated highly in the market and available from major online US music gear stores. Then, for this edition, we ended up with a short list of 27, which includes top-rated pedals from brands like Boss, TC Electronic, MXR, JHS, Mooer, Electro Harmonix, Walrus Audio, and More. You can view it in the Music Gear Database.
We then collected ratings and reviews from online stores, forums, videos, and major music gear publications. All these data were then processed with the Gearank Algorithm to produce Gearank scores out of 100 for each of them. Over 17,200 sources were used during this process.
Finally, we broke the list into price brackets and selected the highest-rated ones to recommend above. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Supplemental writing and research
Alden Acosta: Boss CH-1 Review.
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Walrus Audio Julia V2, Boss CE-2W Waza Craft, and JHS 3 Series Chorus.
The videos above have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, with the exception of the “Plugged in Boss CH-1” photograph, which was taken by Alden Acosta.
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Comments:
7 responses
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Publication of our January 2022 Edition resulted in the following pedals coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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We have removed the following pedal due to a price increase putting it above the $100 limit for its category: Electro-Harmonix Small Clone. This was the chorus unit used by Kurt Cobain in Nirvana’s Come as you Are.
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The following chorus pedal has been removed from the recommended list above due to a price increase putting above $100: TC Electronic Corona Mini.
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Our January 2021 update resulted in the following pedal coming off the recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of it:
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As a result of our January 2020 update the following chorus pedals came off our recommended list above but you can still see our analysis of them:
- Boss CH-1
- TC Electronic Corona Chorus
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Due to begin discontinued, we have removed the following chorus pedal from the recommended list above, but you can still read what we have to say about it: Moog MF Minifooger Chorus Pedal.
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According to the “MXR Bypass List”, both the Stereo Chorus and the Analogue Chorus are buffered.
Best Chorus Pedals
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