Grabbing the best cheap distortion pedal turned out to be the upgrade my tone didn’t know it needed. For the price, I was surpised at how my tone roared to life with grit, sustain, and a character that practically begged me to keep riffing long after I should have stopped.
Under $100 | Under $100 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 91 | 8151 | |||
 | 93 | 3755 | |||
 | 94 | 3100 | |||
 | 92 | 1580 |
Under $50 | Under $50 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 87 | 2604 | |||
 | 88 | 1309 | |||
 | 88 | 343 |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
The truth is, the best budget distortion pedal doesn’t have to cost a fortune to transform your sound. Some of my favorite tones have come from pedals that fall into the under $50 and under $100 range, proving that you can get pro-level crunch and character without breaking the bank.
Distortion pedals come in all flavors, from wallet-friendly surprises that punch way above their price to the high-end classics that shaped rock, metal, and everything in between. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best distortion pedals available today, sharing what makes each one stand out and how they can help you nail your tone.
Whether you’re hunting for that iconic crunch or chasing a heavier modern metal bite, there’s something here for every player. I’ll break down features, pros, and cons so you can confidently pick the best distortion pedal that matches your style.
We’ll look at two main budget-friendly categories to help you decide which pedal fits your needs:
- Under $50 Distortion Pedals: Great for beginners or anyone looking to explore different tones without spending big.
- Under $100 Distortion Pedals: A step up in versatility, durability, and sound quality, ideal for intermediate to advanced players.
Some of these picks have even earned a spot among the best guitar pedals overall, and understanding the difference between Overdrive vs Distortion can help you decide what’s right for your setup. Whichever one you choose, get ready to add power, grit, and life to your playing.
Best Cheap Distortion Pedals Under $100
Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
A simple, reliable distortion pedal that’s perfect for beginners wanting a classic rock sound.
Pros:
- Durable build
- Affordable
- Iconic sound
- Lacks low-end punch
- Limited tonal control
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The Boss DS-1 has been a favorite among guitarists for decades, and it’s easy to see why. It delivers a no-nonsense distortion sound that’s great for a variety of rock and punk genres. Its three-knob setup—Distortion, Tone, and Level—makes it straightforward for beginners to dive into cheap distortion pedals without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re looking for the best budget distortion pedal to give your sound a gritty edge, the DS-1 is an ideal starting point. Its simplicity and reliability make it a great companion for any player looking to dip their toes into distortion.
A big part of its appeal lies in its versatility. You can achieve a smooth overdrive for more classic rock tunes or crank up the distortion for heavier styles. Its iconic mid-scooped tone is instantly recognizable, which is why so many famous guitarists, like Kurt Cobain, have relied on it. However, some users feel the DS-1 lacks bass, making it sound a little thin in certain settings. This can be a bit of a drawback if you’re trying to create a fuller sound, especially in heavier genres like metal, where a metal distortion pedal might be more fitting.
Despite that, the DS-1’s simple control layout is both a strength and a limitation. While it makes the pedal beginner-friendly, veterans may find the lack of tonal shaping options restrictive. Additionally, though the DS-1 shines in rock and punk, it struggles to find its place in heavier metal styles, which often demand more aggression and low-end punch. For those looking for the best distortion pedal for metal, this pedal might leave you wanting more.
- Controls: Tone, Level, Distortion
- Type: Analog
- Bypass: Buffered Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Special Features: Iconic mid-scooped distortion
- Artists: Kurt Cobain, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai
RAT2 Distortion Pedal
This pedal gives you a wide range of gritty, raw distortion that’s great for various rock styles.
Pros:
- Versatile tone
- Unique filter control
- Durable build
- Can be too gritty for some styles
- Filter control takes getting used to
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The RAT2 is a classic in its own right, known for blending overdrive, distortion, and fuzz in one pedal. This versatility makes it a go-to option for guitarists and bassists alike. Its raw, gritty tone is perfect for genres like punk, grunge, and classic rock, but it also handles modern rock well. The RAT2’s Distortion, Filter, and Volume controls give you plenty of flexibility to craft your sound, whether you want a subtle crunch or full-on wall-of-sound distortion. This makes it a popular choice among the best distortion pedals in its price range.
What makes the RAT2 special is its filter control. Instead of a typical tone knob, this filter shapes the high-end frequencies, giving you more control over your sound’s brightness or darkness. This is particularly useful when dialing in the right tone for your amp. However, for beginners, the filter can be a bit tricky to get used to, as it behaves differently from the more common tone control. But once you master it, the RAT2 becomes a valuable tool for shaping your tone, earning its spot as one of the best cheap distortion pedals.
On the downside, the RAT2 can sometimes be too gritty for more refined genres. It excels in rougher, more aggressive styles but might not offer the smoothness some players are after. Additionally, while it’s great for guitarists, bass players may find that it can lose some clarity when pushed too hard, although many still love its ability to handle low-end distortion. It remains a solid option for those looking for cheap distortion pedals for guitar.
- Controls: Distortion, Filter, Volume
- Type: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Special Features: Filter knob for tone shaping
- Artists: Jeff Beck, Kurt Cobain, Thom Yorke
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion Pedal
If you’re into metal, this pedal delivers crushing high-gain distortion with lots of tone-shaping options.
Pros:
- High-gain power
- Extensive EQ control
- Durable design
- Scooped mids can get lost in a mix
- Tone can be harsh or nasal sounding
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The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is practically synonymous with metal distortion pedal. It’s the pedal you reach for when you want crushing, face-melting tones that can slice through any mix. Equipped with a dual-gain circuit and a powerful three-band EQ, it allows you to shape your sound with precision. The pedal excels in modern metal and hard rock, where scooped mids and aggressive highs are the order of the day, making it a strong contender for the best metal pedal.
What sets the MT-2 apart is its EQ section. With control over the lows, highs, and sweepable mids, you can craft everything from thick, sludgy tones to piercing leads. This level of tonal flexibility is a major draw for players who like to dial in specific sounds. However, the pedal’s signature mid-scooped sound can sometimes work against it. In a live setting, it might struggle to cut through the mix, especially if you’re competing with other instruments that dominate the midrange. This is something to consider when choosing a metal distortion pedal.
One secret to the MT-2 is that it sounds best going into the effects return of an amplifier, serving as a preamp. This is demonstrated well by Ola Englund in the video below. As you can hear, it turns into a completely different animal when run this way and the EQ allows an even wider range of tones.
Despite its heavy metal prowess, the MT-2 isn’t the most versatile pedal. It’s fantastic at what it does—creating aggressive, high-gain sounds—but it doesn’t translate well into other genres. Players looking for versatility might find it too harsh for blues or rock, and even within the metal genre, some find the tone too processed or “digital.” But if you’re looking for the best metal distortion pedal, the MT-2 delivers.
- Controls: Low, High, Middle, Mid Freq, Level, Distortion
- Type: Analog
- Bypass: Buffered Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Special Features: Dual-gain circuit, 3-band EQ with sweepable mids
- Artists: Prince, John 5, Gary Holt
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Pedal
A versatile pedal that’s great for switching between rhythm and lead with its two distinct modes.
Pros:
- Turbo mode adds versatility
- Great for solos
- Durable
- Can sound fizzy at high distortion
- Limited EQ options
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The Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion takes everything people love about the DS-1 and adds a turbo mode for even more aggressive distortion. This pedal is perfect for guitarists who want to switch between a mild crunch and full-on distortion without needing a separate pedal. The DS-2 is particularly well-suited for lead guitarists, as the turbo mode adds sustain and bite that works well for solos. Players who love jumping between rhythm and lead will appreciate the extra versatility the DS-2 offers, making it one of the best cheap distortion pedals for those wanting more options.
What makes the DS-2 stand out is its ability to switch between two distinct distortion modes. Turbo Mode I gives you a classic distortion sound with smoother tones, while Turbo Mode II cranks up the aggression for a heavier, more cutting sound. This versatility makes it ideal for players who need a dynamic pedal for different styles. However, some users find that the turbo mode doesn’t add enough difference to make it stand out, feeling like it’s just a slightly more aggressive version of the DS-1.
On the downside, the pedal can sometimes sound a bit fizzy, especially when you crank the distortion. It lacks the low-end punch that some players might be looking for, which can make it less suitable for heavier genres. Additionally, like the DS-1, it offers limited EQ control, which might feel restrictive for those who want more tone-shaping options. That said, it remains a solid choice among best guitar distortion pedals for those seeking a balance between affordability and versatility.
- Controls: Level, Tone, Distortion, Turbo
- Type: Analog
- Bypass: Buffered Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Special Features: Turbo Switch for extra gain
- Artists: Steve Vai, John Frusciante, Kurt Cobain, Dave Navarro
Best Distortion Pedals Under $50
Behringer UM300 Ultra Metal Distortion Pedal
A super affordable option for metal players who want heavy, high-gain distortion on a budget.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High gain
- Versatile EQ
- Plastic build
- Harsh tone at high gain
- Can be noisy
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The Behringer UM300 Ultra Metal is a fantastic budget option for players looking to get into heavy metal distortion without spending a fortune. Despite its low price, this pedal delivers some serious high-gain tones that are perfect for metal. The UM300 has a four-knob control layout—Level, Low, High, and Distortion—offering a surprising amount of tonal flexibility for a pedal in this price range, making it a contender for one of the best cheap distortion pedals.
One of the pedal’s standout features is its ability to deliver intense distortion with crushing lows and searing highs. The separate low and high controls allow you to dial in a tone that fits your style, whether you’re going for thick rhythm tones or sharp leads. However, the plastic build can be a drawback. While the pedal is lightweight and portable, it’s not as durable as its more expensive counterparts, so it might not hold up to heavy gigging or rough use.
The tone itself can be a bit harsh at higher gain levels, which is a common issue with budget pedals. Some users have reported that the pedal introduces unwanted noise into their signal, especially when cranking the gain. But for its price, the UM300 offers a lot of bang for your buck, making it an excellent choice for beginners or players looking for a cheap distortion pedal or a backup for their rig.
- Controls: Level, Low, High, Distortion
- Type: Analog
- Bypass: Buffered Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Special Features: Ultra-high gain distortion
- Artists: N/A (not widely associated with specific artists)
Donner Morpher Distortion Pedal
A compact and powerful pedal that gives metal and hard rock players big distortion in a small size.
Pros:
- Compact size
- High-gain tone
- Affordable
- Cheap build quality
- Limited versatility
- Can be noisy
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The Donner Morpher is a compact, budget-friendly pedal that delivers powerful high-gain distortion, making it perfect for metal and hard rock players on a budget. Despite its low price, the Morpher offers a thick, rich distortion that’s perfect for modern metal, with enough sustain and punch to satisfy even more experienced players. Its small size also makes it a great choice for players who are tight on pedalboard space, ranking it as one of the best cheap distortion pedals for players who need to maximize every inch.
What really sets the Morpher apart is its ability to deliver a full, aggressive sound in such a small package. The distortion is smooth, and the pedal’s overall tone is thick and saturated, making it great for players who need a high-gain pedal but don’t want to spend a fortune. However, its compact size does come with some drawbacks. The plastic knobs can feel a bit flimsy, and while the pedal is durable enough for light use, it might not hold up as well under heavy gigging conditions.
The pedal is also a bit limited in terms of versatility. It excels at high-gain distortion, but if you’re looking for something that can handle lighter overdrive or more nuanced tones, the Morpher might not be the right fit. Additionally, some users have noted that it introduces some unwanted noise at higher gain settings, which can be a dealbreaker for players who prioritize a clean signal. Nevertheless, the Morpher is still a fantastic contender for anyone looking for the best metal distortion pedal on a budget.
- Controls: Level, Tone, Gain
- Type: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Special Features: High-gain distortion in a compact size
- Artists: N/A
Mooer Black Secret Distortion Mini Pedal
A tiny pedal that packs a punch, offering both vintage and modern distortion tones.
Pros:
- Two modes for versatility
- Compact size
- Affordable
- Small knobs
- Less durable than the original RAT
- Can be noisy in Turbo mode
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The Mooer Black Secret is a mini distortion pedal based on the iconic RAT, offering both Vintage and Turbo modes. This tiny pedal packs a punch and delivers a wide range of tones, from crunchy overdrive to searing distortion. Its compact size makes it ideal for players with limited pedalboard space, and its price point makes it an accessible option for beginners or players looking for a cheap distortion pedal without sacrificing quality.
One of the standout features of the Black Secret is its two modes. The Vintage mode offers a smoother, more classic distortion, while the Turbo mode ramps up the gain and aggression, making it great for heavier styles. This dual-mode setup makes the pedal versatile enough for both lead and rhythm playing. However, the small size can be a drawback for some users, as the tiny knobs can be difficult to adjust during live performances.
While the Black Secret delivers impressive tones for its size and price, it’s not as durable as the original RAT. It’s built well for a mini pedal, but it lacks the tank-like build quality of its larger counterparts. Additionally, Turbo mode can introduce some unwanted noise at higher gain settings, which might be a downside for players who prioritize a clean signal. That said, the Black Secret is a top contender among cheap distortion pedals for guitar players who need versatility in a small package.
- Controls: Distortion, Filter, Volume
- Type: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
- Special Features: Vintage and Turbo modes
- Artists: N/A
Things to Consider When Buying a Distortion Pedal
I’ve spent enough time around guitarists to know that a good distortion pedal can make or break your tone. Before we get into specifics, it’s worth brushing up on the basics. A distortion pedal’s musical tone is a creative choice, not to be confused with unwanted audio distortion that comes from poor audio quality.
Buying Your First Distortion Pedal
The pedal itself is just one piece of the puzzle. Your guitar, amp, and even your technique all shape the final sound. I’ve heard people plug into the same pedal and get completely different tones simply because their setup or playing style was different.
Sure, a distortion pedal will sound glorious through a pricey tube head and a 4×12 cabinet, but don’t let that discourage you if all you have is a single-speaker solidstate combo amp. Some of my favorite tones have come from modest setups where the pedal just clicked with the amp. It’s all about experimenting and finding that sweet spot.
Chasing the “perfect” distorted tone can be a rabbit hole. Real improvements often come from investing in the whole chain: quality amps, good cables, other best guitar pedals, and most importantly, consistent playing technique. Some players stack multiple drives or shape their sound further in post-production, but for most rehearsals, jams, and gigs, a single well-chosen pedal does the job.
If you like a heavier, darker tone, look for a pedal that pushes the lows and mids, or pair it with an EQ pedal to fine-tune the frequencies to your taste.
Versatility vs Usability
Most pedals land somewhere between versatility and ease of use. Some are built for players who just want to plug in and start playing, with simple controls that sound good in almost any setting. Others pack in extra EQ points, presence knobs, and tone-shaping features that let you sculpt your sound in fine detail. Both have their place. If you hate endless tweaking, you’ll appreciate a pedal that sounds great straight out of the box. If you’re a tone tweaker, those extra controls might be exactly what you need.
Many Op‑amp-based pedals are designed for quick plug-and-play use, but others give you a wide palette to dial in your sound. Remember that a lot of amps, including Headphone Amps, already include some form of Audio Distortion, and certain distortion units even let you control THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) for extra precision.
Understanding Bypass
You’ll hear a few terms come up when talking about pedal bypass: buffered bypass, hardwire bypass, and true bypass. They describe what happens to your guitar signal chain when the pedal isn’t engaged.
- True bypass means your signal runs straight through without touching the pedal’s circuitry. Many players like it for its transparency, though its biggest benefit is keeping your tone intact over short cable runs. High-end loss becomes noticeable after about roughly 18.5 feet, so true bypass can help maintain clarity.
- Buffered bypass runs your signal through the pedal’s circuitry and strengthens it, which can actually preserve your tone better than true bypass, especially if you’re running a lot of pedals.
- Hardwire bypass sends your signal through the pedal’s circuitry without any boost, which can lead to some high-end loss in longer chains, especially if multiple hardwire pedals are connected.
Knowing how bypass affects your setup will help you keep your signal strong and your tone consistent, no matter how many pedals are in your chain.
Best Cheap Distortion Pedal Selection Methodology
The first Edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published in 2025.
With so many distortion pedals in the market, gathering data on just the popular ones that are actually widely available is quite the undertaking. We focused on those that are actually labeled or marketed as distortion, from brands like Boss, MXR, EHX, TC Electronic, and more. We also included mini pedals like the Mooer Black Secret, Joyo JF 02, and more.
We then narrowed down our scope and excluded other dirt box pedals types like fuzz, overdrive, and multi-effects pedals. This means that popular overdrive pedals like the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini are not included.
We decided to keep the list budget-friendly by limiting the price to $100 – so expensive dirt pedals like the Iron Horse aren’t eligible. Even with these limitations, we still ended up placing 34 distortion pedals on our short-list, which you can see in our Music Gear Database, and collected over 34,000 data sources that included reviews, ratings, forum discussions, and expert recommendations.
All these data were processed using the Gearank Algorithm, which then gave us the rating scores out of 100 that we used to narrow down the list to just the best of the best. 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: Product Research.
Alden Acosta: Boss DS 1 Distortion Review.
Alexander Briones: Editing and Supplemental writing.
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the MXR M104 Distortion+, Boss DS-1 and MXR M75 Super Badass.
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 DS-1, which was photographed by Alden Acosta.
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Comments:
8 responses
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Publication of our 2024 Edition resulted in a couple of pedals coming off the recommended list above:
– Behringer UM300 Ultra Metal
– MXR M78 Custom Badass ’78
– MXR M104 Distortion+
– MXR M75 Super Badass -
Publication of our July 2022 Edition resulted in the Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff coming off the recommended list above due to a price increase that made it ineligible for this guide.
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Today we removed the following pedals from the recommended list above due to price increases to over this guide’s limit of $100:
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As a result of our January 2020 update, which included limiting our recommendations to pedals under $100, the following great pedals came off our recommended list but you can still read our analysis of them:
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Dude what the hell is this list? The DS-1 and Metalzone are some of the absolute worst distortion pedals with no midrange at all. Good luck trying to cut through a mix with those.
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There were two dudes and a dudette that worked on this guide 🙂
The selection methodology is described above – note that the Boss DS-1 wasn’t in our recommended list but included as an ‘honorable mention’ due to it’s popularity and often being the first distortion pedal many guitarists try.
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone was included in our recommended list based on its high ratings, but if you read what we said again, you’ll notice that we mentioned the controversy surrounding it in the first paragraph and went on to describe the mid-range issue in the second paragraph.
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