10 Best Distortion Pedals 2025 in the United States

The Behringer HD300 Heavy Distortion Pedal is a compact and lightweight pedal designed to deliver heavy distortion effects for electric guitars. It offers a solid gain range and tone control, allowing for a variety of distortion sounds to suit different playing styles. The pedal is equipped with an analog signal format, which many guitarists prefer for its warmth and character. However, this pedal does not feature true bypass, which could affect the signal clarity when the pedal is not in use.

The build quality is decent, with a metal body that provides durability. The pink color might not be to everyone's taste, but it does stand out visually. Power options include both corded electric and battery-powered, using a 9V battery. This flexibility is a plus for musicians who need a reliable power source during performances.

While there are more advanced pedals on the market, the Behringer HD300 offers good value for its price, making it a suitable choice for beginners or those looking for an affordable heavy distortion pedal.

The Behringer Super Fuzz SF300 is a versatile distortion pedal that aims to replicate the iconic fuzz tones of the '60s and '70s. Its three sound modes—classic fuzz, grunge, and gain boost—offer significant flexibility in tone shaping, appealing to both vintage enthusiasts and modern players.

The dedicated gain, 2-band EQ, and level controls provide ample room for customization, making it easy to dial in your desired sound. True to its name, the SF300 delivers a super fuzz sound that can be a fun addition to any pedalboard.

However, it should be noted that the build quality reflects its budget-friendly price; the plastic casing may not withstand heavy use as well as more expensive, metal-clad pedals. Also, while it offers a true bypass feature, some users have reported minor issues with the footswitch durability over time. Another consideration is its power source, the pedal runs on a 9V battery, which might require frequent changes if used extensively.

Despite these drawbacks, the SF300 stands out as a solid, affordable option for beginners or those looking to experiment with fuzz without a significant investment.

The JHS Violet Distortion Pedal stands out due to its versatile distortion capabilities, essentially adding a new, flexible distortion channel to your clean amplifier. One of its key strengths is the three-band EQ, which allows for extensive tone shaping. The midrange control is placed before the distortion circuit, acting as a powerful pre-amp distortion shaping tool, which gives users a wide range of tonal options, from light overdrive to intense modern distortion.

The treble and bass controls, located post-distortion, further enhance its tonal flexibility, making it familiar yet versatile for users accustomed to traditional setups. The pedal operates at 9 volts and draws 55 milliamps of current, making it compatible with most standard pedalboard power supplies. At 0.88 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to incorporate into any setup without adding much bulk. The build quality is robust, ensuring durability during heavy usage.

However, it lacks explicit mention of a true bypass feature, which might be a concern for purists looking for minimal signal interference when the pedal is not engaged. The JHS Violet Distortion Pedal is ideal for guitarists looking for extensive tone-shaping capabilities and a versatile distortion range, though those seeking true bypass functionality may need to verify this feature before purchase.