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10 Best Distortion Pedals 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Behringer HD300 Heavy Distortion Pedal

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,193
Type of Distortion
Tone Control
Build Quality

Most important from
5629 reviews

Type of Distortion
This pedal is a clone of the iconic 1968 Univox Super Fuzz pedal and offers a ton of sound sculpting.
Tone Control
Experiment with the tone knobs—they drastically affect the pedal's sound.
Build Quality
It's very hard and sturdy plastic. Unless you have an elephant stomping on it, I don't see it ever breaking.
Power Supply
It's plastic, runs on battery and AC. The knobs are really tight, hard to move.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,193
Type of Distortion
Tone Control
Build Quality

Most important from
5629 reviews

Type of Distortion
This pedal is a clone of the iconic 1968 Univox Super Fuzz pedal and offers a ton of sound sculpting.
Tone Control
Experiment with the tone knobs—they drastically affect the pedal's sound.
Build Quality
It's very hard and sturdy plastic. Unless you have an elephant stomping on it, I don't see it ever breaking.
Power Supply
It's plastic, runs on battery and AC. The knobs are really tight, hard to move.
#2

Behringer Super Fuzz SF300 3-Mode Distortion Effects Pedal

Rating
9.8
Tone Control
True Bypass
Build Quality

Most important from
5629 reviews

Tone Control
It makes good sounds and the bass and treble boost add valuable tone variations.
True Bypass
While not a true bypass, it doesn't seem to affect the clean sound when off.
Build Quality
The plastic casing is a downside, but the pedal's performance exceeds its budget price.

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.

Rating
9.8
Tone Control
True Bypass
Build Quality

Most important from
5629 reviews

Tone Control
It makes good sounds and the bass and treble boost add valuable tone variations.
True Bypass
While not a true bypass, it doesn't seem to affect the clean sound when off.
Build Quality
The plastic casing is a downside, but the pedal's performance exceeds its budget price.
#3

JHS Violet Distortion Pedal, Black

Rating
9.7
Type of Distortion
Gain Range

Most important from
8 reviews

Type of Distortion
It feels like having two pedals in one, offering both overdrive and full distortion capabilities.
Gain Range
The pedal can clean up even at max distortion if you turn your guitar's volume knob down.

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.

Rating
9.7
Type of Distortion
Gain Range

Most important from
8 reviews

Type of Distortion
It feels like having two pedals in one, offering both overdrive and full distortion capabilities.
Gain Range
The pedal can clean up even at max distortion if you turn your guitar's volume knob down.

Buying Guide for the Best Distortion Pedals

Choosing the right distortion pedal can significantly impact your guitar's sound and overall performance. Distortion pedals are used to add grit, sustain, and character to your guitar tone, making them a crucial part of any guitarist's setup. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your playing style and musical preferences.
Type of DistortionDistortion pedals come in various types, such as overdrive, fuzz, and high-gain distortion. Overdrive pedals provide a warm, smooth distortion that emulates the sound of an overdriven tube amp, making them ideal for blues and classic rock. Fuzz pedals offer a more aggressive, buzzy sound that is great for psychedelic rock and early heavy metal. High-gain distortion pedals deliver a more intense, saturated sound suitable for modern rock and metal. Choose the type that best matches the genre of music you play and the sound you want to achieve.
Gain RangeThe gain range of a distortion pedal determines how much distortion it can produce. Low-gain pedals offer subtle distortion and are perfect for adding a bit of edge to your clean tone. Medium-gain pedals provide a more pronounced distortion suitable for rock and blues. High-gain pedals deliver intense distortion, ideal for heavy metal and hard rock. Consider the amount of distortion you need based on your playing style and the music you play.
Tone ControlTone control allows you to shape the overall sound of the distortion. Some pedals have simple tone knobs, while others offer more advanced EQ controls with multiple bands. Basic tone knobs adjust the brightness or darkness of the sound, while multi-band EQs let you fine-tune specific frequencies. If you prefer a straightforward setup, a single tone knob may suffice. However, if you want more control over your sound, look for a pedal with advanced EQ options.
True BypassTrue bypass is a feature that ensures your guitar signal remains unaffected when the pedal is turned off. This is important for maintaining the integrity of your tone, especially if you use multiple pedals in your setup. Pedals with true bypass prevent signal loss and preserve the original sound of your guitar. If maintaining a pure signal is important to you, look for pedals with true bypass.
Build QualityThe build quality of a distortion pedal affects its durability and reliability. Pedals made with high-quality components and sturdy enclosures are more likely to withstand the rigors of regular use and live performances. Look for pedals with metal housings and robust switches to ensure they can handle the demands of your playing environment. If you frequently gig or travel, investing in a well-built pedal is essential.
Power SupplyDistortion pedals can be powered by batteries or external power supplies. Battery-powered pedals offer convenience and portability, but they may require frequent battery changes. Pedals that use external power supplies are more reliable for long-term use and can be integrated into a pedalboard with a power supply unit. Consider your setup and how you plan to power your pedal when making your choice.

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