10 Best Distortion Pedals 2025 in the United States

The Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal is a classic choice for guitarists looking for reliable distortion effects. It delivers a straightforward, analog distortion sound that is versatile enough for various music styles, from rock to punk. The pedal includes basic tone and level controls, letting you shape your sound easily, though it lacks more advanced tone-shaping options seen on some modern pedals. Its gain range provides enough flexibility to go from mild overdrive to a more aggressive, gritty distortion.

The build quality is solid and durable, typical of Boss products, making it suitable for regular gigging and practice. One small downside is that it doesn’t feature true bypass, so some signal coloration might occur when the pedal is off, which could matter to tone purists. Power-wise, it runs on a standard 9V battery or USB power, offering convenience but requiring you to keep an eye on battery life.

In summary, the DS-1 is a dependable, easy-to-use pedal that works well for beginners and experienced players who want a classic distortion sound without extra complexity.

The JOYO Metal Distortion Pedal targets guitarists seeking heavy distortion tones typical in metal, rock, and punk music. It offers a wide gain range that works well from classic rock sounds at lower gain to strong metal distortion at higher gain levels, making it versatile for different styles.

Its standout feature is the 3-band EQ with an additional mid-frequency sweep, allowing precise control over your tone’s highs, mids, and lows, which is great for shaping your sound exactly how you want. The pedal uses true bypass, so it won’t affect your tone when turned off. Build quality feels solid with durable metal housing, suitable for regular gigging or practice.

It runs on standard 9V power, either by battery or adapter, but using a good quality power supply is recommended to avoid noise issues. While it excels at heavy distortion tones and offers flexible EQ control at a budget-friendly price, beginners should ensure proper cable and power connections to get the best experience. This pedal is a solid choice if you want a powerful, adjustable metal distortion without breaking the bank.

The FLAMMA FC19 distortion pedal is designed for electric guitarists seeking a warm, vintage tone. This pedal offers two modes: vintage and turbo, giving users some versatility in their sound. With its compact and durable metal construction, it's built to withstand regular use and is easy to fit on a crowded pedalboard.

The true bypass feature ensures that your guitar's tone remains transparent when the pedal is not in use, which is a key feature for maintaining sound quality. However, it's important to note that the power supply is not included, so you'll need to purchase that separately. The pedal operates on a 9-volt power supply, typical for most guitar pedals.

Weighing just 0.17 kilograms and with small dimensions, it's very portable. On the downside, the mini size might mean smaller knobs, which could be less convenient for quick adjustments during a performance. Also, the pedal’s functionality is relatively basic with limited tone control options. For those who appreciate a simple, sturdy pedal with a classic sound, the FLAMMA FC19 is a solid choice.