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10 Best Distortion Pedals 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

FLAMMA FC19 Distortion Pedal Electric Guitar Effects Pedal with Warm Vintage Tone True Bypass

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Type of Distortion
True Bypass
Build Quality

Most important from
3528 reviews

Type of Distortion
The pedal is great for achieving both subtle and extreme distortion effects, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
True Bypass
The true bypass feature ensures your guitar's tone remains transparent when the pedal is not in use.
Build Quality
The pedal's compact size and durable construction make it perfect for a crowded pedalboard.
Power Supply
The lack of a power supply included means you'll need to purchase one separately.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Type of Distortion
True Bypass
Build Quality

Most important from
3528 reviews

Type of Distortion
The pedal is great for achieving both subtle and extreme distortion effects, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
True Bypass
The true bypass feature ensures your guitar's tone remains transparent when the pedal is not in use.
Build Quality
The pedal's compact size and durable construction make it perfect for a crowded pedalboard.
Power Supply
The lack of a power supply included means you'll need to purchase one separately.
#2

Electro-Harmonix Op Amp Big Muff Pi Fuzz Pedal

Rating
9.6
Type of Distortion
Build Quality

Most important from
347 reviews

Type of Distortion
If you're looking for great fuzz, look no further. Whether you're going for Black Sabbath or trying to nail that Siamese Dream sound, this is the one.
Build Quality
The price is fairly cheap for a pedal of this caliber. It is heavy in weight so you know it is not cheaply made.

The Electro-Harmonix Op Amp Big Muff Pi Fuzz Pedal is a highly regarded choice among guitarists seeking a distinctive, iconic fuzz tone. This pedal offers controls for Tone, Sustain, and Volume, plus a Tone Bypass switch, allowing for versatile sound shaping to suit various musical styles. The true bypass feature ensures maximum signal integrity when the pedal is not active, which is great for maintaining the purity of your guitar's sound when you're not using the fuzz effect.

Its compact and rugged die-cast construction makes it durable and pedalboard-friendly, ideal for gigging musicians who need reliable gear. The pedal operates on a 9V power supply and can use an alkaline battery, providing flexibility in power options. However, it’s corded electric, which might not be convenient for all users.

Weighing 295 grams, it's relatively lightweight and easy to handle. While the product dimensions are compact, fitting snugly on most pedalboards, some users might find the small size challenging for making precise adjustments quickly. If you’re looking for a fuzz pedal with true bypass, robust build quality, and iconic sound, this Electro-Harmonix model could be a great addition to your setup. If you prefer a broader gain range or more detailed tone control options, you might need to consider other models.

Rating
9.6
Type of Distortion
Build Quality

Most important from
347 reviews

Type of Distortion
If you're looking for great fuzz, look no further. Whether you're going for Black Sabbath or trying to nail that Siamese Dream sound, this is the one.
Build Quality
The price is fairly cheap for a pedal of this caliber. It is heavy in weight so you know it is not cheaply made.
#3

Behringer Super Fuzz SF300 3-Mode Distortion Effects Pedal

Rating
9.3
Tone Control
True Bypass
Build Quality

Most important from
5695 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
9.3
Tone Control
True Bypass
Build Quality

Most important from
5695 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.

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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