10 Best Effects Pedals 2025 in the United States

The Line 6 HX Stomp XL is a powerful multi-effects pedal designed to deliver authentic guitar tones with a wide range of effects. It builds on the original HX Stomp by adding five extra footswitches, which give you more real-time control and flexibility on stage or in the studio. You can run up to eight effects blocks simultaneously, allowing for complex sound shaping, and it fully integrates with other Helix-family devices if you want to expand your setup.

The pedal’s size is moderate—about 12.4 inches long—which makes it a bit bigger than compact pedals but still manageable for most pedalboards. It weighs roughly 1 pound, so it’s sturdy without being heavy. It runs on standard 9V power, which is common and easy to find. The build quality feels solid and durable, fitting for frequent gigging.

The complexity of many controls and features might be overwhelming if you are new to multi-effects units. Its price and feature set are more suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for versatile sound options rather than simple single-effects needs. The HX Stomp XL is a versatile, well-built multi-effects pedal with expanded controls and genuine tones, especially suitable if you plan to integrate it into a larger Helix system.

The Line 6 HX Stomp is a compact and powerful multi-effects pedal that fits well for guitarists or musicians who want a wide variety of tones in a small package. It offers over 300 effects and amp models, all based on the same technology as the higher-end Helix series, giving you a lot of creative options. You can run up to six effects or amp blocks at once, which means you can build complex sounds including a looper and even load custom impulse responses for speaker simulation.

The pedal’s three touch-sensitive footswitches with colorful LED rings make switching and editing effects quick and intuitive, and there’s also an input for an expression pedal to add more control. It runs on a standard 9-volt power supply, which is convenient for most pedalboards. The build feels solid and durable, suitable for gigging musicians. At a little under 7 inches long and about 3.3 pounds, it’s compact enough to fit on most pedalboards without taking up much space.

This versatile pedal is ideal for players wanting professional-grade sounds and flexibility in a small form factor, though beginners might find the range of options a bit overwhelming at first.

The Boss VE-22 Vocal Effects and Looper Pedal is designed for vocalists looking to expand their performance capabilities with minimal hassle. Featuring a mic preamp and a range of vocal effects, this pedal allows you to add depth and harmony to your vocals, making it a versatile tool for live performances or studio recordings. The built-in USB-C audio interface is particularly beneficial for those who like to record or stream directly to a computer, offering modern connectivity options.

With 99 user preset slots and 50 factory presets, there’s plenty of room to customize and experiment with different sounds, which is great for artists who enjoy a variety of vocal textures and effects. Additionally, the harmony generator can add layers to your vocal performance that would otherwise require backup singers or additional equipment. However, at 2.66 pounds, it is slightly heavier than some competitors, which might be a consideration for those with extensive pedalboards or for those who prioritize portability.

The pedal operates at 9 volts and can be battery-powered, ensuring you can use it without needing a power outlet, which is convenient for mobile setups. It's compact, with dimensions of 8.72 x 5.72 x 2.56 inches, making it reasonably easy to fit on a pedalboard. The build quality appears solid, typical of BOSS products, and should withstand regular use. This pedal is particularly suited for vocalists who need a dependable, versatile effects unit that integrates easily into both live setups and home studios.