10 Best Effects Pedals 2025 in the United States

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 DS-1 Distortion Pedal is a classic and widely popular choice for guitarists looking to add distortion to their sound. It offers a straightforward distortion effect with simple Tone and Level controls, making it easy to dial in your preferred sound without confusion. The pedal runs on a standard 9V battery or USB power, providing flexibility in powering options. Its analog signal processing preserves a warm, natural tone favored by many players.

The build quality is solid and reliable, typical of Boss pedals, designed to withstand regular gigging and rehearsals. At about 4 x 6 x 3 inches, it fits comfortably on most pedalboards without taking up excessive space. However, it’s worth noting that the DS-1 uses a buffered bypass rather than a true bypass, which means it slightly affects your guitar's signal when the pedal is off—this may or may not be noticeable depending on your setup.

The pedal represents great value for beginners and those seeking a classic distortion sound, though players wanting more advanced control or a true bypass option might look elsewhere. Its reputation and ease of use make it a solid and dependable distortion pedal for many guitarists.

The MOOER GE100 is a compact and lightweight multi-effects pedal that offers a wide range of sounds, with 80 preset patches and 66 different effects to explore. Its eight effect modules and six assignable expression pedal parameters give users plenty of flexibility to shape their tone. This makes it a versatile choice for guitarists who want many options in one pedal.

The inclusion of a 180-second looper and drum machine is a plus for practicing or creating music without extra gear. The pedal runs on a standard 9V adapter or 4 AA batteries, which is convenient for playing on the go. It features a true analog signal format, which can appeal to players seeking a natural sound. The GE100 has a small footprint and slim design, fitting easily on most pedalboards. The build quality is decent for its price, but it’s made in China and may not feel as rugged as higher-end pedals. Also, while it offers many controls, some users might find the menu system and screen navigation a bit complex at first.

The MOOER GE100 is well-suited for guitarists looking for a budget-friendly multi-effects pedal with a broad effect palette and useful features like looping and practice tools, though it may not fully satisfy those who prioritize simplicity or premium build quality.