10 Best Noise Gate Pedals 2025 in the United States

The MXR Smart Gate is a compact and reliable noise gate pedal designed to reduce unwanted noise and hum in your guitar signal. It offers three selectable noise reduction ranges, allowing adjustment of noise cut depending on your playing style or environment. The pedal responds quickly to short, punchy notes and handles longer sustained notes smoothly, preserving your natural tone.

Its fast attack time helps keep picking details and harmonics clear, so your playing doesn’t lose character. It also features true hardwire bypass, ensuring your signal stays clean when the pedal is off. Power-wise, it runs on a standard 9V battery or an AC adapter, which is convenient for most pedalboard setups.

While it lacks a dedicated decay or release control, some players might appreciate its straightforward design. Its lightweight and compact build saves space, though it may feel less sturdy compared to heavier pedals. The MXR Smart Gate is a solid choice for guitarists looking for an effective noise gate with easy controls and reliable performance.

The JOYO Noise Gate Pedal (R-23 LEGAL DONE) is a versatile tool designed to eliminate unwanted noise and hum from your electric guitar setup. It supports both 2 and 4 cable connection methods, which provide flexibility depending on your rig's complexity. Its noise reduction circuit is quite effective, allowing you to maintain your original guitar tone while minimizing interference from amps and other pedals. This makes it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from blues to rock and jazz to pop.

The pedal's hold and release knobs give you control over how long the gate stays open and how quickly it closes, respectively, offering a customizable experience to suit your playing style. Constructed with a metal alloy case and high-precision components, it's robust and reliable for both practice sessions and live performances. The added LED lights not only look cool but also help you see the pedal's status even on dimly lit stages.

On the downside, the pedal requires a 9-volt DC power supply, which may necessitate an additional purchase if you don't already have one. It also weighs 240 grams, making it portable but not the lightest option available. It's a good fit for guitarists looking to clean up their signal chain without sacrificing tone quality.

The Boss NS-1X Noise Suppressor Pedal is designed for guitarists and bassists looking to reduce unwanted noise and maintain a clean sound. One of its standout features is the three modes of noise suppression, which give users flexibility depending on their playing style and environment. The Threshold, Decay, and Damp knobs allow for precise control over how the pedal responds, making it adaptable for different setups. The inclusion of a Suppression Indicator is a nice touch, providing visual feedback on its performance. Additionally, the Send/Return loop is a valuable feature for those wanting to integrate additional effects in their signal chain.

On the downside, the NS-1X might not be as user-friendly for beginners. While it offers a lot of control, the range of settings could be overwhelming for someone who is new to noise suppression technology. Furthermore, being corded electric might limit some users who prefer battery-operated options for portability. The true bypass feature is a plus, ensuring no signal loss when the pedal is off, but it does require a power source, which can complicate setups for those who may not have adequate power supply readily available.

Weighing in at 1.26 pounds and compact in size, the Boss NS-1X is relatively easy to incorporate into most pedalboards. Potential buyers should consider their level of experience and how the pedal's features align with their specific needs in order to make the most of its capabilities.