Best Guitar Distortion Pedals
Distortion pedals come in all shapes, sizes, and sounds, but getting the right one is important for your style, setup, and budget. If you’re a beginner and searching for a new pedal, look for simple pedals that offer versatile tone control to suit your preferred genre. Let’s look at some of the best distortion pedals in 2025.
Best distortion pedal for beginners: Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
The Boss DS-1 is a go-to distortion pedal for beginners and guitarists such as Kurt Cobain used the pedal during live shows. It’s simple enough for new players to experiment with, thanks to three basic knobs (tone, distortion, and level), making it easy to dial in a sound that suits your playing style.
The DS-1 delivers a crisp, biting distortion suited for classic rock, punk, and grunge. It’s also durable, which means it can handle years of playing. It’s one of the best distortion pedals for tone experimentation and doesn’t break the bank. The Boss DS-1 is a fantastic choice for growing your playing style.
Best cheap distortion pedal: Behringer OD300 Overdrive Distortion Pedal
The Behringer OD300 is one of the best cheap distortion pedals for beginners on a budget. It combines overdrive and distortion effects into one pedal. It means you can switch between a smoother, bluesy overdrive and a heavier, grittier distortion sound — great for experimenting with different genres. It’s got four controls: level, tone, drive, and a mode selector to blend or switch between distortion and overdrive.
While the plastic casing might not be as robust as metal pedals, it holds up well for home use and casual practice. The OD300 punches well above its price point, and it's a great way for new players to explore new tones.
Behringer OD300 Overdrive Distortion Pedal (front)
Behringer OD300 Overdrive Distortion Pedal (side)
Best distortion pedal for metal: Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff
The Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff is a fantastic choice for heavy riffs and powerful solos. The pedal is designed for modern metal players and delivers tight, high-gain distortion to cut through loud mixes.
The built-in noise gate is a standout feature and helps to eliminate unwanted hum and feedback — a common issue with high-gain pedals. It also includes a Scoop switch that shapes the mid frequencies, giving you that iconic scooped-metal tone used in everything from thrash to djent.
Compact in size, the Nano Metal Muff is pedalboard-friendly and ruggedly built, making it ideal for gigging or home practice. The pedal is a top pick if you're searching for the best metal distortion pedal that’s easy to use, powerful, and won't break the bank.
Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff (front)
Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff (side)
Best overall distortion pedal: Pro Co Turbo RAT Distortion Pedal
The Pro Co Turbo RAT is a legendary distortion pedal with a humongous reputation. It's known for its rich, saturated distortion that works well across indie rock, punk, metal, and hard rock. With its responsive filter (tone), distortion, and volume controls, you can shape everything from smooth, low-gain crunch to wild, fuzzy chaos.
The Turbo version of the RAT gives more output and gain than its predecessor, making it more versatile for heavier styles. It’s built like a brick and sounds just as solid. The Turbo RAT gives you the flexibility and power to explore your sound, whether jamming at home or band practice. It’s one of the best guitar distortion pedals on the market, especially for beginners who want something that will still serve them well as they grow.
Pro Co Turbo RAT Distortion Pedal (front)
Pro Co Turbo RAT Distortion Pedal (side)
Distortion pedal FAQs
How much is a good distortion pedal?
A good distortion pedal typically costs between £30 and £100, and the price will depend on the brand, features, and build quality. Budget-friendly options like Behringer offer great value for beginners. At the same time, established names like Boss or Pro Co may cost a little more but deliver long-term reliability and consistently great tone.
Are distortion pedals easy to use?
Yes, most distortion pedals are beginner-friendly, with just a few controls: gain (or distortion), tone, and level. These allow you to easily tweak your sound without being overwhelmed. Starting with a simple, well-known pedal is a great way to learn how distortion shapes your tone and playing style. Check out my article on types of guitar pedals to learn more.
Should I practise using a distortion pedal?
Practising with your distortion pedal helps you get used to how it affects your tone and playing technique. Switch between clean and distorted settings during practice to improve control.
How do distortion pedals work?
Distortion pedals clip your guitar’s signal and boost the gain to create a gritty, aggressive tone. This effect enhances sustain and adds character to make your sound stand out. The harder you play, the more pronounced the distortion becomes — perfect for energetic riffs, solos, and expressive playing.
Learn how to use guitar pedals with Bryan
Choosing the best guitar distortion pedal is just the beginning. Bryan helps beginners build confidence with gear and develop their unique sound. Whether you’re into classic rock or modern metal, Bryan can help you get the most out of your pedals and elevate your playing. Get in touch to find out more.
