The Best Distortion Pedals on Reverb
The most popular distortion effect pedals on Reverb, updated daily.
Distinguishing between overdrives, fuzzes, and distortions in the dirt box family can be murky territory with plenty of overlap, but honing in on what defines a distortion comes down to one rule of thumb: gain, gain, and more gain.
Distortion pedals make such natural companions for the metal crowd (and anyone after big tone) because they’re designed to blow the roof off your rig so you can get heard in the sonic battle royale of a loud mix. Not just a tool for ramping up volume, distortions totally transform a clean signal and outfit it with stacks of sustain and sweet harmonic saturation for shredding nirvana.
From the classic design of the ProCo RAT to the single-knob destruction of the EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold to the expansive tone-sculpting capabilities of the Empress Heavy, a world of crushing tones is yours for the taking. See the most popular distortions of the year right on this page.
The list below updates daily and reflects the most popular distortion pedals on Reverb according to buyers on the platform. Click on each entry for more info and check out the bottom of the page for details to consider when buying the right distortion pedal for your rig.
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Boss DS-1 Distortion (Silver Label) 1994 - 2021
Starting at $34.99Arguably the most popular distortion pedal of all time, the ubiquitous Boss DS-1 is bulletproof, classic and affordable. Nearly every guitarist has had (or should have) at least one on his/her board at some point. Steve Vai even had two - one at the front of his chain and one at the end. - 2
ProCo RAT 2 Distortion
Starting at $50The ProCo RAT ranks as one of the most widely used distortion pedals ever, a favorite of such disparate musicians as Jonny Greenwood, Nels Cline, Kurt Cobain and John Scofield. The ProCo RAT 2 emerged in 1988 and continues to be a popular pedalboard staple for both guitarists and bass players with its characteristic jagged gristle, courtesy of the legendary LM308 chip. - 3
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
Starting at $60Few stompboxes have shaped the sound of rock like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi. Fewer still have gone through as many variations while still maintaining their fan bases. From David Gilmour to Billy Corgan to J. Mascis and Dan Auerbach, the Big Muff Pi continues to be the life blood of fuzz. - 4
Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi
Starting at $50Featuring an ultra-compact enclosure and the same controls for volume, tone and sustain, the Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi brings the same creamy fuzz and distortion as the original in a pedalboard-friendly package. Built using the same Big Muff Circuitry in a nano format, this effect is a great introduction to the Big Muff World or just a great fuzz pedal that won't eat up pedalboard space or cash. - 5
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion
Starting at $51.36The Boss MT-2 is an undeniable icon of metal guitar tones and remains one of the most popular pedals in Boss' whole catalog. For players who need a one-way ticket to over-the-top distortion worthy of the legands of thrash, the MT-2 is an easy choice. - 6
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff with Tone Wicker
Starting at $59.99Sporting the same muscle as the standard Big Muff Pi with the addition of a three-way tone wicker switch for light or heavy treble boost, the Big Muff with Tone Wicker combines classic fuzz tones with added versatility. From classic to fierce, the Tone Wicker serves up fuzz any way you want it. - 7
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Pedal
Starting at $59.30One of Boss' longest running pedals (1987 - present), the DS-2 Turbo Distortion has two modes for either warm distortion or a more biting tone. The remote jack allows for an external foot switch to toggle between modes. - 8
REVV G3 Distortion
Starting at $190The REVV G3 is a distortion pedal based on the "purple channel" of the brands most revered amp models. In addition to volume and gain controls and a three-band EQ, the G3 packs a three-position "aggression" toggle that adjusts the amount of gain and overall character of the drive. Though primed largely for full-bore metal tones, the G3 is an extremely versatile drive that can play nicely in just about any rig. - 9
Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff Reissue
Starting at $49.46Sporting the same iconic circuitry that made its larger predecessor famous but housed in a compact chassis, the Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff captures all the legendary fuzz tone while saving space on your board. Built with high gain and designed for maximum sustain, this effect is an ideal choice for anyone looking to get into the world of Muffs while saving some cash. - 10
Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
Starting at $180A legend in the annals of Boss pedals, the HM-2 Heavy Metal is, obviously enough, a pedal intended for those who play heavy metal music. For a lot of players in the heavy realm, the appeal of the HM-2 has a lot to do with the insane amount of boost and tone-shaping this pedal provides. Its unique character has spawned several imitators and landed the HM-2 a place in the signal chain as a who's who of extreme metal players. - 11
Xotic SL Drive Distortion
Starting at $84The Xotic SL Drive is based on the iconic Marshall Model 1959, giving the feel of having a 50W head powering your amp. This little pedal can emulate the tonal response of both the Super Lead and the Super Bass, selectable via an internal switch. - 12
MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion
Starting at $57.07As part of the Custom Badass line, the MXR Super Badass Distortion has the same reliable components typical of the series. This Super Badass pedal boasts completely analog distortion that is dynamic and sensitive, and can bring you a wide variety of tones from low-gain overdrive to heavy, scooped metal distortion perfect for singing along. - 13
Boss ML-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal
Starting at $74The Boss ML-2 Metal Core aims to codify the tones used in Nu Metal, Grindcore, Djent and Industrial recordings. It offers extremely high levels of gain and distortion with heavy lows. - 14
Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion
Starting at $45Combining their flagship distortion and overdrive pedals into one box the Boss OS-2 allows you to blend a parallel signal between a distortion and an overdrive for a complex variety of tones. This pedal is great for adding some clarity to your lead tone by blending in some overdrive, or add girth to your rhythm by thickening up your tone with some underlaying distortion. - 15
EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold Power Amp Distortion V2
Starting at $96.37 - 16
MXR M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion
Starting at $50The MXR Custom Badass '78 Distortion is factory-modded overdrive with a hot-rodded circuit to provide classic rock distortion regardless of what kind of amp you are using. - 17
Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret MKIII
Starting at $125Built as the foundation for your sound, the Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret MKIII is the company's "always on" pedal. The answer for anyone in search of classic Marshall tones, the MKIII adds a switch for toggling between Super Lead and Super Bass modes, offering highly tweakable overdrive, clean boost and distortion ideal for rock, blues, metal and anything in between. - 18
Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Distortion with Top Boost
Starting at $44.39Built with the classic Big Muff circuitry and designed for the most extreme of playing, the Metal Muff Distortion with Top Boost capable of the most aggressive effects demanded in metal. In addition to an onboard three-band EQ for "scooping the mids," the Metal Muff also features a Top Boost control for increasing specific high frequencies for searing leads. - 19
Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion Pedal
Starting at $49Built for the aggressive sonic demands of modern metal, the Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion serves up heavy, bass-focused distortion through a dual-stage circuit and tweakable Gain Boost. The character of the effect is sculpted through Tone and Bottom controls for the ideal metal, hard rock, or hardcore tone. - 20
TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion Pedal
Starting at $40For distortion as versatile as the universe is wide, look no further than the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion. Great for all manner of distortion, this true-bypass TC Electronic pedal can cover classic crunch and full-on high-gain metal distortion tones alike.
What to Consider When Buying a Distortion Pedal
Overdrive or Fuzz or Distortion?
First and foremost: Do you actually need a distortion, or will a fuzz or an overdrive with a wide gain spectrum suit your needs? If your aim is adding more “crunch” or tube-like warmth to your setup, a Tube Screamer or Big Muff is in order: if you want that instant gain-fueled sear, then you’re in the market for a distortion.
EQ Section
The simplicity and ease of use of a three-knob operation like the RAT or Walrus Audio Iron Horse make for streamlined operation, but some tone chasers want more shaping options in their distortion. Enter the EQ. This will be invaluable for players after that classic mid-scooped sound used by legends like Kirk Hammett and for dialing in your own signature sound.
Analog or Digital
As with most areas in the gear world, analog holds a place of respect as the warmer, more “organic” option. These pedals, like the ProCo RAT or EarthQuaker Devices Palisades, give you that injection of gain by overdriving chips and/or transistors to achieve the shriek and snarl we associate with distortion. However, recent technology like Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and improved algorithms have made digital options like the Strymon Sunset and Positive Grid BIAS increasingly popular choices.
