The Best Overdrive Pedals on Reverb
The most popular overdrive pedals on Reverb, updated daily.
If there's a single effect that most players would pick as their desert island pedal, it would be an overdrive. The numbers back up that assertion: it's the most popular effect category on Reverb and one of the most versatile effects on the market. All the grit, character, and color of your rig can completely change with the twist of a tone knob, volume bump, and even placement in the effects chain.
From the organic tube grit of the Fulltone OCD Transparent Overdrive to the gain-fueled power of the iconic Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer, the most in-demand and best overdrive pedals on Reverb are all right here, ready to be added to your board.
The list below updates daily and reflects the most popular overdrive 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 overdrive for your rig.
- 1
Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
Starting at $65For just a touch of dirt and push, the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver has been a perennial favorite for both bedroom players and celebrities such as John Mayer and Brad Paisley. Falling somewhere between your amp's natural clean tone and the mid-soaked scream of an Ibanez TS-9, the Blues Driver hits the sweet spot of articulation and grit. - 2
EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder
Starting at $75Though modeled off of Ibanez's classic Tube Screamer, the EQD Plumes is not merely a clone. Instead of using an IC op-amp in the circuit, EQD replaces it with what it calls a "low-noise JFET op-amp for a more robust and precise signal, with a significantly lower noise floor." So whether you crank it or use the pedal at more modest gain levels, you’ll keep extraneous noise to a minimum. A 3-way toggle lets you choose between clipping options for either a more compressed or more transparent sound. While the Tone knob lets you add bass or high-end without losing mids. - 3
ProCo RAT 2 Distortion
Starting at $54The 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. - 4
Greer Lightspeed Organic Overdrive
Starting at $195Sporting a streamlined three-knob interface with highly reactive parameters to your playing that retain the natural sound of your guitar with a velvety clipping profile, the Greer Lightspeed Organic Overdrive infuses a rig with rich tonality that sounds like an extension of the existing setup. Built to provide a low- to mid-gain oompf to your sound with the added option of functioning as a completely transparent boost, this effect is a vied-for staple on a blues, country, or rock pedalboard. - 5
Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive
Starting at $40Debuting in 1981, the Boss SD-1 is the second longest running Boss pedal and a pioneer in the world of compact overdrives. Even today, people still use it as an alternative to a Tube Screamer. Why pay $200 for a boutique overdrive when you can dial in the right amount of crunch and dirt for less with time-tested, original overdrive circuitry? - 6
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Reissue
Starting at $69.99Before there was a Klon, before there was an explosion of boutique overdrives, there was the Ibanez Tube Screamer. Its subtle, mid-boosted sound changed the way guitarists thought about their place in the sonic spectrum and spurred a wave of imitators. Today, it remains one of the most popular and borderline requisite items on any pedalboard. - 7
JHS Morning Glory V4
Starting at $139Featuring double the headroom as the previous model, a new boost mode incorporated into the gain toggle and a tap switch input for essentially serving up two pedals in one on the fly, the JHS Morning Glory V4 brings even more gain-laden sparkly goodness than ever before. Still able to dial in that perfect transparent overdrive in a wide range of gain from bluesy warmth to screaming breakup, this flagship of JHS retains its place as the centerpiece firework on any board. - 8
Xotic EP Booster
Starting at $74An Xotic EP Booster added to your effects chain is like ripping a wet blanket off of your tone. This little transparent FET preamp naturally enhances the sound of your guitar and amp with a drive that replicates the pre-amp on a vintage Echoplex tape delay. - 9
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal Shredder
Starting at $85 - 10
Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
Starting at $49The Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini combines the all-time classic tone of the Tube Screamer with convenience of a bite-sized stompbox. For decades players like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Trey Anastasio have built their overdriven sound on the Tube Screamer circuit, and the Mini delivers that exact growl and bite in a format that will fit into any board. Add one to your rig and see what generations of guitarists have relied on pedals like the TS-9 and TS-808 to bring out the very best flavor of their guitars and amps. - 11
MXR CSP039 Duke of Tone Overdrive
Starting at $124.99 - 12
Wampler Tumnus Overdrive Pedal
Starting at $119Conceived with an easy-to-use three-knob interface, ultra-compact chassis for saving pedalboard space, and fine-tuned overdrive circuit designed to give mythical tone, the Wampler Tumnus Overdrive Pedal captures one of the most beloved sound the guitar world in the smallest of packages. Providing an immensely organic break-up reminiscent of classic tweed amps, the Tumnus easily holds down the fort on its own, but also plays nicely when stacked with existing overdrive or boosts as an additional tool in your sonic arsenal. Whether you're looking for a new workhorse or just want to augment your current setup, this tiny titan's fierce character is a welcome addition to any set-up. - 13
Benson Amps Preamp Pedal
Starting at $170Bringing together features like the organic warmth of onboard vacuum tubes, hand-wired construction, and streamlined gain/volume/two-band EQ interface that affords a surprising wealth of tonal versatility, the Benson Preamp Overdrive/Distortion is a do-it-all dirt box that adds premium grit to your rig. Built with a circuit based on Benson's much-loved Chimera 30W amp endorsed by players like Ryan Adams, the Preamp is marked by its effortless ability to dial in pristine boost, bluesy overdrive, and even toe the line of throwback fuzz and distortion. A no-nonsense approach to a staple effect using the finest ingredients. - 14
Fulltone OCD V1 Series 4
Starting at $110One of the most popular overdrive pedals in the world, the Fulltone OCD pedal is well known for enhancing the natural tones of your guitar and amp while adding a healthy dose of classic grit. The Fulltone OCD began an era of boutique overdrive pedal building, and is an inexpensive addition to any pedalboard. For a slight wicked sparkle or as extra muscle to a stacked chain, the Fulltone OCD is a must-have.
The "Series 4" OCD actually encompasses versions 1.4 - 1.7, as determined by the serial number (after about serial number 16,061 for 1.4) or written inside the housing for versions 1.6 and 1.7. All "Series 4" pedals have arrows around the knobs, and contain minimal circuit adjustments from version to version. The Series 4 OCD was replaced by the OCD V2 in 2018. - 15
Boss BD-2W Blues Driver Waza Craft
Starting at $107The Boss BD-2W Blues Driver Waza Craft takes the overdrive game and throws a new rulebook in its face. The Custom mode adds a beefy low-end and increased sustain ideal for blues, stoner rock and metal. - 16
MXR EVH5150 5150 Overdrive
Starting at $127Want to get the classic Eddie Van Halen drive sound? You know the one. If so, check out the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive. It was created as a collaboration between MXR and EVH himself to deliver a totally saturated overdrive that sounds just like the Blue Channel on an EVH 5153 amp. Output, Gain, 3-band EQ, and a Boost switch give you complete control over your sound and a super smart noise gate tames unwanted noise. Pick up the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive and you'll be Runnin' With The Devil in no time. - 17
Wampler Tumnus Deluxe Transparent Overdrive
Starting at $120Sporting the same transparent circuit with expanded controls like a nuanced three-band EQ and two-way switch for kicking in extra gain, the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe is a do-it-all boost/overdrive packed with legendary tone. Able to instantly push your tone to that sweet organic amp roar right before breakup, this versatile effect keeps your rig's natural tone with plenty of room to tweak. - 18
Browne Amplification Protein Dual Overdrive V3
Starting at $255 - 19
Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Overdrive
Starting at $50The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food pedal seeks to mimic the classic Klon Centaur tone and succeeds in fooling most ears. The real value, however, is recognized by discerning listeners who appreciate the original and satisfying sonic territory that the EHX Soul Food overdrive provides in the spaces where it differs from the Klon. - 20
JHS Bonsai Overdrive
Starting at $145Billed by company founder Josh Scott as "a study in the Tube Screamer," the JHS Bonsai Overdrive houses nine painstakingly recreated classic OD circuits in one pedal for decades of searing tone in a single compact pedal. Built to the exact specifications of vintage models owned by Josh himself, the Bonsai starts with monoliths like the original TS-808 and TS9 and goes through decades of tonal evolution with surprise options like a Polish Exar OD1 as well as Keeley and JHS fan-favorite modifications. A garden of wonder for any overdrive fanatic.
What to Consider When Buying an Overdrive Pedal
Boost vs. Overdrive vs. Distortion
If you're new to the world of overdrive, differentiating between boost, overdrive, and distortion can be a bit tricky. But there a few key, easy-to-remember points to keep them sorted:
- A boost pedal, as the name implies, is intended to simply give a boost to your volume level without coloring your tone.
- An overdrive pedal, meanwhile, encompasses a world of pedals but at their core, they're meant to add to your signal and imitate a tube amp at the point of breakup.
- A distortion pedal drenches your sound in gain for a high-decibel shriek.
EQ or No EQ?
You'll notice that some overdrives come with added knobs for high, mid, and low (or just high and low), allowing you to sculpt frequencies on the overdrive. If you have a few overdrives/boosts in your chain and are looking for a few fine-tuned flavors on tap, this can be clutch. If you just want to turn on a pedal and get a crunchier sound, they're not necessary.