Top Distortion Pedal Brands That Rock Your Sound

If you're a guitarist looking to add some grit and energy to your sound, selecting the right distortion pedal is essential. With numerous brands available, each offering their own unique take on the classic distortion effect, choosing the perfect pedal can be overwhelming. From the time-tested classics to innovative newcomers, the landscape of distortion pedals has something to suit every musician's style and preference. To guide you in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best brands in the industry, showcasing their standout models and features below.

Illustration of distortion pedal

Best brands of distortion pedal in 2025

Boss

BOSS is renowned as one of the best producers of distortion pedals, particularly with the iconic DS-1 Distortion pedal, which was introduced in 1978 and has since become the best-selling compact pedal with over 1.5 million units sold. The DS-1 revolutionized the guitar world by bringing tight, aggressive high-gain tones, making it a favorite among top guitarists. It has remained a staple in the BOSS lineup since its debut. The DS-1's impact is evident in its enduring popularity, with distortion pedals holding the largest market share in the guitar pedals market. This preference is driven by professional guitarists who value the specific sound and simplicity of single-effect pedals like the DS-1.

Electro-Harmonix

Electro-Harmonix is a renowned brand in the guitar pedals market, particularly celebrated for its innovative and iconic distortion pedals. Since its inception in the late 1960s, Electro-Harmonix has been a driving force in the industry, with legendary pedals like the Big Muff and the Memory Man. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its wide range of distortion pedals, from subtle overdrives to intense fuzzes, catering to various musical styles and preferences. Electro-Harmonix continues to push boundaries in pedal technology, contributing significantly to the market's growth, which is projected to reach USD 5.43 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 3.6%. Their pedals are favored by both professional musicians and amateurs, reflecting the brand's enduring impact on the music industry.

MXR

MXR is renowned as one of the top producers of distortion pedals, with a history of innovation and quality that dates back to the 1970s. The MXR Distortion +, released in 1974, has been a favorite among legendary musicians such as Randy Rhoads and Jerry Garcia. The brand's Badass series, launched in 2011, has also garnered significant acclaim for its versatile and high-quality overdrives and distortions. MXR's pedals are known for their durability and small footprint, addressing the reliability issues common in earlier effects pedals. With continuous releases like the M249 Super Badass Dynamic Overdrive, MXR maintains its position as a leader in the guitar pedals market.

Pro Co

Pro Co is renowned as one of the best producers of distortion pedals, particularly with their iconic The RAT model, which has become the 8th best-selling guitar pedal of all time since its introduction in 1978. This pedal is highly favored by professional guitarists for its distinctive, organic tone and versatility. The Pro Co RAT has undergone several variations, including the Turbo RAT and the You Dirty RAT, catering to a wide range of musical preferences. The market for guitar pedals, including those from Pro Co, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2031, with distortion pedals holding a significant market share. The Pro Co RAT's enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional sound effects.

Fulltone

Fulltone is renowned as one of the best producers of distortion pedals, particularly with their highly acclaimed OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Drive) pedal, which has garnered a significant following among professional guitarists. The OCD pedal is known for its versatile and dynamic sound, making it a favorite among musicians seeking a wide range of tonal possibilities. In the guitar pedals market, distortion pedals like those from Fulltone hold a substantial market share, with distortion pedals being preferred by most professional guitarists due to their ability to create a variety of sounds. The global guitar pedals market, which includes brands like Fulltone, is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.6% to 5.6% from 2023 to 2031, driven by increasing demand for high-quality effects pedals. Fulltone's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as a leader in the guitar effects industry.

TC Electronic

TC Electronic, founded in 1976, is renowned as one of the best producers of distortion pedals, offering a wide range of high-quality guitar and bass effects pedals. Their products are highly regarded for their innovative technology and superior sound quality, catering to both professional musicians and amateurs. The company's commitment to excellence has contributed significantly to the growth of the guitar pedals market, which is projected to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 4.2%. TC Electronic's products are part of a market driven by increasing popularity of electric guitars and the growing music industry, with North America being a major region for guitar pedal sales. Their distortion pedals are particularly popular among musicians seeking to enhance their sound with effects like overdrive and fuzz. Discover more about their high-quality guitar and bass effects pedals.

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals is renowned for its innovative and high-quality distortion pedals, exemplified by the Hard Drive, which is the company's first original modern distortion pedal developed over eight years. This pedal features cascaded gain stages, a hard limiting circuit, and a class AB amplifier section, making it a standout in the market. The Hard Drive was a passion project of Cliff Smith, JHS's former head engineer, and it honors his legacy. JHS Pedals has a significant impact on the guitar pedals market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2022 to 2029. The brand's influence, such as the "JHS effect," can significantly increase the demand and prices of featured pedals.

EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuaker Devices is renowned as one of the top producers of distortion pedals, catering to a diverse range of musicians from Paul Simon to The Strokes. Founded by Jamie Stillman, the company has established itself as a global brand, exporting to over 50 countries and earning the title of Ohio's Small Business Administration Exporter of the Year. Their pedals are highly regarded for their quality and innovative sound design, with products like the Life Pedal selling out in less than five hours. The company's focus on single-effect pedals aligns with the market trend, where single-effect pedals held 57.43% of the total guitar pedals market in 2021. EarthQuaker Devices' commitment to product innovation and smart marketing has made their pedals a staple in the industry.

Wampler

Wampler Pedals, a renowned brand in the guitar effects industry, is highly acclaimed for its high-quality distortion pedals. Founded by Brian Wampler, the company has been a staple in the market since 2004, known for its meticulous attention to detail and innovative designs. Wampler pedals are favored by both professional and amateur musicians, contributing to the market's growth, which is expected to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 4.2%. The brand's commitment to excellence has made it a major player, alongside other industry leaders like Roland Corporation and Kemper GmbH. Wampler's products are available through various distribution channels, including online and offline retail, catering to a wide range of musical needs.

Keeley Electronics

Keeley Electronics is renowned as one of the best producers of distortion pedals, with over 20 years of experience in inventing, making, and modding unique guitar effects. Founded by Robert Keeley in 2001, the company has gained a reputation for high-quality and highly musical effects, including legendary products like the Keeley Compressor and the Super Phat Mod overdrive. Keeley Electronics has revolutionized their production process with cutting-edge surface mount technology equipment from Manncorp, enabling them to produce pedals with speed and accuracy, placing over 40,000 SMT chips per hour. Their commitment to innovation has earned them awards such as the Premier Gear Award in December. With a wide range of effects including distortion, fuzz, and modulation, Keeley Electronics continues to inspire guitar players worldwide. For more information, visit their official website.