Guitar enthusiasts understand the incredible difference a boost pedal can make to their performances, altering and enhancing the sound of their music.
If you’re on a quest to discover the ideal boost pedal to amplify your sonic wizardry, your search might seem overwhelming.
But fear not, I’m here to guide you on this journey with my picks for the 20 best boost pedals currently available in the market.
Many factors come into play when choosing the right boost pedal – clarity, additional gain, amplifier compatibility, and even budget constraints.
Through extensive research and first-hand usage, I have curated this list to give you an all-encompassing vision of your desired equipment’s landscape.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player looking for that added oomph in your setup, these suggestions will help you make an informed decision backed by thorough understanding.
20 Best Boost Pedals
Boost pedals are a staple in the arsenal of every guitarist. These little devices can elevate your tone, boost your solos, and give you that extra punch when you need it the most.
With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
That’s why I’ve curated a list of some of the top boost pedals that combine functionality, build quality, and exceptional sound quality.
Xotic EP Booster
The Xotic EP Booster is a classic boost pedal that is often praised for its warm and transparent tone.
This pedal is designed to replicate the preamp stage of the legendary Echoplex EP-3 tape echo unit, known for its organic and dynamic sound.
With a simple layout consisting of a single knob for adjusting the level, this pedal is incredibly easy to use.
Whether you’re looking to add some extra sparkle to your clean tones or push your amp into smooth overdrive, the Xotic EP Booster delivers.
Key Features:
- Replicates the preamp stage of the Echoplex EP-3 tape echo unit.
- Adds warmth and transparency to your tone.
- Simple one-knob design for easy operation.
- True bypass switching for preserving your signal integrity.
TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster
The TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster is a compact and versatile boost pedal that offers up to 20dB of clean boost.
With its simple control layout featuring a single-level knob, this pedal allows you to dial in just the right amount of boost for your needs.
Whether you want to kick up your solos or add more punch to your rhythm playing, the Spark Mini Booster has you covered.
Key Features:
- Provides up to 20dB of clean boost.
- Simple level knob for easy adjustment.
- The compact size fits well on any pedalboard.
- True bypass circuitry ensures no signal degradation when not in use.
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Dunlop MXR Micro Amp M-133
The Dunlop MXR Micro Amp M-133 is a tried-and-true boost pedal that guitarists have loved for decades.
With its straightforward design featuring a single gain control, this pedal can add up to +26dB of gain without altering your tone.
Whether you want a subtle volume boost or want to push your amp into sweet overdrive territory, the MXR Micro Amp has the versatility to deliver.
Key Features:
- Adds up to +26dB of gain without coloring your tone.
- Single gain control for easy operation.
- Robust build quality ensures durability.
- True bypass switching for maintaining your signal integrity.
TC Electronic Spark Booster
The TC Electronic Spark Booster is a powerful boost pedal that offers up to 26dB of boost.
With its versatile control options, including level, bass, treble, and gain controls, this pedal allows you to shape your tone and add presence to your playing.
Whether you need a clean volume boost or want to push your amp into saturated overdrive, the Spark Booster can deliver the goods.
Key Features:
- Provides up to 26dB of boost.
- Versatile control options for shaping your tone.
- The compact size fits well on any pedalboard.
- True bypass circuitry maintains signal integrity when not in use.
Keeley Katana Mini Clean Boost Pedal
The Keeley Katana Mini Clean Boost Pedal is a compact and transparent boost pedal that is perfect for adding some extra volume and clarity to your guitar signal.
With its simple single-knob design, it couldn’t be easier to use. Whether you’re looking for a subtle volume boost or want to push your amp into natural overdrive territory, the Katana-Mini has the flexibility to meet your needs.
Key Features:
- Transparent and clean boost with no coloration of tone.
- Simple single-knob design for quick adjustment.
- The compact size fits well on any pedalboard.
- True bypass switching preserves your signal when the pedal is off.
Electro-Harmonix LPB-1
The Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 is a legendary boost pedal that has been a staple on many guitarists’ pedalboards for decades.
This simple yet effective pedal provides up to 26dB of clean boost, helping you cut through the mix and add some extra punch to your solos.
Key Features:
- Provides up to 26dB of clean boost.
- Simple and compact design.
- True bypass switching for maintaining the integrity of your signal when the pedal is off.
The LPB-1 is known for its transparent sound quality, allowing your guitar’s natural tone to shine through while giving it that extra push.
Its small footprint also makes it ideal for cramped pedalboards, ensuring you can fit it in without sacrificing too much space.
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Dunlop MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver
The Dunlop MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver is a versatile boost pedal that offers both clean boost and line driver functionality.
It features a simple control layout with a gain knob, allowing you to dial in the desired amount of boost or line driver level with ease.
Key Features:
- Offers both clean boost and line driver functionality.
- Provides up to +20dB of gain.
- True bypass switching for maintaining signal integrity.
- Rugged construction for durability.
The MC401 is designed to provide plenty of headroom, allowing you to push your amp into natural tube overdrive without sacrificing clarity or tone.
Its line driver function also makes it an excellent tool for driving long cable runs or compensating for signal loss in your rig.
Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel Boost Pedal
The Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel Boost Pedal is a unique and innovative boost pedal that combines two separate boosts in parallel, allowing you to stack them together or use them individually.
This gives you ultimate flexibility in shaping your tone and adding the desired amount of boost.
Key Features:
- Two separate boosts that can be used in parallel or individually.
- Provides up to +20dB of clean boost.
- Blend control for adjusting the mix between the two boosts.
- True bypass switching for preserving your signal integrity.
The Emissary is not only capable of providing a simple volume boost but also acts as a tone-sculpting tool.
The ability to blend the two boosts allows you to shape your sound by adding more midrange, treble, or bass as needed.
This pedal is a fantastic choice for guitarists who crave versatility and tonal control.
Fender Engager Boost Pedal
The Fender Engager Boost Pedal is a versatile and feature-rich boost pedal that caters to guitarists’ specific needs.
With up to 20dB of boost available, this pedal can help you cut through the mix with clarity and presence.
Key Features:
- Offers up to 20dB of boost.
- Three-band EQ for precise tone shaping.
- Medium and high-gain modes for added flexibility.
- LED-backlit knobs for easy visibility on dark stages.
The Engager features a three-band EQ, allowing you to finely sculpt your tone by adjusting the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.
This pedal also offers two distinct gain modes: medium gain for rhythm playing and high gain for soloing or pushing your amp into overdrive.
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Xotic RC Booster
The Xotic RC Booster is a highly regarded boost pedal known for its transparent and dynamic tone.
It offers up to +20dB of clean boost and features versatile EQ controls that allow you to shape your sound precisely.
Key Features:
- Provides up to +20dB of clean boost.
- Treble and bass controls for tone shaping.
- Unique internal dip switches for EQ options.
- True bypass switching for maintaining your signal integrity.
The RC Booster excels at preserving the natural character of your guitar and amp while enhancing the overall presence and dynamics.
The treble and bass controls allow you to fine-tune your tone to suit any playing style or musical genre.
For those seeking a boost pedal that adds to their tone without coloring it, the Xotic RC Booster is an excellent choice.
Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive
The Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive is a versatile boost pedal that offers both clean boost and overdrive capabilities.
This pedal features a unique “clean” control that blends a clean signal with the overdriven signal, allowing guitarists to achieve a wide range of tones.
With its simple layout consisting of drive, tone, and volume controls, this pedal is easy to use and offers plenty of flexibility.
Key Features:
- Blend control for adjusting the mix between clean and overdriven signals.
- Drive, tone, and volume controls for shaping your tone.
- True bypass switching for maintaining signal integrity when the pedal is off.
- Versatile range of tones from subtle boosts to full-on overdrive.
Suhr Koko Boost
The Suhr Koko Boost is designed to provide transparent signal boosting without coloring your tone.
This pedal features two distinct modes: high-gain mode for driving the front end of your amp or boosting solos, and transparent mode for adding clarity and definition to your sound.
With its responsive EQ controls and gain knob, you can dial in just the right amount of boost for your needs.
Key Features:
- Two distinct modes: high-gain mode and transparent mode.
- EQ controls for adjusting your tone.
- Gain a knob for adjusting the amount of boost.
- True bypass switching ensures no signal degradation when not in use.
Wampler dB+
The Wampler dB+ is a compact yet powerful boost pedal that offers up to 20dB of clean boost.
This pedal features a three-band EQ with Bass, Middle, and Treble controls that allow you to sculpt your tone precisely.
With its built-in buffer circuitry, this pedal ensures that your signal remains clear and free from any unwanted noise or interference.
Key Features:
- Up to 20dB of clean boost.
- Three-band EQ with Bass, Middle, and Treble controls for tone shaping.
- Built-in buffer circuitry for maintaining signal integrity.
- Compact and pedalboard-friendly design.
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Wampler Pedals
Wampler Pedals is a renowned brand known for producing high-quality boost pedals that are loved by guitarists worldwide.
Their range of boost pedals offers different features and tones to suit various playing styles.
Wampler Pedals prides itself on using top-notch components and craftsmanship to ensure the best possible sound quality.
Whether you’re looking for a simple clean boost or a versatile overdrive, Wampler Pedals has something to offer.
Key Features:
- Wide range of boost pedals to choose from, catering to different needs and preferences.
- High-quality components and craftsmanship for superior sound quality.
- Options are available for both clean boosts and overdrive.
- Durable build quality ensures reliability on stage or in the studio.
Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal
The Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal is designed to provide a dynamic and transparent boost with plenty of headroom.
This pedal features a wide gain range with a three-band EQ that allows you to shape your tone precisely.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle volume boost or want to push your amp into rich overdrive, the Buxom Boost delivers with its versatile controls and powerful sound.
Key Features:
- Dynamic and transparent boost with plenty of headroom.
- The wide gain range for various applications.
- Three-band EQ for precise tone shaping.
- True bypass switching for maintaining signal integrity when not in use.
Teisco Boost Pedal
The Teisco Boost Pedal is an incredibly versatile and compact boost pedal that offers a wide range of tone-shaping options.
With its powerful EQ controls, this pedal allows you to dial in the perfect boost for your guitar sound.
Whether you’re looking for a clean volume boost, a mid-range punch, or a treble boost for solos, the Teisco Boost has got you covered.
Key Features:
- Powerful EQ controls for shaping your tone.
- Clean volume boost for adding presence to your sound.
- The compact size fits well on any pedalboard.
- True bypass switching ensures no signal degradation.
The Teisco Boost Pedal features three knobs that control Level, Boost, and EQ.
The Level knob adjusts the output volume of the pedal, allowing you to match it with your desired signal level.
The Boost knob controls the amount of gain applied to your signal, giving you the ability to push your amp into overdrive or create a more saturated tone.
Where the Teisco Boost truly shines is in its EQ controls. It features a three-band EQ with individual Bass, Mid, and Treble knobs.
This allows you to shape your tone exactly how you want it. Whether you’re looking to add more body to your sound with increased bass frequencies or want to cut through the mix with a treble boost, the Teisco Boost gives you full control.
The compact size of this pedal makes it easy to fit on any pedalboard without taking up too much space.
Its rugged build quality ensures durability and reliability on stage or in the studio.
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MXR CSP027 Timmy Overdrive Pedal
The MXR CSP027 Timmy Overdrive Pedal is an exceptional overdrive pedal designed by Paul Cochrane.
Its transparent and organic tone makes it a favorite among many guitarists.
With its simple control layout, this pedal is easy to use and allows you to dial in the perfect amount of overdrive.
Key Features:
- Transparent and organic overdrive tone.
- Simple control layout for easy operation.
- True bypass switching for preserving your signal integrity.
The MXR Timmy Overdrive Pedal features three knobs that control Gain, Volume, and Treble.
The Gain knob adjusts the amount of overdrive applied to your signal, allowing you to go from a mild crunch to full-on distortion.
The Volume knob controls the output level of the pedal, while the Treble knob adds or cuts high frequencies from your tone.
What sets the MXR Timmy apart from other overdrive pedals is its transparency.
It doesn’t color your tone or add any unwanted artifacts. Instead, it enhances what is already there with a smooth and natural breakup.
This makes it suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres.
The true bypass switching ensures that when the pedal is not engaged, your signal remains unaltered and unaffected.
With its straightforward design and exceptional tone quality, the MXR CSP027 Timmy Overdrive Pedal is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a versatile overdrive pedal that won’t compromise your original guitar sound.
Chase Bliss Audio Condor Analog EQ/Pre/Filter
The Chase Bliss Audio Condor Analog EQ/Pre/Filter stands out as one of the most unique pedals on the market today.
As its name suggests, it offers not only EQ capabilities but also preamp functionality and filter effects.
With its extensive control options and innovative design, this pedal opens up a world of sonic possibilities.
Key Features:
- Combines EQ, preamp, and filter functionalities.
- Extensive control options allow for precise tone shaping.
- High-quality analog circuitry ensures top-notch sound quality.
The Condor Analog EQ/Pre/Filter features a three-band EQ with individual Bass, Mid, and Treble controls.
These controls allow you to shape your tone according to your preferences.
The preamp section provides gain and coloration options, allowing you to add warmth or grit to your sound.
What sets this pedal apart is its filter section. It features a resonant low-pass filter that can be controlled via expression pedals or MIDI, opening up a world of creative possibilities.
From smooth and subtle sweeps to more pronounced filter effects, the Chase Bliss Audio Condor can add a new dimension to your playing.
The pedal also offers digital control over analog circuitry, allowing you to save presets and recall them at any time.
This is particularly useful for live performances or when experimenting with different sounds in the studio.
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MXR M293 Booster Mini Pedal
The MXR M293 Booster Mini Pedal is a compact yet powerful boost pedal that provides up to 20dB of clean boost.
Despite its small size, this pedal delivers excellent sound quality and reliable performance.
Key Features:
- Provides up to 20dB of clean boost.
- The compact size fits well on any pedalboard.
- True bypass switching preserves your signal integrity.
The MXR M293 features a single Level control knob that allows you to adjust the amount of boost applied to your signal.
Whether you need a subtle volume increase during solos or want to push your amp into natural overdrive territory, this pedal has got you covered.
Despite its small footprint, the MXR M293 retains the renowned build quality that MXR pedals are known for.
Its rugged enclosure ensures durability for gigging musicians and traveling players alike.
With its simplicity and reliability, the MXR M293 Booster Mini Pedal is a great choice for guitarists seeking a compact and effective boost pedal for their pedalboard.
MOOER Pure Boost
The MOOER Pure Boost is a compact boost pedal that delivers a clean and transparent volume boost.
With its simple yet effective design, this pedal is perfect for adding presence to your tone without altering the original sound of your guitar.
Key Features:
- Provides a clean and transparent volume boost.
- The compact size is perfect for any pedalboard.
- True bypass switching ensures signal integrity.
The MOOER Pure Boost features a single Gain control knob that allows you to adjust the amount of boost applied to your signal.
Whether you need a subtle volume increase or want to punch through the mix during solos, this pedal allows you to dial in just the right amount of boost.
Despite its small size, the MOOER Pure Boost offers professional-grade sound quality.
Its solid construction ensures durability, making it suitable for both studio use and live performances.
If you’re looking for a straightforward and reliable boost pedal that delivers a clean and transparent volume increase, the MOOER Pure Boost
FAQs About Boost Pedals
What does a boost pedal do?
A boost pedal increases the volume of your guitar signal without altering the tone, making your solos and riffs more present and cutting through the mix.
How is a boost pedal different from an overdrive or distortion pedal?
While overdrive and distortion pedals add saturation and distortion to your tone, a boost pedal simply increases the volume without altering the character or color of your sound.
Can a boost pedal be used with other effects pedals?
Yes, absolutely! Boost pedals work well in conjunction with other effects pedals as they can enhance the overall impact of your sound and help cut through in different playing scenarios.
How much boost do I need?
The amount of boost you need depends on your specific requirements and playing style. Some pedals offer up to 20dB of clean boost, while others can provide up to 26dB or more. Consider factors like amp headroom and desired level increase to determine the right amount for you.
Do I need a boost pedal if my amp already has a built-in gain control?
Having a dedicated boost pedal offers additional flexibility and control over your tone. It allows for precise adjustment of the volume level whenever needed, regardless of whether your amp has its built-in gain control or not.
Conclusion
Boost pedals are a valuable tool for guitarists looking to enhance their tone and add extra punch to their playing.
From classic designs like the Xotic EP Booster and Dunlop MXR Micro Amp M-133 to innovative options like the TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster and Keeley Katana Mini Clean Boost Pedal, there is a wide range of options available.
Whether you’re seeking a clean volume boost or want to push your amp into overdrive, these pedals deliver versatility, clarity, and excellent build quality.
Choose the best boost pedal that suits your needs and elevate your guitar playing to new heights.
