[2025 Latest Edition!] 5 Recommended Distortion Pedals!

Distortion pedals are characterized by their powerful, intense distorted sound. It is probably one of the most indispensable pieces of gear for electric guitar players. A distortion pedal makes its presence felt in various applications such as power chords, riffs, and guitar solos.
In this article, I would like to introduce five great distortion pedals! Please read until the end!

BOSS / DS-1 Distortion Pedal

This is the DS-1 distortion pedal, which is a BOSS classic! This is the exact classic distortion pedal that’s been used by numerous guitarists since its debut in 1978 as the first distortion pedal in the BOSS series. From mild overdrive to sharp distortion, this pedal covers a wide range of sounds with a sense of security. It is also recommended as a first pedal!

↓Check out the sound in the video!

PROCO / RAT2 Distortion

The RAT2 distortion pedal has long been a popular standard model. This one is also well known for being Jeff Beck’s favorite pedal. One of the main attractions of this pedal is that it produces a distortion with a great punch without being buried in the band. This pedal is also unique because it can be used as a metallic effect pedal when the gain is increased and as a booster crunch pedal when the gain is decreased!

↓Check out the sound in the video!

Suhr / Riot Distortion

This compact distortion pedal has a deep, three-dimensional distortion sound that sounds as if the volume of a large stack amp were turned up all the way! The amount of distortion follows the intensity of your picking, allowing you to control everything from crunch to distortion sounds at your fingertips! The three-stage switch allows you to choose between a germanium diode, silicon diode, and LED diode for different types of sounds!

↓Check out the sound in the video!

TC Electronic / DarkMatter Distortion

This is a distortion pedal from TC Electronic! TC Electronic may have a strong image of tuners and spatial pedals, but their distortion pedals are also good! This distortion pedal has a wide range of distortion sounds while upholding the original sound of the guitar, and the BASS and TREBLE knobs allow you to create subtle and independent sounds! The VOICE switch allows you to instantly switch between an energetic modern sound and an authentic vintage sound. The affordable price is also one of the main attractions! This is an effect pedal that proves that TC Electronic can produce great distortion pedals.

↓Check out the sound in the video!

Behringer / UM300 Ultra Metal Distortion

Last but not least is Behringer’s compact distortion pedal! It has a fat tube-like distortion sound! You can enjoy the ultimate heavy metal and hard rock distortion sound! It is equipped with high, mid, mid frequency, and low EQs, allowing you to adjust the sound in a wide range. And what’s more, the overwhelming low price cannot be overlooked! If you are looking for a good distortion pedal or just want to use it for fun, this is the perfect pedal for you!

↓Check out the sound in the video!

I hope you enjoyed these five pedals! Many other distortion pedals are available for purchase at Sound House. Please take a look at our product pages.

（2023-12-28 published 2025-01-22 updated）