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New to this? Read how to build a pedalboard first for the basics, then use the picks below.
The best multi effects pedal for most guitarists is the Line 6 POD Go, because it gives you Helix-quality amps, effects, IR loading and a USB interface for about $600. Beginners on a budget should start with the Zoom G1X Four or Valeton GP-5, both under $120. Pros who want a compact board-friendly unit should pick the HX Stomp.
A multi-effects pedal puts amps, cabinets, drives, modulation, delay, reverb and a tuner into one box. Today’s units use the same modeling technology we explain in our guitar amp modeling guide, so even budget models can sound like a real rig.
To find the best multi effects pedal for each type of player, I’ve picked seven current units from about $80 to over $1,000. Each pick shows who it’s for and who should skip it. If you only need an amp sound for an existing pedalboard, see the best amp modeler pedals instead. If you’re comparing capture formats, read NAM vs ToneX vs Quad Cortex.
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Best Multi-Effects Pedals: Quick Picks
| Pick | Who it’s for | Skip it if | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom G1X Four | Best multi effects pedal for beginners | You want realistic high-end amp feel | Check price on Amazon |
| Valeton GP-5 | Best budget multi fx with an app | You need lots of footswitches | Check price on Amazon |
| BOSS GT-1 | Best for busking and travel | You want a big color screen | Check price on Amazon |
| Line 6 POD Go | Best multi effects pedal overall | You need very complex routing | Check price on Amazon |
| BOSS GX-100 | Best touchscreen unit for BOSS fans | You want the simplest possible interface | Check price on Amazon |
| Line 6 HX Stomp | Best compact pro unit | You want lots of footswitches without add-ons | Check price on Amazon |
| HeadRush Prime | Best flagship for touchscreen lovers | You’re on a budget | Check price on Amazon |
The 7 Best Multi-Effects Pedals Reviewed
Each of these is the best multi effects pedal for a specific kind of player. Here’s who should buy which.
1. Zoom G1X Four – Best multi effects pedal for beginners
The G1X Four is the classic first multi-effects unit. It has more than 70 effects, 13 amp models, a 30-second looper, 68 rhythm patterns and a built-in expression pedal for wah and volume. Up to five effects run at once, in any order.
It runs on four AA batteries or USB power, which makes it a great grab-and-go practice tool.
- Effects: 70+
- Amp models: 13
- Looper: 30 seconds
- Power: 4 x AA, USB or 9V adapter
Pros: Very cheap; Expression pedal included; Looper and drums for practice. Cons: Basic amp models; Small screen.
Zoom G1X Four: Check price on Amazon
2. Valeton GP-5 – Best budget multi fx with an app
The GP-5 is a tiny pedal with a big feature list: more than 100 effects, amp models, an IR loader, a tuner, a USB audio interface and Bluetooth editing from your phone. It also loads NAM-style captures through Valeton’s conversion.
It’s the best budget multi fx choice if you want to build presets on a phone screen rather than a tiny display.
- Effects: 100+
- Editing: Bluetooth app
- Extras: IR loader, USB audio
Pros: Amazing value; Easy phone editing; Fits any board. Cons: One footswitch; App needed for deep edits.
Valeton GP-5: Check price on Amazon
3. BOSS GT-1 – Best for busking and travel
The GT-1 squeezes BOSS’s GT-series engine into a compact, lightweight floorboard. You get 108 effect types, 99 user and 99 preset patches, a 32-second looper and an expression pedal. Easy Select lets you browse patches by genre or drive type.
Four AA batteries give you up to about seven hours of playing, so it’s ideal for busking.
- Effects: 108 types
- Patches: 99 user + 99 preset
- Looper: 32 seconds
- Power: 4 x AA or adapter
Pros: Classic BOSS effects; Battery powered; Rugged. Cons: Amps less realistic than newer units; Small display.
BOSS GT-1: Check price on Amazon
4. Line 6 POD Go – Best multi effects pedal overall
The POD Go takes amp, cab and effect models from Line 6’s Helix family and puts them in an easy, lightweight unit. There are 270+ models, third-party IR loading, eight footswitches, an expression pedal, a stereo effects loop and a 4-in/4-out USB audio interface for recording and reamping.
Snapshots let you change several settings within one preset, which is perfect for verse-to-chorus switches.
- Models: 270+
- Footswitches: 8 + expression pedal
- I/O: Stereo out, FX loop, USB audio
Pros: Pro-quality tones; Easy color-screen workflow; Great value. Cons: Fixed block structure; Larger than pedal-size units.
Line 6 POD Go: Check price on Amazon
5. BOSS GX-100 – Best touchscreen unit for BOSS fans
The GX-100 brings amps and effects derived from BOSS’s flagship GT-1000 into a mid-size floorboard. You get AIRD amp modeling, more than 150 effects, up to 15 simultaneous blocks, a color touchscreen, an expression pedal, an effects loop, MIDI and USB recording.
Players often praise its amp feel, and its BOSS delays and modulation are excellent.
- Amps: AIRD amp types
- Effects: 150+
- Blocks: Up to 15
- Display: Color touchscreen
Pros: Superb BOSS effects; Flexible routing; Touchscreen. Cons: Menus take time to learn; Pricier than POD Go.
BOSS GX-100: Check price on Amazon
6. Line 6 HX Stomp – Best compact pro unit
The HX Stomp runs the same HX engine as Line 6’s Helix floor units. You get up to 8 blocks, stereo I/O, an effects loop, MIDI, IR loading and a USB audio interface in a pedal that fits on most boards.
Many pros use it as a fly rig or as the brain of a larger pedalboard.