7 Of The Best Multi Effects Pedals For Guitar Geeks 2022

By Monica | Gear

Apr 09
Best Multi Effects Pedals

There are a lot of guitar pedals that you can add to your pedalboard. We got the reverb, overdrive, chorus, etc. Of course, you should know that these are not optional accessories that you can ignore. If you choose to let them pass, your playing skills would certainly not improve. After all, you are not exploring all the possible sounds that your instrument can produce.

However, it is difficult to carry a pedalboard that has a lot of stompboxes. If you want a compact solution to this problem, we will offer you the best multi effects pedals. As its name suggest, this pedal can produce different effects that are usually meant for a single pedal only. Many are beginning to experience the benefits of this pedal. And if we were you, we would join the bandwagon as well.

A multi-effects pedal can efficiently replace your pedalboard. While it is not true to all brands, it is still a general consensus that this device can eliminate the problem of carrying too many pedals.

In this article, we will feature some of the top-rated multi-effects pedals on the market today. Hop on and discover them!

Best Multi Effects Pedals

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Multi-Effects pedal Buying Guide

Just like your day-to-day products, not all multi-effects pedal are worth your money. Therefore, we created this simple buying guide so that you'll know what to look for when choosing this particular stompbox. Read on!

Price

The price is an indicator of the quality of the product. Specifically, you can expect that less expensive options have fewer effects and features compared to other high-end brands. But before you decide, make sure that you know your limits.

Price

Do you know how to use a multi-effects pedal? Are you doing some live gigs and recording applications? These questions are essential to gauge your needs. In short, an amateur player doesn't need to jump to sophisticated and expensive pedals. Instead, a simple one with an intuitive interface can really serve you well.

Durability

Why do you need a durable multi-effects pedal? The answer is quite simple. You should realize that all the effects that you need are inside this stompbox. Therefore, it is logical that you will use it continuously and frequently. If you go for a model that has a shabby build, don't expect that it will last long.

In this factor, we have to emphasize which brands do matter. Apparently, most of the durable multi-effects pedals we tested came from reputable brands. Of course, we are not shaming other "less popular" brands. But before you scout other brands, make sure that you know which manufacturers produce the best-sellers today.

Operation

It is not easy to operate a multi-effects pedal. After all, it contains several features and hundreds of effects that you have to explore. Needless to say, individual stompboxes are easier to familiarize compared to this one. But some multi-effects pedals have simple interface and intuitive design. These models should be your primary options because they represent the technology that the industry have.

Sound Quality

Sound Quality

One of the biggest concerns of guitarists regarding multi-effects pedal is their sound quality. We think that this consideration is logical. After all, there is no guarantee that a stompbox that contains multiple effects can produce the same premium sound as individual pedals do. Fortunately, many manufacturers were able to solve this problem by incorporating additional processing power and responsiveness to their machines.

Number of Effects

When choosing a multi-effects pedal, you should consider the number of effects that they have. After all, it is pointless to pick a multi-effect pedal that only includes five to ten sounds. That just ruin the purpose of this device. Instead, you should choose a multi-effect pedal that has an enormous sound library and massive tone availability. In fact, there are some models out there that can contain up to 200 effects!

The Best Multi-Effects Pedals

If you are looking for an excellent multi-effect pedal, you must never ignore the Zoom G1Xon. It is a product that a lot of guitar geeks really love because of its impressive features and quality. This particular pedal can give you a variety of effects. Moreover, it has the functionality that you are seeking for a multi-effect pedal. Specifically, it can also act as a tuner, looper, and simulator. It has even an expression pedal on it.

Primarily, this one comes with 75 effects, which is truly beyond satisfying. Of course, you can use these effects simultaneously. At maximum, you can play five effects at the same time! Among all the pedals on this list, you should make the Zoom G1Xon as your first choice! Trust us. You won't regret it!


Pros:

  • Comes with looper and chromatic tuner
  • It has 68 rhythm patterns
  • ​Multiple connectivity options for any devices
  • ​Genuine amp models are present
  • Two power source (AC Adapter or AA batteries)

Cons:

  • Limited DSP processing power
  • Tuner is not accurate at all times

Let's take a look at this product...


Another fantastic option for a multi-effects pedal is the Boss ME25. We all know the rapport and capabilities of Boss when it comes to guitar pedals. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that many people adore their multi-effects pedals. Specifically, their ME25 is user-friendly. Its operating system can function smoothly and hassle-free!

Moreover, it comes with three pedals and an additional EXP pedal, which allows you to access to a myriad of effects. There are also knobs for you to configure multiple functions in a real-time pace. When we tested this pedal, we particularly found its sound library to be intuitive. All the audio files are arranged under categories (e.g. Crunch and Clean). You better check this device so that you can hear its excellent quality!


Pros:

  • Seven effects groups (with ten variations each)
  • Extensive sound library that lets you use built-in tones
  • Easy to operate and highly ergonomic design
  • Comes with four pedals for maximum playing efficiency
  • Various connectivity options

Cons:

  • There are noticeable flavoring to some of the sounds
  • It is a "basic" multi effects pedal

Let's take a look at this product...


If you are a true fan of Boss, then their ME-80 will certainly amuse you. This particular multi-effects pedal has a compact and durable design, which makes it an ideal choice for practices and live applications. Although it has a lot of knobs present, you can still ascertain that using it won't give you a headache. Specifically, it comes with eight effects groups, with each of them having multiple variations.

The Boss ME-80 also got a vast collection of high-quality effects. In fact, you can even access the iconic Boss stomps here! Moreover, almost all of the MDP effects are present here. Meanwhile, the expression pedal and footswitches have a highly responsive and solid. For its price, you are getting more than what you will pay for!


Pros:

  • Durable and compact design
  • Interface is pretty intuitive (friendly for beginners)
  • Amps are based on the GT-100 AMP Processor
  • It comes with a lot of effects
  • Highly responsive footswitches

Cons:

  • It doesn't come with the standard USB cable
  • Sound quality is just in the "middle"

Let's take a look at this product...


The DigiTech Element XP is an awesome multi-effects pedal. Just like the previous pedals that we featured, it also comes with a plethora of effects and ready-to-use tones. Specifically, it has 58 effects, in which 12 of these are high-quality amps. Moreover, it has 200 sound presets. The first 100 are built-in sounds, while the other 100 is for the user to fill up!

The DigiTech Element XP also comes with a headphone jack and a guitar tuner. Therefore, you can practice with your guitar without disturbing other people. It runs on a dedicated power supply so that you won't spend on batteries anymore. Meanwhile, its layout is pretty straightforward.


Pros:

  • It has an FX bank and Tone Bank that contains twenty different tone combination
  • Comes with a 1/4" guitar input
  • Can do direct recording through its Mixer/ AMP mode
  • Effects are pretty responsive
  • You can save up to 100 sound presets

Cons:

  • It doesn't come with a list that highlights the types of pedals that are included here
  • The number of effects is smaller compared to its competitors

Let's take a look at this product...


One multi-effects pedal that you should never miss is the Line 6 POD HD500X. It is true that this pedal is not as popular as its competitors. But it has remarkable qualities that could topple the race. At this point, we can easily say that the effects that it has are of premium quality. It comes with a lot of power and versatility, which allows you to create in an unlimited fashion.

Specifically, its DSP allows you to configure the sounds that you produce fully. Because it integrates an HD technology, the Line 6 POD HD500X can generate mesmerizing sonic character and depth. In short, the sound becomes alive when you are using this multi-effect pedal. Of course, the pedal has a professional and intuitive design. The footswitches have a backlight so that you can use them easily!


Pros:

  • Contains HD amps for unparalleled response and depth
  • DSP is highly flexible (you can create sounds from scratch)
  • The footswitches are assignable
  • Processing power is extremely impressive
  • Comes with over 100 stomp and studio effects

Cons:

  • Lacks metal distortion
  • Instruction manual doesn't explain how the tweaking parameters work

Let's take a look at this product...


The DigiTech RP500 is one of the best opuses of the DigiTech. Specifically, it is part of the RP series of the brand, which received a lot of appreciation from the community. Among the multi-effects pedals of the company, the RP500 is undeniably the best-seller. In fact, we can confidently place it alongside high-end brands because of its impressive features.

The build of the DigiTech RP500 is slightly better with Boss or Line multi-effects pedals. After all, it uses a vacuum type of footswitches, which is integrated on its cast metal chassis. On the other hand, the RP500 works as an amp modeler and multi-effects pedal at the same time.

​You can also activate five effects at the same time through its footswitches. This is a great feature for live applications, where things are immediate and impromptu!


Pros:

  • Comes with looper function
  • It has 200 presets
  • Wide array of effects on its sound library
  • Excellent build and construction
  • High quality reverbs

Cons:

  • Features are not as good as the Line 6
  • It is not the ideal choice for experimental guitarists because it has "inclination" to classic effects

Let's take a look at this product...


The last multi-effects pedal on this list is the Line 6 M5. Obviously, it is the cousin of the POD HD500X. Therefore, you can still expect the same quality and versatility on this pedal. The M5 possesses portability and friendliness to your pedalboard. It is an excellent choice for those who are always on the go. Because it has a heavy-duty build, you won't be afraid to subject it to constant abuse!

Moreover, the Line 6 M5 is good for professional applications. The latter is not due to its sophistication, but rather to its simplicity. All of its connectivity options are pretty straightforward. All the inputs are visible and easy to access. Meanwhile, it got two footswitches that let you use the pedal without experiencing any peculiarities.


Pros:

  • Straightforward and beautiful layout
  • Contains more than 100 effects (activates one at a time)
  • Highly affordable
  • Quality of the effects are satisfying
  • It has a status display screen

Cons:

  • No USB capability
  • It cannot replace your pedalboard

Let's take a look at this product...


Final Verdict

A multi-effect pedal is a sure-fire method to get all the effects that you need without bringing your entire pedalboard. All the necessary and standard effects like reverb, distortion, and overdrive are present on this compact device. Therefore, it is not a bad thing to invest in one. If you are always going to a live gig, a multi-effect pedal will certainly lessen your burden and load.

Of course, it is better that you choose the best multi effects pedals rather than opting a flimsy brand. You will certainly regret if you get a pedal that produces "weak" and "artificial" sounding. The pedals we listed in this article are some of the best on the market today. We tested them on several applications to inspect their quality. And at the end of the day, they satisfied our ears!

Did you learn from this article? What are your thoughts about these multi-effects pedals? Tell us your answers in the comment section below!

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About the Author

Hi everyone! Im Monica and I am an avid lover of guitars and everything in-between. My current profession is not really music-related. It is quite discouraging but I just don't want to drop my zeal--especially not to guitars! I created GuitarTrance.Com so that I can keep up with my hobby. Of course, I want to engage with the community as well! Hope we can all get along!