There was a time when the best chorus pedals were seen as dated, '80s-sounding effects, but they have gradually come back into fashion. It's an essential effect for psych bands, goth, and new wave, while tech metal bands obsessed with shoegaze can't avoid the pervasive use of subtle, or not-so-subtle, stereo chorus in that genre.
Elsewhere, art-metal giants like Deftones have been using the effect tastefully for years, while anybody exposed to studio production knows that it is useful for creating slight stereo movement on rhythm parts, or for creating double-tracking effects. With more and more guitarists also wearing a bedroom-producer hat, it's no surprise that the chorus pedals don’t cause the allergic reaction they once did.
Or, if you’re new to chorus pedals, my How To Choose section is perfect for you, as I highlight key considerations to make before buying.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want classic chorus tones: Widely regarded as the chorus pedal, the Boss CE-2 will give you those classic chorus tones of the 70s and 80s.
❌ Avoid if you're on a budget: As this is a Waza-Craft version it's pretty pricey for a single pedal.
Overview: The Boss CE-2 Chorus, and its predecessor the CE-1, along with the same effect built into the Roland Jazz Chorus amp, defined the sound of chorus during the late ’70s and ’80s. The CE-2W Waza Craft combines both of these legendary modulation pedals into one, delivering the CE-2 alongside the CE-1’s iconic chorus and vibrato modes.
Build: With the exception of a mini three-way toggle switch for selecting between CE-2, CE-1 chorus, and CE-1 vibrato modes, a second 1/4-inch output jack for stereo effects, and the Waza Craft logo on the footswitch, the CE-2W looks almost identical to the original CE-2. Of course, this is a Boss product, so the metal chassis is built like a tank and incredibly durable. A feature you’ll want on this premium Waza Craft model.
Features: The CE-2W offers three distinct modes, covering the classic CE-2 chorus, the deeper CE-1 chorus, and the CE-1 vibrato. The addition of a second output allows for stereo chorus and vibrato effects, expanding its usability beyond the original pedal’s capabilities.
Tone: Sound-wise, it’s one of the closest matches between an original and a reissue, delivering that unmistakable thick, lush, shimmering Boss chorus heard on countless classic recordings. The CE-2W may offer slightly clearer treble, but the overall character remains intact. The CE-1 chorus mode adds more depth and modulation, while the vibrato setting delivers a warm, musical warble without sounding overdone.
"Combining the chorus and vibrato effects of both the legendary Boss CE-2 and CE-1 pedals, the Boss Waza Craft CE-2W definitively nails the sounds of both to provide chorus connoisseurs with the effects of their dreams."
Read our full Boss CE-2W Waza Craft review
Best budget
✅ Buy if you're short of cash: Costing well below the $/£100 mark this bargain chorus pedal is a great way to get lush tones on your 'board for a lot less.
❌ Avoid if you're short on pedalboard space: This is quite a hefty pedal, so if you've got a tonne of effects on your pedalboard you might have to sacrifice something else for it.
Overview: The original June 60 was a bargain with great sounds and high-brow styling, now it's got a V2 with an extra mode, improved stereo outs, and an additional speed setting. Based on the chorus from Roland's legendary Juno 60 synthesizer, it works great on both guitar and bass.
Build: Like the original June 60, it has stereo output, albeit via a TRS jack output, which is more uncommon for guitar. Still, with a BBD chip at its heart, it's an all-analog vintage-voiced stereo chorus for not much more than the price of an unbranded micro pedal. In terms of size, the June 60 is rather large. The two wooden side panels do add a cool aesthetic, but they also add to the overall bulk.
Features: There are three new settings with the V2 - on the front panel, you can access Leslie-like rotating speaker sounds by pressing down both preset buttons. Internally, there's now also a pair of DIP switches that allow you to change the LFO speed between 'slow' and 'fast'. Although it's less exciting, there's also a DIP switch for guitar versus keys input level.
Tone: Taking inspiration from the Juno 60 chorus section, it’s no surprise that the June 60 V2 nails classic ’80s chorus tones. It delivers the signature sounds of the original and pairs beautifully with overdrive or fuzz pedals. Overall, this is a fantastic budget option that offers great value, style, and tone.
Best mini
✅ Buy if you want a space-saving chorus pedal: This teeny-tiny pedal gives you all the classic chorus tones without having to sacrifice another pedal for the privilege.
❌ Avoid if you've got big hands: The small knobs can be pretty tough to navigate if you've got big hands.
Overview: For those short on space, the Ibanez Chorus Mini should whet your appetite for ’80s chorus tones, while leaving you plenty of room for more pedals. Whether you just want to dabble or you're a full-blown chorus addict, it's a great choice.
Build: It’s robustly built, with an all-metal enclosure that will handle regular stomping with ease. The footswitch is slightly tilted towards you, which can be handy if it’s placed on the top row of your pedalboard, although the small knobs may feel a little awkward for some.
Features: Despite having just three controls, the Chorus Mini is surprisingly versatile. It can cover everything from subtle thickening to more extreme modulation sounds, making it suitable for a wide range of styles. Plus, the three controls keep things simple. If you’re not a fan of complicated interfaces, this should be your go-to.
Tone: The Chorus Mini delivers classic ’80s chorus tones with ease. You can dial in deep, Seasick-style modulation, Leslie-like rotary effects, or keep things subtle to add a bit of depth and movement to your core tone. There really isn’t much to dislike here, particularly since it is pretty affordable too. Wins all around.
Best stereo
✅ Buy if you want stereo chorus sounds: With stereo ins and outs, the DC-2W is the perfect choice for those who run stereo rigs, giving you a wider stereo spread and thicker tone.
❌ Avoid if you're after classic chorus tones: This doesn't do the seasick, warbly sounds of some of the other pedals so avoid if you're after a more extreme effect.
Overview: One of the most-requested reissues in Boss’s history, the DC-2W recreates the DC-2 Dimension C, which strikes the balance between a chorus and a 3D audio expander. Based on the unit used by SRV to thicken his guitar tone in the studio, this is a more subtle form of chorus that works great in stereo rigs.
Build: The Waza Craft series is created in Japan, and the DC-2W is as premium as it gets. The iconic four-button interface is housed in Boss’ classic metallic chassis, a design built to last a lifetime. There is something about the purple casing that fits the chorus effect perfectly, while the Waza Craft emblem provides the finishing touch to a beautiful aesthetic.
Features: You have the ability to select two buttons at once alongside the single-button options which gives you ten tones overall, so there's plenty to dig into here. This reissue also adds a model of Roland’s SDD-320 Dimension D rack effect, which lends its own flavor of spatial widening.
Tone: The DC-2W provides a relatively subtle effect via its four push-buttons but can make any signal sound bigger and richer – especially in stereo. It really widens the spread of your sound through two amps, resulting in a thicker, enriched tone. If you’ve liked the sonic effect and tonal thickening – but not the warble – of traditional chorus pedals, the DC-2W could well be the best choice for you.
"Like with the previous Waza Craft pedals, Boss has taken some of its most popular and most coveted effects and made them even better."
Read our full Boss DC-2W Dimension C review
Best for bass
✅ Buy if you want chorus tones for your bass: Specifically designed to play nicely with the low stuff, this is the perfect chorus pedal for bass guitarists.
❌ Avoid if you want a more extreme sound: This quite a 'clean' sounding chorus pedal, great for blending with your existing bass tone so look elsewhere if you want something with a heavier effect.
Overview: Chorus is a really popular effect on bass guitar, great to use as a thickener or just to add some movement to your tone. The MXR M83 Bass Chorus Deluxe is a great choice for bassists, delivering awesome chorus tones without clouding your core tone.
Build: Housed in a neat blue metallic chassis, the M83 feels reassuringly well-built. MXR pedals have always been solid in my experience, and the slightly higher price tag is reflected in the overall quality here. There are five control knobs, which is more than most, so it can feel a little cramped, but everything remains easy enough to see at a glance.
Features: The flanger mode is really useful, giving you an additional tone option should you need it. You can also access a stereo mode via an internal dip switch located inside the pedal. I found the crossover button to be a little too powerful, killing the sound of the pedal and while it may be a little too subtle for some, for the majority of bassists it'll be just the ticket.
Tones: The variety of controls means you can dial in a huge array of sounds, whether you like your choruses subtle or hitting that full-on warble. All the while it never overpowers your overall sound, instead giving it a nice movement that enhances without going overboard. This level of control and depth comes courtesy of its all-analog bucket-brigade design.
Best features
✅ Buy if you want studio-grade chorus tones: With superb quality sound, stereo compatibility, and lots of parameters to tweak, the M1 offers a fantastic array of chorus sounds.
❌ Avoid if you like simplicity: This is closer to a multi-effects pedal than an outright chorus pedal, so avoid if you want a pedal to do one job only.
Overview: The Mako M1 was a complex but deep pedal, with studio-grade sounds crammed into a compact chassis. To this, the MKII edition sees updated rotary and filter algorithms, as well as a new flanger mode.
Build: On the front panel, there's the welcome addition of a 2" OLED display to aid user navigation and control. The main drawback is that despite the screen it's a dense pedal, especially for its size. Without it, it would be almost impossible to navigate, but even so, it's tricky. It's got the feature set of a physically much larger pedal, like a Strymon or BOSS 500 series but a smaller form factor. This saves space but at the slight cost of usability.
Features: Though it's not much larger than a standard-size BOSS pedal, it's got almost every modulation option you could want covered, from chorus to phasers, tremolo, vibrato, rotary pedals, and filters. Each option has three patches, and the sound quality is excellent. Crucially for a pedal of this complexity, it's also stereo, making it not only a one-stop shop for chorus but also for stereo modulation in general.
Tones: Although this is a smorgasbord of modulation effects, Walrus Audio hasn’t dropped the ball on sound quality. There are many breathtaking sounds and the tones on tap are truly wonderful; it’s quite easy to get lost in its wealth of luscious modulated tones. It is a pedal that will keep on giving after hours of use, each time you cycle through the options, something new will take you by surprise.
"If you are willing to invest your time in exploring its many features, getting acquainted with encoder knobs, keeping presets in good order, the M1 MKII will reward you in kind with peerless sounds."
Read our full Walrus Audio Mako M1 MKII review
Also consider
For us, the above pedals should have pretty much every guitarists chorus needs in hand. That said, we do appreciate there's no one size fits all solution, so here are some more great suggestions for you to look at.
Glossary
Analog: This type of chorus pedal uses analog circuitry internally to create its chorus tones. Most famously, it is Bucket Brigade Device chips that create a rich, warm chorus in analog pedals.
BBD (Bucket Brigade Device): This is a famous type of analog chip that was traditionally used in chorus and other modulation pedals. Although the pedal’s entire circuitry has an effect, these chips were praised for producing a warm, modulated tone.
Buffered Bypass: A buffered bypass keeps an active buffer in your signal path even when your pedal is turned off. Essentially, it converts high-impedance to low-impedance signals to prevent tone suck, a high-frequency loss that sometimes occurs over long cable runs.
Chorus: A classic modulation effect that splits your signal in two, leaving one part ‘dry’ while slightly delaying the other. By using an LFO to subtly wobble the pitch of that delayed signal before blending them back together.
Depth: This is a control found on a chorus pedal that controls how dramatic the wobble is. In other words, how far the modulated signal moves from the original pitch.
Digital: A type of chorus pedal circuitry that utilizes digital signal processing instead of analog chips. This is a more modern option than analog chips and provides more versatility within the pedal.
DIP Switch: A type of switch found on modulation pedals that will instantly change the character of the tone. Not all pedals have one but they can be a handy feature for instant tonal shifts.
Dry Signal: This refers to your unaltered, unprocessed guitar signal, before it hits any effects or amplifiers. Ultimately, it is the direct tone coming straight from the pickups.
Flanger: A type of modulation effect similar to chorus, but has a shorter delay time, producing a more metallic, swooping sound.
LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator): This is the circuit in a chorus pedal that creates a repeating wave to modulate the delay time of the duplicated signal. As the delay time is constantly shifting, it causes subtle pitch changes up and down, creating the recognizable ‘wobble’ sound of a chorus pedal.
Modulation: This is the category of effects that add movement and depth to your guitar signal by changing parameters like delay, pitch or volume. The most recognizable modulation effects are chorus, flanger and phaser.
Rate (Speed): This is the setting on a chorus pedal that controls how fast the pitch wobbles, think of it as the speed of the shimmer.
Stereo Spread. A term used to describe the separation of audio channels into a dry side and a wet side. The wet side of this spread is the modulated signal, while the dry is your normal guitar tone, unaffected. It creates a wide sound palette.
True Bypass: Opposite of buffered bypass, true bypass removes the pedal’s circuit from your signal chain when switched off, helping preserve your guitar’s natural tone. However, in longer signal chains, some high-end loss can still occur due to cable length.
Wet Signal: This refers to your guitar signal after it has been processed by an effect, in this case chorus. It is the opposite of a dry signal, which remains unaffected.
FAQs
What does a chorus pedal actually do?
Like any effect pedal, a chorus takes your audio signal and turns it into something a bit more interesting, easy-peasy. For the more technical among you, a chorus splits your signal into two parts, slightly delays one side, and modulates its pitch before blending it back with the original signal and alas, chorus is born. This process thickens your tone and adds that shimmering warble, creating the illusion of multiple notes being played in unison. It also gives your sound a subtle sense of movement.
What’s the difference between chorus and flanger?
Ultimately, chorus and flanger are both modulation effects and, on the surface, are very similar. It can be tricky to distinguish the difference, but there are a few telltale signs. Internally, a flanger does the same thing: it splits your audio signal, delays one part, and modulates the pitch before blending it back.
However, a flanger uses a shorter delay than chorus; it may seem like a small change, but doing so produces a more metallic, sweeping sound compared with the thicker ‘doubling’ effect of a chorus pedal. Flange effects often add feedback for more resonance, which is why chorus effects sound smoother.
Should I go for an analog or digital chorus?
Simply put, this depends on how much you value versatility. Analog pedals have an authentic tone and mojo, but their functionality is limited as they're built around a BBD (bucket-brigade device) chip. Digital pedals can offer more tones since options aren't different circuit paths but software.
Tonal purists will want to audition the available analog options and find a voicing that works for them. Chief among these are the Boss CE-2W for smooth Roland amp chorus tones, the stereo workhorse DC-2W, and the Juno synth emulation TC June-60 v2. The voice of these three pedals is unique, and each is likely to appeal to the taste of different players.
Those who value versatility instead are likely to beeline for digital offerings. There are units like the Fender Bubbler and Walrus Julia that add additional functionality onto an analog core, but they're rare.
Digital chorus pedals can not only beat the functionality of even the most advanced analog devices, with ramping and waveform controls but also model classic circuits of the past. Moreover, this needn't come at a huge cost. The TC Corona Mini, for example, boasts good models as well as Tone Print, without a flagship price.
Do I need a stereo chorus pedal?
The spread of a stereo chorus is something every guitarist should experience at least once; there’s really nothing else quite like it. That said, whether your next pedal needs to be stereo depends on your setup. If you’re not running two amps, it’s probably not essential.
Stereo can also be handy if you plan on recording, adding a sense of space and depth to your tracks. So if that’s something you’ll actually use, go for it. Otherwise, it’s a nice-to-have rather than a must-have.
Where should a chorus pedal go in my signal chain?
Chorus – and most modulation effects – usually sit somewhere in the middle of your chain: after your gain stages like overdrive or distortion, but before time-based effects such as delay or reverb. Placing it after overdrive helps create a lush, shimmering chorus on top of your drive tone, making it more prominent than if you put it before the gain. That said, there are no hard rules. Moving a chorus around your chain will give you slightly different results, so experiment and trust your ears to find what sounds best to you.
What chorus pedal did Kurt Cobain use?
Kurt Cobain loved his chorus pedals, and the one that defined his iconic ’90s tone was the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone. This is the sound you hear on Come As You Are and Smells Like Teen Spirit, giving those riffs that signature watery shimmer that has been heard at school discos throughout the world.
Another EHX pedal, the EH-7700 Polychorus, made its way into songs like Heart-Shaped Box and into his live rig. Between the two, Cobain had the perfect mix of subtle sparkle and wild, warbling chaos. Although these pedals were never used in isolation, they played an important role in Cobain’s overall guitar tone.
What do rate and depth controls actually do?
The rate and depth knobs shape how your chorus sounds. Rate controls how fast the pitch wobbles, think of it as the speed of the shimmer. Depth controls how dramatic that wobble is, how far the modulated signal moves from the original pitch. Turn up the depth and you get a lush, almost seasick swirl; turn it down, and the effect becomes subtle, just thickening your tone without being obvious. Together, these controls let you dial in everything from a gentle shimmer to a full-on, warbling chorus.
How to choose a chorus pedal
Having worked in a guitar store for the best part of 10 years, I’ve helped many players select their first chorus pedal. Here are a few key considerations I would always suggest they think about. By doing so, all the bases are covered, leaving you with a clearer idea of which chorus pedal to go for.
Intensity
Firstly, think about how intense you want your chorus to sound. One of the biggest differences between chorus pedals is how intense or subtle they sound. Pedals like the Boss DC-2W Dimension C or Super Chorus CH-1 are actually on the subtler side, despite the latter offering controls for depth and rate. On the other hand, if you want a bombastic, in-your-face warble, something like the Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone will suit you better.
By considering how you’d like your chorus to sound, it will help you narrow down the options between intense and subtle.
Controls
Next, are you a pedal tweaker who likes having more control over parameters, or is a simple user interface preferred for ease of use? A pedal like the TC Electronic June-60 V2 has two modes, that’s it. This may be ideal if you don’t want to be overwhelmed, but if you want control over depth, rate, and intensity, then it won’t be suitable. Advanced pedals like the Eventide TriceraChorus are much more hands-on, with controls over rate, envelopes, and pitch. There is no right or wrong here, but think about how you typically like to use pedals.
Analog or Digital
Finally, consider whether you want an analog or digital chorus pedal. Analog chorus pedals, typically using bucket-brigade circuitry, are known for their warm, organic, and slightly darker tones. They tend to sit nicely in a mix and are often favoured by players chasing those classic ’70s and ’80s sounds.
Digital chorus pedals, on the other hand, are usually cleaner and more precise. They often come packed with extra features, stereo outputs, and greater control over your sound. If you want versatility and modern functionality, digital may be the way to go, whereas analog is perfect if you’re after simplicity and vintage character.
Again, there’s no right or wrong choice here, it all comes down to the type of sound and feel you prefer.
How we test
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best chorus pedals available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best chorus pedals on the market right now.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
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Meet the experts
Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
Alex Lynham is a gear obsessive who's been collecting and building modern and vintage equipment since he got his first Saturday job. Besides reviewing countless pedals for Total Guitar, he's written guides on how to build your first pedal, how to build a tube amp from a kit, and briefly went viral when he released a glitch delay pedal, the Atom Smasher.
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at MusicRadar. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on audio interfaces, studio headphones, studio monitors, and pretty much anything else home recording-related. Responsible for over 60 buying guides, a large part of his role is helping musicians find the best deals on gear. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites, including Guitar World, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between.
Latest updates
26/03/26: Each product entry has been completely re-written and split into four separate paragraphs covering build, features, tone and a general overview. Expert verdict boxes have been added where applicable and a new glossary section is now featured. In addition, a brand new FAQ section has been written and we've added a section of how to best choose a new chorus pedal along with a section on why you can trust the Guitar World team. You also now find "Meet The Experts" panels highlighting the key authors of the guide.
Read more
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
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