Top 5 Best Boost Pedals For Guitar

When you want to elevate your guitar tone and stand out in your mix, the right boost pedal can make all the difference. Boost pedals enhance your signal without unwanted distortion, giving you cleaner, richer, and more dynamic sound at the flick of a switch. Whether you're playing lead solos or pushing your amp harder, having a quality boost pedal helps you maintain clarity and presence.

This guide will help you find the best boost pedals to suit your style and rig, so you can confidently shape your tone and get the most from your guitar and amplifier.

Top Picks

How We Selected the Best Boost Pedals

We focused on pedals that deliver clear, transparent boosting with minimal tone coloration unless designed for a specific character. Ease of use, build quality, versatility, and positive user feedback were key factors. We looked for pedals that enhance your guitar’s natural tone, offer multiple gain options or EQ features, and fit a variety of playing styles and budgets.

Reviews and ratings helped us gauge real-world performance and reliability.

Xotic EP Booster

If you’re looking for a boost pedal that’s simple but versatile, the Xotic EP Booster is worth a shot. It’s inspired by the classic Echoplex preamp and gives your tone a shimmering edge without changing its core character.

Whether you're gigging, recording, or just jamming at home, this pedal adds sparkle and clarity that help your guitar cut through the mix. Plus, those internal Bass and Bright switches let you tailor the boost just right — whether you want more low end to thicken your single coils or extra treble shimmer for darker tones.

It's got a small footprint, so it fits neatly on your pedalboard, and it’s pretty durable too. Great for those moments when you want to add some magic without fussing over complicated settings.

What People Say

Users love how this pedal adds a lush, warm boost that feels like adding another tube to the front of your amp. Most keep it on all the time for that extra sparkle and presence, saying it opens up their tone without changing it too much.

🗣️ victor l.

I play lap steel guitar and wanted a small boost that didn't color my tone. The EP Booster gave me clarity and depth, handling different amps without distortion. I love its subtle but effective boost and the simple settings.

🗣️ Colorado Mountain Man

At first I was skeptical, but switching to the Vintage setting made my Strat sound fuller and creamier. It’s become my go-to for clean tones and really adds that special something to my rig. I’m now thinking of getting a second one for even more options.

Built To Last

It’s well-built and solid, so it can handle being on your pedalboard night after night. Many players mention it’s stood up well to gigging and frequent use without any issues.

Responsive and Transparent

The EP Booster responds instantly without any noticeable lag or tone loss. Your playing dynamics stay true thanks to its transparent boost nature.

Why You'll Like It

• Adds up to +20db clean gain without muddiness

• Internal switches let you tailor bass and brightness

• Compact size fits easily on any pedalboard

• Enhances tone clarity and sparkle, especially on single coils and humbuckers

Current Price: $121.52

Rating: 4.6 (total: 515+)

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BOSS BP-1W

The BOSS BP-1W is like having a couple of legendary vintage pedals rolled into one compact boost and preamp pedal. You get three selectable modes that let you dial in classic sounds, whether it’s the bright, bell-like tone of the CE-1 Chorus or the warm, rich vibe from the RE-201 Space Echo.

On top of that, there’s a clean boost option if you just want to push your amp or pedals without coloring your tone much. It’s a solid piece of gear that’s ideal whether you’re playing gigs, recording in the studio, or just messing around at home. If you want a boost pedal that adds some real character and versatility to your sound, this one definitely deserves a spot on your board.

What People Say

Players rave about how this pedal can turn up your tone without overpowering it. Many find the vintage modes especially cool for adding warmth and texture, while others just love the clean boost for pushing their amps into sweet overdrive.

🗣️ rafael

Great thing! Highly recommend!! makes the guitar sound powerful, tube-like, punchy and strong

🗣️ Tyrus

I honestly wondered if I’d be wasting my money with this pedal but ever since I bought it it has been a permanent fixture on my pedalboard. Such a good boost pedal with some cool features.

Super Solid Build

It’s constructed from metal with that classic BOSS reliability you can count on. Whether you’re on the road or jamming at home, it stands up to regular use without any fuss.

Instant Reaction

The BP-1W responds right away to your playing – no noticeable lag or tone changes, so your dynamics and attack come through clearly.

Why You'll Appreciate It

• Three distinct boost modes inspired by classic BOSS and Roland tones

• Natural clean boost option that keeps your tone clear and punchy

• Selectable standard or vintage input buffer for different response flavors

• Built with premium analog circuitry for authentic vintage character

• Compact and sturdy metal design that fits nicely on any pedalboard

Current Price: $147.99

Rating: 4.9 (total: 23+)

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MXR Micro Amp M133

The MXR Micro Amp is the go-to boost pedal when you want to give your sound an extra push without messing with your tone. You simply get a clean, preset boost that can really help your solos stand out or smooth out volume differences between guitars.

It’s super straightforward—just one knob to dial in the amount of gain—and it fits perfectly on any pedalboard. Whether you’re gigging, recording, or just jamming at home, it’s reliable and does the job.

Plus, it works great whether you use it in front of your amp or in the FX loop if your pedals happen to drop your signal.

What People Say

Most players love that the Micro Amp boosts their signal without changing their tone, making it perfect for clean boost needs. It’s praised for adding a little sparkle and thickness, making solos pop and evening out volume differences naturally.

🗣️ Fred

Love this pedal. It's a fantastic boost. I like to put it in front of my amp to push the tubes a bit harder when I need to stand out in a solo or something, but it also works really well in the effects loop if you have a pedal that sucks some of the line level. It doesn't color your tone, which is great, unless you want something that does.

🗣️ Matt

I really like this pedal for Fender amps to break up, or to boost things at unity, those are my two applications for it. I keep it at 3 for the small sparkle and depth it can add, and an overall volume adjustment to my drives. It's always on to add mojo, thickness, and chime while evening out my volume.

Built to Last

This pedal has a solid metal enclosure that holds up well, whether you’re hauling it to gigs or practicing at home. Users note its rugged build and reliability across long-term use.

Responsive and Tight

It reacts instantly to your playing with no noticeable lag, so your dynamics come through cleanly the moment you step on the pedal.

What Makes It Great

• Simple one-knob design that adds a clean, consistent boost

• Preserves your natural tone without adding distortion

• Great for boosting solos or balancing volume between guitars

• Works well in front of amps or in effects loops

• Compact size fits easily on any pedalboard

Current Price: $105.99

Rating: 4.7 (total: 367+)

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SONICAKE Clean Boost

If you’re looking to add a clean, solid boost to your rig without messing with your original tone, this SONICAKE Clean Boost pedal is a smart pick. It’s compact, easy to use, and adds up to 12dB of gain, making it perfect for giving your solos that extra punch or helping balance volume between different guitars. What’s cool is that it also has a buffer function that stays active when the pedal is off, so your signal stays nice and strong no matter what. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording, or playing live, this pedal keeps things simple but effective.

Plus, it’s powered by a standard 9V adapter, so no surprises there.

What People Say

Players appreciate how this pedal delivers a strong, clean boost with minimal noise and a solid build quality. It’s praised for its quiet operation, compact form, and the handy buffer feature that keeps your tone clear even when bypassed.

🗣️ productlover

This pedal does what it's supposed to do. Easy to use, sound quality is pretty good. I like that it was very small, and the price was great. The knobs are a bit hard to adjust because they're so small, but that’s to be expected. Very solid construction.

🗣️ FrontlineFaith

One of the best boosts I've ever used. It works great with both dirty and clean tones and even brightens acoustic pickups nicely. Quiet with very little noise, and compact enough to keep on your pedalboard as a reliable backup.

Built to Handle Your Gigs

Despite its small plastic body, the pedal feels sturdy enough for regular use. Users have found it holds up well over time and doesn’t show signs of wearing out easily, making it a reliable addition to your setup.

Instant Response

This pedal responds right away when you step on it, with no lag or delay. Your playing dynamics come through naturally, so you won’t miss a beat.

Why You'll Like It

• Clean, transparent boost up to +12dB without coloring your tone

• Built-in buffer active when pedal is off for preserving signal strength

• Compact size fits easily on any pedalboard or rig

• Works well with electric and acoustic guitars

• Powered by a standard 9V DC adapter (not included)

Current Price: $29.99

Rating: 4.4 (total: 2,753+)

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MOSKY Golden Horse

If you want a versatile overdrive pedal that's not too aggressive but adds just the right amount of grit and boost, the MOSKY Golden Horse is worth trying. You get two voicing options, so whether you’re going for a smooth solo or a softer background tone, it adapts pretty well. It’s super compact, which makes it easy to slot into any pedalboard, and the true bypass keeps your tone clean when it’s off.

Plus, the knobs are responsive and let you dial in your sound easily. Ideal for practice, jamming, or even live shows where you want that classic overdrive flavor without breaking the bank.

What People Say

Users often mention how this pedal pushes their pickups nicely with a balanced midrange boost that’s not too overpowering. Many appreciate the small footprint and solid feel, praising how it delivers classic overdrive tones without costing too much.

🗣️ Shawn

I bought the Mosky Gold Horse after trying a friend's EHX Soul Food. It pushes my tele bridge pickup with a nice mid hump through my Princeton. Not too gainy, but enough for some AC/DC style crunch. Small, solid, and sounds mean. The knobs feel great too. It's cheap and nails that Klon vibe well enough you won't notice in a band mix.

🗣️ Manish Thapa

This pedal works exceptionally well with my tube amps, especially those 6L6 powered ones. It pushes my TS9 nicely and gives that extra edge or drive you need. Just be ready to tweak it a bit to find your sweet spot. Great pedal for practice boards or gigs when you want a bit more juice.

Tough Enough for the Road

The full-metal shell gives a sturdy, compact feel that holds up to regular playing and transport. While it’s budget-friendly, it doesn’t feel cheap in the hand, and most users have found it reliable over time.

Plays Right When You Step On It

Engaging the pedal feels immediate with no lag, so your dynamics come through naturally. It keeps up well with your playing, giving you control over your tone without any delay.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Two voice modes to switch between normal and soft overdrive tones

• True bypass keeps your original tone clean when the pedal is off

• Compact metal casing fits easily on any pedalboard

• Responsive knobs for treble, output, and gain to customize your sound

• Affordable option that closely mimics premium Klon tones

Current Price: $31.99

Rating: 4.4 (total: 151+)

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FAQ

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Boost Pedal For Your Guitar?

When selecting a boost pedal, you want to consider how transparent or colored you want your sound to be. Some pedals like the Xotic EP Booster offer features such as a Bright switch and Bass Boost, allowing you to tailor the tone with either added sparkle or fuller frequency response.

Think about your amp and pickups too—single coils may benefit from a little bass enhancement, while humbuckers might sound better with a cleaner boost. Also, consider the pedal’s gain range and whether it can push your amp into natural breakup or just lift volume cleanly. Size and power source matter as well; compact pedals with battery and adapter options like the MXR Micro Amp offer flexibility on stage or in the studio. Ultimately, test how the pedal interacts with your rig, because even highly rated pedals can sound different depending on your guitar, amp, and playing style.

Can You Use Boost Pedals With Both Clean and Distorted Guitar Sounds?

Yes, you can use boost pedals for both clean and distorted tones, but the effect differs. For clean tones, pedals like the BOSS BP-1W provide a natural boost that brings out body and clarity without coloring your sound, almost like an extra tube stage. With distorted or overdriven amp settings, a boost pedal can push your amp’s gain into richer saturation or tighter breakup, adding punch and sustain.

However, some boost pedals excel more at clean boosts while others add a touch of tonal coloration that blends well with distortion, like the Mosky Golden Horse. Keep in mind that pushing your amp too hard can create unwanted distortion or feedback, so dialing the gain and volume controls carefully is key for practical usage.

How Do You Integrate a Boost Pedal Into Your Signal Chain For Best Results?

You typically place your boost pedal before overdrive or distortion pedals if your goal is to drive those effects harder and add gain. This way, the boost pushes the input of your gain pedals or amp, enhancing their natural breakup.

If you want a clean volume boost for solos without changing tone, placing it after distortion pedals or in the amp’s effects loop can work better. Some players keep a transparent boost like the MXR Micro Amp always on to add subtle fullness and presence.

Also, consider power and cabling to avoid noise issues—using high-quality cables and proper power supplies helps keep your signal clean. Experiment with placement to find what best suits your playing style and gear.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right boost pedal lets you add clarity, volume, and definition exactly when you need it without compromising your tone. From the versatile and classic sound of the Xotic EP Booster to the innovative preamp tones of the BOSS BP-1W, there’s an option for every guitarist. Whether you want a simple, no-fuss gain boost or a pedal that adds character and sparkle, these top picks provide excellent value and performance.

Investing in one of these boost pedals can help you improve your playing confidence and sound quality, making your guitar parts cut through with ease and precision.

Best Boost Pedals