Okay, so you’re here because you want to make your guitar sound even better, right? Good choice – chorus pedals are great for that!
And guess what? You don’t need to drop a fortune to get some amazing gear. You can find some really great chorus pedals for under $100. Yes, seriously!
So, let’s stop wasting time and get to the good stuff, shall we?
Quick Overview: Best Chorus Pedals Under $100
- Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone – Classic analog warmth with simple controls. Great for thick, lush tones.
- Fender Hammertone Chorus – Offers versatile tone-shaping with lots of control options.
- Mooer Ensemble King – Compact, powerful, and loaded with flexibility in a tiny package.
- Ibanez CSMini Chorus Pedal – Compact size, classic Ibanez tone, perfect for tight pedalboards.
- Harley Benton Classic Chorus – Super budget-friendly with a solid vintage vibe.
- Behringer UC200 – Stereo chorus for an extra-wide sound that doesn’t break the bank.
1. Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone
First up, we’ve got the Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone, the smaller sibling to the famous Small Clone. This one’s all about giving you that rich, analog warmth in a smaller, pedalboard-friendly package. It’s simple, with only a rate knob and a depth switch, but don’t let that fool you—it packs a punch.
It’s a great choice if you’re after that classic analog chorus sound without needing to mess around with too many controls. Just set it and forget it, then let the lush, swirling chorus take over.
Features:
- Analog circuitry: Smooth, rich, and warm tones.
- Rate knob: Controls the speed of the modulation.
- Depth switch: Lets you adjust how deep the chorus effect goes.
Why I Recommend It:
If you love a no-fuss pedal that sounds great, the Neo Clone is a fantastic pick. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers that iconic, warm chorus sound Electro-Harmonix is known for. Perfect for those who want to keep things analog and easy.
IMO it’s great not only for 80s rock but also for alt-rock, indie and shoegaze. If you’re into the last one – have a look on this list of best pedals for shoegaze!
2. Fender Hammertone Chorus
Ah, Fender! The Hammertone Chorus is a bit of a sleeper hit. It’s loaded with more controls than you might expect for a budget pedal, which makes it super versatile. Want to tweak your tone just right? You’ve got Level, Rate, and Depth knobs to shape things exactly how you like it.
But it doesn’t stop there—it’s got a Tone and Type switch, allowing you to shift between different chorus flavors. Whether you’re after something subtle or all-out sea-sickening swirl, this pedal can handle it. Oh, and true bypass means your tone stays clean when the pedal’s off.
Features:
- Level, Rate, Depth controls: Everything you need to tweak your chorus sound.
- Tone and Type switch: Extra versatility in shaping your sound.
- True bypass: No tone loss when disengaged.
- LED status: Never question if it’s on or off.
Why I Recommend It:
The Hammertone Chorus gives you a lot of control over your sound. It’s perfect for players who like to really dial in their tone. Plus, it’s a Fender pedal—so you know it’s built well.
Looking for more cheap pedals? Check out our lists of budget reverb effects and cheap delay pedals!
3. Mooer Ensemble King
Don’t let the size of the Mooer Ensemble King fool you. This tiny pedal brings a massive sound. Compact pedals are all the rage these days (I mean, who has room for giant pedals anymore?), and the Ensemble King fits in right along with that trend. It’s got Rate, Level, and Depth controls, so despite its small footprint, you can really shape the chorus effect to your liking.
It’s also got TRS inputs/outputs for stereo setups, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking to get some wider sounds going. And of course, true bypass means your tone stays intact when the pedal’s off.
Features:
- Rate, Level, Depth controls: Compact but full of tonal control.
- TRS input/output: Stereo capable for bigger, wider sounds.
- True bypass: Keeps your tone pure when it’s off.
Why I Recommend It:
The Ensemble King is perfect for players who need a compact, reliable chorus pedal with plenty of tone-shaping options. It’s tiny, but it packs a punch. Plus, it’s great for saving space on your pedalboard.
4. Ibanez CSMini Chorus Pedal
Next up, we’ve got the Ibanez CSMini Chorus, a pint-sized powerhouse. It’s small, it’s blue, and it’s ready to swirl your tone into beautiful, dreamy waves. This pedal features speed, depth, and level controls, making it super easy to dial in the perfect chorus sound.
Despite its small size, this Ibanez pedal has that classic Ibanez tone we all know and love. And it’s true bypass, so it won’t mess with your signal when it’s not in use. Perfect for small pedalboards or minimalists who want maximum impact from a tiny box.
Features:
- Speed, Depth, and Level controls: Simple but effective chorus shaping.
- True bypass: No signal interference when disengaged.
- Compact size: Saves space on your board without compromising on sound.
Why I Recommend It:
For players who love Ibanez pedals and need something compact, the CSMini is a no-brainer. It’s small but packs a lot of tone-shaping potential, making it perfect for any player who wants a high-quality chorus without sacrificing pedalboard space.
5. Harley Benton Classic Chorus
Budget players, listen up! The Harley Benton Classic Chorus is an absolute steal. It’s one of the most affordable chorus pedals out there, but it still manages to deliver a warm, vintage sound that’s surprisingly good for the price.
The Rate and Width controls give you just enough to dial in a classic, swirly chorus without overcomplicating things. And for those who just want a simple, solid chorus pedal that doesn’t cost more than a dinner out, Harley Benton’s got you covered.
Features:
- Rate and Width controls: Basic but effective for classic chorus tones.
- True bypass: Keeps your signal clean when not in use.
- Super affordable: Perfect for guitarists on a tight budget.
Why I Recommend It:
The Classic Chorus delivers way more than you’d expect for the price. It’s perfect if you want a vintage chorus tone without paying vintage prices. Simple, cheap, and does the job—what more could you ask for?
6. Behringer UC200
Spoiler: Behringer pedals are cheap and surprisingly good.
We’ve mentioned it before, and for a reason—it’s one of the best ultra-budget stereo chorus pedals out there. If you’re looking for a stereo chorus effect that can create some seriously wide soundscapes, this pedal’s got you covered.
It’s cheap, yeah, but it still holds its own with some more expensive pedals when it comes to sound quality. You get that extra-wide chorus sound thanks to its stereo capabilities, making it a great choice for anyone who loves that deep, lush chorus tone on a budget.
Features:
- Stereo output: Creates a wider, more immersive chorus sound.
- Dedicated controls for Level, Tone, Depth, and Rate: Plenty of ways to tweak your tone.
- Super affordable: Hard to beat for the price.
Why I Recommend It:
The UC200 is perfect for players who want to dip their toes into stereo chorus effects without breaking the bank. It’s affordable, sounds great, and is perfect for home setups or beginner rigs.
My Rating
Here’s how I rate these pedals overall:
| Pedal | Overall Rating | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone | 8.5/10 | Simple, analog, and great for classic sounds. |
| Fender Hammertone Chorus | 9/10 | Lots of tonal flexibility and features for the price. |
| Mooer Ensemble King | 8.5/10 | Compact but powerful. Great for tight setups. |
| Ibanez CSMini Chorus | 8/10 | Classic Ibanez tone in a mini-pedal format. |
| Harley Benton Classic Chorus | 7/10 | Super cheap with a solid, vintage chorus vibe. |
| Behringer UC200 | 7/10 | Stereo chorus on a budget, hard to beat for the price. |
Do you agree with that or nah? Connect with me on YouTube! I run two channels – one in Polish (Strefa Gitar) and one in English (Best Guitars Now).
FAQ
1. Is an analog chorus pedal better than a digital one?
It depends on what you’re after. Analog is warmer and more vintage-sounding, while digital can give you more flexibility and clarity.
2. Where should I place a chorus pedal in my signal chain?
Generally, after distortion/overdrive and before any delay or reverb. But hey, feel free to experiment!
3. What’s the difference between stereo and mono chorus?
Stereo chorus gives you a wider, more spacious sound, especially if you’re running two amps. Mono is more direct but still effective.
4. Are budget chorus pedals worth it?
Absolutely. Many budget pedals (like the ones on this list) deliver excellent tones without the high price tag. Just don’t expect them to last forever.
5. Can I use a chorus pedal with distortion?
Yep! Chorus with distortion can add a whole new layer to your sound, especially for lead parts.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—six of the best chorus pedals under $100. Whether you’re a tone-tweaker looking for control, or just want a simple, no-nonsense pedal, there’s something here for everyone. Happy playing, and may your tone forever be swirling and dreamy! 🙂
