You’re probably here because you want your guitar to sound like a raging beast, right?
Look, when it comes to playing metal, it’s not just about hitting those heavy riffs. You need the right pedals to crush souls.
I’ve rounded up 9 of the best pedals for metal, so you don’t have to suffer through mediocre distortion anymore 😉
9 Best Metal Pedals (TL;DR)
Too busy to read? Here’s the summary (I recommend scrolling down to hear sound demos though). 100% subjective list, but accurate!
- Best for versatility: Boss MT-2W Metal Zone
- Best for modern metal: Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff
- Best value: MXR M116 Fullbore Metal
- Best dual overdrive: Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive
- Best high-gain bargain: tc electronic Fangs Metal Distortion
- Best tube-like tone: Blackstar LT-Metal
- Best for precision: JHS Pedals Angry Charlie V3
- Best compact overdrive: Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
- Best for doom metal: EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3
Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dig in and find out why these pedals are metal gods in their own right.
1. Boss MT-2W Metal Zone
We’ve all seen it—the Boss Metal Zone. Some people love it, others… not so much. But you can’t deny it’s been around for decades for a reason. This MT-2W is like the Metal Zone 2.0, and Boss did a killer job with the Waza Craft magic. It’s clearer, cleaner, and less noisy than the original. Plus, with two gain modes, it’s like getting two pedals in one. Neat, right?
Key Features:
- Two gain modes: Standard for the OG Metal Zone sound, Custom for extra high gain.
- 3-band EQ: Shape your tone exactly how you want it.
- Durable as hell: Stomp it all you want, it’s not breaking.
Why I Recommend It:
If you need a pedal that’ll give you that full-stack sound without hauling a fridge-sized amp around, this is the one. Made in Japan too, so it’s premium quality. A must-have if you ask me! But it’s quite expensive. If you’re low on cash, maybe one of these Behringer pedals will be a better fit.
2. Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff
This one’s small but packs a serious punch. The Nano Metal Muff by Electro Harmonix is a modern metal dream. It’s tight, it’s mean, and it has a built-in noise gate. That’s right—you won’t need to worry about unwanted hiss when you stop playing. Perfect for the heavier genres like death metal or metalcore.
Key Features:
- Noise gate included: Keep things clean when you need to.
- 3-band EQ: Adjust those highs, mids, and lows like a pro.
- Compact size: Fits on even the most cramped pedalboards.
Why I Recommend It:
Honestly? If you want something compact but with a tone as fat as a sumo wrestler, this pedal is for you. It’ll get you that tight, aggressive tone that modern metal thrives on.
3. MXR M116 Fullbore Metal
Let’s talk about the MXR Fullbore Metal. This thing? It’s like the sonic equivalent of a chainsaw. The sweepable mid control lets you really dial in those face-melting tones, and the noise gate stops things from getting messy.
Whether you’re into thrash, death, or anything in between, this pedal will handle it. For thrash metal the right guitar also plays a big role – check out this guide on top thrash metal axes if you’re up for it!
Key Features:
- Sweepable mid control: Find your sweet spot, boost or cut to perfection.
- Noise gate: Silence is golden, right?
- 3-band EQ with sweepable mid-freq: Precision at its finest.
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re the type who likes to tweak your tone to perfection, this pedal gives you total control. Sweepable mids? A game-changer. It’s practically built for shredders and riff-lords alike.
4. Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, the Strymon Sunset is here to save the day. It’s an analog/digital hybrid, and you get two overdrive circuits to mess with. Analog warmth, digital flexibility—it’s like having your cake and eating it too. Seriously, this thing is all about versatility.
Key Features:
- Two overdrive circuits: More options, more fun.
- Analog & digital hybrid: Why pick one when you can have both?
- Expression pedal input: Change stuff on the fly, like a boss.
Why I Recommend It:
This pedal is great for players who want flexibility in their overdrive. It’s super versatile, so whether you need crunchy tones or a bit of warmth, it can do it all. And who doesn’t love a pedal that can do multiple things at once?
As you know, metal guitarists also often use chorus pedals. Have a look on this list of budget chorus pedals – I highly recommend it!
5. tc electronic Fangs Metal Distortion
tc electronic Fangs Metal Distortion is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to sound brutal. It’s high-gain, simple, and does exactly what it promises—distorts your signal into oblivion.
Key Features:
- High-gain distortion: Perfect for heavy riffing.
- Simple controls: Gain, volume, bass, and treble—easy peasy.
- True bypass: No tone-suck when it’s off.
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re just starting out or need a solid, no-frills high-gain pedal, Fangs delivers. It’s affordable, sounds great, and doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out.
6. Blackstar LT-Metal
You’ve probably heard of Blackstar’s tube amps, right? Well, the Blackstar LT-Metal is their attempt to capture that tube-amp sound in a pedal. And you know what? They did a pretty good job. It’s designed to give you that warm, high-gain distortion that you get from cranking a tube amp.
Key Features:
- Tube-like distortion: Rich and warm, just how we like it.
- Compact design: Saves space, keeps the tone.
- Gain level and tone controls: Dial in your perfect sound.
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re after a tube-like distortion but don’t want to lug a huge amp around, this is the way to go. It’s warm, it’s punchy, and it’s small enough to fit on any pedalboard.
You may also like: Budget Reverb Pedals & Cheap Delay Effects!
7. JHS Pedals Angry Charlie V3
The Angry Charlie V3 is an amp-like distortion pedal with full control over the EQ. This thing’s got plenty of gain for the metalheads, but it’s also super versatile. You can use it to add a bit of bite to your sound or crank it up for all-out fury. Your call.
Key Features:
- Amp-like distortion: Full, rich, and loud.
- Complete EQ: Control your bass, mids, and treble with ease.
- True bypass: Your tone stays untouched when the pedal’s off.
Why I Recommend It:
This pedal gives you the kind of distortion you’d expect from a cranked-up amp. It’s precise, responsive, and downright nasty when you need it to be. Perfect for anyone looking to get more amp-like tones from their pedalboard.
8. Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
Look, the Ibanez Tube Screamer is a classic. You probably know that already. But this Mini version takes all the tone we love and packs it into a tiny enclosure. While it’s not a metal pedal per se, it’s perfect for tightening up your sound when you throw it in front of a high-gain amp.
Key Features:
- Classic overdrive tone: Same sound, smaller size.
- 100% analog: Warm, responsive, and organic.
- Super compact: Tiny but mighty.
Why I Recommend It:
Sure, it’s not your go-to metal distortion pedal, but it’s an amazing boost for when you need to tighten up your tone. If you’re playing metal and want a tighter, punchier sound, throw this in front of your amp and thank me later.
9. EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3
Now, for the doom metal folks out there, this is the Holy Grail. The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 is an absolute monster. It’s a distortion, boost, and octave-up all in one pedal. You want to crush your audience with a wall of sound? This is how you do it.
Key Features:
- Distortion + boost + octave-up: One pedal to rule them all.
- Three clipping modes: Dial in the distortion that fits your mood.
- True bypass & Flexi-Switch: Advanced control for pros.
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re into doom, sludge, or drone metal, you can’t do better than this. The Life Pedal V3 delivers the punishing, earth-shaking tones you need to level the playing field. Literally.
My Rating
Here’s how these pedals stack up based on versatility, sound, and overall bang for your buck. This is 100% subjective opinion though. If you want to connect with me or chat about these pedals, go to my YouTube channels – Best Guitars Now & Strefa Gitar.
| Pedal | My Rating | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Boss MT-2W Metal Zone | 9 | Classic pedal with tons of versatility. |
| Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff | 8.5 | Compact and aggressive, great for modern metal. |
| MXR M116 Fullbore Metal | 9 | Great for tone-shaping and high-gain riffage. |
| Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive | 8.5 | Versatile dual overdrive, but a bit on the pricey side. |
| tc electronic Fangs Metal Distortion | 8 | Great high-gain tone for the price. |
| Blackstar LT-Metal | 8 | Warm, tube-like distortion in a compact format. |
| JHS Pedals Angry Charlie V3 | 9 | Amp-like distortion with tons of control. |
| Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini | 8.5 | Classic overdrive, great for boosting metal tones. |
| EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life V3 | 9.5 | If you’re into doom, this is the one you want. |
FAQs
- Which pedal’s best for modern metal?
Try the Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff for that aggressive, modern metal tone. - What’s the best budget option?
tc electronic Fangs will give you all the high-gain goodness without emptying your wallet. - Can I use the Tube Screamer Mini for metal?
Heck yeah! It’s not a full-on distortion, but it’s perfect for boosting and tightening your tone. - Do I need a noise gate for these pedals?
Only if you’re cranking the gain up to 11! The MXR Fullbore and Nano Muff have built-in noise gates. - What’s the most versatile pedal here?
The Strymon Sunset. With two overdrive circuits and tons of options, it can handle almost anything. - What about doom or sludge metal?
EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3. You’re welcome.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best pedal for metal depends on what kind of sound you’re going for. Whether you want tight, modern metal or doom-y, earth-shattering riffs, there’s something on this list for you. Pick one (or three) and get ready to blow some speakers. 🤘
