We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Auto Wah Pedals 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

SONICAKE Wah Active Volume Pedal, Wah & Volume 2 in 1 Combo Guitar Effects Pedal, Full-size Pedal - FlipWah

The SONICAKE Wah Active Volume Pedal is a versatile device designed for guitarists who need both a wah and volume control in one pedal. This 2-in-1 combo offers a vintage wah sound with an adjustable Q value, making it suitable for a range of musical styles. The full-size build ensures it's ergonomic and easy to use with your feet, which is a significant advantage for live performances or extended practice sessions.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,187
Sensitivity
Power Supply
Size and Build Quality

Most important from
2435 reviews

Sensitivity
Despite its small size, it fits well on a pedal board and offers great sensitivity and sound quality.
Power Supply
The placement of the 9V AC port on the top right could be more convenient, but it's a minor issue.
Size and Build Quality
Despite its small size, it fits well on a pedal board and offers great sensitivity and sound quality.
#2
9.6 score

Behringer HB01 Optical Wah Pedal for Electric Guitar, Adjustable Frequency Range, Spring-back Mechanism, Fine-tune Control

The Behringer HB01 Optical Wah Pedal is designed for electric guitarists seeking an adjustable wah effect. One of its standout features is the adjustable frequency range, which allows users to fine-tune their sound to suit different playing styles. The spring-back mechanism adds convenience, ensuring that the pedal returns to its original position without any manual effort, making it user-friendly for live performances. With a weight of 3.64 pounds and a compact size of 10 x 4.72 x 3.9 inches, it’s portable enough for gigging musicians.

Rating
9.6
Power Supply
Size and Build Quality

Most important from
8589 reviews

Power Supply
Battery compartment is tricky, with a difficult installation and tendency to fall out.
Size and Build Quality
Construction quality is good, with a metal base and rubber grip, though an all-metal build would be better.

Top 10 Best Auto Wah Pedals 2025 in the United States

Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron Envelope Filter Pedal

Sensitivity: adjust filter sweep sensitivity
Range: lows, mids, or highs
True Bypass: true bypass
Power Supply: 9V battery or optional 9V power supply
Size and Build Quality: 4.5 x 2.75 x 2.1 inches

Morley 20/20 Wah Lock

Range: dynamic wah effects range
True Bypass: seamless activation and bypass
Power Supply: 9V battery or AC adapter
Size and Build Quality: compact, robust build

MXR Bass Envelope Filter Effect Pedal

Sensitivity: adjustable using decay and 'Q'
Range: adjustable using decay and 'Q'
Attack/Decay: decay control
True Bypass: Yes
Power Supply: 9V battery or corded electric
Size and Build Quality: 6 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches

Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron Plus Envelope Filter with Effects Loop Pedal

Range: switchable high and low-frequency
True Bypass: Yes
Power Supply: corded electric 9V
Size and Build Quality: 5.75"L x 4.75"W x 2.5"H, metal

Boss AW-3 Dynamic Wah Pedal

Sensitivity: fine-tune sensitivity controls
Range: customize frequency sweep
Attack/Decay: adjust attack and decay
True Bypass: true bypass feature
Power Supply: 9V battery or AC adapter
Size and Build Quality: 0.28 x 5.83 x 3.58 inches
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Auto Wah Pedals

Choosing the right auto-wah pedal can significantly enhance your guitar playing experience by adding dynamic and expressive effects to your sound. Auto-wah pedals automatically modulate the frequency of your guitar signal, creating a 'wah' effect without the need for manual control. To find the best auto-wah pedal for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they impact the performance and usability of the pedal.
SensitivitySensitivity determines how the pedal responds to the dynamics of your playing. Higher sensitivity means the pedal will react to even the slightest changes in your playing intensity, while lower sensitivity requires more forceful playing to trigger the effect. If you play with a light touch or want the wah effect to be prominent with minimal effort, choose a pedal with high sensitivity. Conversely, if you play aggressively or want more control over when the effect is activated, a lower sensitivity setting might be better.
RangeThe range of an auto-wah pedal refers to the frequency spectrum that the pedal affects. A wider range means the pedal can cover more frequencies, providing a more dramatic wah effect. A narrower range will focus on a specific part of the frequency spectrum, offering a more subtle effect. If you want a versatile pedal that can produce a wide variety of sounds, look for one with a broad range. If you prefer a more focused and consistent effect, a narrower range might be more suitable.
Attack/DecayAttack and decay settings control how quickly the wah effect engages and fades out. A fast attack means the effect will kick in almost immediately after you start playing, while a slower attack will create a more gradual onset. Similarly, a fast decay will cause the effect to fade quickly, while a slower decay will let it linger. If you want a sharp, punchy wah effect, choose a pedal with fast attack and decay settings. For a smoother, more ambient sound, look for slower attack and decay options.
True BypassTrue bypass is a feature that ensures your guitar signal remains unaffected when the pedal is turned off. This is important for maintaining the integrity of your tone, especially if you use multiple pedals in your setup. If preserving your original guitar sound is a priority, look for an auto-wah pedal with true bypass. However, if you don't mind a slight alteration in your tone when the pedal is off, this feature may be less critical.
Power SupplyAuto-wah pedals can be powered by batteries or an external power supply. Battery-powered pedals offer portability and convenience, but you need to keep spare batteries on hand. Pedals that use an external power supply are more reliable for long sessions but require access to a power outlet. Consider your playing environment and how often you use the pedal to decide which power option is best for you.
Size and Build QualityThe size and build quality of an auto-wah pedal can affect its durability and ease of use. Larger pedals may offer more features and controls but can take up more space on your pedalboard. Smaller pedals are more compact and portable but might have fewer options. Build quality is crucial for ensuring the pedal can withstand regular use and transport. If you frequently gig or travel, opt for a robust, well-built pedal. For home use, size and build quality might be less of a concern.

FAQ