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10 Best Wah Pedals 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Hotone Wah Active Volume Passive Expression Guitar Effects Pedal Switchable Soul Press II 4 in 1 with Visible Guitar Effects Pedal

The Hotone Wah Active Volume Passive Expression Guitar Effects Pedal, also known as the Soul Press II, is a versatile choice for guitarists who need flexibility in their sound modulation. With its 4-in-1 functionality, it can serve as a volume pedal, expression pedal, wah pedal, or a combination of volume/wah, making it an excellent all-in-one solution if you want to explore various sound effects without cluttering your pedalboard. The true bypass design ensures your guitar's signal remains clean and unaffected when the pedal is not in use, which is a crucial feature for maintaining sound integrity during performances.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,340
Construction Quality
Adjustability

Most important from
474 reviews

Construction Quality
The combination of modern and classic wah sounds, along with robust construction, makes this pedal a top choice in terms of sound quality and value.
Adjustability
The pedal's compact size is a big plus, allowing it to fit easily on any pedalboard while still delivering exceptional performance.
#2
10.0 score

Morley 20/20 Classic Wah Pedal

The Morley 20/20 Classic Wah Pedal is a compact, pedalboard-friendly option, measuring 6.85″ x 4.5″ x 2.5″ and weighing just 2 pounds, making it easy to integrate into any setup. Its switchless operation is a standout feature; simply step on to activate and step off to bypass, which can be very convenient during performances. The pedal employs premium Morley buffer technology to protect your tone, an essential feature for maintaining sound quality. Additionally, the optical circuitry is a notable advantage as it is more durable and reliable than traditional potentiometers, ensuring long-lasting performance without wear down issues.

#3
9.9 score

JIM DUNLOP 105Q Cry Baby Bass Wah Guitar Effects Pedal, White

The JIM DUNLOP 105Q Cry Baby Bass Wah Guitar Effects Pedal is designed specifically for bass players. It offers a sweep range optimized for bass frequencies, ensuring that it captures the low-end tones effectively. The separate Q and Volume controls provide good adjustability, allowing users to fine-tune their sound according to their preferences.

Rating
9.9
Sweep Range
Construction Quality

Most important from
204 reviews

Sweep Range
The variable Q dial is a standout feature, allowing precise control over the tone from warm, classic lower mids to intense, high-pitched sounds.
Construction Quality
The construction is impressively durable and solid, definitely built to withstand heavy use.

Top 10 Best Wah Pedals 2025 in the United States

Morley 20/20 Classic Wah Pedal

Bypass Type: Switchless
Power Source: 9 Volts
Construction Quality: Made in USA

JIM DUNLOP 105Q Cry Baby Bass Wah Guitar Effects Pedal, White

Sweep Range: optimized for bass
Power Source: 9V DC power or battery
Construction Quality: compact and lightweight design
Adjustability: Q and Volume controls

Morley 20/20 Wah Lock

Bypass Type: Switchless
Power Source: Battery or Optional AC Adapter
Construction Quality: Constructed in the USA
Adjustability: Loud control, Wah lock, 'Whoa' mode

MORLEY 20/20 Lead Wah Boost

Power Source: Corded Electric
Construction Quality: Well-constructed
Adjustability: Switchless operation

Boss AW-3 Dynamic Wah Pedal

Sweep Range: Decay, Manual, Sensitivity, Mode controls
Power Source: Battery, AC Adapter
Construction Quality: robust
Adjustability: expression pedal input

Morley 20/20 Power Fuzz Wah Pedal

Bypass Type: Switchless operation
Power Source: 9-volt adapter
Construction Quality: Glow-in-the-dark rubber, LED indication
Adjustability: Control wah, fuzz intensity, fuzz level

MORLEY 20/20 Bad Horsie Wah Guitar Effects Pedal,Red,MTBH2

Bypass Type: Switchless
Power Source: Battery, DC Adapter Compatible
Construction Quality: Optical circuitry
Adjustability: Two wah modes: Standard, Contour

Morley Classic Bad Horsie Wah

Bypass Type: Switchless
Power Source: Battery Powered
Construction Quality: Robust build
Adjustability: Contour mode, 15 dB control

Fulltone Clyde Deluxe Wah Pedal

Power Source: 9 Volts
Construction Quality: solid and durable
Adjustability: 3-way switch, variable input control
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Buying Guide for the Best Wah Pedals

When it comes to choosing a wah-pedal, it's important to understand that this effect pedal can significantly shape your guitar's sound. A wah-pedal is used to create a distinctive 'wah-wah' sound by altering the tone and frequencies of the signal. This effect is achieved by rocking the pedal back and forth with your foot. To find the best wah-pedal for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your playing style and needs.
Sweep RangeThe sweep range of a wah-pedal refers to the range of frequencies that the pedal can modulate. This is important because it determines how dramatic the 'wah' effect will be. A wider sweep range offers more tonal variation, which can be great for expressive playing. If you play a variety of music styles, a wider sweep range might be beneficial. Conversely, a narrower sweep range can provide a more focused sound, which might be preferable for specific genres like funk or rock.
Bypass TypeThe bypass type determines how the pedal affects your signal when it is not engaged. True bypass means the signal passes through the pedal without any alteration, preserving your original tone. Buffered bypass, on the other hand, can help maintain signal strength over long cable runs but may slightly alter your tone. If you have a complex pedalboard or use long cables, a buffered bypass might be useful. For purists who want their tone untouched when the pedal is off, true bypass is the way to go.
Power SourceWah-pedals can be powered by batteries or an external power supply. This is important for convenience and reliability. Battery-powered pedals offer portability and ease of use, but you need to keep spare batteries handy. Pedals that use an external power supply can be more reliable for long sessions and gigs, as you won't have to worry about the battery dying. Consider your playing environment and how often you use the pedal to decide which power source is best for you.
Construction QualityThe construction quality of a wah-pedal affects its durability and longevity. This is crucial if you plan to use the pedal frequently or take it on the road. Pedals made with robust materials like metal are generally more durable and can withstand heavy use. If you play gigs or travel often, investing in a well-built pedal is wise. For home use or occasional playing, a less rugged build might suffice.
AdjustabilitySome wah-pedals offer adjustable features such as Q control, which changes the intensity of the wah effect, or volume control. These features are important for tailoring the pedal to your specific sound preferences. If you like to experiment with your tone or need versatility for different music styles, a pedal with more adjustability options can be very beneficial. If you prefer a straightforward, plug-and-play experience, a simpler pedal might be more suitable.

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