Every electric guitarist knows that the pursuit of tone is a journey, and sometimes you need a little push to hit that coveted sweet spot. That's where boost pedals come in. Whether you're looking to add volume, enhance your tone or push your amp into overdrive, a good boost pedal is an essential tool for any guitarist's board. In this guide, we'll explore some of the top boost pedals on the market today, covering everything from pristine clean boosts to gritty, tone-shaping options. Whether you're a tone purist craving a clean signal bump, tone chaser looking to add some saturated overdriven warmth, gigging musician in search of a reliable gain boost to add to your pedalboard, or any combination of the above, there's a pedal here to help you find your sound.

Pictured: BOSS BP-1W Waza Craft Booster/Preamp Pedal

Table of Contents

What Do Boost Pedals Do?
Where Does a Boost Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
Comparing the Top Boost Pedals
The Best Boost Pedals of 2024
   BOSS BP-1W Waza Craft Booster/Preamp Effects Pedal
   Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Nano Linear Power Booster Effects Pedal
   Friedman Buxom Boost Effects Pedal
   J. Rockett Audio Designs Archer Boost Overdrive Effects Pedal
   Keeley Mini Katana Clean Boost Effects Pedal
   Laney Black Country Customs Tony Iommi Signature Boost Effects Pedal
   Pigtronix Class A Boost Utility Effects Pedal
   Revv Amplification Tilt Boost Effects Pedal
   TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster Effects Pedal
   VOX Valvenergy Power Burst Boost Effects Pedal
   Xotic RC Booster Classic Effects Pedal
   Xotic EP Booster Effects Pedal
Give Yourself a Boost

What Do Boost Pedals Do?

Since their ’60s beginnings with the Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster and the original Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 (Linear Power Booster), boost pedals have had a pivotal role in shaping rock’s golden era and beyond—no matter the genre. They can add volume, clarity or warmth to your tone, giving your sound a lift without altering its core characteristics—or adding a bit of grit, depending on the pedal type. There are two main types of boost pedals: clean boosts and less clean boosts. Clean boosts increase your volume without adding distortion, perfect for enhancing your tone transparently. Others, like overdriven or preamp boosts add a touch of drive or coloration, making them great for adding a little extra edge.

Pictured: Xotic EP Booster Pedal

Where Does a Boost Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?

Boost pedals typically go near the start (after your tuner, if you have one), just before any other gain-based effects—like overdrive, distortion and fuzz—or at the end of your signal chain between your instrument and your amp, depending on what you want to achieve. Placing a boost at the start of your chain will increase the input level to your other pedals, which can push overdrives and fuzz pedals into more intense territory. Placing it at the end of your chain boosts the entire signal, making it a popular step-on-it pedal for soloing. Also, you don’t have to be a guitar player—there are no rules prohibiting bassists, synth players or electric violinists from using boosters. Have fun and experiment with placement and controls, and boost your way to your dream tone. For more of the nitty-gritty details and ideas, check out our articles on guitar pedal order and how to build your pedalboard.

Comparing the Top Boost Pedals

Pedal	Type of Boost	Boost Level	Control Options	Power Draw
BOSS BP-1W Waza Craft Booster/Preamp	Clean boost and preamp	Up to +20dB	Level and gain knobs; mode and buffer switches	9V, 30mA
Electro-Harmonix Nano LPB-1	Linear boost	Up to +20dB	Boost knob	9V, 1mA
Friedman Buxom Boost	Clean boost	Variable	Mid, bass, treble, tight and boost knobs; EQ bypass switch	9V or 18V, 10mA
J. Rockett Audio Designs Archer Boost	Boost/overdrive	Up to +15dB	Output, gain and treble knobs	9V, 8mA
Keeley Mini Katana Clean Boost	Clean boost	Up to +35dB	Volume knob; treble cut and high gain dip switches (on or off)	9V, 1mA
Laney Tony Iommi Signature Boost	Clean/driven boost	Up to +20dB	Drive, volume, low, high	9V, 5mA
Pigtronix Class A Boost	Clean boost	Up to +20dB	Level knob	9V, 3mA
Revv Amplification Tilt Boost	Tilt EQ/boost	Up to +20dB	Boost knob with Drive switch, Tilt EQ with tight switch	9V, 25mA
TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster	Clean boost	Up to +20dB	Level knob	9V
VOX Valvenergy Power Burst	Clean/drive boost	Up to +30dB	Boost knob; treble, natural and middle modes	9V
Xotic RC Booster Classic	Clean boost	Up to +20dB	Gain, volume, treble and bass knobs	9V or 18V
Xotic EP Booster	Preamp boost	Up to +20dB	Single knob	9V

The Best Boost Pedals of 2024

BOSS BP-1W Waza Craft Booster/Preamp Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: This BOSS Waza Craft pedal lets you choose from a clean boost, or the classic preamp tones found in either the RE-201 Space Echo or the BOSS CE-1 Chorus Ensemble.

Things to Consider:

• Clean boost plus preamp coloration options
• Buffer circuitry is switchable between standard (uncolored) and vintage (low-impedance/dark and velvety)
• Part of BOSS's premium Waza Craft series, made in Japan

Shop Now: BOSS BP-1W Waza Craft Booster/Preamp Effects Pedal

Fans of the jangly, bell-like character of the Chorus Ensemble preamp and the fat warmth of the Space Echo pre will find a suitable home in the BOSS BP-1W Waza Craft Booster/Preamp pedal. The BP-1W offers high-quality, transparent tone that boosts your signal without altering it—unless of course you want it to. And if you do choose to use it that way, its switchable preamp and buffer circuitry modes, along with level and gain knobs, add infinite possibilities to your tonal palette. With up to 20dB of gain, BOSS’ Booster/Preamp affords plenty of headroom to push your amp into blissful saturation.

Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Nano Linear Power Booster Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: Functionally unadulterated from the one that started it all, the Mike Mathews-designed LPB-1 provides a straightforward boost via a single control knob, while being tantalizingly affordable.

Things to Consider:

• Classic single-knob design and true bypass
• Provides up to +20dB of gain for added punch
• Great for thickening single-coil pickups

Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Nano LPB-1 Linear Power Booster Effects Pedal

Boasting an exact recreation of the original linear booster circuit that’s given us overdriven joy since 1968, the Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Nano pedal is a no-nonsense linear boost pedal that packs a punch in a compact form factor. With a single BOOST knob, it’s easy to dial in up to +20dB of clean boost to enhance solos, or push an overdrive pedal into heavier territory. It’s also a great choice for beefing up single-coil pickups, adding fullness and warmth to your tone. Its simplicity and affordability make it ideal for beginners or players looking to add a straightforward boost without breaking the bank—which may explain why Guitar Center customers have given it above a 4.5-star review average.

Friedman Buxom Boost Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: Named after the iconic Friedman Buxom Betty tube amp head, Buxom Boost combines clean boost with EQ controls, letting you shape your tone while adding plenty of clean analog gain.

Things to Consider:

• Gain (boost), Bass (boost) and Treble (boost or cut) controls for precise tone shaping
• “Tight” knob dials in in low-end response
• Transparent boost that works well with other pedals

Shop Now: Friedman Buxom Boost Effects Pedal

Made in the USA, the Friedman Buxom Boost pedal is more than just a clean booster—it’s a tone-sculpting tool that gives you 3-band EQ control and more. The Gain, Bass and Treble knobs let you refine your sound to fit any rig—also excellent for bass instruments—while the Tight control helps tighten up low-end response, making it perfect for heavier genres. The Buxom Boost can drive your amp into natural saturation or give your clean tone a full, balanced boost, and affords you even more headroom when you juice it up with 18V instead of the standard 9V. And, with its high-quality circuitry, it’s quiet enough—in an unwanted noise sense—for use with acoustic-electric instruments. Whether you’re looking to shape your tone or add pure volume, the expressive nuances of your playing shine though in classic Friedman form.

J. Rockett Audio Designs Archer Boost Overdrive Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: Using the exact germanium diodes and sonic signature of the legendary Klon Centaur pedal, Archer Boost combines classic boost with a side of overdrive, delivering everything from a clean lift to rich harmonic inundation.

Things to Consider:

• Blend of clean boost and overdrive, inspired by the classic Klon circuitry
• Gain and Treble controls for tailored sound
• Warm, responsive tone perfect for blues and rock

Shop Now: J. Rockett Audio Designs Archer Boost Overdrive Effects Pedal

The J. Rockett Archer Boost pedal is a fan favorite among guitarists looking for that classic “Klon-style” boost. With Gain and Treble controls, it allows for a range of tones—from a clean boost that adds sparkle and clarity to an overdriven sound with warm, lush harmonics. The Archer Boost is especially loved by blues and classic rock players for its ability to add subtle grit and sustain to their tone without overwhelming it. If you’re looking for a pedal that’s both a boost and a light overdrive, hear for yourself why the Archer Boost Overdrive gets a perfect five-star rating from Guitar Center customers.

Keeley Mini Katana Clean Boost Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: The Mini Katana packs Keeley’s renowned clean boost technology into a ultracompact pedal, offering up massive headroom with a single knob.

Things to Consider:

• Up to +35dB of clean gain via a dual Class-A JFET design
• Tiny form factor means easy pedalboard integration
• Internal switch for high- or low-gain operation, as well as high cut

Shop Now: Keeley Mini Katana Clean Boost Effects Pedal

The little sibling of the Keeley Katana Clean Boost, the Mini Katana Clean Boost is a small pedal with a big impact, delivering up to a whopping +35dB of pure, clean boost to bring your guitar tone to life. Its compact design makes it perfect for crowded pedalboards, while the internal high/low gain switch offers additional versatility. The Katana’s high headroom ensures it won’t color your tone, instead adding fullness and clarity that enhances any guitar and amp combination. This pedal is ideal for players who want a straightforward, transparent boost that can handle any genre with stride—100% of Guitar Center reviewers would recommend the Mini Katana Boost to a friend.

Laney Black Country Customs Tony Iommi Signature Boost Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: Designed in close collaboration with the pioneering Black Sabbath axeman himself, this boutique Black Country Customs pedal offers a unique mid boost that’s perfect for cutting through dense mixes.

Things to Consider:

• Custom mid-boost tailored to Iommi’s iconic tone
• Drive, volume, low and high controls for precise EQ shaping
• 9V battery supplied; power supply sold separately

Shop Now: Laney Back Country Customs Tony Iommi Signature Boost Effects Pedal

Looking to launch your sound and become a tonal supernaut? You’re in luck, because the Back Country Customs TI-BOOST Tony Iommi Signature pedal is tailor-made for rock and metal players seeking to slice through a heavy mix. Purpose-designed for Iommi’s final Black Sabbath tour, the TI-BOOST replicates the distinct bass cut and mid boost of his original modded Dallas Arbiter Range Master pedal. With this custom mid boost and controls for drive, volume, low and high, this pedal gives you the tools to replicate Iommi’s thick, punchy tone. This tonal character makes it ideal for achieving clarity in a full band mix, whether you’re playing power chords or ripping through a solo. Handbuilt in the U.K., this pedal is a superb tone shaper for Sabbath fans—or anyone with an affinity to heavier styles who wants a boost with tonal flexibility.

Pigtronix Class A Boost Utility Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: This sublimely simple pedal delivers up to +20dB of ultraclean gain, perfect for players looking to add volume without color.

Things to Consider:

• Single-knob control for straightforward operation
• Ultratransparent sound with single-ended Class A circuitry and J-FET transistors
• Negative-tip 9V power supply needed; does not take a battery

Shop Now: Pigtronix Class A Boost Utility Effects Pedal

Pigtronix Class A Boost is made for guitarists who want an uncolored, ultraclean boost that enhances their signal without adding distortion. With its single-knob interface, it’s unpretentious and easy for even beginners to use, while its Class A circuitry ensures a transparent tone that maintains the integrity of your guitar’s natural sound. This pedal is perfect for stacking with other effects or using as a quick volume boost for solos. If you’re looking for a boost that’s as clean as it gets, the Pigtronix Class A Boost is one of our top picks.

Revv Amplification Tilt Boost Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: The Tilt Boost combines boost and tone shaping with its Tilt EQ, giving players control over the tonal balance while adding gain.

Things to Consider:

• Tilt EQ control adjusts brightness or warmth
• Up to +20dB of boost for added power
• Made in Canada with a robust, powder-coated chassis

Shop Now: Revv Amplification Tilt Boost Effects Pedal

The Revv Amplification Tilt Boost is a super versatile stompbox that allows you to shape your tone with its unique Tilt EQ, which tilts the frequency spectrum to add brightness or warmth. Serving up a generous amount of clean gain, this pedal is a great option for players looking to add volume and shape their tone in a single step. Whether you want to add sparkle to your cleans or go “full tilt” slathering warmth to your overdriven tone, the Tilt Boost delivers.

TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: The Spark Mini Booster packs plentiful boost potential into a small-format pedal, making it perfect for tight pedalboards and simple setups.

Things to Consider:

• Compact design ideal for crowded and minimalistic pedalboards alike
• Offers up to +20dB of clean gain via its discrete analog circuit
• True bypass for a transparent tone when disengaged

Shop Now: TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster Effects Pedal

The TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster pedal is a certified favorite among guitarists (see its many rave Guitar Center reviews and Troy Van Leeuwen’s pedalboard) looking to add clean boost without taking up much space. The Spark Mini delivers a powerful +20dB boost with just one control knob, allowing you to effortlessly add volume, clarity and depth to your tone. Its true-bypass design ensures no tonal coloration when the pedal is off, making it a great addition for players who want a straightforward, transparent stomp. Whether you’re using it to push an overdrive pedal or for solo boosts, the Spark Mini Booster is a simple, yet versatile, player-friendly choice.

VOX Valvenergy Power Burst Boost Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: This vintage amp-informed boost combines a clean boost with a tube-like warmth, using VOX’s Nutube technology for a dynamic, responsive feel.

Things to Consider:

• Nutube technology provides tube-like response and warmth
• Up to +30dB of boost, ideal for driving amp or adding sustain
• Built-in cab sim for direct recording or PA use

Shop Now: VOX Valvenergy Power Burst Boost Effects Pedal

The VOX Valvenergy Power Burst pedal brings a unique twist to the boost pedal world, featuring VOX’s innovative Nutube technology. This pedal delivers up to a hair-raising +30dB of boost, with a tube-like warmth and responsiveness that feels like a natural extension of your amp. Along with a boost knob, it hosts a switchable treble, natural and middle modes, giving you a delightfully simple experience that’s fun to experiment with. Perfect for players in search of warmth, depth and versatility in a single pedal, the Valvenergy Power Burst shines in both live and studio settings.

Xotic RC Booster Classic Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: The RC Booster Classic is celebrated for its transparent tone and ability to shape your sound with Gain, Volume, Treble and Bass controls.

Things to Consider:

• Transparent boost with control over both gain and EQ
• Excellent for soloing or enhancing rhythm tones
• Stacks well with other pedals

Shop Now: Xotic RC Booster Classic Effects Pedal

The Xotic RC Booster Classic pedal is popular with players seeking a transparent boost that enhances their tone without altering it. With +20dB of gain and independent controls for Gain, Volume, Treble and Bass, the RC Booster allows you to sculpt your sound exactly as you like. Whether you need a subtle lift or a more prominent boost, this pedal is versatile enough to handle both. It’s especially useful for players who like to stack pedals, as the transparent boost and EQ adjustments make it a perfect foundation for shaping your signal. As one Guitar Center reviewer put it, “If someone stole all my gear, besides the axe and amp, I'd buy this guy. Simply put, if you have good tone which you already like, but want a slight edge, this is your pedal.”

Xotic EP Booster Effects Pedal

Why It’s Cool: The Xotic EP Booster pedal is inspired by the iconic Echoplex preamp, adding warmth and harmonics to your tone with a simple one-knob design.

Things to Consider:

• Adds Echoplex-inspired warmth in a minimal footprint
• Very compact, pedalboard-friendly design
• Great for adding richness and character to clean and overdriven tones

Shop Now: Xotic EP Booster Effects Pedal

Another Xotic pedal, the EP Booster has gained a legendary status for its ability to enhance tone with warmth and rich harmonics inspired by the famed Echoplex preamp. This one-knob pedal offers ample headroom, ideal for adding body and presence to your sound without overwhelming it. Its compact design means it fits seamlessly on any pedalboard, while the tone it delivers is anything but small. Whether you’re using it for a subtle lift or to bring out the richness in your clean and overdriven tones, the EP Booster is a nifty little supplement to any signal chain. It’s tried and true, having earned a 4.88-star average rating out of 32 reviews on our site—don’t say you weren’t warned of its awesomeness.

Give Yourself a Boost

As we’ve explored in this guide, the best boost pedal for you depends on your style, needs and tonal preferences. From ultraclean options like the Pigtronix Class A to heavier-leaning boosts like the Black Sabbath-signature TI-BOOST, there’s no shortage of choices at the ready. Boost pedals can be a massively powerful yet often understated addition to any rig, capable of transforming your tone in a relatively simplistic way that nothing else can. Just don’t forget to take power into consideration, and be sure to check out our guide on how to power your pedalboard to get our expert advice to quench your pedal juice needs.

Pictured: Laney Black Country Customs Tony Iommi Signature Boost Pedal

Whether you’re after a subtle lift or a more aggressive push, a quality boost pedal can be a treasured secret weapon in any guitarist’s arsenal. Remember, sometimes it’s best to not overthink your tone and keep it simple—all you might need is a little boost. Come check out our selection for yourself at your local Guitar Center store, where you can play, tweak and hear these—and plenty of others—for yourself at one of our ever-evolving pedal stations.