Best Delay Pedal Under $50 (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
The JOYO digital delay leads for players who want an analog-voiced delay: 25 to 600ms of delay with a special filter circuit and true bypass. If you want 3 delay modes with tap tempo, the SORAN Echo Maker is the pick, since it packs analog, tape and digital modes into one mini pedal.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Players who want an analog-voiced digital delay: JOYO Digital Delay Guitar Pedal See pick 1More picks: Best Digital Delay Pedal
- Players who want a mini delay pedal: Cate digital delay Electric Guitar Effect Pedal See pick 2
- Players who want an analog delay pedal: Rowin Analog Vintage Delay Guitar Effect Pedal See pick 3More picks: Best Analog Delay Pedal
- Players who want 3 delay modes in one pedal: LEKATO Delay Guitar Pedal See pick 4
- Players who want tap tempo across 3 modes: SORAN JDD-01 Echo Maker Mini Digital Delay See pick 5More picks: Best Delay Pedal with Tap
Want the full range? Best Delay Pedal ranks the top delay pedals for every buyer, or browse all 19 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
JOYO Digital Delay Guitar Pedal
- Max delay time: 600 ms
- True bypass
- 1-year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 25 to 600ms of delay, a special filter circuit and true bypass.
Who it suits
- Players who want an analog-voiced digital delay
- Players who want true bypass and 3 knobs
Skip it if
- You want tap tempo
- You want 3 delay modes
The digital delay runs from 25ms to 600ms with TIME, REPEAT and LEVEL knobs, and a special filter circuit gives it an analog voice. True bypass keeps the signal intact when the pedal is off, and the aluminum alloy housing stands up to heavy stomping. It carries a 1-year warranty, and a DC 9V adapter is not included.
2Runner-Up
Cate digital delay Electric Guitar Effect Pedal
- Max delay time not stated in the listing
- True bypass
It takes Runner-Up with a mini true bypass delay, a DC 9V adapter and 2 connecting cables in the box.
Who it suits
- Players who want a mini delay pedal
- Players who want cables in the box
Skip it if
- You want 3 delay modes
- You want tap tempo
The mini pedal uses Time, Level and Repeat knobs with true bypass, in a compact zinc alloy housing. A DC 9V adapter and 2 connecting cables come in the package, and the housing is built for long life. It fits electric guitar.
3Also Great
Rowin Analog Vintage Delay Guitar Effect Pedal
- Max delay time: 620 ms
- True bypass
It holds Also Great with an analog delay from 20 to 620ms, 3 knobs and true bypass.
Who it suits
- Players who want an analog delay pedal
- Players who want a mini pedal that saves board space
Skip it if
- You want tap tempo
- You want 3 delay modes
The analog delay runs from 20ms to 620ms with ECHO, TIME and FEEDBACK knobs, and true bypass keeps the tone transparent. An LED shows the working state, and the zinc alloy body is built to last. It fits electric guitar.
4Also Great
LEKATO Delay Guitar Pedal
- Max delay time: 780 ms
- True bypass
- 1-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with 3 delay modes, 5 to 780ms of delay and true bypass.
Who it suits
- Players who want 3 delay modes in one pedal
- Players who want a mini pedal with an LED indicator
Skip it if
- You want tap tempo
- You want a DC 9V adapter in the box
The 3 modes are Vintage Analog, Real Echo and Tape Echo, with TIME, F.BACK and E.LEVEL knobs covering 5ms to 780ms. True bypass keeps the signal path clean, and an LED shows bypass status. The aluminum alloy mini pedal needs a DC 9V supply, which is not included. It carries a 1-year warranty.
5Also Great
SORAN JDD-01 Echo Maker Mini Digital Delay
- Max delay time not stated in the listing
- Tap tempo
- True bypass not stated in the listing
- 1-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with 3 delay modes, tap tempo and buffered bypass in a mini pedal.
Who it suits
- Players who want tap tempo across 3 modes
- Players who want a buffered bypass pedal
Skip it if
- You want true bypass
- You want a DC 9V adapter in the box
The 3 modes are analog, tape and digital, with Time, Repeat and Mix knobs and tap tempo on all 3 modes. Buffered bypass converts the signal for clean transmission when chaining pedals, and the metal case stays compact on the board. A 9V DC adapter is not included, and it carries a 1-year warranty.
Side by side
| Product | Max delay time | Tap tempo | True bypass | Stereo in/out | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOYO Digital Delay Guitar Pedal | 600 ms | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 0.8 lb | 1-year |
| Cate digital delay Electric Guitar Effect Pedal | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 0.3 lb | Not stated |
| Rowin Analog Vintage Delay Guitar Effect Pedal | 620 ms | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 0.5 lb | Not stated |
| LEKATO Delay Guitar Pedal | 780 ms | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 0.4 lb | 1-year |
| SORAN JDD-01 Echo Maker Mini Digital Delay | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 1-year |
How we ranked these delay pedals
Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Max delay time weight 2
- Tap tempo weight 1
- True bypass weight 1
- Stereo in/out weight 1
Buying advice: delay pedal under $50
Match the delay time to your playing
Delay time sets how long repeats last. The JOYO delay runs from 25ms to 600ms, the Rowin delay from 20ms to 620ms, and the LEKATO delay from 5ms to 780ms. Short times suit slapback, and long times suit spacious repeats. Check the time range before you buy.
Count the modes before you buy
One mode suits one sound, and three modes suit three. The LEKATO pedal holds Vintage Analog, Real Echo and Tape Echo modes, while the SORAN pedal holds analog, tape and digital modes. The JOYO, Cate and Rowin pedals hold one delay sound each. Pick the mode count that matches your playing.
Check bypass and power first
Bypass and power decide how the pedal sits on your board. The JOYO, Cate, Rowin and LEKATO pedals use true bypass, while the SORAN pedal uses buffered bypass. The Cate pedal includes a DC 9V adapter and 2 connecting cables in the box. Check bypass and power before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What is true bypass on a delay pedal?
It is a switch that keeps your signal intact when the pedal is off. The JOYO, Cate, Rowin and LEKATO pedals use true bypass, while the SORAN pedal uses buffered bypass.
How much delay time do these pedals offer?
The JOYO delay runs from 25ms to 600ms, the Rowin delay from 20ms to 620ms, and the LEKATO delay from 5ms to 780ms. Check the time range for the pedal you want.
Do these pedals include a power adapter?
The Cate pedal includes a DC 9V adapter in the box. The JOYO, LEKATO and SORAN pedals need a DC 9V adapter that is not included.
What is tap tempo on a delay pedal?
It sets the delay time to match your song's rhythm. The SORAN pedal adds tap tempo across analog, tape and digital modes with a long press of the footswitch.
Gear that goes with it
Best PedalboardTop pick: SOYAN 18" x 11.8" Guitar Pedal Board
Best Pedal Power SupplyTop pick: Hiree Guitar Pedal Power Supply 7 DC
Best Guitar CordTop pick: JSAUX Guitar Cable 10 ft
Best TunersTop pick: KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On GuitarMore delay pedals guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.