Best Distortion Pedal with Boost (2026): 4 Picks Compared
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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LEKATO leads this search with 9 tones, a 3-band EQ and true bypass in one pedal. The EX Inferno follows as Runner-Up with a 3-mode boost and high-gain metal distortion, while the Rowin Holy War adds 3 boost modes for guitar and bass. The Abasi Pathos rounds out the list with smooth and edge voicings and a 5-year warranty.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Players who want 9 tones and a 3-band EQ in one pedal: LEKATO Boost Distortion Overdrive Digital Guitar Effect See pick 1
- Metal players who want a 3-mode boost toggle: EX Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal + 9V See pick 2More picks: Best Distortion Pedal for Metal
- Players who want 3 boost modes for guitar or bass: IOppWin Rowin Holy War Distortion Pedal See pick 3More picks: Best Bass Distortion Pedal
- Players who want smooth and edge voicings with EQ shelves: Abasi Pathos Distortion Pedal See pick 4
Want the full range? Best Distortion Pedal ranks the top distortion pedals for every buyer, or browse all 15 guides.
The 4 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
LEKATO Boost Distortion Overdrive Digital Guitar Effect
- True bypass
- Pedal type: Boost
- One year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 9 tones, a 3-band EQ and true bypass in one green pedal.
Who it suits
- Players who want 9 tones and a 3-band EQ in one pedal
- Players who want USB-C or 9V DC power options
Skip it if
- You want fewer than 9 tones in a pedal
- You want a pedal under 4.3 inches long
The pedal gives 9 tones: Boost, 4 overdrive modes and 4 distortion options, with a 3-band EQ for high, mid and low. It runs on USB-C or 9V DC power, and a power bank is suggested for tone consistency. The metal shell measures 4.3 by 2.3 by 1.6 inches, and true bypass keeps the signal untouched when the pedal is off. It carries a one year manufacturer warranty.
2Runner-Up
EX Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal + 9V
- True bypass
- Pedal type: Distortion
- 30-day warranty stated
It earns Runner-Up with a 3-mode boost, high-gain metal distortion and true bypass in a mini box.
Who it suits
- Metal players who want a 3-mode boost toggle
- Players who want a 9V adapter in the box
Skip it if
- You want a boost with more than 3 modes
- You want a pedal under 5.7 inches long
The pedal packs a 3-mode boost toggle with level, tone and distortion knobs for metal leads and rhythm. True bypass and analog circuitry sit in a compact die-cast box with 1/4 inch input and output jacks. It runs on a standard 9-volt negative tip power supply, the adapter is included, and it carries a 30-day warranty. The box measures 5.7 by 3.4 by 2.5 inches.
3Also Great
IOppWin Rowin Holy War Distortion Pedal
- True bypass
- Pedal type: Distortion
- 1-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with 3 boost modes, true bypass and a metal housing for live gigs.
Who it suits
- Players who want 3 boost modes for guitar or bass
- Players who want a pedal that runs at 20mA on 9V DC
Skip it if
- You want more than 3 boost modes
- You want a pedal over 0.5 lb
The pedal gives 3 boost modes, Lo, Off and Hi, to shape distortion sharpness, with high-gain distortion and rich harmonic saturation. True bypass keeps the signal uncolored when the pedal is off, and the metal housing suits live gigs and studio sessions. It runs at 20mA on 9V DC power, with the adapter sold separately, and it weighs 0.5 lb. It carries a 1-year warranty.
4Also Great
Abasi Pathos Distortion Pedal
- True bypass not stated in the listing
- Pedal type: Distortion
- 5-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with smooth and edge voicings, EQ shelves and a 5-year warranty.
Who it suits
- Players who want smooth and edge voicings with EQ shelves
- Players who want a 5-year warranty
Skip it if
- You want more than 2 voicings
- You want a pedal under 6 inches long
The pedal is crafted in the USA by Tosin Abasi and designed to retain the feel of an American-style tube amp channel. Smooth and edge voicings range from emotive crunch to scorching, yet controlled distortion and sustain, with EQ shelves, a mid control, gain and level controls. It works as a push to a driven amp, a full distortion channel for a clean amp, or a boost in front of a digital modeler. The soft-touch footswitch is built to last for years, and it carries a limited 5-year warranty.
Side by side
| Product | True bypass | Runs on batteries | Stereo in/out | Pedal type | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEKATO Boost Distortion Overdrive Digital Guitar Effect | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Boost | Not stated | one year |
| EX Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal + 9V | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Distortion | Not stated | 30-day |
| IOppWin Rowin Holy War Distortion Pedal | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Distortion | 0.5 lb | 1-year |
| Abasi Pathos Distortion Pedal | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Distortion | Not stated | 5-year |
How we ranked these distortion pedals
Every pick ranks in Amazon's best-seller list for its category and has 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.
- True bypass weight 2
- Runs on batteries weight 1
- Stereo in/out weight 1
Buying advice: distortion pedal with boost
Count the boost modes before you buy
Boost modes decide how much push the pedal gives. The LEKATO gives a Boost voice among 9 tones, the EX Inferno gives a 3-mode boost toggle, and the Rowin Holy War gives Lo, Off and Hi boost modes. The Abasi Pathos gives a boost in front of a digital modeler. Pick the pedal whose boost control matches how you use boost: a voice, a toggle or a mode switch.
True bypass keeps your signal untouched
True bypass means the pedal passes the signal untouched when the pedal is off. The LEKATO, EX Inferno and Rowin Holy War give true bypass, so the guitar signal stays natural until the pedal is on. If bypass matters to you, pick one of those three.
Match power to your pedalboard
Power decides what else you carry. The LEKATO runs on USB-C or 9V DC, and a power bank is suggested for tone consistency. The EX Inferno runs on a standard 9-volt negative tip power supply with the adapter included. The Rowin Holy War runs at 20mA on 9V DC power with the adapter sold separately. Check the power the pedal needs before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What does true bypass do on a distortion pedal?
True bypass passes the signal untouched when the pedal is off. The LEKATO, EX Inferno and Rowin Holy War give true bypass, so the guitar tone stays natural until the pedal is on.
What is a boost mode on a distortion pedal?
A boost mode adds push to the distortion. The EX Inferno gives a 3-mode boost toggle, and the Rowin Holy War gives Lo, Off and Hi boost modes to shape distortion sharpness.
Do I need a 3-band EQ on a distortion pedal?
A 3-band EQ shapes high, mid and low. The LEKATO gives a 3-band EQ for precise high, mid and low adjustments. The EX Inferno gives level, tone and distortion knobs, and the Abasi Pathos gives EQ shelves with a mid control.
Which pedal carries a 5-year warranty?
The Abasi Pathos carries a limited 5-year warranty. The LEKATO and Rowin carry a 1-year warranty, and the EX Inferno carries a 30-day warranty.
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 distortion pedals guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Nov 13, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.