The Best Chorus Pedal to Add Richness to Your Tone in 2024

The Azor Chorus is a small chorus pedal that offers enough chorus control options at an affordable price. 

Despite its compact size, it features essential controls such as Depth, Level, and Rate knobs. The large knob at the middle adjusts the rate, which determines the speed of the chorus effect. 

The two smaller knobs adjust the Depth (the intensity of the chorus effect) and Level (the prominence of the affected signal). It's worth noting that the Level knob acts more like a mix or blend control than a simple volume control.

As the most affordable chorus pedal on this list, I recommend choosing the Azor Chorus. If you're in need of a budget-friendly, space-saving chorus pedal option, this gets the job done.

Specifications

• Control: Level, Rate, Depth
• Circuit: Digital
• Bypass: True Bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Battery (Via External Whip Cable) and Power Adapter (not included)
• Dimensions: 3.7" x 1.7" x 1.3"
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.

Demo

The TC Electronic 3rd Dimension Chorus is another chorus pedal option that delivers good performance despite its low price.

This analog pedal features four buttons that allow you to switch between 16 different chorus sounds. Many of these settings sound better than expected for a budget-friendly chorus pedal.

The differences between the chorus types are subtle but varied. This offers you with a wide range of sounds from subtle to lush chorus. 

And while designed for guitar, it also works well with bass and other instruments such as keyboards.

TC Electronic has hinted that this chorus pedal is based on a "classic" 80's era unit. And while they didn't specify which one, it's easy to guess based on the name.

The classic chorus pedal this is based on is a highly rated and more expensive pedal also featured in this guide.

One downside the fine-tuning options provided by the knobs are quite lacking. Additionally, it can be difficult to press the small buttons, especially during performances. The absence of LED lights to indicate which button is pressed also makes it challenging when making changes on the fly.

However, considering the build and sound quality offered at this price point, these downsides are forgivable. It's also worth noting that this pedal is a true bypass, assuring that your signal remains clear as it passes through.

So, if you're a fan of '80s-style chorus and prefer a set-and-forget chorus pedal, this could be the right choice for you.

Specifications

• Control: 4 Preset Buttons and a Single Footswitch
• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: True Bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Battery and Power Adapter (not included)
• Dimensions: 5.2" x 2.9" x 2.3"
• Weight: 1.1 lbs.

Demo

The Ibanez Chorus Mini Pedal (CSMINI) is part of the recent trend of mini pedals and is perfect if you're looking to save space on your pedalboard. It is derived from the popular Ibanez CS9 chorus pedal.

This small pedal is made in Japan and is a true bypass that ensures your signal path is short and clean, preserving your tone.

The controls on the CSMINI are pretty straightforward. The Depth knob adjusts how intense the chorus effect is. The Speed knob controls how fast the modulation cycles and the Level knob lets you set the overall effect volume. 

It's a simple setup, but it covers a lot of ground from subtle to more pronounced chorus sounds. 

The pedal itself is built tough, with a sturdy metal case and a solid footswitch.

However, the input and output jacks stick out a bit, and the small size of the Depth and Level knobs might be a bit fiddly for some. 

You'll also need an external DC 9-volt AC adapter to power it, which is not included with the product.

But its best selling point is really its compact size. It's great if you're tight on pedalboard space, but it doesn't skimp on sound quality. 

The Ibanez CSMini delivers that classic, warm Ibanez chorus tone, all in a tiny package. This small pedal dethroned the Mooer Ensemble King as the 2nd best chorus pedal within the $50 to $100 range.

So, if you want a reliable, straightforward chorus pedal with a small footprint, the Ibanez Chorus Mini Pedal is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

• Control: Depth, Speed, and Level
• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: True Bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Adapter External (Sold Separately)
• Dimensions: 2.0" x 2.2" x 3.6"
• Weight: 0.6 lbs.

Demo

Maintaining its top status in the $50 to $100 range is the JHS 3 Series Chorus Pedal. As part of JHS' "3 Series" line these pedals from JHS, this pedal sets itself apart from other affordable chorus pedals.

They focused on making features that are unique while maintaining a reasonable price. This is quite different from what other pedals do which is simply copying the circuits of popular high-priced units.

The 3 Series Chorus pedal, for example, appears to be a standard chorus pedal at first. But with its "Vibe" switch it can also turn into a vintage-style vibrato. This effect is achieved by removing the dry signal and leaving the warbled chorus sound.

For a more familiar control, you have the volume, rate, and depth. These knobs let you dial in your preferred chorus settings. This has quite an impressive flexibility for a simple 3-knob configuration.

However, it's worth noting that the pedal does not run on batteries and requires a separate 70mA 9V power supply.

Despite this, the pedal offers a wide range of chorus tones. From modern subtle to 80's style chorus with distortion. The Vibe switch adds even more versatility without compromising the high-quality chorus sound.

Specifications

• Control: Volume, Rate, Depth, Vibe
• Circuit: Digital
• Bypass: True Bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
• Dimensions: 1.22" x 2.38" x 4.42"
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.

Demo

As one of Boss' most popular and best-selling pedals, the CH-1 has been a mainstay in a lot of pedalboards since its conception in the late 80s.

The Boss CH-1 chorus pedal has a stereo output and 4 knobs for adjusting the chorus tone.

I have used the CH-1 during rehearsals, recording, and at live gigs. It produces a clear, creamy, and thick chorus tone, even at subtle effect levels.

While it offers many usable classic chorus sounds, it doesn't produce the extreme detuning or weird sounds I was hoping for. 

In addition, its classic sound can sometimes border on cheesy and generic, which might not quite be to my personal liking. But still, this a great chorus pedal, just with no surprises, and sometimes you just want to be surprised.

However, don't let my personal take hold you back from trying out this one. When based solely on the number of reviews or rating sources, the Boss CH-1 is still the most popular chorus pedal. And nothing else comes close, on our recommended list.

If you're looking for something more out of the box and downright wacky, you should explore other options. But, if you want a standard, yet highly tweakable stereo choruses, the CH-1 is a reliable and versatile option.

The Walrus Audio Julia Analog Chorus V2 combines a chorus and vibrato effect in one single unit. This versatile pedal also features expanded controls and tweakability.

Pedals that provide both chorus and vibrato are nothing new. But the Julia V2 stands out with its LFO sine and triangle waveform switch.

Traditionally, a triangle waveform is ideal for chorus, while a sine wave is meant for vibrato. However, you can always break with tradition and experiment with the Rate, Depth, and Blend knobs to your heart's content.

Another distinct feature of this chorus pedal is its lag knob. This sets the modulation's "lag" or delay time, where it can go from tight modulation rate to a detuned sound.

Rounding out its unique features is the use of artwork by Adam Forster, for an exotic appeal.

The Walrus Audio Julia V2 is meant to scratch the tweaking itch of adventurous musicians - let your creativity run wild with this chorus pedal.

Specifications

• Control: Rate, Depth, D.C.V Blend, Lag, Wave Switch
• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: True Bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Adapter and Battery
• Dimensions: 4.77" x 2.3" x 2.9"
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.

Demo

The Moog MF Minifooger Chorus Pedal is an all-analog, bucket brigade device (BBD) based chorus pedal.

It produces a range of tones, from thick analog chorus and vibrato similar to the Walrus Julia. You can switch it between vibrato and chorus using the Mix switch.

What sets it apart is it also has modulated slap delays. You can control this using the Time and Feedback controls. This lets you dial in tones from subtle shifts to more dramatic effects like multi-octave delays with long echo trails.

It's pretty flexible depending on your setup, as you can use it in either mono or stereo chorus modes. It also has an expression pedal input, which is handy for creating spinning rotary and film projector-like effects. This makes it a good fit for both guitar and bass.

It has a solid build quality, with a sturdy casing that can handle regular use. But, one thing that stands out is its range. It’s not just a typical chorus pedal; it can do self-oscillation and create short metallic delay sounds as well. It works especially well for adding subtle movement to clean tones.

Overall, the Moog Minifooger is a very versatile and reliable pedal. If you're looking for a high-quality chorus pedal, the MF Chorus is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

• Control: Rate, Depth, Time, Feedback
• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: True bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Adapter (Sold Separately)
• Dimensions: 5.75” x 3.25” x 2.25”
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Demo

The JHS Emperor V2 is an analog chorus vibrato pedal. Its distinct feature is a tempo footswitch, allowing you to match the modulation speed to the music you're playing. 

It also accommodates an expression pedal for real-time speed/rate control. 

This version 2 retains the original features but is packed into a more compact form. It is built with a real 3207 bucket-brigade circuit. This delivers vintage tones reminiscent of old-school favorites. 

In terms of control, this pedal features volume, speed, EQ, and depth controls, along with a switch for selecting 3 waveform shapes.  

Additionally, it allows switching between analog chorus and vibrato. It also offers switchable true or buffered bypass and stereo output. 

It's hard to go wrong with the JHS Emperor V2 with its Bucket Brigade circuitry. This is a good chorus pedal for chorus and vibrato fans. It gives you classic chorus sounds with modern and premium implements.

Specifications

• Control: Volume, Speed, EQ, Depth, Waveform Switch, Chorus/Vibrato Switch
• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: Switchable (True/Buffered)
• Power: 9-Volt Battery and Power Adapter (not included)
• Dimensions: 5" x 2.1" x 2.5"
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.

Demo

The famous CE-2 and CE 1 Chorus Ensemble (vibrato and chorus effects) pedals from Boss are housed in one single unit, the Boss CE 2W Chorus pedal.

This chorus pedal does a pretty solid job of approximating the tone of these vintage effects while being able to compete with modern chorus pedals.

However, it has a limited tone-shaping option, with only a rate and depth control. Though, dozens of albums have been made with chorus pedals having these two controls. 

So, it all comes down to how you make the best out of it. Another positive way of looking at this is that it will be easier to setup because of only having two controls.

If you want to reproduce the familiar 80s chorus sound, this special edition Waza chorus pedal from Boss is an excellent option. Another highly regarded digital chorus from Boss you might like to check out is the CE-5 Chorus Ensemble.

Specifications

• Control: Rate, Depth, Chorus/Vibrato Mode
• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: Buffered Bypass
• Power: 9-Volt Adapter and Battery
• Dimensions: 5.12" x 2.87" x 2.37"
• Weight: 1 lbs.

Demo

Yet another Boss pedal from its Waza Craft line is DC-2W. This is a premium re-issue of the classic Dimension C chorus pedal. 

It features a 4-button preset interface instead of the typical knob-based control. These buttons allow you to access different chorus modes. Its latest version allows the activation of two presets simultaneously, combining them.

A Mode Selector switch enables you to switch between the original DC-2 sound and a sound based on the Roland Jazz chorus amp (SDD-320) Dimension D rack. 

In terms of sound, the SDD-320 mode provides more sparkle compared to the DC-2 mode.

In total, this chorus pedal offers 20 chorus settings to experiment with. While not a traditional chorus, the Dimension C is a subtle enhancer of depth and width. 

Given that it's made by Boss, reliability is assured, and being part of their Waza Craft line guarantees its premium build and sound quality. 

The Boss DC-2W provides easy access to that special, subtle, yet impactful classic chorus sound, and it will do so reliably for a long time.

Specifications

• Control: 4 Preset Buttons, Mode Selector Switch
• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: Buffered
• Power: 9-Volt Battery and Power Adapter (Sold Separately)
• Dimensions: 5.12" x 2.37" x 2.87"
• Weight: 1 lbs.

Demo