Top 20 Budget Expression/Wah/Volume Pedals Under $50, $100, $150, $200

Over the past couple of decades, expression pedals have been an essential part of many pedalboards. Ever since Dunlop released Cry Baby, guitar players all around the world started looking for a different way to express themselves. 

Needless to say, the wah effect is not the only pedal you can find that’s controlled with the foot, and the second most common type is volume. On some guitars, it’s not easy to adjust the volume while playing, and it requires a lot of practice. 

Even on Stratocasters, you will still need to invest time to perfect the pot adjustment while playing. All of these are excellent reasons why you should get yourself an expression pedal. If you go for a programmable one, you will be able to make it do different effects. 

If you are not willing to spend a lot of money on pedals, there are plenty of different options you can find for a surprisingly low price. 

Top 5 Budget Expression/Wah/Volume Pedals Under $50

The first category is for pedals under $50. As you can probably guess, these are the cheapest models you can find, and the quality is not on the professional level. However, this doesn’t mean that these pedals are bad, and many players want a simple expression pedal that can do the trick. 

If you are interested in the cheapest option and finding something without spending tons of money, these pedals on the list will do the trick. 

Donner Vowel

• Red
• Durable
• LED
• 9V
• 2-in-1
• Easy to use
• Analog
• 13.4 ounces (379.89 grams)
• 5.98 x 2.68 x 2.36 inches (15.19 x 6.81 x 6 centimeters)

The first one on the list comes from Donner. It’s hard to make a list of great budget pedals without mentioning Donner since the company specializes in affordable guitar equipment. Here, we have a two-in-one pedal which is a combination of wah and volume effects. 

As you probably know, Donner is famous for smaller pedals, Vowel is no different. Instead of the regular-sized wah, you will get a compact effect that sounds quite good. Keep in mind that the Vowel is not as small as other Donner pedals, and it is slightly bigger. However, it is smaller compared to regular wah pedals like Cry Baby. 

Moog EP-3

• Black
• LED
• 9V
• Robust
• Durable
• Easy to use
• 2 pounds (907.18 grams)
• 6 x 3 x 4 inches (15.24 x 7.62 x 10.16 centimeters)

The Moog EP-3 is more in line with what you would expect from the expression pedal. The design and size are fairly standard, and it is great. You can easily adjust the pedal and combine it with other pieces of gear to make it sound amazing. Keep in mind that this is an expression pedal, which means that you won’t be getting effects with it like wah. 

Needless to say, you don’t need to own the rest of the pedalboard designed by Moog since EP-3 works with any brand you can find. The pedal is durable, and it is quite good. If you are interested in cheaper options, Moog EP-3 is an excellent choice. 

M-Audio EX-P

• Black and gray
• Durable
• 9V
• Versatile
• Reliable
• 1.1 pounds (498.95 grams)
• 8.27 x 3.54 x 2.24 inches (21 x 9 x 5.69 centimeters)

The next one on the list comes from M-Audio. This is a highly versatile pedal, and you can use it on several different instruments. The pedal design is a bit different than standard expression pedals to allow better grip and reduce slipping. While you can use it on a keyboard, our primary focus here is guitars.

And the pedal sounds great on a guitar as well. There is a knob on the side of the pedal to allow you to adjust the MIDI values, and the pedal is easy to use. Naturally, the pedal is compatible with the majority of brands and models you can find on the market. 

Valeton EP-2 Surge

• Orange
• Zinc
• 9V
• Durable
• 2-in-1
• Versatile
• 8 ounces (226.8 grams)
• 5.87 x 2.6 x 2.4 inches (14.91 x 6.6 x 6.1 centimeters)

This is another versatile pedal you can use on various instruments. It supports bass, keyboards, synthesizer, controller, workstations, and of course, guitars. The pedal has two effects: you can use passive volume control and expression control. The EP-2 is made of zinc alloy which makes it quite durable and lightweight. 

Valeton EP-2 is a bit smaller compared to regular wah pedals, which is perfect if you are looking to build a smaller pedalboard. Furthermore, the pedal automatically detects the output source, and you won’t need to adjust anything. It’s easy to use, and it does an incredible job especially if you consider the price. 

Sonicake Vexpress

• Brown
• Durable
• 9V
• Versatile
• Lightweight
• 2-in-1
• 7 ounces (198.45 grams)
• 5.5 x 2.5 x 2.4 inches (13.97 x 6.35 x 6.1 centimeters)

This is another versatile pedal you can use on several different instruments, and it offers two different modes. Firstly, you can use it for passive volume control or you can use it as an expression pedal. This model also automatically detects the functionality, it’s easy to use, and it’s quite good. 

Vexpress is a great option for anyone looking for a decent expression pedal for a low price, and you will have a hard time finding a cheaper pedal that is as good as this one. The pedal is easy to use, and the design is pretty straightforward. 

Top 5 Budget Expression/Wah/Volume Pedals Under $100

As we increase the price range, we can notice a couple of better products. Here, I will focus on pedals between $50 and $100. While the price increase is not as significant, there are a couple of excellent models you can find. 

We can also notice more popular brands in this category, which is expected with the increase in the price range. Needless to say, if you can afford to buy a more expensive pedal, you should go for it. 

MeloAudio EXP-001

• Black
• Durable
• 9V
• Compact
• Aluminum 
• Versatile
• 13.1 ounces (371.38 grams)
• 5.5 x 2.2 x 1.9 inches (13.97 x 5.59 x 4.83 centimeters)

MeloAudio offers another affordable pedal that works on a variety of instruments. EXP-001 is easy to use, it’s durable, and it is smaller compared to the standard expression pedals. Needless to say, EXP-001 is compatible with the majority of other brands, and it is quite comfortable to use. 

It is also an excellent option for people who don’t want to sacrifice a lot of space on their pedalboard. The pedal is not too small nor too big, and you can use a standard adapter for it. You will also receive a cable in the package, which means that you won’t need to buy it separately. 

Dunlop Crybaby GCB-95

• Black
• Durable
• 9V
• Easy to use
• Classic design
• 3.83 pounds (1.74 kilograms)
• 4 x 4 x 2.5 inches (10.16 x 10.16 x 6.35 centimeters)

Crybaby is one of the most iconic pedals in the history of rock music. If you can think of a legendary guitar player, there is a high chance he used the original model. This is a newer version of the original Crybaby, and the design is almost identical. There are no additional options, features, or things you can use. 

It is a single wah effect, but if you are looking for the best possible option, look no further. Naturally, if you need something other than the wah effect, this might not be the best choice since it has a single effect. But if you want wah, you won’t find any better. 

Hotone Ampero Press

• Black
• Durable
• 2-in-1
• Easy to use
• Passive
• 28.35 ounces (803.71 grams)
• 3.19 x 6.3 x 2.01 inches (8.1 x 16 x 5.11 centimeters)

Ampero Press is another compact expression pedal, and it works great with Ampero series of effects. Naturally, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use it with other types of gear as well. The pedal is two-in-one, which means that you can use it as a passive volume or expression pedal. 

Interestingly, the entire pedal is passive, which means that it doesn’t require a power source. The pedal is easy to use, it’s durable, and it works quite well. Keep in mind that additional cables are not included in the package, and you will need to buy them separately. 

Boss Heavy Duty FV-500L

• Silver
• Durable
• Heavy
• Low-impedance
• Aluminum
• 3.74 pounds (1.7 kilograms)
• 12.25 x 5 x 3.5 inches (31.12 x 12.7 x 8.89 centimeters)

Boss has been one of the biggest names in the world of guitar equipment. Pedals that this company makes are usually affordable, durable, and the quality is incredible. The best thing about it is that you can find any effect you can imagine designed by this brand. 

Here, we have an FV-500L pedal which is a combination of volume and expression pedal for guitars. The pedal is easy to use and set up, and you will be more than satisfied if you decide to get it. As with other models by Boss, this one is also durable and quite heavy. If you need to carry your gear somewhere, keep this in mind since the pedal is nearly four pounds heavy. 

Line 6 EX-1

• Black
• Versatile
• Allows presets
• Compatible with different models
• Easy to use
• 1.2 pounds (544 grams)
• 2.75 x 9.5 x 4 inches (6.99 x 24.13 x 10.16 centimeters)

Line 6 is another great company designing guitar equipment, and here we have EX-1. It is an expression pedal, and it works with any Line 6 product out there. You can use the pedal with a variety of effects, and it’s quite good. 

Once again, the pedal doesn’t have any effects on its own, so if you want to use a wah effect, you will need to add it using the processor or something similar. The pedal is a nice addition for those that own a multi-effect pedal or a processor without an expression pedal on it. 

Top 5 Budget Expression/Wah/Volume Pedals Under $150

The next price increase means that we will take a look at the options for pedals between $100 and $150. As the price range increases so does the quality, and we can notice a couple of incredible brands. 

Naturally, you should focus on the price range suitable for you and your situation, and if you can afford to spend a bit more, there are a couple of great options under $150. 

Hotone Soul Press II

• Purple
• 9V
• Analog
• 4-in-1
• Durable
• LED
• True bypass
• 1.34 pounds (607.81 grams)
• 3.19 x 6.3 x 2.01 inches (8.1 x 16 x 5.11 centimeters)

The first model in this category is another pedal by Hotone, but this time, it is a Soul Press II. The first thing I should mention about this pedal is that it has active volume control, allowing you to adjust the tone without sacrificing the quality. It also has a true bypass, wah, and even an LED indicator to see when the pedal is on. 

The pedal works on a 9V power supply, and you can use either a battery or an adapter. Keep in mind that neither of the two is included in the package. Soul Press II is a great pedal for those looking for something more, and having a four-in-one is undoubtedly a great option. 

HeadRush Expression Pedal

• Black
• Easy to use
• Durable
• Versatile
• Customizable
• 3.52 pounds (1.6 kilograms)
• 2.64 x 4.92 x 10.32 inches (6.71 x 12.5 x 26.21 centimeters)

The next model on the list is by HeadRush, and it is a versatile expression pedal. One of the first things I should mention with this one is that it is a highly customizable model. The only thing you will need is a hex key, and you’ll be able to adjust the pedal to suit your needs. The case is made of aluminum, it has a grip tape to prevent slipping, and it works on both guitars and basses.

HeadRush is easy to use, and it works great if you have the rest of the gear from this brand. It gives you a nice way to control your effects, and it’s quite easy to use. 

Jim Dunlop Mini Volume DVP4

• Black
• Compact
• Durable
• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• 1.42 pounds (644 grams)
• 6 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches (15.24 x 8.89 x 8.89 centimeters)

Another model by Dunlop, but this time, we have a volume pedal. As you can guess from the name, the pedal is smaller compared to the standard volume pedal by Dunlop, and it is half the size of the DVP3. The pedal allows you to easily control volume levels, as well as additional FX parameters. 

Getting a Dunlop pedal means quality, and you won’t be sorry if you get this one. The only thing that matters is that you find a pedal that suits your needs, and if you are looking for reliable volume control, this might be a perfect choice. The design is beautiful, and the pedal is well-made. 

Source Audio SA161

• Black
• Two outputs
• Aluminum
• Rugged
• Versatile
• Easy to use
• 1.1 pounds (498.95 grams)
• 8.25 x 4.25 x 2.5 inches (20.96 x 10.8 x 6.35 centimeters)

The next pedal on the list is designed by Source Audio, and it is another option you might want to consider. The design of the pedal is great, it has an aluminum casing, and it’s quite durable. There is an option to connect two effects at the same time thanks to dual TRS expression outputs, and it is compatible with any device that has a TRS input. 

SA161 can be a nice addition to your pedalboard, and it is easy to use. This is especially great for those who are looking to use more than one effect with the expression pedal, and they will avoid having to overstuff the pedalboard. 

Ernie Ball MVP

• Silver
• Easy to use
• Durable
• 9V
• Two potentiometers: min volume and gain boost
• Versatile
• 2.42 pounds (1.1 kilograms)
• 11.25 x 4.75 x 3.5 inches (28.58 x 12.07 x 8.89 centimeters)

The last model in this category comes from Ernie Ball. This is one of the finest pedals you can find in this price range, and we all know how incredible the company is. The MVP stands for the Most Valuable Pedal, and it has plenty of different options and features you can use. 

The MVP allows you to plug in a tuner, adjust minimum volume, maximum gain, and it works on a 9V power supply. You can use both active and passive signals, and it works great. Keep in mind that the pedal is a bit bigger and heavier, and it won’t fit smaller pedalboards. 

Top 5 Budget Expression/Wah/Volume Pedals Under $200

The final category of expression pedals cover equipment with price tags anywhere between $150 and $200. Going above this price range would be a bit pointless since I’m talking about budget options here. Of course, if you can afford to pay more for the pedal, there are plenty of choices on the market. 

We will take a look at some of the returning brands I mentioned before, as well as a couple of new ones. 

Korg XVP-20

• Black
• Durable
• Stereo volume control
• Expression control
• Aluminum body
• Beautiful design
• 2.86 pounds (1.3 kilograms)
• 3.54 x 10.55 x 2.44 inches (9 x 26.8 x 6.2 centimeters)

If you are looking for something a bit different, Korg XVP-20 is an excellent choice. Probably the first thing you’ll notice is a stylish design unlike other pedals on the list. It offers controls for volume and expression, and it’s made of solid metal. The pedal is durable, and the rubber grips will prevent sliding during use. 

Keep in mind that the pedal is a full-size expression pedal, and it’s significantly bigger compared to standard guitar effects. The quality of the pedal is incredible, but you should keep in mind that it is designed for keyboards. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use it with your guitar, and it works great with active pickups. 

Mission Engineering SP25L

• Gold
• Aluminum
• Durable
• Versatile
• LED
• 4.25 pounds (1.93 kilograms)
• 11.73 x 4.45 x 4.29 inches (29.79 x 11.3 x 10.9 centimeters)

The next model on the list comes from Mission Engineering, and it is a pedal SP-25L Pro. Probably the first thing you will notice if you get this model is how heavy it is. Furthermore, it has an “aerodynamic” design, with a curvature on the back part. And it makes it quite comfortable to use. 

The Aero pedal is made in the U.S., it has three outputs, which means that you can use three different pedals at the same time. Or rather, plug them and use them as needed. The quality is incredible, and it’s well worth the money. You can also use it on nearly any instrument since the pedal is versatile. 

Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo

• Purple
• 9V
• 5 different waveforms
• Four knobs: depth, rate, wave, and reverb
• 2.39 pounds (1.08 kilograms)
• 7 x 3.5 x 2.6 inches (17.78 x 8.89 x 6.6 centimeters)

Another model on the list by Ernie Ball, but this time, we have Expression Tremolo. The pedal allows you to select one of five different waveforms, there are additional knobs to adjust the sound, and it even comes with a reverb. You can easily adjust the spring reverb using the expression pedal. 

The pedal is durable, looks great, and sounds even better. Of course, this is not the standard expression pedal that you can plug into another effect and control it with your foot. But you will get an incredible effect you can use with ease. 

Mission Engineering EP-1

• Red
• Versatile
• Single-channel
• Durable
• Easy to use
• 3.5 pounds (1.59 kilograms)
• 12 x 5 x 5 inches (30.48 x 12.7 x 12.7 centimeters)

Here, we can see another model by Mission Engineering. EP-1 is a highly versatile pedal that will work with almost any digital amp you can find. The design of the pedal is quite simple, and it has a single channel. This doesn’t mean that the pedal is bad, and the quality of the sound is surprisingly good. 

You can easily combine it with other pedals to create a beautiful sound. Unlike the Aero model, there is no curvature on the back, and the design is like the majority of expression pedals you can find on the market. 

Ernie Ball 500k Stereo Volume

• Silver
• Durable
• Stereo volume/pan pedal
• Active or passive signal
• Versatile
• 4.18 pounds (1.9 kilograms)
• 11.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches (29.21 x 13.97 x 11.43 centimeters)

The final entry on the list is another model by Ernie Ball. This time, we have a Stereo Volume/Pan Pedal. The design of the pedal is the same as with other volume pedals made by Ernie Ball, but this one has a couple of additional features. Firstly, there is a 500k potentiometer.

But more importantly, you can use it to pan sound. If you use two different amps or effects, you can use the expression pedal to pan between the two, which creates a beautiful tremolo-like effect. Of course, you can always use it as a regular volume pedal as well. 

Conclusion

Getting a new pedal is always fun. Almost every guitarist out there dreams of building their own pedalboard, and if you are looking for a couple of ideas, you might want to consider buying an expression pedal. 

As with any other piece of equipment, the price can vary. Needless to say, it all comes down to your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a pedal. But even if you are looking to get something on a budget, you still have plenty of different options. 

The cheapest models you can find are under $50, and there are a few of them that sound quite good. Naturally, as you increase the price range, the quality increases as well. If you are willing to invest a bit more, there are excellent expression pedals for under $200. 

Last update on 2024-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API