From the Pretenders and Prince to Mac DeMarco and Japanese Breakfast, the chorus pedal has a four-decade history of providing lush, glistening sonic depth to guitars in almost every genre you can imagine. 

That said, there is surely no effect more misunderstood or underestimated. Even though artists from Nirvana to Metallica to Songhoy Blues have made powerful use of it across a wide range of styles, chorus is still often associated in our minds with 1980s pop and new wave guitar sounds.

But in recent years, the chorus has entered a renaissance, thanks to a resurgence of synth pop, new generations of experiment-friendly guitarists, and engineering leaps from pedal manufacturers.

In this article we’ll take a look at what we consider the best chorus pedals of the year and help you navigate the rich and varied offerings out there. Whether you’re looking for a first chorus pedal, a boutique pedal or Kurt Cobain’s “Come as You Are” chorus, you can find a pedal in any price range to meet your sonic craving.

It doesn’t matter if it’s dreamy synth pop, math rock, country or if you’re inventing your own new genre, there is a chorus today that will fit the bill. Let’s take a look.

Table of Contents

How Does a Chorus Pedal Work?
Comparing the Top Chorus Pedals
The Best Chorus Pedals of 2024
   BOSS CE-2W Chorus
   BOSS CE-5 Chorus Ensemble
   Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato & Chorus
   Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus
   Eventide TriceraChorus
   JHS 3 Series Chorus
   Keeley Seafoam Plus Chorus
   MXR M234 Analog Chorus
   MXR WA38 Wylde Audio Chorus
   Old Blood Noise Endeavors Reflector Chorus
   Source Audio Gemini Chorus
   Strymon Ola dBucket Vibrato/Chorus
   Walrus Audio Julia V2 Analog Chorus/Vibrato
In Closing

How Does a Chorus Pedal Work?

To best understand what makes one chorus pedal different from another, it’s good to know exactly what a chorus effect does. And, to understand what a chorus effect is, and how it achieves that dreamy, doubling effect, we first have to understand vibrato.

Vibrato, like chorus, is a modulation effect. That means that it changes, or modulates, specific aspects of your guitar sound or signal, like pitch, time or phase. Flanger, tremolo and phaser also fall in this modulation category.

Vibrato specifically modulates, or affects, pitch. It is a subtle and periodic changing of the pitch of your signal, like what you’d get from bending a string. This creates a wavering, slightly wobbly sound.

Chorus effectively does the same thing, with one important difference. It first makes a copy of your signal, delays it ever so slightly, and then modulates the pitch of that copy by periodically changing the delay time with an LFO, playing it in tandem with your original, unaffected signal, doubling the sound while thickening it through the variations in pitch.

By adjusting the modulation rate and depth of that second (and sometimes third or fourth) signal and sometimes even changing the shape of the waveforms, you can reach a stunning array of sounds from the crystalline tones of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House, to the tight doubling of Johnny Marr’s guitar on the Smiths’ “This Charming Man” or Mac DeMarco’s “Dreaming Up Something Good,” to the spooky depths of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” or Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Comparing the Top Chorus Pedals

Pedal Name	Tonal Characteristics	Power Draw	Total Voicings
BOSS CE-2W Chorus	Spacious, modulated analog warmth	9V DC, 25mA	3
BOSS CE-5 Chorus Ensemble	Bright, clear tones, from natural to intensely effected	9V DC, 55mA	1
Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato & Chorus	Classic chorus and vibrato with unique shape	9V DC, 40mA	2
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus	Classic, organic, lush effect from clear to pulsating	9V DC, 12mA	1
Eventide TriceraChorus	Three-dimensional, lush chorus	9V DC, 500mA	1
JHS 3 Series Chorus	Gorgeous, wide effect with pitch-warbling vibrato	9V DC, 70mA	1
Keeley Seafoam Plus	Dynamic and expressive, from bass-specific on up	9V DC, 65mA	2
MXR M234 Analog Chorus	Liquid textures and a lavish quality	9V DC, 20mA	1
MXR WA38 Wylde Audio Chorus	Thick, depth-filled chorus	9V DC, 20mA	1
Old Blood Noise Endeavors Reflector Chorus	Experimental, multi-textured chorus	9V DC, 110mA	3
Source Audio Gemini Chorus	Lusciously smooth to an ’80s-style in-your-face effect	9V DC, 150mA	3
Strymon Ola dBucket Chorus/Vibrato	Pristine, richly textured chorus	9V DC, 250mA	3
Walrus Audio Julia V2 Analog Chorus/Vibrato	Smooth, detailed chorus/vibrato	9V DC, 100mA	3

The Best Chorus Pedals of 2024

BOSS CE-2W Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: Made in Japan, this all-analog Waza Craft pedal authentically replicates the legendary CE-2 chorus sound, with sonic versatility and depth that extends beyond the original.

Things to Consider:

• Equipped with a stereo output not seen on the original mono CE-2 pedal
• Switchable modes offer both classic and new chorus sounds via bucket brigade circuitry
• Premium Waza Craft construction ensures superior durability and sound quality

Pictured: BOSS CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus

In 1976, BOSS created the very first chorus pedal, the BOSS Chorus Ensemble CE-1. It featured both chorus and vibrato effects, and brought chorus into stomping reach of guitarists. 1979’s CE-2 was more compact (in part because it sacrificed the vibrato), and became one of the most coveted pedals of the past four decades.

If you’re seeking the legendary versatility of the CE-1, and the lush, crystalline sound of the CE-2, but can’t invest in two vintage pedals, the BOSS  CE-2W Chorus Waza Craft Guitar Effects Pedal is the stompbox of your dreams. The Waza Craft engineers have meticulously recreated both the 1976 CE-1 and the ’79 CE-2 in one beautiful all-analog bucket-brigade box.

The CE-2W features modes that replicate both the CE-1 and CE-2, plus a vibrato mode that captures the coveted CE-1 effect lost when pedals downsized. This pedal stands to set the bar for a new generation of chorus pedals just as those first BOSS pedals did in the ’70s.

BOSS CE-5 Chorus Ensemble

Why You Want to Buy It: It delivers pristine digital chorus effects, from subtle to extreme, with high and low filters for detailed tonal shaping, making it a chameleon of a pedal for any genre.

Things to Consider:

• Mono input, but stereo output for expansive sound staging
• High- and low-cut filters for precise tonal adjustment
• Compact form factor and light power draw

Pictured: BOSS CE-5 Chorus Ensemble

BOSS originated the chorus pedal and created the industry standard—but they’ve never been ones to rest on their laurels. Originally introduced as an analog pedal in 1991, the BOSS CE-5 Chorus Ensemble Pedal went all-digital in 2001. It’s the next step in the natural evolution of the storied CE line, with low and high filter controls for more detailed tone-shaping control, and both stereo and mono outputs.

The CE-5 carries all the luscious chorus sounds that make the CE line so special, including a vibrato reminiscent of the CE-1 when you crank that rate knob all the way open.

Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato & Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: It provides a vibrant, swirling chorus and vibrato effects with a unique envelope and expression pedal control, offering dynamic interactivity with your playing.

Things to Consider:

• Six knobs and two switches—including innovative modulation rate and depth control
• Mono in and out
• Expression pedal input allows for endless possibilities

Pictured: Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato & Chorus

Electro-Harmonix makes another appearance on our best-of list with the Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato & Chorus. While the Small Clone captures vintage goodness, the Eddy takes a more modern approach with more detailed effects control and rich, all-analog chorus and vibrato in one pedal.

One of the most notable features on the Eddy is the shape knob that allows you to fine-tune your waveforms subtly and incrementally from gentle to jagged. You can also dial in how much your playing dynamics affect either the rate or depth of your effect, or you can connect an expression pedal to control it on the fly.

Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: Famed for its rich, analog effect that defined the sound of an era, it offers a singular depth control that creates significant sonic variations, from subtle to deep.

Things to Consider:

• One-knob design may limit tonal versatility—though it can also limit “paralysis by analysis”
• Analog circuitry provides a warm organic tone, while keeping to a conservative power draw
• Offers true bypass

Pictured: Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato & Chorus

Electro-Harmonix had high hopes for the Small Clone chorus pedal when they released it in 1979, but they couldn’t have imagined that the pedal would rocket to fame some 12 years later when Kurt Cobain used it on Nirvana’s “Come as You Are.” The Small Clone became a pedalboard staple for some of the most influential guitarists of the era, favored by greats like J Mascis, Pat Smear, the Edge and Bob Mould.

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus is a faithful all-analog reissue that delivers all that luxurious sound with two simple controls—one depth switch and one rate knob. It’s a very adaptable pedal, with its sonic range swinging from a tight, warm shimmer to a wild, loose warble.

Eventide TriceraChorus

Why You Want to Buy It: Its extensive yet intuitive UI readily lets you immerse yourself in a trinity of lush, dimensional chorus waves—five presets let you immortalize your favorite vibes.

Things to Consider:

• Requires 500mA to unlock its full feature set
• Stereo outputs offer expansive soundscapes that enhance any performance
• Innovative "Bucket Loss" feature simulates the warmth of classic bucket brigade devices

Pictured: Eventide TriceraChorus

The Eventide TriceraChorus is a boutique pedal that envelopes your sound in a wave of three synchronized choruses, creating an expansive stereo field that can be as subtle or as overwhelming as you desire. With its multiple chorus modes, including Chorale for a rich, choir-like effect, this pedal goes beyond the traditional to offer innovative tonal possibilities. Crafted with Eventide's precision, the TriceraChorus is equipped with a micro pitch-shifting function, adding depth and dimension to your playing.

In addition to the chorus, the TriceraChorus features an innovative Swirl function, bringing in a lush, Leslie-style vibrato that's fully adjustable for speed and depth. This additional layer of modulation makes the pedal an invaluable asset for creating unique, moving textures. The TriceraChorus isn't just a pedal, it's a creative tool that invites musicians to explore the boundaries of their sound.

JHS 3 Series Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: This made-in-USA pedal simplifies achieving a lush, dimensional chorus effect, making it accessible for players at any skill level with its straightforward two-knob layout.

Things to Consider:

• Minimalist, streamlined 3-knob design with Vibe (wet/mixed) switch keeps it simple
• Quality build that’s reflected in its sonic character
• Compact footprint fits easily on any pedalboard

Pictured: JHS Pedals 3 Series Chorus

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Chorus is the ultimate in elegant minimalism and no-nonsense operation. With three knobs and a vibrato switch, this pedal is as straightforward as they come. But don’t confuse simplicity with limitations—this pedal’s range is deceptively wide.

We love the vibe switch on this pedal, which removes your dry signal, leaving you with a beautiful pitch-shifting vibrato.The JHS 3 Series are designed to sound amazing while staying simple and affordable, and they’re made in the U.S.A.—right in the JHS Kansas City facility.

Keeley Seafoam Plus Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: Offers players an intuitive approach to achieving both subtle and pronounced chorus effects, with added tone-shaping controls and dynamic modulation options.

Things to Consider:

• Automatic double tracking adds depth and space, plus ADSR control for tweakable response
• Switchable guitar and bass mode via dip switch—also great for experimenting
• Mono in and out

Pictured: Keeley Seafoam Plus Chorus

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the maximalist Keeley Seafoam Plus Chorus, a deceptively versatile pedal. It’s hard to know where to begin with this box, because it does so much. It features internal switching for vintage and modern voicing, as well as guitar- and bass-specific voicing options. Oh, and it works as a flanger and a tremolo, too.

The Keeley Seafoam has three modes: ADT, Seafoam and Dual Chorus. ADT is based on the automatic doubler Keeley created for the 30ms Double Tracker. It adds two voices at different pitches for a rich, wide chorus. Seafoam is classic chorus reminiscent of our bucket brigade favorites. Dual Chorus allows you to adjust the depth of the chorus effect independently for high and low tone ranges. There’s so much happening in this pedal, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Definitely head down to a GC and give this one a spin.

MXR M234 Analog Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: The Analog Chorus pedal stands out with its adjustable rate, level and depth controls, offering a wide range of sounds, from subtle shimmer to intense swirl.

Things to Consider:

• True analog path featuring bucket brigade circuitry for classic chorus warmth
• Five knobs, including 2-band EQ, for simple yet comprehensive tonal control
• True bypass keeps your signal unaltered when the pedal is disengaged

Pictured: MXR M234 Analog Chorus

The MXR M234 Analog Chorus is incredibly versatile, thanks in part to high- and low-cut tone shaping knobs that provide sonic detail ranging from round and full to crisp and crystalline.

Tweak the rate and depth knobs and you can hit a near-Leslie level of wobble that you can intensify even more with the pedal’s built-in stereo functionality. This beauty was first released in 2011, and still holds a place in our hearts and on our pedalboards, thanks to its many applications.

MXR WA38 Wylde Audio Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: You can get Zakk Wylde’s signature chorus sound straight from this pedal, and make it all your own with easy-to-use controls in a compact form factor.

Things to Consider:

• Very efficient energy consumption, at 20mA
• Its robust build ensures it can withstand the rigors of touring
• True-bypass switching preserves your guitar's tone when the pedal is disengaged

Pictured: MXR WA38 Wylde Audio Chorus

The MXR Wylde Audio Chorus is a powerhouse pedal that brings Zakk Wylde's distinctive, larger-than-life chorus sound to your pedalboard. With its straightforward interface and high-quality circuitry, this pedal allows you to effortlessly add a dimension of depth and space to your riffs and solos. Whether you're playing biting leads with searing pinch harmonics—or heavy, rhythmic chord work—the MXR Wylde Audio Chorus offers the presence and power to stand out.

Wylde Audio Chorus’ intuitive controls, such as Rate and Depth, allow guitarists to seamlessly switch between a light, shimmering texture and a deep, undulating wave. The pedal's mono and stereo output options offer flexibility for both mono rigs and more expansive stereo setups, providing a full spectrum of chorus effects tailored to the needs of every player, from the bedroom to the stage.

Old Blood Noise Endeavors Reflector Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: Distinguished by its ability to produce experimental and textured chorus sounds, this pedal boasts additional octave and reverb effects, setting it apart from conventional chorus pedals.

Things to Consider:

• Output level can be adjusted by the internal trimpot, slight drop or unity gain
• Enhanced versatility with octave and reverb effects makes this a multi-purpose pedal
• Very unique aesthetic design complements its unconventional sonic character

Pictured: Old Blood Noise Endeavors Reflector Chorus

One of our Guitar Center colleagues referred to the Old Blood Noise Endeavors Reflector Chorus as “a chorus pedal on steroids,” and we have to say that’s a pretty apt description. With intense pitch shift, flanger and octave features, the Reflector can provide traditional chorus or you can tweak it to create some of the trippiest, detuned, wiggly sounds imaginable.

The Reflector features three modes: Wrinkle, Washed and Mirrors. Wrinkle leans heavily on a vibrato vibe and allows pitch control through the modulate knob. Washed is a classic, lush chorus with pre-effect reverb (also controlled with modulate knob), and Mirrors is a delightful mashup of chorus and flanger. It’s difficult to put into words the breadth of weirdness accessible with this pedal. We highly recommend giving it a test drive.

Source Audio Gemini Chorus

Why You Want to Buy It: This pedal introduces a digital approach to the chorus, allowing for an extensive range of highly customizable sounds through its intuitive interface and stereo I/O.

Things to Consider:

• Advanced digital processing for a wide range of sounds
• Stereo inputs/outputs for immersive chorus effects
• Requires external software for deeper editing capabilities

Pictured: Source Audio Gemini Chorus

The Source Audio One Series Gemini Chorus Guitar Pedal creates some of the creamiest, smoothest chorus sounds you’re likely to find this side of the 1970s. It features three distinct chorus effects. Classic provides a single-voiced chorus reminiscent of the pioneering early pedals, while Quad Chorus has the gloss of 1980s rack units. Dual Chorus adds a second voice for a slightly more modern doubling effect.

The Gemini is compatible with the Source Audio Neuro App, which can plug phaser and flanger algorithms into your pedal, as well as providing a huge array of tonal and effect controls.

Strymon Ola dBucket Chorus/Vibrato

Why You Want to Buy It: This Strymon stompbox lets you drench your sound in a sea of crystal-clear, analog-quality chorus and vibrato effects.

Things to Consider:

• Detailed digital processing needs a higher-than-average power draw of 250mA
• Features stereo input and output
• Offers three dynamic modes: Standard, Multi and Vibrato for diverse sound shaping

Pictured: Strymon Ola dBucket Chorus/Vibrato

The Strymon Ola dBucket chrous/vibrato pedal is celebrated for its high-fidelity chorus effects that can range from intimate, gentle waves to vast, swirling oceans of sound. Its dBucket algorithm faithfully recreates the warmth and idiosyncrasies of classic bucket brigade devices. The Ola also offers a variety of modes, including a multi-mode chorus, single-mode chorus and a vibrato effect, giving you the flexibility to craft your signature sound.

Ola’s dynamic Ramp mode setting allows for expressive pedal-controlled modulation. The pedal's extensive tweakability, including controls for speed, depth and mix, ensures you can find your sweet spot, whether you’re looking for a subtle thickening or a liquid, Leslie-like spin. Make waves with Ola, and be sure to check out our full assortment of Strymon effects pedals as well.

Walrus Audio Julia V2 Analog Chorus/Vibrato

Why You Want to Buy It: Known for its exceptional versatility, this pedal combines chorus and vibrato effects with unique controls like lag, dry-chorus-vibrato blend and variable waveforms, enabling sublime sound sculpting.

Things to Consider:

• Standard-sized chorus/vibrato pedal with stereo in and out
• Offers D-C-V control, in addition to a wave shape switch
• Analog design for a rich, immersive sound experience

Pictured: Walrus Audio Julia V2 Analog Chorus/Vibrato

If you’re looking for a single pedal that can take you from surf rock vibrato to glassy new wave caverns, the Walrus Audio Julia Analog Chorus/Vibrato V2 has all that with a side of wow. With an LED that flashes in time with your rate setting, you have an immediate visual cue, and the Dry/Chorus/Vibrato control runs from pure signal to spooky western-tinged vibrato.

You remember that a chorus effect is a copy of your signal with a slight pitch shift and delay, right? The Lag control on the Julia adjusts the center delay time that your chorus LFO (low-frequency oscillation) moves around. That means it makes the chorus sound more intense as you dial it up. Combined with the D-C-V control and the ability to switch between sine and triangle waveforms, and you have one incredibly customizable effect.

The Julianna Stereo Analog Chorus is Julia’s big sister, with added features like tap tempo and a random LFO wave shape, modulation drift and stereo output for expansive, glimmering chorus goodness.

In Closing

Each pedal is as unique as the player who uses it. All of the chorus stompboxes in our list have their own personal vibe and versatility. Just like with overdrive and distortion, there’s certainly no rule about limiting yourself to just one chorus pedal. Get down to your local Guitar Center and try out a few of these. You’ll be surprised just how many different sounds you can get, and how gorgeous they sound in person.

Don’t forget to check out our other handy pedal guides—especially on setting up your pedal signal chain and powering your pedalboard. And, if you have your heart set on a CE-1 or an original CE-2, we’re always adding to our collection of vintage gear. We also have an ever-changing inventory of used pedals, which can be a great place to find something you want to test, mod or stick right onto your pedalboard.