Best mini overdrive pedals

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2022

The www.playersbenchmusic.com editors have carefully selected the top 30 mini overdrive pedals out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the best options from ADJ Products, NUX, Movall, ANLEON.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

KHDK Ghoul Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedal
#TOP 1
KHDK Ghoul Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedal
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Ibanez TS MINI Tube Screamer Mini Overdrive Pedal
#TOP 2
Ibanez TS MINI Tube Screamer Mini Overdrive Pedal
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MXR Timmy Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal (CSP027) Bundle
#TOP 3
MXR Timmy Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal (CSP027) Bundle
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Top 30 Best mini overdrive pedals Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

KHDK Ghoul Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedal

KHDK

Features

  • Conceived in the dark depths of Kirk Hammett’s mind, an iconic circuit has been pushed to perfection and equipped with five switches to give you the ultimate control over your tone
  • The dramatic versatility of the controls spans from a clean boost all the way to a massive overdrive
  • The KHDK Ghoul Screamer is a multipurpose pedal, a true utility knife of overdrives
  • Drive controls the gain of the circuit. On lower Drive settings, the Ghoul Screamer works as a clean boost with a characteristic mid hump. For more distortion turn the Drive control higher to increase the harmonics, compression and power. Volume controls the overall output volume of the Ghoul Screamer. Tone a very effective active high-frequency tone control. At 12 o'clock it's neutral. Turned clockwise it becomes raw, aggressive and helps your tone cut through. Turned counterclockwise it
  • In addition to the three standard controls (Drive, Tone, Volume) five mini toggle switches have been added, offering enhancement for Bass, Highs, and Body, as well as two variations of Compression
#TOP 2

Ibanez TS MINI Tube Screamer Mini Overdrive Pedal

Ibanez PS

Features

  • Use as an Overdrive pedal, Clean boost, or High gain boost
  • Guitar effect overdrive pedal with Drive, Level, and Tone Controls
  • Bundled with guitar picks, polish cloth and pro audio cables in this value pack
  • Small footprint to fit any pedalboard with 100% Analog Circuitry and True By[ass
  • Based on the original Tube Screamer pedal to emulate warm, natural tube overdrive
#TOP 3

MXR Timmy Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal (CSP027) Bundle

blucoil

Features

  • PEDALBOARD-FRIENDLY - The mini housing frees up some space in your pedalboard. It has an overall dimensions of 3.63" x 2.25" x 1.75".
  • PROVIDES UNLIMITED TONAL POSSIBILITIES - The 3-way CLIP Switch enables you to select different clipping styles. You can go from light saturation to huge, crunchy distortion or something in between.
  • INCLUDES - MXR Timmy Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal (CSP027). 4-Pack of Blucoil Celluloid Guitar Picks (Assorted Colors). Blucoil Premium 10-Foot Instrument Cable with 1/4" Straight Connectors. Blucoil Power Supply with Slim 9V 670mA AC/DC Adapter & US Plug (Center Negative Polarity). 2-Pack of Blucoil Right-Angled Pedal Patch Cables. 5-Pack of Blucoil Reusable Velcro Cable Ties. Blucoil 20-Foot Balanced XLR Cable - Premium Series 3-Pin Cable for Mics, Speakers, and Pro Devices (Male-to-Female).
  • ENHANCES YOUR CORE SOUND WITH HUGE, TRANSPARENT TONES - The MXR Timmy Overdrive features an LF353 op-amp that delivers high output, gain, and HIFI signals. It enhances your rig's sound while keeping the fundamental character intact.
  • OFFERS "CUT-ONLY" TREBLE AND BASS CONTROLS - Use the Treble and Bass knobs to eliminate unwanted upper and lower frequencies. They prevent over-hyping the audio signal so you can get cleaner tones.
#TOP 4

Wampler Tumnus V2 Overdrive & Boost Guitar Effects Pedal

Wampler

Features

  • The streamlined 3 control knobs (Volume, Gain, and Tone) allow you to quickly dial in your tones no matter what the gig calls for
  • This pedal contains a buffered bypass tone legendary in its own right
  • Use with other pedals to shape the total gain, as a stand alone overdrive, or as a slightly dirty boost to push the front end of your amp
  • Designed to be a versatile addition to any setup, any style
  • Slim, compact design ensures that this pedal will fit anywhere on your board setup
  • Can even be used as a buffer because this pedal is not true bypass
#TOP 5

Wampler Plexi Drive Mini Overdrive Pedal (PLEXIDRIVEMINI)

Wampler

Features

  • Five controls – Level, Gain, Color, Bass and Compression Clipping Switch – Disengaged (Out) for more compression, Engaged (In) for a more open sound
  • High grade components picked for their superior sound and response
  • Built in the U.S.A.
  • True bypass
  • 9v – 18v power jack (no battery connector inside)
#TOP 6

Friedman Amplification BE-OD Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal

Friedman

Features

  • Assembled in USA
  • Volume, Gain, Tight, Bass, Treble and Presence
  • True Bypass Switching
  • Can be powered between 9-18VDC (no battery)
  • Authentic British Overdrive Tones
#TOP 7

JHS Morning Glory V4 Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal

JHS Pedals

Features

  • Features increased headroom and output for use as a Full frequency boost
  • Tame the high end on brighter rigs with the side mounted bright cut switch
  • Boosts a crunchy tone into thicker sustain and switches between two gain levels on the fly
  • Adds mid to low level grit to Your crystal clean tone and tube like touch response to a less than ideal amp
  • Delivers all the tonal and responsive nuance that Your amp is missing, and Nothing that Your tone alReady has
  • Gain Control sweeps from Completely clean to rock ‘n’ roll
  • Designed to be one of the most transparent overdrives out there
#TOP 8

MXR Sugar Drive Guitar Effects Pedal (M294)

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • Brings out the best of your Guitar and amp sound
  • Based on a rare & elusive overdrive circuit
  • Blends in clean signal to maintain your guitar’s personality
  • Diverse range of tones, from boosting to overdrive
  • Clear & transparent performance
#TOP 9

Nobels ODR-Mini Overdrive Pedal Bundle

blucoil

Features

  • PROVIDES TRUE BYPASS - Compared to the bigger ODR-1, the ODR-Mini features True Bypass circuitry. Your signal bypasses the effect circuit when the pedal is switched off, ensuring zero tone coloration.
  • INCLUDES - Nobels ODR-Mini Overdrive Pedal. Blucoil Power Supply with Slim AC/DC Adapter for 9 Volt DC 670mA with US Plug (Center Negative Polarity). 2-Pack of Blucoil Right-Angled Patch Cables for Effects Pedals. 4-Pack of Blucoil Thin Celluloid Guitar Picks (Assorted Colors).
  • PRODUCES CLASSIC DRIVE AND MODERN CRUNCH TONES - The "Spectrum" Knob is more than a standard tone control; it ensures a warm midrange. It can deliver from 80s drives to modern, transparent crunches.
  • SOUNDS LIKE ODR-1 BUT IN SMALLER FORM - The Nobels ODR-Mini reproduces similar sounds as the Natural Overdrive Pedal but with a firmer low end, and in tinier housing.
  • OCCUPIES A VERY SMALL SPACE IN YOUR PEDALBOARD - The pedal measures only 1.7 x 3.7 x 2.0" and has its input/output jacks side-mounted. The small form factor translates to more room in your pedalboard.
#TOP 10

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal Bundle

blucoil

Features

  • REDUCES UNWANTED NOISE - This MXR pedal includes a mini Gate Control switch that keeps stray harmonics and noise under control. Plus, EVH 5150 uses a true hardwire bypass operation to keep your tone clean when the effect is disengaged.
  • INCLUDES - MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal. Blucoil Power Supply with Slim AC/DC Adapter for 9 Volt DC 670mA with US Plug (Center Negative Polarity). Blucoil Premium 10-Foot Instrument Cable with 1/4" Straight Connectors and PVC Shield for Guitars and Amps. 2-Pack of Blucoil Right-Angled Patch Cables for Effects Pedals. 4-Pack of Blucoil Celluloid Guitar Picks with 0.71mm Gauge (Assorted Colors). 5-Pack of Blucoil Reusable Velcro Cable Ties.
  • PROVIDES CLEAN 9V POWER - The Blucoil 9V Adapter offers a 670mA current to various guitar pedals with a negative-tip center requirement. It ensures isolated power and short-circuits protection.
  • DELIVERS EXTRA GAIN - The Boost switch on the overdrive pedal kicks the EVH 5150 into high gear, adding extra gain and compression to your sound.
  • OFFERS FINE-TUNING CONTROLS - The MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal's 3-band passive EQ section provides excellent clarity and sustain. Its EQ allows you to shape your sound to match your taste.
#TOP 11

Ibanez TS808DX Tube Screamer Booster/Overdrive Pedal

Ibanez

Features

  • - Independent 26db Boost Circuit
  • - True TS808 Circuit
  • - 9V/ 18V Operation
  • - Pre/Post Switch
  • - True Bypass Switching
#TOP 12

Nobels ODR-1 Natural Overdrive Pedal (bc)

Nobels

Features

  • Bass Cut feature – helps to tame the low end
  • Remote input jack – allows the pedal to be switched on/ off remotely (tempoary)
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Knobs
  • Analog Natural Overdrive Pedal
  • Accepts 18 V power – allows for additional headroom
#TOP 13

MXR CSP027 Timmy Overdrive Pedal Bundle

MXR

Features

  • This pedal provides a huge, responsive range of gritty and textured tones that enhance the sound of your rig while preserving its fundamental character
  • The MXR Timmy Overdrive is a professional-grade must-have for players who want sweet, harmonic breakup that responds to playing dynamics and maintains a rig’s personality at a fraction of the standard pedal size
  • Includes 2 MXR premium 6" patch cables, and Dunlop variety pack of 12 picks. Requires Dunlop ECB003 9 volt power supply (Sold Separately)
  • Clip switch provides three different clipping styles for a multitude of scenarios
  • MXR mini housing
#TOP 14

MXR M294 Sugar Drive Overdrive Pedal

MXR

Features

  • DELIVERS VERSATILITY AND PORTABILITY - You can use M294 for paying harmonically rich overdrive or blown-tube distortion. The pedal has a compact size of 3.6 x 1.5 x 1.2". It saves you lots of space on your pedalboard.
  • INCREASES YOUR HEADROOM - The onboard voltage doubler boosts the overall headroom. It allows the dynamics of your playing to push through, giving you a wide-open sound.
  • OFFERS SWITCHABLE BYPASS OPERATION - By default, the M294 is set in true bypass. Your audio signal remains fully intact without any tonal coloration. You can also change to Buffered Bypass by toggling the switch on the side of the pedal.
  • INCLUDES - MXR M294 Sugar Drive Boost/Overdrive Pedal for Electric Guitars. Blucoil Power Supply with Slim AC/DC Adapter for 9 Volt DC 670mA with US Plug (Center Negative Polarity). Blucoil Premium 10-FT Instrument Cable with 1/4" Straight Connectors and PVC Shield for Guitars and Amps. 2-Pack of Blucoil Right-Angled Patch Cables for Effects Pedals. 4-Pack of Blucoil Thin Celluloid Guitar Picks (Assorted Colors).
  • PROVIDES CLEAN BOOST - The MXR M294 Sugar Drive is equipped with a special Drive control that increases the pedal's intensity and Blends the dry signal with the overdrive signal for an amp-like breakup and response.
#TOP 15

Wampler Belle Overdrive Pedal (B ELLE)

Wampler

Features

  • Built in the U.S.A.; Includes Wampler’s limited 5-year warranty
  • Combine this with the Bass control and you have a very versatile tone shaping palette with Wampler’s legendary ease of use.
  • Push switch on the side controls the amount of compression and alters the clipping structure in the circuit for some extra punch.
  • The Color control is more than just a standard tone control and it’s pretty unique to this circuit. Dialling it right or left will either boost or cut the high and low end a little, but the midrange frequencies are left well alone.
  • If you set the gain low and the bass control up high, you get a wonderful clean boost sound that can rival any Klone circuit, but when you spin the bass down and the gain all the way up, you suddenly find yourself with an awesome transparent overdrive / medium distortion sound with all the crunch you need.
#TOP 16

Xotic Effects SL Drive Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

Xotic Effects

Features

  • Xotic have recreated this vintage masterpiece in a rugged small enclosure
  • Faithfully delivers the legendary sounds of the Super Lead and Super Bass British amplifiers Two settings provide a ton of versatile tones Amp-like response that interacts nicely with your guitar's volume control Tone, Drive and Volume controls Compact enclosure True-bypass switching
  • Players like Jimmy Page, Paul Kossoff and countless other relied on this type of tone for their signature sound
  • The SL Drive offers very amp-like response and cleans up nicely with a roll of your guitar's volume knob
  • Famous for its woody, organic and beautiful sounds of saturation, these legendary British amplifiers, the Super Lead & Super Bass, have been delivering one of the all-time classic sounds for almost 50 years
#TOP 17

Ibanez NTS Nu Tubescreamer Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal

Ibanez

Features

  • The pairing of Ibanez's Tube Screamer with Korg's Nutube technology has produced the Ibanez Nu Tubescreamer, an overdrive with exceptional dynamics, improved sensitivity, and natural tube-like compression. For those familiar with the conventional TS808, the added warmth and amp-like quality of the Nu Tubescreamer will be immediately apparent.
  • Features:
  • The development of the Nu Tubescreamer involved a year of close collaboration with Korg, as well as our Artists, in order to ensure we created something with new tonal dimensions that also stays true to Tube Screamer's legacy.
  • Beyond the addition of the Nutube, the Nu Tubescreamer incorporates several new features designed to vastly widen the pedal's tonal potential. A "mix" control was included to allow for balancing the clean and overdriven signal. With the "Mix" control rolled totally counter-clockwise, only the dry signal will be present making the Nu Tube Screamer ideal for double duty as a clean boost. The unit can also be run with either 9 or 18V power; 18V allows for increased headroom and
  • - Incorporates Korg Nutube Technology
#TOP 18

MXR Timmy Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal (CSP027)

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • Provides a huge range of overdrive tones in an MXR mini housing
  • Choose from three different clipping styles to cover a multitude of situations
  • Preserves the fundamental character of your guitar rig
  • Refine your sonic profile with ingeniously configured Bass and Treble controls
  • Designed with veteran Nashville pedal builder Paul Cochrane
#TOP 19

MXR EG74 Raw Dawg Overdrive Pedal

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal
#TOP 20

Bogner Ecstasy Red Mini Overdrive Pedal

Bogner

Features

  • True bypass
  • Varian on/off switch: adds a “dropped voltage” dynamic compression to the feel and sound
  • Gain and volume controls; Active bass, middle and Treble tone controls
  • Mid frequency range up or down shift trim pot, accessible from bottom
  • Pre-eq switch: B1, N and B2 settings control “openness” and presence of higher range harmonics
#TOP 21

Mosky Mini Obsessive Overdrive Effect Pedal

Moskyaudio

Features

  • Mini size, durable zinc-aluminium alloy body
  • With Drive, Volume and Tone control knobs
  • Supports High-Peak(HP) and Low-Peak(LP) functions
  • Electric guitar effect pedal for guitar players
  • On/Off LED indicator, true bypass switch
#TOP 22

Nobels ODR-Mini Overdrive Pedal

Nobels

Features

  • Mono/Stereo: Mono In, Mono Out
  • Control: Drive, Tone, Level
  • Bypass Modus: True Bypass
  • Analog
  • 9-18 Volt, center negative
#TOP 23

YMUZE Mosky Mini Silver Horse Effect Pedal Overdrive Pedal

Moskyaudio

Features

  • 9V power jack – DC supply only, center negative and outside positive, no battery connection within. Power Supply does not include.
  • Full metal shell and compact size, durable and portable.
  • YMUZE Mosky guitar effect pedal for guitar players.
  • True bypass switch; On/Off LED indicator
  • This item has overdrive/ boost effect, with 2 modes of voice to choose (Normal/ Soft).
  • 3 functional knobs(TREBLE/OUTPUT/GAIN) for adjusting the performance of the overdrive effect.
#TOP 24

Stax Guitar Tube Screamer Pedal Tube Screaming Overdrive Pedal Classic Tube Amp Odrive Pedals For Electric Guitar Mini Size True Bypass

Stax

Features

  • Warm & Hot Modes: Warm Mode: Reproduces the dynamic dynamic warm overload sound of classic tube speakers, natural, smooth and sweet sound./ Hot Mode: It has a more powerful output than the Warm Mode, a powerful Crunch sound.
  • Solid Quality: Made of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy. LED indicator shows the working state.
  • Easy Carry: Small size body, light weight, suitable for gigs, powered by a DC 9V adapter.
  • Three Working Konbs: With an easy-to-use three-knob tone control: Gain, Tone, Level. Each knob gives you a wide control range.
  • Classic Tube Screaming Sound : The classic Tube Screamer & Dumble style sound give you a real touch feeling of a high-grade tube amplifier. - It is a 100% analog overdrive pedal with great dynamics and wide tone range.
#TOP 25

AZOR Classical Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedals Mini Pedal Drive True Bypass Hot/Warm Modes AP-315

AZOR

Features

  • Power source- 9V DC adapter center negative(no power adapter included)
  • Mini style- Small, light weight and exquisite.Enduring, light-weighted Aluminumalloy chassis .
  • Classic Design- True bypass provides transparent tone,LED indicator shows the working state
  • Many types- This Overdrive Pedal With four function knobs, LEVEL, HOT ,WARM and TONE. You can just control four function knobs and choose the model you want to made you own music tone.
  • Easy to control - Two models: HOT/WARM reproducing the classical electronic overdrive with plump, warm and sweet effect
#TOP 26

MIMIDI Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedal

MIMIDI

Features

  • High Quality CircuitTrue bypass and advanced noise reduction circuit keeps your signal clean. Delivering a warm and natural sound. Please make sure the adapter is DC 9V.(Not Included, please purchase separately from our store)The misusage of power adapter will generate noise.
  • Perfect ConstructionDimensions: 92*38*33mm, weight 142g. Exquisite and portable. Aluminum alloy housing with oxidation paint, mini size easy for carrying, additional flat bar design to protect knob setting, bottom anti-slip silicone pad design makes pedal more stable.
  • Customer Satisfaction"MIMIDI" Is a professional manufacturer of guitar pedal effects. We always stand behind our products and it is our honor to satisfy our customers. 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. Free replacement or refund for any quality issue.
  • Exquisite GiftThis pedal is packed extremely well in a gift box. Pedal comes with a pre-sized Velcro and Owner's Manual. It can be comprehensively applicable for all music venues: hall, music concert, stage, studio, karaoke, etc. This is the best gift for any Guitarist or Bassist.
  • 2 Modes and Multifunction DesignTwo switches, boost low distortion. Tube-like powerful output, smooth, sweet and warm; Volume knob(output volume),GAIN knob(overdrive amount) and TONE knob(brightness)for using in different scenarios.Each knob gives you a wide control range.
#TOP 27

FLAMMA FC07 Overdrive Pedal Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Mini Analog Guitar Pedal True Bypass 2 Overdrive Modes Metal Shell

FLAMMA

Features

  • 2 overdrive working Modes: Warm/Hot. Warm: Reconstruct a warm tube drive tone and nice dynamic response of classic tube amplifier, it provides a natural, smooth, creamy overdrive sound. Hot: More powerful output than Warm mode, mighty crunch tone.
  • Very small and compact design.
  • DC 9V adapter power supply. Not Included.
  • True bypass provides transparent tone.
#TOP 28

Overdrive Pedal, Lotkey Electric Guitar Effects Pedals Mini Single Type DC 9V True Bypass

LOTKEY

Features

  • Pure Signal: True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the Vintage Overdrive pedal disengaged. Dedicated Drive & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring. Rotate the knobs to boost the guitar amp for vibrant tone or overdrive the device for one-of-a-kind pedal sound; true bypass hardware switching
  • Integrated Noise Reduction: Developed with the code to reduce noise swells common with the Vintage Overdrive circuit, you get the quietest effect possible with this Overdrive pedal.
  • Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup, it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
  • Style-type: Combining iconic vintage tube overdrive sound with a wide dynamic range, the Lotkey overdrive pedal gives you a wide tonal range from smooth whispers to searing leads.
  • Solid Quality and Easy Carry: The whole guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and is classic, stable and strong. The aluminum alloy body makes this Overdrive pedal safe to transport. Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package), this guitar effect pedal has a small size body, is lightweight, suitable for outside gigs.
#TOP 29

Valeton Dapper Mini Stage Session Gigging Gear Overdrive Distortion Chorus Delay Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal

Valeton

Features

  • Up to 1000ms Analog-Voicing Delay with TAP TEMPO, expanding your Tonal Spectrum for Solo and Riff playing
  • Analog Tube Screamer Style Overdrive and Plexi-Crunch Distortion achieve most Dirty Tone Requirements of every Musical Genre
  • Built-in TUNER for Turning your Instrument at any time; 9V Center Negative Regular Pedal Power Supply (Adapter included)
  • BBD-Style Analog-Voicing Chorus for adding Depth and Ambience to the Sound
  • CAB SIM Function on the Phones Jack, for Recording or Direct-to-PA
#TOP 30

Guitar Mini Effects Pedal Over Drive

kokko

Features

  • LED INDICATOR - LED indicator shows the status of effect. No battery, Powered by AC adapter(not included).
  • RELIABLE QUALITY - High quality by aluminum alloy which is durable and have a classic mini size brings you a musical feast.
  • ANTI SKID - Rubber pads on the backside is anti-skid, which enhances the stability and avoids friction between the effect pedal and the ground.
  • USE TO CONTROL - By rotating the knobs you can boost the guitar amp for colorful tone or overdrive itself for unique pedal sound.
  • EFFECTS - Delivers that warm, natural tube overdrive sound. True bypass hardware switching.

Searching for the Ideal mini overdrive pedals: What to Consider Beforhand

What's the difference with waza craft?

How is Waza Craft unique? All Waza Craft products are built in Japan by highly experienced engineers using top quality components. The discerning feature across the Waza Craft pedal range is the Custom switch. This is the real game-changing addition to the modest stompbox casing.

Do I need both overdrive and distortion pedals?

It largely depends on how close you already are to the tone you want. If you're pretty close but you want a little more oomph, go with overdrive. Same goes for when you want more of a trashy, garage rock sound. If you want to radically change the tone into something heavier, pick distortion.

What are overdrive pedals good for?

There are different ways to use an overdrive pedal, but they're usually used to either push a tube amp harder which results in natural, harmonic distortion, or if using a solid state amp, mimic the sound of a driven tube amp. Some players use them to tighten up, or shape their tone a little more too.

Editor's Notes

In total, our editorial team spent 40 hours on the research before they come up with the list of the 30 best mini overdrive pedals out there. We've read 996 reviews, on 18 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. The selected products got the average rating of 273, and, we've also considered the price range: on average, these mini overdrive pedals are available at $3522.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.