Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The best multi-effects pedals of today incorporate everything from pedal sims, amp and cabinet modelling, to the microphones used to mic them up in live and recording scenarios. They can replace your rig in its entirety.
There is so much choice for guitar players that it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve personally tested 17 units to come up with the final list for this video and we've highlighted our favorite units by use case, which should help you narrow your focus on the right pedal for your needs as well as your budget.
The terms 'multi-FX' and 'modeler' are used interchangeably nowadays. ‘Multi-effects’ is the more traditional way to refer to them, with ‘amp modeler or capture device’ being the technically-correct, modern name. To keep things simple, we're calling them multi-effects pedals throughout this video.
🛒 Shop the gear in this video
Neural DSP Quad Cortex: hawk.ly/m/neural-dsp-quad-cortex/i/guitarworld-youtube
NUX MG-300 MKII: hawk.ly/m/nux-mg-300/i/guitarworld-youtube
Boss GX-1: hawk.ly/m/boss-gx-1/i/guitarworld-youtube
Line 6 Helix Stadium XL: hawk.ly/m/line-6-helix-stadium-xl-floor/i/guitarworld-youtube
Blackstar ID:X Floor Three: hawk.ly/m/blackstar-id-x-floor-three/i/guitarworld-youtube
We may earn a commission when purchasing through affiliate links in this description/video.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:58 Where to start
02:08 How to choose a multi-FX
03:03 Best budget - NUX MG300 MkII
06:06 Best beginner - Boss GX-1
08:48 Best for gigging - Line 6 Helix Stadium XL
12:14 Best tactile option - Blackstar ID:X Floor Three
15:37 Best overall - Neural DSP Quad Cortex
19:12 Alternatives
19:53 Conclusion
Read the full Guitar World best multi-effects pedals buyer’s guide: guitarworld.com/features/best-multi-effects-pedals-for-guitarists
Explore more gear buying advice from Guitar World: guitarworld.com/buying-guides
More at:
Guitar World: guitarworld.com
Facebook: facebook.com/GuitarWorld
Instagram: instagram.com/guitarworldmagazine
X: twitter.com/GuitarWorld
TikTok: tiktok.com/@guitarworld_official
The best multi-effects pedals of today incorporate everything from pedal sims, amp and cabinet modelling, to the microphones used to mic them up in live and recording scenarios. They can replace your rig in its entirety.
There is so much choice for guitar players that it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve personally tested 17 units to come up with the final list for this video and we've highlighted our favorite units by use case, which should help you narrow your focus on the right pedal for your needs as well as your budget.
The terms 'multi-FX' and 'modeler' are used interchangeably nowadays. ‘Multi-effects’ is the more traditional way to refer to them, with ‘amp modeler or capture device’ being the technically-correct, modern name. To keep things simple, we're calling them multi-effects pedals throughout this video.
🛒 Shop the gear in this video
Neural DSP Quad Cortex: hawk.ly/m/neural-dsp-quad-cortex/i/guitarworld-youtube
NUX MG-300 MKII: hawk.ly/m/nux-mg-300/i/guitarworld-youtube
Boss GX-1: hawk.ly/m/boss-gx-1/i/guitarworld-youtube
Line 6 Helix Stadium XL: hawk.ly/m/line-6-helix-stadium-xl-floor/i/guitarworld-youtube
Blackstar ID:X Floor Three: hawk.ly/m/blackstar-id-x-floor-three/i/guitarworld-youtube
We may earn a commission when purchasing through affiliate links in this description/video.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:58 Where to start
02:08 How to choose a multi-FX
03:03 Best budget - NUX MG300 MkII
06:06 Best beginner - Boss GX-1
08:48 Best for gigging - Line 6 Helix Stadium XL
12:14 Best tactile option - Blackstar ID:X Floor Three
15:37 Best overall - Neural DSP Quad Cortex
19:12 Alternatives
19:53 Conclusion
Read the full Guitar World best multi-effects pedals buyer’s guide: guitarworld.com/features/best-multi-effects-pedals-for-guitarists
Explore more gear buying advice from Guitar World: guitarworld.com/buying-guides
More at:
Guitar World: guitarworld.com
Facebook: facebook.com/GuitarWorld
Instagram: instagram.com/guitarworldmagazine
X: twitter.com/GuitarWorld
TikTok: tiktok.com/@guitarworld_official
