Best Chorus Pedals

Chorus pedals create a lush, shimmering effect by splitting the guitar signal, pitch-shifting one copy slightly and mixing it back with the original. The result ranges from subtle width and movement to the full "80s chorus" sound. The best chorus pedals balance natural warmth with controllable depth.

Last updated: June 2026

#1

Boss ce-2w waza craft chorus

Top Pick
$215

The Boss CE-2W Waza Craft is a reissue of the legendary CE-2 BBD analog chorus circuit — the exact pedal Kurt Cobain, Andy Summers and Robert Smith used on their defining recordings. The CE-1 mode adds a Roland Jazz Chorus amp simulation.

Pros

  • Genuine BBD analog circuitry like the original CE-2
  • CE-1 mode adds Roland Jazz Chorus amp-style chorus
  • Two-knob simplicity is instantly usable

Cons

  • More expensive than the standard CE-5
  • Mono output only in CE-2 mode
Used by: The Edge, Andy Summers, Kurt Cobain
Thomann →AndertonsGear4MusicGuitarGuitarReverbAmazon USSweetwaterGuitar Center
#2

Electro-Harmonix small clone

Best Budget Chorus
$113

The EHX Small Clone is the chorus Kurt Cobain used on Come As You Are — its BBD circuit produces a lush, deep chorus with a slightly wobbly vintage character that is distinctly different from more clinical modern chorus pedals.

Pros

  • Lush, deep BBD chorus character
  • Two-mode depth switch changes the fundamental character
  • Affordable and genuinely musical

Cons

  • Rate knob only — no depth control beyond the two-position switch
  • True bypass engages with a pop unless buffer is used
Used by: Kurt Cobain
Andertons →Gear4MusicGuitarGuitarReverbAmazon USGuitar Center
#3

TC Electronic electronic corona chorus

Most Versatile
$113

The TC Electronic Corona Chorus offers TonePrint artist presets plus tri-chorus mode for extra width, covering subtle vintage-style shimmer through lush 80s chorus in a single compact pedal.

Pros

  • TonePrint lets you download artist-designed chorus sounds
  • Tri-Chorus mode adds Dimension Chorus-style lushness
  • True stereo output for wide stereo rigs

Cons

  • Digital processing — some prefer pure analog BBD
  • TonePrint requires phone app to load presets
Used by: The Edge, John Mayer
Andertons →Gear4MusicGuitarGuitarReverbAmazon USGuitar Center
#4

Boss ce-5 chorus ensemble

Best All-Rounder
$113

The Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble is the most affordable versatile chorus with high and low filter controls that narrow the frequency range the effect acts on — ideal for keeping bass frequencies dry while adding shimmer to the upper range.

Pros

  • High and low filter controls for frequency-selective chorus
  • Stereo output
  • Boss build quality and reliability

Cons

  • Digital processing rather than BBD analog
  • Less distinctive character than BBD alternatives
Used by: John Mayer, The Edge
Thomann →AndertonsGear4MusicGuitarGuitarReverbAmazon USSweetwaterGuitar Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between analog and digital chorus?

Analog chorus uses BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) chips to delay the signal — the same technology as the original chorus pedals of the 1970s and 80s. BBD chorus has a slightly warm, imprecise quality that many players prefer. Digital chorus uses DSP to create the delay — it is cleaner, more precise and usually offers more controls, but some find it sterile. The original Boss CE-2, EHX Small Clone and Roland Jazz Chorus are all analog BBD; the TC Corona and Boss CE-5 are digital.

Where should I place chorus in my signal chain?

Chorus should go after your drive pedals (overdrive, distortion, fuzz) and before your delay and reverb. Placing chorus before distortion creates an unpleasant, distorted shimmer rather than a clean chorus on a distorted signal. Chorus → Delay → Reverb is the standard order for the last section of a signal chain.

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