Best Alternatives To ProCo RAT2
Filter-based distortion. Usable from overdrive to fuzz with the single Filter control.
The best alternatives to the ProCo RAT2, ranked by tone similarity:
- Wampler Dracarys Distortion — £189, 88% tone match. High-gain boutique with exceptional note clarity.
- TC Electronic Dark Matter — £69, 85% tone match. Very close to RAT voicing at similar price. Less history.
- Bogner Ecstasy Blue — £229, 82% tone match. Boutique amp-voicing distortion based on the Bogner Ecstasy clean channel. More complex harmonic response than the RAT's LM308 clipping — the premium option for players who have outgrown the RAT's raw character.
- Boss DS-1 — £49, 78% tone match. Brighter, more aggressive. Less tonal range.
- Joyo Splinter Distortion — £35, 75% tone match. British voiced distortion. Different character but comparable utility.
TC Electronic Dark Matter
Very close to RAT voicing at similar price. Less history.
💰 Best Value
Joyo Splinter Distortion
All Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Price | vs ProCo RAT2 | Tone Match | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wampler Dracarys Distortion | £189 | +£110 | 88% | mid |
| TC Electronic Dark Matter | £69 | -£10 | 85% | budget |
| Bogner Ecstasy Blue | £229 | +£150 | 82% | premium |
| Boss DS-1 | £49 | -£30 | 78% | budget |
| Joyo Splinter Distortion | £35 | -£44 | 75% | budget |
Brighter, more aggressive. Less tonal range.
Alternatives to Boss DS-1 →British voiced distortion. Different character but comparable utility.
Alternatives to Joyo Splinter Distortion →Very close to RAT voicing at similar price. Less history.
Alternatives to TC Electronic Dark Matter →High-gain boutique with exceptional note clarity.
Alternatives to Wampler Dracarys Distortion →Boutique amp-voicing distortion based on the Bogner Ecstasy clean channel. More complex harmonic response than the RAT's LM308 clipping — the premium option for players who have outgrown the RAT's raw character.
Alternatives to Bogner Ecstasy Blue →FAQ
ProCo RAT2 Alternatives — Common Questions
The best alternative to the ProCo RAT2 is the Wampler Dracarys Distortion (88% tone match at £189). High-gain boutique with exceptional note clarity.
The best budget alternative is the TC Electronic Dark Matter at £69 (85% tone match). Very close to RAT voicing at similar price. Less history.
Pedals that sound similar to the ProCo RAT2: Wampler Dracarys Distortion (88% match, £189); TC Electronic Dark Matter (85% match, £69); Bogner Ecstasy Blue (82% match, £229); Boss DS-1 (78% match, £49).
Yes — the TC Electronic Dark Matter is available for £35 and achieves similar tone characteristics.