Chorus has an image problem, and we can blame the 80s. Every guitar tone from that decade sounds like it was recorded at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Used properly, though, it’s lovely. I've played chorus pedals for ages now and, when used properly, you can break out of the cliché 80's tone - you can even get some univibe adjacent tones if you push em hard.

So I’ve rounded up five chorus pedals that prove it, and all of them are under £50. The prices feel like they never left the 80s either. I’d buy that for a dollar.

A quick apology to the Plethora X1. I’m a big fan, but you’re over budget, so today isn’t about you. 

Shaevle Jam Choir – Two Knobs, Nothing to Mess Up

This is the one for anyone who’s never touched a chorus pedal. Two knobs and that’s your lot, so there isn’t much you can get wrong. You won’t get lush stereo, but it nails classic chorus for very little money. If you’re dipping a toe in, start here.

Sonicake Warped Dimension – Four Pedals in a Trench Coat

It’s chorus, phaser, flanger and tremolo in one box, so it’s easily the best bang for your buck on the list. No stereo outputs, but it still sounds rather lush, and there’s plenty of control to dial it in your way. If you want some movement in your tone without a board full of four stomp boxes, this is your pedal. Save space, save cash - it is a no-brainer!

Demon FX Mini Chorus – The Controversial One

Yes, Dmon FX again. It’s “heavily inspired” by the Analogman chorus, which makes it the most contentious pick here. (I’ve already had that debate with myself at length here) Ethics parked for a moment, you get loads of versatility for the money. That little depth toggle takes you from subtle shimmer to a full-on warble in one flick, and the three knobs give you plenty more to play with.

TC 3rd Dimension – The Odd One Out

Easily the weirdest pick, and I mean that kindly. It’s aiming at the Dimension C sound, a pedal and rack unit that not everyone knows. But if you’ve listened to any music from before 1990, you’ve heard it. It’s wide and glassy, and doesn’t sound quite like a normal chorus.  I'm sure I read somewhere that it was a favourite of the diminutive pop-diva Price, but don't quote me on that one.

The real win is the buttons. We’ve all dialled in the perfect tone, nudged a knob, and never found it again. Buttons make tones repeatable, which is a godsend for those of us who like to tinker.

Behringer Ultra Chorus – The Crowd Favourite

This is the most-watched chorus demo on the channel by a country mile. Some people assume a bright yellow box at around £25 won’t survive its first stomp. Those people are wrong. It’s aiming at the Boss CH-1 Super Chorus, and it sounds phenomenal.

It’s also the only pick here with stereo outputs. Well, sort of: one output is clean and the other is totally wet, a bit like the old jazz choruses did it. Treat yourself, go and run it in stereo. You get a super lush, super wide sounding chorus tone that shouldn't be this good for that little.

So, Which One’s Yours?

If I had to point you in the right direction:

Total beginner? Jam Choir.

Want lots of effects in one box? Warped Dimension.

Fancy a spot of controversy and a depth toggle? Mini Chorus.

Chasing something properly different? 3rd Dimension.

Want stereo on a budget? Ultra Chorus.

All the clips in the video come from the full pedal demos on the channel. I’ve got over 700 videos up now, and most of them are no-talking demos, so if you want to hear these properly, they’re waiting for you.

Which chorus tone was your favourite? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think.

If you'd like any of these, consider using my affiliate links:

Behringer UC200

https://thmn.to/thoprod/111469?offid=1&affid=2735

TC 3rd Dimension

https://thmn.to/thoprod/435992?offid=1&affid=2735

Sonicake Warped Dimension (use code budgetpedalchap for 10% off)

https://www.sonicake.com/products/warped-dimension?sca_ref=1425095.S0avGvl0i2