If there’s one way to dramatically change your guitar sound and take it to new realms, it’s reverb. From a little bit of tang to thicken your sound to vast intergalactic spatial soundscapes, reverb can be completely transformative. It’s an effect that belongs on every guitarist’s pedal board, whether that’s as your celestial centrepiece or a depth-enhancing companion.
In this article, we’ll run through some of the best reverb pedals on the market today, looking at everything from the dreamlike tones of Universal Audio’s Heavenly Plate and the spacey ambience of the Meris Mercury 7 to the all-encompassing versatility of the Strymon BigSky. If you’re looking for a new ‘verb to add to your setup, you’re bound to find something on this list.
In a hurry?
To save you from scrolling through every single reverb pedal we’ve chosen, here are our top five:
Universal Audio UAFX Heavenly Plate Reverb Pedal ‘50s style Plate reverb for a lush, expansive sound Check the current price
Meris Mercury 7 Blade Runner-inspired spacey ambience Check the current price
Walrus Audio Fable Reverb Five programme presets, offering mellow and monstrous tones Check the current price
TC Electronic Hall Of Fame 2 Industry-standard reverb used by tonnes of pros and artist legends Check the current price
Strymon BigSky The all-time popular reverb – Strymon's BigSky is the go-to digital reverb known for its top-notch tech and deeply immersive sounds Check the current price
Why we’ve chosen these pedals
Our list of reverb pedals is the ultimate compilation of the best options available today. We’ve made sure to include something for every budget, style, and setup as each guitarist is different. You might require an affordable pedal for home practice, like the Behringer DR600 or Fender Hammertone; a versatile all-rounder for gigging; or a studio-grade reverb for professional recordings – whatever it is, this list covers all bases.
If you’re after something higher-end, we have options like the Strymon BigSky and Universal Audio UAFX series that provide premium-quality tones and exceptionally deep customisation options.
These pedals also represent the best of the best in their respective reverb type. Classic spring and hall reverbs are covered by options like the TC Electronic Hall Of Fame 2 and EHX Holy Grail, while the Boss RE-202 Space Echo and Walrus Audio Fable delve into more atmospheric, modulated textures
Whether you’re looking for subtle ‘verbs or a more extreme, lush soundscape, we’ve scoured the market and used our own experience with reverb pedals to compile this list, so you’ll find something that suits your needs.
The best reverb pedals
1. Universal Audio UAFX Heavenly Plate Reverb
Key features
- Three plate reverb modes: Vintage Bright, Vintage Dark, and Modern Full
- Pre-delay, EQ, Modulation, and Rate controls
- Switchable true/trails bypass with analog dry-through
Pros
- Lush and authentic plate reverb tones
- Intuitive controls for quick sound shaping
- Rugged and compact design for stage and studio use
Cons
- Only mono output, which may be limiting for stereo setups
The Universal Audio UAFX Heavenly Plate Reverb captures the rich, immersive sound of ‘50s plate reverbs in a compact and easy-to-use Stompbox.
With three beautifully voiced reverb modes – Vintage Bright, Vintage Dark, and Modern Full – it delivers everything from subtle ambience to expansive, room-filling reverb. Plus, it’s built on the same algorithms as UA’s flagship Golden Reverberator – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? This results in studio-quality depth with intuitive controls, including pre-delay, EQ, modulation, and rate for effortless tone shaping.
If you want to inject your tone with some vintage character, depth, and atmosphere, the UAFX Heavenly Plate Reverb pedal is perfect. And as any pedal should be, it’s extremely rugged and can take an obscene amount of use in the studio and on stage. While the mono output may not fit every setup, its authentic sound, lush textures, and classic plate reverb sound make it one of the best reverb pedals out there.
2. Meris Mercury 7
Key features
- Two reverb modes: Ultraplate and Cathedra
- Analog mix and dry signal path
- Stereo input/output with expression pedal control
Pros
- Creates cinematic, spacey reverbs – perfect for ambient music
- Highly customisable thanks to modulation, pitch shifting, and sustain controls
- Stereo operation for immersive soundscapes
Cons
- Complex interface isn’t too friendly if you’re a beginner
The Meris Mercury 7 is one of the best reverb pedals for pure ambience, with deep, lush, and evolving reverbs giving you plenty of tools to tinker with your tone. Inspired by the Blade Runner soundtrack, this pedal delivers two spacey reverb modes – Ultraplate for shimmering decay and Cathedra for vast, cathedral-like ambience.
With extensive modulation, pitch shifting, and an auto-swell feature, it allows for a vast range of sonic textures. And there’s expression pedal control over all parameters, letting you shape the reverb in real-time.
This one takes the second spot because of its ability to (almost) take your sound into space – if the space race was still a thing, the Meris Mercury 7 would win it.
3. Walrus Audio Fable Reverb
Key features
- Granular delay programs
- Dual DSP feedback paths
- Five unique granular effects
Pros
- Perfect tone sculpting with five different sound programs
- Creates a wide range of ambient and glitchy textures
- Easy-to-use controls for detailed sound sculpting
Cons
- If you want a traditional reverb pedal, look elsewhere!
The Walrus Audio Fable Reverb opens a whole new world of reverb effects. With five unique granular delay programs, this pedal lets you explore everything from smooth, ambient textures to eccentric and experimental tones. It’s perfect for experimenting with.
Thanks to its dual DSP chips running separate effects in series, you can really push your sonic boundaries.
4. TC Electronic Hall Of Fame 2
Key features
- MASH footswitch adds expression control
- Shimmer reverb effect
- Multiple reverb types
Pros
- High-quality reverb sounds suitable for various genres
- Compact design with user-friendly controls
- MASH footswitch adds creative expression to your performance
Cons
- Limited experimental potential
The TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb is a compact reverb pedal that provides a wide array of reverb types to enhance your sound.
Equipped with an innovative MASH footswitch, you can control your reverb in real-time, adding an expressive dimension to your playing. In essence, it crams extensive expressive control into a compact Stompbox, giving you a blend of classic pedal design with upgraded functionality.
5. Strymon BigSky
Key features
- 12 unique reverb effects
- Preset management with up to 300 saveable and nameable presets
- MIDI and expression pedal control
Pros
- Wide range of reverb sounds, from classic to experimental
- Easy to use with intuitive controls and powerful tone-shaping
- High-quality sound with a premium build, designed for professional use
Cons
- Not very affordable
The Strymon BigSky is one of the most comprehensive reverb pedals. It offers 12 unique reverb machines, covering everything from classic spring and plate reverbs to experimental sounds like “Magneto” and “Nonlinear”. It’s an all-in-one reverb pedal, with over 300 presets and easy-to-use controls. From lush ambient tones to dramatic ethereal effects, the BigSky has you covered.
Plus, thanks to its MIDI and expression pedal support, it’s an awesome companion for both live performances and studio sessions, giving you endless creative possibilities.
6. Boss RE-202 Space Echo
Key features
- Classic multi-head tape echo with expanded delay time
- Independent stereo spring reverb and other types (hall, plate, room, ambience)
- Saturation and Wow & Flutter controls
Pros
- Authentic RE-201 sound with modern enhancements
- True stereo I/O for expanded soundscapes
- Additional echo combinations with the extra tape head and expanded delay time
Cons
- Takes up a lot of precious pedalboard space!
The Boss RE-202 Space Echo brings the legendary sound of the Roland RE-201 into a modern, easy-to-use pedal. It gives you a rich, multi-head tape echo and independent stereo spring reverb, capturing the magic of the vintage unit while adding some super cool new features. With controls like Saturation and Wow & Flutter, you can go from crystal-clear echoes to that classic tape modulation.
Perfect if you love retro sounds but want modern flexibility, this pedal also features true stereo I/O, extra echo combos, and a fourth virtual tape head for even more creative options! The RE-202 recreates that classic Space Echo vibe without the hassle of maintaining an old tape machine, earning its place as one of the best reverb pedals.
7. EarthQuaker Devices Dispatch Master V3 Delay & Reverb
Key features
- Hi-fi digital delay and reverb
- Adjustable delay time up to 1500ms
- Flexi-Switch for on-the-fly control
Pros
- Versatile delay and reverb effects in one unit
- Flexible footswitch gives you complete control over your sound
- Infinite repeats for awesome ambient textures
Cons
- Reverb-wise, there aren’t as many tonal options as other pedals
With independent delay and reverb effects, the EQD Dispatch Master lets you dial in anything from a subtle ambient sweep to a messy mashup of sound. You can manipulate both effects how you see fit, whether that’s by using them together or separately.
The Dispatch Master is a great gateway into the world of effects pedals. Every control combination gives you an awesome sound, adjustable with four simple control dials – Mix, Time, Reverb, and Repeats. Pressing the additional Flexi-Switch control lets you pick the perfect moment for your reverb and delay effects to strike.
8. Universal Audio UAFX Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier Pedal
Key features
- Dual-engine processing
- Built-in spring reverb and vibrato effects
- Custom mods and clean boost options
Pros
- Authentic, vintage tube amp emulation
- Studio-quality sound with mic/speaker pairings
- UAFX Control mobile app provides ultimate tonal customisation
Cons
- App control might deter the pedal purists among you!
The Universal Audio UAFX Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier Pedal brings legendary tube amp sounds to your pedalboard. Featuring two types of reverb (spring and vibrato) and using dual-engine processing, you can dive into a classic mid-’60s American tube amp tone.
Perfect for blues, rock, surf, and beyond, the Dream ’65 lets you explore artist tones, presets, and custom features through the UAFX mobile app. This pedal will take you back to the sound of the ’65. Combining legendary tube tone with cutting-edge technology, the UAFX Dream ’65 is one of the best reverb pedals out there – it takes the victory when it comes to a vintage-inspired pedal.
9. MXR M300 Reverb
Key features
- Six high-end reverb modes, including Plate, Spring, Epic, Mod, Room, and Pad
- 20V headroom via Constant Headroom Technology for ultra-clear signal
- Stereo input/output, expression pedal compatibility, and selectable true/trails bypass
Pros
- Compact and intuitive three-knob design – it’s your standard Stompbox design!
- Versatile range of reverb tones, from subtle ambience to massive soundscapes
- 100% analog dry path preserves the original tone
Con
- Not too flexible in terms of fluid tonal customisation
The MXR M300 Reverb gives you six beautifully crafted reverb styles in a compact, no-fuss pedal. From subtle room ambience and classic spring splash to the atmospheric Pad mode, there’s plenty to get stuck into with just three knobs to shape your sound.
Thanks to 20V of headroom, your signal stays crystal clear, while the 100% analog dry path keeps your core tone intact. You also get stereo I/O and expression pedal compatibility, so you can dial in even more dynamic reverb textures This is a reverb pedal that simply gets the job done.
10. Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Nano
Key features
- Three reverb types: Spring, Hall, and Flerb
- True bypass for uncoloured signal when off
- Compact and durable metal chassis
Pros
- Authentic spring reverb emulation
- Simple, user-friendly controls
- Small footprint, great for pedalboards
Cons
- Might be too simple if you’re an expert tonal technician
For more of a compact option, we have the Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Nano, which delivers three distinct reverb effects in a no-nonsense, easy-to-use package. The Spring setting recreates the classic drip of vintage amp reverb, while Hall offers a spacious, ambient wash of sound. If you’re after something a little more unique, Flerb combines reverb with flanging for an ethereal effect.
With a single Reverb knob controlling the wet/dry mix and a toggle switch for selecting reverb types, it’s a super straightforward pedal to get playing with straight away. The true bypass design ensures that your signal remains uncoloured when switched off – this simple stompbox keeps things old school!
11. Behringer DR600
Key features
- Six 24-bit reverb types: Spring, Plate, Hall, Gate, Room, Modulate
- Stereo input and output for lush, immersive sound
- Dedicated Level, Tone, Time, and Mode controls
Pros
- Affordable yet feature-packed
- Wide range of reverb types for versatility
- Stereo operation for a spacious sound
Cons
- Plastic build isn’t as durable as metal enclosures
The Behringer DR600 is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid reverb pedal. Packed with six studio-quality 24-bit reverb types – Spring, Plate, Hall, Gate, Room, and Modulate – it offers impressive versatility without breaking the bank. Dedicated Level, Tone, Time, and Mode controls give you precise control over your sound, letting you sculpt some super interesting compositions.
With stereo input and output, the DR600 works great in a range of rigs. While the plastic casing isn’t as sturdy as metal, it still does the trick when it comes to protecting the wiring within. If you’re after a beginner-friendly entry into reverb at a great price, the DR600 is perfect.
12. Universal Audio UAFX Evermore Studio Reverb Pedal
Key features
- Classic Room, Small Hall, and Large Hall reverb modes
- Vintage-correct Treble, Mid, and Bass decay controls
- Switchable true/trails bypass
Pros
- Authentic recreation of a late ’70s digital reverb unit
- Lush modulation and deep ambient soundscapes
- Simple controls for easy tone shaping
Cons
- Limited to three reverb types
The Universal Audio UAFX Evermore Studio Reverb brings the magic of late-’70s digital reverb into one small box. Inspired by the legendary studio hardware that shaped decade-defining records, this compact unit delivers three classic reverb types – Room, Small Hall, and Large Hall – each with warm, grainy ambient tails and lush modulation textures.
The vintage-correct Bass, Mid, and Treble decay controls let you sculpt your reverb with precision, from subtle warmth to deep, immersive spaces. The modulation control adds dreamy movement, while switchable true/trails bypass and pre-delay options ensure maximum flexibility.
13. Fender Hammertone Reverb
Key features
- Three reverb modes: Hall, Room, and Plate
- Aluminium enclosure
- Top-mounted jacks
Pros
- Affordable yet high-quality Fender reverb tones
- Simple, intuitive controls for easy tweaking
- Compact and pedalboard-friendly design
Cons
- No shimmer or spring reverb options
The Fender Hammertone Reverb is a compact and affordable way to bring lush, ambient textures to your sound. It features three classic reverb types (Hall, Room, and Plate), which gives you access to everything from subtle room reflections to vast, atmospheric spaces.
The intuitive controls make it easy to dial in the perfect amount of reverb, while the Dampen knob allows you to tailor the high-end response for a smooth, vintage feel. And to make things as easy as possible to set up, the pedal sports top-mounted jacks which fit neatly alongside your other effects.
Its hardy aluminium enclosure can withstand the rigours of the road, giving you a nifty little gigging companion.
14. SubZero Space and Time Digital Reverb Pedal
Key features
- Three reverb modes: Room, Spring, and Shimmer
- Three-knob layout for quick adjustments
- True bypass switching
Pros
- Great reverb effects at an affordable price
- Compact and sturdy design for easy pedalboard integration
- Simple controls make it beginner-friendly
Cons
- Doesn’t offer advanced reverb options
The SubZero Space and Time Digital Reverb Pedal is a no-fuss option, offering basic reverb effects with three distinct modes – Room, Spring, and Shimmer – that cover everything from subtle ambience to lush, ethereal textures. The Room mode adds a natural sense of space, Spring replicates vintage amp-driven reverb, and Shimmer introduces a dreamy, atmospheric touch perfect for post-rock and ambient styles.
Its three-knob layout (Mix, Level, and Tone) keeps things simple, making it easy to dial in the perfect balance of reverb and dry signal. The Tone control lets you shape the brightness or darkness of the effect, adding extra versatility. Built with true bypass switching, your core tone remains unaltered when the pedal is off. In short, you get great reverb with pretty cool pedal art at an incredibly affordable price!
15. Boss RV-6 Reverb Effects Pedal
Key features
- Eight reverb modes, including Shimmer, Modulate, and Delay+Reverb
- Expression pedal input for real-time control
- Stereo and mono operation for flexible routing
Pros
- High-quality, studio-grade reverb in a compact pedal
- Simple yet powerful controls for quick sound shaping
- Analog dry signal ensures pure tone integrity
Cons
- Eight presets are awkwardly squeezed around a small dial, making effect selection slightly finicky
The Boss RV-6 is a powerful reverb pedal that packs studio-quality ambience into a compact stompbox. Featuring eight reverb types, including classic Room, Hall, and Spring settings, alongside lush Shimmer, Modulate, and Dynamic modes, this pedal gives you an endless tonal landscape to explore while the Delay+Reverb mode provides that extra depth.
Its intuitive controls make it easy to dial in professional-sounding reverb without needing deep menu diving. With mono and stereo operation, it integrates smoothly into any rig, from casual bedroom setups to live stage performances. If you want high-quality reverb with minimal fuss, the Boss RV-6 is the reverb pedal for you.
How to choose the right reverb pedal for you
Finding the right reverb pedal is no easy feat, especially with so much variety. But if you think about the type of music you create, how complex your existing setup is, and your budget, you’ll be able to narrow down your search.
If you’re craving busy ambient textures, something like the Strymon BigSky or Meris Mercury 7 is your best bet. For classic vintage warmth, the Boss RE-202 Space Echo and Universal Audio UAFX Dream ’65 deliver authentic spring-style tones that capture that old-school feel.
If you want a range of reverb effects in one unit, the TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 or Boss RV-6 pack a variety of reverbs in a compact stompbox. On the other hand, you can achieve a more refined reverb in pedals like the EHX Holy Grail or MXR M300.
As with any new purchase, you’ll want to get the best of the best within your budget range. And your budget range is extremely important to define before you start window shopping. We recommend the Behringer DR600 and Fender Hammertone at the lower end of the spectrum, and the Universal Audio UAFX Evermore and BigSky at the higher end.
Finally, you’ll also want to consider the size of the pedal and how complex it is. For an easy-to-use pedal that gets the job done, the EQD Dispatch Master V3 has you covered with a few simple dials. The Walrus Audio Fable is the perfect pedal for experimental sounds with the catch that you’ll spend some time getting acquainted with the settings and controls.
Different types of reverb
The job of a reverb pedal is to recreate the reflections in sound that bounce around a space after an initial sound is produced.
In larger spaces like a cathedral these sonic reflections – or reverberations, hence the term “reverb” pedal – take a while to reach our ears, so the overall sound is rich and textured. In smaller spaces, the sound bounces around quickly and doesn’t take as long to reach our ears, resulting in a shorter reverb and a more intimate sound.
You’ll find different types of reverbs when shopping for this effects pedal, all designed to simulate how sound behaves in different environments:
| Reverb | Description | Pedal Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Plate | Plate reverb was originally created by suspending a thin metal plate and using transducers to pick up its vibrations. The result was a smooth, dense reverb with rich sustain. Plate reverb pedals simulate this, adding depth to your tone without muddying it too much. | Universal Audio UAFX Heavenly Plate |
| Spring | A staple of vintage amps, spring reverb is another synthetic reverb that doesn't model an actual space. Rather, it uses springs to create a bouncy effect that’s perfect for surf rock and blues. | Universal Audio UAFX Dream '65 |
| Hall | Hall reverb recreates the natural, expansive decay of large spaces - ideal for ambient sounds | TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 |
| Room | Room reverb simulates the short, quick reflections of a smaller space, giving you a subtle effect, with less lushness and texture than a hall reverb. | SubZero Space and Time |
| Shimmer | Shimmer reverb layers in octave-up trails for an ethereal, dreamlike feel. | Meris Mercury 7 |
Get the full setup
If you’re looking for something to house your new reverb pedal, along with the rest of your effects, you’ll need a decent-sized pedal board. Something like the Palmer Pedalbay 60 is perfect – it’s lightweight, comes with pre-applied Velcro strips, and includes elastic straps for easily mounting power supplies.
FAQs
Is reverb like an echo?
Reverb and echo are very similar in that they’re built on the same concept: the effect of sound reflecting off hard surfaces. However, an echo effect is a long reflection, whereas reverb is how the sound bounces around surfaces with a shorter reflection time. An echo will repeat the sound after it’s been produced, whereas reverb is practically instant, creating a lush, spacious sound.
Does Billie Eilish use reverb?
Billie Eilish’s bother and producer FINNEAS mainly uses Room, Plate, and Shimmer reverbs – but not on all songs. Much of Eilish’s vocals are kept dry to create an extremely intimate sound.
Does reverb make sound louder?
Without actually increasing the dynamics, reverb gives off the effect of making sound louder. It provides a deep, warm effect and a sense of space, making the sound feel more expansive, and therefore, slightly louder.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, this article has helped you find a reverb pedal that’s right for you. Whether you’re new to pedals, in need of something simple and affordable, or a well-versed tonal technician who wants to take your effect game to the next level, the best reverb pedal is one that’s right for your setup and allows for a good amount of experimentation.
If you’ve enjoyed learning about the wide variety of reverb pedals out there but you’re not too sure how to get your pedalboard set up, check out our guide to using guitar pedals. If you already know the basics and are looking for some more pedal options to take your tone up a notch, you might find something from our top picks for multi-effects pedals.
And after you’ve chosen the right reverb pedal – and any other pedal for that matter – make sure you have a suitable amp to make all your effects heard!
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