But the trick is finding those cheaper models that truly give a stellar bang for the buck. It entails a lot of sifting through the marketplace and discarding the bad models, the ones that are plain cheap and nothing more (we go into more detail regarding what criteria to look for in good loop pedals after our recommended product reviews).
Anyways, our quest yielded 3 of the best cheap loop pedals on the market, which we proudly present below.
Nux Loop Core
To start off, we have this yellow beast – the Nux Loop Core. Still quite affordable, this device offers greater sonic quality and more options, while retaining pretty much the same value for money.
It allows you to record and overdub as many audio layers you want with up to 6 hours of time for mono or stereo recording. The device (see full specs) also offers 99 user memories, and even a set of built-in drum patterns with a tap tempo feature. You can also change the playback tempo of your recorded material without changing the key, as well as switch the phrases without any latency whatsoever.
You can also import and backup phrases via PC, and use an optional extensional pedal for extra control. The device runs on batteries or via an AC adaptor.
One of the definite pros of this item is versatility, so if you need room for tweaks, this just might be the best cheap loop pedal choice you can make, within the budget friendly domain of course.
Mooer Micro Looper
Another solid option is the Mooer Micro Looper. It is a very, very small device that packs a genuine force of nature. It offers 30 minutes of loop time, along with Record, Unto, and Redo functions.
The casing is quite sturdy, and overall the mixture of sound quality and versatility is quite nice, bound to hit a sweet spot for many users. This is one reliable fella, and you can rest assured that the pedal will not fail you. It is also very simple to use, so if efficiency, ease of use and user-friendliness are among your top priorities, go with this guy.
For example, one tap on the pedal is used to start a recording, and another tap stops it. A double tap pauses, while another that then resumes the recording from the beginning of the sample. Additionally, a long press will undo the last sample, while another one will simply redo it. Finally, a quick tap-and-press will wipe everything out, giving you a clean sheet to start over with.
TC Electronic Guitar Ditto
Up next, one of the most popular loop pedals in the world, and a choice we always recommend, regardless of the price range – the TC Electronic Guitar Ditto. We have to say that we kind of squeezed this guy in among the cheap models, and only because there is a solid number of retailers offering the pedal for a song.
Anyhow, this is a great pedal (see full specs) and one of the products that allowed TC Electronics to conquer a very decent share of the guitar pedal market today. In our humble opinion, this device offers the best sonic output on the whole rundown, and if you pressed us to by one of the listed products, there’s a good chance the Guitar Ditto would be the one.
And why is that? On top of all – sonic quality. But also, versatility, durability, functionality, and smooth looks. This guy really has it all and should be on anyone’s list of the best cheap loop pedals.
Ammoon Electric Guitar Effect Pedal Looper
If you want to use your loop pedal for studio work and sampling as well as live performance, you’ll need something with a slightly more robust functionality. The Ammoon Looper works well with a variety of different audio file formats and editing programs, for a versatile pedal that transitions seamlessly from the studio to the stage—all for a nifty price too.
The Ammoon Looper is a compact, simple pedal. There’s a level knob and a footswitch for the bypass. The LED indicator on the front tells you its working state at a glance, a helpful feature for shows in dark clubs.
You can record up to 10 minutes of audio on this pedal, too, which is what makes it such a great multi-purpose option. The recorded audio can be saved in a .WAV format and exported easily to both Mac and Windows systems for editing in mixing software. This makes it an excellent choice for both guitarists and recording engineers.
For many players, a loop pedal is a necessary effect, but that doesn’t mean you want it to take up more space than it has to—or to affect the way you sound. The Ammoon Looper is a completely transparent pedal that won’t dampen or alter your tone, and that’s small and lightweight enough to stay out of your way. This is one of the best cheap loop pedals for the money.
What to Beware of When Looking for a Cheap Guitar Loop Pedal
It might seem like buying a looper is simple – all it has to do is loop, right? Well, not really. The cheap loop pedals can significantly reduce sonic quality, giving your audio output that “plastic” unnatural vibe, and you definitely do NOT want that. So avoid that factor first.
Next, less money usually means less versatility, so when versatility is offered, it’s often there at the cost of sound quality. You should always strive for the best balance of all factors, but don’t get attracted with shiny buttons. It’s always sound quality first when selecting a cheap loop pedal.
As always, additional factors to look for are sturdy casing and extra durability, if those can be snuck in then all the better.
And that about wraps it up; we highly recommend each of these items, as they all dominate their respective price ranges. Allow you adventurous spirit to kick in and get a looper!
