Craft New Songs on Your Own With the Best Looper Pedals
Detailing the Top Looper Pedal of 2022
Donner Looper Pedal – Best Overall
The Donner Triple Looper Guitar Pedal is the top option on our list, and it is easy to see why. Every aspect of this device is exactly as it should be, with zero gimmicks or useless features to get in your way. All of the functions are controlled by one high-quality foot switch. You can record, play, overdub, stop, and clear tracks with this single switch. Plus, you don’t have to worry about hitting the wrong function, as the display is very easy to read.
This looper comes with three slots, each of which can hold a recording of up to 30 minutes long. You can also leave it plugged in, even when it’s not in use, as its interference-free design provides pure tones with no added noise. Combine these features with the sturdy construction, and it is easy to see why this looper pedal got the top spot on this list.
Pros
- Will last for a long time
- Easy to use
- Can store up to three tracks
Cons
- Power cable not included
LEKATO Looper Pedal – Most Convenient
The LEKATO Electric Guitar Looper Pedal is a fantastic choice with several exceptional features. It includes a USB port that lets you import and export to and from your computer. This might not seem like that big of a feature at first, but it will come in handy during many recording sessions. This type of connectivity can speed up the process significantly. This port also works great with both Mac and Windows, so you can use it with pretty much any modern computer.
Even without the USB port, this looper pedal is still worth your consideration, thanks to its crystal clear uncompressed audio recording and playback. The overall build quality of this looper is nothing to scoff at either, as it will stay functional for quite some time.
Pros
- Can record five minutes of quality audio
- Super convenient to move over on USB
- Built to last a long time
- Intuitive and easy-to-use design
Cons
- Foot switch is a little wobbly
TC Electronic Looper Pedal – Best Audio Quality
Audio quality is one of the most important attributes of a guitar looper pedal, and the TC Electronics Intuitive Looper Pedal is exceptional at it. Both the recording and playback on this option are as clear as it gets. This trend of high audio quality continues into the pass-through audio as well. Whether this looper is on or off, the audio passed ahead will always have its original tone with zero alterations or noise variations.
This looper is also fairly easy to use, with only one knob for loop level and a foot switch to handle the rest. Not to mention the construction quality that rivals the best in the business. All-in-all, the audio and build quality of this looper pedal makes it ideal for professionals and novices alike.
Pros
- High-quality audio processing
- Can record up to five minutes
- Noise-free audio pass-through
Cons
- Limited feature set
FLAMMA Looper Pedal – Best Controls
The FLAMMA Drum Phrase Loop Pedal is a near-perfect choice for drummers looking to step up their music creation. It can record and playback 20 minutes of the highest quality audio without any glitches, interruptions, or noise. The whole device is also built with high-quality materials, ensuring a long life-span for your device. Even the knobs and buttons are super tactile and sturdy.
The attribute that makes this looper pedal actually worth your investment is its versatility. It offers a total of 16 unique drum groove styles. Not to mention the tap tempo control that lets you add further variety to your recordings. The whole interface is simple and easy to understand for beginners.
Pros
- Offers a large variety of control
- Sturdy, long-lasting construction
- Crystal clear and tone-accurate audio recording
- Can record as long as 20 minutes
Cons
- First setup takes quite some time
Amazon Basics Looper Pedal – Best Value
The Amazon Basics Guitar Looper Pedal is the best value on this list for multiple reasons. This option costs noticeably less than most of its competitors, and the savings can be put towards other necessary equipment. Then there is the audio and build quality of the looper pedal, and this one excels at both of these aspects as well. The clarity of its recordings rivals the top options on the market, some of which cost nearly double what this one does.
This looper pedal is also one of the easiest to use on the market. With just one knob and one-foot switch, a complete beginner can figure it out in minutes and start getting the hang of it within the first few hours.
Pros
- Great value for your hard-earned money
- Comes with a useful user manual
- Easy to understand and use
- Flawless audio recording and playback
Cons
- LED status indicator is a bit complex
Buying Guide: Looper Pedals
If you want to get more serious with your music creation, you need a looper pedal. That said, you can't just buy the first looper you see online and call it a day. It has to actually be worth your investment. Here are the key factors you have to think about and consider to find the ideal looper pedal for yourself.
What Are You Using the Looper Pedal For?
Before you even think about going shopping, think about what you'll use the looper for. Your usage will affect almost everything on this list of considerations, so pay close attention.
Do you want a looper to practice, or are you planning on making music with it? If you are going to make music, will it be just for a hobby, or is it meant to be professional? These are the kinds of questions that need to be answered before you make a purchasing decision.
Looper pedals are also available for many different instruments, and they are all different. A guitar looper will not work with your drum set and vice versa. So, keep the instrument in mind as well.
Recording Capabilities
Once you've narrowed down the list of potential looper pedals to the ones that fit your situation, it's time to start evaluating their attributes, and recording capabilities are first on the list. For starters, the looper you buy should record audio with crystal clear quality. You can't test before buying when shopping online, so looking for looper pedals with good customer ratings.
Next is the length of the track and the number of tracks you can record without overwriting anything prior. The baseline for this is a single high-quality track of up to five minutes. Any looper pedals that can't record at least five minutes worth of audio are not worth your consideration. As for the ideal option, a recording length of 30 minutes with three or more individual slots will take your music creation to the next level.
Build Quality
Looper pedals are operated by foot and can take a lot of unintended force from time to time. A low-quality pedal made out of plastic will start breaking before you even get your money's worth out of it. A single misstep, and your investment can go down the drain, not to mention the time wasted on waiting for the new one to arrive.
Spare your future self the trouble and buy a high-quality looper pedal from the start. A metal body is essential, and the knobs and buttons need to be high-end as well. The foot switch should have a tactile click without any instability.
Customer reviews are the best way to ensure that the looper you're buying is as high-quality as it claims. If you see multiple negative reviews about a certain issue, move on to the next viable option.
Cost
Your budget is the final major consideration. First off, do not buy a low-end looper. You won’t save much money, and the looper pedal you buy may turn out to be useless. So, unless you want noise in your recordings or a 2-minute recording restriction, stay away from the low-end options.
On the other hand, unless you're a professional with an existing premium audio setup, buying the most expensive looper pedal doesn't make sense either. Sure, they sound great, but not everyone needs that cutting-edge level of quality.
The ideal choice for most folks is in the middle. More specifically, looper pedals between $40 and $90 are more than enough for the majority of composers and musicians. These budget loopers have uncompressed recording, allow up to 30 minutes per loop, and include advanced features like USB importing and exporting.
