What is the Best Boss Delay Pedal? (our top pick)
The Boss DD-8 Digital Delay
If it weren't for the DM-2w missing a tap tempo, it would be an extremely difficult to decision between that and the DD-8. But given the features and what you pay, we'd give the best Boss delay pedal title to the DD-8 for the tap feature, multiple algorithms, and a lot of internal and external functionality.
The original DD-3 is still widely sought after (expensive on the used markets).
Boss has even re-released that pedal in the form of the DD-3t. All these delay pedals have been widely popular and reliable, so we're comfortable recommending the series' current iteration - the DD-8.
The DD series current pedals are all digital, with more recent releases being particularly effective when it comes to modelling analog delay tones.
In the Waza Craft series, the DM-2w is the main alternative to the DD-8 with an analog circuit.
Were it not for the absence of a tap tempo in the DM-2w, we'd give it the top spot.
It should be clearly understood that this article is opinion and probably wrong. Take it with a grain of salt. Also, Guitar Chalk is reader supported by affiliate links with retailers we use and trust, like Sweetwater. Buying through their links helps support us, at no extra cost to you.
Compare Section
This section has a table that allows you to compare some of the Boss delay pedals I've mentioned, side by side. It covers pricing (more on that below) and basic specs. Just use the compare buttons to add a pedal to the compare table.
You can also add more pedals with the plus sign on the compare table that pops up at the bottom of the page.
Delay | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boss DD-8 | n/a | |
 | Boss DM-2w | n/a | |
 | Boss DD-3 and DD-3t | n/a | |
 | Boss DD-200 | n/a |
Pricing Tools
This section gives you three pricing tools to work with for looking at multiple vendors and comparing cost. You can also sign up for price alerts and view a price history graph. Note that if there's only one bullet point on the graph, there simply haven't been any recent price changes to record. The price alert tool and graph are both based off Sweetwater retail.
Sweetwater Pricing
Compare Pricing from Additional Vendors
Price Alert (tracks with Sweetwater)
Price History (tracks with Sweetwater)
Price History for Boss DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal
Statistics
| Current Price | $189.99 | May 26, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $189.99 | June 29, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $181.99 | June 22, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $189.99 | December 22, 2022 |
| $187.99 | November 24, 2022 |
| $189.99 | June 29, 2022 |
| $181.99 | June 22, 2022 |
Honorable Mentions
Our "single best" articles highlight one specific best option based on our opinion. But as I've already mentioned with the DM-2w, there are almost always multiple options worthy of that title. So instead of providing a profile for each one, we simply list them as honorable mentions.
In the case of Boss delay pedals, that's essentially all of them that are currently produced.
- Boss DM-2w
- Boss DD-3t
- Boss DD-200
- Boss DD-500
The DD-500 and DD-200 are larger form pedals with far more modes and customization options, sort of like a multi-effects pedal but for delay only. If you're looking for something a little more comprehensive, these would be a better solution.
Though if you don't want to go with the DD-8, we'd have a really hard time recommending anything but the DM-2w. With analog circuits the Waza Craft series has improved the Boss brand dramatically. Even without a tap tempo, the DM-2w is a fantastic delay pedal across the spectrum, not just within the Boss brand.
The pedals listed as "echo" effects can also be lumped into the delay camp. If you include those, here are some more options we like:
- Boss TE-2 Tera Echo
- Boss RE-2 Space Echo
- Boss RE-202 Space echo
What kind of power supply does the Boss DD-8 use?
The DD-8 can run off a standard 9V DC power supply, which is not included with the purchase, or a 9V battery.
Will there be more releases in the DD series?
Companies are always putting out new pedals, though revamps of old favorites are not as quick or common. Depending on when you buy the DD-8, you're likely to have plenty of time before the next release.
Even then, I often prefer to keep the older pedals as opposed to upgrading like I would a cell phone.
When it comes to guitar gear, it's often true that newer isn't necessarily better.
What about the older DD series pedals on the used markets?
As I've already mentioned, the original DD-3 pedals are still awesome and preferred by a lot of Boss delay pedal seekers. You can usually find it on places like Reverb and eBay.
The DD-5, DD-6, and DD-7 are also pretty common to see popping up on used markets.
In my opinion they're all viable options, especially if you care about the nostalgia.
There's just something more pure about the original DD-3.
Maybe that's just because it's the one I grew up with.
Conclusion
Boss pedals give you a lot of delay options. If you want to stick with digital circuits and more flexibility (particularly the tap tempo control), the DD-8 is your best option.
If you're wanting to stick with analog circuits, the DM-2w is the only current Boss delay pedal that has one, aside from the older models that are no longer in production, like the original DM-2.
If you have questions about our best boss delay pedal choice, you can drop them in the comments section below. Just remember our disclaimer.
Opinion and grain of salt.
We'll see you there.
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Written by Bobby on Pedals and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Roundups
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