6 Best Looper Pedals for Guitar: Our Top Picks for 2024

Loopers have evolved beyond just tools for layering guitar parts—they’re now integral to live performances, songwriting, and studio work. Whether you’re a gigging guitarist or a home studio enthusiast, having the right looper pedal can take your music to the next level. In this in-depth review, I’ll break down the top looper pedals of 2024, so you can find the perfect one for your rig. Let’s dig into the details and discover what each pedal truly has to offer.

1. BOSS RC-505 MkII – The Pro’s Choice for Looping Brilliance

Rating: 4.9/5

When it comes to serious looping, the BOSS RC-505 MkII is in a league of its own. This tabletop looper is a powerful tool for not only guitarists but also multi-instrumentalists, vocalists, and beatboxers. Its five stereo tracks allow you to build intricate soundscapes, and the hands-free control ensures you can focus on performing rather than fiddling with buttons. Each track has its own dedicated fader and controller, making it easy to tweak your loops in real time.

Features Overview:

• Onboard FX: The built-in effects are perfect for live manipulation of your sound, including filters, delays, and modulation effects that can transform your loops on the fly.
• Connectivity: Stereo inputs and outputs, as well as MIDI in/out, mean this pedal integrates smoothly with any setup, whether you’re a solo artist or part of a band.

Pros:

• 5 stereo tracks, each with independent effects and controls
• Intuitive interface for live performances with large, responsive faders
• High-quality, professional-grade sound
• Endless creative possibilities with onboard effects

Cons:

• Price may be prohibitive for beginners or casual users
• Large size could be a downside for players looking for a compact pedalboard setup
• Takes time to fully learn and master all the functions

Ideal for: Professional musicians, beatboxers, and live performers who need maximum flexibility and control.

2. Electro-Harmonix 720 Stereo Looper – A Simple Yet Versatile Performer

Rating: 4.6/5

If you’re looking for a straightforward looper with stereo capabilities, the Electro-Harmonix 720 delivers just that. Its simple layout makes it ideal for those who want to loop without the complexity of effects or MIDI integration. Despite its minimalistic approach, the EHX 720 offers 10 separate loop banks, each with up to 12 minutes of total looping time, making it highly useful for live performances or studio work.

Features Overview:

• Undo/Redo Functionality: This handy feature allows you to erase your last recorded layer without scrapping the entire loop, making it ideal for live experimentation.
• True Stereo Operation: The stereo in/out lets you create expansive, wide-sounding loops, perfect for players with stereo rigs or multi-instrument setups.

Pros:

• Easy to operate for beginners and pros alike
• True stereo looping with clear, pristine audio quality
• Stores up to 10 loops for quick recall
• Affordable price for what it offers

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features like onboard effects or MIDI integration
• Limited loop time compared to more advanced models
• Some users may miss additional control options like separate track faders

Ideal for: Players looking for a solid, easy-to-use looper with stereo capability for live or studio use without too many extras.

3. TC Electronic Ditto X4 – Pure Looping Power with Added Versatility

Rating: 4.5/5

The Ditto X4 by TC Electronic continues to be one of the most popular loopers, especially for players who want to stick to high-quality looping without unnecessary complications. Its dual-track design makes it more versatile than smaller loopers while still maintaining the simple, intuitive interface that TC Electronic is known for. Each track can be controlled independently, and the pedal also comes equipped with a couple of cool loop effects like reverse and half-speed.

Features Overview:

• Dual-Track Looping: You can create two independent loops and switch between them or layer them for added complexity.
• Simple but Effective Loop FX: The reverse and half-speed effects provide creative options without overcomplicating the pedal’s interface.
• MIDI Sync: This feature makes the Ditto X4 ideal for musicians who want to integrate their loops with external MIDI gear, ensuring tight synchronization with drum machines or backing tracks.

Pros:

• Two separate loop tracks give you more creative freedom
• High-quality 24-bit uncompressed audio ensures your loops retain their clarity
• MIDI sync compatibility makes it great for complex setups
• Simple and straightforward interface despite the added features

Cons:

• No option to save loops
• Lacks additional effects beyond reverse and half-speed
• Slightly larger than smaller loop pedals, though still compact

Ideal for: Musicians who need dual-track looping for live or studio use, especially those integrating MIDI gear or wanting basic loop manipulation effects.

4. Line 6 DL4 MkII – A Delay Pedal with Hidden Looping Powers

Rating: 4.7/5

The Line 6 DL4 MkII is primarily known as one of the best delay pedals on the market, but it also includes a looper that is both powerful and flexible. While it may not be the first choice for players seeking a dedicated looper, the DL4 MkII excels in offering both looping and delay capabilities in one pedal. The looping function allows you to layer and manipulate your loops in interesting ways thanks to the DL4’s signature delay effects.

Features Overview:

• Multi-Function Pedal: With over 30 delay modes, the DL4 MkII is a dream for tone enthusiasts. Combine this with a flexible looper, and you’ve got a pedal that can inspire creativity in unexpected ways.
• Looper Timing Options: The looper allows you to use up to 4 minutes of loop time in stereo, with options to reverse and overdub.

Pros:

• Combines a powerful delay engine with a solid looper
• MIDI control and stereo input/output
• Great for players who want a versatile pedal that does more than just loop
• Compact considering its dual functions

Cons:

• High price if you’re only looking for a looper
• Looping controls are a bit hidden within the delay settings, making it less intuitive for pure loop users
• The complex interface can be overwhelming for first-time users

Ideal for: Guitarists who want a top-tier delay pedal that also features powerful looping capabilities, perfect for experimental and ambient players.

5. BOSS RC-1 Loop Station – The No-Frills Workhorse

Rating: 4.3/5

The BOSS RC-1 Loop Station is the definition of simplicity in the best way possible. This pedal is a favorite among beginners and seasoned players who just want a no-nonsense looping experience. It’s built like a tank (as you’d expect from BOSS), and it offers up to 12 minutes of stereo recording. The RC-1 does one thing exceptionally well—looping—without any frills or distractions.

Features Overview:

• Simple Interface: Just one knob and one button make this pedal incredibly easy to use. You can record, overdub, and play back loops without having to navigate menus or sub-modes.
• Visual Loop Indicator: The circular loop display helps you keep track of your layers and loop progress at a glance.

Pros:

• User-friendly, perfect for beginners or players looking for simplicity
• Solid build quality ensures durability for years of use
• 12 minutes of loop time is more than enough for most scenarios
• Compact design fits on any pedalboard

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features such as multiple tracks, effects, or MIDI
• No memory to store loops for later use
• Not the best option for players looking for stereo effects or more control

Ideal for: Beginners or minimalist guitarists who want a reliable looper that does the job without any bells or whistles.

6. Pigtronix Infinity Looper – For the Sound Purists

Rating: 4.4/5

The Pigtronix Infinity Looper is for the serious musician who values top-tier sound quality and maximum flexibility. It features two stereo loops that can be run in parallel or series, allowing for complex looping possibilities. The Infinity Looper is also compatible with MIDI and features USB connectivity, making it a powerful tool for both live performance and studio production.

Features Overview:

• Dual Looping Options: With two independent loops, you can experiment with different rhythmic patterns or harmonies, making it ideal for complex compositions.
• Pristine Sound Quality: The high-fidelity audio ensures that every loop sounds as clear as possible, maintaining the integrity of your original signal.

Pros:

• Amazing sound quality, one of the best in its class
• Two loops with independent control for maximum creative flexibility
• MIDI and USB connectivity, perfect for modern setups
• Series and parallel looping modes allow for more intricate arrangements

Cons:

• Expensive compared to more straightforward loopers
• Learning curve due to the range of features
• Bulkier than other pedals, taking up more space on your board

Ideal for: Professional musicians and studio enthusiasts who want the best sound quality and maximum looping control.

Conclusion

In 2024, the looper pedal market continues to offer an array of tools that cater to everyone from beginner musicians to seasoned professionals. The best looper pedal for you depends on what you’re aiming to achieve—whether it’s simple layering for practice, crafting intricate compositions in real-time, or adding another layer of creativity to your live performances.

Here’s a quick recap of the top contenders:

1. BOSS RC-505 MkII – Best for professional musicians seeking maximum flexibility with 5 independent stereo tracks and endless creative options.
2. Electro-Harmonix 720 Stereo Looper – Ideal for simplicity lovers who want high-quality stereo looping in a user-friendly package.
3. TC Electronic Ditto X4 – Perfect for those needing dual-track looping with essential loop manipulation effects and MIDI sync.
4. Line 6 DL4 MkII – Best for guitarists wanting a dual-function delay and looper pedal that excels in sound design.
5. BOSS RC-1 Loop Station – A perfect entry-level looper with no-frills operation that gets the job done reliably.
6. Pigtronix Infinity Looper – Designed for professional musicians and audiophiles who demand pristine sound quality and detailed looping control.

When selecting a looper pedal, consider how much control you need over your loops, the audio quality, any additional effects, and whether the pedal fits seamlessly with your current rig. While there’s no “one size fits all,” each of these pedals offers something special, and hopefully, this review helps you make the best choice for your music in 2024.

Happy looping!