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The Pro Co RAT is one of the greatest distortion pedals ever made.
It can do:
- fuzzy doom tones
- punchy hard rock
- gritty garage distortion
- surprisingly good overdrive
But in 2026, there are tons of affordable RAT-style pedals that deliver the same snarling character for less money — and some even improve on the original.
Here are the best RAT clones under $100 for guitarists who want crushing tone without crushing their wallet.
Quick Picks (TL;DR)
- Best Overall: Mooer Black Secret
- Best Budget Pick: Mosky Black Rat
- Best Versatile Clone: Joyo Splinter
- Best for Doom/Stoner: TC Electronic Magus Pro
- Best Mini Pedal: Sonicake Rude Mouse
What Makes a RAT Pedal Special?
The RAT sits in a weird and glorious middle ground between:
- overdrive
- distortion
- fuzz
That’s why it works for:
- punk
- metal
- grunge
- doom
- alternative rock
Classic RAT characteristics:
- gritty mids
- aggressive clipping
- thick sustain
- fuzzy high-gain textures
1. Mooer Black Secret (Best Overall)
The Black Secret has become a modern classic in the budget pedal world.
Why it rules:
It includes:
- Vintage RAT mode
- Turbo RAT mode
…giving you two flavors of chaos in one tiny box.
Tone:
- Tight distortion
- Great sustain
- Surprisingly authentic RAT character
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Compact size
- Very close to the original sound
Cons:
- “Small knobs can be fiddly diddly” – Ned S.
Best for:
Players who want the most authentic RAT experience under $100
2. Mosky Black Rat (Best Ultra-Budget Pick)
This pedal is absurdly cheap for how good it sounds.
Tone:
- Raw and dirty
- Slightly darker than a real RAT
- Great fuzzy saturation
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Great for doom and garage rock
Cons:
- Build quality varies
- Less clarity at extreme gain
Best for:
Budget doom, punk, and sludge players
⚡ 3. Joyo Splinter (Best Versatile Clone)
The Joyo Splinter adds extra clipping options that massively expand the RAT formula.
Features:
- FAT mode
- MOSFET clipping
- Multiple voicing options
Tone:
- More flexible than a standard RAT
- Can get surprisingly modern and heavy
Pros:
- Tons of tonal range
- Excellent value
- Great build quality
Cons:
- Slightly less “classic” sounding
Best for:
Players who want one pedal covering multiple gain styles
4. TC Electronic Magus Pro (Best for Doom & Stoner Rock)
This thing gets massive sounding.
Why doom players love it:
The Magus Pro includes:
- Classic RAT mode
- Turbo RAT mode
- Fat RAT mode
Tone:
- Thick low end
- Huge sustain
- Brutal fuzzy distortion
Pros:
- Big, heavy sound
- Very versatile
- Excellent value
Cons:
- Larger footprint
Best for:
Doom, stoner metal, sludge, and heavy riff worship
5. Sonicake Rude Mouse (Best Mini RAT Clone)
Tiny pedal, surprisingly angry tone.
Tone:
- Mid-focused
- Aggressive attack
- Tight distortion
Pros:
- Compact
- Affordable
- Great for pedalboards
Cons:
- Less dynamic than premium options
Best for:
Small rigs and grab-and-go boards
Which RAT Clone Is Right for You?
| Pedal | Best For |
|---|---|
| Mooer Black Secret | Closest classic RAT sound |
| Mosky Black Rat | Cheapest good option |
| Joyo Splinter | Most versatile |
| TC Magus Pro | Doom & stoner tones |
| Sonicake Rude Mouse | Compact pedalboards |
Best Settings for Doom & Heavy Rock
Try this starting point:
- Distortion: 2–3 o’clock
- Filter: 11 o’clock
- Volume: To taste
Lower Filter = brighter
Higher Filter = darker
That backwards Filter knob confuses almost everyone at first.
RAT Clone vs Tube Screamer
| RAT | Tube Screamer |
|---|---|
| Aggressive distortion | Mid-focused overdrive |
| Fuzz-like texture | Tight boost |
| Great standalone pedal | Often used to push amps |
For doom, grunge, and punk?
The RAT usually wins.
❓ FAQ
What is the best cheap RAT clone?
The Mooer Black Secret is widely considered one of the best affordable RAT-style pedals.
Are RAT pedals good for metal?
Absolutely — especially doom, sludge, punk, and old-school metal.
Why do doom players love RAT pedals?
Because RAT circuits create thick, fuzzy distortion with huge sustain and gritty mids.
Is the Joyo Splinter a RAT clone?
Yes — but with expanded clipping and voicing options.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The great thing about RAT-style pedals is that even cheap ones can sound fantastic.
If you want:
- Classic RAT tone → Mooer Black Secret
- Maximum heaviness → TC Magus Pro
- Cheapest possible option → Mosky Black Rat
No matter which one you choose, you’re getting one of the most versatile dirt circuits ever created.
And once you crank the gain into fuzz territory… things get gloriously filthy.
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