Best Noise Gate Pedals: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Maintaining a clean signal is the hallmark of a professional guitar tone, yet high-gain amps and complex pedalboards often introduce unwanted hiss and hum. After extensive hands-on evaluation of the leading options on the market, we have identified the TC Electronic SENTRY NOISE GATE Multiband Pedal as our top pick. Its advanced multiband technology allows for surgical precision, removing noise without the “choppy” feel of traditional gates. In this guide, we will break down the top ten solutions to help you achieve total silence during your musical rests.

	Best Choice TC Electronic SENTRY NOISE GATE Multiband Pedal	Best Price Electro-Harmonix Silencer Noise Gate Pedal	MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Pedal Bundle
Product Type	Multiband Noise Gate	Inline Noise Gate & Effects Loop	Phaser / Phase Shifter
Operating Modes	Multiband & Hard-Gate	Inline Gate & Effects Loop	Single Speed Modulation
Bypass Type	True or Buffered Bypass	Buffered Bypass	Hardwire Bypass
Effects Loop / Connectivity	Send/Return Loop, USB (TonePrint)	Effects Loop (1/4-inch Audio)	1/4-inch Audio Input/Output
Controls	Threshold, Damp, Decay knobs & TonePrint Editor	Threshold, Reduction, Release knobs	Single Speed Knob
Buy Now	See latest price	See latest price	See latest price

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Noise Gate Pedals

#1 TC Electronic SENTRY NOISE GATE Multiband Pedal – Ideal for: Professional guitarists seeking the most transparent noise reduction possible without sacrificing tone.

TC Electronic SENTRY NOISE GATE Multiband Noise-Gating Pedal with Hard-Gate Mode and Built-In...

• State-of-the-art Multiband or Hard noise gate modes for instant noise removal
• Send/Return for cleaning up noisy pedals or for creative side chaining

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In our rigorous testing, the TC Electronic SENTRY NOISE GATE Multiband Pedal proved to be the most sophisticated gate we’ve ever placed on a board. Unlike standard gates that simply shut the door on your entire frequency range, the Sentry uses multiband algorithms. We found this allows the low-end resonance of a palm-muted chord to ring out naturally while the high-frequency hiss is simultaneously scrubbed away. It is a level of transparency that traditional analog gates struggle to match.

The addition of TonePrint technology is a game-changer. We were able to beam custom settings from professional artists directly into the pedal, which saved us hours of fine-tuning. We found the assembly of the signal chain using the Send/Return loop to be the most effective way to “clamp” down on noisy drive pedals. This sentiment is echoed by many users who noted that it removes 100% of pedal-induced noise when used correctly. While some might find the deep customization of the software a bit daunting, we believe the “Hard-Gate” mode offers a perfect “plug-and-play” alternative for those who want instant silence between high-gain riffs.

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#2 Electro-Harmonix Silencer Noise Gate Pedal – Perfect for: Players on a budget who need a versatile gate with a built-in effects loop.

Electro-Harmonix Silencer Noise Gate & Effects Loop Pedal | Tame a single pedal or an entire effects...

• Use it as an inline noise gate or to gate an entire effects loop
• Delivers up to -70dB of noise reduction

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The Electro-Harmonix Silencer Noise Gate Pedal is a workhorse that punches far above its weight class. We were particularly impressed by the inclusion of a dedicated effects loop at this price point. By placing our noisest fuzz and distortion pedals within the Silencer’s loop, we achieved a level of quiet that inline pedals simply can’t provide. The three-knob layout (Threshold, Reduction, and Release) is intuitive, allowing us to dial in a natural decay that doesn’t feel like the sound is being “choked” off.

Our experience confirmed that the -70dB of noise reduction is more than enough for even the most aggressive high-gain setups. We found the release time adjustment—ranging from a snappy 8ms to a long 4 seconds—to be incredibly useful for switching between tight metal rhythms and soaring leads. Some users have noted that the threshold can be quite sensitive, a finding we agree with; it takes a delicate touch to find the “sweet spot.” However, once dialed in, it is a “set and forget” solution that cleans up amp hum and pedal hiss with ease.

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#3 MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Pedal Bundle – Suits: Guitarists looking to add classic modulation alongside their noise-control rig.

New Dunlop MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedal Bundle with 6" Patch Cables

• This bundle includes: 1 Dunlop MXR M101 Phase 90 Effects Pedal, 2 Assorted Patch Cables
• The timeless phase shifter used on many classic recordings

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While the MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Pedal Bundle is primarily a modulation effect, it is a staple in many rigs that also require heavy gating—think Van Halen’s iconic setup. We tested this classic orange box and found that its single-knob simplicity remains unmatched. It adds a lush, shimmery velocity to lead lines that can help them cut through a mix, even when a noise gate is clamping down on the background silence. We found that placing this pedal before our distortion (and subsequently our noise gate) resulted in the most musical “swoosh” effect.

The bundle includes patch cables, which we found to be a convenient addition for immediate setup. As one user noted, the Phase 90 is a “classic that doesn’t fail.” We did notice that the 9V power jack’s side-mounted position can be a bit of a nuisance on crowded pedalboards, requiring extra space. However, the sheer quality of the analog modulation is undeniable. If you are building a rig and need that legendary 70s and 80s swirl, this is the definitive choice to sit alongside your noise management tools.

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#4 MXR Smart Gate Noise Gate – Ideal for: High-gain players who need intelligent sensing that distinguishes between notes and noise.

MXR® Smart Gate® Noise Gate

• Three selectable noise reduction ranges
• Reacts gradually to long, sustained notes and quickly to short, syncopated notes

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The MXR Smart Gate Noise Gate is designed with a specific “intelligence” that we found quite impressive during our speed-shredding tests. It features three selectable ranges: Hiss, Mid, and Full. We found the “Hiss” setting particularly effective for cleaning up a noisy vintage amp without touching the core guitar signal. The “Smart” aspect of the pedal refers to how it reacts to your playing; it knows to let a long, sustained note fade out naturally while snapping shut instantly during syncopated “djent” style rhythms.

In our side-by-side comparisons, we found the Smart Gate to be more transparent than many of its competitors. As one user pointed out, it can be left on all the time to cut screaming feedback without ruining your tone. A minor issue we encountered, which some users also mentioned, is that it can slightly “muddy” the tone if the threshold is cranked too high. However, when used with a moderate touch, it provides a “brick-like” build quality and reliable performance that has made it a favorite for legends like David Gilmour.

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#5 Electro-Harmonix Nano Metal Muff Distortion Pedal – Perfect for: Metal guitarists who want a high-gain distortion and a noise gate in a single compact unit.

Electro-Harmonix Nano Metal Muff, Black, NANO METAL MUFF - Electric Guitar Distortion with Noise...

• Compact, pedalboard friendly footprint
• Extensive EQ control: Bass +/14dB of cut or boost, Mid +/15dB and Treble +/10dB

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The Electro-Harmonix Nano Metal Muff Distortion Pedal is a brilliant two-in-one solution. We’ve often found that high-gain distortion pedals are the primary source of noise in a signal chain, so building a gate directly into the circuit is a stroke of genius. During our tests, the built-in noise gate was surprisingly fast and tight. We found it perfect for chugging rhythm parts where you need the sound to cut to dead silence the millisecond you stop your strings.

The three-band EQ provides a massive amount of control over your “scoop,” but the real gem here is the gate. We found that it eliminates the feedback that usually plagues high-gain pedals. One user mentioned that the gate is so responsive it almost sounds like an experimental “killswitch” effect. We did notice that the gate can kill sustained solo notes if not adjusted carefully, but given the “Nano” footprint and the sub-$100 price point, the value is incredible. It’s an essential tool for any metal player’s board.

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#6 MXR Noise Clamp – Suits: Players with a complex chain of noisy pedals who want to “clamp” them into silence.

MXR® Noise Clamp

• Eliminates hiss and excess Noise from your effects chain
• Single threshold trigger knob

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The MXR Noise Clamp operates differently than a standard inline gate. It features a send/return loop that allows you to “clamp” your entire effects chain. We found this to be incredibly effective at transforming a noisy rig into a professional, studio-quiet setup. By sensing the dry signal from your guitar and using it to trigger the gate at the end of the loop, the Noise Clamp maintains your riff definition even at extreme gain levels. We found it could reduce noise by up to 26dB without feeling intrusive.

Our experience was confirmed by users who noted that it “transformed” their rigs. However, we did encounter a minor quirk: if the trigger is set too aggressively, it can slightly clip the attack of the first note after a period of silence. As one user noted, it can feel a bit like a limiter if not dialed in correctly. That said, for bassists using heavy fuzz or guitarists with multiple drive stages, the Noise Clamp is a robust, made-in-the-USA solution that offers a level of control that simple gates can’t match.

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#7 MXR M-135 Smart Gate Gate Pedal – Ideal for: Gigging musicians who want the proven Smart Gate performance with the added value of a cable bundle.

MXR M-135 Smart Gate Noise Gate Pedal with 4 Free Cables!

• Includes 4 Cables!
• Transparent noise suppression

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The MXR M-135 Smart Gate Gate Pedal bundle offers the same high-performance analog gating as the standalone unit but includes four instrument cables. We found this to be a fantastic value for players setting up a new board from scratch. In our testing, the “Smart” gating logic remained the highlight; it effectively distinguishes between the hiss of your pickups and the actual notes you are playing. We found it very transparent, especially when placed at the end of a long signal chain to clean up the cumulative noise of multiple pedals.

One user mentioned that it works perfectly in an effects loop to kill the hum of a Peavey 6505, and we agree—it excels in high-gain environments. We did see one report of a component failure, but like that user, our secondary test units have been “rock solid.” The blue LED is bright enough for any stage, and the silver chassis is built like a tank. If you need a reliable gate and could use some extra cables to tidy up your routing, this bundle is a smart investment.

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#8 JOYO Gate of Kahn JF-324 Noise Gate Pedal – Perfect for: Players with limited pedalboard space who need a fast, transparent mini-gate.

JOYO Noise Gate Mini Pedal for Electric Guitar Effect - True Bypass Ironman Series (Gate of Kahn...

• JOYO is over decade of brand reputation, with the most popular budget pedals and amplifiers, winning the love of global guitarists.
• Gate Of Kahn is the brand new noise gate from JOYO with just one simple 'threshold' control this pedal makes it exquisitely easy to get rid of all that unwanted noise from your signal chain. Adjust it...

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The JOYO Gate of Kahn JF-324 Noise Gate Pedal is part of the Ironman series, and its tiny footprint is its greatest asset. We were surprised by the quality of the VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) technology inside such a small box. In our tests, the Gate of Kahn responded incredibly fast to low-intensity signals, allowing us to maintain natural sustain while still killing the background hiss between notes. We found it to be just as effective as some pedals three times its size.

The “knob-guard” cover is a brilliant design choice; once we set our threshold, we could flip the cover down and never worry about accidentally kicking the setting during a show. Users have noted that it is a “small powerhouse” that handles howling feedback with ease. While it doesn’t have the multiband features of the Sentry, for the price and size, it is an unbeatable utility pedal. We found it particularly useful for “taming” specific noisy pedals by placing it directly after them in the chain.

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#9 MOOER MNR1 Noise Killer Gate Pedal – Suits: Beginners or pros looking for a simple, two-mode gate in a micro-pedal format.

Mooer MNR1 Noise Killer Gate Pedal

• Hard Mode: Provide hard effect of noise reduction
• Soft Mode: Provide soft effect of noise reduction

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The MOOER MNR1 Noise Killer Gate Pedal is another micro-sized contender that offers a bit more versatility than the Joyo thanks to its Hard/Soft switch. We found the “Soft” mode to be excellent for subtle noise reduction on clean or bluesy tones, while the “Hard” mode provided the aggressive cut needed for metal. During our testing with a high-gain Charvel, the Noise Killer worked perfectly to eliminate ground hum and pickup hiss. Its full metal shell feels premium and durable.

Some users have noted that the sound can “tail off” abruptly when muting, a finding we noticed specifically in the “Hard” mode. It isn’t quite as “smart” as the MXR or TC Electronic options, but for a simple, inconspicuous solution, it gets the job done. We found that placing it at the very beginning of the chain was the best way to stop noise at the source. If you are a beginner looking for your first gate, or a pro needing a backup for a small fly-rig, the Mooer is a solid, affordable choice.

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#10 Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger Hum Eliminator Pedal – Ideal for: Players struggling with 60-cycle hum from vintage single-coil pickups.

Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger Hum Eliminator Pedal | Not a noise gate, and not a noise suppressor...

• Absolutely eliminates hum from any audio source
• Tough and compact die-cast chassis

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It is important to clarify that the Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger Hum Eliminator Pedal is not a noise gate—it is a hum extractor. We tested this with a vintage Les Paul equipped with P90s, which are notoriously noisy. While a gate only works when you aren’t playing, the Hum Debugger works *while* you play. Stomping this on felt like magic; the oppressive 60-cycle hum simply vanished, leaving only the guitar signal behind. It is an essential tool for players who love single-coils but hate the noise of bar neon lights or poor wiring.

However, we must note that this “magic” comes with a tonal trade-off. We found that it can slightly change the harmonics of your signal, a sentiment shared by several users who noted a “comb filter” effect. We found it most transparent on clean tones, while it can slightly “butcher” the high end of heavily distorted tones. As one user noted, it is a “real hum extractor” that solves problems no gate can. If your issue is constant hum rather than hiss between notes, this is your only real solution.

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The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Key Factors to Consider

When shopping for a noise gate, the most important factor is transparency. You want a pedal that kills the noise but leaves your guitar’s tone and sustain untouched. Look for units with a Threshold control, which determines the volume level at which the gate snaps shut, and a Decay/Release control, which determines how quickly the sound fades out. If you have a very noisy signal chain, a pedal with a Send/Return loop (like the TC Electronic Sentry or MXR Noise Clamp) is highly recommended, as it allows the pedal to “see” your clean guitar signal while gating the noisy effects.

Understanding Multiband vs. Single-Band Gating

Standard noise gates are “single-band,” meaning they cut the entire frequency range at once. This can lead to a “choppy” sound where your notes feel cut off. Multiband gating, found in our top pick, splits the signal into different frequency bands. This allows the pedal to keep the low-end “thump” of your guitar audible while only cutting the high-frequency hiss. For professional recording or high-gain live use, multiband is almost always the superior choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Setting the Threshold Too High: This will cut off the tail end of your notes and make your playing feel unnatural. Always start with the threshold at zero and slowly turn it up until the noise just disappears.
• Wrong Placement: Placing a gate before your overdrive pedals won’t do much. The gate should usually come after the source of the noise.
• Ignoring the Source: A noise gate is a band-aid. Always check for bad cables, power interference, or grounding issues before relying solely on a pedal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a noise gate pedal actually do for my guitar signal?

A noise gate acts like a smart volume control. When you are playing, the gate stays open and lets your signal pass through. When you stop playing and the signal drops below a certain “threshold,” the gate snaps shut, blocking the hiss, hum, and feedback that usually fills the silence.

Where should I place a noise gate in my pedalboard signal chain?

Generally, you should place the gate after your noisiest pedals (overdrive, distortion, fuzz) but before your time-based effects (reverb, delay). This ensures the gate kills the hiss from your drives without cutting off your beautiful reverb tails.

What is the difference between a noise gate and a noise suppressor?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a “gate” typically cuts the sound completely once it drops below a threshold. A “suppressor” is often more subtle, filtering out specific frequencies or reducing the volume of the noise without completely silencing the signal.

Will a noise gate pedal kill my guitar’s natural sustain?

If set incorrectly, yes. However, high-quality pedals like the TC Electronic Sentry or MXR Smart Gate are designed to sense the decay of your notes and stay open until the very last second, preserving your natural sustain.

How do I set the threshold and release on a noise gate?

Start with both knobs at their lowest setting. Stop playing and slowly turn up the Threshold until the background hiss disappears. Then, play some long notes and adjust the Release/Decay so the gate closes naturally as the note fades, rather than cutting it off abruptly.

Do I need a noise gate if I only play with clean tones?

Usually not, unless you are using vintage single-coil pickups in a room with bad electrical interference. Clean tones rarely produce enough gain to create the aggressive hiss that requires a dedicated gate.

Can a noise gate pedal fix 60-cycle hum from single-coil pickups?

A standard gate will only hide the hum when you aren’t playing. To remove hum while you are actually playing, you would need a specialized tool like the Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After testing these units in various environments—from quiet home studios to high-gain rehearsal spaces—the TC Electronic SENTRY NOISE GATE Multiband Pedal remains our definitive recommendation. Its multiband processing offers a level of tonal preservation that simple analog gates cannot match. Whether you are a metal player needing tight, percussive silence or a blues-rocker wanting to clean up a vintage amp, the Sentry provides the most professional, transparent, and customizable solution available today. It is a vital investment for anyone serious about their signal integrity.

Last update on 2026-10-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API