Keeley Compressor PlusvsBoss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

Which is the better compressor pedal? Side-by-side comparison for 2026.

Keeley Compressor Plus
Keeley

Keeley Compressor Plus

★★★★★4.8

$149

🛒 Buy on Amazon →Read full review →
Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer
Boss

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

★★★★★4.5

$99

🛒 Buy on Amazon →Read full review →

⚡ Quick Verdict

The Keeley Compressor Plus edges out the Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer in overall ratings (4.8 vs 4.5). Both are great pedals — the Keeley Compressor Plus is best for country and blues, while the Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer excels at country and funk.

Side-by-Side Specs

Compressor Plus
Compression Sustainer
Price
$149
$99
Rating
4.8 / 5 (600 reviews)
4.5 / 5 (1,200 reviews)
Bypass
True Bypass
Buffered Bypass
Voltage
9V DC
9V DC
Current Draw
10mA
20mA
Dimensions
64 × 114 × 51 mm
73 × 129 × 59 mm
Controls
Level, Sustain, Blend, Tone
Level, Tone, Attack, Sustain
Skill Level
Intermediate
Intermediate

Pros & Cons Compared

Keeley Compressor Plus

Pros
  • ✓Transparent compression
  • ✓Blend knob for parallel compression
  • ✓Single or dual coil voicing
  • ✓Quiet operation
Cons
  • ✗Higher price point
  • ✗Subtle effect may disappoint beginners

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

Pros
  • ✓Affordable compression
  • ✓Attack and tone controls
  • ✓Adds sustain to clean tones
  • ✓Boss reliability
Cons
  • ✗Can add noise at high settings
  • ✗Some find it too squashy

Best For

Keeley Compressor Plus

countrybluesstudiointermediate level

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

countryfunkcleanintermediate level

Where to Buy

Keeley Compressor Plus

$149

🛒 Buy on Amazon →Read full review →

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

$99

🛒 Buy on Amazon →Read full review →

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