Most of us guitar players have at one time or another purchased inexpensive/cheap effects pedals. Every now and then, even a blind hog will find an acorn. Tell us what was the cheap pedal you purchased that actually turned out to be a real find. A keeper. A real bang for your buck piece of kit that totally satisfied and surprised you. Something really amazing for the money spent.
MXR Micro Chorus. Picked one up for 59 or 69 bucks brand new. If you need a wet full chorus this beast does it. I really like being able to adjust the speed with my foot too. I barely use it now, it's on my grab and go rig/board cause it's versatile.
Yep. Was going to post this, cured my OD gas forever... as it was $40 new, and I find it hard to tell a difference when dialed in. (And sometimes $200 price difference is factored in!)
I've had a DigiTech RP500 for a while and am very impressed with pretty well every effect in it...very musical sounding.
For the money, probably one of the best bangs for the buck for a multi-effects unit.
Ibanez Tube Screamer. It is the ultimate OD for the mid hump thing. Bad Monkey also rules. Most old DOD pedals sound great. I actually prefer cheap pedals to anything boutique. The old standards tend to do the job best. I'm not the kind of player who likes to sit in my bedroom and chase the best OD pedal. If it works live, than it works.
Another vote for the Bad Monkey. Ridiculously good for the price.
Someone mentioned Joyo. I had the Analog delay and the Ultimate drive briefly and I have to say they were very very good as well, can't beat'em for the price.
Another vote for Joyo. Have the US Dream and Vintage Overdrive and they're fantastic. Take into account the price and they are tough to beat. I am a notably cheap person thought so YMMV.