Re: Boss NS-2
the ns-2 is a great value...that's more important than "is it cheaper".
It has a mute/reduction switch. the reduction switch will filter out noise while the mute mode will mute the signal when the pedal is activated...BUT when not activated will filter noise full time.
It's not hard to operate, really. The important thing is...you should try it. It's about as good as any noise gate in a stompbox form will get. If you want better, you'll have to get a rack unit.