The 225 Best Free VST/AU Plugins in the World! (2023)

Last updated on December 31st, 2023 at 08:42 pm

Finding good plugins, especially free ones that sound great, can be quite a challenge.

This is why I put together this extensive list of free Plugins; from Synth, to Piano, Orchestra, Guitar, Drums, Bass, and more.

Since it’s such a long list, there will be a navigation menu, as well as a “Scroll back to Top” button after each section.

Table of Contents

Best Free Synth VST Plugins

Dexed by Digital Sub Urban

Dexed is a Free multi platform and multi format frequency modulation Synth which is based on, or closely modeled to, the Yamaha DX7.

You can download it here.

Combo Model F by Martinic

If you’re looking for a simple and fun organ sounding synth, then Combo Model F has got you covered.

It’s super easy to use and it also sounds pretty good.

You can download it here.

Tunefish 4 by Brain Control

Tunefish 4 was developed as a smaller replacement for Tunefish 3 with about the same power.

One thing that they improved over the previous version is the UI, which will visualize all modulations.

You can download it here.

Helix by Audjoo

Helix is a CPU-friendy, highly versatile Synthesizer with a surprisingly high sound quality.

It comes with a lot of presets and built-in effects.

You can download it here.

Muon Tau Bassline by Muon Software

Muon Tau Bassline is a monophonic bass line synth modelled after the Roland 303 Synth.

This is a small yet powerful piece of software which gives you that cool 303 bass sound without being too hard to use.

You can download it here.

TyrellN6 by u-he

TyrellN6 is a compact synth that is based on concepts and ideas for a hardware synth: a few modules, novel features, analogue sound and low-cost. 

You can download it here.

MiniSpillage by AudioSpillage

MiniSpillage is a free professional quality drum synthesizer which features high resolution 64-bit DSP processing engine and a custom set of synthesis algorithms designed for electronic percussion sounds.

You can download it here.

Tal-Bassline by Tal-Software

Tal-Bassline is a synthesizer especially made for bass which will give you a super beefy bass tone.

It gives you those acid tones and effects that you hear everywhere.

You can download it here.

Crystal Synth by Green Oak

Crystal is a semi-modular software synthesizer featuring both subtractive synthesis and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis.

It offers over 90 parameters which may be modulated

You can download it here.

Lokomotiv by Archetype Instruments

Lokomotiv is an analog retro synth which sounds absolutely phenomenal as well as being extremely easy to use.

The UI is simple and doesn’t look overwhelming at all which is great for anyone who is new to this kind of software.

You can download it here.

Digits by Extent of the Jam

Digits is a phase distortion synthesizer plugin which was inspired by the Casio CZ line.

It comes with over 100 presets which include; basses, leads, pads, pseudo-realistic instruments, brass sounds and more.

You can download it here.

Tal-NoiseMaker by Tal-Software

Tal-NoiseMaker is based on the Tal-Elek7ro but with a new synth engine and some sound and usability improvements.

It features some effects like reverb, chorus and a simple bit crusher.

You can download it here.

Thump by Metric Halo

Metric Halo is primarily designed to synthesize low frequency audio to add low-end to a track or to generate another sound completely.

It looks at the pitch and the dynamics of its audio input and adjusts the oscillators accordingly.

You can download it here.

PG-8X by Martin Lüder

The PG-8X is inspired by the Roland JX-8P with the PG-800 programmer.

You can make some amazing analogue style sounds with it, including string ensembles, cool pads, huge bass sounds, which is what I like most about it, and more.

You can download it here.

Charlatan by BlauKraut

Charlatan is a polyphonic, subtractive virtual analog synthesizer plugin which focuses on sound quality and easy usability.

It’s a fairly simple to use plugin which encourages users to learn how to tweak the sounds instead of only relying on the presets.

You can download it here.

Helm by Matt Tytel

Helm is a cross-platform, polyphonic synthesizer which runs both as a standalone synthesizer or as an LV2, VST, VST3 or AU plugin.

It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

You can download it here.

Podolski by u-he

Podolski is a very simple, CPU-efficient virtual analogue synthesizer with one oscillator, one filter, one envelope and two LFOs, it also features a Zebra-style arpeggiator/sequencer plus chorus and delay effects.

You can download it here.

Scorpius by Meesha

Scorpius is a 3 Oscillator analog Polysynth which is great for creating some psychedelic sounds.

This is because it was designed to be used with two Behringer BCR 2000 units. That’s why the layout is the way it is.

You can download it here.

T-Force Alpha Plus by Mastercode Music

T-Force Alpha Plus is the advanced or improved version of the T-Force Alpha TS.

It provides all the same features plus some additional ones and some updated functions; new synthesis (subtractive and FM synth), revised oscillators, new Mod Envelopes and a new integrated sidechain FX.

You can download it here.

Zebralette by u-he

It is just one of Zebra2’s oscillators packed into a simple, easy-to-learn framework, but you have everything you need to make some pretty amazing sounds.

You can download it here.

LABS by Spitfire Audio

Spitfire Audio is known for making extremely good sounding sample libraries and these ones are no exception to this rule.

Here you will have a huge variety to choose from, from scary strings, to modular piano, cool sounding choirs, synth pads, drums and more.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Orchestral VST Plugins

Total Composure Orchestra

Total Composure Orchestra is a full orchestral sample library created using only samples in the public domain.

You can download it here.

DSK Overture

DSK Overture is a full orchestral sample VST plugin.

It gives you the ability to choose between 40 different instruments and play 4 of those instruments in the same instance, through MIDI.

You can download it here.

One Track Orchestra

One Track orchestra is primarily a sketching tool, meant to be used for songwriting and recording demos and aimed mostly at beginners and songwriters who need a simple tool to create and record music.

You can download it here.

Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra

The Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra Module contains the full SSO by Mattias Westlund, in one simple VST plugin (32 & 64bit).

You can download it here.

DSK Virtuoso

DSK Virtuoso allows you to play a combination of 6 layer instruments, or to play a composition up to 6 different parts, through the MIDI channels selectors.

You can download it here.

VSCO2 – Chamber Orchestra 2

The Community Edition, which is the free edition of these samples, comes with a total of 19 instruments, ranging from Woodwinds to Brass, Keys, Mallets, Strings and Percussion.

You can download it here.

Orchestral Strings One

The instruments included in this plugin are; 14 Violins, 10 Violas, 8 Cellos and 6 Double Basses.

You can download it here.

DVS Saxophone

The single notes, especially the lower ones, sound fantastic!

The pitch bend effect is quite good also!

You can download it here.

DSK Saxophones

This one comes with two saxophone types, the Soprano and Tenor ones. It sounds a bit more realistic that the DVS Saxophone, but it has the same problem, when playing though a scale the transitions of the notes don’t sound that natural.

You can download it here.

DSK Brass

This plugin comes with a variety of Brass instruments, you can select single ones or even ensembles.

You can download it here.

DSK Choirz

You can create three layers of choir tracks which you can choose from a total of 32 choir samples.

Effects like reverb and chorus can be added and the controls for each, while being very simple and straight forward, can really help you shape the sound to your liking.

You can download it here.

Sonatina Choir

Sonatina Choir are samples edited from the Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra.

You can choose to reproduce female and male choirs, or both.

You can download it here.

Etherealwinds Harp

Etherealwinds Harp is a sampling of a diatonic folk harp recorded by the Newgrounds musician Etherealwinds.

This is a folk harp, which means that when compared to the traditional harp, it has a smaller range.

You can download it here.

Sonatina Harp

The Sonatina Harp is a sampled classical Harp.

These samples were edited from the Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra sample library.

You can download it here.

Kettle Drum by Samsara Cycle Audio

This Plugin allows you to change the pitch of the Kettle drums, adjust the sustain, release, and lots of other stuff!

You can download it here.

VibroMaster

VibroMaster is a sampled Vibraphone which comes with 42 samples from the public domain library of the Iowa Electronic Music Studios.

A cool feature this plugin has is that you can use a sustain pedal to play with full release notes.

You can download it here.

BellsEbuth by Alan ViSTa

This is a sampled orchestral bells plugin which comes with 40 stereo samples of bells.

You can download it here.

Sonatina Chimes

Sonatina Chimes is a sampled tubular bells instrument from the Sonatina Orchestra public domain library.

This is the best free tubular bells sample plugin by far, I couldn’t find anything better.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Piano VST Plugins

4Front Piano

If used properly, it will certainly be a great addition to your VST library.

One con though, it doesn’t have any settings.

You can download it here.

Spitfire Audio Soft Piano

All of the samples were recorded at Air Edel Studios using ar array of microphones and they achieved the “soft” sound by placing a thin strip of felt between the hammers and the strings.

You can download it here.

DSK AkoustiK KeyZ

With Akoustik KeyZ you get three piano types;

  • Grand Piano
  • Concert Piano P
  • Concert Piano F

You can download it here.

SampleScience Room Piano

The Room Piano plugin is based on a Kawai Upright acoustic piano recording.

It is a light piano plugin for musicians who want to add a lo-fi touch to their tracks.

You can download it here.

Keyzone Classic

Keyzone Classic features a multitude of different pianos which all sound amazing.

You can download it here.

Salamander Piano

The Salamander Piano plugin was sampled on the Yamaha C5 grand piano.

It’s considered to be one of the largest and smoothest standalone free piano plugins out there, and it’s sampled in 16 velocity layers.

You can download it here.

Skerratt London Piano

The Skerrat London Piano is a sampled upright piano.

It sounds a lot like the piano music from the old cartoons, which is just great… if you like that kind of sound.

You can download it here.

Iowa Piano

The Iowa Piano is a sampled Steinway grand piano with 3 velocity layers.

The cursory parameters include envelope settings; Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release as well as volume and panning.

You can download it here.

4Front R-Piano

The 4Front R-Piano is a vintage module which reproduces the classic sound similar to RSP73 pianos.

The sound generation is not entirely based upon samples, thus there are 127 continuous layers provided with a vintage Rhodes smooth overdrive.

You can download it here.

4Front E-Piano

The E-Piano is similar to DX-7 type e-pianos and it’s a small single sound instrument without any settings whatsoever.

You can download it here.

DSK Music the Grand

This is a pretty cool grand piano by DSK Music which just sound great.

You get the typical envelope parameters; Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release, plus Reverb and Level.

You can download it here.

General

General is a very simple sampled acoustic piano plugin.

Sadly, it’s Windows only…

You can download it here.

MDA Piano

Despite being extremely light, MDA Piano actually packs some punch.

The interface is easy to move around and understand since it only provides a couple sliders to work with.

You can download it here.

DPiano-A

This is a simple piano plugin which features a lot of controls; from tuning, to sound, velocity and master.

There’s nothing else to be said about this plugin other than that it’s actually great…

You can download it here.

RDG Audio Free Piano

The Free Piano plugin comes with staccato and auto sustain instrument presets.

It also features three layers of sounds; Piano+Strings+Pad with gain controllers.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Guitar VST Plugins

Ample Guitar M Lite

Ample Guitar sounds absolutely fantastic, while also giving you the option to add some effects. You can even double the guitar with the simple press of a button, which will add width and body to the sound.

You can download it here.

Amplitube 4 Custom Shop

Amplitube can work as a Plugin or as a Standalone program.

It sounds great and when you download the FREE version, you get the full version for 10 days.

You can download it here.

Guitar Rig 5 Player

It sounds just as good as the full version, the BIG difference is the amount of cabinets, amplifiers, effects, etc. that you get.

You can download it here.

Poulin Amp Pack

These plugins are fantastic for really heavy music, they sound great, and it´s extremely easy to make them work on any DAW.

You can download it here.

Created with GIMP

Emissary by Ignite Amps

It still has a clean channel which ranges from clean to slightly overdriven tones and a lead channel which is just killer for for any kind of metal tones.

You can download it here.

TSE 50x v2

This one I also really liked, you can get a huge variety of sounds out of this plugin, from crisp clean tones and cool crunchy sounds, all the way to heavy metal tones.

You can download it here.

Amplion

Another good option is AmpLion, it works as a Plugin and also works as a standalone program.

You can change through the presets which all sounds fantastic. Also you have the ability to change the Mic placement on the cabinet.

You can download it here.

Ignite Amps NRR-1

The NRR-1 is a digital emulation of an actual three channel tube amp and it sounds terrific.

You can download it here.

Blue Cat

This guitar amp simulation plugin offers three different amp models;

  • Classic clean
  • Classic drive
  • Modern drive

You can download it here.

Mercuriall Tube Amp Ultra 530

This would be the Plugin version of the ENGL E530 Preamp. It has a two channel design, Clean and Lead.

You can download it here.

The Nick Crow Plugins

Nick Crow has got some great amp simulators which are mostly really high gain.

If you’re into metal, you will probably find them to be quite useful!

You can download it here.

TSE 808

This is a Tube Screamer that can be used for all kinds of music, and it sounds absolutely fantastic.

You can download it here.

Ace Vintage Tube

Ace is a digital emulation of the 1950s, American, all tube, tweed, 5Wamp.

You can get a really warm clean tone. It’s not really that useful for heavy rock music.

You can download it here.

FREEAMP 3.6

This isn’t your typical guitar plugins…

While it does come with the traditional effects, it does have a very distinct and unique sound to it.

You can download it here.

Simulanalog Guitar Suite

SimulAnalog Guitar Suite is a free software that contains a couple of amplifiers and some pedals.

Note: It’s only 32-bit.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Bass Amp VST Plugins

GK Amplification 2 LE

Modelled after the Gallien-Krueger MB150 amp, the GK Amplification 2 LE can be used as a standalone application or as a VST/AAX/AU plugin.

You can download it here.

Ignite Amps SHB-1

The SHB-1 is based on the real SHB-1 Extreme Bass Head which is a custom-built amp designed for the bass player of the band “Subhuman”.

You can download it here.

TSE BOD v3

The TSE B.O.D. is a digital replica of the SansAmp Bass Driver DI pedal, which is a very popular bass preamp DI box with distortion, presence, and EQ controls.

You can download it here.

Amplitube Custom Shop

Amplitube is primarily a Guitar amp simulation program, since most amps and effects you get are geared towards guitar sounds, however it also comes with a bass amp simulation which sounds quite good.

You can download it here.

Bass Grinder Free

This must be one of the simplest plugins out there.

It comes with two amplifiers and three cabinets, nothing more.

You can download it here.

Ronald Passion Bass Preamp

This Bass Preamp is an analog tube bass preamp effect plug-in which is really simple to use, sounds great and you get the cab-emulation built into it.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Drum VST Plugins

MT Power DrumKit 2

The MT Power DrumKit is a free sampler which offers high-quality samples of an acoustic, realistic drum kit.

You can download it here.

Drumatic 3 by e-phonic

Drumatic 3 is a virtual-analogue drum synthesizer.
All sounds are 100% synthetic and allow for huge flexibility and variation.

You can download it here.

DrumMic'a! by Sennheiser
DrumMic’a! by Sennheiser

DrumMic’a! by Sennheiser

This is a Free drum sample Software which loads inside of the free native Instruments Kontact Player. This one allows you to change between Sennheiser and Neumann Microphones.

You can download it here.

Beatfactory Drums by BeatSkillz

Beatfactory Drums is a free drumkit plugin which works in any DAW on Mac OS X and Windows 32/64-bit.

You can download it here.

MiniSpillage by AudioSpillage

MiniSpillage is a free professional quality drum synthesizer plugin featuring high resolution 64-bit DSP processing that includes 3 exclusive drum synthesis algorithms along with distortion effects and resonant filters.

You can download it here.

SM Drumkit by SMM

This is one of the best free acoustic drum sample packs available. The samples are from a Vintage Ludwig drumkit which just sound fantastic.

You can download it here.

EXD-80 by Third Harmonic Studios

EXD-80 is a free 32-bit virtual analog drum and percussion synthesizer plugin for Windows.

You can download it here.

Drum Pro by StudioLinked

This is a fantastic plugin no matter how you look at it. The sounds you can get out of it are great and the ease of use is unmatched.

You can download it here.

TheDrumSource by Witech

TheDrumSource is a sample based drum machine with a built in browser and sequencer. It has a simple, very clean interface and very fast workflow which is ideal for beginners.

You can download it here.

T.REX 606

The T.REX 606 is a rompler of classic 606.

It’s got a vintage and Modern GUI Design featuring 7 Classics Sounds and knobs for Main Volume & Simple Reverb.

You can download it here.

Line of Legends

The interface is divided in 8 sections (Kick, Snare, Clap, Snap, Toms, Hi hat, Ride and Crash). Each section uses its own individual output for an easier handling in a productive environment.

You can download it here.

Sean Pandy Drums

Sean Pandy Drums is a VST/AU drum rompler plugin with Kick, Snare, 4 Toms – and a Sub Blower.

You can download it here.

Dub Turbo DrumTROOP

DrumTROOP is a great alternative to constantly creating kits from scratch or messing around with bloated on board functions in most drum vst’s.

You can download it here.

Single Cycle Vintage Drum Elements

Vintage Drum Elements is a virtual drum machine featuring the sound of the Yamaha RX5.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Modulation VST Plugins

TAL-Chorus-LX

The TAL-chorus-LX is a fantastic reproduction of the chorus found on the Roland Juno 60 Synth.

You can download it here.

Xfer Dimension Expander

Xfer Dimension Expander is a fairly unique sounding chorus/spatial expander modeled on chorusing effects from the late ’80s.

You can download it here.

Mercuriall Chorus WS-1

Mercuriall Chorus WS-1 is a stompbox style chorus VST plugin which comes with adjustable modulation speed and depth.

You can download it here.

Acon Digital Multiply

Acon Digital Multiply is a pretty versatile chorus effect which processes each voice with a phase randomizing filter to avoid unpleasant comb filtering effects.

You can download it here.

Blue Cat’s Chorus

Blue Cat’s Chorus is a very capable free chorus plugin.

It can go from a light shimmering modulation to an incredibly destructive one.

You can download it here.

Phase90 by Antti

Phase90 is an awesome freeware phaser VST plugin which is an emulation based on the MXR Phase 90 guitar pedal.

You can download it here.

SupaPhaser

SupaPhaser comes with a lot of controls and is extremely versatile.

You can download it here.

Classic Phaser

This plugin is part of the Audio Classic Series by Kjaerhus which includes almost ten free plugins.

You can download it here.

Blue Cat’s Phaser

Blue Cat’s Phaser is modeled after the vintage analog phaser circuits but with the precision on modern technology and digital processing.

You can download it here.

UltraPhazer

UltraPhazer sounds especially great on guitar tracks and it can also create a very subtle phaser effect.

You can download it here.

Blue Cat’s Flanger

This plugin has a fairly simple user interface and is pretty easy to use, but it’s very versatile and sounds great!

You can download it here.

Classic Flanger

This is a great flanging plugin which allows you to boost the flanging effect to maximum without getting unwanted effects.

You can download it here.

MFlanger

MFlanger is a versatile flanger a variable oscillator shape for greater flexibility, and integrated tube saturation.

You can download it here.

TAL-Flanger

TAL-Flanger is a very simple and easy to use flanger plugin which has a pretty unique sound to it and some asymmetric analog like components in the feedback corner.

You can download it here.

FlangerHand

FlangerHand is based on the early flanging effects of the ‘60s.

You can download it here.

Pencheneg Tremolo

The Penchneg VST Plugin is a tremolo effect, which allows you to adjust the shape of the modulating curve and synchronize the frequency with a host…

You can download it here.

HY-TP2

This is a free Tremolo and auto-pan effect which comes in VST and Au plugin formats for 32-bit and 64-bit DAWs PC and Mac.

You can download it here.

Adam Monroe’s Tremolo

This tremolo plugin provides both the amplitude tremolo and stereo panning since the idea behind it was to create a vertical and horizontal oscillator that could easily be tweaked.

You can download it here.

Aegean Music Doppler Dome

Doppler Dome is a free audio plug-in based on the Doppler effect.

But it also works as a regular tremolo effect, as well as a pan effect.

You can download it here.

MTremolo

MTremolo provides a definitive tremolo sound with an adjustable shape, including editable waveforms and harmonics.

You can download it here.

MRing Modulator

MRingModulator performs standard ring-modulation effects using one or two oscillators.

You can download it here.

Ring Thing

This plugin is a multi-flavored ring modulator, with a frequency and mix level.

You can download it here.

Ringer

Ringer by WOK is an extremely simple ring-modulator…

The controls are minimal, but it still does what you need it to do.

You can download it here.

Ring-O

The modulation source can be the left and right side of a stereo signal modulating each other, or a stereo signal modulated by RING-O’s internal oscillator.

You can download it here.

ADC-Ring

The ADC-Ring VST plugin is a simple and handy tool, if you need some ring modulation effect for your audio tracks or just for being creative.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Auto-Tune VST Plugins

GSnap

GSnap is one of the best free pitch correction plugins out there…

The reason behind this is because of its capability to control the notes that it snaps to through MIDI.

You can download it here.

Graillon2

Graillon2 is a very intuitive plugin to use and its color scheme which makes it easy to navigate.

You can download it here.

MAutoPitch

This plugin comes with the typical pitch correction software options such as depth, detune and speed…

It also includes some additional effects such as a width knob which will allow you to control the stereo spread, and more.

You can download it here.

KeroVee

KeroVee is an excellent alternative for anyone who just wants to apply some subtle and precise adjustments to their vocal tracks.

You can download it here.

X42 Auto-Tune

X42 Auto-Tune is intended to correct the pitch of a voice singing (slightly) out of tune.

You can download it here.

Auto-Tune Evo

Auto-Tune Evo has got a great set of features such as pitch correction in real time, for live performances, vibrato controls and Humanize.

You can download it here.

AutoTalent

If you’re a Linux user, then this one’s definitely for you!

Autotalent is an open-source and real-time pitch correction plugin.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Compression Plugins

MJUC Jr. by Klanghelm

With just two basic controls, “Compression” and “Make Up”, the MJUC JR. makes everything extremely easy to control.

You can download it here.

MCompressor by MeldaProduction

MCompressor isn’t just a simple compression plugin with a couple features…

It allows you to fully customize the shape of the graph which gives you the opportunity to be really creative.

You can download it here

ReaComp by Cockos

This is a very simple to use yet powerful plugin which should be a great addition to your arsenal.

The interface isn’t anything too pretty to look at, but it gets the job done perfectly!

You can download it here.

Classic Compressor by Kjaerhus

If you like your compression plugins simple and easy to use, then the Classic Compressor by Kjaerhaus might be the one for you.

You can download it here.

Molot by Vladg/sound 

On their website they call Molot the “compressor with character”…

This is because it adds a lot of coloring to the sound.

You can download it here.

Rough Rider by Audio Damage

Rough Rider is a modern compressor with a bit of “vintage” style bite and a uniquely warm sound.

You can download it here.

OTT By Xfer Records

Xfer Records OTT is a free multiband upwards/downwards compressor used by many dubstep and electro producers.

You can download it here.

DCAM FreeComp By FXpansion

DCAM is modelled around a classic console bus compressor design and is intended to be used to “glue” mixes and subgroups together while enhancing punch and definition.

You can download it here.

AC-1 by Audiocation Audio Akademie

The AC-1 compressor plugin allows for both subtle compression and extremely hard and punchy compression.

You can download it here.

SAFE Compressor By Semantica Audio

The whole point behind the SAFE plugins by Semantica Audio is to provide the user with an easier way to control the plugins by using semantic terms such as “warm, bright”, etc. to make the whole process more intuitive.

You can download it here.

FR COMP 87 By eaReckon

If you’re looking for a VERY simple compression plugin, then look no further…

FRComp 87 only has two knobs; Threshold and Make up.

You can download it here.

BlockFish by digital Fish phones

Blockfish is an excellent compression plugin especially for vocals.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Delay VST Plugins

Voxengo Tempo Delay 2.0

The Voxengo Tempo Delay is, as the name implies, a tempo-based stereo delay plugin which is intended for a wide variety of music production applications.

You can download it here.

Lagrange by Ursa DSP

Lagrange is a unique stereo delay system which produces echoes using granular techniques, where each grain is from a different point in the delay buffer, producing some unique and wonderful sounds.

You can download it here.

WatKat – A Tribute to Charlie Watkins

WatKat is a digital clone of a Wem Watkins “Custom” Copicat.

You can download it here.

Classic Delay by Kjaerhus Audio

Classic Delay is one of the people’s favorite more traditional free delay plugins since it offers excellent audio quality without introducing any noise.

You can download it here.

ReaDelay by Cockos

ReaDelay is a multi-tap delay with no practical limit on tap count, which can have individual delays of as long as 10 seconds.

You can download it here.

Rubbadub by ++audio

Rubbadub is a free delay effect plug-in designed with versatility in mind.

As a dub delay, it is specifically designed to sound fat and dirty.

You can download it here.

Valhalla Freq Echo

If you’re looking for a psychedelic sounding delay, then Valhalla is definitely for you.

You can download it here.

ET-301 by arcDev Noise Industries

The ET-301 Delay plugin is Windows only and it is an updated version of the ET-200 which fixes some memory-leak problems.

You can download it here.

RetroDelay by E-Phonic

Retro Delay is a flexible all-round delay effect in VST format.

It has the character and sound of a vintage delay unit but features many modern options.

You can download it here.

TAL-DUB-I by Togu Audio Line

TAL-Dub-I is a vintage style delay effect.

You can download it here.

TAL-Dub-2 by Togu Audio Line

TAL-DUB-II is an extended version of TAL-Dub-I with a completely new sound engine.

You can download it here.

Tape Delay by E-Phonic

Tape Delay is a very simple and easy to use delay effect which creates the typical tape delay sound.

You can download it here.

TigerDelay by Neuenberger

Tiger Delay is a plugin that supports filtering, ducking and reverse, and is synchronized with your musical tempo.

You can download it here.

Twin Delay by Cyberworm

Twin Delay is a VST plugin designed for emulation of digital and analogue delay effects.

This is a Windows Delay Plugin only.

You can download it here.

AnalogDelay by Smartelectronix

AnalogDelay consists in a delay unit followed by a 2nd order lowpass filter with saturation.

The delay-time can evolve between zero and max-delay which lets you be very accurate.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Reverb VST Plugins

Ambience Reverb by Smartelectronicx

Ambience Reverb not only comes with all the conventional controls that all other reverbs provide, but it also features some other more unconventional ones which definitely add to its versatility.

You can download it here.

GlaceVerb by Dasample

GlaceVerb uses a proprietary reverb algorithm developed to calculate the deformations, the vibrations and the acoustic response of surfaces and materials…

You can download it here .

Sanford Reverb Leslie Sanford

Sanford Reverb got a great early reflections section, which would be what gives you the notion of how big, or small, the room is as well as the sense of distance.

You can download it here.

OldSkoolVerb by Voxengo

OldSkoolVerb implements a type of classic stereo reverb algorithm which will produce a clear spatial image.

You can download it here.

MuVerb by Mutools

MuVerb is one of those reverb plugins that works well on just about anything…

It’s a great all-rounder, so make sure to try it out.

You can download it here.

EpicVerb by Variety of Sound

EpicVerb is a cool free reverb plugin that aims at both small room-, as well as ambient effect simulation.

You can download it here.

Safe Reverb by Semantic Audio

The whole point behind the SAFE plugins by Semantica Audio is to provide the user with an easier way to control the plugins by using semantic terms such as “warm, bright”, etc. to make the whole process more intuitive.

You can download it here.

Freeze Chamber by Synthescience

With a super minimalistic interface, Freeze Chamber is really simple and straightforward reverb processor which can add some “room” to your tracks.

You can download it here.

Cloud Seed by Valdemar Erlingsson

This is not a regular room reverb like some of the ones on this list, but rather more of a special effect that can completely transform the signal.

You can download it here.

Tal-Reverb-4

Reverb-4 is the latest of the free Reverb plugins to date by TAL.

Its simple interface makes it super easy to use…

You can download it here.

TAL-Reverb-2

Tal-Reverb-2 is a super diffuse and lush reverb effect with a fast build up time. Ideal for ambient reverb sounds, and its primary focus is on long reverb tones.

You can download it here.

Lisc-Verb by Saltlinr

Lisc-verb is a reverb and delay effect which comes with a clean and simple interface that’s easy to use and understand.

You can download it here.

Reverb Solo by Acon Digital

Reverb Solo, by Acon Digital, is one of the simplest and easiest to use free reverb plugins out there.

The interface is super minimalistic, plus I love the way it looks, and the controls are very simple.

You can download it here.

u-he Protoverb

The idea behind Protoverb was to create a good “room simulation”, and contrary to most algorithmic reverbs, Protoverb doesn’t try to avoid resonances or model the reflections of sound from room walls.

You can download it here.

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Best Free EQ VST Plugins

TDR Nova EQ by Tokyo Dawn Records

Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ even though it looks a lot like your traditional parametric EQ.

You can download it here.

ReaEQ by Cockos

The ReaEQ plugin is an infinite Impulse response EQ that is capable of unlimited bands.

You can download it here.

MEqualizer by Melda Production

MEqualizer is a great 6-band EQ that’s very easy to use and features 7 filter types for each band, integrated tube saturation, and harmonics control.

You can download it here.

SonEQ by Sonimus

SonEQ has 3 bands, bass, middle and treble and provides some good control over them.

You can download it here.

Marvel GEQ by Voxengo

Marvel GEQ is a linear-phase 16-band graphic EQ which supports up to 8 input/output channels for professional streaming and sound and music production applications.

You can download it here.

Triple EQ by Blue Cat

The free Triple EQ is a 3-band semi parametric EQ and is a very versatile plugin since it features a wide range of gain (+/-40dB per band) and bandwidth (.01 to 5octave).

You can download it here.

Nova-67P EQ by vladg/sound

Nova-67P is a parallel parametric equalizer plugin combined with a compressor which can optionally operate in frequency dependent and split-band modes.

You can download it here.

SlickEQ by Tokyo Dawn Labs and Variety of Sound

SlickEQ comes with three (and a half) filter-bands arranged in a classic Low/Mid/High semi-parametric layout offer fast and intuitive access to four distinct EQ modes, each representing a set of distinct EQ curves and behaviors.

You can download it here.

Pushtec 5+1A EQ by Leftover Lasagne

Pushtec5+1A is a free 6-band mid-range EQ plugin which comes with a decent number of presets.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Mastering VST Plugins

Youlean Loudness Meter 2

Youlean Loudness Meter 2 is a free loudness metering plugin that features four metering modes; LUFS, LRA, DR and true peak.

You can download it here.

mvMeter 2 by TBProAudio

This is a simple and easy to use plugin which is better than some of its premium counterparts.

It is a multivariable meter including RMS, EBUR128, VU and PPM measurement.

You can download it here.

SPAN by Voxengo

SPAN is a free spectrum analyzer plugin which is absolutely essential for mastering if you want your mixes to end up sounding loud but not crushed.

You can download it here.

LoudMax by Thomas Mundt

LoudMax is a Loudness Maximizer Plugin with a clean and transparent sound.

You can download it here.

Limiter №6 by Vladg Sound

Limiter no6 has five modules which include: RMS compressor, peak limiter, high-frequency limiter, clipper, true peak limiter.

You can download it here.

Stereo Tool v3 by Flux

StereoTool is a free plugin that offers precise control of input gain and individual pan for left and right channels.

You can download it here.

IVGI by Klanghelm

Not only can IVGI add warmth, but it can also be used to completely distort tracks, and it also lets you alter the frequency dependency of the saturation with the RESPONSE control.

You can download it here.

Ferric TDS By Variety of Sounds

Ferric is a tape dynamic simulator which was inspired by the dynamic shaping capabilities of some high-end reel-to-reel tape recorders.

You can download it here.

A1Stereo Control by Alex Hilton

Often times you’d want to give your mixes a wider and expansive sound…

It comes with the “Safe Bass” control.

You can download it here.

Baxter EQ by Variety of Sounds

BaxterEQ was designed to be used for this specific purpose which is why is has a full dual channel layout as well as mid/side encoding support, and per-channel level for easy A/B matching.

You can download it here.

ClipShifter 2 by LVC Audio

ClipShifter is a wave-shaping audio plugin that functions like a clipping-style limiter. 

You can download it here.

Bitter Sweet V3 by Flux

At its core, this is a tone and transient shaper plugin which with just one turn of a knob can reduce/magnify the transients, making the sound sweet or bitter.

You can download it here.

Stereo Buss by Minimal System Group

This is a free compression plugin specifically designed for Master Bus compression.

You can download it here.

Wider by Polyverse Music

This is a simple free plugin that widens your stereo signal…

Just one control, and that’s it!

You can download it here.

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Best Free Arpeggiator VST Plugins

BlueARP by Oleg Mikheev 

BlueARP is a MIDI Arpeggiator plugin with a pattern sequencer style, designed for electronic music genres.

You can download it here.

Hypercyclic by Mucoder

Hypercyclic is an LFO-driven MIDI arpeggiator as well as a gate effect and step sequencer.

You can download it here.

Kirnu by Arto Vaarala 

Kirnu is a VST MIDI arpeggiator plug-in which is designed with real-time tweaking and usability in mind.

You can download it here.

ArpLite2 by SynArp 

Arplite2 is a simple yet pretty good sounding arpeggiator plugin which can synchronize to a host-daw.

You can download it here.

RandARP by CodeFN42 

RandARP is an arpeggiator plugin with many randomization features, allowing incoming notes or chords to be manipulated in various ways.

You can download it here.

Podolski by U-He

Podolski is a free and straightforward CPU-efficient virtual analogue synthesizer.

You can download it here.

Arptron by Psychic Modulation

Arptron is Psychic Modulation’s first free synth which is basically a hybrid phase distortion arp-synth with 2 crossfading oscillator sections, part VA, part phase distortion.

You can download it here.

Arppe2600vs by Glen Stegner

Arppe2600va is a great softsynth that features a multitude of Frequency Modulation options which enable it to create some truly awesome sound effects:

You can download it here.

Arpimedes By Tobybear Productions

If you want an insanely simple arp sound without having to deal with an overloaded and confusing interface, then Arpimedes is definitely for you.

You can download it here.

Arp4midi by xoxos

arp4MIDI is an arpeggiator with contemporary synchronization functions.

You can download it here.

ApolloV3 by Meesha

ApolloV3 is a 16 step, step sequencer/arpeggiator with midi out that works with most popular DAWs.

You can download it here.

ODsay by Elektrostudio

It is a Duophonic synth with 2 sync VCO (6 waveforms), 1 noise generator, Sample and Hold, 1 sine or square wave LFO, 2 filters (LP and HP), 1 VCA and 2 envelopes (1 ADSR and 1 AR), portamento and so on.

You can download it here.

Tonus by KBplugs

Tonus is an emulation of the ARP 2600.

You can download it here.

Syntler by Syntler

Syntler is a groove and arpeggio synth, playable with a joystick.

You can download it here.

Crio by Solcito Musica

Crio is a virtual analog/FM synthesizer that can make arpeggios, bass, solos, leads, FX-style sounds.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Distortion VST Plugins

FuzzPlus 3 by Audio Damage

FuzzPlus 3 is an updated version of the original FuzzPlus pedal emulation which is a straight up fuzz-sounding effect and not so much of a distortion- or saturation one.

You can download it here.

Krush by Tritik

Krush combines the crispy taste of the digital realm with the warmth of its drive stage and analog modeled resonant filters.

You can download it here.

Temper Distortion by Creative Intent

Temper is a modern digital distortion plugin featuring a rich saturation stage and a unique phase distortion.

You can download it here.

SGA1566 by Shattered Glass Audio

SGA1566 brings the authentic tone of a single channel vintage all tube mic preamplifier.

You can download it here.

Tube Saturator Vintage by Wave Arts

Tube Saturator Vintage uses circuit simulation technology to faithfully reproduce the sound of a dual triode preamp.

You can download it here.

Saturation Knob by Softube

The saturation knob is literally one knob that allows you to add some warmth and shimmer to the vocals, guitar, and any other track you’d like…

You can download it here.

Metal Area mt-a by Mercuriall

The Mercuriall Metal Area mt-a is based on the Boss MT-2, which is a super popular distortion pedal.

You can download it here.

Greed Smasher by Mercuriall

Greed Smasher is based on the Mesa/Boogie Grid Slammer overdrive guitar pedal.

You can download it here.

Marauder by AudioParlour

Marauder is an interesting free dynamic distortion effect which sounds absolutely phenomenal.

You can download it here.

Tubes Creamer 808 by Mercuriall

Mercuriall Audio Software’s Tubes Creamer 808 Core is a free virtual Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer pedal emulation.

You can download it here.

TNT by Ourafilmes

TNT is a Distortion/Saturation plugin which was originally created for audio processing on drums, as well as FX and bass sounds.

You can download it here.

Plusdistortion by Distorque

The Plusdistortion plug-in is an emulation of an MXR Distortion+.

You can download it here.

Face Bender by Distorque

This is an emulation of a Fuzz Face and a Tone Bender MKII with added controls for tweaking.

You can download it here.

Buz by Buzzroom

This is an old sounding distortion/fuzz pedal effect.

You can download it here.

Ouradrive by Ourafilmes

This is a basic valve overdrive vst effect.

You can download it here.

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Best Free Indian Instruments VST Plugins

Acoustic Indian Dhol Lite by RDG Audio

Acoustic Dhol is a sample based Indian Dhol Instrument.

You can download it here.

Indian DreamZ by DSK

DSK is well known for creating loads of free and pretty cool-sounding plugins.

You can download it here.

Crypto Cipher Free Sample Pack

It’s a Free Tryout Pack of Indian Kontakt Instrument and wave/Rex Samples.

You can download it here.

Syntar by Syntar

Syntar is a VST instrument designed to fulfill your every sitar sound requirement.

You can download it here.

Real Sitar Player by RDGAudio  

Real Sitar is a sample-based Instrument.

It has been sampled from Asian and many types of real Sitar Instruments.

You can download it here.

Iowa Alto

Iowa Alto Flute is a sampled alto flute from the University of Iowa Electronic Music Studios.

You can download it here.

VSCO2 Flute 

Versilian Studios Chamber Orchestra 2 Flute, also known as VSCO2 Flute, is an incredible free plugin that samples a real Flute.

You can download it here.

SwarPlug 4

SwarPlug is a VST, Audio Units and AAX plugin that will work on most DAWs.

You can download it here.

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3 thoughts on “The 225 Best Free VST/AU Plugins in the World! (2023)”

  1. Interesting list of plug ins.
    Any thoughts on marking each one 6/10 etc?
    Difficult to know which ones to choose.

Comments are closed.