The Best Free Plugins [Over 100 VSTs to Download]
Whether you’ve been in the music production world for a while or you’re just starting out with your home studio, choosing a good palette of effect plugins is one of the tasks that will take up the most time and give you the most headaches. Today, the range of free plugins is immense and at GuitarRec we have selected the options that really make a difference for producing music in your home studio.
We definitely recommend experimenting and taking some time to try these free VST plugins before making an investment. Many of these effects are used daily in professional online mixing and mastering and vocal editing projects in home studios and professional studios around the world.
On the other hand, it’s true that nowadays any production software (DAW) includes a notable selection of native effects that are more than enough to start working with. The key is knowing when the effects included in your DAW are enough and when an external plugin, even a free one, can provide extra character or inspire us in a different way when producing music by offering a different workflow to the one we’re used to.
Free plugins vs paid plugins: what you need to consider
Free plugins are an excellent foundation for learning, experimenting and working competently on many productions. In fact, several of the plugins you’ll find in this guide we use regularly in our online production services for artists, combining them with paid tools.
Even so, we assure you that more than one of the free plugins you’ll see below, although in some cases they’re cut-down versions of their paid equivalents, have over time become genuine must-haves for any current producer. The main difference compared to commercial plugins tends to be in aspects like update frequency, support or some advanced features, rather than in the sound quality itself.
That said, at GuitarRec we always advocate the use of legal software. All VST, AAX and AU plugins included in this list are 100% legal freeware and are offered free of charge by their own developers.
Essential free plugin packs for producing music
Before getting into the list of specific plugins, we can’t fail to recommend several free plugin packs with which you’ll easily have more than 80% of the usual needs for producing music covered. Many of the plugins included in these packs are also part of this list of best VSTs and stand out for their simplicity and performance.
The great advantage of this kind of bundle is that, during installation, you can select only the plugins you’re actually going to use. You won’t find big vintage emulations or unnecessary gimmicks here, but rather functional, stable tools with very reasonable resource consumption that will surely get you out of more than one jam while producing.
Kilohearts Essentials
The Kilohearts Essentials pack includes more than 30 free plugins designed to cover virtually all the basic mixing and production needs: equalization, dynamics, modulation, filters, distortion, utilities and more.
They particularly stand out for their clear interface, low CPU consumption and a very fast workflow, making them an ideal option both to get started and to work comfortably on real projects. It’s one of those packs worth having installed, even if you use your DAW’s native plugins or other more advanced ones.
Go to Kilohearts Essentials free download page
MeldaProduction MFreeFXBundle
MeldaProduction’s MFreeFXBundle is another of the great must-haves. It includes more than 30 free plugins with a more technical and very comprehensive approach, covering everything from equalizers and compressors to modulation, analysis and advanced utilities.
Although their interfaces may seem simpler at first, the flexibility and depth they offer is huge. It’s a perfect pack for those who want professional tools on a par with any paid plugin pack. In addition, this freeware pack gives us the possibility of doing an upgrade for less than $60 to access more advanced features.
Go to MFreeFXBundle free download page
Plugin Alliance Free Collection
Plugin Alliance is one of the most recognized brands in the professional audio sector, and offers us a free pack of 20 plugins when you register on their website. It works as a gateway to their paid and subscription ecosystem, but on its own it’s already an essential arsenal for any home studio: it includes mastering tools, dynamics, equalization, distortion, amplifier simulation and much more, with the sound quality that characterizes brands like Brainworx, SPL or elysia.
Go to Plugin Alliance Free Collection page
Can I use these free plugins with FL Studio, Ableton or my favorite DAW?
Yes. All plugins in this list work in any of the best DAWs on the market, whether it’s FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, Bitwig or any other music production program, as long as it’s compatible with VST, VST3 or AU formats.
In the case of Pro Tools, the native format is AAX. If the plugin you want to use is available in AAX (you’ll see it indicated in each entry in this list), you’ll be able to load it directly without any problem. If it’s only in VST or VST3, you’ll need a VST to AAX converter in order to use it in Pro Tools. There are paid wrappers like Blue Cat’s PatchWork (around €100) that solve this incompatibility. Unfortunately, as of today there’s no stable freeware alternative we can recommend.
TOP recommended free plugins by use
Before you dive into our full list of more than 100 plugins to download free for FL Studio, Ableton or any production program you use, here’s a personal selection with our TOP free plugins for each type of use, based on our experience and that of fellow professionals producing with them both in professional environments and when it comes to recording music at home.
TOP free plugins for vocals
When working on a vocal, beyond the specific plugin, it’s important to understand the complete processing chain. Below we leave you a selection of plugins from our list that cover the most common steps in a vocal chain, from tuning and compression to spatial effects. We also suggest a specific order.
- Pitch correction
Depending on the style, pitch correction can range from very subtle adjustments to more obvious Auto-Tune type effects.
- MAutoPitch – Automatic Auto-Tune type pitch correction, useful both for transparent adjustments and for creative effects.
See plugin in list > | Download link
2. Sibilance control (De-Esser)
- T-De-Esser 2 – Lets you precisely control sibilance on vocal tracks.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
3. Surgical equalization
- TDR Nova – Dynamic equalizer ideal for cleaning up resonances, filtering low frequencies, and solving problems by compressing specific frequencies on vocal tracks.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
4. Compression with character
- MJUC JR – Compressor with character that brings dynamic control, presence and body to the voice without losing naturalness.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
5. Equalization with character
- SonEQ – Free vintage-type equalizer to bring out highs and lows in vocals with the sound of classic analog mixing consoles.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
6. Distortion with mix control (blend)
- GSatPlus – Free tube-type saturation vst plugin to add harmonics in a controlled way, ideal to use in parallel and dose the amount of drive on your vocal tracks.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
Another of the best free plugins you’ll find in our list is the legendary Camel Crusher, used in countless professional productions from the 2000s, here’s the Camel Crusher download link.
7. Modulation or doubler effects
- Vocal Doubler – At this point in the vocal chain it can also be interesting to add a touch of modulation or stereo widening. For this, one of the best free plugins is Vocal Doubler, an effect designed to give more body and presence to vocals through a slight doubling, ideal for using subtly and adding width.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
7. Reverb and delay
To place the voice in space and give it depth you can use any of the free reverb and delay plugins you’ll find further down in the list. Even so, we can’t fail to recommend this plugin from Valhalla, one of the leading developers of the best paid plugins, which, although it’s not a conventional reverb designed exclusively for vocals, stands out for its creative approach and its huge possibilities including reverb presets very suitable for lead vocals such as bright room.
- Valhalla Supermassive – Creative reverbs and delays, very useful both on lead vocals and for effects.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
TOP free plugins for mastering
When it comes to mastering, less is usually more. In this process we look for balance, cohesion and final level, without excessively altering the original mix. If you feel this final phase is giving you trouble or you prefer to ensure an industry-standard sound, remember we can lend you a hand with our online mixing and mastering service. Even so, at GuitarRec we encourage you to keep practicing on your own. Below we leave you three of the best free plugins for mastering, which will help you to cover some common needs when mastering songs.
- A1StereoControl (AlexHilton.net / A1AUDIO) – Plugin to limit or expand the stereo field of a track or bus. A very solid free alternative to the classic Waves S1 Stereo Enhancer, ideal for adjusting the stereo image precisely when mastering.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
- Limiter (Kilohearts) – Free limiter included in the Kilohearts plugin pack, perfect for adjusting the final level in a simple and transparent way. It stands out for keeping transients under control even with demanding settings.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
- Loudness (Goodhertz) – Precise volume control with integrated LUFS, RMS, Peak and True Peak meters. It allows you to adjust the final level to the standard of streaming platforms without artifacts, and is essential for those looking for a clean and fully automatable fader.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
- Voxengo SPAN – Essential spectrum analyzer for any mastering session. Very useful for complementing listening and visualizing the frequency balance clearly and precisely.
See plugin in the list > | Download link
Complete list of free VST, AU and AAX plugins
Below we leave you the full list with more than 100 free plugins for producing music with MAC and PC, sorted by type and with basic info and download links. You can use the index to go straight to the section you’re interested in.
Important: This list is based on free effects plugins (dynamics, eqs, modulation, delays, reverbs…) and not virtual instruments. If you’re also interested in VSTis, on our blog we also have a guide that includes the best Free virtual instruments for producing music.
Plugin index by type
Best Free Equalizer (EQ) Plugins
TDR Nova (Tokyo Dawn Records)
Free dynamic equalizer with great precision, ideal for surgical equalization and resonance control. It combines parametric equalization and band-based dynamic compression, with a clean and visual approach similar to that of paid EQs like FabFilter Pro-Q. It’s one of the most widely used free plugins in professional environments and a reference within the Tokyo Dawn Records ecosystem.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows, 64 bit)
MEqualizer (MeldaProduction)
Complete modern parametric equalizer, which adds some very useful and unique features. 7 bands with a variety of shapes and harmonic control. Available in melda production’s free pack of 36 plugins. (we’ll see several of them in the list).
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download MEqualizer from MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Warmy EP1A (Kiive Audio)
Free emulation of the legendary Pultec EQP-1A, one of the most widely used passive equalizers in the history of music. Warmy EP1A reproduces the characteristic analog color of the original hardware, with its simultaneous boost and cut controls for lows and highs that allow you to sculpt the sound with a very particular musicality. Ideal for adding body to kicks, warmth to vocals and brightness to mix buses. A freeware gem for anyone who wants the Pultec sound without spending anything.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download Warmy EP1A for free from Kiive Audio
TDR VOS SlickEQ (Tokyo Dawn Records)
Intuitive and very complete three-band semi-parametric EQ and a high-pass filter, with several modes of operation/algorithms and a very comprehensive palette of options, even in its free version.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download SlickEQ (Tokyo Dawn Records) for free
HoRNet TreBande (Hornet Plugins)
HoRNet TreBande is a free three-band equalizer inspired by the character of classic equalizers. Low, mid and high controls, bringing a slight color and analog-style warmth. It’s a practical and straightforward plugin, ideal for EQing your tracks using freeware software.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Blue Cat’s Triple EQ (Blue Cat Audio)
Free 3-band semi-parametric eq plugin with mid-side features, very low latency and Blue Cat Audio quality.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat´s Triple EQ for free
SonEQ (Sonimus)
Free analog-style equalizer inspired by classic hardware, ideal for bringing character and musicality to vocal, mix and mastering tracks. It features three-band equalization, high-pass and low-pass filters, and a preamp stage that subtly adds color. A simple, stable and very effective plugin when you’re looking for character equalization without complications.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download SonEQ plugin (Sonimus)
Marvel GEQ (Voxengo)
Marvel GEQ is a free 16-band linear phase graphic equalizer. Transparent sound and perfect for mastering. It supports mid/side processing.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Marvel GEQ Voxengo free
Luftikus (lkjb)
Luftikus is a digital adaptation of an analog equalizer with fixed half-octave bands and additional high-frequency boost. A free alternative to the Mäag Audio EQ4 (one of today’s best eq plugins)
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Luftikus (lkjb) for free
PTEq-X (Ignite Amps)
A free digital emulation of 3 famous vintage passive equalizers (Pultec type). It’s been developed to have all the features of the original hardware.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download PTEq-X (Ignite Amps) free pulteq-type eq
Code Red Free (Shattered Glass Audio)
Vintage Channel Strip based on the design of the EMI REDD console, which was made famous by The Beatles and Abbey Road Studios. A free VST perfect to add extra color and saturation to clean sounds without blowing your home studio plugin budget.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Code Red Channel Strip
Krush (Tritik)
Free bitcrusher effect with clipping, downsampling and filtering. The palette of sounds produced by Krush ranges from the dirtiest digital effects to all the classic bit reduction effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free bitcrusher Krush (Tritik)
Dirty Filter (BPB)
A standard filter with HPF and LPF options, with mix control and included saturation/drive parameter.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Dirty Filter BPB VST filter
Fresh Air (Slate digital)
Plugin with audio processing based on old exciter circuits and dynamic processing. It allows us to add brightness to the mix or track with a simple interface.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Fresh Air from Slate Digital
Free plugins: Compressors, Dynamics, Clippers
OTT (Xfer Records)
Without a doubt one of the most popular free plugins. A recreation of a popular and aggressive multiband compressor used by many dubstep and electronic producers.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free OTT from Xfer Records
MCompressor (meldaproduction)
The meldaproduction compressor offers us simple control but with an excellent level of features if we want to dig deeper according to our needs. Perfect for dynamic control of buses, individual tracks and adding punch to drums.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Mcompressor from MeldaProduction (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Molot (Vladg Sound / Tokyo Dawn Records)
Free Russian-flavored compressor developed by Vladg Sound and distributed through Tokyo Dawn Records. It stands out for its punchy and aggressive sound, perfect for adding punch and color to drums, bass and mix buses. It includes several compression modes, sidechain with filter and an adjustable knee that makes it surprisingly flexible for freeware.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Molot from Vladg Sound / Tokyo Dawn Records
SeteChave : Punch / Pump Compressor (AudioFC)
Free compressor plugin with features close to the “pumping” effect.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free SeteChave : Punch / Pump Compressor (AudioFC)
Tan Free Compressor (Acustica-audio)
Free classic analog VCA compressor that offers many sound shaping options. Available for free through the Aquarius download manager from the prestigious developer Acustica-audio. A plugin absolutely on a par with the best paid compressor plugins.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Tan Free Compressor (Acustica-audio) here
MJUC JR (Klanghelm Audio Plugins)
Free version of a variable-MU compressor capable of leveling the signal smoothly but also of creating intense pumping effects. With its two gain stages and transformer simulation between stages, it delivers a quality sonic recreation. Perfect for vocal tracks, buses and all kinds of instruments.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free MJUC JR from Klanghelm
DC1A (Klanghelm Audio Plugins)
DC1A is the little brother of the DC8C. A smooth, faithful compressor, from almost invisible gentle leveling to heavy pumping with pleasant crunchy saturation and powerful enough to handle drums.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download DC1A Klanghelm free here
T-De-Esser 2 (Techivation)
Techivation’s T-De-Esser 2 is a free plugin designed to solve one of the main problems we encounter in any vocal production: sibilance. This intuitive de-esser interface lets you smooth out high frequencies without losing naturalness, noticeably improving quality compared to its previous version.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Loudness (Goodhertz)
A free plugin designed to improve volume control in mixes. Unlike standard volume controls in DAWs, Loudness offers a cleaner sound without artifacts like clicks or distortion. It incorporates LUFS, RMS, Peak and True Peak meters, and allows you to adjust fader slide times for smoother automation. It also offers advanced tools like stereo control, automatic balance and more. A luxurious free plugin from Goodhertz, a brand we’re big fans of in the studio and whose plugins we regularly use in our mixes.
Compatible formats: VST3, VST2, AAX, AU for Windows, macOS and Linux.
BitterSweet v3 Transient Designer (Flux Audio)
A free and effective transient designer or transient controller with simple controls. With Mid/Side control. A perfect tool to accentuate or attenuate the attack of our tracks.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Bittersweet 3 transient designer
LoudMax Plugin
A volume limiter and maximizer plugin with a clean and transparent sound. It’s designed to preserve the original character of the audio as much as possible, even at high compression levels.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download LoudMax (free vst au limiter)
Limiter (KiloHearts)
Free limiter plugin included in the KiloHearts free plugins pack (absolutely recommended). The limiter, they assure us, makes sure the signal never sounds louder than we want, without distorting or destroying transients. Even with the knob turned to 11.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Limiter from Kilohearts
GClip Manual (GVST)
A free Clipping plugin (with hard and soft option) widely used to create a controlled clipping effect on the signal. GClip lets you limit audio peaks through wave-shaping, either abruptly or smoothly, without the signal going over the set maximum level. For your punchiest and most extreme sounds.
Formats: VST (Mac and Windows)
Initial Clipper (Initial Audio)
A free soft clipping plugin with additional saturation control. Initial Clipper smooths out peaks that exceed the threshold, preventing the signal from going above 0 dB. It includes an integrated LUFS meter and the ability to add harmonic and non-harmonic saturation, bringing warmth, thickness and punch to the sound.
Formats: AAX, VST2, VST3, AU (Mac and Windows, Apple Silicon compatible)
Download free Initial Clipper at Initial Audio
KClip Zero (Kazrog)
A professional-grade free clipper for mastering. KClip Zero offers the same clipping algorithm as its paid version KClip 3, with variable control and oversampling up to 16x. It includes real-time visualizer, resizable window and a fast workflow to achieve competitive loudness without distortion.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows, 64-bit)
Download the free KClip Zero plugin at Kazrog
A1TriggerGate (AlexHilton.net / A1AUDIO)
A free ‘sequenced gate’ plugin. It lets us cut and add effects to any audio signal input through rhythmic patterns. It’s a type of effect widely used in electronic music.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free A1TriggerGate from AlexHilton.net / A1AUDIO
ZEEK STFU
One of the best free volume shapers available, ideal for creating sidechain pumping effects without needing a kick track routed. It can be synced to the host BPM or triggered via MIDI with sample-accurate precision, which makes it a perfect freeware alternative to the classic LFO Tool for electronic, house or EDM productions.
Formats: VST3, AU (Mac and Windows, 64 bit)
Download free ZEEK STFU for Mac and Windows
Best Free Auto-tune, pitch and tuning plugins
MAutoPitch (meldaproduction)
Automatic pitch correction plugin (Auto-tune type) with excellent sound and formant shift and stereo expansion features. One of the best free alternatives to the classic paid vocal tuning plugins from antares and waves.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free MAutoPitch from MeldaProduction (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Graillon (Auburn Sounds)
Another of the free alternatives to the famous Autotune. A great free plugin with pitch correction, pitch shift, formant and robotic effects for voice. A plugin with low latency and resource usage perfect for using in real time.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac. Linux and Windows)
Download free Graillon pitch correction
Voloco (Resonant Cavity)
Another autotune-type effect in free AU and VST (also for Android!) focused on the more creative and robotic side of this famous vocal pitch/tuning correction effect.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Voloco Auto-tune
Inner Pitch (Auburn Sounds)
Inner Pitch is a pitch shifting plugin that offers a sound of high quality and naturalness, designed to preserve the intent of the original audio, with the option to manipulate or destroy the sound when desired. It lets you adjust the pitch, formants, reinforce the lows with signal mixing, duplicate tracks, create soundscapes and generate infinite rise or fall effects. It offers a free version with all these features, while the full edition unlocks higher-quality options.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Pitchproof (Aegean Music)
Pitchproof is a free audio plugin that lets you alter the pitch of the input signal. Its main function is to emulate the effects of guitar harmonization pedals, keeping the integrity of the sound. It offers control options such as mixing between the processed and original signal, selection of harmonics and scales for harmonization effects. Pitchproof works best with monophonic signals, like guitar solos.
Compatible formats: Windows 32/64 bit, Mac VST and AU.
Best Free Modulation VST plugins
Valhalla Space Modulator
A free flanger from the fantastic Valhalla company. Eleven algorithms to get all kinds of effects that defy description.
Formats: AAX, AU, VST (Mac and Windows)
Download Valhalla Space Modulator free
Haze (Lunacy)
Haze is a free plugin that combines chorus, phasing and algorithmic reverbs with a unique spectral dispersion engine, creating wide, atmospheric textures with an ethereal character. It lets you add everything from subtle stereo movement to resonant and enveloping soundscapes, with dedicated controls for decay, density, tape-style modulation and a “smear” filter to further densify the sound. It includes 20 presets and is ideal for ambient, cinematic productions or any mix where you’re looking for a dreamlike touch.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Haze from Lunacy (requires email registration)
Dimension Expander (Xfer Records)
A chorus/spatial expander with a late 80s sound. Basically it’s a four-voice chorus with extended delay times and with two of the voices out of phase with the other two.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Dimension Expander (Xfer Records)
Vocal Doubler (Izotope)
Free plug-in designed to enhance your vocal tracks with a classic natural doubling effect, adding richness and depth.
Formats: AAX, AU, VST (Mac and Windows)
Download Vocal Doubler from Izotope Free
Tal Chorus LX (TAL Software)
Emulation of the legendary chorus from the Roland Juno-60 synthesizer. Standalone version of the one TAL Software includes in its fantastic TAL-U-No-LX
Formats: AAX, AU, VST (Mac and Windows)
TAL Filter 2 (TAL Software)
Free plugin with different types of filters synced to the host and possibilities for volume modulation, panning and automated stereo effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
MAutoPan (meldaproduction)
Fully automatable autopan with loads of adjustable features: waveform, stereo field, automatic gain compensation and much more.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free MAutopan from MeldaProduction (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
PanCake 2 (Cableguys)
Free plugin for most pan modulations. The modulation curves can be synced to tempo and easily drawn via its graphic interface.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free PanCake 2 (Cableguys)
Adam Monroe’s Tremolo
Stereo tremolo effect plugin that looks like a guitar pedal with basic features like waveform selection, sample rate, and dry/wet.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Adam Monroe´s Tremolo plugin
Blue Cat’s Chorus (Blue Cat Audio)
From gentle modulation to a deeply destructive effect, Blue Cat’s Chorus can do anything.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat´s Chorus for free
Blue Cat’s Flanger (Blue Cat Audio)
The free version from the Blue Cat company of the famous modulation effect so widely used in 70s and 80s productions.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat´s Flanger for free
Blue Cat’s Phaser (Blue Cat Audio)
Modeled after old analog phaser circuits, Blue Cat’s free Phaser plugin reproduces this old phase effect that can be found in so many recordings.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat´s Phaser for free
Best Free Stereo Image Plugins
MidSide Matrix (Goodhertz)
M/S (mid / side) stereo field processing plugin, with the essentials: mid/side matrices, gains, monitoring and metering.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
S Doubler (SoliderSound)
S Doubler is a free plugin that emulates psychoacoustic effects to create a sense of dimension in mixes. With four doubled voices that you can place in a virtual sound stage, S Doubler lets you shape the stereo image of your music. It’s ideal for adding presence and thickness to vocals, guitars, synths and keyboards.
Compatible formats: VST, VST3, AU and AAX for Windows and Mac.
MSED (Voxengo)
Another free Mid/Side processing plugin with complete features for independent signal processing and other functions like L/R flipping and correlation meter.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
bx_solo (Brainworx)
Stereo field processing with M / S (mid/side) technique. It includes key features like its exclusive Solo buttons, which let you listen individually to the components of a stereo signal. Perfect for final master adjustments or for any of the other phases of music production of your song.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows) – You need to register a new plugin alliance account.
Download free bx_solo Mid Side plugin
Wider (Polyversemusic)
Another of the free plugins that create an illusion of expanded stereo image from a mono signal and without phase problems.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Wider stereo plugin
A1StereoControl (AlexHilton.net / A1AUDIO)
Plugin to limit or expand the stereo field of a track or group of tracks. A free alternative to the legendary Waves S1 Stereo Enhancer.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free A1StereoControl (AlexHilton.net / A1AUDIO)
Proximity (Tokyo Dawn Records)
A tool based on several psychoacoustic models that lets you manipulate the sense of depth of various sound sources in a simple and convincing way.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free proximity plugin
Place It
Place It is a free plugin that emulates speakers placed in 40 real environments, using high-quality stereo impulse responses. It was born as part of Soundly Voice Designer and is now available for any of the best DAWs for producing music. Professional sound, easy to use and completely free.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Direct free download place it plugin
Wizard -Stereo Widener (AudioFB)
Plugin that expands the stereo image of any mono or stereo signal, in general this is a mono-compatible plug-in, so we avoid some phase problems when processing a mono signal.
Formats: VST, AAX , AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Wizard -Stereo Widener plugin
Best Free Distortion and Harmonic Exciter Plugins
Camelcrusher (Camelaudio) direct download
Although now discontinued, it’s still one of the best free distortion plugins that have ever existed. Used in countless EDM classics of the 2010s. Besides two types of distortion, it also offers us a low-pass filter and compressor. A legendary freeware plugin that we’ve kept at GuitarRec so you can still download it.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Camelcrusher here (direct download for Mac and PC, the one we use at GuitarRec)
GSat+ (TBProAudio)
GSat+ is a free tube-type saturation plugin derived from the TBProAudio CS5501V2 module. It offers several saturation modes, high customization capability, oversampling and cross-platform compatibility, in addition to including classic-style VU meters. It incorporates a mix control that lets you combine the processed signal with the original. This makes it one of the best free VSTs for vocals since it lets you add saturation in a controlled way to your vocal tracks.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Saturation Knob (Softube)
One of the most used free plugins. Three saturation modes and a single control. Ideal for fattening up drums and bass, adding harmonics to vocals and much more. Perfect for saturating separate tracks, groups or audio stems in your production.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Saturation Knob for free
Trash Lite (Izotope)
Trash Lite is the free version of iZotope’s Trash distortion plugin. It offers the characteristic distortion module of Trash, letting you explore more than 60 types of distortion. With its XY pad, you can mix different distortions and adjust the intensity via the Drive control, while autogain and the limiter take care of the output levels. Ideal for producing, creating by experimenting with moving sounds.
Compatible formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, AUv3 for iPad.
Download free for Windows, Mac and iPad
Color Bundle (Analog Obsession)
The Color Bundle from Analog Obsession is a free package that includes a series of plugins designed to add analog saturation and coloration to tracks. Among them, emulations of preamps, equalizers and compressors stand out, which give the character of classic analog gear. Analog Obsession is an independent project that offers free plugins, with the possibility of supporting the developer through their Patreon, but without the need for a subscription to download and use the plugins.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Color Bundle from Analog Obsession here for mac and pc
Boogex (Voxengo)
Free guitar amplifier and cabinet simulator via impulses. It offers us a large number of modes, options and also a stereo reverb.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Boogex amp simulator from Voxengo
IVGI (Klanghelm Audio Plugins)
From subtle saturation on a bus channel to a drastic distortion effect. Klanghelm’s plugin offers us a good number of colors for applying drive to our signals. Perfect for vocal tracks and giving that extra color in the mix.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free IVGI Klanghelm compressor
Blue Cat’s Free Amp (Blue Cat Audio)
Free amplifier simulator from Blue Cat with three models extracted from their paid Destructor plugin. The plugin offers us amplifier sounds, distortion pedals or overdrive and other effects for electric guitar.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat’s Free Amp for free
FreeAMP (Klevgrand)
Plugin with tape and tube saturation sound at the same time. It can be used on any audio source that needs to be revitalized, from individual tracks to full mixes.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows) – Requires registration at klevgrand.se
Tape Cassette 2 (Caelum audio)
Plugin that emulates the warmth, noise and character of old cassette tapes.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Tape Cassette 2 from Caelum audio
8-Bit Shaper (Xfer Records)
Processes the incoming audio signal and reduces it to 8 bits. Then it induces a wave shaping stage with optional pre and post filtering to allow even greater coloration of the signal.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Xfer Records 8-Bit Shaper
Delta Modulator (Xfer Records)
Distortion/bitcrusher effect. It uses delta modulation, which results in a sound similar to what you’d hear on the sampling channel of the Nintendo NES console.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Delta Modulator (Xfer Records)
Vinyl (iZotope)
One of the best distortion and vinyl effect emulators. 5 types of noise, 4 different warping models and 6 different EQ profiles.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Vinyl plugin from iZotope
MComb (meldaproduction)
Comb filter plugin very useful for achieving creative, distorted sounds and dramatic changes in our audio signal. Another of the gems included in meldaproduction’s free pack.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free MComb from MeldaProduction (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Deckwrecka (Air Windows)
Air Windows, from developer and musician Chris Johnson, develops free plugins without graphic interface, they use the DAW’s default graphics. Deckwrecka simulates audio passed through the distorted PA of a club. Cool. On their website you’ll find real gems, plus videos and didactic material where Chris himself explains in detail how each plugin works and how to get the most out of it.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Deckwrecka from Air Windows
Channel7 (Air Windows)
Three mixing console gain simulation algorithms (Neve, SSL, API) with drive control. It’s worth trying it out and being impressed with the result of this free plugin (and the others from AirWindows)
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Air Windows Channel7 download page
Tube2 (Air Windows)
Tube2 is the second version of the Air Windows tube simulator. It adds thickness and harmonics to the signal. Two controls: input and tube.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Tube2 from Air Windows
MSaturator (meldaproduction)
A plugin that can be adjusted quickly and simply or with greater specificity and precision. The harmonics section is a very useful tool. A great free plugin for subtle or extreme distortions.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free MSaturator from MeldaProduction (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Best Free Delay Plugins
Valhalla Freq Echo
An analog echo emulation plugin with “frequency shifter” that will let you satisfy all your psychedelic needs. Any of Valhalla’s free or paid plugins must be in the arsenal of any producer who wants to stay up to date with sound and effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Valhalla Freq Echo
Valhalla Super Massive
Massive delays and reverbs. Delicious reverb clouds, otherworldly delays and waves of feedback in another of Valhalla’s fantastic free plugins. Without a doubt, SuperMassive is one of the best free plugins that exist. Perfect both for experimenting with textures from vocal tracks and for creating eye-catching effects, the well-known ear candy, within your productions.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Super Massive from Valhalla
Magic Dice (Baby Audio)
Magic Dice is an original free plugin that gives you delay, reverb and modulation textures with a single click. Every time you use it, it generates a unique effects configuration, guaranteeing different results with each attempt. Based on the Spaced Out engine, it combines over 50 individual effects, keeping the interface simple and easy to use.
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX.
Check out the other 3 free plugins the BABY Audio brand offers us:
- Beat Slammer (Compression): An aggressive compressor designed to crush and add intensity to your drum tracks or mixes. Based on the IHNY-2, it lets you mix the compressed signal while keeping the original dynamics.
- Pitch Drift (Pitch modulation): Adds subtle or intense fluctuations to the pitch of your tracks for a more organic and less static sound.
- Magic Switch (Chorus): Inspired by the single-button choruses of the 80s, this plugin adds color and depth to your tracks with a vintage touch.
Adam Monroe’s Delay
A free delay plugin with classic features like sync panning, hi pass and low pass filtering.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Adam Monroe´s Delay
TapeDelay2 (Air Windows)
Emulation of a tape delay. Like all from Air Windows, a plugin without graphic design but with controls for filter, flutter, reso, regen… and a spectacular sound.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Tape delay 2 from Air Windows
Spread Delay Lite (audec-music)
Multi-tap / ping-pong style delay with a very useful graphic interface for visualizing the panorama and timing of the repetitions.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free Spread Delay Lite plugin
VariSpeed (GSI)
A simulation of the WEM Copicat IC-400 Belt Drive VariSpeed model, the first tape echo machine manufactured by WEM (Charly Watkins) with a motor capable of changing speed, thus varying the delay time.
Formats: VST, AU, Standalone (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Varispeed (copycat) plugin
VariSpeed (GSI)
A free VST delay plugin designed to offer a wide range of effects, from warm analog tape echoes to complex and modulated ping-pongs. Among its outstanding features are realistic tape saturation and tape head emulation. One of the most sought-after effects in delay pedals for guitarists and other instruments.
Formats: VST, VST3, AAX, AudioUnit for Windows and macOS (Intel and Silicon).
Voxengo Sound Delay
Created with a technical purpose of signal delay, without feedback or modulation. It also features internal mid/side encoding and decoding for independent delays.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Voxengo sound Delay
faSampleDelay (Forward Audio)
Simple free phase alignment plugin. A versatile and reliable tool for small phase adjustment tasks when recording guitars or drums.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download faSampleDelay from Forward Audio
Best Free VST Reverb Plugins
TAL Reverb 4 (Tal Software)
TAL-Reverb-4 is a high-quality Plate-type reverb with a classic 80s character.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download TAL Reverb 4 for free
MCharmVerb (meldaproduction)
Algorithmic reverb plugin with a great sound based on the MTurboReverb engine.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free MCharmVerb from MeldaProduction (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
MConvolutionEZ (meldaproduction)
A highly optimized and easy-to-use convolution reverb. It comes with a great variety of impulse responses: Halls, plates, rooms, guitar cabinets and effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free MConvolutionEZ from MeldaProduction (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
VREV-666 Free Spring Reverb (Fuse Audio Labs)
REV-666 is a free spring reverb from Fuse Audio Labs, based on a rare device from the 1960s that was originally designed to alter the acoustics in listening environments. This digital version captures the authentic sound and character of the original unit.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
TENSjr (Klanghelm)
TENS jr. is the lightweight version of the TENS spring reverb, a free VST that features the 5 model – tank A. Unlike the classic spring reverb units of the 70s and 80s, TENS jr. offers a stereo reverb with decay times adjustable between 0.5 and 20 seconds. It has a high reverb density, fast build-up and minimal “boing”-type distortions, which makes it sound almost like a “plate” type reverb.
Compatible formats: AU, VST and AAX Windows and Mac.
OldSkoolVerb (Voxengo)
Algorithmic reverb with several classic modes optimized for non-percussive instruments. Perfect for vocals, pianos and pads.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Free download OldSkoolVerb plugin from Voxengo
Flex Reverb (Platone Studio)
Platone Studio’s Flex Reverb plugin is a versatile tool that combines the transparency of Hall Reverbs with the character of Plate Reverbs, ideal for giving depth to any mix. With a focus on simplicity, its design lets you quickly adjust the sound without complications. In addition to this, the brand offers two other free plugins: one delay and one DJ-type filter.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Platone Studio plugins here
Protoverb (U-he)
An experimental room simulation reverb. Most algorithmic reverbs try to avoid resonances. Protoverb generates as many room resonances as possible.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX* (Mac and *Windows)
Download free Protoverb reverb plugin from U-he
Reality dear exoverb
EXOVERB is a stereo reverb plugin that offers an unmatched spatial feel with 50 realistic acoustic scenes, achieving unique three-dimensional depth and width. Thanks to its reverb engine with multichannel synthetic IRs, it lets you clean and open up your stereo mixes with great precision. It includes an intuitive triangle-style control to adjust the scene, and independent EQs for early reflections, reverb tail and final mix. Hardly anything to envy of some of the best paid reverb plugins.
Formats: (AAX/VST3/AU)
To get it along with the other free plugins from the brand, you must sign up for the sennheiser newsletter here.
Other Free Plugins (Analyzers, Tools and Native Instruments-style Suites)
Voxengo SPAN
One of the most famous free spectrum analyzer plugins. Always useful in the studio to complement what we hear through our studio monitors. Very comprehensive in terms of features (even in its free version) and at the same time simple and practical.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Voxengo SPAN spectrum analyzer
Cassette Transport (wavesfactory)
Cassette Transport is a free effect plugin that recreates the characteristic sound of a cassette tape when accelerating or slowing down, including the real mechanical noises of buttons and rotor. Ideal for adding analog texture and achieving the much sought-after tape stop effect freely and simply.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download here (by signing up for their mail list).
Deja Vu (Cymatics)
Deja Vu is a time warping effects plugin that lets you transform any sound through time-stretching and pitch-shifting to achieve atmospheric effects. Inspired by popular sounds in modern pop and hip-hop, this plugin lets you creatively manipulate time and rhythm offline or in real time.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Deja Vu from Cymatics here
Loudness Meter (Youlean)
One of the best Loudness meter plugins. It helps us find the true perceived volume of audio and prepares it for release on TV or streaming services.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Youlean Loudness Meter
Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst (Blue Cat Audio)
Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst is a free spectrum analyzer plugin that lets you monitor the spectral content of an audio signal in real time.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Free download Blue Cat FreqAnalyst
Track Control (DMG Audio)
Free plugin from the prestigious DMG audio company that offers us total track control. It lets us vary gain, M/S, delay compensation, HPfilter, swap channel, and phase (one of the most common mistakes when recording guitars).
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows) – Activated through the brand’s license management software.
Download free Track Control from DMG audio
Tal Vocoder Free (TAL Software)
Free 11-band vintage vocoder emulation plugin with the classic early 80s sound.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Tal Vocoder plugin
Zen Master (Unison Audio)
Free multi-effect plugin designed to add lo-fi, vintage and warm vibe to any sound in a matter of seconds. With just 5 knobs it combines detune with stereo width, tape-style wobble, bitcrushing, vintage noise (vinyl, crackle or white noise) and a warm, spacious reverb. Ideal for keyboards, drums, 808s, guitars or any track where you’re looking for that retro character so present in modern hip-hop, R&B and alternative pop productions. One of the best freeware alternatives to the popular RC-20 Retro Color, one of the most widely used paid plugins in current professional music productions.
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows, 64 bit)
Download free Zen Master from Unison Audio (requires email registration)
Finisher Micro (Ujam)
Original multi-effect plugin concept with a single knob that lets us creatively modify a sound through defined effect chain presets and easily take it to “another place”.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free Finisher micro plugin
Tune It! (Free.fr)
Free tuner plugin. It lets us control the precision level and thus reduce latency when using it in real time.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
ProjectTime (HOFA plugins)
ProjectTime tells us how much time we’ve spent on each project in our DAW. It’s inserted as a plugin and the time is saved when the project closes and resumes when opened.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows) – Activated through Hofa’s download manager.
Download free projectime from Hofa plugins
s(M)exoscope (Smart Electronix)
A VST FREE oscilloscope plugin. You can use it to visualize audio in waveforms in real time.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download free s(M)exoscope (Smart Electronix)
Distance2 (Air Windows)
One of the most interesting plugins from developer Chris Johnson. It simulates the distance from the audio source in a unique way and distorts it. Without a doubt a more than inspiring effect and without graphic interface like all the others. To finish, we remind you of his patreon with which Chris has developed more than 160 free plugins.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux and Windows)
Download free Distance2 plugin from Air Windows
Trigger 2 Free (Steven Slate Drums)
Trigger 2 Free is the free version of the acclaimed Trigger 2 drum sound replacement plugin, which lets you replace and enhance drum recordings with high-quality samples. Using its advanced engine, you can precisely combine up to 6 different kick and snare samples, with options like ambient mic, overhead, and more. This plugin is known for its phase accuracy, which guarantees a natural replacement.
Compatible formats: Windows and Mac in VST, AU and AAX
Download Trigger 2 Free from Steven Slate Drum
Free Suite (Venn Audio)
Free Suite is a set of free audio plugins that stands out for being lightweight, high-performance and fully resizable. This package is designed to offer all the tools needed to mix a track to professional standards. It doesn’t require registration to download. Free Suite is compatible with multiple platforms, available for Windows, Mac (including native support for Mac M1) and Linux, and supports the VST3, AU and AAX formats. VST FREE plugin.
Download Free Suite from Venn Audio here
We hope this list of the best free plugins is useful to you and we also recommend taking a look at our list of free virtual instruments. Enjoy producing!
Article written by Vicen Martínez, music producer, guitarist, and songwriter. Founder of GuitarRec – Online Recording Studio.