The best free VST plugins 2020: must-have freeware synths, drum machines and effects By Si Truss ( Computer Music, Future Music, emusician ) 20 November 2020 Make music for nothing with our pick of the finest free sound makers and processors. Definitely one of the best free VST plugins you ought to have in your VST rig! 33) MX Project T. Rex 606 Modelled after the vintage Roland TR-606 drum machine of yore, The T.REX 606 is a beast in its own right with some added bells and whistles. So, do we have the 10 best VST synth plugins overall? Probably not (although our top 5 certainly fit that category). But, we do have the best mix of sound quality, user-friendly GUIs, value for money, and potential to learn/progress as a producer. That means our top 10 has something for everyone, and we love every one of these awesome synths.
Top 20 virtual instruments and high-quality plugins, such as Oddity, Trilian, Absynth, Omnisphere and more!
Contents20. Audiodamage – Phosphor 2.WIN.OSX
Years ago this plugin was considered a very peculiar and interesting instrument, and it continues being it until our days. It has two oscillators, each one is formed by a series of sinusoidal waves in multiples of the main frequency – partial or harmonic. At the end of the chain, you have a stereo delay that has a filter for the highs/lows for the left and right channels.
AD038 PHOSPHOR2
19. GForce – The Oddity 2.WIN.OSX
GForce together with Arturia is known for their high-quality emulation of vintage synths. This VST is based on ARP Odyssey, which was produced between 1971 and 1976, which was used by Kraftwerk, Gary Numan, Herbie Hancock and later by Portishead. At the same time, Oddity 2 is a first-class emulation of this synthesizer. Its virtual nature offers a series of advantages, for example, the combination of different preset settings, which as a result can give really interesting results.
https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/oddity2
18. Gforce – Minimonsta. WIN.OSX
If one seeks to emulate classic synthesizers, it has two options – a faithful reproduction of the original that is written in conformity with the possibilities of the hardware or build an analog copy and add some functions that are not typical of the original model, but doing that the result is more interesting. In the case of Minimonsta, Gforce took the second road. Basically, it is a Minimoog but with Monsta mode, which has the option of assigning an LFO to almost any parameter. Thanks to Ohm Force’s Melohman technology, you can move between 12 presets without problems. In the end we get a virtual instrument with a vintage character, but with modern features.
https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/minimonsta
17. Spectrasonics – Trilian. WIN.OSX
Trilian – is a high-quality bass sampler created by Spectrasonics. The 34 GB library contains samples of acoustic and electronic basses, each preset consists of two layers (secondary presets), up to 8 presets can be organized in groups. If you have Trilian, it’s hard to imagine yourself looking for more virtual basses.
16.FabFilter- Twin 2. WIN.OSX
The Twin 2 has three oscillators, 4 filters with wide options and a very clear and easy to use modulation system. All this is packaged in an ergonomic interface. This synthesizer is very exciting to use and program, and with a purely sonic vision. Perfect virtual instrument for EDM, House, Hip Hop and more electronic related genres.
15. Native Instruments – FM8. WIN.OSX
14. Sonic Charge – Synplant. WIN.OSX
If the competition for the most original synthesizer was announced, Synplant would surely have won.
It was created by a man who made Malstrom as part of Reason.
The Synplant works with a tonic head – and many branches that grow from it. The resulting sounds of this synthesizer are very organic.
Quite unique and interesting virtual instrument for anyone who wants something different and original.
13. Cakewalk – Z3TA + 2. Win.
It was clear that Z3TA + was in a dead end until the second version was launched in 2011. On the one hand, the interface has undergone a total reworking, on the other, the synthesis architecture has not changed at all. But despite this quality of sound of great quality, as befits a modern synth, especially with the capabilities of the second version, for example, working with oscillators and establishing double anti-aliasing by default.
12. Rob Papen Albino 3. WIN.OSX
The Albino 3 semi base synthesizer was assembled by LinPlug according to the specifications of the famous sound of the designer Rob Papen.
All its functions come with a unique interaction with each other. Here you will find 4 oscillators, each of the patches can have up to 4 layers, this makes it possible to create powerful epic sounds.
Onboard there is a hard filter, and the modulation options are extremely extensive. In the kit come 2,100 presets of Rob Papen, but you will get more from this unit if you start creating your sounds.
FXpansion – DCAM: Synth Squad.
Top 50 Free Vst Plugins
Suddenly FXpansion took a long time to enter the virtual synthesizer market, but when they did, they debuted with three plugins (plus the add-on to combine and add effects).
DCAM Synth Squad contains: Strobe is the simplest of the three DCAM instruments. Think of SH101, OB1 or Pro One: your classic monophonic single-oscillator synthesizers.
Strobe offers a synthesis structure very similar to the SH101: a single oscillator with saw, square and noise as waveforms.
Cypher is a virtual analog synthesizer with three oscillators. His specific intent is to model synthesizers that were capable of analog-style FM and audio frequency modulation, such as Roland’s Jupiter 8, but with the precision and flexibility of a digital instrument.
Amber emulates the string synthesizers of the 70s and 80s as Roland RS505 and ARP Omnis. With a polyphony of 96 notes and two sections – Synth and Ensemble is a powerful tool with a vintage sound.
10. Native Instruments – Absynth. WIN.OSX
This synthesizer is traditionally a serious tool in the designer’s sound arsenal, while at the same time in the masses it is perceived as misunderstood and confusing. And in the last fifth version, nothing broke this stereotype.
With new effects and filters, it became possible to create more complex sounds, and the Mutator module allows you to mix different presets into something completely original. But the interface is still terrifyingly complicated.
Although the sound quality is excellent.
9. GForce – impOSCar 2. WIN.OSX
GForce has launched IMPOSCAR as a virtual analog of the OSCAR Oxford Synthesizer synthesizer firm in 2003. It was the same as its true analog brother, but with an additional section of polyphony and effects.
Thanks to a combination of user feedback and the original ideas of the GForce engineers, a second, much-improved version was launched. Musically, it is one step more than the original, with many interesting features like the unison mode.
All this makes IMPOSCAR 2 not only an excellent emulation but also just a high-end synthesizer.
8. reFX – Nexus2. WIN.OSX
Nexus is not as multifunctional as the synthesizers discussed in this post. Many users may say that this is not a synthesizer in the classical sense, but if you have a need to have great sounds out of the box, then here it is difficult to make a mistake.
This virtual instrument was originally sharpened for use in modern electronic music (trance, house, etc.). The mixing window can customize individual layers (each preset can have up to 4 layers).
7. u-he – ACE. WIN.OSX
The name comes from Any Cable Anywhere: you can connect any cable anywhere. ACE is a semi-modular synthesizer, in which there is no difference between audio signals and a modulation source.
This provides you with a truly inexhaustible resource of flexibility with the creation of presets. All modules are initially connected as standard, but you can reconfigure everything for you.
ACE is not too accessible, for example, it loads the processor a lot, but anyway it is 7 in our rating. Why? Because it still sounds incredibly analog at this price.
6. Camel Audio – Alchemy. WIN.OSX
Top 50 Free Vst Plugins
At first, it may seem that it is a rompler since it contains many presets based on samples that can be modified by the synthesis engine and the built-in effects.
However, it is a great advantage with the fact that Alchemy has the ability to import their samples, which can be processed by additive, spectral and granular methods.
The possibilities of sound formation here are huge, but many factory presets do not reveal the power of this synthesizer.
5. Native Instruments – Reactor 5. WIN.OSX
How to describe Reactor?
The best definition is a multiplatform audio design plugin, in which you can create your own synthesizers, samplers and effects, connecting different modules.
A great plugin for any music production with great customization and presets.
4. Native Instruments – Massive. WIN.OSX
Massive is a hybrid plugin that combines ideas from different products in this segment of the market.
This virtual instrument can create everything from simple analog sounds to textures and long and complex mattresses. At the same time, it is designed for easy use and understanding.
You have to be careful not to get lost among the 600 factory presets, but if you make an effort to modify and adjust different options – you can get interesting sounds of great quality.
3. LennarDigital – Sylenth1. WIN.OSX
Sylenth1 is one of the most popular plugins on the market. It looks like all other emulated analog synthesizers – 4 standard oscillators, several filters and a simple mixer, but it sounds simply outstanding.
Its sound is rich, saturated, warm. Unlike many factories presets in other synthesizers, which do not express the fraction of possibilities, the factory bench of Sylenth1 is simply excellent.
Great selection of sounds, some in the style of TB-303 and Minimoog.
Sylenth1 is a synthesizer, that any artist interested in electronic music and synthesizers should try.
2. u-he – Zebra 2. WIN.OSX
Zebra2 is a virtual instrument that works as a playground for sound design and tone creation.
A powerful high-quality sound engine (but well optimized for your CPU) along with numerous sound sculpting tools make Zebra2 capable of an almost unlimited range of new sounds and textures.
A favorite among soundtrack composers, producers and sound designers, Zebra2 is a solid plugin with its own sound and great quality.
1. Spectrasonics – Omnisphere. WIN.OSX
VST plugins are virtual instruments and audio effects for your digital audio workstation.
There are literally hundreds of free VST plugins online nowadays, and finding good ones takes time. To help you focus on making music instead of testing audio plugins, we listed the best free VSTs for your music studio.
Scroll down to browse the VST plugins based on their category. Each category page features the best free virtual instruments and effects for a specific music production task. Welcome to the internet’s most up-to-date directory of freeware VST plugins.
The categories are updated with the latest free plugins multiple times per year. Be sure to check back from time to time and keep your free VST plugin collection up to date!
Free VST Plugins Directory
Free VST Effects
Freeware effects in VST plugin format:
- Autotune – Free alternatives to Antares Auto-Tune.
- Bitcrusher – An extensive collection of freeware bitcrushers.
- Chorus – A selection of the best free chorus effects.
- Compressor – Dynamic range compressor VST plugins.
- Compressor (Multiband) – A collection of multi-band compressor effects.
- Compressor (Sidechain) – A collection of compressor effects with sidechain input.
- Delay/Echo – Add depth to your mix with these excellent freeware delay effects.
- Distortion – Distort and saturate your audio with these freeware plugins.
- EQ (Graphic) – Free graphic equalizers in VST format.
- EQ (Linear-Phase) – Linear-phase equalizers in the VST plugin format.
- EQ (Parametric) – Standard parametric equalizers for mixing and mastering purposes.
- Filter – A collection of filtering effects.
- Flanger – Free flanger VST effects.
- Gate (Noise Gate) – Freeware VST plugins for removing noise from recordings.
- Granulator – A collection of granular effects to really mess up your audio.
- Guitar Amp – Large collection of virtual guitar amplifier VST plugins.
- Guitar Cab (coming soon)
- Limiter – Free limiter effects for mastering and mixing.
- Phaser – The best free phaser plugins.
- Reverb – Algorithmic reverb VST plugins.
- Reverb (Convolution) – Convolution reverb VSTs.
- Saturation (Console/Tape/Tube) – Get a warmer sound using free saturation tools.
- Stereo Enhancer – Enhance the stereo separation in your mix with these freeware effects.
- Transient Shaper – Make the drums more prominent in a mix with these free transient shapers.
- Vocoder – Become the next Daft Punk with these vocoder free VST plugins.
Free VST Instruments
A selection of free virtual instruments in VST plugin format:
- Drum Machine/Synth – Instruments for synthesizing and sequencing drum sounds.
- Organ – A collection of free organ instruments in VSTi plugin format.
- Piano (Acoustic) – Free VST plugins that emulate acoustic pianos.
- Piano (Electric) – Virtual instruments that emulate electric keyboards.
- Sampler – The best freeware VST plugins for audio samples.
- Sound Module/Workstation – A round-up of virtual instruments that function as romplers.
- SoundFont Player – If you’re feeling old school, load your old SF2 files with these free plugins.
- String Machine – A collection of string ensemble instruments. Jean Michel Jarre will love these!
- Synthesizer – Best free synthesizer VST plugins.
- Synthesizer (Retro) – Emulated vintage synthesizers.
Free VST Utilities
Other useful freeware VST plugins:
- Arpeggiator – A collection of freeware arpeggiator VST plugins.
- Oscilloscope – Free oscilloscope tools.
- Spectrum Analyzer – Visualize your mix with these freeware spectrum analyzers.
- Step Sequencer – Sequence your virtual instruments with these freeware step sequencers.
VST Host Applications
A selection of free audio editors, digital audio workstations, and other applications that host VST plugins:
- Audio Editing Software – Audio editing programs that can host VST plugins.
- Beat Making Software – Make beats on your computer.
- Digital Audio Workstations – The best free DAW software.
- Free Recording Software – Record high-quality audio with these free tools.
- Mastering Software – Freely downloadable VST plugins for mastering.
- Music Production Software – The best free music-making tools for beginners.
- Video Editing Software – Edit your music videos for free.
- VST Host Applications – Directory of VST plugin hosts for music production and live performance.
Developer Archives
An archive of free VST plugins that are not supported anymore. These freeware plugins are hosted on BPB with the permission of their developers.
If you’re a software developer interested in hosting your VST plugins on Bedroom Producers Blog’s servers, feel free to get in touch!
What Are VST Plugins?
In case you’ve never used VST plugins before, chances are you’re facing a question. What are VST plugins?
A VST plugin is a software-based audio effect or a virtual instrument intended for use in a host program that supports Virtual Studio Technology. Most digital audio workstations nowadays can load VST and VST3 plugins.
VST plugins are used to expand a virtual music studio, much like how hardware effects and instruments are utilized in a real studio. There are literally thousands of VST plugins available for free download on the web.
In fact, there are so many free VST plugins on the market that one can waste hours downloading and testing them instead of making music. For this reason, we have created the free VST directory to help music producers find the right tools more quickly.
The acronym VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology. Introduced by Steinberg in 1996, the Virtual Studio Technology and VST plugins made a massive impact on the way we produce music today. The technology allows music producers to expand their digital audio workstation with third-party audio effects and virtual instruments.
How To Use A VST Plugin?
Now you know what a VST plugin is. But how can you use VST plugins to make music?
You will need a VST plugin host. That is a software program capable of loading VST plugins.
Choosing the right audio software and learning to use it properly will ensure an efficient workflow when producing music. Therefore, make sure to familiarize yourself with the software available in your VST plugin folder. No one wants to use a complex plugin for the first time during a critical mixing session.
Step 1: VST Host
First of all, you need to choose the right VST host or digital audio workstation. The decision to use freeware or commercial music production software is up to you and your budget.
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing your DAW is the workflow. Is the interface intuitive? Does the control layout seem logical to you? Does the application provide all the recording and mixing features you’ll require? And most importantly, can it host VST plugins?
The best free digital audio workstations right now are Tracktion 7 and Cakewalk by BandLab. Both applications can load VST plugins.
Step 2: Downloading Free VST plugins
Now that you’ve picked your DAW, you’re all set to start building your collection of free VST plugins.
Always go for quality instead of quantity. The biggest mistake people make when discovering the world of free VST plugins is to download hundreds of VSTs and to hoard them on the hard drive. This is bad for your workflow, and it will slow down your productivity.
Imagine that your DAW is a real-world studio. Would you be able to make music in a room cluttered with hundreds of dusty instruments, effects, broken tapes, disconnected audio cables, and other gear that no one will ever use? You don’t want such a mess in your virtual studio, either.
Stay organized when choosing your virtual instruments and effects. This page is a great place to start because we listed only the best freeware VST plugins in each category.
What you need is a small but versatile collection of audio software that will cover all of your music production needs.
Take the time to examine the plugins on offer and keep only the ones that you really need. Keep your mixing toolbox lightweight and efficient. Limit yourself to no more than three virtual compressors, equalizers, synthesizers, etc. Install only the tools that best suit your workflow and learn how to use them. Read the manuals, watch the video tutorials, and spend some time experimenting with your free VST plugins.
Step 3: Staying up to date
Finally, keep your plugins up to date. Developers often release updated versions of their freeware plugins, which include essential bug fixes and additional features. Keep an eye on our news section to stay informed about the latest updates of popular VST plugins. Also, consider subscribing to our email newsletter to receive the latest freeware news straight to your email inbox.
If you’re looking for even more freeware plugins for your DAW, check out the massive database over at KVR Audio.
Updated on November 13th, 2020.