Best Free VST Plugins [2024 Update]

Looking to take your music production up a level? Make use of Free VST Plugins and add new virtual instruments and effects to your music production!

VST Plugins essentially emulate real-life instruments and effects without having to use even a single physical tool. Using these handy tools, you’ll be able to stay in the zone and let your creative juices flow.

In 2024, there are countless VST plugin options available and the best thing? They can be used without paying a dime.

Since you are reading this blog, you are obviously looking for free VST Plugins. Your search is over because we will tell you some of the best VST plugins you can use and improve your music production.

What are VST Plugins?

VST or Virtual Studio Technology is essentially a technology and plugin format standard used within Digital Audio Workstations. These plugins combine effects and software synthesizers for simulating the sound of hardware recording gear, such as physical instruments and samples.

Whether you are a producer, instrumentalist, singer, EDM producer, or simply an aspiring talent, you can find a variety of free and paid VST plugins on the internet. From beginner to pro music producers, there is something for everyone allowing you to start creating and shaping sounds.

Free VST plugins [2024 Update]

Now, paid VST plugins aren’t the reason why you’re here, are you? Free VST Plugins are what you are looking for.

With so many free VST plugins available in 2024, it can be tricky to find the best ones. Don’t worry, we have done the hard bit for you. We have cherry-picked some of the best free VST plugins. These free VSTs will help you carry out a wide variety of tasks such as mixing music, composing, mastering, and more.

These free plugins will be a great starting point as you’ll be able to upgrade your sonic arsenal and improve your musical prowess. With that said, continue reading to find out the best free VST plugins.

Best Free VST Plugins for beginners

If you are building a software setup, these VST plugins are must-have tools. The list below features some of the best free VSTs you’ll want to have in your setup.

We have tested hundreds of free VST plugins and cherry-picked the best ones. Each plugin mentioned in this blog is bound to expand your music production toolkit.

To install the VST plugins on Windows, you should extract the downloaded file to your VST plugins folder (the one that your DAW scans). For Mac users, you should extract the downloaded VST archive to /Library/Audio/Plug-ins/Components and then restart the DAW.

With that out of the way, let’s dive in and find out some of the best free VST plugins you must have in your toolkit.

#1. Drumplayer

Drumplayer is a freeware drum rompler in VST/AU plugin format and it is available for both Windows and MacOS X users. Developed by SampleScience, this VST features twelve free drum kits as well as built-in drum samples.

The plugin also features eight drum slots while supporting stereo and multiple mono outputs. Each drum channel comes with volume and pan controls, global volume/pan controls, and an LFO for pitch modulation.

Meanwhile, the low and high knobs present in the upper-right corner of the UI control the MIDI velocity range.

#2. Upright Piano

Upright Piano is another exciting VST plugin. This freeware piano virtual instrument tool comes in VST/VST3/AU Plugin formats and is available for both Windows and MacOS platforms.

This free VST plugin features four sampled notes per octave while also having six dynamic layers per note. You can make use of this plugin for adjusting the attack and release time, tremolo intensity, and speed. Further, you can also tinker around with the global volume, key release volume, and reverb effects.

#3. TAL-Elek7ro by Togu Audio Line

TAL-Elek7ro is a powerful virtual analog synth that has everything you might require as an electronic music producer. You can expect two oscillators (pulse, saw, sine, and triangle) with hardsync and PW/FM. One sub oscillator (rectangle and saw), wide-range LFOs (0.1Hz up to 400Hz), one noise oscillator, and a user-friendly interface with this free plugin.

We noticed a very analog sound from this synth, which was more than many of its competitor virtual synths, even the ones that are paid. So this free VST will definitely suit you if you want to create rougher, old-school, analog sounds.

The only thing we feel that might be missing here is extra effects and an arpeggiator. However, you can always make use of separate plugins for that. All in all, it is a great, easy-to-use, and powerful synth for music production.

#4. Dexed by Digital Suburban

Modeled after Yamaha DX7, arguably one of the best-selling synths in history, Dexed is a free FM-style VST synth that will get you cooking.

In this free VST, there are more than a thousand classic DX7 presets. From the classic electronic pianos to the powerful strings and stabs, this plugin is versatile to say the least.

You will likely recognize many of these sounds from the popular 80s tracks since this free plugin was modeled after the go-to synths of that era.

It started out as a tool that can be used with the original synth. However, it is such an impressive replica that stands out on its own. With so many knobs and options for customization, you can tweak, tweak, and tweak without it feeling redundant.

#5. Claptastic

Claptastic is yet another exciting free VST/AU plugin for Windows and MacOS X users. This plugin is based on natural clap samples.

The primary purpose of this free VST is to give you an easy way of adding natural-sounding claps to your track.

You’ll be able to use it for creating rhythmic sequences or natural-sounding group claps by playing multiple notes simultaneously.

In this free plugin, you will have full octaves of clap sounds. These sounds were all recorded in distinct locations and have different amounts of natural reverb. Make use of the global AR volume envelope for controlling the softness and tail of the claps.

#6. MinimogueVA by Voltkitchen

Here we’ve got another impressive emulation of the classic analog synth. This time, it is of the Minimoog. The Minimoog was hugely successful when it came out in the 70s. Interestingly, this was actually the first synthesizer developed for the everyday consumer. The sound of this synth was incredibly powerful and rich.

Used in tracks like “I Feel Love” by Donna Summers, “Autobahn” by Kraftwerk, and “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, it is easy to see why the sound of this synth is loved by so many.

MinimogueVA is an emulation but it also includes additional features that weren’t found in the original. Just to name a few, you’ll get a fully programmable digital delay, be able to control the tuning of oscillator 1, fine-tune oscillators 2 and 3, and have three overdrive sliders for each oscillator to help make the sound even thicker.

This VST sounds and behaves similar to the original one. This makes is a must-have for electronic producers regardless of their expertise level. Rich, deep, and yummy, we feel it is best used for lead sounds and basses.

#7. iZotope Vinyl by iZotope

Do you remember the crackly sound heard in old vinyl? Or the electrical hum of speakers when the audio cable isn’t plugged in properly? Guess what… turns out that the audio distortions are in once again.

Often heard in retro synthwave-style music, a bit of noise and cracks can bring your track back to life. If you want to achieve such things in your mix, you should look no further than iZotope Vinyl, a free VST plugin. Instead of layering different vinyl scratch samples, this free plugin is customizable and does its job tremendously well.

You can easily apply it to certain instruments or your entire mix, choosing the ideal amount of parameters like Mechanical Noise, Electrical Noise, Dust, Wear, Scratch, and Warp Depth.

Moreover, you’ll also have the option for which decade you wish to emulate, from all the way back to the 1930s up to the 2000s. Overall, this is a cool free plugin that can make even the most digital sounds feel a bit more analog.

#8. TAL-Reverb III by Togu Audio Line

Here is the TAL-Reverb III, the top of the pile when it comes to free plate reverbs. This little plugin will blow you away with its brilliant sound and beautiful non-BS interface.

This plugin has seven dials. The low and high-cut dials will help carry out easy reverb mixing. The room size dial will control the duration of the reverb.

There is a stereo width dial to help with stereo control (mono to full stereo) as well as a pre-delay dial, which can go up to 1 second. The last two are wet and dry dials.

With ten exciting factory presets to choose from, it’ll be a great base to build upon. This plugin sounds fantastic and it has proven to deliver top-notch quality.

This plugin is smooth, shimmering, and nice. When talking about a free reverb plugin, it doesn’t get better than this.

#9. FerricTDS – Tape Dynamics Simulator by Variety of Sound

Are you looking for a viable free alternative to the expensive tape saturators? If yes, then you should look no further than FerricTDS. This free VST plugin is inspired to simulate the dynamites and warmth of high-end reel-to-reel tape recorders, something that this exceptional plugin can do in three steps.

Firstly, the plugin controls the dynamics by shaping the overall dynamic response of the sound. Then, it’ll also add extra harmonics with great-sounding saturation. Lastly, the signal peak will be controlled by the built-in limiter.

This free VST plugin adds a whole host of things to the sound. Simply put, it warms up, controls, and shapes the sound. Similar to a compressor, it can carry out saturation, limiting, and tape recorder emulator in one neat package.

#10. Snyth1 by Ichiro Toda

Synth1 is another exciting free VST plugin synth developed as a replica of the popular Nord Lead 2. The two sound pretty similar, with the latter having a slight edge. As the Nord Lead 2 costs around $15,000, it should come as no surprise that it beats the free VST plugin in sound quality.

The fact that the Synth1 plugin is totally free is pretty cool as you’ll be able to get a similar quality as an expensive, top hardware synth.

For starters, this free VST has two oscillators with FM and ring modulation as well as a modulation envelope. Further, there are four types of filters, two LFOs, and an arpeggiator. There are also different effects, a stereo chorus/flanger, and a tempo delay. You can also utilize the legato and portamento mode plus 16 notes polyphony.

The plugin is optimized for light CPU usage. It’ll be a tremendous starting point for anyone who wishes to learn the basics of sound synthesis. The sound in this synth will be tremendous.

Ultimately, it is an exceptional freeware synth that we feel everyone should try out at least once. It may have a few sound glitch bugs when changing the knobs but typically, it is stable and does a great job.

#11. BootEQ by Variety of Sound

Last but not least, BootEQ is another free VST plugin that is up there competing with the big names. This SSL-style equalizer and pre-amp simulator is known for delivering impressive musical signal coloration effects.

This free plugin is quite simple and easy to use as it has four parametric and independent EQ bands and classic-sounding curves. You’ll also have a drive-knob for saturation as well as two switches for vintage color and tube on or off. With a simple design, meter display, and clear text, you cannot go wrong.

BootEQ colors the sound beautifully warm but in a subtle way and not over the top. To add some life to dull sounds or for fattening up sounds, this will quickly become your go-to solution.

#12. TDR Nova by Tokyo Dawn Records

EQ is an important part of the mixing process. Most DAWs feature standard equalizers that are able to work well for basic tasks but lack customization or advanced features. TDR Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ plugin from Tokyo Records capable of dynamite and parametric equalization. Moreover, it can also pull off multi-band and wideband compression.

There are four EQ bands, with additional high and low-pass filters, allowing you to easily alter the character of the track’s sound as you see fit. Its interface is modern and sleek, with easily accessible controls.

#13. TAL Reverb 4

Reverb plays a significant role in the sound of your tracks and can easily be the difference between the track sounding amateur or professional. Applying the right amount of reverb can help make the instrument’s sound wider, fuller, and much more immersive.

TAL Reverb 4 is another exciting free VST plugin that emulates vintage 80s sounds. It works well on all instruments and vocals. The controls are simple and straightforward in comparison to other free reverbs. Meanwhile, you can easily use the modulation knobs for creating a series of interesting effects.

#14. Youlean Loudness Meter 2

Have you ever tried to master your own tracks and know how complex it can be to get everything to the right volume? Luckily, the Youlean Loudness Meter 2 is here to save the day.

This free plugin helps solve this issue by allowing you to easily measure the overall loudness of the tracks. This will make it easier for you to adjust the dynamics and volume in a way that produces the most optimal result. It makes use of the LUFs standard, which seems to be the newest and most universally accepted standard for loudness measurement. Using this plugin, you will never have to worry about the track being too quiet or too loud again.

#15. Klanghelm MJUC jr

Klanghelm MJUC Jr. plugin is a free VST plugin, the free version of the incredibly popular MJUC compressor. The level of compression and output make can easily be fine-tuned using their respective knobs. Meanwhile, the attack and release times can be easily set to three different levels – slow, fast, or auto. Due to the simple and well-designed controls, it’ll be a great option for musicians and producers to learn how compression works.

#16. Voxengo SPAN

Voxengo SPAN is a spectrum analyzer and metering plugin. This free VST can be used for monitoring the frequency range of the tracks. Using SPAN, you’ll be able to see which frequencies are the loudest and the lowest. Once you know that, you’ll be able to fix problematic areas with the EQ of choice by reducing or enhancing the specific frequencies.

Aside from the main frequency graph, Voxengo SPAN features headroom estimation, clipping detection, and more. If the track sounds too thin, muddy, or subpar, you’ll be able to use this free VST plugin for identifying issues with your mix.

#17. Helm by Matt Tytel

Out of the free synth plugins mentioned in this blog, Helm is arguably the best free VST plugin with the best GUI. Additionally, it is also an exceptional software synthesizer that comes filled with useful features.

The available controls include reverb, envelopes, stutter, oscillators, and more. Moreover, Helm also comes pre-loaded with a number of great-sounding presets, allowing you to create atmospheric music instantly.

#18. Native Instruments Komplete Start

Native Instruments Komplete Start is another exceptional free VST plugin. This production bundle comes with free virtual instruments, samples, loops, and other effects.

It will be a great starting point for beginner musicians and producers looking to get started with making music for free. The included virtual synths will allow you to create professional-quality sounds, with the highlight being Lazerbass for the unique low-end tones.

#19. Loudmax by Thomas Mundt

As the name suggests, Loudmax is a brick-wall limiter with the mastering chain. Aside from being highly transparent, this free VST plugin features inter-sample peak detection, allowing for true peak limiting. The plugin’s interface has two controls, one for output and one for threshold.

This makes the plugin pretty easy to use, especially as the controls are all that you need for successful limiting. Make use of this plugin in conjunction with Youlean Loudness Meter and get the right volume levels as per your needs.

#20. AmpleBass P Lite II

If you haven’t got a bass guitar but still need to add low-end to your rock/pop tracks, AmpleBass P Lite II will be the perfect plugin. This free VST plugin features a free virtual bass instrument that is modeled after the legendary Precision Bass from Fender.

This plugin includes different techniques and detailed articulations, including vibrato, accents, hammer and pull-offs, and more. You’ll also be able to use the Capo feature for transposing the recordings without needing to enter the MIDI editor.