Best Free VST Plugins 2024
In this article of the Best Free Plugins 2024, we’ll explore various plugin categories to provide you with a comprehensive guide on what is unquestionably worth downloading in 2024.
Utilizing free VST plugins presents an excellent opportunity to enhance your music production setup by incorporating exciting new virtual instruments, effects and utilities, without breaking the bank.
With a plethora of free VSTs available online, identifying quality ones can be time-consuming.
To streamline the process and allow you to focus on music creation rather than plugin experimentation, we’ve curated a selection of the Best Free VST Plugins 2024, tailored for your digital audio workstation.
That’s not say that experimentation is a bad thing, we always encourage musicians and sound designers to experiment with new and exciting plugins!
Our compilation includes top-tier free VST plugins across various categories (Instruments, Effects & Utilities), simplifying the quest for specific tools for tasks such as music mixing, mastering, sound design, or composition.
Many of these listings undergo regular updates throughout the year to ensure relevance and freshness, so make sure you keep on top of your updates!
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Best Free VST Plugins 2024 - Instruments
1. Vital Synth

Link: Vital Synth
First up is in our list of the Best Free VST Plugins 2024 is Vital Synth by Vital Audio.
Vital is a wavetable synth VST which has gained immense popularity due to its combination of being free and offering features comparable to Serum.
With a growing number of preset packs and predictions of becoming a favorite among EDM producers, Vital introduces groundbreaking spectral oscillator warping, breathing new life into wavetable synthesis by creating unique shapes and timbres.
Developed by Matt Tytel, it’s hailed as the best free synthesizer currently available, offering a feature set akin to renowned virtual instruments like Xfer Serum and NI Massive.
Its user-friendly interface belies its powerful synthesis engine.
Furthermore, its freeware status allows for easy access to numerous free soundbanks and synthesis tutorials on platforms like YouTube, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced music producers.
2. TyrellN6

Link: Tyrell N6
Next up is a synth by U-He, the Tyrell N6.Â
Tyrell N6, a free plugin developed by u-He, draws inspiration from classic Roland synths, known for their significant influence despite their high prices.
It is loosely based on the Juno-60, offering a remarkably realistic sound reminiscent of the Roland series.Â
Tyrell N6 stands out as an enhanced version of an 80s analog synth, featuring classic components such as analog oscillators, a multi-mode filter, and a lush Juno-like chorus, alongside additional features like a modulation matrix, ring modulation, and feedback.
Its user-friendly interface makes programming a breeze, while the availability of numerous freely downloadable third-party sound banks, including those crafted by professional sound designers, enriches its sonic possibilities.
Developed by the creators of industry-leading virtual analog synthesizers like Diva and Ace, Tyrell N6 is an essential addition to any analog synth enthusiast’s plugin collection.
3. Surge XT

Link: Surge XT
Third on our list is Surge XT by Surge Synth Team.
Surge XT is an advanced open-source synthesizer tailored for seasoned sound designers.
Boasting versatility and complexity, it offers an array of synthesis modes, a robust modulation engine, and diverse filter types.
While primarily a subtractive hybrid synthesizer, Surge XT incorporates complex oscillators utilizing various synthesis techniques, including frequency modulation, wavetables, S&H, and audio input, with twelve different algorithms.
With a substantial library of 2,285 presets, it caters to users seeking ready-made sounds or those delving into patch design.
Recently ported to JUCE for enhanced performance and optimizations, Surge XT stands as a stable, sophisticated, and versatile virtual synthesizer, deemed essential for producers across all electronic music genres.
4. LABS

Link: LABS
LABS, a free virtual instrument by Spitfire Audio, offers a sample-based platform with a continually expanding library of top-notch sound banks.
Unlike virtual synths, LABS utilizes samples as its sound source, providing access to virtual guitars, pianos, drums, and more.
Spitfire Audio regularly introduces new expansion libraries for LABS, each delivering exceptional sound quality.
Some of our favourite expansions include Soft Piano, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, and Synth Pads.
As a lightweight, user-friendly, and free plugin, LABS is an essential addition to any music producer’s toolkit, offering a diverse range of high-quality sounds.
5. Decent Sampler

Link: Decent Sampler
Next up in our Best Free VST Plugins 2024 list is Decent Sampler by Decent Samples.
Decent Sampler is a free, user-friendly sample-based VST plugin, offering an extensive range of freely downloadable sound libraries.Â
While it comes with an acoustic piano patch by default, users can expand their collection with hundreds of additional free sounds, including violins, brass, drums, and more.Â
Notably, over 100 Pianobook sample libraries formatted for Decent Sampler are available for download, with new sound banks released regularly.Â
Ideal for musicians seeking a variety of sampled acoustic instruments, Decent Sampler serves as an excellent alternative for those not yet ready to invest in paid software like Native Instruments Kontakt.
David Hilowitz, creator of Decent Sampler, regularly updates the plugin with bug fixes and new features, which keeps the sampler fresh and exciting.
Best Free VST Plugins 2024 - Effects
6. Supermassive

Link: SuperMassive
Up next is one of the best reverb plugins out there, SuperMassive by Valhalla DSP.
Valhalla SuperMassive, a free delay and reverb effect crafted by Valhalla DSP, stands out as the premier choice for those seeking expansive reverbs, colossal delays, and boundless echoes.
Its unique delay algorithms cater to sound designers, offering a diverse range of reverb characters from abstract chambers to futuristic atmospheres.
While detailed information about each delay mode is available on the developer’s website, Valhalla SuperMassive’s intuitive design ensures a seamless user experience, even without consulting the manual.
The latest update introduces two additional reverb algorithms, further enhancing its versatility.
Widely acclaimed for its exceptional sound quality, Valhalla SuperMassive is a must-have among free VST plugins.
Don’t forget to explore Valhalla DSP’s complimentary Valhalla Space Modulator plugin for additional creative effects.
7. Multiply

Link: Multiply
Seventh in our list of the Best Free VST Plugins 2024 is Multiply by Acon Digital.
Multiply by Acon Digital, a recipient of the KVR Developer Challenge, is a free chorus plugin deserving of attention from music producers.
Utilizing phase randomizing filters across its six voices, Multiply offers a modern chorus effect while avoiding unwanted comb filter artifacts.
Its sleek interface boasts an intuitive control layout, including an A/B testing switch for comparing settings efficiently.
The plugin features a straightforward equalizer and pre-delay section, enabling the creation of modulated echo effects.
Notably, Multiply excels in producing intricate modulation effects, distinguishing it from other chorus plugins.
Praised for its performance on electric pianos and guitars, it can also enhance lead vocals with added depth without compromising their natural sound.
8. Baby Comeback

Link: Baby Comeback
Moving on to number 8, Baby Comeback by Baby Audio.
Baby Comeback, developed by Baby Audio, is a straightforward delay VST plugin renowned for its charmingly retro sound.
As the freeware version of BABY Audio’s acclaimed delay/echo plugin, Comeback Kid, Baby Comeback delivers exceptional functionality at no cost.
This free plugin boasts four distinct FX modules – Analog, Saucy, Cheap, and Wide – allowing users to apply effects individually or simultaneously to the audio input.
Baby Comeback’s design allows for effortless accessibility through its user-friendly interface and diverse preset library.
Sporting a modern design, the UI of Baby Comeback features an intuitive control layout, facilitating swift sound design workflows.
Additionally, it includes convenient features such as a built-in ducker and a ‘ping-pong’ delay mode for crafting intricate stereo delay effects with ease.
The Flavor section enhances the plugin’s versatility by offering four quick tools – Widen, Analog, Saucy, and Cheap – enabling users to infuse the delay with vintage and spacious characteristics.
9. CamelCrusher

Link: CamelCrusher
Number 9 on the list is CamelCrusher by Camel Audio.
CamelCrusher, a renowned distortion VST plugin developed by Camel Audio, is available completely free of charge.
This legendary plugin comprises four modules: Distortion, Filter, Compressor, and Master, each featuring straightforward controls for ease of use.
With two distinct distortion algorithms – Tube and Mech – CamelCrusher offers a versatile range of textures, from smooth analog-like tones to grittier, dirtier sounds.
CamelCrusher includes an analog-style low-pass filter and a one-knob compressor, complete with a Phat Mode for achieving a fuller sound.
Additionally, CamelCrusher offers a Mix knob for applying parallel processing to your signal.
This feature is particularly beneficial when using higher levels of distortion, as it allows you to dial down the intensity while retaining the distorted texture.
10. Kilohearts Essentials

Link: Kilohearts Essentials
At number 10 we have Kilohearts Essentials effects bundle.
Kilohearts Essentials is a comprehensive collection of free VST plugins, encompassing a wide range of mixing and sound design tasks.Â
With 32 plugins featuring streamlined interfaces and carefully selected features, it serves as an ideal starting point for building a plugin arsenal.Â
The bundle includes essential tools such as delays, reverbs, compressors, and limiters, along with less common options like pitch shifters and modulators.Â
While designed for use in Kilohearts’ modular plugin hosts, these plugins are fully compatible with any DAW capable of hosting VST plugins.Â
Despite their simplicity, Kilohearts plugins utilize high-quality DSP algorithms, ensuring excellent sound quality.Â
For those seeking comprehensive effects coverage in a single download, Kilohearts Essentials is an excellent choice.
Best Free VST Plugins 2024 - Utilities
11. SPAN

Link: SPAN
At number 11 we have SPAN by Voxengo.
SPAN is a free real-time audio frequency spectrum analyzer plugin available in AAX, AudioUnit, and VST formats, tailored for professional audio and music production applications.
It offers a flexible mode system for customizing spectrum analyzer preferences, including Fourier block size, FFT window overlap percentage, and visual slope.
Additionally, users can choose to display secondary spectrum types and apply visual smoothing.
SPAN supports multi-channel analysis, allowing simultaneous display of spectrums from different channels or channel groups.
It also includes output level metering with adjustable ballistics and integration time, EBU R128 and K-system metering, level metering statistics, headroom estimation, true peak clipping detection, and correlation metering.
12. Loudness Meter 2

Link: Loudness Meter 2
Next up is Youlean with their ever popular Loudness Meter 2.
Youlean Loudness Meter 2 is a trusted tool for precisely measuring the perceived loudness of audio in LUFS, ensuring calibrated results to improve mixdowns.
Drag and drop your audio into the plugin for quick and easy analysis, and export in pdf, png or svg format.
Lightweight and efficient, it won’t strain your CPU, making it a favored option for monitoring loudness on the master chain.
Available as both a plugin and standalone application, it supports various formats including VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX, compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.
Loudness Meter 2 was the winner of the 2016 KVR Developer Challenge, and it’s easy to see why.
13. MCompressor

Link: MCompressor
Number 13 on our list is MCompressor by MeldaProduction.
MCompressor is a versatile compressor VST plugin from MeldaProduction which stands out for its unique feature of freely adjustable compression shape, allowing users to customize the dynamic response.
Alongside this, it offers standard compression knee modes, a sidechain input, and controls for volume, compression ratio, threshold, attack, and release times.
The plugin includes oversampling for pristine sound quality, various interface customization options, and a built-in preset manager.
The installation package for MeldaProduction plugins is a minor inconvenience, as it’s an all-in-one installer that includes every MeldaProduction product.
However, users can select which plugins to install, and the download size is relatively small at around 250 MB.
Additionally, the package includes other freeware plugins such as the MBitFun bitcrusher effect.
14. TDR Nova

Link: TDR Nova
Next up at number 14 is TDR Nova by Tokyo Dawn Labs.
TDR Nova, a free parallel dynamic equalizer plugin developed by Tokyo Dawn Labs, stands out as the ultimate free EQ and one of the top choices among free VSTs for mixing.Â
Whether used as a basic parametric EQ or a highly precise dynamic EQ, it excels in handling complex audio signals for both mixing and mastering tasks.Â
With its robust feature set encompassing parametric and dynamic equalization, as well as multiband compression, TDR Nova offers unparalleled versatility.Â
Its user-friendly interface, coupled with a visually intuitive layout, grants quick and seamless access to various parameters.Â
Boasting four dynamic EQ bands, high-pass and low-pass filter sections, and equal loudness functions, TDR Nova emerges as an incredibly capable equalizer, making it an essential addition to any VST plugin collection.
What now?
Exploring new plugins is an exhilarating journey for music producers and enthusiasts alike.Â
Each new discovery holds the promise of unlocking fresh sonic possibilities and pushing creative boundaries.Â
Whether it’s a versatile synthesizer, a powerful compressor, or an innovative effect, every addition to your plugin collection opens up new avenues for experimentation and artistic expression.
With countless free VST plugins available, each offering its unique set of features and sonic capabilities, there’s always something new to explore.Â
The thrill of stumbling upon a plugin that resonates with your creative vision and sparks inspiration is unparalleled.Â
It’s akin to finding a new instrument in a musician’s arsenal – a tool that adds depth, texture, and character to your compositions.
Moreover, experimenting with different plugins fosters growth and development as a music producer.Â
It encourages exploration, experimentation, and learning, ultimately leading to the refinement of your sound and the evolution of your artistic identity.
So, while our journey for today may be coming to a close, the excitement of discovering new plugins and the endless possibilities they offer will continue to fuel your passion for music production.Â
We hope you enjoyed reading this list of the Best Free VST Plugins 2024 and, as always, keep making music!