This article features the best free VST plugins released in 2018. We tested all freeware plugins released this year and compiled the list based on our own impressions and your comments posted here on BPB.

The list below only features VST, AU, and AAX plugins which were released in 2018. For the complete collection of free music production software, check out our directory of free VST plugins.

After reading the article, please feel free to leave a comment if you have any suggestions or tips. If we forgot to mention a plugin which deserves to be on the list in your opinion, do let us know. Thank you!

1. ModulAir by Full Bucket Music

ModulAir is the best freeware modular synthesizer plugin available right now, period. VCVRack is a brilliant virtual modular synthesizer in its own right, yes. But being a standalone application, it doesn’t integrate with digital audio workstations as smoothly as ModulAir. As the most complex and versatile freeware virtual instrument released this year, ModulAir is BPB’s top pick for the best free VST plugin of 2018.

Although still a work in progress, Full Bucket Music’s virtual modular synthesizer feels very polished and stable in its current state. The latest beta version of the plugin comes with 38 module types and the ability to host up to eighteen different modules per patch. The plugin also supports up to 64 voices of polyphony, double precision audio processing, micro-tuning file import, and MIDI learn for quick and easy controller mapping.

The user interface is very well made for a virtual modular synthesizer, allowing the user to manage complex patches with ease. We liked the developer’s decision not to use virtual cables but to rely on drop-down menus instead. ModulAir is a must-have virtual instrument for all fans of modular synthesizers who don’t have insane amounts of money or free space to spare. Full Bucket Music has released several other interesting plugins this year, including the MPS virtual synthesizer.

More info: ModulAir

Related software: VCVRack, Fathom Mono, Softube Modular

2. Leveling Tool by AdHd Audio Tools

Leveling Tool is a freeware tube compressor that is heavily inspired by the classic LA-2A limiting amplifier. The plugin mimics the sound and the intuitive workflow of its hardware counterpart while adding a handful of bonus features that take its processing capabilities one step further. Coming from a relatively unknown source, the Swedish developer AdHd Audio Tools, Leveling Tool surprised everyone with its excellent compression characteristics and tasty sounding saturation. It is the type of character compressor you’ll want to use as a quick remedy on tracks which are lacking warmth and mojo.

The plugin’s user interface is based on the vintage tube limiting amplifier design. Input gain and peak reduction are the main controls for adjusting the compressor’s response, along with the attack, release, and compression ratio parameters. The developers have also included the dry/wet dial for instant parallel processing and the drive knob for controlling the amount of saturation which is applied to the signal. The side-chain high-pass filter knob is used to prevent the unwanted bass frequencies from overloading the compressor’s threshold.

Sound-wise, Leveling Tool is comparable to Waves Audio’s popular CLA-3A plugin. It sounds terrific on drums and bass, especially when the input is slightly overdriven and the clean signal is mixed in with the compressed audio. Conversely, Leveling Tool can also be used as a more transparent compressor for processing vocals and guitars. It is an excellent release by ADHD Audio Tools and the developer’s successful first foray into the freeware VST plugin scene.

More info: Leveling Tool

Related software: MJUC jr., TriLeveler 2

3. MConvolutionEZ by MeldaProduction

MConvolutionEZ is a high-quality freeware convolution reverb plugin developed by MeldaProduction. It includes a large selection of reverb impulse responses but also supports the use of third-party impulses in WAV format. Thanks to its simplified control scheme and MeldaProduction’s signature design style, MConvolutionEZ is one of the most intuitive convolution plugins on the market.

The plugin’s front panel features four knobs for controlling the stereo width, high-pass and low-pass filter cutoff, and the dry/wet mix. MConvolutionEZ supports mid-side, single channel, and multi-channel surround processing. It comes with a fully resizable user interface and includes preset management and randomization features. The only feature we feel is missing would be the ability to control the pre-delay time. As an easy solution to this issue, use MConvolutionEZ on a send channel with a 100% wet delay plugin placed in front.

More info: MConvolutionEZ

4. PaulXStretch by Xenakios

PaulXStretch is a time-stretching effect based on Paul’s Extreme Time Stretch algorithm which was developed by Nasca Octavian Paul. Whereas most contemporary digital audio workstations feature stretching algorithms that favor sound quality, Paul’s Extreme Time Stretching algorithm allows the user to create sounds that are ridiculously long. It can turn a short vocal phrase into a 3-minute long audio texture or a single bass note into a never-ending drone. Not meant for use as a conventional audio stretching tool, it is more of a creative sound design utility.

Previously only available for use as a standalone application or the Paulstretch tool in Audacity, the popular time-stretching algorithm can now be used as a VST and AU plugin in all compatible hosts on PC and Mac. PaulXStretch can process imported audio files or any audio signal captured from the host application. The user interface isn’t for the faint of heart, but the controls are relatively easy to figure out after a little bit of trial and error. There are several YouTube videos online which explain the plugin’s workflow and features.

Although it isn’t the most intuitive piece of software out there, the plugin version of Paul’s Extreme Time Stretch algorithm is a valuable addition to any sound designer’s arsenal. For this reason, we are listing it as one of the best freeware VST plugins released in 2018.

More info: PaulXStretch

5. Deducktion by Dead Duck Software

Deducktion is a freeware subtractive synthesizer VST plugin developed by Dead Duck Software. It was the second best-ranked entry in the KVR Developer Challenge 2018. The plugin’s feature set isn’t very different from dozens of other virtual analog synthesizers on the market, but its user interface is one of the finest we’ve ever seen. The control layout is so intuitive that we’re likely to recommend Deducktion as the best learning tool for everyone interested in discovering the basics of subtractive synthesis.

That’s not to say that Deducktion won’t be useful for experienced synthesists, however. The plugin boasts a powerful 12-slot modulation matrix which connects its four LFOs and three velocity-sensitive ADSR envelopes with various modulation targets. The developer has also included a set of three FX modules (chorus, delay, and reverb) and a specialized control for creating fat “supersaw” sounds. The CPU hit is very low, which is another reason to keep Deducktion at hand for handling basic subtractive synthesis tasks.

More info: Deducktion

6. DeEss by Airwindows

DeEss is a deceptively simple-looking de-essing plugin. It doesn’t have a custom user interface and only features three control knobs. They are used for adjusting the de-essing intensity, maximum de-essing amount, and the target frequency. Things are undoubtedly more complicated under the hood, though, as DeEss is easily the most effective de-esser we’ve ever used. Using it almost feels like magic – load DeEss on a vocal track (or any other source with harsh sounding higher frequencies), increase the intensity parameter by around one third, and the sibilance is gone. No additional tweaking required.

Coming from the genius developer that is Airwindows, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that DeEss performs so well. However, it’s still hard to believe that such a lightweight plugin can work so well and be free-to-use at the same time. To be exact, DeEss is open-source, meaning that we might even encounter other plugins which will use its underlying technology in the future. It’s humbling to see people making their most exceptional work available to others at no cost. For these reasons, please consider supporting Airwindows through their Patreon page. Moreover, don’t forget to check out their many other excellent products, all of which are free to use on Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

More info: DeEss

7. Sitala by Decomposer

Sitala is a minimal drum sampler plugin developed by Decomposer. Most digital audio workstations nowadays include a native sampler of some sort, but most of them attempt to provide as many features as possible to the end user. Working with a cluttered instrument isn’t the best way to ensure a fast and efficient music production workflow. Decomposer tried to fix this issue by developing a drum sampler plugin which only offers the most necessary features in a super-streamlined user interface, allowing beat makers to unleash their full creativity.

The plugin features sixteen assignable sample slots with “drag and drop” support. Once an audio file is loaded, the user can quickly browse through the other samples located in the same folder. Each sample can be compressed, tuned, and filtered individually. The plugin also features MIDI learn and the ability to export saved drum kits for later use. Most importantly, Sitala offers multiple outputs so that each sample can be further processed using external effects.

More info: Sitala

8. Youlean Loudness Meter 2 by Youlean

Youlean Loudness Meter 2 is a user-friendly freeware loudness metering plugin for PC and Mac. It is a valuable visualization tool for music producers who want to master their tracks at home and compete with professionally mastered commercial releases. The plugin’s four metering modes (LUFS, LRA, DR, and true peak) will help determine the right amount of loudness without sacrificing the sound quality and the dynamic range of a mastered track.

Compared to the original Youlean Loudness Meter, version two of the software introduced new measurement modes and a resizable user interface, reduced the CPU usage by up to 30%, and improved the overall stability. Also available is Youlean Loudness Meter Pro ($49) which adds advanced features such as specialized presets for popular streaming services (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, etc.) and PDF export.

More info: Youlean Loudness Meter 2

9. Wider by Polyverse Music

Wider is another simple freeware VST plugin that does its job amazingly well. Developed by Polyverse Music in tandem with Infected Mushroom, it is based on the stereo width module found in their commercial product called Manipulator. What makes Wider different from other similar plugins on the market is its ability to broaden the stereo width of a signal without causing phasing issues when played in mono.

With its single control parameter, Wider couldn’t be any easier to use. The width slider affects the amount of stereo processing, with 200% being the maximum possible value. Be careful when pushing the stereo image this far, though, since extreme values can make an audio track sound as if it doesn’t coexist in the same stereo space with the rest of the mix. When used with a bit of caution, Wider is one of the best free VST plugins for boosting the stereo width while keeping the mix compatible with almost any type of playback system.

More info: Wider

10. Surge by Vember Audio

Surge by Vember Audio is often referred to as “baby Serum” due to its similarities with XferRecords’ ever-popular wavetable synthesizer. Both instruments feature powerful wavetable oscillators accompanied by built-in effects and vast modulation capabilities. Vember Audio’s plugin has been around for much longer, however. It was released over a decade ago, retailing for $99 originally.

In the meanwhile, the developer moved to other projects (the most notable of which is Bitwig) and Surge wasn’t receiving regular updates any longer. Literally out of nowhere, Vember Audio announced that Surge went open-source in August 2018. The news about the announcement was the most popular article of 2018 here at Bedroom Producers Blog. So, even though it’s technically a ten-year-old synthesizer, our impression is that Surge was one of the hottest free VST plugin released this year.

Surge features three oscillators per voice, each sporting five different algorithms: classic, sinus, wavetable, S/H noise, and audio input. Also included is a noise generator with variable spectrum. The synthesis engine consists of two multi-mode filter units, a waveshaper, a feedback loop, nine built-in effects, and twelve LFO modules per voice. Despite its age, Surge sounds very modern, with a digital tonal character that is similar to popular commercial instruments like Massive and Serum. The plugin’s only drawback is the graphical interface which is way too small by today’s standards.

Windows users can currently download the 64-bit VST and VST3 plugin versions of Surge for their digital audio workstation of choice. A Mac-compatible version of Surge is hopefully coming soon, considering that the plugin is now open-source.

More info: Surge

11. Dragonfly Reverb by Michael Willis

Dragonfly Reverb is based on the Hibiki hall reverb algorithm from the open-source Freeverb 3 suite. It is a true stereo modulating hall reverb that sounds great when used on vocals, orchestral instruments, and other sound sources which benefit from being placed in a natural sounding space.

Freeverb 3 is well-known for its high-quality open-source reverb algorithms, but it always lacked in the user-friendliness department. The plugins based on it suffer from poorly designed GUIs and unintuitive control parameters. Michael Willies managed to fix this issue with Dragonfly Reverb, delivering a freeware reverb VST plugin which sounds fantastic while being easy to operate.

The interface features controls for early and late reflections, reverb size, stereo width, pre-delay, and decay time parameters. Additionally, it is possible to control the diffusion and the tone of the reverb signal. The included presets are organized into five categories (rooms, studios, small halls, medium halls, and large halls) for easy browsing. Dragonfly Reverb is the best Freeverb 3 implementation we’ve tested to date, so be sure to give it a try if you’re looking for a quality hall reverb effect.

More info: Dragonfly Reverb

12. DLYM by Imaginando

DLYM is a freeware modulation multi-effect plugin developed by Imaginando, the creators behind the excellent DRC synthesizer. The plugin is inspired by DRC’s built-in chorus effect but expands on its functionality to create a more versatile modulation tool. DLYM can deliver anything from subtle flanging and phasing effects to extreme chorusing and aggressively out-of-tune effects.

The plugin features a clean-looking user interface with a live waveform display. The user can adjust the delay time and feedback amount, the modulation depth and rate, and the stereo spread of the processed signal. DLYM includes six different modulation waveforms which can be synced to host tempo. The plugin includes 20 presets which are a good indication of the different types of modulation that can be achieved. Apart from being used as a VST and AU plugin on PC and Mac, DLYM can also work as a standalone app or an AUv3 Audio Unit plugin on iOS.

More info: DLYM

13. Regrader by Igorski

Regrader took everything we think we knew about delay effects and flipped it upside down. Igorski describes the plugin as a “degenerative delay processor” due to its ability to completely decimate the delayed signal. The feedback path features multiple processing modules which are used for filtering, modulating, bitcrushing, and distorting the audio feed.

The plugin comes with a retro-looking user interface and works on both PC and Mac. Music producers who are looking for unique sound processing tools to add to their arsenal should definitely take note of Regrader. Igorski has released a couple of other freeware plugins this year, including a Commodore 64-inspired synthesizer called VSTSID.

More info: Regrader

14. LABS by Spitfire Audio

LABS is a freeware rompler VST plugin developed by Spitfire Audio. It is a simple sample player that serves as a platform for Spitfire Audio’s free sound libraries. The company keeps releasing new expansion packs for LABS and they never cease to amaze us with the quality of their free content. Each LABS library released so far had something special about it, be it the subdued tones of Soft Piano, the instant playability of Drums, or the unusual character of Charango. There are eight expansion libraries for LABS available at the moment and hopefully, many more coming in the future.

Feature-wise, LABS is a simple plugin. It comes with only a couple of macro controls which affect the reverb amount and, in some instances, the tonal balance of the loaded preset. Everything about LABS is convenient, from the fully automated installation process to the plugin’s uncomplicated GUI which lets the user focus on the sounds at hand. We highly recommend Spitfire Audio’s excellent sample player as a freely downloadable virtual instrument for all composers and music producers who need high-quality acoustic sounds.

More info: LABS

15. Bark of Dog 2 by Boz Digital Labs

Bark of Dog 2 is a freeware VST plugin designed for cleaning up and enhancing the bass frequencies of an audio signal. It’s no secret that the low end of the frequency spectrum is one of the most critical areas of a modern sounding mix. That’s why a dedicated tool for fixing any underlying bass frequency issues is an essential part of every producer’s mixing toolbox.

Based on the legendary Pultec EQP-1A equalizer, Bark of Dog 2 can be used to boost and cut two different low-end frequency regions simultaneously. Such treatment increases the clarity of the bass frequencies, making the low-end sound louder and more focused at the same time. The development team at Boz Digital Labs has created a freeware VST plugin which simplifies this process. Unlike its hardware counterpart, Bark of Dog 2 features a streamlined user interface with only three control dials. Increasing the value of the boost parameter will perform the classic push-pull EQ trick on the frequency range targeted by the user.

More info: Bark of Dog 2

16. ProF.E.T. by Ignite Amps

ProF.E.T. was the winner of KVR Developer Challenge 2018. It is a freeware emulation of a hardware distortion pedal designed and manufactured by Ignite Amps. We haven’t compared ProF.E.T. to the real thing, but there’s no denying that the plugin sounds fantastic in its own right. The distortion it delivers is both creamy and aggressive sounding, with a character that is similar to the legendary Tube Screamer pedal.

Although primarily meant for use on heavy metal guitars, ProF.E.T. can work well for processing other types of audio. Thanks to the tone controls and the adjustable input gain, the distortion can go anywhere between subtle to brutal. We tested it on synthesizers and electronic percussion with great results. You can also try using it on a send channel for subtle parallel processing.

More info: ProF.E.T.

17. Cocoa Delay by Tesselode

Cocoa Delay is an open-source delay VST plugin for Windows. It comes with advanced features like ducking, modulation, drift, and feedback saturation which aren’t common in freeware delay effects. The plugin includes static, ping-pong, and circular pan modes for creating stereo delays. Its sonic character is warm and analog at higher saturation settings, but Cocoa Delay can also sound transparent when required.

Tesselode has also developed Mika Micro, a freeware virtual analog synthesizer for Windows. Much like Cocoa Delay, it features a clean-looking and straightforward user interface. The instrument’s engine is rather minimal, but the handy control layout makes it a fun synthesizer to program.

More info: Cocoa Delay

18. Temper by Creative Intent

Temper is a phase distortion effect which used to cost $10 before being re-released as open-source in March 2018. The plugin doesn’t sound like any other distortion effect we tested previously. It uses a phase distortion algorithm which behaves entirely different from more traditional “clipping” algorithms. Temper sounds somewhat similar to a bitcrusher but warmer and less aggressive. Its tonal character reminds us of old-school hardware samplers which are renown for making drum samples sound more prominent in the mix.

More info: Temper

19. SSD 5 Free by Steven Slate Drums

SSD 5 Free is a freeware virtual acoustic drum kit developed by Steven Slate Drums. It comes with the same features as the full version of SSD 5 but only includes a single drum kit. There are no other limitations, however. In use, SSD 5 Free feels like a complete product, and it is one of the best freely downloadable acoustic drum VST plugins on the market. Even better, the installation process is almost effortless, and the provided drum kit can fit a wide range of rock music styles.

More info: SSD 5 Free

20. MS EQ COMP by INTERNET Co.

MS EQ COMP is a freeware mid-side equalizer and compressor effect. Both the mid and the side audio channels can be processed with a 3-band equalizer and a compressor. The two channels can also be panned independently or linked for adjusting the controls on both channels simultaneously.

The only drawback is that the plugin requires the installation of a software license manager. The license manager didn’t cause any issues during our test, but some users like to stay away from such applications by all means. There aren’t many freeware plugins of this type on the market, though, so it might be worth jumping through a few hoops to install MS EQ COMP in your DAW.

More info: MS EQ COMP

21. HY-Slicer Free by HY-Plugins

HY-Slicer Free is a freeware loop slicer VST plugin released by HY-Plugins. It can load any audio file in WAV, MP3, or AIFF file format and divide it into up to 32 slices manually or using the auto-slice feature. The slices can then be sequenced in any order using the included 16-step sequencer. HY-Slicer Free can hold up to 24 different sequenced patterns. The steps can be manipulated with functions like audio reverse, step rotation, step mute, and step randomization to create new or transform existing sequences on the fly.

Although not as advanced as some of the paid plugins in this category, HY-Slicer Free is a capable freeware tool for editing and remixing loops inside the DAW. Also, its intuitive control scheme makes it a decent first choice for producers who don’t have a lot of experience with beat slicing plugins.

More info: HY-Slicer Free

22. Couture Free by Auburn Sounds

Couture Free is a freeware transient shaper VST, AU, and AAX plugin by Auburn Sounds. It features three different transient detection modes (Flat, Human, and Sybil) with the ability to adjust the bass detection amount. The developers have also included a clipping module for smoothing out the transients, an output gain control, and a real-time waveform display.

The plugin doesn’t really offer any features which aren’t available in other freeware transient shapers, but its transient detection and processing quality is among the best on the market. The only slight drawback is the user interface which shows the locked control sections which are only available in the paid version of the plugin. Aside from that, though, Couture Free is an entirely functional freeware plugin.

More info: Couture Free

23. Waverazor LE by Tracktion Corporation

Waverazor LE is the lightweight freeware version of Tracktion Corporation’s innovative Waverazor synthesizer. The LE edition of the plugin is limited in that it only lets the users adjust the macro controls on the included presets. While that is a massive shortcoming when compared to the full version of the instrument, Waverazor LE is still a surprisingly versatile synthesizer. With its intentionally harsh and digital sound character, the plugin works best for creating aggressive leads and cinematic background textures. The lack of advanced control is a severe limitation, yet it forces the user to make the most exciting sounds possible with the available parameters.

Speaking of Tracktion Corporation, they have re-released the Tracktion T7 digital audio workstation as freeware earlier this year. It is one of the best freeware DAWs currently available, along with SONAR Platinum.

More info: Waverazor LE

24. Vocal Doubler by iZotope

Vocal Doubler is a freeware artificial double tracking tool by iZotope. The only available control apart from the mix knob is the large XY pad in the center of the user interface. It affects the amount of stereo separation and the modulation intensity of the doubled signal.

While we liked the looks of Vocal Doubler’s user interface, we don’t think its simplicity has a positive effect on the overall user experience. In use, the stereo separation control can be a bit fiddly when the modulation intensity is at 0% or 100%. We would rather have two separate dials for stereo separation and intensity. That said, Vocal Doubler does its job well, especially for the price.

More info: Vocal Doubler

25. Dumpster Fire by Freakshow Industries

Dumpster Fire is the last plugin on the list because it isn’t freeware – it’s a “pay what you want” product that you can download and use for free. Because of its pricing model, we didn’t want to compare Dumpster Fire to other plugins in this article. That said, the effect sounds so crazy and unique that we just had to include it on the list.

Imagine what would happen if you played your audio track through a malfunctioning portal to another dimension or some similar type of space-time anomaly. We think it would sound like it was being processed by Dumpster Fire. The plugin’s user interface looks completely insane, but its effect on audio is even crazier. If you’re a fan of unique tools for outright audio destruction, be sure to check out Dumpster Fire and other Freakshow Industries software like Backmask.

More info: Dumpster Fire

Those were our Top 25 picks for the best free VST plugins released in 2018. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below and suggest any additional plugins you’d like to see mentioned in the article. If you need more software for your studio, take a look at our free VST plugins page.

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