This is a large list of pro sound recordists, and sound designers, who offer free sound effects for download on their websites. When pro audio people release audio libraries, they sometimes also release free samples.

If you’re just getting started in film, theater, or the game industry, such resources can be invaluable when padding out your sound effects collection.

Disclaimer: Whilst all the websites on the list should allow commercial use of their free sound effects, it is ultimately your responsibility to check the license on each website, and library that you download, in order to make sure that you can use them in your projects. I accept no responsibility for any misuse of the files.

PS: If you’d like me to add your free sounds to the list, change your website description, or remove it all together, feel free to get in touch.

With all that out of the way, let’s hop right in!

344 Audio

You can download their free sound effects libraries here, at the bottom of the page.

99 Sounds

Absolutely massive collection of free sound effects, contributed by sound designers all over the world. You can download their free sounds here.

Airborne Sound

Airborne Sound offers multiple high quality sound effects libraries for free download. They can be downloaded in a few different formats, ranging from .mp3 to high quality .wav at 96kHz/24-bit.

You can download their free sounds here.

AntiSample

AntiSample has two free libraries available. One is called One Shots, and the other is Bike Ride Adventures, which is offered as ‘pay what you want’. I would still recommend that you pay something for it, but there is nothing stopping you from paying $0.

Articulated Sounds

Articulated Sounds offers three free library packs. The Global Sampler Pack contains samples from all of their libraries, in addition to Mini Bells, and Free Water.

Asoundeffect.com

Joining the newsletter will get you some free sound effects, but ASFX occasionally holds sales and offers, where you might get bonus sounds with a purchase.

You can join the newsletter by clicking here.