Best Free Effects VST Plugins

Effects

Cockos ReaComp

ReaComp is Cockos’ native compressor for REAPER, packaged in the free ReaPlugs bundle that runs in any VST host. You don’t need to use REAPER to install or use it.

Effects

ReaXComp

ReaXComp is a free multiband compressor developed by Cockos, the company behind the popular REAPER digital audio workstation. It’s part of the ReaPlugs VST FX Suite, a bundle of native REAPER effects…

Effects

Squash

by Minimal Audio

Squash takes the opposite approach to 8TT. Instead of giving you more bands and more controls, it strips the OTT concept down to an X/Y pad.

Effects

MEqualizer

MEqualizer is a feature-rich 6-band equalizer plugin that you can download for free as part of MeldaProduction’s freeware bundle. It provides seven filter types per band and a smooth real-time…

Effects

Neural Amp Modeler

Neural Amp Modeler (NAM), developed by Steven Atkinson, is a free amp profiling plugin for guitarists, available in VST3 and AU formats. The plugin allows users to create and use profiles of their…

Effects

Tonocracy

Tonocracy is a free amp simulator for Windows and macOS that supports VST3, AAX, and AU plugin formats. The updated version 2.

Effects

Blue Cat’s Free Amp

by Blue Cat

Blue Cat’s Free Amp is a guitar amp emulator based on Blue Cat’s premium Destructor and Axiom plugins. With three different models (Classic Clean, Classic Drive, and Modern Drive) and matching…

Effects

Amped Roots Free

by ML Sound Lab

Amped Roots Free is the free edition of ML Sound Lab’s software bundle, which was made with the help of guitarist Ryan “Fluff” Bruce. The plugin includes an amp designed for metal with a built-in…

Effects

Ace

by Shattered Glass Audio

Ace by Shattered Glass Audio is an emulation of a Fender tube guitar amp. With its clean tones, it’s great for indie rock, pop, and other genres that don’t require a high-gain guitar sound like metal.

Effects

bx_rockrack V3 Player

by Plugin Alliance

bx_rockrack V3 Player is the freeware virtual guitar amp plugin by Brainworx. It features a limited collection of amp models and presets from the full version of the software.

Effects

Audec Transient

Best for precise, visual transient shaping with fast workflow. Transient by Audec has a simple name, but it’s one of the most feature-packed transient shapers on this list.

Effects

VoS FeenstaubTX

Best for subtle mix-bus glue with transient-triggered color. FeenstaubTX is a free transient shaper by Variety of Sound, a respected developer known for high-quality free plugins on Windows.

Effects

Techivation T-Puncher Free

Best for instant transient adjustments with zero learning curve. T-Puncher Free is the simplified freeware version of Techivation’s premium transient shaper plugin.

Effects

Sonic Anomaly Transpire

Best for transparent transient control with intelligent non-linear behavior. Transpire looks simple, but its standout is a non-linear response.

Effects

Wavesfactory Flash

Best for fast, transparent results with handy M/S and mix control. Flash is a free transient shaper by Wavesfactory.

Effects

Kilohearts Transient Shaper

Best for super lightweight transient control and use with modular Kilohearts plugins. Kilohearts Transient Shaper offers three simple but effective controls: Attack (boost/cut the initial hit), Pump…