In this article you’ll find our top 15 picks of absolutely free VST instruments. We’ll go through synths, acoustic instruments, as well as samplers and drum machine plugins. Let’s get started!
1. Syndtsphere
This curious synth gives you a circular control allowing easy blending between patches. It features a nice selection of presets and a delay module as well.
2. X-Stream
This VST by Steinberg is a spectral synth, which is ideal for cinematic soundscapes.
3. Zebralette
Zebralette is a single oscillator version of the Zebra plugin, which is famously used by Hans Zimmer. It gives you plenty of advanced features, including visual envelopes and LFOs, wavetable oscillators and FX.
4. Vital
Vital is a free alternative to Xfer Serum, without compromise on sound quality. It’s very visual, features an incredible effects section and has an advanced modulation matrix.
5. OB-Xd
This is a software version of the Oberheim OB-X synth. It’s incredibly authentic and includes plenty of very useful preset banks.
6. Surge
Surge is an advanced open source plugin. Features include lots of oscillator types, as well as advanced envelopes and LFOs. On top, it’s got incredible effects built-in. Definitely worth checking out! (Skin used: Surge Dark)
7. TyrellN6
TyrellN6 from U-He, the makers of Diva, is a Roland Juno style plugin. It’s very easy to use and provides an authentic analog sound. (Skin used: GrayTech 2D)
8. VK-1 Viking
The VK-1 is probably the best option for free Moog style plugins. It’s an emulation of the single oscillator Moog Voyager synth. Sounds incredibly fat, perfect for bass sounds and much more.
9. Flite
Flite is a sample-based plugin, which in the free version gives you access to a good amount of patches. It doesn’t allow advanced editing though.
10. Vaults
Vaults is a nice alternative to Spitfire Audio LABS. It’s a very nice selection of curious sampled instruments.
11. Ample Guitar Lite
The free version of the acoustic guitar from Ample Sound has a very realistic sound. There’s also a free bass guitar plugin available.
12. Modo Drum Free
The free version of the Modo Drum plugin provides an amazing sounding sampled drum kit. The built-in MIDI patterns and processing features make it really powerful.
13. Drumtastic
Drumtastic is a very simple plugin delivering some electronic drums, as well as sampled drum kits.
14. Momentum
Momentum is a powerful sampler, allowing you to easily slice and process sounds. It’s a great alternative to Ableton’s built-in Simpler.
15. Triaz Player
Triaz Player is a free drum machine style plugin. It’s sample-based and allows for randomization of patches, even though advanced processing options are reserved for the paid version.
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