Where to Download VST Plugins in 2024 (Free & Paid)

Are you looking for where to download VST plugins? 

Look no further. VST plugins, or Virtual Studio Technology plugins, are essential tools for music production. They can add new sounds, effects, and features to your digital audio workstation software. 

But where can you find these valuable assets? 

Some VST plugins are free, while others must be purchased. However, one thing is for sure – they can only be downloaded. 

Free VST plugins may have limitations, but paid ones have more options and better sound quality. And please, avoid cracked VST plugins as they can damage your computer and all your projects. 

In this article, we’ll explore the best places to find and download VST plugins safely and legally. 

We have scoured the internet to bring you the best websites for VST plugins, ensuring they are top-notch and constantly updated with the latest offerings.

Let’s dive in.

Websites Where you can Download Premium VST Plugins

Ready to take your music production to the next level? One way to do that is by downloading premium VST plugins for your DAW software such as FL Studio, Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic.

These high-quality, paid plugins can add professional sounds, effects, and features to your digital audio workstation software. 

But where to download VST Plugins? 

Here, we’ll explore a list of websites where you can download premium VST plugins, from industry-leading companies. 

These websites offer a wide range of options to suit your needs and budget. But remember, as with any purchase, do your research and choose wisely. 

Let’s find out where to download VST plugins that are premium.

1.Plugin Boutique

Plugin Boutique is an online marketplace that sells audio plugins, VSTs, software instruments, software synthesizers, plugin bundles, and other software tools related to music production, sound design, and audio engineering. It’s created by the team behind Loopmasters, an online samples and loops marketplace.

The website has hundreds of manufacturers, including Apollo Audio, Slate Digital, Arturia, Waves, Izotope, D16, AIR, Antares, XLN Audio, WA Productions, and many more. It offers occasional money-saving deals on these software products and combines different software in a bundle. 

It’s a 100% legitimate and trustworthy website and one of the biggest and most popular music production marketplaces for buying plugins and Software related to music production.

You can find a wide variety of plugins and software instruments, from dynamic processors to time-based effects, to different types of equalizers, and more. It’s easy to use, you can search for the plugin you’re looking for by using the search bar on top of the website, or by using its categories. It also has sections covering news, and reviews, a blog with tutorials, and a section devoted solely to free plugins.

In addition, the team behind Plugin Boutique is constantly updating its website with new products, deals, and discounts, which can be found in its “New and Sale” sections. So be sure to check back often, you might find a great deal on the plugin you’ve been wanting to buy.

2.Sweetwater

Sweetwater is a leading online retailer of music software and gear in the US.

With a strong reputation and a wide selection of inventory that includes guitars, amps, pedals, speakers, drums, keyboards, and more, they have a substantial reputation for music production software.

Their 55-point inspection process ensures that every instrument is in excellent condition before it is shipped out. This gives customers peace of mind that the product they receive will be of high quality.

Their dedicated sales team provides excellent customer service and support. They are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions customers may have. Plus, they can also assist with discounts and other special deals.

In general, Sweetwater is a legitimate and trustworthy retailer of music software and gear. They have many satisfied customers who have had positive experiences with the company.

3.PluginFox

PluginFox is an online marketplace for audio software, including plugins, virtual instruments, and DAWs. 

It is a reliable and legitimate company.

The website offers a wide variety of plugins and virtual instruments, as well as samples, loops, tutorials, and more. They also have a separate page for deals, which lists the best bundles at the time. There’s always some discount and sale going on.

They have strong customer support on the website, and you can get in touch with them via mail.

The process of buying, downloading, and activating the plugin is smooth and easy. Overall, PluginFox is a great place to buy music production software.

4.ProducerSpot

ProducerSpot is a site that specializes in selling sample packs and synthesizer presets. Recently, they have started selling VST plugins. 

One of the main advantages of using ProducerSpot is the availability of many discount coupons. The site offers a free credit system where 10% of your purchase can be credited back to your account, which can then be used as a discount on future purchases. Additionally, there are discounts available on ProducerSpot that are not offered on other sites.

However, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of before purchasing from ProducerSpot. The number of VST plugins offered is currently quite small and the site response can be slow.

To purchase from ProducerSpot, simply browse their selection of VST plugins and add the desired item to your cart. Be sure to check for and apply any available discounts before finalizing your purchase.

5.Splice

Splice started life as a web service that allowed users of certain DAWs to upload their raw project data to the cloud and then collaborate with others. However, the company has now created a new service: Splice Sounds. Not only does it offer an online catalog of royalty-free samples from industry-leading figures, companies, and artists.

Aside from samples and loops, Splice also offers some excellent plugin collections, especially for music producers and sound designers.

The service claims to be a new approach to buying samples, and it is entirely database-driven yet friendly to use. People were complaining that they would buy a sample pack and end up only using a small percentage of the sounds. The others were essentially useless to them.

To solve this problem, Splice Sounds lets people search, audition, and buy only what they want. The problem of having to buy a large sample pack to get the small number of samples or features that you actually want is a real one, but this is not the developers’ fault. The only alternative to selling whole collections is to make a searchable, micro-payment-driven online system. That is exactly what Splice has done.

For $7.99 a month, you get 100 download credits, and samples cost one credit each. This limit is to stop people from joining for a month and downloading the entire database before canceling, which wouldn’t be very fair. It will also probably have the effect of making you consider more carefully which sounds and VST plugins you really do want rather than just downloading thousands without thinking.

6.Thomann

Thomann Music is Europe’s largest retailer of musical software and equipment, founded in Germany in 1954 by the Thomann family. They have built a reputation for providing excellent customer service, going beyond just helping customers make a sale, and supporting their purchases through repairs, guarantees, and return services. They have won awards for their customer service and have recently expanded to the United States.

One of the things that set Thomann apart from other online instrument sales is its selection of gear and software. They offer a wide range of instruments, gear, and accessories for all levels of musicians, from beginner-level model guitars to high-end lighting for working DJs. They have a truly impressive selection and cater to various music niches. They have categories such as guitar and bass, drums, keys, studio, software, DJ, PA, lighting, video, brass and traditional, sheet music, cases, mics, accessories, software, and gear.

Thomann also offers an instrument repair service that is backed by over 100 experts covering everything from electronic equipment to loudspeakers, to pianos and more. The repair team is composed of expert craftspeople who not only repair instruments but also build them. They have also partnered with some of the biggest names in music to offer warranty repair services in their shop, so they can honor your warranty with big brand names and handle the repair process for you.

Thomann also sells VST plugins. They have a wide selection of plugins from various manufacturers and brands, making it easy for customers to find the plugins they need.

7.JRR Shop

JRR Shop is an online store for audio plugins and virtual instruments. The website features tools from top companies such as Arturia, Polyverse, IK Multimedia, Boz Digital, Sonible, Audiomodern, and many more.

You can find great virtual guitar rigs, bass plugins, acoustic emulations, orchestral sample packs & instruments, preamp plugins, effect plugins, and mastering tools on the website. It’s great for finding tools that realistically emulate or sample organic instruments like guitars, violins, horns, percussions, etc.

The website offers discounts ranging from 5% to 50% and you can filter the products by the discount it offers, price, type, manufacturer, and sale. The company is known for its great customer service.

It’s worth noting that JRR shop is an authorized dealer of the products they sell. They have a great selection of instruments, gear, and accessories that cater to musicians of all levels and styles. With its wide range of options and great prices, JRR Shop is definitely worth checking out.

8.ADSRSounds

ADSR Sounds is an online marketplace for electronic music producers. It offers a wide range of sample packs, audio tutorials, and VST plugins. The website markets itself as a “One Stop Shop” for all your music production needs.

The sample packs available on the website cover a wide range of genres and styles. You can find everything from ambient soundscapes to hard-hitting drums and everything in between. The tutorials on the website cover a wide range of topics, including music production, sound design, mixing, mastering, and audio engineering. The tutorials are available across various DAWs and are easy to follow.

The plugin marketplace on the website is divided into three categories: FX, Instruments, and Developers. The FX category includes a wide range of effects, including Amp, Chorus, Compressor, BitCrusher, and more. The Instruments category includes virtual instruments like pianos, guitars, and drums. The Developers category includes plugins from renowned developers like Oberheim, UJJAM, PSP, Xfer Records, Arturia, Air Music Technology, Kilohearts, Izotope, Polyverse, u-he, and more.

The website is easy to navigate and has a simple checkout process.

9.W. A. Production 

W.A. Production is a marketplace for sample packs, Vst Plugins, and audio tutorials. They market themselves as a one-stop shop for music producers, offering a wide range of products to enhance the music production process.

One of their main offerings is a collection of sample packs, catering to various genres such as EDM, hip hop, and techno. These packs include a variety of samples, including drums, basslines, and melodies, to help producers quickly and easily create new tracks.

In addition, to sample packs, W.A. Production also offers a wide range of audio tutorials, covering topics such as mixing, mastering, and sound design. These tutorials are designed to help producers improve their skills and take their music to the next level.

W.A. Production also has a large collection of plugins and virtual instruments, classified into categories such as FX, instruments, and developers. This makes it easy for producers to find the tools they need, whether they’re looking for a specific effect or a virtual instrument to play.

One of the things that set W.A. Production apart is its user-friendly website interface. The site is easy to navigate, with a clean and modern design that makes it easy to find the products you’re looking for. The checkout process is also streamlined, making it easy to purchase and download products.

10.BestService

BestService is an online marketplace for audio software and plugins. It’s based in Germany and has a wide range of products from some of the top companies in the audio industry. From virtual instruments to sound effects, effect plugins, and more, BestService has it all.

The website is easy to navigate and has a simple design. You can browse products by categories like brands, virtual instruments, sample/loop libraries, sound effects, effect plugins, software, and more. The home page also features the latest and leading products on the website. You’ll find products from top companies like Antares, Native Instruments, W.A. Productions, Izotope, and more.

If you’re looking for a specific type of plugin or instrument, you can easily filter through the different categories and sub-categories. For example, if you’re looking for a virtual bass instrument plugin, you can click on the “Virtual Instruments” category, then on the “Basses” category. This will display all the bass instruments available on the website, making it easy for you to make a choice.

With a wide range of products and easy navigation, BestService is definitely worth checking out for all your audio software and plugin needs.

Websites Where you can Download Free VST Plugins

Want to add new sounds and effects to your audio productions without breaking the bank? 

Look no further than free VST plugins. 

These no-cost additions to your DAW software such as FL Studio, Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic can greatly enhance your audio creations. 

But where to download the best free VST Plugins? 

In this section, we’ll explore a list of websites where you can download free VST plugins. These websites offer a wide range of options to suit your needs and budget, without the cost. 

But remember, as with any download, do your research and choose wisely. So, join us and discover where to download VST Plugins that are free.

1.KVR Audio

KVR Audio offers everything you need when it comes to audio. It’s a treasure trove of information, tools, and resources for musicians, audio engineers, and producers. Simple and easy to navigate, the website is easy to find what you’re looking for.

The directory of audio plugins, sample libraries, and virtual instruments is comprehensive and up-to-date. It’s a great way to discover new tools for your productions or to find alternatives to your current tools. 

And, the best part? Many of the plugins are available for free download!

The forum is active and insightful, providing a platform for discussion and collaboration among the audio community. The marketplace is a great way to buy and sell audio software. It’s a secure platform where you can find great deals and sell your unwanted software.

KVR Audio is a valuable resource for anyone who takes their audio seriously. It’s an educational and informative site, that provides users with the latest news, reviews, and tips. 

The site is constantly evolving, always offering new features and improvements, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the audio industry.

2.Plugins 4 Free

Plugins4free is a treasure trove of audio production tools. It’s a must-visit destination for expanding your virtual instrument and effects library. 

The site offers a wide selection of plugins, including synthesizers, drum machines, effects processors, and more, all available for free.

The plugins are of high quality, providing users with the ability to add depth, complexity, and character to their productions. The site is easy to navigate, with a clean and simple design, making it easy to find the tools you need. The plugins are available in various formats, including VST, AU, and RTAS, ensuring compatibility with a range of DAWs and operating systems.

The information and reviews provided on the site are insightful and educational, providing users with an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the plugins. This information makes it easier to choose the right tools for your projects and helps to increase your overall knowledge of audio production.

3.Free Loops

You can find samples and loops on Free-Loops.com if you’re a musician or creator. The website may seem outdated due to its old-school design, but don’t let that fool you. The content is up-to-date, offering a wide range of samples, loops, and audio tools.

At Free-Loops.com, you’ll find samples and loops in a variety of genres, including: 

• Hip-Hop
• Electronic
• Rock
• Pop

The website is user-friendly, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. Simply browse the categories or use the search bar to narrow down your results.

Once you find the sample or loop you’re looking for, you can preview it before downloading. 

But Free-Loops.com isn’t just about samples and loops. It also offers audio tools, like drum kits, MIDI files, and sound effects, to give your productions a unique touch. 

The variety of options on the website means you can find everything you need for your next track, all in one place.

In a world filled with endless possibilities for music production, Free-Loops.com stands out as a reliable source for high-quality samples and loops. 

4.Free VST Plugins

Free-VST Plugins is a treasure trove of musical magic, offering a world of possibilities to any producer, composer, or artist looking to add some extra pizzazz to their audio creations. Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge VST instruments or powerful VST effects, this site has it all, from drums and synths to vintage instruments, from frequency and signal processors to guitar effects, from MIDI generators and controllers to multi-track audio tools.

With its easy-to-use interface and user-friendly listings, Free-VSTPlugins.net offers an uncomplicated path to downloading the plugins you need. The site’s straightforward design eliminates needless clicks and submissions, and its collection of free, legal plugins is top-notch, ranging from advanced offerings to beginner-friendly options.

5.Audio Plugins For Free

With Audio Plugins for Free, you’ll find tons of free audio software and sounds to enhance your creativity. This website is an oasis of audio wonder, with a well-organized design that makes finding what you need a breeze.

The site is complete with tabs that make browsing a joy, including the “Most Popular,” “Best Free VST,” and “Best Free VST Synth.” The home page is dotted with some of the most well-known and functional plugins, like CamelCrusher, Tal Reverb II, TDR Nova, and more. Each plugin is described with accuracy and a touch of poetic language, making the browsing experience even more enjoyable.

Comparison of Free vs Paid VST Plugins

Free or paid? That is the question. 

When it comes to VST plugins, both options have their own set of pros and cons. Free VST plugins can be a great way to add new sounds and effects to your audio productions without spending a dime. But paid VST plugins often have more options, better sound quality, and more professional features. 

Feature	Free VST Plugins	Paid VST Plugins
Price	Free or low cost	Higher cost
Sound Quality	May not be as high as paid plugins	Typically higher quality and more professional
Features	Limited compared to paid plugins	More options and advanced features
Support	Limited or none	Typically includes customer support and updates
Legal Issues	May be more likely to be pirated or illegal copies	Legal and licensed for use in your productions

Tips for Finding and Downloading VST Plugins Safely and Legally

When it comes to finding and downloading VST plugins, it’s important to be smart and safe. All sources aren’t equal, and downloading from the wrong place can lead to malware, stolen personal information, or even legal trouble.

 So, how do you ensure that you’re getting the best plugins from legitimate sources?

Here are some tips for finding and downloading VST plugins safely and legally:

1. Stick to reputable sources: When looking for VST plugins, stick to reputable websites like those from the plugin developers themselves, or well-known and established plugin marketplaces. These sites are more likely to be legitimate and offer safe downloads.
2. Check for reviews: Before downloading a plugin, check for reviews from other users. This can give you an idea of the quality and reliability of the plugin, as well as any potential issues.
3. Use anti-virus software: Make sure to have anti-virus software installed on your computer before downloading any plugins. This can help protect your computer from malware and other malicious software.
4. Be wary of free plugins: While free plugins can be great, be wary of sites offering “cracked” or illegal copies of paid plugins. Not only is this illegal, but it also puts your computer at risk.
5. Read the terms of use: Before downloading a plugin, make sure to read the terms of use. This will tell you how the plugin can be used and any restrictions on its use.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re getting the best plugins from legitimate sources, and protecting your computer and yourself from potential issues. When it comes to VST plugins, quality is king, but safety and legality come first. So, take your time, do your research, and make smart choices when it comes to finding and downloading VST plugins. And always remember, that the best music is the one that is created with a clear mind and a safe environment.