#best synth plugins

Synth plugins, also known as VST synths, are virtual instruments that let producers craft sounds that would otherwise be impossible (or extremely expensive) with hardware synths. From classic analog recreations to cutting-edge granular synth designs, these tools are crucial for sound design, songwriting, scoring, and live performances.

The beauty of today’s marketplace is the balance between free synth VSTs and high-end pro VST synth plugins meaning that no matter your budget, world-class sound is at your fingertips.

Top Free Synth VSTs in 2025

You don’t need to spend big to sound big. Here are some of the most impressive free synth VSTs you should grab right now:

Vital by Matt Tytel Vital remains a king among free synths in 2025. This wavetable synthesizer offers a professional-level sound engine with drag-and-drop modulation, crystal-clear oscillators, and a visual workflow that’s unmatched. Whether you’re creating a dreamy pad or a sharp pluck, Vital makes it easy.

Best for: EDM, Pop, Cinematic, Trap

Surge XT Surge XT has continued its legacy into 2025 as one of the most versatile free synth VSTs available. It’s open-source and features a wide range of synthesis methods — FM, wavetable, subtractive, and more — giving you endless sound design possibilities.

Best for: Experimental, Ambient, House, Techno

TAL-Noise Maker If you’re hunting for classic analog sounds on a budget, TAL-Noise Maker is a fantastic choice. It brings the warmth of vintage analog synths into your DAW without costing a dime.

Best for: Retro, Synth wave, Funk, Indie 

Best Pro VST Synth Plugins in 2025

Now, if you’re ready to invest in professional-grade tools, these best synth plugins are dominating the scene this year:

Airlift by Sauce Audio– One of the most anticipated releases of 2025, Airlift by Sauce Audio is a next-gen synth plugin designed for limitless creativity. Blending granular synthesis, spectral morphing, and traditional subtractive techniques, Airlift offers a unique approach to sound design. Its intuitive interface makes complex sound manipulation easy, while its deep modulation matrix allows you to create evolving textures and intricate sequences effortlessly.

Best for: All genres — a true sound designer’s dream

You he Diva- Still a heavyweight champion, Diva captures the spirit of vintage hardware synths like the Minimoog, Juno, and Jupiter-8. Its authentic analog emulation continues to be unmatched, making it a top pick for producers craving warmth and depth.

Best for: Deep House, Synthwave, Pop, Orchestral Scoring

Arturia Pigments 5– Pigments 5 fuses wavetable, granular, sample-based, and virtual analog engines into one stunning instrument. Its intuitive layout, colorful visual feedback, and mind-bending modulation capabilities keep it a favorite among professional producers.

Best for: Electronic, Trap, Soundtracks, Ambient

Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3– Omnisphere is still the holy grail of synths, and the 2025 version is even more powerful. It now includes AI-assisted sound generation tools, letting producers craft mind-blowing patches faster than ever.

Best for: Film Scoring, EDM, Chillout, Orchestral

Special Mention: Best Vocal Synth VST

Sometimes you need a plugin that specializes in vocals, and 2025’s options are better than ever.

iZotope VocalSynth 3- VocalSynth 3 offers insane flexibility for vocal processing. You can transform your voice into a robotic entity, an ethereal choir, or even a percussive instrument. Its modular setup and creative effects make it a must-have vocal synth VST.

Best for: Pop, Hip-Hop, Experimental, EDM

Guitar Synth Plugin You Shouldn’t Miss

Guitarists are no longer limited to traditional amp sims. If you’re looking to blend guitar tones with synth sounds, check this out:

MOK Wave razor Guitar Edition- Built specifically with guitarists in mind, the Waverazor Guitar Edition allows players to morph their guitar signals into slicing, aggressive synth sounds. Think Nine Inch Nails meets Daft Punk. Best for: Rock, Industrial, Experimental

Exploring Granular Synth Plugins

Granular synthesis is no longer niche — it’s a must for modern sound design. Here’s a 2025 standout:

Granulizer 3 by Inertia Sound Systems

Granulizer 3 continues to push the boundaries of granular manipulation. It allows musicians to chop audio into tiny grains and rearrange them into haunting pads, glitchy textures, and shimmering atmospheres.

Best for: Ambient, Experimental, Film Scoring

Analog Synth VST That Feels Like Hardware

If you’re after the richness and organic quality of real analog synths but want the convenience of a plugin, here’s the best pick:

Softube Model 84

Softube’s latest, Model 84, captures the essence of a vintage Roland Juno-106, offering lush pads, iconic choruses, and fat basses that feel alive.

Best for: Retro Pop, Funk, House, Indie

Synth Plugins for Ableton Users

Ableton Live users will love these synth plugins, especially tuned for workflow synergy:

Wavetable (Built-in Ableton Instrument)

Don’t overlook Ableton’s own Wavetable synth! In 2025, it’s still one of the most versatile native plugins for complex sound design without needing third-party software.

Best for: Any genre inside Ableton Live

Pro Tip: Combine Airlift by Sauce Audio with Ableton’s native devices for mind-blowing sound layering and live performance setups!

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Synth Plugin for You

Choosing the right synth plugin depends on a few factors:

Genre: EDM producers might love Vital and Pigments, while film scorers might lean toward Omnisphere and Airlift.

Budget: Start with free synth VSTs like Surge XT if you’re new, then invest in high-end plugins like Diva or Airlift when ready.

Workflow: Some synths are complex beasts (Omnisphere), while others (Vital, TAL-NoiseMaker) are simpler and faster to use.

The most important thing? Experiment. Most synth plugins offer demo versions, so you can try them out before committing.

Where to Explore the Best Synth Plugins

At Sauce Audio, we believe in empowering artists with premium tools that don’t just sound good—they inspire greatness. Whether you’re looking for the next big analog synth VST, a cutting-edge granular synth plugin, or a game-changing vocal synth VST, we’ve got your back.