Top 10 Free Synths VSTs That Sound Good 2024

Virtual synthesizer vst plug-ins have become an integral part of modern music production, providing musicians and producers with an endless array of creative possibilities. From classic analog sounds to futuristic soundscapes, virtual synthesizers have redefined the way we make music. With tons of presets and user friendly interfaces for novice sound designers, virtual synth plug-ins can take your production to the next level.

While high-end vst synthesizers sound fantastic, they are expensive. Spectrasonics Omnisphere retails at $479 and UVI Falcon base price is $349. There are also a lot of less expensive virtual synths on the market as well such as Arturia Analog Lab V $199, Serum $189, and Sylenth $149.

If you’re strapped for cash, there are also many excellent free synth vst plug-ins available. But with so many free virtual synth plug-ins on the web it might be hard for you find one that actually sounds good. Or you might be looking for one that has an analog sound to it, just like a hardware synth.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the 10 best free synth VSTs that sound good 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, these free synthesizers will provide you with a wealth of creative options. From classic analog sounds to futuristic soundscapes, these synthesizers will help you produce music that stands out from the crowd.

So, let’s dive in and discover the top 10 free synthesizers that will take your music production to the next level.

10 Best Free Synths VST That Sound Good 2024

1. Surge Synth VST

Surge XT from Vember Audio is the latest evolution in synthesizers and a must-have for music producers and sound engineers alike. With its unique hybrid subtractive/FM synthesis engine, Surge XT allows users to explore an extensive range of musical possibilities and patch them together with an intuitive and user friendly interface. The extensive modulation routing capabilities, combined with its wavetable matrix, makes it one of the most powerful and flexible virtual analog synthesizers available on the market today. From lush and deep sounds to cutting-edge sonic design, Surge XT offers up a wide range of sounds that can be tailored and tweaked to meet your every need.

Alongside its seemingly endless capabilities, the free synth vst also offers a comprehensive online tutorial that allows users to quickly get to grips with all its features. Whether you are looking for deep basses, searing leads, dreamy pads or unexpected soundscapes, Surge XT can help you create the perfect soundscape.

Surge XT hybrid synthesizer can help you create high quality soundscapes right from your PC or mac. Offering over 2800 sound patches, 700 wavetables, 500 presets, multiple modulation sources and a powerful arpeggiator, Surge XT has everything you need to make your music stand out. Plus, it’s free to use and highly accessible for beginner and experienced musicians alike!

Key Features:

3 oscillators per scene, with 12 versatile oscillator algorithms: Classic, Modern, Wavetable, Window, Sine, FM2, FM3, String, Twist, Alias, S&H Noise and Audio Input.
Classic oscillator is a morphable pulse/saw/dual saw oscillator with a sub-oscillator and hard sync. Modern oscillator is a mixable saw/pulse/triangle oscillator with an optional sub-oscillator mode for triangle (which can also change to sine or square) and hard sync.
FM2/FM3 oscillators consist of a carrier and 2 or 3 modulators and various options. String oscillator uses two filtered waveguides to emulate plucked or bowed string sounds. Twist oscillator is based on a very famous Eurorack macro oscillator, and it offers a myriad of synthesis options.
12 LFO units available, 6 are per voice and 6 are global for the whole scene. DAHDSR envelope generators on every LFO. LFO shapes consist of 7 deformable LFO waveforms, step sequencer, a fully-fledged multi-segment envelope generator (MSEG) with various curves and up to 128 nodes.
A formula modulator which utilizes Lua scripting language to provide completely custom modulator output. Voice LFOs allow envelope retriggering in step sequencer mode. Extremely fast and flexible modulation routing. Almost every continuous parameter can be modulated!
Two filter units in 8 different configurations, with feedback loop available in 7 of them. The 16 effect units arranged as 4 inserts per scene, 4 sends and 4 master effects. The filter and effect algorithm are too long to list here.

Get Surge Synth free at https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/

2. Vital Synth Vst

Vital is a virtual synthesizer developed by Vital Audio, a company known for its innovative music production tools. This powerful virtual instrument is designed for modern music production and offers a wealth of sound design options to help producers and musicians create unique and expressive sounds.

Vital have a clean modern minimal look interface with extensive synth creation capabilities. Although it may look complex for a beginner, its easy to navigate sections will help you your way around quickly. On the Voice tab of the interface there are three oscillators, one sampler, three envelopes, four LFOs, and two filters. More features are; 16 voices, bend, velocity, stereo spread, glide, slope, legato, octave scale, frequency note, sync and more.

Next is the Effects tab on the interface. The list includes a chorus, compressor, delay, distortion, equalizer, filter, flanger, phaser, and reverb. Each effect have an on/off button so you can mix and match between which one you want to use on a sound. Next to the Effects tab is the Matrix tab. The Matrix panel allows users to create complex soundscapes and modulations. You basically can use the Matrix to control (modulate) almost anything via source and destination.

Last but not least is the Advanced tab. Under this tab you have extended oscillator features for example note track and Hi-res wave-table. You also have more voice options such as round robin, voice override, tune, and transpose. There’s an oversampling section which is defaulted to recommended 2x, but have optional 1x(draft), 3x(high cpu), and 4x(ultra cpu). There’s also a option to display frequency units in semitones or Hz. To the right of that is a visual analysis graph that displays frequency responses.

If you’re a novice at building synths, Vital comes with 75 preset and 25 wavetables. The presets are well organized so you can easily for a particular sound. The preset menu consist of bass, lead, keys, pad, percussion, sequence, sfx, experiment, and template. There’s a search bar and you can save your favorites.

Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, Vital is an excellent free virtual synthesizer that will help you create unique and expressive synth sounds.

Get Vital Synth free at https://vital.audio/

3. OB-XD2 Synth VST

OB-Xd2 is a virtual analog synthesizer plugin created by Discodsp, designed to replicate the sound of the legendary Oberheim OB-X synthesizer. The OB-X was a classic analog polysynth from the late 70s and early 80s, famous for its warm and rich sound. OB-Xd2 aims to capture that sound and bring it into the digital age.

The interface of OB-Xd2 is straightforward and easy to navigate. It features two oscillators with a choice of four waveform types, a noise generator, and a sub-oscillator. The filters are modeled after the classic 12db/octave and 24db/octave low-pass filters found on the OB-X, and there are also high-pass and band-pass filters available. OB-Xd2 also features a variety of modulation options, including two LFOs, an envelope generator, and a modulation matrix.

One of the standout features of OB-Xd2 is its excellent effects section. There are seven effects available, including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, and more. The effects are all high-quality and sound great, adding depth and character to the already rich and warm sound of the synthesizer.

Overall, OB-Xd2 is an excellent virtual analog synthesizer plugin that captures the sound of the classic Oberheim OB-X while adding modern features and effects. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for that vintage analog sound in a digital format.

Get OB-XD2 free at https://www.discodsp.com/obxd/

4. Tal Noisemaker Synth

TAL-Noisemaker is a popular versatile subtractive virtual analog synthesizer created by the German developer TAL Software. This virtual instrument is available for free and has become a favorite among electronic musicians and producers for its high-quality sound and versatile features.

The free synthesizer vst is designed to be easy to use, with clear and simple controls that make it easy to create and modify sounds. The interface includes a variety of knobs and buttons that can be used to adjust parameters such as oscillators, filters, envelopes, and more.

Tal Noisemaker Synth vintage layout skin interface have sections that are easy to navigate. The top area have five sections. Which consist of LFO 1, LFO 2, Oscillator 2, Oscillator 2, and a Master section. The middle area have three sections. A Filter section, Amp section, and a graphic Envelope Editor section. And at the bottom you have several sections; Chorus, Crush, Reverb, Delay, Sync, Velocity, Pitch, and Calibration.

Key Features:

3 Oscillators
Osc 1, tune, fine, phase (saw, pulse, noise).
Osc 2, fine, tune, phase control (saw, rectangle, triangle, sine).
Osc 1 PW for pulse waveform.
Osc 2 FM controlled by Osc 1.
Osc 1 & Osc 2 sync to Sub Osc.
Adjustable master tune and transpose.
Up to 6 voices.
Portamento in mono and poly mode (off, auto, on).
Ringmod modulates Osc 1 with Osc 2
Self resonating 4x oversampled filters
Filter ADSR (negative and positive)
Volume ADSR
Routable ADSR, modulates Filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, PW, FM (negative and positive)
2 LFO’s with different running modes: free, sync to host, triggered by note.
Modulates filter, osc 1, osc 2, fm, pw, lfo rate, panorama and volume.
Sine, triangle, saw square, and noise.
Effects, Midi learn, 256 presets

Get Tal Noisemaker free at https://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker

5. Odin 2 Synth VST

The Odin 2 is an exceptionally powerful synthesizer that can take your musical creations to the next level. Its wide array of innovative features provides you with seemingly limitless possibilities when it comes to sound design. From its robust 16-voice polyphony and intuitive controls, to its extensive library of wavetables and effects, the Odin 2 is everything you need for creating sounds like never before.

With features inspired by classic synthesis styles and combined with modern innovations, the Odin 2 is truly a solid analog synth instrument emulation. Each oscillator offers 25 different wavetable types, allowing you to create complex textures and modulation patterns faster than ever before.

Three customizable oscillators offer unlimited options for exploring new sonic territory. The advanced toolkit also includes five envelopes and two LFOs that can be perfectly synced to tempo – giving you unparalleled control over dynamics, expression, and timing. Whether you’re a professional producer or just starting out, the Odin 2 is sure to inspire your creativity.

Get Odin 2 Synth free at https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/1-Instruments/4-Synth/7226-Odin-2

6. Dexed Synth VST

Dexed is a free, open-source software synthesizer vst developed by Pascal Gauthier and the Yamaha Corporation. It is designed to emulate the classic Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, one of the most popular and influential synthesizers of the 1980s. Dexed offers an impressive range of features and a high level of sound quality that make it a popular choice among musicians and producers.

Dexed synth vst uses a type of synthesis called frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. This type of synthesis is known for its ability to produce a wide range of complex and evolving sounds, from bell-like tones to rich, evolving pads. The Yamaha DX7 was one of the first synthesizers to use FM synthesis and its sound has become an integral part of many musical genres, from pop to electronic dance music.

Despite being a free software, Dexed offers a high level of sound quality that is comparable to some of the best commercial synthesizers available today. The sound engine is capable of producing a huge range of classic DX7 sounds, from classic leads and basses to complex pads and soundscapes.

One of the unique aspects of Dexed is its ability to import and use original DX7 patches. This makes it possible to access the vast library of sounds that have been created for the Yamaha DX7 over the years, and to use them in your own music. Additionally, Dexed also includes a large library of built-in patches that cover a wide range of musical styles, making it a great starting point for those who are new to synthesizers.

Overall, Dexed is a solid software synthesizer that is well worth checking out, especially if you are looking for a free and high-quality FM synthesizer.

Get Dexed Synth free at https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/

7. U-He Zebralette Synth

U-he Zebralette is a free software synthesizer developed by German company U-he. Despite being a free software, Zebralette offers features and sound quality that are comparable to some of the best commercial synthesizers available today.

Zebralette is a virtual-analog synthesizer, meaning it uses digital algorithms to recreate the sound of analog synthesizers from the past. This type of synthesis has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to produce a wide range of warm, rich and expressive sounds that are difficult to achieve with other synthesis methods.

Another great aspect of Zebralette is the sound quality. It has a rich, warm and expressive tone that is ideal for a wide range of musical genres, from electronic music to ambient, from pop to rock. The sound engine is capable of producing a huge range of classic synth sounds, from classic leads and basses to complex pads and soundscapes.

Despite being a free software, Zebralette is also highly customizable, allowing you to modify and extend its functionality in a number of ways. For example, you can create custom waveforms and import them into Zebralette, or you can use the built-in scripting language to create your own custom effects and modulations.

Overall, U-he Zebralette is an excellent synthesizer that is well worth checking out, especially if you are looking for a free and high-quality software synth. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this synthesizer is sure to provide you with a wide range of creative options and an impressive sound quality that is sure to inspire your musical ideas.

Get Zebralette Synth free at https://u-he.com/products/zebralette/

8. NI Komplete Start Synth

Native Instruments Komplete Start offers a generous amount of free synths, sampled instruments, effects, loops, and samples. The software is designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The interface makes it easy to explore and experiment with the various synthesizers and their different parameters, allowing users to quickly create new and exciting sounds. Check out below what you’ll get in the free download.

Synthesizers:

Trk-01-Bass – Create ground-shaking bass with at least five different synth engines so you can create exactly the sound you need.
Mikro Prism – Create worldly synth sounds with 70 built in presets, built-in cab sims, effects, and more.
LazerBass – A much-regarded modern monosynth with a raw sound and easy workflow. Great for Dubstep.
Carbon 2 – is a enhanced version of the original workhorse soft synth. The three oscillators, filter, and multi-effects sections are presented in a easily usable interface, many of its 85 presets are breathtaking in their subtlety and complexity.
Blocks Base – Build your own modular synth. 24 patchable blocks and over 30 inspiring and educational racks. Contains audio I/O, note in, and MIDI clock, to an accessible range of sound shaping LFOs, ADSR envelopes, VCAs, and step sequencers. CV connectivity is also offered to give you hardware integration possibilities.
Space Drone – Need pads? Space Drone’s 96 parallel voices can create endless atmospheric synth sounds.
Newscool – A generative sequencer and sound generator that can randomly make unpredictable beats to enhance your creativity.

Sampled Instruments:

Expansions Selection – A curated collection of almost 1,500 loops and samples from a diverse range of NI expansion packs.
Play Series – Three powerful hybrid instruments – Ethereal Earth, Hybrid Keys, and Analog Dreams.
Synth – A wide selection of contemporary synth basses, leads, pads, and drum kits.
Kinetic Treats – Create evolving sounds and textures from a library of methodically sampled children’s toys.
Acoustic – Six global instruments, including plucked instruments flutes, reed instruments, percussion and bagpipes.
Band – 13 rock and pop instruments, which includes electric guitars, basses, acoustic drum-kits, an organ, electric pianos, and more.
Vintage – 13 instruments that brings back the legendary sounds of analog synthesizers and keyboards.
Beats – Five instruments and a selection of drum production kits containing drum loops, single loop tracks, and individual slices.

Effects:

Supercharger A one knob tube compressor that adds character, bite and depth to yor sound. Or Create ducking effects that pump with high-energy tube compression.
Guitar Rig 6 Player – Need I say more, the infamous Amp simulation with matched cabinet, 13 effects, and 50 ready-to-use presets.

Controller Players:

Komplete Kontrol – Find, play, and tweak all your sounds, instruments and effects from one powerful plug-in.
Kontakt 7 Player – This powerful sample player allows you to run all NI KONTAKT instruments, as well as hundreds of instruments from other 3rd party creators.
Reaktor 6 Player – A unique player that allows you to run all ‘Made for REAKTOR PLAYER’ synths from NI and other synth designers.

Komplete Start is a powerful and versatile suite of synth instruments. Get it here at https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-start/

9. Pendulate Synth VST

Pendulate is a free vst synthesizer developed by Newfangled Audio, a company known for their innovative and high-quality audio plugins. Despite being a free software, Pendulate offers a unique and highly expressive synthesis method that sets it apart from other synthesizers on the market.

Pendulate is a chaos-based synthesizer that uses a new type of synthesis method called “chaotic oscillators”. This type of synthesis is based on the mathematical principles of chaos theory and uses complex algorithms to generate unpredictable and evolving sounds. The result is a sound that is highly expressive and organic, with a wide range of textures and timbres that are difficult to achieve with other synthesis methods.

One of the standout features of Pendulate synthesizer vst is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to get started and quickly create sounds that are tailored to your needs. The interface is highly intuitive and all of the parameters are clearly labeled, making it easy to understand what each one does and how it affects the sound. Additionally, the interface is highly customizable, allowing you to rearrange the layout and change the colors to suit your personal preferences.

One of the unique aspects of Pendulate is its ability to produce chaotic and evolving sounds that are difficult to achieve with other synthesis methods. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a synthesizer that is highly expressive and capable of producing sounds that are truly unique and unpredictable. The sound engine is capable of producing a wide range of complex and evolving sounds, from rich pads and soundscapes to expressive leads and basses.

Overall, Pendulate is a unique software synthesizer that is well worth checking out, especially if you are looking for a highly expressive synthesizer. Get Pendulate Synth free at https://www.newfangledaudio.com/pendulate

Features:

A new chaotic oscillator based on the double pendulum produces sounds you’ve never heard before but will want to hear again and again.
Wavefolder based on the Buchla 259 Complex Waveform Generator, with MIX and CUTOFF added.
The Buchla 292 Low Pass Gate now includes controls for POLES and RESONANCE.
Modulation that is novel The UI allows modulation over all controls on the main page, with up to 325 simultaneous modulation routings possible.
MPE support enables incredible control from innovative new controllers.
Each Looping Envelope and LFO generate multiple outputs at the same time and can modulate each other, much like a modular synth.
Every mod output to every control receives up to 325 modulation points in a user-friendly single pane.
The animations for the Double Pendulum, Wavefolder, and Low Pass Gate modules show how each module responds to your input and modulation.
With a single click, you can assign MIDI CCs to any control using the intuitive Midi Learn functionality.
136 Presets, including Matt Lange and Matthew Wang artist presets

10. Voltage Nucleus Synth VST

Do you want to create new and exciting synthesizer sounds without being overwhelmed by confusing user interfaces? If so, then Voltage Modular Nucleus is the perfect way to dive into the world of modular synthesis. Developed by Cherry Audio, this modern modular environment unites dozens of classic and modern modules into a powerful system allowing users unprecedented access to their creative pursuit with intuitive workflows.

Voltage Modular Nucleus is an all-in-one system that comprises a robust and fully expandable set of virtual modular audio units. This core set boasts a variety of oscillators, filters, sequencers, drum machines, effects, and even waveshapers, giving you tons of options to create unique synthesized audio textures.

All components are designed to be patchable, which makes Voltage Modular easy to use and great for sonic experimentation as well as creating custom physical models or recreating vintage equipment from days past. Voltage Modular also supports integration with other platforms such as Windows and Mac and can be used with a range of popular DAWs making it a truly versatile and ever-expanding platform.

Includes 30 free modules and 130 presets to get you started. See a few modules below! Get Voltage Modular Nucleus free at https://store.cherryaudio.com/bundles/voltage-modular-nucleus

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, virtual synthesizer plug-ins have revolutionized the way musicians and producers approach music creation. And free virtual synthesizers are no exception. These powerful vst instruments provide an unparalleled level of flexibility, allowing users to access a vast array of sounds and effects, all from the comfort of their computer. With the rise of virtual synthesizer plug-ins, music production has become more accessible and affordable than ever before, enabling musicians to experiment with a wide range of genres and styles. Virtual synthesizer plug-ins have undoubtedly changed the landscape of modern music production, and it’s exciting to see where they will take us in the years to come.

Are you undecided? Watch our videos to see more about each of the Top 10 Free Synths.