There’s never been a better time to be in the market to add to your plugin library. Whether you’re looking for spot-on recreations of classic analog hardware or something new altogether, the VST plugin standard has come a long way since Steinberg invented it in 1996.
These are the 10 best VST plugin companies, a little bit of their backstories, and some of our favorites from their product lines.
FabFilter
You’d be hard pressed to find a professional mix that doesn’t have FabFilter plugins on it. Formed in Amsterdam in 2002 they’ve risen to become one of the most popular brands in the business. They have a wide selection of different types of processing that all sport user-friendly interfaces with versatile features and sound options.
They have a number of popular VST plugins like the Pro-Q series of equalizers, Pro-L limiter, and Pro-MB multiband compressor. Their product line covers all of the bases and also includes reverb, delay, de-essing, synthesizers in Twin and creative sound shaping with Volcano.
FabFilter plugins are designed to be easy to use, but the depth of features and ways to craft sounds means they’re premium plugins for any type of audio production.
Universal Audio
UA started all the way back in 1958 and has become one of the most renowned names in the audio industry. They originally made outboard hardware and because of their history of innovation are still one of the most popular brands in digital audio. This is thanks to their stellar line of interfaces and plugins that closely model their own hardware creations and bring new ideas to your DAW.
A lot of their plugins meticulously model classic analog gear including EQs, compressors, tape machines, and reverbs. This level of detail ensures their plugins faithfully recreate the sound and behavior of the original hardware.
Universal Audio plugins blend the best of vintage and modern to bring classic, timeless sounds to the digital audio world.
Waves Audio
It’s not easy to forge a name in the plugin world the way that Waves has. They were founded in 1992 when digital audio was still figuring itself out. Another company that made their name by creating plugins that accurately model the behavior and sounds of analog hardware, their first product - the Q10 Paragraphic EQ - was revolutionary when it came out in the early 90s.
They went on to innovate other audio industry standard plugins like the L1 Ultramaximizer that became a mastering standard for being able to increase perceived loudness without creating distortion.
During the 2000s they expanded their plugin line to include software built for mixing and mastering as well as live sound, film post production, and broadcasting. Waves plugins are a popular choice for electronic music production too.
But it’s not just plugins they pioneered. The SoundGrid System processes audio in real-time and networks within live and studio environments.
The variety of what they offer is impressive to say the least. They have a good mix of accurate vintage gear emulations and original applications. Add some subtle squeeze to busses with their SSL G-Master Buss Compressor or shape time with the H-Delay.
Waves has earned numerous awards and global acclaim for a reason. If you’re wondering if Waves plugins are worth it, the answer is a resounding yes.
Slate Digital
Slate Digital is a newer plugin company formed in Los Angeles in 2008. But they didn’t waste any time climbing the ladder. Their Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) was revolutionary when it was first released. It lets you build out your own digital 500 series lunchbox by chaining all kinds of different plugins together.
Virtual Channel lets you use one plugin to emulate different analog consoles and Virtual Tape Machines is one of the most popular tape emulation plugins. They have all kinds of officially-licensed recreations of existing gear as well as their own proprietary designs.
Simplicity is their game, and their plugins are designed with ease-of-use in mind. Even though they’re easy to use they are powerful and professional. They’ve also moved beyond just creating plugins and offer a number of novel digital audio ideas like the Virtual Microphone System, Virtu Mastering software, and Raven touchscreen that adds more tactility back into the audio mixing workflow.
Soundtoys
Soundtoys is a small company, but the quality of their VST plugins stand up against any other. Founded in 1996 in Burlington, Vermont they’ve climbed the ladder to become a go-to for users of all levels.
Like a lot of other plugin companies their roots are in providing analog sounds with the flexibility the digital realm offers. The GUI of their plugins has a cool vintage aesthetic and looks like analog hardware housed in a sleek wood-panel rack.
Some of their most popular plugins include the Decapitator saturator and Little Plate reverb that provides the desirable wash of a real plate reverb in an easy to use format. EchoBoy is a versatile delay, and like Slate Digital’s VMR, Soundtoys’ Effect Rack 5 lets users create custom signal chains for almost limitless sonic combinations.
Native Instruments
We’re not talking about just plugins here. Native Instruments created an entire music production ecosystem that includes software, hardware, and services. Platforms like Kontakt, Reaktor, and Komplete give you more sound options than you can imagine and some of the most realistic virtual instruments.
Since their inception in the mid 1990s they’ve risen to be one of the most innovative organizations in audio. Some companies are fine resting on their laurels or just selling plugins. Native Instruments sells tools that spark imagination and creativity.
Arturia
This French company is unique in that like Universal Audio and Native Instruments they make software and hardware. Their virtual instruments are some of the best in the business. V Collection recreates synthesizers, pianos, organs, and more that can be controlled through their Analog Lab application.
Arturia’s plugins complement their hardware products well. Some of their notable plugins include the Chorus Dimension-D, an emulation of the mythical Roland hardware modulation unit, the TridA-Pre preamp that models a preamp from a Trident A-Range console, and the phaser Bi-Tron.
There’s something for everyone and every genre in Arturia’s lineup.
Analog Obsession
There might not be a company more dedicated to making sure users get their hands on their plugins than Analog Obsession. This boutique company crafts plugins that sound great with a focus on affordability. They also have a number of options that are freeware or donation based.
With a plugin line that’s grown significantly since their inception they cover all the bases when it comes to digital audio processing. BritChannel is a channel strip plugin that emulates the sound of classic British consoles, and FETSnap is a new take on the popular 1176 compressor.
With a focus on usability and authenticity, Analog Obsession is especially popular in the home and project studio crowd.
Baby Audio
Formed in 2019, Baby Audio is one of the newest players in the game. Their business model centers around a unique and creative approach to plugin design that appeals to pros and beginners alike.
Super VHS, for example, recreates the lof-fi sounds of VHS tapes from the 1980s - perfect for film sound design! Comeback Kid is a versatile delay meant for experimentation. And they keep coming up with new ideas. Smooth Operator is an intelligent signal balancer and dynamic compressor that enhances clarity and creates balance in a mix.
They may only be a few years old, but their dedication to filling gaps in the plugin market and providing solid customer service has earned them a loyal customer base in a short amount of time. It’s exciting to see what they come up with next.
GForce Software
There are a lot of virtual instrument plugin companies, and GForce Software is up there with the best of them. They were founded in the late 1990s, and their designs have only gotten better over the years.
One of their most popular plugins is the Minimonsta 2 that emulates the classic Minimoog synth. The Oddity3, based on the ARP Odyssey, isn't far behind. M-Tron Pro offers a huge library of sounds sampled right from original Mellotron tape banks.
Summary
Even small plugin companies can go toe-to-toe with large brands these days. From standard processing like EQ and compression to next-generation suites of virtual instruments, these are some of the best VST plugin companies.
Keep in mind, if you’re looking to expand your plugin library you don’t necessarily have to buy in right away. Plenty of the best VST plugin companies offer trials and demos so you can make sure your hard-earned budget is spent on the best options for you.