Synth plugins have the power to go far beyond what’s available in your DAW, letting you explore hardware synth sounds without the price tag, experiment with different types of synthesis, and achieve anything from ’70s pop to trance-inspired sounds.

If you have access to a variety of plugins made by specialised professionals, you’re well on your way to crafting the exact sound your track needs with the best quality possible.

This article will provide you with everything you need to know about the best synth plugins and give recommendations to help you make the right choice for you.

2. Arturia Pigments 6 – Everything you need in one plugin

Key features

• Blend four synthesis techniques into one complex sound
• Process external sound through the instrument
• Highly CPU-efficient for powerful sound design without latency

Pros

• Nearly unbeatable value for money
• Generative sequencing means you’ll never run out of creative ideas
• Easy to access all parameters with drag-and-drop modulation routing

Cons

• The massive range of possibilities could be overwhelming for beginner users

Pigments 6 has earned its place as one of the most powerful soft synth VST plugins. This multi-functional synth offers unbeatable value for money. Its multi-engine design allows for a blend of synthesis methodologies – virtual analogue, wavetable, additive, sampling, and granular to create intricate and lush sounds.

Leveraging the expertise gained from emulating classic hardware, Arturia have infused Pigments with premium virtual analogue elements. This is manifested in robust VA engines and a variety of vintage filter emulations.

The strength of Pigments lies in its balance between complexity and user-friendliness. It provides an exciting array of modulation tools and effects, inviting you to experiment. If you prefer simplicity, Pigments 6 comes with a wide range of ready-to-use presets and a streamlined Play View for adjusting core sound elements.

The user interface is aesthetically pleasing and intuitive, allowing access to all of Pigments’ features without the need for navigating multiple screens. Colour-coded modulation routes with drag-and-drop routing make what was once difficult, easy.

While no single synth can provide every desired feature or sound, Pigments 6 comes remarkably close. It’s designed for musicians willing to delve into its capabilities, rewarding those who invest time in its features. However, its extensive and growing sound library ensures there’s something for everyone, making it accessible and enjoyable for all users.

3. Reveal Sound Spire – The best synth for trance producers

Key features

• Unison engine offers nine voices per oscillator
• Huge range of modulation across nearly all parameters
• Built-in effects including EQ and multi-band compression

Pros

• Excellent at producing trance-inspired sounds
• Huge amount of flexibility for customising your sound
• Dual resonant filters with self-resonance modes

Cons

• Very little analog flavour, can be a bit sterile-sounding

Not just another trance ‘n’ dance synthesizer, the Reveal Sound Spire offers a variety of clever and unusual features that transcend typical virtual analogue synth expectations. A broad selection of waveforms is made available, extending beyond the standard sine, saw, square, and triangle shapes commonly associated with virtual analogue synths.

Crisp and clear, Spire is recognised for its impact on progressive music and  excels at creating sounds synonymous with the trance genre. Whether it is big supersaw chords, stabby baselines, or lush pads that are sought after, Spire serves as a reliable option across genres.

A wide range of tones can be produced using Spire, depending on the chosen wave, synthesis mode, and knob settings. Labelled as “polymorphing”, this hybrid wavetable/waveshaping technique contributes to Spire’s power and flexibility. A nice touch, you can copy and paste settings between oscillators.

Inspirational and simple, the intuitive interface and collection of 500 presets bring real value to this synth plug-in. The filters’ clarity and quality alone justify the price, and the distortion and tube effects add depth and energy to the sound.

4. Arturia V-Collection X – Creative producers looking to go beyond hardware

Key features

• Over 50GB of sound spread across 39 instruments
• Includes pristine pianos, vintage synths, and experimental sound design tools
• In-app tutorials, helping to explain each instrument immaculately

Pros

• Includes just about every synth sound you could need
• Each instrument is augmented with controls beyond the hardware original
• Download and manage seamlessly through Arturia Software Centre

Cons

• Individual plugins can be very CPU-heavy

Boasting emulations of renowned analogue instruments including the Sequential Prophet-6 and Roland Juno-6, alongside acoustic and electric piano models, V-Collection X expands its collection with six additional synths, creating an impressive 39-strong collection.

Two notable upgrades are the completely rebuilt Wurli V and Mini V. New synths MiniFreak V, Acid V, and CP-70 V enhance the hardware-like experience with a blend of digital and analogue fusion.

In particular, the MiniFreak V features dual sound engines, detailed analogue-modelled filters, expressive sequencing, and experimental modulation. It also provides preset unity and syncing capabilities for seamless transition between hardware and software – ideal for hybrid setups.

For those who enjoy seductive basslines, the Acid V bassline synth offers an analogue-style oscillator, sub-oscillator, and Resonant low-pass filter. Beyond the hardware original’s capabilities, it introduces a Distortion with 14 algorithms, an added Vibrato feature, and an advanced polymetric sequencer and arpeggiator.

The CP-70 V, an emulation of the 1976 Yamaha CP-70 electric piano, combines multilayered sampling with accurate modelling, capturing the original’s intimate and expressive character. It also includes a three-band EQ, built-in effects, numerous presets, and further sound-shaping options.

The V Collection X also introduces three hybrid instruments from Arturia’s Augmented series. These synths integrate meticulously recorded samples with synth engines for a wide range of sonic possibilities, blending traditional and futuristic sounds.

5. Native Instruments Kontakt 8 – The best for realistic instrument sounds

Key features

• Unites sampling depth with synthesis flexibility
• Discover 900 included sampled instruments or utilise third-party libraries
• Realistic samples deliver authentic instrument sounds

Pros

• Simple interface makes navigating the functions easy
• Native Instruments often offer more instruments in free updates
• Manipulation of audio files produces unique results

Cons

• Very resource-heavy will slow down less powerful machines

Primarily a sampler, Kontakt 8 transcends conventional sampling capabilities by incorporating a variety of synthesizer engines. This integration means audio files can be processed using traditional synth parameters such as Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOs), Envelopes, and Modulation.

The Factory Library of Kontakt 8 has undergone a revamp, now boasting over 900 meticulously sampled instruments. This vast collection provides you with a wealth of options, allowing you to produce a diverse range of sounds. With the Kontakt platform, you can also take advantage of third-party developers to find sample libraries that align with your needs.

What makes Kontakt unique in this list is also what holds it back. Realistic sound libraries mean there is less room for creative sound design as the sound has already been established in the recording of the samples. So, unless you have a specific instrument in mind for a sound, Kontakt 8 won’t inspire creativity like other synth plugins.

6. Universal Audio Moog Minimoog – The exact sound of the vintage Moog in a plugin

Key features

• The only Minimoog endorsed by Moog themselves
• Self-oscillation and extreme resonance deliver the signature Moog sound
• Enhanced features including additional LFO, Sample&Hold circuits, legato, and more

Pros

• Clear and precise interface, mimicking the hardware original
• Dedicated LFO frees up use of the third oscillator
• Brought up to date for modern producers and workflows

Cons

• Lacks polyphonic support

A virtual reincarnation of the legendary Minimoog Model D, Universal Audio’s Minimoog plugin is the only emulation endorsed by Moog themselves. This plugin features an identical user interface and sound to the original synth, offering the same delicious warmth and gritty texture. Unlike other plugins that sound flat and digital, this one retains the charm of interacting waveforms from each oscillator.

Conscious of bringing the plugin to the modern era, Universal Audio introduced enhancements to make creating fat basses and searing leads simple.

An extra LFO is included (freeing up space to use the third oscillator), velocity controls with MIDI for dynamic movement to loudness, frequency cutoff, and other useful parameters, all contributing to a plugin that’s incredibly versatile and suitable for live shows, if you wanted to!

The price of admission makes this so worthwhile when compared with the hardware counterpart, saving you an estimated £9,850 on the cost of an original unit. That said, mirroring the mono-only nature restricts its versatility for chords and pads. While a deliberate choice, the absence of polyphony is a debatable aspect, as adding it could have enhanced the synth’s adaptability without compromising its authenticity.

Nonetheless, it remains an incredible value, simply a must-have when looking for “that” sound.

7. Rob Papen Blue 3.0 – A must-have for Eurodance musicians and producers

Key features

• Cross-fusion synthesis with six oscillators
• Wide range of synthesis types in one plugin
• Over 5000 production-ready presets

Pros

• Extensive modulation options
• High-quality FX selection with flexibility
• User-friendly interface with adjustable size

Cons

• May be too complex for beginners

The Rob Papen Blue 3.0 takes synthesis versatility to the next level. This 16-voice synthesizer combines FM synthesis, wave and phase distortion, virtual analogue emulation, spectrum waveforms, Karplus-Strong string modelling, and sampling in a single plugin. That’s a lot! The six-oscillator engine allows for complex layering, with each oscillator supporting FM synthesis and multiple routing options, giving you the tools to craft unique and intricate tones.

Blue 3.0 also introduces sample-based synthesis, letting you load up to six user samples per preset. You can layer, split, or even morph these samples for dynamic sound textures. This plugin’s modulation capabilities are extensive, with 18 LFOs and a modulation matrix to handle everything from subtle shifts to dramatic sound transformations.

Sound design is enhanced with an XY pad, allowing you to morph between oscillators for evolving sonic landscapes. Plus, a 32-step arpeggiator and sequencer add rhythmic depth, while four FX slots with 34 FX types provide near-endless sound manipulation possibilities. With over 5000 presets and an intuitive interface, Blue 3.0 is a great choice for sound designers who want a complete, flexible synthesis toolkit.

8. Cherry Audio GX-80 – Cinematic soundscapes with distinct analog flavour

Key features

• Blends the GX-1 extended features with the CS-80 functionality
• Dual-layer voicing architecture with 16 polyphonic voices per layer
• Studio-quality integrated effects with global or dual-layer modes

Pros

• Extremely affordable recreation of a virtually unobtainable hardware synth
• Two synths in one, enhancing the performance of the original synth
• Fantastic interface that labels all parameters clearly

Cons

• There’s a steep learning curve if you’re not familiar with the original

The Cherry Audio GX-80 synthesizer plugin is an emulation of the classic CS-80, widely celebrated for its rich cinematic chords that were integral to Vangelis’s Blade Runner soundtrack. Yet, the GX-80 goes beyond mere imitation; it incorporates elements from Yamaha’s rare GX-1 organ, adding to its depth and potential for creativity.

Reintroducing the high-pass filtered square wave, band-pass filtered sawtooth wave, and the distinctive triangle wave one octave higher, the inclusion of the GX-1 filter adds a characterful dimension to the sound palette.

Moreover, the GX-80 allows you to layer two complete CS-80 voices and their effects together or split them across the keyboard. Each rank can be independently panned in stereo, creating truly massive sounds. Herein lies the secret for those immersive soundscapes the hardware is known for.

The GX-80 also offers minute pitch and timing variations throughout the synth, replicating the authentic analog feel of the CS-80. This detail helps to deliver an enormous range of tones, from soft and elegant to engaging and thunderous.

The GX-80 synthesizer plugin represents the core benefit of synth plugins, taking what made hardware special and improving upon it. Its impressive soundstage, extensive extra parameters, and intuitive interface make it a dream come true for synthesizer enthusiasts. It excels in producing big, synthy sounds with a distinct ’70s edge, making it an indispensable tool for any digital musician’s arsenal.

9. Waldorf PPG Wave 3.0 – Producing the sound of ‘80s pop

Key features

• Up to 256 voices of polyphony
• Dual wavetable oscillators with sample playback
• Classic 12/24-dB lowpass filters with overdrive

Pros

• Extensive polyphony for complex compositions
• Comprehensive modulation options
• Classic PPG sound in digital form

Cons

• Potentially overwhelming for less experienced users

The Waldorf PPG Wave 3.0 revives the iconic sound of the ’80s PPG Wave Synthesizer in software form. It blends vintage digital waveforms with advanced analog-filter emulation to deliver a distinct sound palette without the limitations or artefacts of its hardware predecessor. Featuring dual wavetable oscillators per voice and optional sample playback, it offers rich sonic textures that can be morphed smoothly between waveshapes.

The PPG Wave 3.0 provides up to 256 voices of polyphony – ideal for creating intricate, multi-layered compositions. Its sound-shaping tools include precision lowpass filters (12/24-dB) and built-in overdrive, three envelopes, and an LFO for added depth.

Plus, the synth is designed for both stage and studio use thanks to its multimode eight-stereo output and versatile performance modes, including poly and mono unison. And to further enhance your sound, an onboard arpeggiator and a range of effects like phaser, chorus, and stereo delay are included.

10. Rob Papen SubBoomBass 2 – All things low-end

Key features

• The quintessential bass synth for dance music
• Manipulate six parameters simultaneously with intuitive X/Y pad
• Create sounds quickly with “Easy Mode”

Pros

• Physical modelling mode offers realistic bass sound possibilities
• Over 2,000 presets to explore
• Excellent filters and sequencing capabilities

Cons

• A third oscillator would offer better flexibility

It does exactly what it says on the tin. The Rob Papen SubBoomBass 2 is the go-to synth plugin for EDM and dance music bass. It’s unashamed in what it’s meant for, and that’s what makes it a must-have synth plugin, it doesn’t try to give you something that does everything but, instead, focuses on giving you what you need to make sub-rattling low-end.

SubBoomBass 2 includes an impressive range of waveforms and diverse modulation possibilities. The new waveforms contribute to its sonic colour, making it a more flexible and vibrant synth. A combination of pulse width modulation, symmetry, and sine or square sub-oscillators form the core of this powerful synth, allowing for an extensive variety of sounds.

The addition of Karplus-Strong, filters, and physical modelling modes enhances the flexibility beyond traditional bass synth tones and lets you create string-based sounds from plucked bass, bass arps, and metallic hits.

Classy, powerful and full of sounds, SubBoomBass 2 should be on every producer’s plugin list and with the extremely attractive price point, it’s hard to say no!

11. Cherry Audio Synth Stack 4 – For the vintage synth enthusiast

Key features

• 22 synth plugins in one bundle
• Each synth is recreated with proprietary modelling techniques for indistinguishable sounds
• Over 8,000 presets across every synth to fully explore the sonic potential

Pros

• Extremely affordable for the vast array of different synths included
• Capable of producing any sound across all synthesis techniques
• Expanded parameters and functions over the hardware counterparts

Cons

• Not every sound may be useful, and there’s plenty to navigate

The Cherry Audio Synth Stack 4 offers an impressive array of 22 virtual instruments at an astonishingly affordable price.

This comprehensive bundle includes 19 meticulously crafted emulations of revered vintage synthesizers, each artfully reimagined to meet the demands of contemporary musicians. That said, with 8,000 presets spread across the entire range, you might find yourself clicking endlessly to find the right sound where not all might be useful for you.

Among the standout emulations are the Cherry Audio Quadra, a faithful recreation of the ARP Quadra synth; the Mercury-6, a powerful virtual-analog rendition of the iconic Roland Jupiter-6 synthesizer; and the GX-80, an emulation of Yamaha’s legendary GX-1 “Dream Machine” and its renowned descendant, the CS-80.

Cherry Audio’s sound designers not only emulate but elevate, preserving the sonic essence of bygone eras while introducing possibilities unimaginable in the past. This multidimensional approach is evident in the entire suite, ranging from historic synth recreations to cutting-edge futuristic modules.

Synth Stack 4 is currently available at a remarkable price of £299, equating to less than £14 per instrument. It’s a no-brainer for any musician who’s always wanted to experience the sound of revered vintage synths, without the headache and cost associated with owning original hardware.

12. Native Instruments Komplete 15 Standard – Perfect for world instrument compositions

Key features

• 95 premium instruments and effects
• Includes the industry-standard sampling engine Kontakt 8
• Suitable for producers and musicians in any genre

Pros

• Massive savings when bought as a bundle
• Allows you to diversify your sonic palette with realistic instrument samples
• Improved browser function to find sounds quickly

Cons

• Huge amount of hard disk space required

Native Instruments Komplete 15 Standard is a highly acclaimed software suite that stands out in the world of digital music production. It offers a diverse array of virtual instruments, effects, and sound libraries, making it a versatile choice for producers, composers, and musicians across various genres.

At the core of Komplete 15 Standard is the renowned Kontakt 8, a powerful sampler that offers a vast library of sounds, ranging from intricate orchestral textures to cutting-edge electronic beats. This makes it an essential tool for both traditional composition and contemporary sound design.

The suite also includes a selection of synthesizers that cater to a wide spectrum of musical styles. These synthesizers boast advanced sound engines and an intuitive interface, allowing users to effortlessly craft unique sounds.

Additionally, Komplete 15 Standard provides a range of effects plugins, offering everything from reverb and delay to dynamic processing, which is crucial for polishing and enhancing musical productions.

Ideal for both beginners and experienced users, Komplete 15 Standard is designed to inspire creativity and streamline workflow. Its comprehensive content and user-friendly design make it a top choice for anyone looking to expand their sonic arsenal.

13. GForce Oberheim – The Bundle – The versatile producer and musician

Key features

• Full suite of authentic Oberheim emulations
• Expansive modulation and sound-shaping options
• Includes classic drum machine and streamlined synth

Pros

• Faithful recreations with modern enhancements
• Versatile for various musical genres
• User-friendly interface for efficient workflow

Cons

• High learning curve for in-depth features

The GForce Oberheim Bundle is a comprehensive collection of emulations that capture the iconic Oberheim synths and drum machines. Leading the pack, the OB-X offers an officially endorsed replica of the famed ’80s synth with dual oscillators, resonant filters, and enhanced modulation capabilities through X-LFOs and X-ADSRs, perfect for nuanced sound design.

The OB-E v2 brings a unique eight-voice SEM-based structure, allowing independent programming of each voice for expansive polyphony and sound variation. It’s paired with an extensive preset library for instant creativity. The SEM itself embodies the classic monophonic design with its rich sound and over 400 patches, ideal for timeless lead and bass tones.

The DMX drum machine bridges classic ’80s drum sounds with modern digital precision, offering 24 drum samples and an intuitive interface with detailed channel control. Lastly, OB-EZ simplifies the iconic eight-voice sound for producers who need fast, straightforward access to Oberheim’s signature tones with a set of 260 presets and core parameters at hand.

This is an essential suite for anyone aiming to capture vintage synth textures with modern usability.