Top 10 Best VST Plugins in 2024 for Music Production: Synths, Mixing & Mastering Effects

In this article you'll find the top 10 most widely used music production VST plugins in 2023. Let' get started!

1. Xfer Serum - Wavetable Synthesizer

Serum has been the go-to plugin of EDM producers over the recent years for a reason. It features an incredible set of functions and doesn’t fail to deliver bright, punchy sounds. Despite the built-in library of presets being quite small, multiple preset packs have been made for Serum, allowing you to make every genre possible. Check our Serum preset packs here.

2. Spectrasonics Omnisphere - Hybrid Synthesizer

Omnisphere is a hybrid synth that continues to be amongst the top VSTs. It has a massive library of built in sounds, giving you access to both incredibly powerful synth-only sounds as well as cinematic sounding layered patches. It is especially popular among hip hop producers.

3. u-He Diva - Analog Modelling Synthesizer

Diva is an analog modelling synth which excels at sounding incredibly fat, and realistic. Giving you both Roland and Moog-esque modules, it allows great amounts of customization without losing its authentic feel. Diva is a popular choice especially among melodic house and techno producers. Get our preset packs for Diva here.

Check out Diva on PluginBoutique

4. FabFilter Pro Q 3 - Equalizer

FabFilter make incredible processing plugins, including EQs, Compressors, Limiters, Reverbs and much more. The most popular FabFilter plugin is the Pro Q which offers ease of use with absolutely pro equalization quality as well as a very visual interface.

Check out Fabfilter Pro Q on PluginBoutique

5. Soundtoys 5 Bundle (Decapitator & Crystallizer)

Soundtoys make creative processing plugins which stand out from the rest. Their most popular VSTs are the Decapitator (distortion) as well as the Crystallizer (pitch shifting and reverse echo).

Check out SoundToys 5 on PluginBoutique

6. Izotope Ozone 9 - Mastering Plugin

Ozone gives you all the tools you need to master a track in one VST. It combines compressors, EQs, stereo effects as well as AI-based algorithms to give you exactly what you’re looking for - warm analog feel or ideal loudness for music streaming platforms.

Check out Izotope Ozone 9 on PluginBoutique

7. Izotope Trash 2 - Distortion

Trash2 gives you the ability to design custom distortion effects, adding textures, and editing the distortion in depth with all of its modules. It is the most innovative distortion plugin to date.

Check out Trash 2 on PluginBoutique

8. XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color - Saturation & Lo-fi

Trash2 gives you the ability to design custom distortion effects, adding textures, and editing the distortion in depth with all of its modules. It is the most innovative distortion plugin to date.

Check out RC-20 on PluginBoutique

9. Xfer OTT - Multiband Compressor

OTT is a free re-creation of a multiband compressor setting which is widely used in EDM, dubstep and electro tracks, giving you incredible brightness and punch with a few clicks of the mouse.

10. MeldaProduction Plugins Bundle (MAutoPitch)

This company makes an incredible amount of plugins, and offers an entire bundle for absolutely free. Their plugins are a great starter for anyone looking to expand their audio processing tools. One of their top plugins is the MAutoPitch, especially useful for vocals.