As we move further into 2024, synthesizer VST plugins continue to be at the forefront of the music production process, offering producers an array of powerful features and endless creative sound design possibilities.

You no longer need expensive hardware to create lush, unique sounds. With a laptop and the right VST, you can make music that will amaze even experienced synth users. Of course, choosing the right plugin can be challenging with so many options, especially for beginners. 

For that reason, we’ve curated a guide to explore the top synthesizer VST plugins for 2024, each one a game-changer in its own right.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents:

The Power Players: Top Synthesizer VST Plugins for 2024

When discussing top synthesizer VST plugins, some names consistently stand out. These synth plugins have become go-to in studios worldwide, as they’re known for their versatility, excellent sound quality, and innovative features. 

1. Xfer Serum

Serum has been a favorite among EDM producers for years for good reason. Its wavetable synthesis engine is very powerful, enabling the creation of complex, evolving sounds with ease.

What makes Serum different from other synth VST plugins is its visual approach to sound design. You can actually see the waveforms, making it more intuitive to shape your sound. Its broad modulation options provide endless possibilities for sound manipulation. 

2. Native Instruments Massive X

Native Instruments is one of the most diverse VST instrument developers around. With its array of Kontakt libraries and uniquely integrated hardware, the developer has made a name for itself as one of the most prominent around. 

As the successor to the legendary Massive, Massive X improves upon everything that made its predecessor great. Its dual wavetable oscillators offer various tonal possibilities, while its routing system allows for experimental sound design.

Massive X’s Performer feature lets you create complex, evolving modulations that can breathe life into simple patches.

3. u-he Diva

If you’re looking for that warm analog sound in a synth VST plugin, Diva is an excellent choice. This synth emulates classic analog circuits with amazing accuracy, delivering rich tones that sound like you’re using hardware.

Diva lets you combine oscillator, filter, and envelope types from various classic synths, like having a modular synth within your DAW.

Rising Stars: Innovative Synthesizer VST Plugins to Watch

While the established synth VST plugins continue to be popular choices, some exciting newcomers are changing the world of synthesizer VST plugins.

1. Vital

Vital has generated significant interest since its release, and with good reason. This free synth rivals Serum in features and sound quality. It uses flexible wavetable synthesis with a wide range of controls, making it one of the most versatile free synth VST plugins on the market as well. 

The spectral warping features in Vital are impressive, allowing you to manipulate harmonics in ways previously only possible in more expensive plugins.

2. Kilohearts Phase Plant

Kilohearts Phase Plant uses a modular synthesis approachh, providing you with a blank canvas to create your sounds. Its node-based interface may appear overwhelming initially but offers significant flexibility in sound design. 

What’s great about Phase Plant is how it encourages experimentation. You can easily create new sounds by simply experimenting with the modules within this synth plugin. 

3. Arturia Pigments

Arturia Pigments perfectly illustrates how modern synth VST plugins combine different synthesis types. It brings together wavetable, virtual analog, and sample-based synthesis in one package. 

The standout feature of Pigments might be its visual approach to modulation, allowing you to see your modulations on a graph, simplifying the process of crafting complex sounds. 

The Best Free Synthesizer VST Plugins

You don’t need to spend money on premium synth VST plugins to access powerful sound design tools. Some incredible free synth options are just as good as paid plugins. 

1. Surge XT

Surge XT is a feature-rich open-source synthesizer that offers a blend of virtual analog, wavetable, and FM synthesis, including a robust modulation system.

The continuous development of Surge XT is impressive. Its open-source community consistently introduces new features and enhances existing ones.

2. Helm

Helm is another fantastic and free synth VST option, offering a user-friendly interface that’s great for beginners. It’s also powerful enough to meet the needs of experienced users.

One of the best features of Helm is its visual feedback, allowing you to see your sound change as you adjust parameters. This feature is great for understanding how various synthesis elements interact.

3. Tyrell N6

Developed by u-he, the creators of Diva, Tyrell N6 is a virtual analog synth that delivers exceptional performance. It’s based on classic Roland designs and easily recreates those iconic 80s analog synth sounds.

Despite being easy to use, Tyrell N6 can produce various sounds, from lush pads to punchy basses and beyond, giving you all the flexibility you need as a music producer.

Choosing the Right Synthesizer VST Plugin for You

How do you pick the best synthesizer VST plugin for your requirements with so many choices? Here are some things to think about:

  1. Sound Quality: This factor should be your priority. You should listen to demos and use trial versions to see which synth fits your musical style.
  2. User Interface: An excellent-sounding synth is useless if difficult to use. Look for plugins with user-friendly interfaces that you understand.
  3. CPU Usage: Some synths can be very resource-intensive. If your computer is older, consider choosing lightweight options.
  4. Features: Consider the types of sounds you want to create. If you like complex, evolving textures, consider synths with advanced wavetable oscillators and many modulation options. If you want classic analog synth tones, you should explore plugins that emulate vintage hardware.
  5. Price: While many great free options are available, paid plugins usually offer more features and better support. Factor in your budget and how much you are willing to spend on sound design tools.

FAQs about synthesizer vst plugins

What is the best VST synth?

There is no single “best” VST synth plugin because it depends on your needs and preferences. Popular options include Xfer Serum, Native Instruments Massive X, and u-he’s Diva. Vital is a great free o.

What is a synth VST?

A synth VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is software that mimics a synthesizer. It can be used with a digital audio workstation (DAW) to create and modify sounds, similar to a hardware synthesizer.

What is the difference between a VST and a plugin?

VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a specific type of plugin format created by Steinberg. While all VSTs are plugins, not all plugins are VSTs. Other plugin formats include AU (Audio Units), AAX (Avid Audio eXtension), and RTAS (Real-Time AudioSuite).

What VST do most producers use?

Most producers use several VSTs based on their needs. However, popular choices include Xfer Serum, Native Instruments Massive and Massive X, Spectrasonics Omnisphere, and u-he Diva. Vital, a free VST, has recently become very popular.

Conclusion – Best Synth VST Plugins

The world of synthesizer VST plugins is exciting and always evolving. From powerful wavetable synths such as Serum and Massive X to plugins that recreate the sounds of vintage synths like Diva, there’s a plugin for every style and budget.

What’s incredible is how these synth plugins have made music production accessible. You no longer need expensive hardware to produce high-quality sounds. With a laptop, a few good VST synth plugins, and maybe a MIDI keyboard, you can create hit songs previously possible only in professional studios. 

As you start to use these top VST synth plugins, consider joining our Mix Elite Academy to take your skills to the next level. Membership includes access to premium courses, over 500 in-depth lessons, top-tier sample and preset packs, student discounts of up to 50% on thousands of plugins, and entry into an exclusive community of music enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to advance your craft—join us today!