14 Free Chiptune VST Plugins

VOPM offers a detailed recreation of the Yamaha YM2151, the classic 4-operator FM chip used in many 80s arcade machines. It gives music creators access to sharp, glassy, and metallic tones that shaped early video game soundtracks on platforms like the PC-Engine and Sega Genesis.

This plugin lets you adjust FM settings such as operator levels, modulation depth, and noise to craft authentic retro sounds. With support for MIDI CC and patch import, VOPM makes it easy to build or recall classic tones for chiptune tracks and nostalgic game-inspired music.

Nintendo VST offers authentic 8-bit Nintendo sounds that capture the classic feel of vintage video games. Built to match the original 2A03 chip, it recreates the unique pulse, triangle, noise, and DPCM tones that defined early console music.

It includes features like portamento, legato, pitch bend, and velocity control for more dynamic expression. The plugin lets you load custom samples, adjust waveforms, and shape your sound with filters, making it a simple tool for creating nostalgic, game-inspired music.

GB DrumBox offers a set of twelve Game Boy–inspired drum kits packed into a free virtual instrument for PC and Mac. Each kit includes eight classic chip-style sounds with controls for volume, pan, and decay on every channel, giving producers quick control over their retro beats.

It features global controls for filter, reverb, attack, and modulation, along with optional multi-out support for flexible mixing. GB DrumBox is available in VST, VST3, and AU formats, making it easy to add nostalgic 8-bit drum tones to modern tracks.

Retro Boy is a compact chiptune synthesizer that recreates the sound of classic video game systems. It uses a single oscillator with seven simple waveshapes, letting you craft nostalgic tones that range from bright leads to gritty basses with ease.

Retro Boy offers basic controls like volume, vibrato, decimation, and ADSR envelope shaping, along with up to four voices. Its stripped-down design makes it quick to shape authentic 8-bit sounds, perfect for adding a retro edge to modern tracks.

basic 64 offers the classic 8-bit sound inspired by the Commodore 64, giving music creators gritty retro tones and game-style noises. With three oscillators, bit reduction options, and a flexible filter, it’s built for crafting nostalgic leads, basses, and effects quickly.

Its tempo-synced LFOs, arpeggiator, and pitch controls add motion and texture. You can shape sounds with ADSR envelopes, sync or modulate oscillators, and choose mono or poly play styles. MIDI control and 128 presets make it a handy tool for any retro or chiptune project.

Bleep offers the classic charm of 8-bit sound design in a simple, powerful synth. Inspired by the MOS Technology SID, it uses three oscillators with four waveforms to shape bright, nostalgic tones. Each oscillator includes its own envelope, filter, and detune for flexible control.

This plugin includes an LFO synced to tempo, a modulator envelope, and a built-in arpeggiator for rhythmic variation. With its filter options, patch editing, and full MIDI learning, Bleep gives music creators quick access to authentic retro tones perfect for chiptune or game-inspired tracks.

38911 Bytes is a virtual synth inspired by the sound of the Commodore 64. It features one oscillator with four waveforms, three filter types, two LFOs, and flexible modulation envelopes. Its built-in sequencers let you create catchy step patterns and rhythmic motion with ease.

38911 Bytes offers a lo-fi tone suited for chiptune and retro-style tracks. The bitcrusher and ring modulation tools add grit and metallic textures, while the preset bank gives instant creative options. It’s ideal for anyone wanting classic game sounds or edgy electronic tones.

basic65 is a monophonic synth that recreates the iconic sound of the Commodore 64’s SID chip, updated with new features and presets. It combines three oscillators, flexible filters, and two layered arpeggiators to produce classic 8-bit tones with modern control options.

basic65 offers deep sound shaping through pulse width modulation, ring modulation, and detailed pitch drift controls. With adjustable bit depth, dirt effects, and tempo-synced LFOs, it helps music creators craft everything from gritty chiptune melodies to rich retro-inspired bass and lead sounds.

miniSID offers the classic charm of 8-bit sound in a small and easy-to-use package. Using waveforms sampled from the 6581 SID chip, it delivers authentic chiptune tones that recall early computer and console music. Its simple controls make sound shaping quick and creative.

With two oscillators, sync options, and a flexible arpeggiator, miniSID can create lively rhythmic sequences and retro leads. Each control comes with MIDI CC mapping for smooth studio use. It’s a compact tool for adding classic chip-style energy to any track.

DrSid offers classic lo-fi and Commodore 64-style sounds built from 320 included samples. With six sound slots featuring decay, tune, and octave controls, it gives music creators flexible ways to shape gritty chip leads, punchy percussion, and retro game tones.

This plugin has a simple layout with clear song lists, track names, and visual status lights for easy navigation. Designed for Windows in 32-bit VST format, DrSid brings nostalgic 8-bit flavor that fits nicely into electronic, synthwave, and chiptune projects.

IceCream is a chiptune-style synthesizer that creates classic 8-bit sounds similar to those in old Nintendo or Game Boy games. It features dual oscillators, four octaves per oscillator, and a step sequencer for shaping pitch and filter movement with precise control.

IceCream offers tools like a bitcrusher, reverb, and delay to add texture and space to your sound. The harmonic switch, filter options, and glide controls let you shape tones from sharp and retro to smooth and dreamy, making it useful for nostalgic or experimental tracks.

ymVST offers classic Atari ST chip sounds in an easy plugin format for Windows. It recreates the YM2149 sound chip to produce authentic bleeps, buzzes, and percussion. Music creators can build retro-style melodies and game-like textures using waveform controls and pitch tools.

The plugin includes a three-step arpeggiator for lively chord patterns and a range of bass, snare, and hi-hat tones. Features like tremolo, portamento, and the Angel sync-buzzer effect help shape unique chip sounds that capture vintage computer and console vibes.

PULS offers a simple way to create strong and gritty pulse wave sounds. Using two pulse wave oscillators, it produces thick basses, sharp leads, and chiptune tones. Its clean pixel-art interface keeps controls direct while still giving a wide range of sonic options.

It includes unison, ring modulation, and oscillator sync for bigger tones, along with an LFO for pulse width and volume changes. The tempo-sync arpeggiator and preset library make it quick to shape ideas. PULS is free to download and built for solid, punchy results.

Bobistron offers a playful way to craft 8-bit inspired sounds with a distinct phase distortion engine. It’s not a direct emulator, but it carries the lively character of old SID-style tones while letting you adjust shaping tools for a sharper or smoother sound.

Its built-in bitcrusher gives extra control over the digital grit, responding to your volume settings for creative distortion levels. With features like mixable waveforms, octave shifts, randomization, filters, and arpeggiation, Bobistron makes chiptune-style sound design quick, simple, and flexible.