Here is a collection of free Reaper VST plugins you can use with the popular DAW. This list includes synths, various virtual instruments, and audio effects.
Reaper supports the VST3 plugin format, and all the plugins on this list offer VST3 options. So, in this roundup of free plugins, I’ve included feature lists, images, and videos to show how the plugins work.
Related: Free VST Plugins
Best Free Reaper VST Plugins
1. LABS Trumpet Fields
The LABS Trumpet Fields is a terrific plugin for music producers. This plugin was recorded at Spitfire Studios and provides soft, long trumpet notes. With the LABS Trumpet Fields plugin, you can create atmospheric, textured sounds. This plugin also supports popular formats like VST2, VST3, AAX, and AU.
- 5 Reverbs for Customization
- Swirling, Droning Brass Adds Warmth
- Includes Slow Bends and Double Tonguing
2. Classic GTR Lite
The Classic GTR Lite plugin offers music creators various multi-sampled classical guitar effects. It contains seven presets from its full version in VST, VST3, and AU formats.
- Multi-Sampled Guitar Sounds
- Available in VST, VST3, and AU Formats
- Recorded at 24-bit 96 kHz Resolution
- 7 Presets
- 301 Samples
- Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release FX Modulation
3. Mono Fury
The Mono Fury is a plugin that mimics the iconic KORG Mono Poly analog synthesizer. Featuring four band-limited oscillators, it delivers top-level performance. The plugin also offers a MIDI learn function to work with a MIDI controller.
- Simulates Classic KORG Mono Poly Analog Synthesizer
- 4 Band-Limited Oscillators
- Contains Four-Pole Zero-Delay Feedback Lowpass Filter
- Resizable User Interface
- Equipped with an Arpeggiator with Sync-to-Host Option
- MIDI Learn Control
4. TAL-NoiseMaker
The TAL-NoiseMaker offers a top-quality virtual analog synthesizer sound. This plugin comes with 128 factory settings to help kickstart your projects. With three oscillators, TAL-NoiseMaker permits fine-tuning and phase control.
- 128 Presets
- 3 Oscillators
- Master Tune & Transpose
- Self-Resonating 4x Oversampled Filters
- 2 LFOs with Different Running Modes
- Built-In Reverb & Delay
5. Ripchord
Ripchord is a powerful chord sequencer plugin designed for music creators. You can easily create chord sequences with just a click. All you need to do is play individual notes. Ripchord has a large library of grouped presets. This makes it easy to choose any chord progression right away.
- Allows Quick Chord Progression Creation
- Contains Large Community Preset Library
- Preset & MIDI Import
- Play Mode for Triggering Chords
- Preset Customization
6. 808 Bass Module 4 Lite
The 808 Bass Module 4 Lite is a powerful bass ROMpler plugin. It has great features like an ADSR envelope, LFO modulation, and distortion controls. This add-on allows you to easily change the sound to meet your creative needs.
- ADSR Envelope and LFO Modulation
- Contains Distortion Control
- 15 Presets
- Sound Settings are Adjustable
- Ready-to-use Layered Presets
- Offers 100% Royalty-Free Usage
7. FunkBass
The FunkBass plugin is a sample-based bass guitar VST. It’s perfect for adding classic funky slap bass sounds to your songs. It’s built to be fast, lightweight, and reliable. You can easily create simple bass lines for genres like Pop, EDM, Funk, Soul, RnB, and more.
- Suitable for Pop, EDM, Funk, Soul, R&B Genres
- 8 Bass Presets: Finger, Slap, Pick, Chorus
- Attack and Release Envelope Controls
- Filter Section with Cutoff
- Available in VST, VST3, and AU Formats
8. Haunted Guitar Lite
The Haunted Guitar Lite is a unique electric guitar plugin. It has eight presets with 28 high-quality, dark, spooky sounds. This gives you a wide variety of guitar tones.
- 28 Samples Per Preset
- ADSR, HP/LP Filter, and LFO Modulation
- Built-In Vintage Reverb, Distortion, and Delay
- Requires VST or VST3 Host (64-bit)
9. Labs Pipe Organ
This free plugin offers 7 unique presets curated from a blend of stops and pads. It is great for music production, pop music projects, and sound design.
- 7 Presets
- Features Mix of Stops and Pads
- Versatile for Cinematic Scoring
- Supports VST2, VST3, AAX, AU Formats
10. Monster Synth
The Monster Synth plugin includes 200 presets and 12 categories. It also features ADSR envelope controls. It has three voice modes: mono, poly, and legato. You can also add audio effects like reverb, distortion, delay, and chorus.
- 200 Presets
- ADSR Envelope
- LFO Waveform Control
- 3 Voice Modes: Mono, Poly, Legato
- Filter Cutoff, High-Pass, Low-Pass Options
11. Voloco
The Voloco plugin is a powerful pitch shifter add-on that’s great for adjusting the pitch and tone of audio. It has six presets and controls for key, scale, and pitch correction intensity.
12. Darksichord
The Darksichord offers a fresh take on the classic sound of a harpsichord. It comes with effects, filters, and low-frequency oscillator modulation.
13. Cassette Transport
The Cassette Transport plugin is a top-quality tape-stop effect add-on. It mimics the sound of a cassette tape transport. You can hear the buttons and rotor, too. If you’re looking for that genuine tape-like sound, a simple click can create it.
14. Melda MAutoPitch
The Melda MAutoPitch plugin automatically tunes and corrects pitch for vocals and instruments. This plugin offers features like formant shift and stereo expansion. It corrects uneven pitch, fine-tunes off-key notes, and can add a T-Pain/Cher effect.
15. Tape Cassette 2
The Tape Cassette 2 is an add-on designed to replicate the warmth and charm of old cassette tapes. This plugin offers analog-style filters, noise reduction, and internal modulation for sound design. This plugin can add a vintage touch to your projects.
How To Install Plugins In Reaper
This video will show you how to install VST plugins in Reaper.
Step-by-Step Checklist for Installing VST Plugins in Reaper
- Check Your Plugins Folder
- Open Reaper and go to Options > Preferences or use the shortcut Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd +, (Mac).
- From the sidebar, click on VST under the Plugins heading.
- Note the default paths where Reaper searches for plugins:
- Windows:
- C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins
- C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST2
- C:\Program Files\VST3
- Mac:
- /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST
- Windows:
- Extract the Plugin Folder
- Locate the downloaded plugin file on your computer. This file will be in one of the following formats: .dll, .VST3, .VST.
- Move the plugin file to the appropriate default plugin folder you noted earlier.
- Scan for New Plugins
- In Reaper, go to Options > Preferences > VST.
- Click the Re-scan button to scan the directory for installed plugins.
- To automate this process in the future, check the box labeled Scan new/updated plugins on startup.
- Using the Plugin
- To use the installed plugin, click the FX button on the desired track.
- In the pop-up window, click Add at the bottom.
- A list of VST instruments and effects installed in Reaper will appear. You can search for your plugin using the search bar or browse through categories.
- Click on the plugin to add it to your track.
- To add the plugin to the master track, press Ctrl + Alt + M on Windows or Cmd + Alt + M on Mac. Then, click the FX button on the master track.
This list of Reaper plugins offers a wide selection of sounds for music creators.
