Here are the best free tuner VST plugins for Windows and Mac. We have included video demos, feature lists, pros, cons, and plugin ratings.
How we rate plugins: We rate each tuner VST plugin based on design, performance, features, usability, and compatibility. We rate plugins on a scale of 1 to 100.
Table of Contents
Free Tuner VST Plugins
This table compares tuner VST plugins by operating system, bit version, format, and rating.
| # | Plugin | OS | Formats | Bit Version | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MTuner | Windows Mac | VST | 64-bit | |
| 2 | Tuna | Windows Mac | VST3, AU, AAX | 64-bit | |
| 3 | Chromatia Tuner | Windows | VST | 64-bit | |
| 4 | GVST GTune | Windows Mac Linux | VST, AU | 32-bit, 64-bit | |
| 5 | T1 Audible Tuner | Windows | VST | 32-bit |
I have spent over 15 years testing and comparing hundreds of free and paid VST plugins, supported by hands-on demos on our YouTube channel, which has 11,000+ subscribers.
Related: 75 Best Free Guitar VST Plugins
1. MTuner
OS: Windows Win Mac Mac Bit Version: 64-bit Developer: MeldaProduction Size: 16 MB Rating: 93/100
MTuner offers a precise and simple way to keep instruments in tune, using both monophonic and polyphonic tuning modes. It helps you tune single notes or whole groups of strings at once, making it fast and reliable for guitars, basses, and other instruments.
This free plugin doubles as a frequency analyzer, showing clear visual feedback for pitch accuracy and sound levels. With adjustable reference settings and real-time note detection, MTuner gives music creators a dependable tool to stay in tune during recording or live sessions.
Features
- High-Resolution Polyphonic Tuner
- Classic Monophonic Tuner Mode
- Designed For Guitars And Basses
- Real-Time Pitch Detection
- Adjustable Tuning Reference Setting
- Shows Pitch Deviation In Cents
- Displays Detected Note Frequency
- Colored Note Bars For Feedback
- Resizable And Clean Interface
- Light On CPU Usage
Pros
- Very accurate pitch detection
- Includes both mono and poly tuner
- Can send pitch data as MIDI
- Resizable display for better reading
- Includes tone generator function
- Light on CPU and fast loading
- Supports many plugin formats
- Reliable for live or studio use
- Better tracking than most free tuners
- Replaces need for hardware tuners
Cons
- Limited to tuning only
- No support for multi-instrument tuning
- Missing built-in recording options
- Interface lacks visual appeal
- No sampling or layering features
- Lacks creative sound-shaping tools
- Not suitable for live looping
- No MIDI-controlled playback sounds
- No velocity or dynamics control
- Not useful for composition
Video Demo
What Users Say
MTuner Tips
- I make sure my input level isn’t too loud or soft so the tuner can read my signal clearly.
- I like to use MTuner on a clean guitar tone without distortion so the tuner tracks better.
- I mute other strings when tuning to get a cleaner reading on a single note.
- MTuner works best when placed early in the effects chain, before reverb or delay.
- For the best tuning accuracy, new strings should be stretched slightly before tuning.
- I open MTuner in my DAW so I can tune before recording without needing extra hardware.
- I often adjust the reference pitch to match backing tracks or other instruments.
2. Tuna
OS: Windows Win Mac Mac Bit Version: 64-bit Developer: Aurora DSP Size: 42 MB Rating: 89/100
Tuna offers a simple and accurate way to tune your instruments, catching notes down to 40Hz with ease. It’s great for 5-string basses or guitars tuned low, helping you get precise results in any studio or live setup. The interface is resizable and clear to read.
Available in VST3, AU, AAX, standalone, and mobile formats, Tuna works on Windows, macOS, and iOS devices. Its visual display clearly shows when your note is sharp, flat, or perfectly in tune, making it a straightforward and reliable tuning tool for any musician.
Features
- Detects Notes Down To 40Hz
- Works With Guitar And Bass
- Free In Multiple Plugin Formats
- Supports VST3, AU, And AAX
- Includes Standalone Version
- Resizable Interface Design
- Clear Tuning Display
- Indicates Perfect Pitch Center
- Light On CPU Usage
- No Noticeable Latency
Pros
- Free for all major formats
- Handles notes down to 40Hz
- Perfect for drop tunings
- Works great with 5-string basses
- Resizable user interface
- Light on CPU resources
- No noticeable latency
- Recognized easily by most DAWs
- Available for Windows and Mac
- Unique and fun visual style
Cons
- Limited to tuning only
- No recording or playback feature
- Not compatible with MIDI controllers
- No MIDI mapping options
- No built-in sound presets
- No sound shaping controls
- No reverb or tonal effects
- Interface feels visually plain
- Not useful for music composition
- Not a creative instrument plugin
Video Demo
What Users Say
Tuna Tips
- Place the Tuna plugin at the very start of your signal chain for the most accurate pitch detection.
- Always tune your guitar with clean, unprocessed signal input for the best accuracy.
- Use the plugin’s mute option if you’re tuning during a live session to avoid noise bleeding through.
- Use the strobe view in Tuna for extra tuning accuracy when recording parts that must be perfect.
- Check tuning often, especially if recording for long periods, since temperature changes can affect pitch.
3. Chromatia Tuner
OS: Windows Win Bit Version: 64-bit Developer: FMJ-Software Size: 2 MB Rating: 86/100
Chromatia Tuner is a precise tuning tool that works with many instruments and supports a wide range of notes. It offers flexible temperament options, including custom scales, for detailed tuning control. The plugin also features accurate pitch detection and low-latency audio for real-time performance.
Its clear visual tools, such as the spectrum display and needle meter, help track pitch quickly and easily. Chromatia Tuner also includes adjustable reference tones, calibration settings, and MIDI support, making it a practical choice for both studio and live tuning on Windows systems.
Features
- Works With Most Instruments
- Runs As Standalone Or Plugin
- Accuracy Better Than 0.1 Hz
- Supports Multiple Temperaments And Scales
- Low Latency Audio With ASIO
- Auto And Manual Note Modes
- Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer Display
- MIDI Tuning Standard Support
- Reference Pitch Adjustable To A4
- Low CPU And Stable Performance
Pros
- Very accurate pitch detection
- Can use custom scales
- Low latency for real-time use
- Has full-screen spectrum view
- Supports advanced MIDI tuning options
- Offers detailed tuning reports
- Flexible pitch calibration settings
- Works both standalone and VST
- Supports many tuning temperaments
- Accurate even with soft notes
Cons
- Only works on Windows systems
- No Mac or Linux support
- Interface looks old and dull
- No dark mode option
- Needs payment for full version
- Setup may confuse beginners
- Missing advanced metering tools
- Manual calibration can be tricky
- Limited interface resizing
- No auto-update feature
What Users Say
Chromatia Tuner Tips
- I always start by setting the Chromatia Tuner to the right reference pitch, usually A=440Hz, so my instruments stay in tune with others.
- I adjust the input level so the tuner’s meter shows a strong, clean signal without clipping.
- I switch to strobe mode when I want a more detailed view of how close I am to being in tune.
- I use the calibration feature when tuning with other instruments that might not use standard tuning.
- Check that the tuner is placed before any heavy effects in the signal chain for the most accurate reading.
- I use Chromatia as a VST plugin inside my DAW so I can quickly tune before recording tracks.
4. GVST GTune
OS: Windows Win Mac Mac Linux Linux Bit Version: 32-bit, 64-bit Developer: GVST Size: 1 MB Rating: 85/100
GVST GTune offers a simple and accurate way to tune your instruments inside your music software. It automatically detects pitch, shows the nearest note, and displays whether the sound is flat or sharp using clear LED-style indicators and a frequency readout.
Musicians can adjust the reference pitch, view exact frequencies in hertz, and fine-tune their sound with visual feedback. GTune works well for guitars, vocals, or any tuned instrument, making it a dependable tool for recording, mixing, and live performance setups.
Features
- Automatically Detects Note Pitch
- LED Indicators For Tuning Accuracy
- Displays Frequency In Hertz
- Adjustable Reference Frequency Control
- Shows Flat And Sharp Notes
- Numeric Cents Offset Display
- Fast And Accurate Response
- Low CPU Resource Usage
- Works In VST And AU Formats
- Free For Personal And Commercial Use
Pros
- Fast and accurate tuning response
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Free for personal and commercial use
- Uses very little CPU power
- Adjustable reference frequency control
- Shows both note and frequency
- Visual LED-style tuning meter
- More stable than many free tuners
- Compatible with most DAWs
- Lightweight single-file installation
Cons
- No built-in sound generation
- Lacks modern visual interface
- Limited customization options
- Static display not resizable
- No MIDI mapping support
- No built-in effects section
- Doesn’t include tone shaping tools
- No recording or playback feature
- User interface feels outdated
- Limited sound design potential
Video Demo
What Users Say
GVST GTune Tips
- Always insert GTune on a clean guitar signal path for accurate results.
- I make sure my guitar signal isn’t too loud or too quiet for GTune to read clearly.
- I use GTune’s visual display to help me fine-tune each string perfectly.
- Check the reference pitch (A4 = 440Hz) and adjust it if different tuning is needed.
- Try placing GTune before any effects to get the purest input tone.
- Use GTune in a quiet environment to prevent background noise from confusing the tuner.
- Keep GTune updated to the latest version for the most stable performance and best results.
5. T1 Audible Tuner
OS: Windows Win Bit Version: 32-bit Developer: Samsara Cycle Audio Size: 2.71 MB Rating: 57/100
T1 Audible Tuner VST FREE offers a simple way to tune instruments directly inside your DAW. It uses an audio tone as a quick tuning guide and includes preset tunings for guitars, violins, bass, banjos, and more. The plugin also supports alternate tunings for creative setups.
You can choose from different wave shapes like Sine, Saw, Triangle, and Pulse, and adjust pitch, tone length, and volume as needed. The Chromatic mode helps check any note, while the clear display shows real-time pitch and frequency details for accurate tuning.
Features
- Provides Fast Audio Signal Tuning
- Includes Preset Instrument Tunings
- Supports Guitar, Violin, And Banjo
- Includes Chromatic And Instrument Modes
- Displays Note, Frequency, And Pitch
- Provides Standard And Alternate Tunings
- Offers Multiple Signal Wave Types
- Contains Volume And Length Controls
- Features Pitch On And Off Modes
- Features Constant Or Separate Tone Options
Pros
- Accurate tuning even at low frequencies
- Fast and stable pitch response
- Supports alternate and custom tunings
- Chromatic mode for full range
- Lightweight and CPU-friendly plugin
- Works smoothly in most DAWs
- Clear display shows note details
- Audio signal helps quick tuning
- Simple controls for quick setup
- Free and easy to install
Cons
- Only works on Windows systems
- Limited to 32-bit format
- Outdated interface design
- No visual tuning meter
- Slower response than polyphonic tuners
- Not compatible with modern DAWs
- No MIDI integration support
- Few customization options available
- No preset saving feature
- Requires manual file installation
What Users Say
T1 Audible Tuner Tips
- I make sure my audio interface is selected, so the tuner can hear my guitar clearly.
- I check the reference pitch and keep it at 440Hz unless I need a different tuning.
- Place the tuner first in the signal chain to get the cleanest reading.
- I use the tuner at the start of each session to make sure my guitar is always in tune.
- The T1 Audible Tuner works best when the input signal is clean and clear.
- I always make sure my guitar is plugged in and the tuner input level is set right before I start tuning.
Tuner VST Plugins Compared
This table compares the Tuner VST plugins by operating system, bit version, format, and rating.
| Details | MTuner | Tuna | Chromatia Tuner | GVST GTune | T1 Audible Tuner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Rating | |||||
| OS | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows |
| Formats | VST | VST3, AU, AAX | VST | VST, AU | VST |
| Bit Version | 64-bit | 64-bit | 64-bit | 32-bit, 64-bit | 32-bit |
| Developer | MeldaProduction | Aurora DSP | FMJ-Software | GVST | Samsara Cycle Audio |
| License | Freeware | Freeware | Commercial | Freeware | Freeware |
| Sample-Based | No | No | No | No | No |
| Download Size | 16 MB | 42 MB | 2 MB | 1 MB | 2.71 MB |
| CPU Load | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Polyphony | 8 | 4 | 1 | N/A | 1 |
| Features | Free Analyzer, Instrument Tuning, Monophonic Tuner, Polyphonic Tuner, Fast Tuning, Accurate Detection, Easy Interface | Low-frequency detection, Accurate tuning, Resizable interface, Intuitive display, Visual feedback, Clean design, Free plugin | Wide pitch range, High accuracy, Multiple temperaments, Real-time spectrum, Calibration options, Reference tone, MIDI support | Automatic pitch detection, Chromatic tuning, LED indicators, Frequency readout, Reference frequency control, Accurate tuning, Simple interface | Audible tuning, Preset tunings, Alternate tunings, Multiple signal types, Pitch modes, Volume control, Length control |
| Controls | Base, Tuner, Polytuner, Midi Output, Pitch Display, Meter Bar, Colored Note Bars | Tuning Display, Center Line, Left Scale, Right Scale, Green Bar, Main Logo, Background Art | Spectrum Display, Needle Display, Pitch Readout, Frequency Display, Cents Display, Temperament Selector, Reference Pitch | Main Display, Calibration Knob, Frequency Readout, Note Indicator, Cents Display, Tuning Meter, Info Buttons | Signal Type, Pitch On/Off, Constant/Separate, Instrument Section, Tuning Presets, Length Knob, Volume Knob |
| Effects Included | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| MIDI Learn | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Unknown |
| Presets | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 16 |
| Standalone | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Last Updated | 06/23/2024 | 08/31/2023 | 01/07/2010 | 08/14/2018 | 09/10/2006 |
Favorite Tuner VST Plugin
Our top pick for the best free Tuner VST plugin is MTuner by MeldaProduction. It offers a clean interface, helpful tuning features, and it’s available for both Windows and Mac.
| Details | MTuner |
|---|---|
| Image |
|
| Rating | |
| OS | Windows, Mac |
| Formats | VST |
| Bit Version | 64-bit |
| Developer | MeldaProduction |
| License | Freeware |
| Sample-Based | No |
| Download Size | 16 MB |
| CPU Load | Low |
| Polyphony | 8 |
| Features | Free Analyzer, Instrument Tuning, Monophonic Tuner, Polyphonic Tuner, Fast Tuning, Accurate Detection, Easy Interface |
| Controls | Base, Tuner, Polytuner, Midi Output, Pitch Display, Meter Bar, Colored Note Bars |
| Effects Included | Unknown |
| Download | Download MTuner |
Tuner Plugin FAQs
How to Install Tuner VST Plugins
To install tuner VST plugins on Windows or Mac, extract the files from the Zip or Rar. Move the files (.dll for Windows or .component for Mac) into your DAW’s plugin folder. Then restart your software and rescan the directory to complete the process. Tutorial: How to Install VST Plugins
Windows:
Extract the downloaded zip file and copy the .dll file into the VST plugins folder scanned by your DAW. Restart your music software and rescan your plugin directory to begin using the new VST.
Mac OS X:
Extract the downloaded archive and move the .component or .VST file to the plugin folder. It is usually /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components or /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST. Restart your DAW and rescan your plugins to complete the installation.
What Is a Tuner Plugin?
A tuner plugin is an audio plugin that helps you tune your musical instrument. Guitarists, bassists, and other musicians who play string instruments usually use tuner plugins. A tuner VST can help you tune your instrument quickly and accurately.
Tuner plugins can also be used for vocals to help identify notes and stay on pitch. These plugins use digital algorithms to detect, measure, and correct the pitch of musical instruments.
What Is A Tuner Used For?
A tuner is a device that helps keep musical instruments in tune by receiving vibrations from the instrument and then outputting a signal that allows the player to adjust the instrument accordingly. This can be done automatically or manually, and there are different tuners for different instruments.
How Do You Tune An Instrument?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the process of tuning an instrument can vary depending on the type of instrument and the specific notes that need to be played.
However, some general steps can be followed when tuning an instrument. First, it is essential to ensure that the strings or reeds are appropriately tightened or loosened.
The next step is to produce a reference note using a tuning fork or another pitch source. Once the reference note has been established, you can then tune your instrument’s strings or reeds to match that note.
Finally, once all of the strings or reeds are in tune with each other, you can adjust the overall tuning of the instrument by fine-tuning each string or reed.
What Is The Best Free Tuner App?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are a variety of tuner apps available, each with its own set of features and capabilities that may be better or worse suited for different users.
This article has listed some of the best free tuner VST plugins available on the market, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You need to check them out from the list.
However, if we had to choose a few from the tuners listed above, our top picks would be Chromatia Tuner, Spiral, and MathAudio Chromatic Tuner due to their accuracy, versatility, and user-friendly interface.
These apps offer a variety of features that can help you tune your instrument accurately and quickly. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, there is sure to be a tuner app that meets your needs.
I hope you found this list of free Tuner VST plugins helpful.
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