These are the best free Ambient VST plugins online that can be used with FL Studio, Reason, Ableton Live, and other VST-supported software.
This compilation of ambient plugins includes a rundown of features, screenshots, and videos.
What Is An Ambient VST Plugin? Ambient VST plugins are audio plugins used to produce atmospheric sounds, which are often used in ambient muatsic and sound design. An ambient sound is a type of background noise typically used in a soothing manner.
Best Ambient VST Plugins
- Avatar ST
- Serenity
- Atmos
- Ambience
- Triple Cheese
- Sophia VSTI
- Helm
- Labs Synth Pads
- Atmos 2
- Textures
- Dexed
- Lazerwave
- Podolski
- Creepy Piano Lite
- Aeolian Meditation
- Alien Space Weaver Pro
- Atonoise 2
- DreamZ
- Antopya
- Cygnus
Ambient plugins are usually designed to create soundscapes or textures rather than produce high-frequency sounds. They provide an additional layer of sound to a track, and the sound can be anything from a simple echo to a complex modulation effect.
I’ve tried and tested hundreds of free VST plugins, and these stand out as some of the best free ambient ones available.
Tutorial: How to Install VST Plugins
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each ambient VST plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. Avatar ST
Avatar Ambient VST is most suited for a large variety of pads, soundscapes, atmospheres, or related FX sounds but can make other sounds like certain kinds of basses.
The 16-Step Modulator allows sounds to be fairly rhythmical in various ways if required. Also, you can have one section step-modulated.
At the same time, the other is not, as there are two complete sections with oscillators, many, VCA EG, Delay, Pan, and Reverb send, processor, and a multi-mode filter to be inserted via different audio routings. This plugin is one of my favorites on the list due to its wide selection of controls.
Features
- 2x PCM wave oscillators, 384 waves
- 2x Osc Mix section, XY-Pad
- 2x Mystify, three types
- 1x Grain Processor
- 1x Filter, 4 types
Pros
- Suited for pads, soundscapes
- 16-Step Modulator rhythmical
- Many modulation options
- 16 voices, 8 Lazy Buttons
- Multi-mode filter, audio routing
Cons
- Complex for beginners
- It may be CPU-intensive
- Requires learning curve
- Limited to specific sounds
- Large GUI, space-consuming
Avatar ST | PC
2. Serenity
Serenity is a great plugin for creating relaxing ambient music. With 10 different layers of sound, it’s easy to find an excellent sound for your music.
The built-in reverb and filters also help to create a smooth and immersive sonic landscape. With multiple outputs, you can control each layer of sound individually for even more control over the final sound. The ADSR controls will enable you to shape your audio however you want.
Features
- 10 different layers of sound
- Built-in reverb and filters
- Multi outputs
- LFO control
- ADSR controls
Serenity | PC & Mac
3. Atmos
Atmos is an Ambient VST piano ROMpler. This is a Grand Piano sampled from C2 to C9 and processed with two types of reverb, distortion and delay, complemented with an extra sound layer (FX).
- 86 samples.
- Gain, pan, LFO rate, LFO depth, reverb, and pitch bend controls.
- Low CPU usage.
- Simple to use.
- 100% royalty-free.
Atmos | PC & Mac
4. Ambience
The Ambience VST plugin offers a reverb that can compete with those found in commercial reverbs.
Ambience | PC & Mac
5. Triple Cheese
Triple Cheese is a powerful ambient VST plugin with three comb filters for sound generation. The eight different modes per comb filter module can create some really surprising sounds.
The plugin is also polyphonic (up to 16 voices), Dubophonic, monophonic (retriggered), or legato mode. With the VCA and amplitude modulation, you can create exciting soundscapes.
The Skinnable UI and 254 factory presets make it easy and fun to explore the various audio effects available with Triple Cheese.
- Three comb filter modules
- Eight different modes per filter module
- Polyphonic, Dubophonic, monophonic, and legato
- VCA and amplitude modulation
- Skinnable UI
- 254 factory presets
Triple Cheese | PC / Mac / Linux
6. Sophia VSTI
If you’re looking to add unique and intriguing atmospheres to your music, Sophia is the perfect VST for you. Its simple, straightforward interface makes it simple to use for beginners.
Its powerful sound capabilities make it a must-have tool for professional music producers and musicians.
- Simple, straightforward interface
- Powerful sound capabilities
Sophia VSTI | PC
7. Helm
Helm is a powerful and flexible synthesizer that lets you create rich, dynamic soundscapes using various effects and modulation tools.
The intuitive interface makes it easy to get started. The flexible modulation system means that you can create sounds that are as simple or complex as you like.
- Intuitive interface
- Flexible modulation system
Helm | PC & Mac
8. Labs Synth Pads
If you’re looking for sonic heaven, look no further than LABS Synth Pads. This incredible plugin was created with Christian Henson’s enviable collection of synthesizers.
To create the sounds, they fed five vintage synths through reverb, guitar pedals, and a selection of outboard gear. The result is a supercelestial sonic universe that will take your breath away.
LABS Synth Pads is perfect for anyone looking to add some otherworldly pads to their tracks with its easy-to-use interface.
- Easy-to-use
- Guitar pedals
- Fed five vintage synths through reverb
- Selection of outboard gear
Labs Synth Pads | PC & Mac
9. Atmos 2
When it comes to ambient VST plugins, Atmos 2 is hard to beat. It’s packed with features that let you create beautiful, ethereal sounds.
It has two different layers, each with its own ADSR controls, LFO modulation options, and filter settings. With 56 different samples to choose from, you can create a wide range of sounds.
- Two different layers
- 56 different samples
- ADSR controls
- LFO modulation options
- Filter settings
Atmos 2 | PC & Mac
10. Textures
If you want to take your music to the next level with some ambient texture and noise, look no further than Textures. With 75 textures to choose from, you can easily add depth and character to your tracks.
The built-in EQ panel makes it easy to dial in the perfect sound. Its intuitive interface makes it simple to use, and the WOW flutter effect gives your music a truly vintage feel.
- 75 textures
- Built-in EQ panel
- Intuitive interface for easy use
- WOW flutter effect
Textures | PC & Mac
11. Dexed
Dexed is a powerful and versatile plugin synth with a wide range of features. With 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters, it allows users to adjust their sound and create unique programs.
The plugin also comes with a real-time VU meter, so users can see which operator is active. If you want to save your own programs, the plugin also supports DX7 input and output Sysex messages. You can easily save your programs into separate files.
If you’re looking for a multiplatform and multi-format plugin synth, Dexed is an excellent option. It is sure to inspire creativity and help you create unique ambient sounds for sound design or ambient music.
- 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters
- Supports DX7 input and output Sysex messages
- Real-time VU meter
- Good Sound Quality
Dexed | PC / Mac
12. Lazerwave
Lazerwave is a powerful polyphonic synthesizer that lets you create spacy, atmospheric sounds easily. With three oscillators, three ADSR envelopes, and two LFOs, you can create a wide range of sounds.
The low-pass filter with resonance lets you add extra depth and character to your sounds. At the same time, the step sequencer in two-timing modes gives you even more control over the cutoff frequency.
The output amplitude is toggled with the velocity, so you can create even more expressive sounds. Whereas the integrated delay effect lets you add some interesting textures to your sounds.
- 3 oscillators
- 3 ADSR envelopes
- 2 LFOs
- Low-pass filter with resonance
- Step sequencer in 2 timing modes
- Output amplitude toggled with velocity
Lazerwave | PC & Mac
13. Podolski
Podolski is a classic-sounding analog synthesizer with plenty of features to create interesting sounds. The Warp and Invert functions can be used to create many different waveforms.
While the one envelope and Gate options allow for detailed sonic sculpting. In addition to these features, Podolski also comes equipped with 2 LFOs and a flexible arpeggiator/step sequencer.
The stereo delay and chorus/flanger with feedback are also very useful for creating rich ambient textures. With its resizable GUI and three alternative skins, Podolski is also one of the more visually pleasing plugins on this list.
Be sure to check out the video demo to get an idea of what this synth is capable of.
- Warp and Invert functions
- Envelope and Gate options
- 2 LFOs, arpeggiator/step sequencer
- Stereo delay and chorus/flanger
- Resizable GUI with three alternative skins
Podolski | PC / Mac / Linux
14. Creepy Piano Lite
Creepy Piano Lite is a multi-sampled rompler with 22 spooky piano presets. The sounds range from eerie and haunted to downright spine-chilling.
With full ADSR control and a low-pass filter, this plugin is perfect for use in dark ambient music or horror soundtracks.
- Multi-sampled rompler
- 22 spooky piano presets
- ADSR control
- Low-pass filter
Creepy Piano Lite | PC & Mac
15. Aeolian Meditation
Aeolian Meditation is a unique synthesizer that is capable of generating beautiful melodies and hypnotic drone tones. It also features a reverb, delay, chorus, reducer, and filter, allowing users to customize their sound fully.
With its unique asymmetrical design, Aeolian Meditation is a versatile and addictive synth that can be used in any genre of music, from ambient to film soundtracks.
- Capable of generating beautiful melodies and hypnotic drone tones
- Asymmetrical design
- Reverb, delay, chorus, reducer, and filter
- Volume, frequency, and filters to create different soundscapes
Aeolian Meditation | PC
16. Alien Space Weaver Pro
Alien Space Weaver Pro provides otherworldly sounds for your music. This plugin comes with 2 oscillators, an LP filter, an HP filter, 2 delays, and a reverb.
With tons of modulation options and effects available, Alien Space Weaver Pro is the perfect tool for creating ambient, atmospheric, or even dark and foreboding sounds.
- 2 Oscillators
- LP/HP Filter
- 2 Delays
- Reverb
- Modulation Options
17. Atonoise 2
Atonoise 2 is an atonal mangler designed for SciFi and other similar sounds. It has two main Mystify modules, each with three selectable types (Brite, Soft, Dark). These can be used for creating a variety of ambient effects.
The plugin comes with a semi-parametric 3Band Stereo EQ and a small Reverb for adding some nice flavor. There is also a Gator for gating modulations.
- Two Mystify modules
- Three selectable types (Brite, Soft, Dark)
- LP/HP Filter
- Bpm synced Stereo Delay
- Gator
- Semi-parametric 3Band Stereo EQ
- Reverb
Atonoise 2 | PC
18. DreamZ
If you’re looking to add some experimental sounds to your music, DreamZ is your plugin. With three assignable LFOs and an oscillator-controlled LFO, you can create some truly unique sounds.
DreamZ is also great for creating ambient pads and textures. It is one of the best free ambient VST plugins available.
- 3 Assignable LFOs
- Oscillator-controlled LFO
DreamZ | PC
19. Antopya
Antopya is an ambient sound and FX synthesizer with one Oscillator and three sub-operators. It features five filter types, a phase-ADSR envelope, an envelope ADSR, and a one-step LFO.
In addition, this plugin includes a chorus effect and stereo delay. A cross-harmonic pad is also included for creating harmonics.
- 3 Sub-operators
- 5 Filters
- A phase-ADSR envelope
- Envelope ADSR
- One-step LFO
- chorus effect
- Stereo delay
- Crossharmonic pad
Antopya | PC
20. Cygnus
Cygnus is one of the oldest plugins available online, and with good reason. It’s simple to use and has a conventional GUI. This makes it a great choice for musicians and producers looking for an ambient sound that is both professional and easy to work with.
If you’re looking for a plugin that gives you instant results, Cygnus is a perfect choice. Its simple interface makes it easy to create ambient sounds with just a few clicks.
- Easy to use
- Conventional GUI
Cygnus | PC
21. Aethereal
Aethereal is an ambient vector synth for creating evolving atmospheres and textures. It offers four distinct wave oscillators, each with its own independent envelope controls.
The oscillators are divided into two sections that can be routed to separate audio output channels, giving you lots of flexibility when creating complex sounds and effects.
It also features a 4-way TransMixer, which allows you to seamlessly transition from one sound to another with just the click of a button.
Additionally, it has a 16-step modulation sequencer, dual stereo delay sections, and three modulation envelopes.
With all these powerful features, Aethereal will become one of your go-to plugins for creating ambient textures and soundscapes.
- Four distinct wave oscillators
- Independent envelope controls for each Oscillator
- 4-way TransMixer for seamless sound transitions
- 16-step modulation sequencer
- Dual stereo delay sections
- Three modulation envelopes
Aethereal | PC
22. Ambient: Electrical Noise Lite
You can add the sound and atmosphere of electricity to your tracks with Ambient: Electrical Noise Lite. This plugin features 13 noise profiles and a 3-band EQ to help you personalize and fine-tune the sound of your tracks.
It also includes full MIDI Learn capabilities to control the plugin with your MIDI controller easily. You won’t find a more versatile and customizable electric noise plugin than Ambient: Electrical Noise Lite.
- 13 noise profiles
- 3-band EQ
- MIDI Learn capabilities
23. Darkness Theory 3
This plugin is a free ambient VST to make ambient music.
- Three advanced OSCs with 72 waveforms
- octave and pan selector
- Amp. envelope and micro-detuner
- 3 HP/LP advanced pole Filter
- 3 LFO with output routing
- Midi Automation
- Velocity Response
- +32 Presets
Darkness Theory 3 | PC
- Unlimited Beats & Pages
- Sell Digital & Physical Products
- Full WordPress Music Website
- 90 Free Graphics - Get $15 Off
24. STS-33 Free Ambient VST
The STS-33 space transition synthesizer features the wave-transition method suited for atmospheres, soundscapes, pads, and textures.
A straightforward user interface with ten dedicated lazy buttons for randomizing different sets of parameters makes programming easy.
The transition method plus the simultaneous modulation X/Y control pad add-on adds motion to an evolving sound, changing its characteristics completely.
The modulation control pad simultaneously modulates up to 8 destinations.
STS-33 | PC
25. U.F.O. Zone Edition
U.F.O. Zone Edition is a subtractive synthesizer with three oscillators capable of many types of sounds.
- 3 Oscillators – 36 waveforms.
- 2 SVF Filters.
- Delays, chorus, reverb FX.
- Quick ADSR sub preset.
- Preset randomization feature.
- Subpreset save/load functionality.
- 51 presets across 5 categories.
U.F.O. Zone Edition | PC
26. Alien Artifact
Alien Artifact is the perfect synth for anyone looking to create unique, raw sounds. Its easy-to-use interface makes it ideal for beginners and pros alike.
With its wide array of features, Alien Artifact is sure to inspire raw sonic creativity.
If you are looking for a plugin that will help you create ambient, sci-fi sounds and textures, Alien Artifact is a perfect choice. Be sure to check it out today.
- Unique, raw sonic sounds
- Intuitive interface
- Perfect for beginners and pros alike
Alien Artifact | PC
27. Vurtbox
The sounds are surprising, and the GUI is bizarre. This release contains 32 presets from Vurt and 16 from Tim Conrardy.
Please note that this synth is capable of consuming HIGH levels of CPU.
Vurtbox | PC
28. Astralis Baby Bion
Baby Bion is a lightweight Synth using the Oscillator from the forthcoming Astralis Bion.
It was designed primarily with SoundScaper in mind, the free FX plugin from sounds that can create Complex Undulating Collages.
The uniquely developed Dual Oscillator provides over 3500 different waveforms, which can be mixed in many flexible ways, including FM.
Baby Bion adds a Synth to create the Sound Source and Flanger/Filter, a comp, and a couple of 32-stage Envelopes.
Although it specializes in Soundscapes and Atmospheres, it can also be used as a general Lightweight Synth.
- Dual Oscillator – Mix two waveforms, many modes.
- Filter – 8 types including LP, HP, BP.
- 32 Stage Envelopes – Repeats, volume, filter routing.
- Drive – Auto volume distortion.
- LFO – Unique shapes, smooth control.
- SoundScaper – Combines delay, reverb effects.
Astralis Baby Bion | PC
29. Cosmogirl
Cosmogirl is a two-oscillator analog-style synth, specially geared at creating spatial FXs, ambient textures, and experimental music.
Cosmogirl | PC
30. Gargoyle
This plugin was inspired by a request for a VST that could be used for a Horror film Soundtrack. This synth is dedicated to its namesake—a guy whose generosity knows no bounds.
Gargoyle | PC
31. Gargoyle 2
Gargoyle2 is a noisemaker. It is designed to appeal to sound designers or those who just like hitting notes and moving controls. Fans of the original Gargoyle synth will find this one a new challenge.
Gargoyle 2 | PC
I hope you enjoy these free ambient VST plugins. These plugins are great for sound designers and producers looking for some new sounds for creating ambient music.
