Here are the best free filter VST plugins for PC and Mac. These stand out as the best filter plugins for use in FL Studio, Ableton Live, and other compatible DAWs.
This roundup of free filter plugins includes detailed lists of features, images, and videos to demonstrate how they operate.
What Is A Filter VST Plugin? A filter VST plugin is a type of audio filter that processes the frequency spectrum of an audio signal. It can create a number of different filter effects on sounds, both subtle and extreme.
Best Filter VST Plugins
- TAL-Filter-2
- TAL-Filter
- AudioThing Filterjam
- Filterstep
- Brainworx bx
- FilterCrusher
- Transformant
- Synchronize
- TiltV2
- Speculumfree
- Philteroid
- Mad Filter
- LCF
- Just A Filter
- Filterstation
- GBand
- HY-Filter4 free
- Don’t Phase Me Bro
- Crayon Filter
- Clean Shave
The most common types are low-pass filters and high-pass filters, which are used to remove unwanted frequencies or emphasize wanted ones respectively. A common use for filter plugins is to “filter out” unwanted sounds.
Having tested hundreds of free VSTs, I can say these are some of the finest free filter VST plugins out there.
Tutorial: How to Install VST Plugins
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each filter VST plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. TAL-Filter-2
TAL-Filter-2 is a host synced filter module with different filter types, panorama, and volume modulation possibilities.
Features
- Host synced filter module
- 4x oversampled TAL-NoiseMaker filters
- Multiple filter types (LP, HP, BP)
- Panorama and volume modulation
- LFO sync mode with waveforms
Pros
- Clean analog sound
- Self-oscillation capability
- Versatile filter modes
Cons
- Creates extra bass frequencies
- Limited presets available
- It may require a learning curve
- 32-bit larger file size
Plugin | PC / Mac / Linux
2. TAL-Filter
TAL-Filter is one of our older filter plugins. People use it because of its analog-sounding filters and the unique envelope follower.
Plugin | PC & Mac
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3. AudioThing Filterjam
This is a perfect plugin for creating weird, resonant, filtered sounds. With its lightweight CPU usage and preset system with a randomizer, Filterjam is great for any music producer looking to add some strange and unique filtered sounds.
Features
- Lightweight CPU usage
- Preset system with randomizer
- Create weird and unique filtered sounds
AudioThing Filterjam | PC & Mac
4. Filterstep
Filterstep is a unique and innovative motion filter plugin that can help you create amazing filter grooves in real-time. It comes with a wet/dry mix control, MIDI controllability, and an infinity mode that allows you to create endless patterns.
It also has a quick-load section where you can assign presets for easy recall. With its quantization settings, you can ensure that your patterns are always in sync with the host tempo.
Its customizable sequence range gives you the flexibility to create patterns of any length.
Features
- Unique and innovative motion filter plugin
- Wet/dry mix control
- MIDI controllability
- Infinity mode
- Quick-load section
- Graphical Editor
- Quantization settings
- Customizable sequence range
Filterstep | PC & Mac
5. Brainworx bx_cleansweep V2
If you’re looking to clean up your mix, this is a perfect plugin for the job. Featuring high-quality Brainworx filters with Anti Crush Technology, this plugin can help you remove unwanted frequencies from your mix with ease.
You can fine-tune the frequencies you want to remove with continuously variable low and high pass filters. With separate knobs for high and low frequencies, you can easily target specific areas of a frequency.
The joystick control allows you to adjust the high and low pass frequencies simultaneously for even more control. With its critically acclaimed filters, this plugin will help you achieve a cleaner mix.
Features
- High-quality Brainworx filters
- Continuously variable low and high pass filter
- Separate knobs for high and low frequencies
- Joystick control for simultaneous adjustment of high and low pass frequencies
- Critically acclaimed filters
Brainworx | PC & Mac
6. FilterCrusher Filter VST
FilterCrusher is a versatile plugin that provides subtle and crushing filters for your music. It’s based on a tube circuit model with an adjustable low and high pass filter, making it perfect for adding analog warmth to your sounds.
- Subtle and crushing filters
- Tube circuit model
- Low & High Pass Filter
- Zero-latency
- Low CPU usage
FilterCrusher | PC & Mac
7. Transformant
Transformant is a multi-channel formant filter that provides gritty, honking nasal grunts rather than pristine angelic choirs. With separate oscillators and vowel controls, you can easily shape the sound across the stereo field.
- Multi-channel formant filter
- Intuitive interface
- Great for adding grit and character to your sound
Transformant | PC & Mac
8. Synchronize
Synchronize is a plugin that allows you to control the filter parameters from the envelope and LFO. This gives you high performance and a wide range of options for creating your sound.
- High performance
- Envelope and LFO
Synchronize | PC & Mac
9. TiltV2
TiltV2 is a linear phase filter that will give you pristine sound quality with no distortion. It has a scalable GUI to be used on any size screen, and it has an adjustable center frequency.
There are five quality modes: low, eco, medium, high, and max. It also has unit autogain, switchable clip protection, filter limit, and exact sample bypass.
- Linear phase filter
- Pristine audio quality
- 5 quality modes
- Unit autogain
- Filter limit
- Sample exact bypass
TiltV2 | PC & Mac
10. Speculumfree
Speculumfree is an amazing delay and comb filter effect plugin that allows you to adjust the delay rate finely. It also produces flanging, chorus, and phasing effects when automated.
- Intuitive interface
- Adjustable delay rate
- Flanging, chorus, and phasing effects
Speculumfree | PC & Mac
11. Philteroid
Philteroid is a dual filter effect that is perfect for shaping rhythmic sounds.
With its mix control, you can blend the filters until they are right. You can also use frequency modulators to add movement and interest to your sound.
- Two filters with mixed control
- Frequency and amplitude modulation
- Envelope follower
- LFO
Philteroid | PC
12. Mad Filter
Mad Filter is a plugin designed to bring analog warmth to your digital recordings. With its state-of-the-art drive and filter circuits, Mad Filter can make your tracks sound warm, analog-like, and rich.
The plugin also features a transition control that seamlessly transitions between different filter types (lowpass, highpass, bypass, notch) to create unique movements.
- Analog-like sound
- State-of-the-art drive and filter circuits
- Transition control for unique filter movement
Mad Filter | PC & Mac
13. LCF
LCF is a vintage solid-state filter that offers both high and low-pass filters, allowing you to tailor the sound of your music to your exact specifications.
- Vintage solid-state filter
- High & Low Pass Filter
- Easy-to-use interface
LCF | PC & Mac
14. Just A Filter
This is a flexible multimode filter EQ that can be used to sculpt your sound in many different ways. You can use it to cut out unwanted frequencies, boost certain frequencies, or create unique sound effects. This is one of my favorite filters on this list because of its simple controls.
- Cutoff frequency: 20-20kHz
- Q factor: Adjustable
- Classic Analog Sound
- Simple interface
Just A Filter | PC & Mac
15. Filterstation
This powerful plugin gives you access to 12 different filter algorithms. You can use it in serial, parallel, or true stereo mode. It also has a VCA mode for tremolo and gate effects.
The envelope follower is great for dynamic control of filter frequency.
- 12 different filter algorithms
- Serial, parallel, or true stereo mode
- VCA mode for tremolo and gate effects
- Envelope follower
- Dynamic control of filter frequency
Filterstation | PC & Mac
16. GBand
This amazing filter plugin can help you add some extra spice to your music. It is a resonant band-pass filter that can help bring out the best in your music.
It has a low-cut and a high-cut filter operating in series, which can help you get the perfect sound for your mus
- Low-cut and high-cut filters
- Resonant band-pass filter
GBand | PC / Mac / Linux
17. HY-Filter4 free
This is a must-have plugin for musicians looking to add character and life to their sounds. Its modular design makes it easy to experiment with different sound design possibilities.
With 5 types of modulators and 2 filter engines, this filter plugin is a powerful and flexible tool for any musician.
- 5 types of modulator
- 2 filter engine
- Resizable interface
HY-Filter4 free | PC / Mac / Linux
18. Don’t Phase Me Bro
This filter plugin is good for equalizing your tracks and giving them a light phaser effect. With its variable order APF, you can control the depth of the phaser effect to get the perfect sound for your music.
The modulation routing provides even more options for customizing your sound.
- Variable order APF
- Modulation routing
Don’t Phase Me Bro | PC & Mac
19. Crayon Filter
This multi-band filter plug-in can help you shape the sound of your tracks in all sorts of ways.
From low-pass filters that attenuate high frequencies to band-pass filters that do the same to both above and below the cutoff frequency.
- Multi-band filter plugin
- Low-pass filters
- Band-pass filters
Crayon Filter | PC & Mac
20. Clean Shave
Clean Shave is a plugin that helps you eliminate unwanted bass frequencies and mud from your sound. It features a Cut button that is an IIR digital highpass filter. This enables you to focus on the important frequencies and eliminate those that don’t need to be there.
The Aftershave button gives you a fresh sound after the shave. The Smooth true bypass button ensures that there are no clicks and pops.
- Cut Button: IIR digital highpass filter
- Blades: Change the behavior of the filter
- Aftershave button: Gives you a fresh sound
- Smooth true bypass button: Ensures that there are no clicks and pops
Clean Shave | PC & Mac
21. Burier
Burier is a saturation and filter plugin that will add richness and depth to your sounds. The resonant filters can be tweaked to create unique textures, and the output attenuation will help you keep your levels in check.
The dry/wet mixer is a great way to add dimension to your sounds, and the overall sound quality is excellent.
- Saturation and filter plugin
- Resonant filters
- Output attenuation
- Dry/wet mixer
- Output Limiter
Burier | PC & Mac
22. 2 STEP Filter VST
2 STEP is a double variable filter. This unit features twin-step LFOs that modulate two-state variable filters, each acting upon a different stereo channel. The device syncs to the host tempo and works best for adding interest to high percussion audio loops.
2 STEP | PC
23. Filta Crunch
If you want to add that rich, tube-amp sound to your tracks, Filta Crunch can do just that with two tube-amp drive emulation channels.
This plugin also comes with a 2-pole 24db filter and a waveshaper, giving you plenty of options for shaping your sound.
With 128 presets, it’s easy to find the perfect sound for your tracks. This helps to make Filta Crunch a versatile filter plugin that will become a staple in your music production setup.
- 2 channels of tube amp drive emulation
- 2-pole 24db filter
- Waveshaper
- 128 different types of presets
Filta Crunch | PC
24. Filter fondue
Filter fondue is a versatile VST plugin with extensive controls over 15 bands. You can use it to add distortion, delay, and other effects to each band for a wide range of sounds.
The interface is simple, making it easy to use, and the built-in distortion makes it a great choice for creating unique filter effects.
- Extensive controls over 15 bands
- Versatile filter plugin
- Simple interface
- Built-in distortion
Filter fondue | PC & Mac
25. MBole Filter
MBole Filter is a versatile and creative plug-in that provides everything you need to sculpt your audio.
It features four filter types (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch) and a ring modulator with three waveforms.
The downsampler can be used to create lo-fi effects, and the stereo delay adds depth and space to your sounds.
The envelope generator and three waveform LFOs provide you with powerful modulation options.
- Four filter types
- Ring modulator with three waveforms
- Downsampler
- Stereo delay
- Envelope generator
- Three waveform LFO
MBole Filter | PC
26. Nibiru 3
If you’re looking to add some new and innovative filters to your music, look no further than the Nibiru 3. With 4 multi-mode filters, 4 curve responses, and a 16-step controller.
The plugin also features an envelope follower and advanced GUI envelope, giving you ultimate control over your sound.
- 4 multi-mode filters
- 4 curve responses
- 16-step controller
- Envelope follower
- Advanced GUI envelope
Nibiru 3 | PC
27. GLow
If you’re looking to filter out unwanted frequencies and add resonance to your sound. This plugin is easy to use and produces great results with three simple controls and one purpose.
- Simple operation with three controls
- Adds resonance and filters out unwanted frequencies
GLow | PC / Mac / Linux
28. FiltR
This is a multimode filter plugin with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. It offers three different ladder filters, a transistor, K 2 pole, a diode, and an overdrive function.
With its resizable GUI and choice of different color sets, this is a great option for an easy-to-use filter plugin.
- 3 different ladder filters
- Transistor, K 2 pole, and diode filter types
- Overdrive function
- Resizable GUI
FiltR | PC & Mac
29. Vesta
If you want to add some flavor to your music, Vesta is a brilliant filter plugin that will let you do just that. It comes with three layers of filters, which can be set to low pass, high pass, or bypass.
Each layer has its curve response that acts like a spread or separation. This allows you to create some really interesting effects. You can also route the layers in parallel, serial, or both.
There’s also an LFO host syncable, a step controller, and an envelope follower. You can adjust the stereo balance for each layer, making it a very flexible tool for your music production.
- Three layers of filters
- Set to low pass, high pass, or bypass
- Curve response
- Routed in parallel, serial, or both
- LFO host syncable
- Step controller
- Envelope follower
- Adjustable stereo balance
Vesta | PC
30. sfilter
This powerful and unique filter VST plugin lets you create stunning sequences to the gate, sweep, or modulate your filter cut-off. With its tempo-sync step sequencer, 2 to 32 steps over a sequence length of 2 to 32 beats, and resonant variable filter, you can create amazing sounds.
The filter cut-off varies between upper and lower cut-off values in either direction. To create even more interesting sequences, you can also use the tempo sync LFO, with six waveforms and settings from 1/16 beat to 96 beats.
- Tempo sync step sequencer
- 2 to 32 steps over a sequence length of 2 to 32 beats
- Resonant variable filter
- Filter Cutoff
- 6 waveforms and settings from 1/16 beat to 96 beats
- midi CC and midi learn capabilities
sfilter | PC
31. EasyQ
EasyQ is a clean and easy-to-use equalizer with an unlimited number of filter stages. Each stage can be one of the following characteristics: bell, low-/high-shelf, low-/highpass, notch.
The equalizer has a clean response – no additional colorations, low CPU usage, +-48 dB gain range, and stereo modes, linked, left/right, mid/side, and mono.
It also features a minimum phase response.
- Wide range of filter options
- Low CPU usage
- Minimum phase response
EasyQ | PC
32. The Filtermate
This plugin is built as a rhythmic filter module designed for making automated or non-automated filter processing.
This plugin can be fully automatable.
- 64 presets
- Fully automatable
The Filtermate | PC
33. Niveau filter
This filter VST is a perfect tool for sculpting your sound. With its two basic controls, EQ gain and EQ frequency, you can tilt frequencies toward the highs or lows.
You can also balance the frequency spectrum of your mix and boost or cut EQ levels.
The frequency control is also very versatile, allowing you to adjust the plugin between 26Hz and 22kHz.
With this level of control, you can make sure that your sound is always in proportion.
- 2 basic controls: EQ gain and EQ frequency
- Adjustment between 26Hz and 22kHz
- Boost or cut EQ levels
niveau filter | PC & Mac
34. Naive LPF
Naive LPF by Admiral Quality is a resonant filter plugin effect.
The VST features low pass and high pass filters with cutoff slopes ranging between 6-24 dB/Oct, a filter envelope with the amount, attack, release controls, and a saturation knob to give the sound an even warmer flavor.
- Filter Cutoff
- Input Trim
- Cutoff Frequency
- Envelope Amount
Naive LPF | PC
35. RubberFilter Plugin
Christian Budde’s free Rubber Filter VST plugin is a versatile 6-384 dB/Oct filter. It features low pass, high pass, bandpass, and band-reject (notch) filtering, with individual control of the left- and right channel.
Plugin | PC
36. FilterBank
The FilterBank VST plugin by Wolfgang Krumme is an 8-band filter bank with adjustable volume and frequency for each band and bandwidth control for all bands.
FilterBank is great on drum beats.
Plugin | PC
37. Engineers Filter
Engineers Filter is a filter plugin that allows for extremely steep filtering.
By implementing high-order IIR filter design methods commonly used in science and engineering, namely Butterworth, Chebychev, inverse Chebychev, and elliptic (aka Cauer) filters.
Each of these filter design methods can be applied to create
- Lowpass
- Highpass
- Bandpass
- Band reject
- High/low shelving
- Peak/dip filters of orders up to 20
Plugin | PC
38. HY-Filter3 Free
HY-Filter3 free is a multi-mode filter plugin.
- 2 filter modes (SVF, Reso)
- Randomizer
- Base color edit
- Resizable window
- Preset manager
Plugin | PC & Mac
39. MDMA Basic Filter
MDMA Basic Filter is a filter with LFO and modulation envelope. If you need a simple filter with modulation, this is ideal for you.
- Midi Learn
- Low Pass
- Band Pass Filter
- High Pass
- Band Reject
- Peaking
- Frequency
- Resonance
- Pan
- LFO
- Modulation Envelope
- Volume
MDMA Basic | PC
40. Minion
Minion has four filters modulated by up to 12 LFOs. Minion has balls – four of them, pinging and swinging their way around an innovative XYZ pad that’s used to control the plugin and to give visual feedback.
There’s an effect module for each ball, and each of those can produce one of a variety of filter effects, including several filter/distortion combinations.
Minion | PC
41. modulatedFilter
modulatedFilter is a modulated filter with one LFO. Can modulate filter frequency, bandwidth, and filter mix! Extremely low resources taken.
- One filter width: lowpass, highpass, and bandpass.
- Bandwidth and filter mix.
- One LFO working synchronously host with start position of oscillating.
- LFO can modulate filter frequency, bandwidth, and filter mix.
Plugin | PC
42. T-Rex Cut & Rez Mini
T-Rex Cut & Rez Mini is a multi-mode filter. It combines seven different filter types.
T-Rex Cut & Rez Mini | PC
More Free Filter Plugins
Now that I have looked at some of the best free filter plugins, let’s look at a few more.
- 2Rule – With the TwoRuleFilter, you can manually control the filter cut-off frequency through an LFO or an envelope follower.
- FKFX – Using a morphing filter sequencer, the Obvious Filter turns any audio input into a rhythmical sequence.
- NorthPole – This is a distortion and delays resonant filter.
- Midway – The filter’s primary purpose is to buffer an arbitrary number of input samples and select the median value.
- KranchDD – A KranchDD filter is a combination of different distortion algorithms.
- GHi – A resonant high-pass filter, GHi, acts as a high-pass filter.
- 914 Fixed Bank – An emulator of the Moog 914 filter module, 914 Fixed Filter Bank recreates the 914 modules.
- Filter Grizzly 2 – FilterGrizzly 2 is a warm filter with lots of character.
- Analog – Warm filters and distortions are available in Analog. Free analog style filters.
- MBandPass – With MBandPass, you can apply high-pass and low-pass filters.
- Fabric 70 – Basic Filters is a plugin for IIR filters with envelopes and LFOs.
- Cadence – The Cadence filter and pan effect are controlled by an LFO.
- DJM Filter – A DJM filter is an SVF that allows for simultaneous control of LP and HP.
These plugins are great alternatives to paid plugins such as Soundtoys Filterfreak, Philta XL by Vengeance Sound, Fabfilter Volcano, Filter Mini by Arturia, Waves Metafilter, Creative Filter by Sonalksis, and Bytes Wow by Sugar Bytes.
I hope you enjoy these free filter plugins.
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