AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Gate VST Plugins 2026
The top pick is Auburn Sounds Renegate ($29). 21 plugins from 20 makers in the Plugin Boutique and ADSR Sounds catalogues, prices as of Nov 9, 2026.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the first 10 models. Every other model is listed below.
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Auburn Sounds Renegate
- TypeGate
- FormatsVST2 · VST3 · AU · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Workhorse Fullband Gate Renegate is simply just a full-band Gate plug-in. It has an always natural sound, and is very quick to operate. RENEGATE radically simplifies gating with its informative view, punchy sound, and instant setup. RENEGATE radically simplifies gating.
$29At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Softube Modular Add-On: Doepfer A-101-2 Vactrol LPG
- TypeGate
- FormatsAU · VST · VST3 · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
This product is an expansion for Softube Modular. If you do not currently own Modular, you can purchase it HERE. Ever since the low gate pass was invented by Don Buchla, low pass gates have been heralded for their ability to add a lifelike and organic response and textures to modular synth patches.
$35At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Denise Audio poltergate
- TypeGate
- FormatsVST · VST3 · AU · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Sound Shaping from Beyond poltergate fuses the powers of transient design, gating and de-bleeding into one. Shape live drums, samples or any source you like in a swift, creative and intuitive way.
$35At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Harrison Consoles Spectral Gate
- TypeGate
- FormatsAAX · VST · VST3 · AU
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Intelligent Frequency Dependent Noise Gate Experience surgical-level noise gating with the Harrison Spectral Gate, an intelligent, frequency-dependent gate plug-in that learns the unique spectral fingerprint of your desired “Source” material and the unwanted “Spill” in your tracks.
$49At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Boz Digital Labs Gatey Watey
- TypeGate
- FormatsAAX · AU · VST · VST3
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Gatey Watey is a lightweight but clever gate plugin. Unlike traditional gates, Gatey Watey lets you choose which frequencies get attenuated when the level drops below the threshold, making for a much more natural sounding gate.
$49At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Solid State Logic SSL X-Gate
- TypeGate
- FormatsAU · VST2 · VST3 · AAX · VST
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Precision Gate Processor with Advanced SSL Workflow Intuitive Gate with Advanced Shaping Features SSL X-Gate is a comprehensive and highly visual gating plugin, inspired by the workflow from SSL's digital broadcast consoles.
$49At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Polyverse Gatekeeper
- TypeGate
- FormatsAAX · VST · VST3 · AU
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Fast, Accurate, Flexible Gatekeeper is the cutting edge of volume modulation. Capable of sample-fast transitions and equipped with a unique variable algorithm, Gatekeeper allows for drastic, punchy gating and sequencing while keeping the output Breathe new life into your audio with the most basic…
$49At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
MeldaProduction MRhythmizer
- TypeGate
- FormatsVST · VST3 · AAX · AU
- SystemsWindows · macOS
MRhythmizer is a unique time manipulation effect that uses an integrated sequencer to control time, volume and filters. From gating to glitching, repeating to scratching, all with stunning audio quality. MRhythmizer brings your music to life, so say goodbye to boring audio performances!
$54At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Black Salt Audio Silencer
- TypeGate
- FormatsAAX · AU · VST3
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Cymbal bleed is the enemy of great drum mixes. Traditional gates can only help so much before the gating itself becomes obvious. Silencer is the ultimate solution, eliminating cymbal bleed while preserving the integrity of your original sound. It’s not just a gate...
$59At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
sonible smart:gate
- TypeGate
- FormatsAAX · VST · VST3 · AU · VST2
- SystemsWindows · macOS
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2wrp9rg_Now?si=jBhCCAQCFi_TGaMr" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> is the answer to…
$129At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗
All 21 vst gate
Same Plugin Boutique and ADSR Sounds prices, compact. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
FabFilter FabFilter Pro-GFabFilter$199$199Check ↗
- 12
Kuassa EFEKTOR SilencerKuassa—
- 13
THR deBleedTHR$60$60Check ↗
- 14
Wave Arts MR GateWave Arts$39$39Check ↗
- 15
SIMPLE Plugins SIMPLE StutterSIMPLE Plugins$13$13Check ↗
- 16
Minimal System Group SSi Pro Analogue Modelled GateMinimal System Group$14$14Check ↗
- 17
Sonnox Oxford Drum Gate 2Sonnox$83$83Check ↗
- 18
Antelope Audio x904Antelope Audio$139$139Check ↗
- 19
UnplugRed PNCHUnplugRed—
- 20
Audiomodern Gatelab 2Audiomodern$29$29Check ↗
- 21
UnplugRed Diet AudioUnplugRed—
Vst Gate by the numbers
Measured across all 21 plugins we track.
Median $49 — half of all vst gate here cost less.
How to choose the best vst gate
Threshold Accuracy
Measures how precisely the plugin handles the signal level and threshold settings, directly impacting the gating behavior. Accurate thresholds are crucial for clean signal processing without audible artifacts.
Artifact Management
Assesses the quality of the gating process, focusing on minimizing audible clicks, pops, or unwanted signal degradation when gates are engaged or released. High-quality artifacts are a major differentiator in professional audio work.
Latency and Performance
Evaluates the plugin's impact on real-time performance and overall system latency, ensuring smooth operation during complex mixing sessions.
DSP Efficiency
Examines the plugin's computational load, determining how efficiently it processes the signal without overburdening the CPU, especially for large projects.
Interface and Workflow
Judges the usability of the plugin's interface and integration into the DAW workflow, focusing on intuitive controls and efficient routing options.
Buying guide
The gate is a fundamental tool in sound design, offering precise control over dynamic range and signal gating within your DAW. This roundup explores the best Gate VST plugins available for 2026, helping producers select tools that offer superior accuracy, flexibility, and sound quality. We cut through the noise to deliver an expert selection for every production style.
When selecting a gate, prioritize plugins that offer transparent gating with minimal audible artifacts, regardless of the specific gate type (e.g., hard vs. soft gate). Always test the plugin within your specific DAW environment to ensure optimal latency and workflow integration. A practical tip: For complex sound design, opt for a plugin that allows for independent control over attack and release times, rather than relying on fixed settings.
Where these prices come from
Plugins aren’t in the Thomann catalogue, so the AudioFu Index — demand on Reverb, lineup and price history at Thomann — doesn’t rate them. They’re ranked by how fully the store describes each plugin — the formats and systems it runs on and a full description — one maker at a time: every maker’s best entry first, then every maker’s second. Names, descriptions and prices here come from Plugin Boutique and ADSR Sounds, checked on Nov 9, 2026. Prices and sales change often: follow the link for today’s price.
Questions
Should I use a hard gate or a soft gate?
Hard gates are ideal for sharp, instantaneous cuts, such as silencing unwanted noise or triggering samples. Soft gates are preferred for smoother transitions, offering more musical control over the signal decay, making them better for dynamic sound shaping.
What is the main difference between a hardware-mode and software-mode gate?
Hardware-mode gates utilize dedicated physical hardware for gating, offering extremely low latency and dedicated processing. Software-mode gates rely entirely on CPU processing, offering flexibility and portability but introducing potential latency depending on the host system.
How important is latency when choosing a gate plugin?
Latency is critically important, especially in real-time tracking and complex mixing. A low-latency gate ensures that the gating process does not introduce noticeable delays that disrupt the musical flow of your session.
Are there specific gates better for specific sounds (e.g., drums vs. synths)?
Gates designed for percussion often excel at handling transient noise reduction, while gates for sustained sounds are better suited for smooth dynamic shaping on pads or vocals. The choice depends entirely on the signal's dynamic range and the desired effect.
Do I need a gate plugin if I already have a compressor?
No, you do not necessarily need a gate if your primary goal is dynamic range control. However, a gate is essential for removing unwanted bleed or noise from a signal before it hits the compressor, allowing the compressor to operate on a cleaner, more intentional signal.