AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Synth VST Plugins 2026
The top pick is Cherry Audio DCO-106 ($14). 475 plugins from 112 makers in the Plugin Boutique and ADSR Sounds catalogues, prices as of Nov 9, 2026.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
Narrow the chart
All Vst SynthTop 10
Full detail for the first 10 models. Every other model is listed below.
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Cherry Audio DCO-106
- TypeSynth
- FormatsAU · VST · VST3 · AAX · Standalone
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Discover the Iconic Sound Recreating the sound of a classic synthesizer is no easy task. DCO-106 lovingly recreates the unique sonic footprint of one of the most iconic 80’s polysynths in exhaustive detail, while adding modern features for massively expanded creativity.
$14At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Arturia Stage-73 V
- TypeSynth
- FormatsStandalone · VST · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Epic Electric Piano The Stage-73 gives you actual authentic modelling of both Stage and Suitcase versions of the most popular electric piano on the planet —completed with unparalleled control of virtual mechanics, a complement of effects pedals, and built-in classic amps.
$99At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
KORG MonoPoly
- TypeSynth
- FormatsAU · VST · VST3 · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Reborn Through Software. 4VCO Synthesizer Mono/Poly The analog synthesizer Mono/Poly, which was launched at the same time as the Polysix in 1981, combined Korg’s analog synthesizers made until then into one ground-breaking synthesizer.
$100At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
UJAM Usynth DRIVE
- TypeSynth
- FormatsVST3 · AAX · VST · AU
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Powerful house essentials Headline: For high-energy electronica Packing a punch Under the hood, Usynth is a very complex synthesizer. Each instance consists of 2 individual layers per voice, with Virtual Analog, Wavetable, FM and Multisample Synthesis, Multi-mode Filter, 5-stage envelopes, LFOs…
$9At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Roland SH-2
- TypeSynth
- FormatsVST · AU · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Complete Replica of the Classic SH-2 Synthesizer Cross-platform PLUG-OUT instrument for computer DAWs and select Roland hardware synths. The SH-2 Software Synthesizer is an authentic sonic reproduction of Roland’s classic SH-2 synthesizer from 1979.
$99At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Native Instruments Reaktor Spark
- TypeSynth
- FormatsVST · AAX · AU
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Next Generation Synth 200 synth sounds plus 1400 Sound Variations Dramatic sonic transitions Based on a completely new REAKTOR synthesizer The Unique Synthesizer From the Father of Reaktor REAKTOR SPARK* is based on a new and unique REAKTOR ensemble, resulting from three years of design and…
$49At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard Session
- TypeSynth
- FormatsStandalone · VST · AU · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Lounge Lizard Session delivers authentic classic electric piano tones with outstanding sound quality, action, and feel. Compressor and Equalizer: Craft your sound and add punch. High-end effects: Tremolo, chorus, phaser, and reverb especially tuned for an electric piano.
$49At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
AIR Music Technology Mini D
- TypeSynth
- FormatsStandalone · VST · AU · AAX
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Experience the Legendary American Synth Sound Get The Classic American Synth Sound Inside Your DAW Mini D unlocks a world of stunning sounds based on one of the most iconic synths ever made – but with updated features that bring modern flexibility and new possibilities.
$29At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
GForce Software Halogen FM
- TypeSynth
- FormatsStandalone · AAX · VST2 · VST3
- SystemsWindows · macOS
The Joy of FM, Without the Headaches FM synthesis is notoriously difficult to program — complex, technical, and often unintuitive. Halogen FM changes that. We built it to remove the barriers that have kept so many from exploring the raw, expressive power of FM.
$35At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗ -
Rob Papen SynFeX
- TypeSynth
- FormatsVST3 · AAX · VST · AU
- SystemsWindows · macOS
Everybody has heard the noise rises and low drops in film and contemporary music and SynFeX makes sure that you do not have to search long for your tempo-based audio FX sound! The ‘movement’ section allows you to quickly adjust your risers and drops to suit your needs.
$49At Plugin Boutique · price as of Nov 9Check price ↗
All 475 vst synth
Same Plugin Boutique and ADSR Sounds prices, compact. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Tracktion Outersect ModelerTracktion$129$129Check ↗
- 12
Softube Monoment BassSoftube$29$29Check ↗
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UVI HX-ODDYUVI$79$79Check ↗
- 14
Klevgrand SyndtKlevgrand$25$25Check ↗
- 15
Waldorf PPG Wave 3.V Version 2 - UpdateWaldorf$55$55Check ↗
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TAL TAL-ModTAL$60$60Check ↗
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BLEASS BLEASS SampleWiz 2BLEASS$69$69Check ↗
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AudioThing miniBitAudioThing$20$20Check ↗
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XILS Lab PolyMXILS Lab$59$59Check ↗
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Future Audio Workshop SubLabFuture Audio Workshop$70$70Check ↗
- 21
Sugar Bytes UniqueSugar Bytes$99$99Check ↗
- 22
KV331 Audio SynthMaster OneKV331 Audio$49$49Check ↗
- 23
Karanyi Sounds Polyscape AnalogueKaranyi Sounds$59$59Check ↗
- 24
u-he ACEu-he$69$69Check ↗
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W. A. Production ImPerfect 1.6W. A. Production$10$10Check ↗
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Audio Damage Phosphor 3Audio Damage$59$59Check ↗
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Imaginando DRC - Polyphonic SynthesizerImaginando$95$95Check ↗
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Steinberg Retrologue 2Steinberg$100$100Check ↗
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discoDSP Discovery ProdiscoDSP$199$199Check ↗
- 30
DHPlugins HALO-2 LiteDHPlugins$19$19Check ↗
- 31
Plugin Boutique VirtualCZPlugin Boutique$19$19Check ↗
- 32
Waves Codex Wavetable SynthWaves$30$30Check ↗
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Audio AtomsAudio$39$39Check ↗
- 34
Audio Blast Abx3Audio Blast$39$39Check ↗
- 35
Universal Audio Opal Morphing SynthUniversal Audio$49$49Check ↗
- 36
FabFilter FabFilter OneFabFilter$55$55Check ↗
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Newfangled Audio GenerateNewfangled Audio$99$99Check ↗
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Moog Moog MarianaMoog$99$99Check ↗
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D16 Group Phoscyon 2D16 Group$119$119Check ↗
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BEATSURFING RANDOMBEATSURFING$129$129Check ↗
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Expressive E Noisy 2Expressive E$149$149Check ↗
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AngelicVibes ELITE PIANISTAngelicVibes$10$10Check ↗
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BeatSkillz FlashbackBeatSkillz$19$19Check ↗
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Krotos Simple ConceptKrotos$25$25Check ↗
- 45
Rhodes Rhodes Chroma by Cherry AudioRhodes$28$28Check ↗
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MOK MinirazeMOK$29$29Check ↗
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Soundyan Interstellar WaterphoneSoundyan$49$49Check ↗
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Inphonik RYM2612 Iconic FM SynthesizerInphonik$54$54Check ↗
- 49
Iceberg Audio The SubIceberg Audio$59$59Check ↗
- 50
HY-Plugins HY-POLYHY-Plugins$60$60Check ↗
Vst Synth by the numbers
Measured across all 487 plugins we track.
Median $89 — half of all vst synth here cost less.
How to choose the best vst synth
Sound Engine Fidelity
This determines the quality and complexity of the synthesized sounds produced. A superior engine allows for richer timbres, more nuanced modulation, and deeper sonic textures.
Polyphony & Voice Management
Essential for complex arrangements, this measures how efficiently the plugin handles multiple simultaneous voices and polyphonic control. Poor polyphony leads to frustrating limitations in dense musical contexts.
Modulation Depth & Control
This assesses the range and granularity of parameters available for shaping the sound. Deeper modulation allows for more expressive and intricate sound sculpting beyond simple filter sweeps.
Workflow & Interface Design
This evaluates how intuitive and efficient the plugin interface is for real-time sound design. A poor workflow can severely impede creative flow and productivity.
Sound Library & Sound Design Tools
This reviews the quality, variety, and utility of the included waveforms, presets, and built-in effects. A robust library accelerates the sound creation process significantly.
Buying guide
Navigating the vast landscape of Synth VST plugins can be overwhelming for producers. This roundup cuts through the noise to bring you the absolute best virtual instruments and sound design tools available for 2026. We focus on depth, sonic quality, and usability to ensure you find the perfect tool for your creative vision. This guide is your definitive roadmap to selecting the next generation of synth plugins.
When selecting a synth plugin, prioritize the engine's architecture over simple preset counts. Don't just look at what it can do; evaluate how it handles complex modulation and realistic sound generation. A practical tip: always test the plugin with your specific DAW's routing and automation setup before making a final decision to ensure seamless integration.
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 prioritize a wavetable or subtractive synth?
It depends entirely on your sound design goals. Wavetable synths excel at complex, evolving, and modern textures, while subtractive synths offer classic, highly controllable timbres. Choose based on whether you need granular wavetable manipulation or traditional oscillator control.
How important is CPU usage when choosing a synth?
CPU usage is critical, especially for multi-layered tracks. Look for plugins known for efficient, modern architecture, as heavy processing can quickly bottleneck your session, regardless of sonic quality.
What is the difference between a VST and AU plugin?
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) and AU (Audio Unit) are simply different file formats for audio plugins, primarily affecting compatibility between operating systems and DAWs. Functionally, the quality of the plugin is independent of the format.
Do I need to buy multiple synths?
Not necessarily. Focus on finding one powerhouse synth that excels in your primary sound design needs. Start with a few highly-rated options and expand your collection as your project demands evolve.
How do I know if a plugin is future-proof?
Look for developers who are actively updating their plugins with new sound engines and features. This indicates a commitment to long-term development and ensures the plugin remains relevant in evolving audio production environments.