The best free plugins for Logic Pro
The free plugins that earn a place in almost every Logic session: ValhallaSupermassive (reverb), TDR Nova (dynamic EQ), Voxengo SPAN (analyzer), Vital and TAL-NoiseMaker (synths), Spitfire LABS (instruments), and my Memory Station (lo-fi) and Cafecito (Pomodoro, tuner and notes on a track).
Logic only loads AU plugins, which trips people up when they download a VST-only plugin and it never appears. Everything on this list ships an AU. Install, then check Logic's Plug-in Manager if something does not show up.
I make Siesta Audio plugins, and mine are on this list, marked as mine. Everything else is here because people actually recommend it. Prices are rough list prices and change often, so check before you buy.
| Plugin | Price | Formats | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| ValhallaSupermassiveValhalla DSP | Free | VST2, VST3, AU, AAXMac, Win | Free delay and reverb for massive echoes and huge washes, with many algorithm modes. |
| TDR NovaTokyo Dawn Labs | Free | AU, VST2, VST3, AAXMac, Win | Dynamic EQ: static EQ, dynamic EQ and multiband compression in one. |
| SPANVoxengo | Free | AU, VST2, VST3, AAXMac, Win | Real-time spectrum analyzer for mixing and mastering. |
| Vital (Basic)Vital Audio | Free tier | AU, VST3, LV2, StandaloneMac, Win, Linux | Wavetable synth; the free tier includes the full synth. |
| TAL-NoiseMakerTAL Software | Free | AU, VST2, VST3, AAX, CLAPMac, Win, Linux | Virtual analog synth with 256 presets. |
| Spitfire LABSSpitfire Audio | Free | AU, VST2, VST3, AAXMac, Win | Free sampled instruments, installed through the Spitfire Audio app. |
| Kilohearts EssentialsKilohearts | Free | AU, VST, AAXMac, Win | 30+ single-purpose effects: EQ, compressor, delay, reverb, pitch shifter and more. |
| Saturation KnobSoftube | Free (iLok account) | AU, VST3, AAXMac, Win | One-knob saturation with three modes. |
| VinyliZotope | Free | AU, VST3, AAXMac, Win | Dust, scratches, warp and hiss of a record. |
| Chow Tape ModelChowDSP (open source) | Free | VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP, LV2Mac, Win, Linux | Physical model of an analog reel-to-reel tape machine. |
| Memory Station '03 (mine)Siesta Audio | Free | VST3, AU, StandaloneMac, Win, Linux | Lo-fi haze where the presets are moods: tape haze, static, chorus, lowpass fog and slowed float in one pick. |
| Cafecito (mine)Siesta Audio | Free | VST3, AU, StandaloneMac, Win, Linux | Studio companion on a track: per-track Pomodoro, time worked, notes, to-dos, kanban, chromatic tuner, circle of fifths. |
Installing free plugins in Logic
- Download the Mac installer and make sure it includes the AU component.
- Run it, then restart Logic. Logic scans new AUs on launch.
- If a plugin is missing, open Logic's Plug-in Manager in Settings, find it, and reset and rescan it.
- On Apple Silicon, prefer plugins with native or universal builds. Memory Station and Cafecito are universal binaries.
Picks by job
- Mixing: TDR Nova and SPAN. Nova fixes problem frequencies only when they happen; SPAN shows you where they are.
- Space: ValhallaSupermassive. Logic's own ChromaVerb is excellent too, and it has a Freeze button (see reverbs with freeze).
- Sounds: Vital, TAL-NoiseMaker and Spitfire LABS cover synths and acoustic instruments.
- Character: Chow Tape, Saturation Knob, iZotope Vinyl and Memory Station for the lo-fi and vintage side. See the best free lo-fi plugins.
- Focus: Cafecito puts a Pomodoro timer, a time-worked counter, notes and a chromatic tuner on a track, so the session keeps its own to-do list.
On Linux or using Reaper? See the best free plugins for Reaper.
Quick answers
Can Logic Pro use VST plugins?
No. Logic only loads AU (Audio Unit) plugins. Every plugin on this list has an AU version.
What are the best free plugins for Logic Pro?
ValhallaSupermassive, TDR Nova, Voxengo SPAN, Vital, TAL-NoiseMaker, Spitfire LABS, Kilohearts Essentials, and Siesta Audio's free Memory Station and Cafecito.
Why isn't my plugin showing up in Logic?
Either it has no AU version, or Logic has not validated it. Open the Plug-in Manager in Logic's settings and rescan it.
Do free plugins work on Apple Silicon?
Most current free plugins ship universal or native Apple Silicon builds. Check the developer's page; older ones may need Rosetta.