The best free plugins for Reaper
Start with what Reaper already includes, ReaPlugs. Then add Airwindows Consolidated (400+ effects in one plugin), Surge XT and Vital (synths), Dragonfly Reverb, Chow Tape and TDR Nova. On Linux, most of these run natively, plus LSP Plugins and my free Memory Station and Cafecito.
Reaper is cheap, light and runs on Linux, and its users tend to care about the same things: plugins that are free, efficient, and available in VST3 or CLAP on every platform. This list leans that way and notes Linux support for each.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReaPlugsCockos | Included with Reaper | Built inMac, Win, Linux | ReaEQ, ReaComp, ReaXcomp, ReaGate, ReaDelay, ReaVerb, ReaPitch, ReaTune and more. |
| Airwindows ConsolidatedAirwindows (open source) | Free | CLAP, VST3, AU, LV2Mac, Win, Linux | One plugin containing 400+ Airwindows effects. |
| Surge XTSurge Synth Team (open source) | Free | VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2, StandaloneMac, Win, Linux | Hybrid synthesizer with many oscillator types and effects. |
| Vital (Basic)Vital Audio | Free tier | VST3, AU, LV2, StandaloneMac, Win, Linux | Wavetable synth; the free tier includes the full synth. |
| Dragonfly ReverbMichael Willis (open source) | Free | VST2, VST3, CLAP, LV2Mac, Win, Linux | Free bundle of hall, room, plate and early-reflection reverbs. |
| Chow Tape ModelChowDSP (open source) | Free | VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP, LV2Mac, Win, Linux | Physical model of an analog reel-to-reel tape machine. |
| LSP PluginsLinux Studio Plugins (open source) | Free | LV2, VST2, VST3, CLAPLinux, Win | Large collection of EQs, compressors, analyzers and delays. |
| TDR NovaTokyo Dawn Labs | Free | VST2, VST3, AU, AAXMac, Win | Dynamic EQ with per-band dynamics. |
| ValhallaSupermassiveValhalla DSP | Free | VST2, VST3, AU, AAXMac, Win | Free delay and reverb for massive echoes and huge washes, with many algorithm modes. |
| 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. |
On Linux
Natively on Linux: ReaPlugs, Airwindows Consolidated, Surge XT, Vital, Dragonfly Reverb, Chow Tape, LSP Plugins, and my Memory Station and Cafecito (VST3 and Standalone). TDR Nova and ValhallaSupermassive have no Linux builds; people run them through yabridge and Wine, with mixed results. Reaper scans VST3, CLAP and LV2 plugin folders from its Plug-ins preferences.
Picks by job
- Mixing: ReaEQ and ReaComp are excellent and already installed. Add TDR Nova for dynamic EQ.
- Character: Airwindows for console, tape and saturation flavors; Chow Tape for real tape behavior; Memory Station for lo-fi haze from a mood preset.
- Space: Dragonfly Reverb on every platform; Supermassive on Mac and Windows.
- Sounds: Surge XT and Vital.
- Focus: Cafecito puts a Pomodoro, time worked, notes and a tuner on a track.
Guitarists on Reaper: see how to use guitar plugins and Neural DSP alternatives, including Linux. Paid Linux-native picks from me: Adrift, Drown and La Bestia.
Quick answers
What are the best free plugins for Reaper?
ReaPlugs (included), Airwindows Consolidated, Surge XT, Vital, Dragonfly Reverb, Chow Tape Model, TDR Nova, ValhallaSupermassive, and Siesta Audio's free Memory Station and Cafecito.
What free plugins work on Linux with Reaper?
ReaPlugs, Airwindows Consolidated, Surge XT, Vital, Dragonfly Reverb, Chow Tape Model, LSP Plugins, Memory Station and Cafecito all run natively on Linux.
Does Reaper support CLAP?
Yes. Reaper loads CLAP plugins, and several free ones here ship CLAP builds, including Airwindows Consolidated, Surge XT, Dragonfly Reverb and Chow Tape.
Do I need extra plugins with Reaper?
Not to start. ReaPlugs covers EQ, compression, gating, delay and reverb. Add plugins for character and instruments.