Best Free VST Plugins for REAPER (Windows & Mac)

This is a curated “starter kit” list — not a massive directory. Everything here runs on both Windows and macOS, and is a great match for REAPER users. (Where possible, choose VST3 versions on Windows; on Mac, AU or VST3 both work.)

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Starter Kit checklist (coming soon)

I’m building a free downloadable checklist: “REAPER Free Plugin Starter Kit” (what to install first, in order).

For now, use this quick install order:

  1. Install a synth: Vital or Surge XT
  2. Install instruments: Spitfire LABS
  3. Install mixing tools: TDR Nova + SPAN
  4. Install ambience: Valhalla Supermassive
  5. Add metering: Youlean Loudness Meter
Future spot for the free checklist signup (ConvertKit/MailerLite).

The REAPER-friendly free plugin list

Recommended approach: install these first, then move to your paid “best of” pages for upgrades. All download links below go to the official plugin pages.

Category Recommended free plugin Why it’s useful Official download
Synth Vital (Free) Wavetable Modern, powerful synth that’s great for learning presets + sound design. Vital
Synth Surge XT Workhorse Huge range of synthesis types + effects. Brilliant “one free synth that does a lot”. Surge XT
Piano / instruments Spitfire LABS Free library Loads of free instruments (including pianos/keys). Great for beginners and composers. LABS
Drums Sitala Drum sampler Fast, simple 16-pad drum sampler. Drag & drop sounds, program beats quickly in REAPER. Sitala
Reverb / Delay Valhalla Supermassive Space Free “big ambience” reverb/delay that sounds expensive — perfect for pads, vocals, guitars. Supermassive
EQ TDR Nova Dynamic EQ EQ + dynamics in one plugin. Great for harshness, sibilance, and tightening mixes. TDR Nova
Compressor TDR Kotelnikov Transparent Clean compression that teaches fundamentals without “over-coloring” your mix. Kotelnikov
Metering Youlean Loudness Meter LUFS Essential for loudness targets (YouTube/streaming). Works in REAPER and most DAWs. Youlean
Utility Voxengo SPAN Spectrum Legendary free spectrum analyzer. Helps you “see” bass, harshness, and balance. SPAN
Ad Slot (below list). Great for high-traffic pages.

REAPER tip: on Windows, prefer VST3 installs when offered; on Mac, AU or VST3 are both fine.

Where to go next (monetisation path)