Best Synthesizer Tools

Kilohearts

4.2 rating

Kilohearts builds modular audio plugins — most notably Phase Plant (a semi-modular synthesizer) and Snap Heap (a modular effects rack) — letting producers chain their Snapin effect modules across DAWs.

Massive X

4.5 rating

Next-generation wavetable synthesizer from Native Instruments with modular signal flow, 170+ wavetables, and deep performer-based modulation routing.

Omnisphere

4.5 rating

Award-winning flagship synthesizer from Spectrasonics combining multiple synthesis types, 14,000+ sounds, and deep hardware integration.

Reason

4.2 rating

Virtual rack-based music production software with a unique modular interface, built-in instruments, effects, and a Reason+ subscription for access to the full sound library.

Serum

4.2 rating

Industry-leading wavetable synthesizer VST by Xfer Records, known for pristine audio quality, visual wavetable editing, and comprehensive modulation.

Surge XT

4.5 rating

Free, open-source hybrid synthesizer with subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis capabilities, praised for its professional sound quality and extensive modulation options.

Syntorial

4.5 rating

Video game-like synthesizer programming course that teaches sound design through interactive challenges, gradually building skills from basic synthesis to advanced techniques.

VCV Rack

4.2 rating

Open-source virtual modular synthesizer that emulates Eurorack hardware modules, allowing musicians to build custom synthesizer setups entirely in software.

Vital

4.2 rating

Free spectral warping wavetable synthesizer with visual modulation system and high-quality sound design.

Xfer Records

4.5 rating

Creator of Serum, the industry-standard wavetable synthesizer plugin used by top electronic music producers. Serum 2 adds multi-engine synthesis with FM, subtractive, and sample modes.

u-he Diva

4.5 rating

Virtual analogue synthesizer emulating classic hardware circuits with authentic zero delay feedback filter and oscillator models.