Free, open-source tape emulation and brightness-compression plugin.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
Checked September 2026
Best Chow Tape Model alternatives (2026)
The closest Chow Tape Model alternatives are ToTape9, Airwindows Consolidated, FabFilter Saturn 2, based on overlapping categories and operating systems. Chow Tape Model is best for tape saturation and wow/flutter and starts at Free.
A free package consolidating nearly 400 Airwindows plugins into one plugin.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupportedMultiband distortion and saturation plug-in with 28 distortion styles and modulation.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported- $199once
Soundtoys
Decapitator
Analog saturation modeler delivering subtle to extreme hardware-modeled distortion.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported Free modeled analog output distortion plugin for adding grit and warmth.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedModulation and effects bundle with 11 drawable-LFO shaper modules including Drive and Crush.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedA free plugin simulating vinyl dust, scratches, warp and noise.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedA free single-triode tube saturation plugin.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported- FREE
HoRNet
HoRNet Harmonics
A free Chebyshev wave shaper with per-harmonic control.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported - FREE
HoRNet
HoRNet TapeLite
A free tape saturation plugin emulating the Otari MX80.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Read the full Chow Tape Model review →
Questions people ask
ToTape9 is the closest match: it is best for free tape saturation and brightness compression and starts at Free.
Yes: ToTape9, Airwindows Consolidated, FabFilter Saturn 2, Decapitator, Saturation Knob, ShaperBox 3, iZotope Vinyl, Voxengo Tube Amp, HoRNet Harmonics, HoRNet TapeLite.