A free parallel dynamic equalizer combining parametric EQ with full dynamics processing.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026 · 11 picks · 11 compared
Best Free Compressor Plugins (2026)
The best free compressor plugins are TDR Nova, OTT and DC1A. TDR Nova is best for frequency-selective compression and dynamic EQ. OTT is best for aggressive multiband upward/downward compression. DC1A is best for fast, simple compression with analog-style character.
Free three-band upward/downward multiband compressor originally from Ableton's Multiband Dynamics preset.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedFree two-knob character compressor for effortless gentle-to-heavy leveling.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported- FREE
#4HoRNet
HoRNet Magnus Lite
A free limiter and clipper.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported - FREE
#5HoRNet
HoRNet MixComp
A free analog-inspired channel compressor.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported - FREE
#6Kilohearts
Kilohearts Essentials
Free collection of over 30 effects usable as DAW plugins or Snapins.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported - FREE
#7MeldaProduction
MFreeFXBundle
Free bundle of 38 effects covering EQ, dynamics, reverb, and distortion.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported A free one-knob tube compressor emulation with harmonic saturation.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedFree wideband mastering compressor combining high fidelity control with musical flexibility.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedA simplified version of TDR Molot GE, a musically characterful dynamics processor.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedA free bundle of 12 mixing plugins.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
Comparison table
| Name | Price | Formats | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| TDR NovaTokyo Dawn Records | Free | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| OTTXfer Records | Free | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| DC1AKlanghelm | Free | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| HoRNet Magnus LiteHoRNet | Free | AU, VST, VST3, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| HoRNet MixCompHoRNet | Free | VST3, AAX, AU | Windows, macOS |
| Kilohearts EssentialsKilohearts | Free | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| MFreeFXBundleMeldaProduction | Free | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| SuperchargerNative Instruments | Free | VST, VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| TDR KotelnikovTokyo Dawn Records | Free | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| TDR MolotokTokyo Dawn Records | Free | VST2, VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| Venn Audio Free SuiteVenn Audio | Free | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Questions people ask
TDR Nova by Tokyo Dawn Records. It is best for frequency-selective compression and dynamic EQ and is free to use.
Venn Audio Free Suite.