Precision EQ plug-in with up to 24 bands, dynamic EQ, and spectral dynamics processing.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 vs Kilohearts Essentials (2026)
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 is best for surgical and creative equalization with a fast visual workflow; Kilohearts Essentials is best for producers wanting a full free effects toolkit inside one ecosystem. FabFilter Pro-Q 4 starts at $199 one-time and Kilohearts Essentials at Free.
Kilohearts
Kilohearts Essentials
Free collection of over 30 effects usable as DAW plugins or Snapins.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | Kilohearts Essentials | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | surgical and creative equalization with a fast visual workflow | producers wanting a full free effects toolkit inside one ecosystem |
| Starting price | $199 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP | VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | Up to 24 EQ bands with multiple filter shapes, Dynamic EQ mode with adjustable attack/release, Spectral dynamics processing, Dolby Atmos support up to 9.1.6, EQ Sketch for freehand curve drawing | 30+ effects and Snapins, Compressor, EQ, Limiter, Reverb, Distortion modules, Works as Snapins in any Kilohearts Snapin Host, Free Kilohearts account required, New plugins added over time at no extra cost |
| Developer | FabFilter | Kilohearts |
Questions people ask
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 starts at $199 one-time; Kilohearts Essentials starts at Free.
Up to 24 EQ bands with multiple filter shapes, Dynamic EQ mode with adjustable attack/release, Spectral dynamics processing, Dolby Atmos support up to 9.1.6, EQ Sketch for freehand curve drawing.
30+ effects and Snapins, Compressor, EQ, Limiter, Reverb, Distortion modules, Works as Snapins in any Kilohearts Snapin Host, Free Kilohearts account required, New plugins added over time at no extra cost.