Waves Ultimate
Waves Ultimate is a subscription to more than 240 Waves audio plugins for macOS and Windows.
What Waves Ultimate is
Waves Ultimate is a subscription to more than 240 Waves audio plugins for macOS and Windows. The plugins support VST3, AU, and AAX formats, and the listed host applications include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, and REAPER. The subscription also includes StudioVerse, which provides an audio-effects preset library and virtual-instrument presets inside a DAW. Active subscribers receive two Online Mastering credits per monthly billing cycle or thirty per annual cycle; trial subscribers are excluded. Unused credits roll over to the next billing cycle, but are removed if the subscription lapses. Plugin updates are included at no extra cost, and subscribers can cancel through their Waves account, with access ending at the current billing period. A free 7-day trial is available. Monthly billing costs $24.99 a month, while annual billing costs $249.99 a year. Listed requirements include macOS Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15, or Tahoe 26, or 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, with 16 GB RAM and 30 GB of free system-drive space.
Good
- Includes more than 240 audio plugins.
- Supports VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
- Plugin updates are included at no extra cost.
- Offers a free 7-day trial.
Watch out
- No free plan is available.
- Requires 16 GB RAM and 30 GB free space.
- Access ends when the billing period ends after cancellation.
Who it suits
Waves Ultimate suits musicians, producers, and creators who want a broad plugin suite for supported DAWs. It may also suit users who want StudioVerse presets and Online Mastering credits within a subscription.
Verdict
Waves Ultimate bundles plugins, presets, and Online Mastering credits under monthly or annual billing. Review the system requirements and billing term before starting the trial or subscribing.
Plans and prices
From Waves Ultimate's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Waves Ultimate – Monthly Subscription | $24.99 a month | 240+ Waves plugins · updates included · cancel any time; access ends at the current billing period · Monthly |
| Waves Ultimate – Annual Subscription | $249.99 a year | 240+ Waves plugins · updates included · cancel any time; access ends at the current billing period · Annually |
The facts
Each one read from Waves Ultimate's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Cancellation
- Subscribers can cancel through their Waves account, and the subscription stops at the end of the current monthly or annual period.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Credit rollover
- Unused Online Mastering Benefit credits roll over to the next billing cycle, but unused credits are removed when the subscription lapses.checked 4 Oct 2026
- DAW compatibility
- The supported hosts list includes Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, REAPER, and other audio and video applications.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Included StudioVerse
- The subscription includes StudioVerse, with an audio effects preset library and virtual instrument presets inside a DAW.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Online mastering credits
- Active Ultimate subscribers receive two Online Mastering credits per monthly billing cycle or thirty per annual billing cycle, excluding the free trial period.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Plugin formats
- Waves plugins support VST3, AU, and AAX formats.checked 4 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The listed system requirements specify macOS Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15, or Tahoe 26, or 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, with 16 GB RAM and 30 GB free system-drive space.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Updates
- Updates to plugins included in the subscription are included at no extra cost.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Upgrade or downgrade
- Subscribers can switch between Waves Ultimate and Waves Essential from the My Products page of their Waves account.checked 4 Oct 2026
- What it is
- Waves Ultimate is a subscription to more than 240 Waves audio plugins.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Who it serves
- Waves says its tools are used by musicians, producers, and creators, from major studios to home setups.checked 4 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- The subscription offers a free 7-day trial.checked 4 Oct 2026
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