18.1
DefleMask is a chiptune tracker for composing video-game music in the styles of older consoles and computers.
Free planAndroidiOSLinux
Best Software Synthesizers in 2026
Software synthesizers offer computer-based sound creation, with different engines and ways to fit into a music-making setup. Compare synthesis engine and plugin formats with your preferred production tools, and check standalone app availability and supported platforms for where each option can run. MPE support and included presets provide further points of comparison. DefleMask, Cardinal and Vital are among the…
28.0
Vital is a spectral-warping wavetable synthesizer for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
37.7
SynthMaster 3 is a modular software synthesizer for Windows and macOS, available as a plug-in and standalone app.
Free planiOSmacOSWindows
- 4
Dexed
Dexed is a free software synth plugin and standalone app modeled on the Yamaha DX7.
Free planOpen sourceiOSLinuxmacOSWindows7.6Free plan - 5
Cardinal
Cardinal is a free, open-source modular synthesizer built as both a standalone app and a plugin, based on VCV Rack.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinuxmacOS7.5Free plan - 6
Helm
Helm is a free software synthesizer for making electronic music on a computer.
Open sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.2 - 7
Surge XT
Surge XT is a free, open-source virtual instrument plugin and hybrid synthesizer for making music.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.2Free plan - 8
SynthMaster One
SynthMaster One is a wavetable software synthesizer for creating and shaping sounds.
Free planiOSmacOSWindows6.9$9.99 one-time - 9
VCV Rack
VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.7$149 one-time - 10
Repro
Repro is a synthesizer plug-in containing Repro-1 and Repro-5 in one product and installer.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.6€149 one-time - 11
SynthMaster 2
SynthMaster 2 is a two-layer semi-modular software synthesizer and effects plug-in for Windows, macOS, and iOS.
iOSmacOSWindows6.5$9 one-time - 12
Aalto
Aalto is a semi-modular software synthesizer from Madrona Labs, built around a patchable interface.
macOSWindows6.4$99 one-time - 13
Sonic Pi
Sonic Pi is a free, open-source tool for creating and performing music with code.
Free planWebLinuxmacOSWindows6.3Free plan - 14
Sylenth1
Sylenth1 is a virtual analog VSTi synthesizer for music production on Windows and macOS.
macOSWindows6.2From €9.95 a month - 15
ANA 2
macOSWindows6.1£84 one-time - 16
Falcon
Falcon is a creative hybrid instrument that combines sampling and synthesis for music production.
macOSWindows6.1From €240 a year - 17
RAPID
RAPID is a paid polyphonic hybrid synthesizer with a layer engine for shaping sounds.
macOSWindows6.1€179.99 one-time - 18
Novum
macOSWindows6.0$179 one-time - 19
Spire
macOSWindows6.0$189 one-time - 20
Synth1
Synth1 is a free software synthesizer plugin for computer music production on Windows and macOS.
Free planmacOSWindows5.9Free plan - 215.9
- 22
VPS Avenger 2
VPS Avenger 2 is a synthesizer plugin for music production on macOS and Windows.
macOSWindows5.8€225 one-time - 23
Abyss 2
ABYSS 2 is a synthesizer plugin for musicians and creative sound design, built around tone colours arranged on a gradient.
macOSWindows5.7 - 24
DUNE 3
DUNE 3 is a software synthesizer from Synapse Audio for macOS and Windows, building on the DUNE 2 synthesizer.
macOSWindows5.7 - 25
5.5$199 one-time