10 best audacity plugins for better sound in 2025

Audacity is a powerful, open-source audio editing software that has gained immense popularity among audio enthusiasts, podcasters, and musicians alike. While Audacity comes with a rich set of built-in features, the true magic often lies in its plugins. These extensions can significantly enhance the functionality of Audacity, and give you the tools to achieve professional-quality audio editing. So let's dive into the top 10 best Audacity plugins that will elevate your audio editing experience.

Contents

1. GSnap for pitch correction (free)
2. Valhalla Supermassive for reverb (free)
3. Muse FX suite for beginners (free)
4. Voxengo Voxformer for vocal processing (paid)
5. Blue Cat’s Freeware for modulation effects (free)
6. FFmpeg for audio format compatibility (free)
7. OpenVINO™ for music separation (free)
8. MFreeFX Bundle for distortion effects (free)
9. TDR Nova for EQ (free)
10. Crumplepop for audio repair (paid)

1. GSnap for pitch correction (free)

GSnap is a pitch correction plugin that can be a game-changer for vocal recordings. It's an invaluable tool for singers and audio engineers as it lets you correct pitch issues in real-time. The intuitive interface also makes it easy to navigate through its features even if you are new to audio production. This tools gives everyone the opportunity to enhance their vocal tracks.

The plugin is particularly useful for those who want to achieve that polished, studio-quality vocal sound. GSnap can also be used creatively to produce unique effects, adding an artistic flair to your tracks. By manipulating pitch and formant settings, users can create ethereal harmonies (think Florence and the Machine) or even robotic vocal effects (Daft Punk), making it a versatile addition to any music production toolkit.

Key Features of GSnap

• Real-time pitch correction
• Adjustable parameters for fine-tuning
• Creative sound design capabilities

One of the standout features of GSnap is its ability to work seamlessly with various digital audio workstations (DAWs), making it a flexible choice for producers across different platforms. Whether you're using Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Pro Tools, GSnap integrates smoothly, allowing for a streamlined workflow. Additionally, the plugin supports MIDI input, enabling users to control pitch correction in a more dynamic way, which can lead to more expressive vocal performances.

GSnap's user community is robust too, with many online resources to explore. From tutorials to forums, producers can find a wealth of information on how to maximise the plugin's potential. This collaborative environment not only enhances learning but also inspires creativity, as you'll find plenty of users sharing their unique techniques and sound design tips. With GSnap, the possibilities for vocal manipulation and enhancement are virtually limitless, making it a must-have for any serious music producer.

2. Valhalla Supermassive for reverb (free)

Valhalla Supermassive is more than just a reverb plugin, it's a creative sound design tool that lets users transform their audio into vast, immersive soundscapes. Designed with cosmic delay networks and expansive modulation, Supermassive allows you to transport listeners to entirely new dimensions, from shimmering voids to infinite echoes. Whether you want a subtle atmospheric enhancement or a surreal, space-drenched wash, this plugin excels at creating dramatic ambiance.

Ideal for vocals, synths, guitars, or sound effects, Supermassive adds depth, width, and movement to your tracks. With its intuitive interface and a range of algorithms (like Gemini, Centaurus, and Great Annihilator)each setting brings a distinct flavour, ranging from lush reverbs to modulated delays and feedback-drenched textures. Whether you're crafting a dreamy shoe gaze sound or adding alien reverb tails to experimental audio, Supermassive gives you the flexibility to shape your sonic environment with precision.

Key Features of Valhalla Supermassive

• 14 reverb/delay algorithms with unique textures and behaviours
• Massive stereo width and modulation for lush, atmospheric effects
• Simple, intuitive interface that’s beginner-friendly but deep enough for pros
• Flexible controls for delay time, feedback, warp, and modulation depth

With its balance of ease-of-use and deep sonic potential, Valhalla Supermassive is a standout reverb/delay plugin that invites experimentation. Its unique approach to reverb and delay opens the door to sonic possibilities that go far beyond conventional mixing. Whether you’re producing lush ambient pads or seeking to add ethereal depth to vocals, it’s a must-have plugin for producers looking to push creative boundaries.

3. Muse FX plugin suite for beginners (free)

Muse FX is a bundle of 12 easy-to-use audio plugins designed to help you shape, polish, and enhance your music with professional results—without needing years of production experience. Muse FX gives you access to high-quality effects in a clean, beginner-friendly package.

The suite includes a range of essential tools, such as reverb, delay, EQ, compression, and more. Each plugin is thoughtfully designed to be intuitive, with simple controls that let you focus on your creativity rather than getting lost in technical details. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone exploring the world of music production.

Key Features of Muse FX

• User-friendly interface for easy navigation
• High-quality audio processing
• Essential tools for mixing and sound design
• Lightweight and compatible with most DAWs

One of the standout aspects of Muse FX is how accessible it is. The layout of each plugin is clean and clearly labeled, making it easier to understand what each control does, even if you’ve never used an audio plugin before. Whether you're dialing in a warm reverb to add space to your vocals or applying gentle compression to even out a guitar track, Muse FX makes it simple to get great-sounding results.

Beyond mixing, Muse FX also shines in creative sound design. The delay plugin can help you build rhythmic textures, while the filter and modulation tools are perfect for shaping synths or loops. You can experiment freely without worrying about breaking your sound—every plugin is designed to deliver smooth, musical results.

There’s a growing online community where new users share tips, settings, and presets, making it easier to learn and stay inspired.

4. Voxengo Voxformer for vocal processing (paid)

Voxformer by Voxengo is a powerful channel strip plugin specifically designed to make vocal processing easier and more efficient. Combining multiple tools—like a compressor, equaliser, de-esser, gate, and saturation—into a single plugin, it gives users everything they need to shape and polish vocal tracks without having to juggle multiple effects.

This makes Voxformer especially popular with podcasters, vocalists, content creators, and musicians who want pro-quality results without the complexity of a full mixing suite. Whether you're working on a song, a voiceover, or a podcast episode, Voxformer helps you achieve a clean, balanced sound with minimal effort.

Key Features of Voxengo Voxformer

• Dual compressor modules for flexible dynamic control
• 5-band parametric EQ with graphical display
• Built-in de-esser to tame harsh sibilance
• Noise gate and presence boost for vocal clarity
• Saturation and harmonic enhancement options
• Intuitive interface with real-time visual feedback

What makes Voxformer stand out is its streamlined workflow. Rather than loading multiple plugins and fine-tuning them separately, you can dial in your entire vocal chain from one easy-to-use interface. The dual compressors allow for precise dynamic shaping, great for controlling both subtle and aggressive vocal peaks—while the de-esser helps reduce piercing "S" and "T" sounds that can ruin an otherwise great take.

The EQ section offers detailed tonal shaping, with smooth filters and a visual display that makes it easy to find and fix problem frequencies. There’s also a saturation module that adds warmth and character to vocals, helping them cut through the mix without sounding harsh or overprocessed.

Despite its powerful features, Voxformer remains very accessible for beginners. The default presets offer solid starting points, and the layout makes it easy to understand how each section affects your audio. For those looking to dive deeper, the plugin offers plenty of tweakability for more advanced users.

5. Blue Cat’s Freeware plugins for modulation effects (free)

Blue Cat Audio offers a suite of freeware plugins that can enhance the functionality of Audacity. These plugins include a range of effects such as chorus, flanger, and phaser, each designed to add depth and character to audio tracks.

These plugins are user-friendly and compatible with various audio formats, making them a popular choice among both beginners and experienced audio editors.

Blue Cat’s Chorus
Adds warmth and width by duplicating and detuning the audio signal. Great for thickening vocals, guitars, and synths with a smooth, spacious sound.

Blue Cat’s Flanger
Creates a sweeping, jet-like effect by blending delayed signals with the original. Ideal for adding motion and texture to guitars, drums, or synths.

Blue Cat’s Phaser
Produces a swirling, phase-shifted sound for a vintage or psychedelic vibe. Works well on keys, vocals, and pads to introduce dynamic movement.

Key Features of the Blue Cat Plugins

• Easy-to-use interfaces suitable for all skill levels
• Low CPU usage and high audio fidelity
• Customisable presets and automation support

These plugins are not only a great starting point for understanding modulation effects but also hold their own in professional workflows. They’re an ideal way to add subtle movement or dramatic shifts to your sound, enhancing the overall dimension of your mixes.

6. FFmpeg for audio format compatibility (free)

The FFmpeg plugin integrates directly with platforms like Audacity, making it easier than ever to import, export, and convert audio files in various formats. Whether you’re importing audio from a video file, exporting in professional formats like AAC or AC3, or converting between WAV, MP3, and FLAC, FFmpeg handles it all with speed and precision.

Key Features of the FFmpeg Plugin

• Supports a wide range of audio formats
• Enables import/export of audio from video files
• Preserves audio quality during conversion
• Integrates seamlessly with Audacity

One of the biggest advantages of using FFmpeg with Audacity is format flexibility. If you've ever tried to open a file in Audacity and gotten an error message, FFmpeg likely solves the problem. It unlocks compatibility with formats that Audacity doesn’t natively support, so you can focus on editing instead of troubleshooting file types.

It’s also great for batch processing, making it easy to convert multiple files at once without losing quality. This is especially helpful for podcasters, sound designers, and producers who work with large audio libraries or need to deliver audio in specific formats for streaming platforms or clients.

If you are just starting out, don’t worry—there are plenty of tutorials online that show how to set up FFmpeg and use it effectively with Audacity. While it's a bit more technical than creative plugins, it's one of those essential tools that becomes invaluable the more you grow as a producer.

7. OpenVINO™ for music separation (free)

OpenVINO music separation brings cutting-edge AI technology to the world of audio production, making it easier than ever to isolate vocals, drums, bass, and other instruments from a mixed track. Whether you’re remixing a song, creating karaoke versions, or sampling a beat, this tool helps you break down full tracks into individual stems with impressive clarity.

Built on Intel’s OpenVINO toolkit, this plugin uses deep learning models to separate elements of a song while preserving quality. And even though it’s powered by advanced AI, the interface is designed with simplicity in mind, perfect for beginners and pros alike who want powerful results with minimal hassle.

Key Features of OpenVINO Music Separation

• AI-powered stem separation (vocals, drums, bass, and more)
• High-quality output with minimal artifacts
• Works offline—no need for cloud processing
• Lightweight and efficient performance

One of the standout aspects of OpenVINO music separation is its ability to run efficiently on most computers without needing a powerful GPU or internet connection. That means you can work with AI-based separation tools right from your desktop DAW, without relying on online services.

Whether you’re creating mashups, practicing with backing tracks, or isolating vocals for a remix, OpenVINO gives you the freedom to reshape and reimagine any piece of music. And because the separated stems are exported as individual audio files, you can mix, edit, or process each element however you like.

8. MFreeFX Bundle for distortion effects (free)

The MFreeFX Bundle is a powerful collection of free audio plugins, offering everything from EQs and compressors to modulation tools. But some of the hidden gems in this bundle include its distortion effects, which are perfect for adding grit, edge, and personality to your tracks.

Whether you want to give your guitars some bite, add crunch to drums, or dirty up your synths, the distortion tools in MFreeFX are versatile and offer pro-level sound-shaping capabilities in a clean, beginner-friendly interface.

Key Features of MFreeFX Distortion Plugins

• Multiple distortion types, from subtle saturation to heavy fuzz
• Intuitive controls with visual feedback
• Built-in presets for quick inspiration

One of the most popular distortion tools in the bundle is MWaveFolder, which offers a rich selection of wave-shaping and saturation modes. You can easily dial in anything from warm analog-style overdrive to aggressive digital distortion. The MDistortionMB plugin is another standout, giving you multiband control over distortion. It's great for targeting specific frequency ranges without muddying your mix.

Beginners will appreciate how visual and responsive these plugins are. Real-time graphs and meters show exactly how your signal is being affected, making it easier to learn how distortion works while experimenting with your sound.

MFreeFX tools are perfect for creative sound design. You can use them subtly to add warmth and presence, or crank them up for wild, experimental textures. Whether you’re working on electronic music, rock, hip-hop, or cinematic soundscapes, these plugins add depth and character without overwhelming your mix.

9. TDR Nova for EQ (free)

TDR Nova is a dynamic equaliser that blends the clarity of traditional EQ with the responsiveness of dynamic processing. This means it not only shapes your tone but also reacts in real-time to changes in your audio, making it a go-to tool for both beginners and professionals looking to refine their mix with precision.

Perfect for vocals, drums, guitars, or full mixes, TDR Nova helps you target problem frequencies without over-processing your sound. Whether you're taming harsh highs, reducing muddiness in the low end, or adding subtle sparkle to your track, this plugin gives you the tools to do it cleanly.

Key Features of TDR Nova

• Dynamic EQ with real-time gain adjustment
• Four fully parametric EQ bands plus high-pass and low-pass filters
• Intuitive, clean interface with real-time spectrum display
• Wide range of presets for quick starting points

One of the standout features of TDR Nova is its ability to act like a compressor, but on specific frequency bands. For example, if a vocal track becomes too sibilant only on certain words, Nova can automatically reduce the high-frequency energy only when it spikes, no need for manual automation or a separate de-esser. This kind of dynamic control is especially useful for keeping mixes clean and consistent without sacrificing natural dynamics.

The real-time spectrum analyser built into the interface makes it easy to see exactly where problems lie in your mix. You can visually pinpoint areas of excess energy and apply EQ changes with surgical precision, making the mixing process more intuitive.

Despite its advanced capabilities, TDR Nova remains very approachable. Its minimal learning curve and helpful presets make it a great entry point for producers who want to learn the basics of EQ and dynamics, while still having access to pro-level features as they grow.

10. Crumplepop for audio repair (paid)

CrumplePop offers a suite of audio repair plugins that are perfect for cleaning up recordings and giving your audio a professional polish, even if you're just starting out. These tools are powered by AI to fix common problems like background noise, echo, pops, and even poor-quality mic recordings, all with just a few clicks.

Whether you're working on a podcast, voiceover, music track, or video project, CrumplePop helps you rescue flawed recordings and make them sound clean and clear. The intuitive design makes each plugin easy to use, so you don’t need to be an audio engineer to get great results.

Key Features of CrumplePop Plugins

• One-click noise and echo reduction
• Specialised tools for plosives, clipping, and mic issues
• Real-time preview for fast adjustments

One of the standout features of CrumplePop is how targeted each plugin is. Instead of giving you one complex interface, it offers individual tools for specific problems—like PopRemover for harsh “P” sounds, EchoRemover for reverb-heavy rooms, and ClipRemover for distorted audio. This focus makes it easier to fix issues without over-processing your audio.

Beginners will appreciate the clean interface and minimal setup. Most plugins offer just a few sliders or toggles, allowing you to focus on what sounds best without needing to understand every technical detail. And because CrumplePop plugins work in real time, you can hear changes instantly, making the cleanup process quicker and more intuitive.

Conclusion

In the world of audio editing, plugins can significantly enhance the capabilities of software like Audacity. The 10 plugins discussed in this article offer a range of features that cater to various audio editing needs, from pitch correction to noise reduction.

By incorporating these plugins into your workflow, you can elevate your audio projects to new heights, achieving professional-quality results with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned audio engineer, these tools will undoubtedly enhance your editing experience.

As you explore these Audacity plugins, remember that the key to great audio editing lies in experimentation. Each plugin offers unique features that can be tailored to your specific needs, so don’t hesitate to dive in and discover the possibilities.