Synthwave music represents pure retro nostalgia, inspired by a decade where the synthesizer was king. Traditionally, recreating those iconic sounds meant tracking down vintage gear like a Yamaha DX7 or an Oberheim DMX. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a museum-sized synth collection, and deep pockets to make authentic synthwave.

In fact, as long as you have a DAW capable of running VST plugins you can do it for free! We’ve rounded up some of the best free plugins that deliver the lush pads, punchy drums, and shimmering leads you need to craft your own synthwave masterpiece.

So if you’re ready to channel the ’80s without breaking the bank, check out this list of free VST gems and start building your retro-futuristic soundtrack.

80’s Synths

Well if you’re gonna make synthwave then the first thing you will need is, yep you’ve guessed it…a synth!
Thankfully there are some great free options available that perfectly emulate the analogue and FM synthesis that dominated the 80’s. Here’s our top 3 choices

Surge XT

Surge is a very powerful hybrid synth. It combines subtractive, wavetable, FM-style oscillators, etc., with flexible modulation, a lot of effects, and a huge preset / wavetable library. It’s extremely versatile and great for retro leads, pads, experimental stuff, sound design. It even features MPE, microtuning (with MTS-ESP support!), and comprehensive Open Sound Control (OSC) support. Perfect for adding extra expression.

Available to download here: https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ GitHub+3surge-synthesizer.github.io+3Production Music Live+3

Dexed

Closely modelled on the Yamaha DX7. this recreates FM synthesis, classic ’80s electric pianos, bells, metallic sounds Dexed gives you access to those sounds. Also supports loading DX7 patch banks (Sysex), which is very useful for exploring presets.

Available to download here: https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/ zynthian.org+3ASB2M10+3Bedroom Producers Blog+3

OB-Xd by DSP

An emulation inspired by the Oberheim OB-X / OB-Xa family. Warm lush analogue pads, big leads, classic analogue poly vintage character. Very useful for giving that retro “huge-synth” feeling.

Available to download here: https://www.discodsp.com/obxd/ Production Music Live+3discodsp.com+3PLUGINS4FREE+3

Drum Trax

So you have your synths locked, now time to add some rhythm. The 80’s was a rough decade for drummers as the Drum Machine rose to prominence. And now in a cruel twist of fate its a rough time for drum machine manufacturers with these great free plugins.

DR-84 by Pepto Audio

This is one of the most full-on “80s drum room” plugins you’ll find for free. It includes sounds from classic drum machines like Linn Drums, TR-707, E-MU Drumulator, Oberheim DMX, Yamaha RX11, Simmons SDSV, etc.
It has 14 kits total (6 classic machine kits + hybrids + modern synthwave ones), with built-in reverb, low-pass filter, per-piece controls (pitch, pan, volume etc.), and multi-output so you can route each drum piece separately in your DAW.

Available to download here: Pepto Audio / Plugins4Free — DR-84: 80s Retro Drum Machine Rompler PLUGINS4FREE+2Bedroom Producers Blog+2

TS-808 by Tactile Sounds

Need an emulation of the 80’s electro tinged classic, the Roland TR-808? This one is designed using reference materials and detailed analysis of the 808’s circuits and sounds. So you get authentic 808 bass kicks, snares, claps etc. The plugin often has more tweaking options than the original: more voices, extended parameters etc.

Available to download here: Plugin Boutique

Processing

And finally, how do you give your Synthwave winner that added tough of authentic character. Whether you want to drench it in reverb or make it sound as though it has come straight out of a VHS video recorder, here are some great processing plugins to achieve that iconic 80s sheen.

FerricTDS mkII (Tape Saturation)

This great plugin adds analogue-tape style saturation / smoothing, can glue sounds, give warmth, character, subtle distortion. Sometimes inspiration is in colour and texture, so this kind of effect helps you breathe life into otherwise sterile or “digital” sounds.

Available to download here: Bedroom Producers Blog+1

Valhalla SuperMassive

This multi fx plugin offers delay/reverb/shimmer style FX. it inspires creativity by taking simple sounds and making them huge, ethereal, or otherworldly. Very good for ambient synth passages, transitions, atmospheric layers.

Available to download here: https://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhalla-supermassive/?srsltid=AfmBOooGHYNT8jx_bzY6ZsO4ln2jSVVkEYawf–wl7txR3IoQnWJPD-8

TAL-Chorus-LX

This simple plugin does one thing but does it brilliantly. It is an emulation of the Roland Juno-60 chorus, which is basically the 80s chorus sound. Adds instant width, shimmer, and analogue warmth to synths, bass, and even guitars. Essential for authentic retro vibes.

Available to download here: https://tal-software.com/products/tal-chorus-lx

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