Steve PMHIf you make music using software, you’ve likely heard the acronym VST. Music and media production company Steinburg developed and launched Virtual Studio Technology (VST) in 1996.
Steinburg created the first native software that incorporated a real-time studio environment with EQs, effects, mixing, and automation. At the time, it was a breakthrough for Apple MacIntosh users, but it has evolved to include other platforms.
With more than a decade of advancing music technology, VST is essential music software. You can easily find hundreds of free VST plugins online, but finding a good one can be tricky. If you’re looking for the best VST deal sites, I have a few tips to ease your search.
Best VST Deal Sites
While VST plugins can be a little pricey, I’ve rounded up a list of sites that are reliable for fantastic deals.
VSTBuzz
The first deal site you’ll want to check out is VSTBuzz. Their site is well-designed for easy navigation with some deals that won’t be available anywhere else.
The best example of easy navigation are the two tabs at the top of every page, ‘Latest Deal’ and ‘Expiring Soon.’ The first gives you immediate access to new deals, which is fantastic if you’re browsing or are waiting for something specific to go on sale.
The ‘Expiring Soon’ tab includes a countdown. You know exactly when a deal is about to disappear, which can help you with a timeframe for decision-making. Or, if it’s not a product you’re interested in, you have a time frame for when another deal is on the way out.
Deals featured in ‘Expiring Soon’ tend to be better than the latest deals. As they’re about to vanish, there’s a more significant discount to entice buyers. If there’s a deal you’ve been thinking about, you can often get a better deal by waiting.
VSTBuzz lists deep discounts from leading audio brands like Impact Soundworks, Wavesfactory, and Cinematique Instruments. Their deals are nearly all over 50% off, with some as much as 95% off or even free.
Sometimes they’ll extend or renew popular deals, like a recent 96% off “Zampler Bundle” by Zampler.
VSTBuzz also makes shopping easy with its streamlined view, organizing everything in two categories: “Latest Deals” and “Expiring Soon.” Latest Deals populates new releases from top brands and the best deals on the market. Expiring Soon is ideal if you’re waiting on a better value since they’ll often increase the discount near the expiration.
Account members gain access to exclusive perks and are notified weekly about upcoming offers. You can subscribe for free, and signing up for an account is simple. While the perks tend to be smaller discounts at 5-15% off popular brands, they’re regular enough to make the membership worthwhile.
VSTBuzz is ideal if you’re looking exclusively for VST products and are willing to check in often for the best deals.
Pros
- Best for VST focus
- Free subscriber list
- Exclusive deals
- Most deals are well over 50% off
Cons
- VST-only, no other products
WA Production
WA Production has options for VST and AU (Audio Units). You can find how-to videos, software bundles, and individual VST deals, so this site is an excellent option if you are looking for more than just a VST deal.
Deals tend to range from 50-90% off or even more. Keep an eye out for seasonal mega sales in the spring and fall, too. They also have a selection of free plugins.
WA Production offers levels of membership with perks that can help with many production needs. Membership features a free Loopademy app, a tool that keeps your audio production assets in one place.
Sounds Pro
- 200 sound slots
- 3 DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) templates
- 10% discount on select labels
- 0,15 Chip Reward Points
Champion
- 400 sound slots
- 5 DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) templates
- Access to all audio plugins
- 20% discount on select labels
- Access to an exclusive Discord chat room
- Access to Secret Vault Archive
- 0,25 Chip Reward Points
Superstar
- 800 sound slots
- 10 DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) templates
- Access to all audio plugins
- Access to all audio courses
- 30% discount on select labels
- Access to an exclusive Discord chat room
- Access to Secret Vault Archive
- 0,5 Chip Reward Points
WA Production is an excellent site for anyone who needs VST deals along with other discounts and services.
Pros
- Three membership options
- Offers bundled deals for the best value
- Seasonal deep sales
- Provides additional perks and services if you need more than VST
Cons
- Must be a member to access the best deals.
PluginFox
PluginFox offers VST and other audio deals from top brands like MeldaProduction, SoundToys, and Blue Cat.
They’re also an excellent choice for anyone interested in supporting and learning about smaller brands, which they regularly highlight. These smaller brands often offer the same quality of products but at a much more affordable price.
PluginFox’s audio software library includes DAW software, Kemper profiles, sample libraries, and tutorials. Their sale section contains dozens of discounted items across multiple plugin types, and sales range from as low as 5-10% off up to 80-90% off.
The PluginFox membership is a points system, allowing members to unlock deals. You can earn points with social media shares, referrals, birthday points, and one point for every dollar spent.
There are plenty of deals available, but the website design isn’t very searchable. If you know exactly the brand you want, you can search for sales, but if you’re searching VST deals generally, it’s a bit harder to find.
Pros
- Exclusive deals across multiple services
- Highlights smaller brands
- Membership points system
Cons
- Website navigation requires work
PluginBoutique
PluginBoutique has a revolving door of deals along with a few free plugins for instruments and effects. Like a few other deal sites I’ve mentioned, PluginBoutique offers more than VST deals. There are also bundles and courses.
PluginBoutique makes it simple to tell if you’re buying VST or AU, and they offer selections of both. They also provide lists of plugin deals by type, such as “Best Trap VST Plugins” and “Top 5 Friday,” highlighting different genres and features.
They regularly feature new deals from top brands like iZotope and Future Audio Workshop. Discounts range from 10% to over 90% off, though most range around 50%.
Their membership, Rewards+, is a loyalty program that grants rewards based on purchases. Members receive tokens and virtual cash for future purchases. Members can exchange tokens for coupon codes and free products, such as sample packs.
Overall, if you’re relatively new to the industry, PluginBoutique might be the best site for you. They focus on educating their customers and introducing them to the best brands.
Pros
- Loyalty programs
- “Best of” lists help narrow search
- Variety of products and services available
- Great brands featured
Cons
- Not all deals are worthwhile; it requires work to compare
- Must be a member to access the best deals
Audio Plugin Deals
Audio Plugin Deals might not have a snazzy name like the others listed here, but straightforward can be a good thing. The name says it. The web store offers deals for audio plugins for both VST and AU.
They feature new deals on a bi-weekly basis, highlighting limited-time sales promotions from top developers under “Deals.” These deals highlight a unique developer and include brands like Have Instruments, Sample Fuel, and Sonible. The developers change every two weeks, with some of those deals transferring to The Shop.
The Shop is for old deals that have stuck around. It also includes offers from previously featured developers, allowing a greater variety of developers and products.
ADP VIPs have extra rewards added to their Rewards Wallet based on past purchases. Members get back 10% of their spending to use as store credit.
An additional Bounty Hunter program gives account members a one-time $20 bonus for a positive Facebook shout-out.
Audio Plugin Deals is a great place if you’re not sure exactly where to start. The Deals section will give you regular ideas for brands to try out and suggest deals for you automatically.
Pros
- Rewards program
- Great for learning about new or popular brands
- Streamlines search for you
- New deals every two weeks
Cons
- Must be a member to access the best deals
Other Considerations When Buying a VST Plugin
These are some of the best deals out there for VST deal sites. But here are a couple more tips as you start your search.
What are VSTs exactly?
VST plugins help music creators emulate what was once only possible through physical hardware. VST plugins can expand a budget home studio to sound like a commercial venture. With virtual instruments and effects, there’s no limit to how creators can transform audio.
There’s an assortment of VST plugin types, but you need to know about the two main types of VST plugins: instruments and effects.
VST Instruments
VST instruments are virtual instruments that make music from scratch. Some utilize synthesizers, samplers, or both.
Even if you have a few good non-virtual instruments at home, it can help to have a broader selection. Or, maybe you’ve got your heart set on a specific sound. Virtual audio creation might help you recreate what you heard in your head.
VST Effects
Rather than creating audio, VST effects are audio effects. Suppose you want to play around with a track using reverb, distortion, vocal processors, and more. In that case, this is the plugin that lets you experiment.
How Can I Get Cheap Plugins?
Other than searching the web for the best deals, you can do a few things to get discounts from more expensive brands as well. We recommend the following:
- Write Reviews: If you start reviewing items on a large scale, brands may offer discounts or early access to certain features for a review. Brands are looking for more visibility, so this works best if you have a significant social media following.
- Sign up for Mailing Lists: Using a separate email just for deals, you can sign up for any number of email lists. Brands will send out info on flash sales, seasonal discounts, and more.
- Join Facebook Groups: Facebook is an excellent place to source tips on deals from other buyers.
Can You Buy Used Plugins?
The easy answer is yes, though you may not be able to transfer specific plugins. Technically when you buy a plugin, you’re purchasing a license for it. Some companies allow for transfers, and others don’t.
All plugins will decrease in value over time, but if you’re looking for a terrific deal, second-hand can sometimes be worthwhile. There are dedicated forums and marketplaces online that can help you find used plugins for sale.
What’s the Verdict?
Now that we’ve discussed some of the best VST deal sites, you probably have some browsing to do. Do you prefer a site with multiple products in one place? Or do you like sites that specialize in VST-only?
If you want VST-only, VSTBuzz is my top pick. It’s streamlined not only for content but design as well. You’ll find exclusive deals, and you’ll find them without difficulty.
If you prefer a well-rounded site, WA Production has that in spades. The Loppademy app? The membership options? The blog? Chef’s kiss.
WA Production has bundles and features that make it a one-stop-shop, and I love a one-stop-shop. Check it out and see what deals pique your interest.
