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For every music producer, EQ is one of the most important tools in the mixing process. And with so many equalizer plugins (or EQ VSTs) available today, shaping your sound, balancing frequencies, cleaning up muddiness, and placing each element perfectly in the mix has become more accessible.
You no longer need access to high-end studio hardware to achieve professional results. We've tested a bunch of equalizer plugins and put together a list of the best ones you can download right now.
In this article
Our Top 3 EQ VST Picks
TDR Nova – Best for a free and beginner-friendly option. Perfect for vocals, de-essing, and cleaning up mixes without costing a cent.
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 – Best for vocal mixing with industry-standard precision and a smooth interface. Ideal for surgical EQ work and detailed vocal shaping.
Best for advanced mastering – A premium plugin with analog-modeled curves, 32 bands, and top-tier dynamic EQ features for professional engineers.
Part 1. Equalizer Plugins (EQ VST) Comparison Chart
There are way too many EQ plugins out there, and trying them all could take forever. So we did the work for you.
But before we jump into the details, you can check out a quick comparison chart of the top EQ VST plugins (both free and paid) that we'll cover in this guide. At a glance, you can see which ones are best for vocals, mastering, beginners, and more, along with platform compatibility and plugin type.
| EQ Plugins | OS Compatibility | Type | Free/Paid | Best For |
| FabFilter Pro-Q 4 | Windows, macOS | Parametric + Dynamic EQ | Paid | Precision mixing and mastering |
| TDR Nova | Windows, macOS | Dynamic + Parametric EQ | Free | Vocal control and dynamic EQ tasks |
| MEqualizer | Windows, macOS | Parametric EQ + Visual Tools | Free | Beginners and visual mixing |
| ReaEQ (Cockos) | Windows | Parametric EQ | Free | Low-CPU EQ and quick edits |
| Marvel GEQ (Voxengo) | Windows, macOS | Linear Phase Graphic EQ | Free | Clean EQ for mastering and post |
| Kirchhoff-EQ | Windows, macOS | Parametric EQ | Paid | Advanced mastering and tone shaping |
| H-EQ (Waves) | Windows, macOS | Hybrid Analog/Digital EQ | Paid | Analog-style tone |
| PTEq-X (Ignite Amps) | Windows, macOS | Analog EQ | Free | Vintage warmth for vocals/instruments |
| Neutron EQ (iZotope) | Windows, macOS | Smart EQ + Dynamic Processing | Paid | AI-assisted mixing |
| SSL Native X-EQ 2 | Windows, macOS | Parametric EQ | Paid | Surgical EQ and mastering |
Part 2. Top 10 Equalizer Plugins Free & Paid
For a more detailed understanding of each plugin's strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases, this section breaks down the 10 best EQ VST plugins. We've included key details like OS compatibility, EQ type, and pricing to help you decide which tools best suit your workflow.
1. FabFilter Pro-Q 4
If you're open to investing in a premium plugin, you may want to consider FabFilter Pro-Q 4. It is one of the most respected EQ plugins in the industry, which is known for its clean sound, precision, and visually stunning interface.
Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, AAX Native, and AudioSuite.
Pricing Information
- Offers a free trial
- Pro-Q 4 Plug-in only: $179
Official Ratings: 4.3/5 on AudioPluginGuy, 8/10 on musictech.com, and 5/5 (2,414 reviews) on Plugin Boutique, praised for its versatility, pristine sound quality, and intuitive design.
Key Features
- Up to 24 EQ bands with dynamic EQ on all bands
- Linear Phase and Natural Phase modes
- Mid/Side and Left/Right processing
- Real-time spectrum analyzer with solo band mode
- EQ Sketch for quick, intuitive curve drawing
- Zero latency, linear phase, and Natural Phase modes for flexible processing quality
Target Users and Use Cases
Professional engineers who do high-end mixing and mastering, especially when precise tonal control is required.
Brief Reviews:
Dave Pensado, Grammy Award-winning mix engineer, praised FabFilter Pro-Q for having one of the best GUIs of any EQ out there and said it sonically compares to the best in the industry. If you want the best, this plugin deserves a spot at the top of your list.
2. TDR Nova
TDR Nova is a dynamic equalizer VST plugin that combines the functions of a parametric EQ and a multiband compressor. Unlike typical static EQs, it reacts dynamically to your audio signal, which is ideal for taming harsh frequencies or lifting weak elements in a mix.
Pricing Information: Free
Official Ratings: 98/100 on bedroomproducersblog.com for its built-in analyzer and powerful dynamic EQ capabilities.
Plugin Formats:
- macOS (64bit): VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
- Windows (32bit): VST2, VST3
- Windows (64bit): VST2, VST3, AAX
Key Features
- Parallel Dynamic Equalizer with real-time audio response
- 4 dynamic EQ bands with full-featured dynamics processing
- High-pass and low-pass filters included
- Supports parametric EQ and dynamic EQ functions
- Classic knob-style controls for intuitive parameter adjustment
- Equal loudness function to avoid misleading level differences during tweaking
Target Users and Use Cases:
Mixing engineers, music producers, podcasters, and even mastering engineers who want dynamic control over specific frequency ranges. This free equalizer VST is especially useful for de-essing vocals, cleaning up muddy mixes, or taming resonant peaks in instruments.
Brief Reviews:
The built-in spectrum analyzer and equal loudness features make TDR Nova intuitive for both beginners and pros. It starts off as a simple EQ, but with just a few clicks, it can become a really precise dynamic EQ.
3. MEqualizer
MEqualizer is part of MeldaProduction's free suite and offers six fully adjustable bands, a built-in spectrum analyzer, and advanced filter shape control. It's a pretty versatile and customizable EQ VST plugin for anyone getting started in audio production.
Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU and AAX interfaces (for Windows & macOS 64bit)
Pricing Information: Free under Mfreefxbundle
Official Ratings: N/A
Key Features
- 6-band EQ with multiple filter types
- Built-in spectrum and sonogram analyzer
- Automatic gain compensation to maintain consistent loudness
- Integrated tube saturation and harmonics control
Target Users and Use Cases
Ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and budget-conscious producers looking for a free, capable, and customizable EQ. It's also a solid backup tool for more advanced users who want a lightweight and efficient EQ for quick fixes or secondary tasks.
Brief Reviews:
For a free equalizer plugin, MEqualizer is a pretty good one, especially for those who are just starting. With six adjustable bands, detailed visual feedback, and integrated saturation, it's more than enough for basic to intermediate mixing tasks.
4. ReaEQ
ReaEQ comes as part of the ReaPlugs VST suite, originally developed for REAPER DAW. It offers a no-nonsense parametric EQ with unlimited bands and extremely low CPU usage, making it perfect for quick adjustments.
Plugin Formats: VST (for Windows)
Pricing Information: Part of the free ReaPlugs VST FX Suite
Official Ratings: N/A
Key Features
- Parametric EQ with unlimited bands
- Supports various filter types: shelf, band, high/low pass, notch, bandpass, allpass
- Visual display of frequency and phase response
- Shows note and octave information for selected frequencies
- Individual band bypass options
- Expandable full-graph view for fine-tuned editing
Target Users and Use Cases:
Producers, engineers, and hobbyists who need a lightweight, no-frills EQ for day-to-day mixing tasks. It's especially well-suited for those working on older systems or large sessions.
Brief Reviews:
If you can get past the old-school interface, ReaEQ is one of the most functional and CPU-friendly EQs out there. It doesn't look flashy, but it's incredibly efficient, and the unlimited bands make it a versatile tool for quick EQ tasks on any track.
5. Marvel GEQ (Voxengo)
Marvel GEQ is a free EQ plugin with linear-phase graphics featuring 16 fixed-frequency bands, which means it provides clean and phase-accurate EQ adjustments ideal for mastering and precise tone shaping. It's especially ideal for live sound or film post-production.
Pricing Information: Free
Official Ratings: N/A
Plugin Formats:
- macOS: AU, AAX, and VST3
- Windows: VST, VST3, AAX
Key Features
- Handles up to 8 input/output channels (dependent on host capabilities)
- Stereo, mono, and mid/side processing for flexible channel control
- Internal channel‑routing capabilities
- Zero‑latency performance, enabling real-time adjustments without delay
- Transparent, mastering-grade EQ quality
Target Users and Use Cases:
Anyone needing clean, transparent EQ, especially in mastering, live sound, or film post-production.
Brief Reviews:
Marvel GEQ is a niche tool, but a powerful one. If you're looking for a free, linear-phase graphic EQ that can handle multi-channel projects with surgical transparency and zero latency, this can be your choice.
6. Kirchhoff-EQ
Kirchhoff-EQ is a modern, feature-packed parametric equalizer plugin designed to compete with the best in the market. It offers 32 bands, vintage-mode modeling, advanced dynamic EQ features, and exceptional sound quality.
Plugin Formats: VST2, VST3, AAX, and Audio Unit (macOS and Windows 64-bit)
Pricing Information: $299 (offers free trial)
Official Ratings: 4.2/5 on AudioPluginGuy; 4.9/5 on Plugin Alliance.
Key Features
- Always-on 64-bit internal processing, with optional ultra-high 117-bit precision
- Adaptive filter behavior based on psychoacoustic principles
- Toggleable ultra-high-resolution 117-bit processing for clean and detailed sound
- Includes 15 distinct filter types for creative flexibility
- Filters with continuously adjustable slope settings
- Features emulations of 32 classic vintage EQ curves
Target Users and Use Cases: Professional mixing and mastering engineers who demand both precision and musicality. It's good for detailed tone shaping, dynamic EQ applications, and creative sound design.
Brief Reviews:
Kirchhoff-EQ is used by professionals like Michael Brauer (mix engineer for Coldplay and John Mayer) and Mark Wingfield (award-winning mixing and mastering engineer). This EQ VST is praised for its musical quality, which delivers “a lot of warmth and punch" and is “incredibly smooth and transparent.”
7. H-EQ (Waves)
H-EQ is a hybrid equalizer plugin that blends the warmth of vintage analog EQs with modern digital precision. It includes emulations of classic British and American consoles, along with flexible digital filters, real-time analyzers, and mid/side processing.
Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX (macOS and Windows)
Pricing Information: $129
Official Ratings: 4.8/5 on official website.
Key Features
- Built-in real-time spectrum analyzer with freeze function
- Mid/Side and Left/Right processing options
- Flexible high-pass and low-pass filters
- Adjustable analog-style saturation and noise
- Visual editing with extras like soloing bands, phase flip, per-channel control, and a Lite mode for lower CPU usage
Target Users and Use Cases
Mixing engineers, producers, and home studio users who want the best of both worlds: analog warmth and digital precision. Great for shaping vocals, drums, guitars, and full mixes, especially when you're aiming for a musical tone with character.
Brief Reviews:
The flexibility of switching between vintage console tones and clean digital EQ is a huge plus. The analog models give a really nice color, and the analyzer makes it super easy to pinpoint frequencies.
8. PTEq-X (Ignite Amps)
PTEq-X is a free EQ plugin with high-quality emulation of classic Pultec-style. It models vintage tube equalizer circuits with surprising accuracy and offers a warm, musical tone perfect for vocals, guitars, and mastering.
Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU (Windows and macOS)
Pricing Information: Free
Official Ratings: 5/5 on KVRAudio
Key Features
- Three EQ modules with authentic analog-style curves
- Advanced analog tube stage emulation with four selectable tube types
- Switchable EQ and tube stages to optimize CPU usage
- Optional linear-phase oversampling to reduce aliasing
- Independent input/output gain controls
- 64-bit double precision internal processing
Target Users and Use Cases:
Those who love the rich, smooth character of vintage analog EQs, especially the legendary Pultec units, will love PTEq-X. It excels on vocals, guitars, bass, and full mixes, which adds warmth and depth that digital EQs often lack.
Brief Reviews:
For a free EQ plugin, PTEq-X really nails the sound of classic tube EQs. While it's not made for precision tasks, its musical curves and rich analog vibe make it an essential tool for sweetening and adding warmth to your mixes.
9. Neutron EQ (iZotope)
Neutron's EQ is an equalizer plugin that is part of iZotope's intelligent mixing suite. Users can add up to 12 EQ bands directly on the curve with a click. Each band comes with its own control panel, offering static or dynamic processing and advanced sidechain options.
Plugin Formats: AU, VST3, AAX. (macOS and Windows 64-bit)
Pricing Information: $249 (offers 10-day free trial)
Official Ratings: 9/10 on MusicTech.
Key Features
- All 12 EQ bands support a variety of filter shapes and can operate in static or dynamic mode, with sidechaining options for reactive frequency adjustments
- Soft Saturation adds gentle analog-style warmth to your mix
- EQ Learn automatically identifies key frequency areas like harsh tones or resonances
- New Delta listening feature lets you isolate what the EQ is changing, with improved visual metering for better control
Target Users and Use Cases:
Intermediate to professional mix engineers who want powerful EQ tools with intelligent assistance. Ideal for users already working within iZotope's ecosystem.
Brief Reviews:
One of the most intelligent EQ plugins on the market. While it's a bit pricy, you can try the free trial to explore its capabilities before committing. A great choice if you're ready to invest beyond the limitations of free EQ plugins.
10. SSL Native X-EQ 2
X-EQ 2 is a pro-level equalizer plugin from Solid State Logic. It features up to 24 bands with precise control and includes a wide range of filter types, including vintage curves and special “anti-cramping” filters. Ideal for surgical audio work.
Plugin Formats: VST, VST3 and AU, and AAX (Windows and macOS)
Pricing Information: $299.99
Official Ratings: 4.5/5 on Sweetwater; 5/5 on PluginBoutique.
Key Features
- 24-band fully parametric EQ with high-quality SSL anti-cramping filters
- CPU-efficient design with optimized DSP performance
- 17 filter types, including multiple cut, bell, shelf, and custom shapes
- Flexible control with draggable nodes, mouse wheel, and precise data entry
- Mid/Side and Left/Right processing support
- Band solo and bypass options
- Real-time spectrum analyzer with phase and step response displays
Target Users and Use Cases
Professional audio engineers and producers who require surgical precision and transparency in equalization. Excellent tool for mastering, mixing, and complex sound design tasks.
Brief Reviews:
The anti-cramping filters and extended band count make it one of the most powerful EQ VSTs in its class. It's a surgical-grade equalizer with unmatched transparency.
Part 3. How to Choose the Right EQ VST Plugins for You?
We can understand if you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of EQ plugins out there. It's not the easiest choice to make, especially if you're a beginner trying to navigate between free tools, premium options, and everything in between.
To make things easier, ask yourself these simple questions:
1. What are your corrective needs?
Some EQs are better at sculpting vocals, others work better with guitars, drums, etc.
Fixing vocals? Use a dynamic EQ plugins like TDR Nova or Neutron EQ to reduce harshness or control sibilance.
Shaping instruments like drums or guitars? Try musical-sounding EQs like H-EQ or Kirchhoff-EQ.
Mastering your mix? Go for clean, transparent EQs like Marvel GEQ or SSL X-EQ 2.
2. What is your budget?
Free options don't always mean lower quality, while paid plugins often bring extra flexibility, polish, or features. Free EQ plugins like ReaEQ, MEqualizer, and PTEq-X are more than enough for most beginner to intermediate needs.
However, premium EQ plugins like FabFilter Pro-Q 4 or Kirchhoff-EQ give you more features, better sound, and a smoother workflow.
3. Will your system handle it?
Some EQ VSTs are super lightweight, perfect for low-spec setups or big projects with tons of tracks. Others are CPU-intensive due to oversampling, real-time graphics, or analog emulation. If you want lightweight EQ plugins, try ReaEQ or Marvel GEQ.
4. What DAW are you using?
Most EQ plugins are compatible with all major DAWs, but it's still good to double-check. You can refer back to the list we've provided in this guide. Or, check the compatibility in the plugin's official documentation or on the developer's website.
Bonus: How to Use EQ VST Plugins to Get the Best Sound
Once you've chosen the best EQ VST plugins, the next step is knowing how to actually use it to improve your audio. Better yet, you can take things further by creating a full visual and audio experience for content like YouTube videos, podcasts, or short films.
One of the best beginner-friendly editing software programs that supports VST plugins is Wondershare Filmora. You can easily install it and get started without any complicated setup. Moreover, Filmora comes equipped with a robust set of built-in audio and video editing tools, which makes it a great all-in-one solution for your creative needs.
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How to Use EQ VST3 Plugins in Filmora
Step 1: Download the Plugin
First, download the EQ VST3 plugin of your choice from the official developer's site or a trusted source.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Installation Directory
To make sure Filmora can find your plugin, install it in the default VST3 folder:
Windows: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
macOS: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
Tip: Always use the default folder. Custom locations can cause Filmora to miss the plugin.
Step 3: Install the Plugin
Run the plugin installer. When it asks where to install, choose the folder listed above. Finish the setup, then check that the .vst3 file was added to the correct folder.
Conclusion
Still on the hunt for the perfect EQ plugin? We hope this guide has helped you narrow down the options and made your search a little easier. The best EQ plugin is the one that fits your workflow, budget, and goals.
To get started using EQ VST plugins, you can try Wondershare Filmora. It's one of the most beginner-friendly editors out there—simple to install, easy to navigate, and packed with built-in tools anyone can use to enhance their audio and video projects.
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