A good filter plugin can change everything. It can shape your sound, add movement, or get weird in the best way. If you’re looking for warm analog vibes, digital precision, or full-on chaos, there’s something here for you.
This list isn’t hype. These are filters I’ve used and tested that actually do the job — and do it well.
Top 9 Filter Plugins
| Plugin | Best For | Sound Style |
| FilterFreak (Soundtoys) | Classic analog feel | Warm, crunchy |
| Filterverse (Polyverse) | Experimental sound design | Futuristic, clean or gritty |
| Filterscape (u-he) | Morphing EQ/filter combos | Flexible, modern |
| MF-108S (Moog) | Analog-style modulation | Smooth, swirly |
| MetaFilter (Waves) | Quick creativity | Filter + FX chain |
| Filter MS-20 (Arturia) | Aggressive tones | Raw, punchy |
| Volcano 3 (FabFilter) | Detailed shaping | Warm, modular-style |
| WOW 2 (Sugar Bytes) | Wild modulation | Formant, funky |
| Filtomika (Cherry Audio) | Soviet-style grit | Dirty, unusual |
FilterFreak – Soundtoys
Great on drums and synths.
This one nails the analog sound. It reacts like hardware — gritty when pushed, smooth when it needs to be. The dual-mode lets you stack filters, and there’s a rhythm editor that’s way more fun than it sounds. Great for auto-wah, funky envelopes, and classic synth sweeps. Sounds like it came from a pedalboard full of vintage gear.
Filterverse – Polyverse
The drag-and-drop filters and FX routing make it fun to mess with.
Wild and deep. You get classic filters and then some you’ve never heard before. There’s a filter called “Robo Comb” that tells you everything. The modulation options are deep but simple to set up. Great for experimental stuff or for pushing regular sounds into strange territory.
Filterscape – u-he
Useful for smooth builds or breakdowns.
Super detailed. You can morph between 8 EQ/filter snapshots — either manually or with automation. Great for tracks that need movement without sounding messy. Sounds clean but still has some analog dirt if you want it. More of a sound sculptor than a blunt effect.
Moogerfooger MF-108S – Moog
Best for movement and warmth.
Old-school analog vibes in a plugin. Chorus, flange, vibrato — all with that Moog sound. It’s subtle unless you push it, then it goes into weird sci-fi territory. Still one of the best-sounding modulation filters around, especially for guitars or synth lines.
MetaFilter – Waves
Great starting point for creative ideas.
Fast, fun, and cheap. It’s got filtering, distortion, delay, a sequencer, and envelope/LFO tools all in one. Kind of a “do-everything” plugin for sound design on a budget. Maybe not the deepest, but it’s very usable.
Filter MS-20 – Arturia
A go-to for bass and FX.
This one hits hard. It’s aggressive, noisy, and full of attitude. Modeled after the MS-20 synth’s filter section. If your track needs punch, distortion, or that raw “about to break” sound, this is the one. It also handles stereo widening well.
Volcano 3 – FabFilter
Easy to modulate, hard to mess up.
Polished, deep, and modular. You get clean drag-and-drop modulation and tons of filter types. It’s great for subtle or complex movements, and the interface makes it easy to see what’s going on. You can go wild or keep it classy.
WOW 2 – Sugar Bytes
Best for EDM productions.
A fun one. Lots of filter types, vowel filters (yep), LFOs, step sequencer, and a “Wobble” section. If you like messing with formants or doing weird mod stuff, this is for you. Also has decent drive options.
Filtomika – Cherry Audio
Sounds way more expensive than it is.
It’s cheap and sounds nasty (in a good way). Modeled after the Soviet-era Polivoks synth. Think raw, unstable, weird harmonics. Great for giving clean sounds some chaos. Don’t sleep on this one just because of the price.
Tips for Using Filter Plugins
Filters aren’t just for sweeping synths in a breakdown. They can add movement, space, tension, and texture to almost any sound. But like most tools, they work best when used with a little intention.
Here are some tips that might help you get more out of them.
- Automate slowly: A little filter movement goes a long way. Try sweeping the cutoff over 8 bars instead of 2.
- Use sidechain input: Some filters can follow external signals. Great for ducking or rhythm-based effects.
- Layer filters: Combine a soft lowpass with a gritty bandpass for complex textures.
- Try before distortion: Placing filters before saturation or distortion plugins can shape how harmonics behave and dramatically change your sound.
- Don’t overdo it: Too much resonance or movement can muddy your mix. Use your ears.
How to Choose the Best Filter Plugin
The truth is that most filters will work, but the right one will feel like a shortcut to your sound. Here’s a quick way to figure out which filter fits your needs without overthinking it. Ask yourself:
Do you want analog-style warmth? Go for FilterFreak, Moogerfooger, or MS-20.
Need clean precision and deep routing? Volcano 3 or Filterscape.
Looking for creative, weird modulation? Filterverse, WOW 2, or Filtomika.
Just want something simple and fun? MetaFilter.
It also depends on how much control you want. Some filters just sound good fast. Others are deep and reward exploration. Think about how you work and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of filter plugins out there, but these stand out because they actually do something useful or inspiring. It’s not about having the most features — it’s about how it sounds and how fast you can get there.
Got a favorite filter plugin that’s not on the list? Let me know — I’m always down to test new stuff 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plugin is best for mastering?
I lean on Vertigo VSM-3 and Saturate for subtlety. Saturn 2 is great too, especially if you use the linear phase and multiband settings.
I need aggressive distortion. What should I get?
Trash and Devastor are beasts. COLDFIRE can go extreme too, especially if you use both engines and crank the modulation.
Can I use these on live instruments?
Yes. Many are great on guitar, bass, drums, and synths. HG-2 and Decapitator are especially popular for analog-style processing.
About the author:
Noah Murray
Noah is a talented music producer hailing from Canada. With a deep-rooted passion for music and meticulous attention to detail, Noah has made a name for himself as a versatile producer.
Specializing in electronic music, Noah’s work resonates with authenticity and emotion. When he’s not producing, Noah enjoys watching games of the maple leafs and experimenting with sound design.
