The best Free Compressor plugins

In music production, compression is an essential tool for controlling dynamics and shaping the sound of your mix. While there are countless paid compressor plugins available, there are also some fantastic free options that can deliver professional results. 

In this article, I'll introduce you to all the best free compressor plugins you can add to your audio toolkit today. Let's dive in!

Acustica Audio Arctic

Arctic is a versatile Multi FX Acqua plugin that combines a compressor (COMP), limiter (LIM), and distortion (SAT) in one convenient tool. From smooth compression to hard limiting and extreme overdrive, Arctic simplifies your workflow and helps you achieve the perfect mix. The innovative 'morphing' slider allows for fluid transitions between processes, while the 'fine-tuning' controls enable precise and detailed settings. Arctic makes it easier than ever to achieve a homogenized sound and overall processing for your mix.

Download Arctic

Acustica Audio TAN

TAN is an analog-style compressor that uses Acustica Audio's unique "sampling" technique to capture the sound of high-end studio hardware. Its warm and smooth sound makes it a great addition to your plugin collection. 

Download TAN

Airwindows ButterComp

ButterComp is a unique compressor plugin that has gained a cult following for its subtlety and exceptional sound qualities. It may not be suitable for all typical compressor tasks, but it has a fervent fan base for those who appreciate its distinctive features. ButterComp uses a bipolar, interleaved compression method, which means it employs four completely independent compressors per channel. This results in added second harmonics and an airy openness to high frequencies. The plugin is incredibly fluid and pure, making it an excellent choice for a specific kind of "glue" compressor.

Download ButterComp

Download ButterComp2

Airwindows Pressure4

Pressure4 is not about analog modeling; instead, it simplifies its algorithm to let the music shine through while still providing a pleasing and organic sound. The plugin's charm lies in its ability to deliver specific and controllable sound shaping without being overly complex.

Download Pressure4

Analog Obsession Britpressor

Britpressor is a vintage-style compressor with a smooth and warm sound. Its simple interface and performance make it perfect for adding character and glue to your tracks.

Download Britpressor

Analog Obsession BUSTERse

BUSTERse is an SSL-style bus compressor that delivers the classic punchy and transparent sound of SSL consoles. Its versatile feature set makes it perfect for both mixing and mastering applications.

Download BUSTERse

Analog Obsession FETISH

FETISH is an analog-style compressor with a classic, warm sound. Its simple interface and smooth performance make it a great choice for adding character to your mix. 

Download FETISH

Analog Obsession Varimoon

Varimoon is another fantastic analog-style compressor from Analog Obsession. Its unique design and character make it perfect for adding depth and texture to your mix. 

Download Varimoon

Analog Obsession Yala

Yala is a simple yet powerful leveling amplifier that emulates the iconic LA-2A hardware unit. With its warm and smooth sound, Yala is a must-have for adding vintage character to your mix. 

Download Yala

Audio Damage RoughRider 3

RoughRider 3 is a modern, versatile compressor with a uniquely aggressive sound. Its intuitive interface and wide range of features make it perfect for adding character and punch to your mix. 

Download RoughRider 3

Audiotools AdHd Leveling Tool

Inspired by classics like the LA-2A Leveling Amplifier, it offers adjustable attack and release times, gain reduction ratio, a side-chained high-pass filter, and a dry/wet knob. It’s suitable for various types of signals.

Download AdHd Leveling Tool

D16 Audio Group Software Frontier

Frontier is a self-adaptive versatile limiter that can also be used as a compressor. Its transparent sound and simple interface make it a great choice for a wide range of applications. 

Download Frontier

FXpansion DCAM FreeComp

This analog-style compressor VST plugin mimics the dynamic range reduction characteristics of vintage console compressors, making it ideal for subtle compression on stereo buses or master channels. DCAM FreeComp delivers a realistic model of a classic console bus compressor design, enhancing punch and definition while gelling subgroups and entire mixes together.

Download DCAM FreeComp

JonVaudio Fircomp

Fircomp is a versatile and transparent compressor with a fast attack and release time. Its simple interface and powerful features make it perfect for a wide range of applications.

Download Fircomp

Klanghelm DC1A

DC1A is a simple, easy-to-use compressor with a warm and smooth sound. Its minimalistic interface makes it perfect for beginners while still providing great results for experienced producers. 

Download DC1A

Klanghelm MJUC jr.

MJUC jr. is a variable-mu style compressor with a warm, vintage character. This plugin is perfect for adding analog warmth and glue to your tracks. 

Download MJUC jr.

Kiive Audio Xtressor NUKE

The Kiive Audio NUKE Compressor is a versatile plugin that aims to deliver powerful and precise compression with a user-friendly interface. This compressor is designed for a wide range of applications, making it suitable for various genres and production styles. The NUKE Compressor offers an array of features, including adjustable attack and release times, ratio settings, and input/output gain controls. Its simple layout and visually appealing design make it easy to achieve the desired compression effect, catering to both experienced producers and those new to audio processing.

Download Xtressor NUKE

Tokyo Dawn Records TDR Kotelnikov

TDR Kotelnikov is a high-quality, transparent dynamic range compressor that offers excellent control and versatility. With its advanced stereo linking and sidechain filtering features, it's perfect for mastering and mixing applications. 

Download TDR Kotelnikov

Tokyo Dawn Records TDR Molotok

Molotok, a simplified version of TDR Molot GE, is a musically characterful dynamics processor. Meaning “Small Hammer” in Russian, Molotok provides a rich range of exciting compression colors at your fingertips.

Download Molotok

Tokyo Dawn Records Vladg Molot Compressor

This unique compressor offers an analog-style sound that intentionally colors the compressed audio, functioning as a saturation effect and tonal shaping device. Molot features aggressive hammering sound, smooth saturation, mid-scoop EQ, built-in limiter, and up to 8x oversampling. The plugin is suitable for rock drums and bass and can be used on both tracks and busses. The user interface is available in both Russian and English. Please notice that it has been discontinued.

Download Vladg Molot Compressor

MeldaProduction MCompressor

MCompressor is a versatile and transparent compressor with an advanced feature set. Its customizable interface and comprehensive metering make it suitable for both beginners and experienced producers. 

Download MCompressor

Native Instruments SuperCharger

SuperCharger by Native Instruments is a powerful compressor and saturator that adds warmth and character to your mix. Its easy-to-use interface and unique features make it a great choice for producers of all skill levels.

Download SuperCharger

ViatorDSP Bedroom Compressor

The Bedroom Compressor is a dynamic processor based on a Diode Bridge compressor, specifically inspired by the vintage yet modern Rupert Neve's 5254 Dual Diode Bridge Compressor. Viator DSP developed this plugin, which is also based on the renowned Shelford Series channel strip. Diode Bridge compressors offer a unique sound compared to other types, allowing for a cleaner sound with a distinct harmonic flavor.

Download Bedroom Compressor

Xfer Records OTT

OTT is a multiband compressor with a unique, over-the-top sound. It's perfect for electronic music producers looking to add aggressive compression and character to their tracks.

Download OTT

Yuri Semenov Compressor Classic OLD 2M

The 'Compressor Classic OLD 2M' plugin by Yuri Semenov is based on the iconic Chandler Limited TG1, which was used in Abbey Road Studios' consoles. Its main features include Input Gain, Output Gain, Comp/Limiter selector, and Recovery controls, as well as Stereo and Dual Mono processing options. The plugin also offers a unique 'Mono LIM to CMP' processing mode and a Low Cut filter. In terms of harmonic coloration, it enhances only odd harmonics, adding warmth and richness to the processed sound.

Download Compressor Classic OLD 2M

Outro

With such a wide variety of options available for free, there's something for every producer and audio engineer. Don't hesitate to explore these fantastic tools and elevate your music production to new heights. Happy mixing!