Best Virtual Instruments Under $100 in 2024

Like you, many of us here at Sweetwater are always searching for deals on incredible virtual instruments (VIs). Instead of waiting for a sale, you can get excellent sounds right now and not break the bank. Here’s our list of Sweetwater’s best virtual instruments for under $100.

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Cherry Audio Dreamsynth Synthesizer Software InstrumentCherry Audio DCO-106 Synthesizer Software InstrumentBaby Audio BA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer Plug-inKlevgrand Pipa Vocal Synthesizer Plug-inCherry Audio Memorymode Synthesizer Software InstrumentKlevgrand Syndt Polyphonic Synthesizer Plug-inTAL Software TAL-U-No-LX Virtual SynthesizerNative Instruments The Grandeur Grand Piano Software InstrumentUVI 8-Bit Synth Virtual InstrumentCherry Audio GX-80 Software Synthesizer

Cherry Audio Dreamsynth Synthesizer Software Instrument

Possibly the most affordable sound-design tool around

More than 1,100 presets made by pro sound designers and more than 430 waveforms make the Cherry Audio Dreamsynth synthesizer software instrument a bargain, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The Dreamsynth also packs some major modulation punch, with 20 sources and 40 destinations, plus up to 16 notes of polyphony and polyphonic aftertouch (which can be used as a polyphonic modulation source). But wait, there’s more! Three dual-waveform oscillators (PCM sample–based and virtual analog) give you up to six waveforms; plus, a tempo-sync-able arpeggiator, support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) controllers, and loads of effects, including reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, rotary speaker, a sample crusher, and a 12-stage phaser, are featured. Analog drift control provides with you serious analog mojo, and 12dB/octave stereo filters help you sculpt your sounds to perfection. Phew!    

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Cherry Audio DCO-106 Synthesizer Software Instrument

Spot-on emulation of the JUNO-106

The Roland JUNO-106, with its incredibly plush stereo chorus effect, was heavily featured in the music of the mid-1980s, and anyone looking for that sound today needs look no further than the Cherry Audio DCO-106 synthesizer software instrument. Considering that an original JUNO-106 cost around $1,195 when it was in production from 1984 to 1988, it feels slightly criminal getting the DCO-106 for less than $30, especially considering all of its modern bells and whistles: an extended LFO section with six waveforms and tempo sync, MPE support, MIDI controls, DAW automation capabilities, three lush reverb modes, onboard delay section, 16 voices of polyphony, and more. Heck, it’s even compatible with the original hardware’s Sys Ex commands!   

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Baby Audio BA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer Plug-in

Inspiring synth with some creative touches

It’s cliché to use the phrase “secret weapon” nowadays, but during the 1980s, the Casio CS01 was precisely that. Despite having unique sounds, it missed the attention that other synths of its day received. Baby Audio not only pristinely emulated the original CS01 hardware, but it also made some creative additions to the Baby Audio BA-1 virtual analog synthesizer plug-in. For example, batteries could power the CS01, and some quirky artifacts happened as battery life dwindled. Baby Audio modeled this behavior and the sound of the CS01’s onboard speaker, so those looking for a true lo-fi synth plug-in can end their search here. There are also more than 500 presets, an additional oscillator, and excellent onboard reverb, delay, and chorus. The LFO, envelope, and sidechain tools can all be tempo-synced to your host DAW. Finally, the BA-1’s Re-Gen randomizer function is a 1-button powerhouse for instant inspiration.

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Klevgrand Pipa Vocal Synthesizer Plug-in

Organic-sounding vocal wavetable and granulating synth

The human voice is the most challenging instrument to capture digitally, but Klevgrand has done an incredible job with its Pipa vocal synthesizer plug-in. A cross between a wavetable and a granulating synth, Pipa doesn’t contain controls for consonants but does feature controls for gain, dynamics, pitch, and formants, as well as the ability to use two separate MIDI-assignable controllers. This means you can customize some very cool-sounding (and relatively natural-sounding) vocal parts for free-jazz-like improvs and African-sounding chants, as well as dreamy soundscapes for fantasy games and movie soundtracks. Pipa also has stereo settings controls, room ambience, and reverb for enhanced voice spatialization. Lastly, Pipa’s presets are divided into six convenient categories to help get you started: general, pads, vocal effects, leads, experimental, and basics.

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Cherry Audio Memorymode Synthesizer Software Instrument

A soft synth you won’t soon forget

According to Cherry Audio’s website, its Memorymode synthesizer software instrument models a 1980s Moog Memorymoog synthesizer once owned by Chick Corea! However, the Cherry Audio Memorymode would be a monster synth even without that added star power: 16 voices of polyphony, 3-oscillator voice architecture, 2- and 4-pole ladder filters, and unison detune provide all the lead and bass sounds you can handle. Modern plug-in must-haves include MPE support, full MIDI control, DAW automation for delays, LFO, and an arpeggiator. The Memorymode’s “drift” control expertly re-creates the original hardware synth’s analog circuitry behavior, and brilliant onboard effects include delay, phaser, reverb, ensemble, and a “modern” button that amps up highs and lows. The Memorymode from Cherry Audio is one of the best-sounding and best-priced soft synths currently available.

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Klevgrand Syndt Polyphonic Synthesizer Plug-in

User-friendly, versatile synth loaded with features

From its X/Y pad oscillator to its robust effects section and everything in between, the Klevgrand Syndt polyphonic synthesizer plug-in packs a ton of value at a shockingly low price. Set your waveshape (sine or square) and pulse-width modulation with the X/Y pad oscillator, sculpt the basic sound with mini LFOs and ADSR controls, and then creatively tweak it with HP/LP filters, resonance control, effects like chorus and delay, and much more. The X and Y axes each have independent LFOs, which can affect parameters such as HP/LP filter frequencies, gain, and pitch. They’re also host-sync-able, and Syndt gives you more than 70 presets, so you’ll find usable sounds for your productions immediately. Plus, once you’ve crafted your perfect tones, you can save and load them for future use.

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TAL Software TAL-U-No-LX Virtual Synthesizer

One of the most popular synths of the ’80s — upgraded

If the Casio CS01 was a “secret weapon,” then the Roland JUNO-60 was the opposite. Made famous by such artists as Prince, Madonna, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, and many more, the JUNO-60 was wanted by seemingly everyone in the 1980s. Thanks to the TAL Software TAL-U-No-LX virtual synthesizer, everyone can get their hands on these iconic sounds. More than 300 built-in presets give you instant access to a plethora of decade-defining basses, pads, leads, plucks, and much more, with up to 12 voices. And, of course, modern quality-of-life improvements are here to supercharge your workflow, such as MIDI learn and automation for all controls, an arpeggiator with host and MIDI clock sync, and MPE support. The TAL-U-No-LX even features support for microtuning and includes the original JUNO-60’s “Factory Bank A” as well.

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Native Instruments The Grandeur Grand Piano Software Instrument

A renowned grand piano inside your computer

The world-famous Hamburg Steinway D concert grand piano has long been revered for its rich, versatile sound. Its bright, clear highs and deep, resonant lows make it an ideal piano for everything from Ravel to Adele. Native Instruments went the distance to ensure that The Grandeur grand piano software instrument captures every nuance of this iconic grand piano. The Grandeur features more than 2,500 samples (on 18 different velocity layers), complete with separate samples for resonance and overtones. Extensive customization options with controls for pedal, string, and hammer noise; damper response; and even piano lid placement are also offered! There are controls for depth and transients, and there are excellent-sounding built-in effects, like compression and tape saturation. If you’d like to own a Hamburg Steinway D concert grand piano but don’t have the space or budget, well, then... now you can!

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UVI 8-Bit Synth Virtual Instrument

A chip off the 8-bit block

Video game special effects and background music (BGM) form memorable sounds for many childhoods. Adults also enjoy the fun by playing games and composing retro video game–themed music in genres like chiptune. With 375 presets and more than 31,000 samples — and optimized for the UVI Falcon 3 hybrid synthesizer software — the UVI 8-Bit synth virtual instrument is one of the best ways to add some retro video game character to your productions. Sweetwater producers love that this synth has many classic beeps and boops, and its modern multilayers and ADSR sound-shaping abilities also render it capable of creating sounds that feel right at home in contemporary music. Plus, it has one of the most fun user interfaces (UIs) we’ve ever seen.

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Cherry Audio GX-80 Software Synthesizer

Two mega soft synths in one plug-in

On the surface, the award-winning Cherry Audio GX-80 software synthesizer appears to combine emulations of the Yamaha GX-1 and its descendant, the Yamaha CS-80, into a single plug-in... but the GX-80 is much more than that. The GX-1’s dual-layer architecture and quad-rank sound quality (along with its $50,000 price tag when released in 1973) have placed it among history’s most legendary synths. However, the GX-1 utilized only presets and wasn’t easily programmable. Afterward, the much more programmable (and affordable) CS-80 was released but lost a few of its ancestor’s sonic secrets along the way. The Cherry Audio GX-80 aims to combine the incredible sound quality of the GX-1 with the user-friendliness of the CS-80. Plus, it adds modern plug-in touches, such as last-note priority mode, more than 1,000 presets, and integrated effects. Considering the rarity and cost of both hardware synths today, the GX-80’s price is jaw-droppingly low.

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Get Better Sounds Today!

Upgrading your virtual instrument libraries and, subsequently, the sound of your productions doesn’t require taking out a loan! Many manufacturers offer virtual instruments that, in many ways, rival or even surpass the most sought-after instruments of yesteryear. And they do it at a fraction of the cost of an actual hardware unit. It’s truly a win-win situation for you and your music. If you have questions about which virtual instruments are best for you and your budget, then our Sweetwater Sales Engineers are always here. Call (800) 222-4700 to get better, more affordable sounds today!
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