Guitar Rig
Guitar Rig: A guitar and bass modeling suite with standalone and DAW plug-in operation. Ranked #5 of 40 in Audio Plugins by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for guitarists seeking amp and effects modeling.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forGuitarists seeking amp and effects modeling
- Free planYes
- License modelBoth
- Founded1996 · Berlin, Germany
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines amplifier and cabinet modeling with guitar and bass effects
- Works as a standalone app or DAW plug-in on Windows and macOS
- Preset management and modular signal-chain routing support sound shaping
Where it doesn't
- Player has a smaller component selection than the Pro edition
- Focused on guitar and bass tone creation rather than general audio production
- Requires a Windows or macOS desktop
Our verdict on Guitar Rig
Guitar Rig is Native Instruments’ software suite for creating guitar and bass tones, combining amplifier and cabinet modeling with effects and studio-processing tools. It suits musicians and producers who want to shape instrument sounds either in a standalone application or inside a digital audio workstation. The bundle approach brings amp and cabinet simulation together with effects such as distortion, delay, reverb, modulation, filtering, dynamics and EQ, alongside preset-based sound management and modular routing.
The free Guitar Rig Player edition includes a smaller selection of components and runs as both a standalone application and a plug-in. Guitar Rig 7 Pro is the paid edition, with an expanded amplifier, cabinet and effects collection. This tier distinction makes Player a way to work with the product at no cost, while Pro is intended for users who need the broader library and sound-design capabilities. The published starting price is not stated here, so this listing focuses on the available plan distinction rather than a price comparison.
Guitar Rig runs on Windows and macOS and supports standalone use as well as DAW plug-in operation, with VST3, Audio Units and AAX formats. That makes it relevant for desktop-based workflows; it is not positioned here as a mobile tool. Its main strength is the combination of instrument-focused modeling, presets and configurable signal chains. Guitarists or bassists wanting a broad sound-shaping bundle should consider it, while those seeking a wider production environment rather than a focused guitar and bass suite may prefer a different kind of audio software.
Your product? Our editors can test Guitar Rig in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Guitar Rig pricing
All 2 Guitar Rig plans and prices →
Guitar Rig fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Plugin formats | VST3, Audio Units (AU), AAX |
| Effect types | amplifier and cabinet simulation, distortion, delay, reverb, modulation, filtering, dynamics and EQ |
| License model | Both |
| External sidechain | Not verified |
| Oversampling | Not verified |
| Surround support | Not verified |
| Product scope | Bundle |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | native-instruments.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Guitar Rig
- UAD Plug-InsA flexible plugin suite with native and hardware-DSP options, plus free and paid access.9.4
- Waves UltimateA broad, regularly updated plugin suite for production, mixing, mastering and sound design.9.2
- iZotope OzoneAI-assisted mastering with reference tools and tiered, one-time editions.9.1
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Guitar Rig vs the competition
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- Guitar Rig vs Valhalla DSP Plugin Collection
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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