VCV Rack
VCV Rack: A free modular workspace with paid DAW plugin support and Pro modules. Ranked #6 of 38 in Software Synthesizers by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for eurorack-style modular workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forEurorack-style modular workflows
- Free planYes
- Paid from$149 one-time
- Synthesis engineModular
- Founded2016 · Tennessee, USA
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free standalone version with open-source modules
- Polyphonic audio, CV, and MIDI routing
- Rack Pro supports major plugin formats and DAWs
Where it doesn't
- DAW plugin operation is limited to the Pro tier
- Module patching requires connecting and configuring virtual modules
- No AI features
Our verdict on VCV Rack
VCV Rack is a virtual Eurorack-style modular synthesizer for desktop music production. It is suited to modular-synthesis learners, sound designers, performers, composers, and developers creating Rack modules. The standalone application runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with virtual modules for audio, control voltage, MIDI, oscillation, filtering, sequencing, and effects. Its open-source foundation and C++ SDK also give developers a path to create custom modules.
Pricing is split between Rack 2 Free and Rack 2 Pro. Rack 2 Free is a free standalone application with free modules and community support. Rack 2 Pro costs $149 as a one-time purchase and adds free and Pro modules, professional support, and DAW plugin operation through VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, and CLAP. The paid tier also supports parameter automation in a DAW and offline audio rendering, making it the relevant choice for users who want to place Rack inside a production environment rather than run it only as a standalone application.
VCV Rack’s strongest fit is an Eurorack-style workflow with flexible routing and a wide host ecosystem. It supports polyphonic audio, CV, and MIDI routing, an online module library, and integrations including Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, Reaper, Mixbus, Studio One, Cakewalk, Logic Pro, and GarageBand. Choose it for virtual modular patching, custom module development, or a free starting point. Choose another synthesizer if you want an integrated, non-modular instrument or AI features.
Your product? Our editors can test VCV Rack in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
VCV Rack pricing
All 2 VCV Rack plans and prices →
VCV Rack fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $149 one-time |
| Synthesis engine | Modular |
| Plugin formats | VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, CLAP |
| Standalone app | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Not verified |
| Included presets | Not verified |
| MPE support | Not verified |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 11 integrations: Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, Reaper … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | vcvrack.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
VCV Rack integrations
VCV Rack lists 11 integrations on its own site.
- Ableton Live
- Cubase
- FL Studio
- Reason
- Bitwig
- Reaper
- Mixbus
- Studio One
- Cakewalk
- Logic Pro
- GarageBand
Alternatives to VCV Rack
- Arturia V Collection 11A broad, preset-focused instrument collection with clear Intro and Pro options.9.3
- Kontakt 8A broad sample-library platform with serious synthesis and DAW integration.9.1
- DivaA deep analogue-style plug-in with broad modulation, effects and host-format support.8.8
See all VCV Rack alternatives →
VCV Rack vs the competition
- VCV Rack vs Arturia V Collection 11
- VCV Rack vs Kontakt 8
- VCV Rack vs Diva
- VCV Rack vs Hive 2
- VCV Rack vs Repro
- VCV Rack vs Omnisphere
Compare VCV Rack with any tool side by side →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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