Noise Removal Plugin: Free Best

CPU usage ~2–4% on modern i7. Minimal latency (under 10ms). Artifacts are controlled well in “Modern” mode.

Uses an adaptive noise floor estimation with adjustable thresholds. Unlike simple gates, it reduces noise across all frequencies proportionally.

No “musical noise” artifacts. Great for cleaning high-frequency hiss (tape, converters) without damaging transients. Requires careful band setup. noise removal plugin free

Instead of broadband subtraction, it compresses/expands specific frequency ranges when they fall below a threshold. Effectively ducks hiss in silent passages.

Exceptional for podcasts, vocals. Zero artifacts on voice. CPU heavy (~10–12% per instance). Requires SSE4.2 CPU. CPU usage ~2–4% on modern i7

No learn function; you must manually set threshold. GUI is basic but functional. 3.2 ReaFIR (Cockos) – Most Powerful | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Developer | Cockos (part of REAPER) | | Type | FFT-based subtractive / dynamic EQ | | Formats | VST, AU (free standalone) | | OS | Windows, macOS, Linux | | Key feature | “Subtract” mode with noise profile capture |

Records a noise print from a selection of audio (silence section), then subtracts that exact spectral shape. Works like iZotope RX’s Voice De-noise but free. Uses an adaptive noise floor estimation with adjustable

Extremely effective for steady-state noise (air conditioners, preamp hiss). Can cause “underwater” artifacts if reduction set too high (>30 dB).