Our top pick for the best free guitar pedal plugin is TSE808 2.0 Lite, a software recreation of the legendary Ibanez Tube Screamer 808—the overdrive pedal that has launched a thousand solos.
For metalheads who think "gain" is just a suggestion, Mercuriall Metal Area takes the crown for best metal guitar pedal plugin. This beast emulates the infamous BOSS Metal Zone, loved and loathed in equal measure.
If you’re after dreamy, swirling textures, Mercuriall Chorus WS-1 is a fantastic choice, bringing the legendary BOSS CE-2 Chorus Ensemble to your DAW.
Here’s our list of the 7 best free guitar pedal plugins:
TSE808 2.0 Lite (Best Overdrive) - Download Here
Mercuriall Metal Area (Best Metal Distortion) - Download Here
Ignite Amps Pro F.E.T. (Best JFET Emulation) - Download Here
Mercuriall Chorus WS-1 (Best Chorus) - Download Here
TSE R47 (Best RAT Emulation) - Download Here
Heptode Deep Crunch (Best Amp Distortion) - Download Here
Ignite Amps TSB1 Tyrant Screamer - Download Here
Best TS Emulation: TSE808 2.0 Lite
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why We Love It:
Smooth, full overdrive that mimics the warmth of a cranked tube amp.
Faithful recreation of the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer—because some things never go out of style.
Mono/Stereo processing and Hi/Lo quality mode.
Best MT-2 Emulation: Mercuriall Metal Area
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why We Love It:
Unique dual-gain circuitry for maximum face-melting distortion.
3-band EQ with semi-parametric midrange control (because mids matter!).
Emulates the legendary BOSS Metal Zone (MT-2), the most divisive pedal in history.
Best CE-2 Emulation: Mercuriall Chorus WS-1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why We Love It:
Spot-on BOSS CE-2 Chorus emulation for lush, dreamy textures.
Stereo processing for extra-wide goodness.
Depth, Speed, and Mix controls—because you like options.
Best JFET Emulation: Ignite Amps Pro F.E.T.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why We Love It:
Tube-like saturation with JFET-based gain stages—because tubes are expensive.
4-band EQ with Shape toggle for extra tweakability.
Mono/Stereo processing and up to 8x oversampling for pristine tone.
Best RAT Emulation: TSE R47
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why We Love It:
RAT-style overdrive that goes from crunchy blues to searing distortion.
Simple interface with Drive, Tone, and Output controls—no rocket science required.
Stereo/Dual mode for flexible routing.
Best Amp Distortion: Heptode Deep Crunch
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why We Love It:
Emulates the Soldano SLO-100 amp distortion—legendary for a reason.
3-band EQ with cab sim switch for extra versatility.
Great for everything from classic rock to high-gain mayhem.
Best TS for Heavy Music: Ignite Amps TSB1 Tyrant Screamer
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why We Love It:
Tube Screamer-inspired, but with an extra shot of aggression.
Additional Sweep control for dialing in that perfect midrange.
Mono/Stereo processing with oversampling options.
Final Thoughts
All of these plugins offer high-quality emulations of legendary guitar pedals—for the unbeatable price of free! Whether you want creamy overdrive, skull-crushing distortion, or a chorus that would make The Police jealous, these plugins will take your tone to the next level—without breaking the bank.
Tried any of these? Let us know in the comments! Got a favorite we missed? Share your secret weapons!