The Best VST Synths for R&B Beats
R&B is all the rage right now. The smooth sounds and the sexy atmospheres of this genre is an interesting counterpoint to the edgier angles of trap, or the cheesier aspects of pop. There are different tangents that are popular in modern rhythm and blues beats, but a track wouldn’t be entirely crazy-sexy-cool without some dope synth sounds. Gliding pads, creamy leads, digital keys… If you’re thinking of producing your own R&B tracks, you’re gonna have to get yourself some inspiring synth, there’s no getting around it. Lucky for you, I have your back with some of the best and most creative instruments out there. You can even cut to the end of this post if you’d like some free option. So put on your silkiest pyjamas and read on.
Analog Lab V | Arturia
In terms of bang-for-buck, Analog Lab V takes the cake. To understand how powerful this little monster is, you have to know that Arturia also offers the V Collection, a gargantuan collection of faithful recreation of pretty much all the cool vintage synths in the world. And Analog Lab is basically the cliff notes to this library of Alexandria.
Offering thousands of presets from every instrument in the V Collection, Analog Lab V is as much a hub of creation as it is a VST synth. The only drawback is that the possibilities for programming are limited if you don't own Arturia's synth bundle, but if you're like me and your definition of sound design is flicking through presets, this might be the only VST you ever need.
Download here
Pigments | Arturia
If you like Analog Lab and want to expand your sound palette a little bit, I'd start with Pigments. Unlike a lot of Arturia's synth VSTs, this wavetable synth is completely original, in every sense of the word.
I could go into details about this one, but I'd rather tell you how it feels to use it. The interface is very fun and comprehensive, while the sounds it produces can be warm, weird and wild. Circling through presets, you'll find a mix of synthetic tones, concrete noises and lush effects.
Completely modern, Pigments doesn't really sound like anything else on the market, which is why it might be a good tool to let you sound like you. It's not the most versatile instrument on this list, but it is very interesting.
Download here
Playbox | Native Instruments
I might be wrong, but I feel like originally, a lot of synth VSTs were trying to imitate or reproduce the past. Luckily, as technologies evolve, I find there's more and more creative plugins that transcend classic instruments to develop a workflow of their own.
Playbox is one of these irreverent instruments that redefines the way people create synth sounds. Highly intuitive, you can easily create totally original sounds through a smart mix of randomisation, multi-samples layering and chord generation.
If other VSTs are a bit too nerdy for you, Playbox might be a good entry point in the universe of bonkers VSTs.
Download here
Output Arcade
Output Arcade isn’t your typical synth—it’s a loop-based sampler and virtual instrument that redefines how you create and manipulate sounds. With its massive library of high-quality loops and one-shots across various genres, including R&B, Arcade offers a treasure trove of inspiring material to kickstart your next track.
The plugin’s signature "Lines" are expertly curated collections of sounds tailored to specific vibes, such as soulful vocals, jazzy keys, and lush pads—perfect for building the rich, emotive textures that define modern R&B. What sets Arcade apart is its intuitive interface, allowing you to instantly manipulate loops with real-time pitch shifting, re-sampling, and built-in effects.
For R&B producers, Output Arcade is a game-changer. Its ease of use and endless sound library mean you can quickly lay down ideas without overthinking sound design. The plugin also integrates seamlessly into your workflow, letting you drag-and-drop loops or tweak them to fit your style effortlessly. Additionally, Arcade’s regular updates ensure you’ll always have fresh sounds at your fingertips, keeping your tracks ahead of the curve.
Download here
Serum | Xfer Records
If you're a fan of future R&B and you'd like to explore some more expansive synth sounds, there's always Serum. Considered by many as the synth to end all synths, no wonder it's probably the favorite synth of your favorite electronic music producer.
For huge EDM and pop sounds, and let's be honest, all kinds of delightfully complex patches with infinite modulation possibilities, this is the right tool for the job. Listen to some demos and ask your doctor if Serum is right for you. (And by doctor, I mean a nerd who has a doctorate in sound synthesis, of course.)
Download here
Opal Morphing Synth | UAD
Many UAD mix plugins are the definitive choice for many producers and engineers. That being said, they used to come at a high price because you needed a special DSP to use them, and those babies aren't cheap.
Big news though, Universal Audio has recently launched a whole bundle of products that you can now slather all over your sessions without having to be tethered to a bunch of bulky processors.
One of these plugins is Opal, which they call a “morphing synth”, as if that’s a thing. Seriously, though, it is a pretty cool tool that lets you glide between waveforms, among many swaggy features.
It's a great one to have in your arsenal if you like future R&B from artists like Bryson Tiller or Summer Walker.
Download here
SubLab XL | Future Audio Workshop
Making R&B is all fun and games, but if you don't have a good synth bass, you might as well be making Drake covers in Mario Paint's music composer.
Pretty much every synth I've mentioned in this list has plenty of bass to keep you on your toes for the rest of time, but if you're looking for something a little more dedicated, SubLab XL might be the VST for you.
From sick 808s to dark reese basses, this one has it all. A new addition to my collection, it has become a personal favorite.
Download here
Free synths
I firmly believe that you don't need to spend your hard earned cash on VSTs to make dope music. There are plenty of cool free synths out there. The first one that comes to mind is of course Vital, which has the attitude of some of my favorite paid synths. Surge is one of the synths I started on, and a lot of people have complimented me on sounds I've made with it.
TAL-NoizeMaker and Tyrell N6 are some pretty amazing instruments that deserve a spot in your VST folder, even if you have all the money in the world. If you like vintage synths, there's probably a free clone of your favorite keyboard somewhere out there, while IK Multimedia's Syntronik 2 CS is a decent alternative to Analog Lab V.
It can also be a good idea to go back to basics and see what you can produce with the plugins that come with your DAW of choice. In most cases, there are probably some very powerful engines that hide in every corner of your workstation.
If you're looking for more synth VSTs, check out our post about the best synths for trap, or the one about VSTs for chill lofi beat.
All products featured in this post are independently selected by myself. However, when you buy something through my retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission.