As a part of the production process, you may find yourself needed to reach for a plugin that reduces noise or restores the quality of your audio.
For instance, an acoustic guitar track commonly has a squeaking sound after recording even though technically it was played well.
Fortunately, noise reduction and audio repair plugins can fix a track that would otherwise be unusable.
Best Noise reduction plugin for audio restoration
Here are the 6 best noise reduction plugins for audio restoration:
- iZotope RX 7 — Producers and musicians of all skill levels
- X-Noise — Film post-production, Musicians, In-home studios
- WNS Noise Suppressor — Radio producers, podcasters, audiobook recording
- NS1 Noise Suppressor — YouTubers, marketing companies, small businesses
- McDSP NR800 — Live show audio engineers or musicians, mixing and mastering
- X-Click — Producers, sample pack makers, musicians
What To Look For In a Noise Reduction Plugin
Although noise reductions plugins generally accomplish the same thing – reducing noise, they are often made for different purposes. For instance, a DeEsser plugin reduces the sound of an “S” for vocal plugins. You’ll want to make sure you look at the following to ensure you’re using the appropriate plugin for the right job.
Look at System Requirements
Like any other software you may download, your system needs to be compatible to handle the software running.
We will detail the system requirements for each plugin in this list below. This includes aspects like operating system requirements, as well as storage and CPU capabilities.
DAW Compatibility
It’s important to make sure that your DAW is compatible with whatever software you are attempting to use.
For the most part, VST plugin companies do a good job with compatibility with most DAWs. Sites like Waves will conveniently list the DAWs supported as well as their version for each plugin they offer.
Versatility & Frequency Of Use
Although plugins are typically more affordable than traditional gear, they can add up if you are buying multiple or purchasing bundles.
Before you buy, look into the various features to determine if you’ll be able to use this on more than just a few projects.
6 Best Audio Repair & Noise Filtering Plugins
Outlined below we detail each plugin and the details on what you should be using them for, pricing, system requirements, DAW compatibility, and more.
1. iZotope RX 7
Highly versatile noise reduction plugin with a number of different utilities. It can be used on instrument tracks, such as a squeaking acoustic guitar — and it’s also useful for general noise reduction like popping sounds on vocal tracks.
The iZotope RX 7 can also help with rebalancing during the mixing process. If you find one track too loud, or slightly off, it can rebalance an entire song to provide appropriate levels of volume.
- Who’s it for? Producers and musicians of all skill levels.
- Price: $16.99/mo
- System Requirements: macOS and Windows
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, used frequently on FL Studio
2. X-Noise
Produced by Waves, X-Noise has a number of uses to help with audio repair. Generally speaking, this plugin will handle just about all “noise” you might encounter. The city in the background, the fan of a computer, and buzzing sounds from instrument tracks.
This plugin is also commonly used on film production to remove unwanted background elements of noise, helping to focus on dialogue.
- Who’s it for? Film post-production, Musicians, In-home studios.
- Price: $79.99 – Frequently on sale
- System Requirements: macOS and Windows
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported
3. WNS Noise Suppressor
Another product of Waves, WNS Noise Suppressor is an ideal plugin for radio broadcast. It has zero latency providing real-time noise reduction, and it does so intelligently.
WNS Noise Suppressor will help give clear and crisp dialog effortlessly. This is a go-to plugin for dialog.
- Who’s it for? Radio producers, podcasters, audiobook recording, sample production.
- Price: $79.99 – Frequently on sale
- System Requirements: macOS and Windows
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported
4. NS1 Noise Suppressor
Similar in utility as the WNS, the NS1 Noise Suppressor is the perfect noise reduction plugin for content creators.
What sets it apart from others is the ease of use compared to other plugins on this list with more advanced functionality.
Shoot, record, and edit video and audio content without worrying about excess noise. The NS1’s single fader control makes audio repair easier to accomplish.
- Who’s it for? YouTubers, marketing companies, small businesses.
- Price: $59.99 – Frequently on sale
- System Requirements: macOS and Windows
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported
5. McDSP NR800
MsDSP’s NR800 noise reduction plugin, you get a ton of utility and features to be used in a variety of settings.
A key characteristic of this plugin is that it can be used to transform sound live. With that feature, you have another level of versatility using this plugin as it still handles noise reduction for more traditional music production and post-production.
- Who’s it for? Live show audio engineers or musicians, mixing and mastering.
- Price: $99
- System Requirements: macOS and Windows
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported — VST, AU, & AAX
6. X-Click
Clicks are a common and yet persistent frustrating noise you will encounter at some point. If you are sampling and working with synths, odds are you’ve encountered this problem.
X-Click does exactly what its name implies — it removes clicks from a track without you having to manually go in and adjust the nodes.
- Who’s it for? Producers, sample pack makers, musicians.
- Price: $99
- System Requirements: macOS and Windows
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported
Compare Noise Reduction Plugins
| Plugin | Manufacturer | Price |
| iZotope RX 7 | iZotope | $16.99/month |
| X-Noise | Waves | $59 |
| WNS Noise Suppressor | Waves | $79 |
| NS1 Noise Suppressor | Waves | $59 |
| McDSP NR800 | MsDSP | $99 |
| X-Click | Waves | $59 |
Thomas began helping out back in 2010 with the first few iterations of the website. He has helped to produce much of the content, formed partnerships with Audio Engineering institutions, and created the latest version of the website. Thomas handles many of the artist interviews as well as guitar content.