A person using the Strymon Cloudburst Ambient Reverb plug-in on a computer. There’s never been a better time to be working in the box. From faithful reissues of studio icons to bold new takes on reverb, delay, and dynamics, 2025 has been stacked with groundbreaking new plug-ins and virtual instruments. This year, we’ve seen huge leaps in immersive mixing, AI-powered processing, and classic gear emulations. Companies like iZotope and Sonible are pushing forward with smart tone-shaping tools, while boutique brands like Heritage Audio are reviving rare vintage designs. Whether you’re polishing vocals, exploring experimental textures, or building beats from scratch, here are the best plug-ins of 2025 (so far).  Continue reading →