Top 10 Best Subscription Platforms for Music Producers

Subscriptions are a contentious topic at first glance, but also one that seems to be slowly being adopted by music producers as a way to access plug-ins and samples without having to spend a lot of money at once. In order to make everyone's life easier, we have selected ten platforms so everyone can pick what's best for them. Here's our list:

Plugin Alliance MEGA XXL Bundle

Plugin Alliance quickly became one of the most sought-after plugin subscription platforms, thanks to its high-quality sound catalog and affordability. Its in-house brand, Brainworx, paved the way for other manufacturers to join their successful model, which now includes renowned names like Focusrite, SSL, SPL, and many others.

What's Included:

3 Machine Activations
190+ Plugins
Possibility to own from 3 to 10 plugins per year depending on the chosen plan
Access to MEGA Sampler & Sounds library

Universal Audio Spark

Spark has democratized Universal Audio’s highly praised plugins, which were previously exclusive to owners of their interfaces, such as the Apollo and other models. Its release coincided with the transition to native software compatibility, making it accessible to Windows users as well. Universal Audio needs no introduction, boasting a library renowned for its exceptional sound quality and authentic emulations of classic hardware.

What's Included:

2 Machine Activations
60+ Plugins

Waves Creative Access

Marketed as 'the world's largest and most diverse catalog of pro-quality plugins,' Waves' subscription plan offers an extensive range of renowned software tools such as the Renaissance, Abbey Road and SSL series as well as collaborations with big names such Chris Lorde Alge, Jack Joseph Puig and Eddie Kramer. The subscription also includes the Live Basics collection, which features optimized plugins for real-time processing during live performances with SoundGrid compatible consoles.

What's Included:

2 Machine Activations
110+ to 230+ Plugins depending on the chosen plan
Waves Stream service for remote audio collaboration
StudioVerse: thousands of mix chains w/ instant AI search

Check out Waves Creative Access at Waves!

iZotope Music Production Suite Pro

iZotope offers some of the best-sounding professional software tools available. Its subscription plan includes 49 plugins, such as the acclaimed Ozone Advanced, RX restoration suite, and Melodyne. A cool feature is that if you cancel your plan your projects will still be preserved and your tracks can continue to use iZotope’s plugins although without the possibility of further tweaking.

What's Included:

2 Machine Activations
46+ Plugins
Berklee Online Lessons
Downloadable presets and sound packs

Solid State Logic Complete Access

Another highly regarded brand, Solid State Logic (SSL), has been creating high-quality plugins that rival the performance of their hardware. However, as you might imagine, owning a complete set of SSL plugins can be quite expensive. With this in mind, the company launched a subscription plan that allows users to access all of SSL’s and Harrison Audio plugins. Users may also find it beneficial to be part of SSL’s Complete Access plan, which includes plugins made not only by SSL and Harrison but also by Slate Digital, all for a single, affordable monthly payment.

What's Included:

2 Machine Activations
140+ Plugins
Access to Slate Academy’s professional tutorials
Access to VIRTU online mastering service
Downloadable royalty free audio and sample packs

Slate Digital Complete Access Bundle

Known for popularizing the plugin subscription model, Slate Digital has been offering go-to tools for producers and engineers across the world for almost a decade now. With its All Access Pass, users can enjoy a vast library of high-quality plugins, including its acclaimed FG compressor series and the Virtual Mix Rack, a modular plug-in that allows users to create custom signal chains. Yes, in case you’re wondering, the Complete Access Bundle is the same from Slate and SSL websites since all three brands are owned by Audiotonix.

What's Included:

2 Machine Activations
140+ Plugins
Access to Slate Academy’s professional tutorials
Access to VIRTU online mastering service
Downloadable royalty free audio and sample packs

Loopmasters Loopcloud Professional

If you believe you already have enough plugins and are more interested in a platform that offers sounds regardless of the genre you're producing, Loopcloud provides a catalog of over 4 million royalty-free samples. Not only that, but the platform also includes tools for editing beats and melodies, organizing your library, and even AI-powered harmonic and rhythmic sound matching to help you quickly find the sound you're looking for.

What's Included:

Access to 4 million sounds
Cloud Storage
10 Free Plugins
Organizing and editing tools

Roland Cloud

Roland Cloud’s subscription plans offer access to the company’s extensive collection of software-modeled iconic synthesizers, effects, and drum machines, including the Jupiter-8, RE-201 Space Echo, and TR-808, among many other tools and instruments. Additionally, Roland Cloud includes all-in-one solutions like Galaxias, a powerful virtual instrument that combines 50 years of Roland sounds into a single package.

What's Included:

Your account can be used on up to 5 devices at the same time
Access to Roland’s huge catalogue of synths, effects and drum machines
Downloadable presets and sound packs

Plugin Boutique Beatport Studio

Already established as a hub for DJ culture, Beatport, in collaboration with Plugin Boutique, developed Beatport Studio—a subscription-based platform designed for producers of electronic music and other genres. It offers a wide array of instruments, effects, utilities, sounds, and even access to various DAWs. One standout feature is the Frozen State Mode, which allows subscribers to retain the effect parameters applied to their tracks even after canceling their subscription.

What's Included:

90+ plugins
500K+ Sounds
Free Cubase LE + Bitwig 8-Track DAWs
Virtual Cash every month to spend at Plugin Boutique

Audiomovers LISTENTO

Audiomovers Listento is a professional real-time audio streaming ecosystem designed for seamless remote collaboration on audio projects. It enables users to stream high-quality, low-latency audio directly from their DAW or computer to remote clients, collaborators, or team members via a simple browser link, allowing listeners to experience the audio in near real-time from anywhere in the world. Supporting multiple formats, including immersive audio, Listento is an invaluable tool for producers working under tight deadlines and busy schedules.

What's Included: