Autotune plugins have become essential tools in modern music production, whether you’re aiming for subtle pitch correction or full-on vocal effects. With so many options on the market, finding the right autotune plugin for your studio setup can be overwhelming. This guide covers the best autotune plugins available, from user-friendly tools for beginners to advanced plugins for professionals.
1. Antares Auto-Tune Pro X
Price: $399
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: Professionals, all genres
Antares Auto-Tune Pro X is the industry standard for vocal pitch correction and effects. This plugin offers a range of features, including a real-time pitch correction mode and a graph mode for detailed pitch editing. It also comes with a variety of creative tools for altering vocal texture and adding vibrato. Antares’ Flex-Tune and Humanize functions allow for natural-sounding pitch correction, making it ideal for artists who want subtle or heavy-handed autotune.
Key Features:
- Real-time and graphical editing modes
- Flex-Tune and Humanize for natural sound
- Comprehensive pitch correction and effects
2. Melodyne 5 by Celemony
Price: Starting at $99 (Essential)
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: Vocalists and producers looking for precision
Melodyne 5 is highly regarded for its transparent pitch correction, ideal for intricate pitch and timing adjustments. Unlike most autotune plugins, Melodyne focuses on preserving the natural qualities of a vocal. It uses a unique DNA (Direct Note Access) technology, allowing you to edit individual notes within chords and harmonies. Although it’s not a traditional “autotune” tool, Melodyne is incredibly powerful for in-depth vocal editing and natural correction.
Key Features:
- DNA technology for editing polyphonic audio
- Comprehensive pitch, timing, and amplitude control
- Multiple versions available for all experience levels
3. Waves Tune Real-Time
Price: $199
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: Live performances, real-time pitch correction
Waves Tune Real-Time is designed to deliver real-time pitch correction, making it perfect for live performances. This plugin quickly processes audio, ensuring that vocals remain pitch-perfect even in real time. It also has extensive MIDI control, allowing vocalists and producers to integrate it with other gear in a live setup. With its simplicity and low latency, Waves Tune Real-Time is a go-to for artists and engineers needing quick, live pitch adjustments.
Key Features:
- Real-time pitch correction
- MIDI control for custom tuning
- Low latency, ideal for live settings
4. Soundtoys Little AlterBoy
Price: $99
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: Creative vocal effects and tuning
Soundtoys’ Little AlterBoy offers a different take on autotune, focusing on creative pitch shifting and formant control. It’s less about subtle correction and more about vocal manipulation, allowing users to shift vocal pitch, change gender characteristics, and even create robotic or otherworldly vocal effects. For genres like EDM, pop, and experimental music, Little AlterBoy is a highly creative tool.
Key Features:
- Formant and pitch shifting for unique vocal textures
- MIDI control for real-time pitch manipulation
- Drive control for adding saturation to vocals
5. Synchro Arts Revoice Pro 4
Price: $599
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: Professionals needing advanced pitch and timing correction
Revoice Pro 4 is a premium plugin focused on vocal alignment, timing, and pitch correction. It’s widely used in the film, TV, and music industries for syncing multiple vocal tracks and making precise adjustments to timing and pitch. Its Vocalign feature ensures vocal takes are perfectly in sync, which is invaluable in post-production. While it’s pricier than other options, Revoice Pro 4 is an essential tool for high-level vocal editing.
Key Features:
- Advanced vocal alignment for layered vocals
- Detailed pitch and timing adjustments
- Ideal for professional studios and post-production
6. Auto-Tune Access by Antares
Price: $99
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: Beginners and home studios
Auto-Tune Access is the entry-level version of Antares’ famous autotune plugin. It provides essential pitch correction tools, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. It’s perfect for beginners who want the basics without the complexity of more advanced plugins. Auto-Tune Access also features a low latency mode, making it suitable for real-time tracking.
Key Features:
- Simplified interface for ease of use
- Real-time tracking with low latency
- Affordable entry into the Antares ecosystem
7. iZotope Nectar 3 Plus
Price: $249
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: All-in-one vocal processing
Nectar 3 Plus from iZotope isn’t just an autotune plugin—it’s a comprehensive vocal processing suite. While it includes pitch correction, it also offers EQ, compression, de-essing, and reverb, making it a complete tool for vocal production. For producers who want an all-in-one solution, Nectar 3 Plus provides both autotune and a full set of vocal processing tools.
Key Features:
- All-in-one vocal processing with pitch correction
- Intelligent EQ and dynamic processing
- Vocal Assistant for automatic settings
8. MAutoPitch by MeldaProduction
Price: Free
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Best For: Beginners, budget-conscious users
MAutoPitch is a free autotune plugin that offers basic pitch correction and creative vocal effects. Despite its price, it delivers solid pitch correction with easy-to-use controls. MAutoPitch also has formant shifting and stereo-expansion features, making it a surprisingly powerful free tool for producers on a budget.
Key Features:
- Free with pitch correction, formant, and stereo expansion
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Lightweight and efficient, suitable for most DAWs
Choosing the Right Autotune Plugin for Your Needs
- For Live Performances: Go for plugins like Waves Tune Real-Time or Auto-Tune Pro X.
- For Beginners: Try Auto-Tune Access or MAutoPitch for a user-friendly start.
- For Professional Editing: Consider Melodyne 5 or Revoice Pro 4 for advanced editing.
- For Creative Vocal Effects: Little AlterBoy is ideal for experimental and unique vocal sounds.
Each autotune plugin offers unique features to fit different levels of experience and creative goals. Whether you’re a professional producer or a beginner setting up a home studio, these autotune plugins provide a range of tools for any project.