Best OBS Noise Suppression Plugins: Free, Paid, VST and AI Options

If your microphone picks up PC fan noise, air conditioning, keyboard clicks or room noise, OBS can help. But the best noise suppression option depends on the kind of noise you want to reduce.

For many streamers, the built-in OBS Noise Suppression filter is enough. If it makes your voice sound muffled, cuts off words or cannot reduce keyboard noise well enough, a noise suppression plugin can be a better choice.

This guide compares the best OBS noise suppression options, including free filters, VST plugins and AI voice cleanup tools.

Quick Picks

The short version is this:

• Try OBS Noise Suppression first
• Use a traditional denoiser for steady noise like fans or AC
• Use an AI voice denoiser for keyboard clicks, room noise and changing background sounds
• Do not overdo noise suppression, because it can make your voice sound robotic or cut off words

Do You Actually Need a Noise Suppression Plugin?

Not always.

OBS already includes a Noise Suppression filter. According to the OBS documentation, it is designed for mild background noise or white noise, and it can work well for things like PC fan noise and other environmental noise.

You can add it from:

1. Audio Mixer
2. Your microphone source
3. Filters
4. Add filter
5. Noise Suppression

OBS usually gives you these methods:

If OBS RNNoise sounds natural and removes enough noise, you do not need to buy anything.

If RNNoise makes your voice sound muffled, removes the start or end of words, or still leaves keyboard noise behind, then it makes sense to try another plugin.

Official references:

• OBS Noise Suppression Filter
• OBS VST 2.x Plugin Filter

VST2 and VST3 in OBS

This point is important.

OBS supports many VST2.x plugins through its built-in VST filter. However, OBS does not natively support VST3 plugins in the normal VST filter.

That matters because many newer audio plugins are VST3 only.

If you want to use a VST3 plugin in OBS, you need a plugin host such as atkAudio Plugin. atkAudio Plugin adds a VST3 plugin host to OBS, so you can load VST3 plugins from inside OBS.

Related guide: How to Use VST3 Plugins in OBS Studio

If a plugin does not appear in OBS, check these points first:

• Is it VST2 or VST3?
• Is it 64-bit?
• Did you install it in the correct plugin folder?
• If it is VST3, did you load it through a VST3 host?
• Did you restart OBS or rescan plugins?

Best OBS Noise Suppression Options

Here are the options I would actually consider for streaming and recording.

OBS Noise Suppression – Best First Step

Product link: included in OBS Studio

OBS Noise Suppression should be the first thing you try. It is free, built in and easy to add.

RNNoise is the easiest choice for most people. It tries to separate your voice from background noise automatically.

Speex is more adjustable. If RNNoise makes your voice sound too processed, try Speex with a light setting instead of pushing it hard.

OBS Noise Suppression is not magic, though. It is usually better for mild background noise than for a loud mechanical keyboard right next to the microphone.

Recommended for:

• Beginners
• Streamers who want a free solution
• Light fan noise
• Light air conditioner noise
• Simple talking streams

NoiLess – Best Simple Paid VST3 for Spoken Streams

Product link: NoiLess

NoiLess is an AI noise suppression VST3 plugin made for spoken livestreams.

It is designed for streamers who want something easier than a full professional audio tool, but who are not happy with the built-in OBS noise suppression.

The main idea is simple:

• Turn it on
• Choose Light, Standard or Strong
• Let the plugin reduce background noise while trying to keep the voice clear

There are no complicated knobs to learn.

NoiLess is best for speech. It is a good fit for:

• Gaming streams
• Chatting streams
• Work streams
• Tutorial recordings
• Voice-focused content

It is not meant to be a music mixing plugin. If you are singing, recording instruments or mixing music, test it carefully before using it.

Because NoiLess is a VST3 plugin, OBS needs a VST3 host such as atkAudio Plugin. After loading the host in OBS, you can scan for VST3 plugins and load NoiLess.

Recommended for:

• Streamers who want simple controls
• People who dislike the sound of RNNoise on their voice
• Users who want to reduce keyboard noise without learning a complex plugin
• Windows users who want a lightweight paid option for spoken streams

ReaPlugs ReaFIR – Best Free VST2 Option

Product link: ReaPlugs

ReaFIR is part of the free ReaPlugs VST FX Suite from Cockos. The official ReaPlugs page lists ReaFIR as an FFT-based dynamics processor that can build noise profiles and subtract noise from the signal.

In practice, ReaFIR is useful when your room has a steady noise floor.

For example:

• PC fan hum
• Air conditioner noise
• Electrical hiss
• A constant background tone

The usual setup is:

1. Add ReaFIR as a VST2 plugin in OBS
2. Set the mode to Subtract
3. Stay silent for a few seconds
4. Let it learn the noise profile
5. Turn off automatic profile building

ReaFIR is less useful for keyboard clicks and sudden sounds. It works best when the noise is stable.

Recommended for:

• Free VST users
• Constant background noise
• People who do not mind a technical interface
• OBS users who want a VST2 plugin that can load directly in OBS

Bertom Denoiser Classic – Best Free VST3 Traditional Denoiser

Product link: Bertom Denoiser Classic

Bertom Denoiser Classic is a modern free or pay-what-you-want denoiser. The official page describes it as zero-latency, low CPU and suitable for live use.

That makes it interesting for OBS.

Because it is VST3, it will not load through the normal OBS VST2 filter. Use a VST3 host such as atkAudio Plugin.

Bertom Denoiser Classic is not a voice-separation AI tool. Think of it as a clean, simple traditional denoiser for reducing background noise in real time.

Recommended for:

• Users who want a free VST3 denoiser
• People who care about low latency
• Constant room noise
• Fan noise or AC noise

Noise Suppression for Voice – Best Free RNNoise VST for Advanced Users

Product link: Noise Suppression for Voice

Noise Suppression for Voice is a free real-time noise suppression plugin based on RNNoise. It supports several plugin formats, including VST2 and VST3.

This can be useful if you want an RNNoise-based plugin outside the built-in OBS filter.

However, I would not recommend it as the first choice for beginners. The GitHub page includes technical settings such as VAD threshold and sample rate notes. It also warns that the plugin can make poor microphone quality worse if it misclassifies the voice as noise.

That does not mean it is bad. It means the best user is someone who is comfortable reading the documentation and adjusting settings.

Recommended for:

• Advanced users
• People who specifically want an RNNoise plugin
• Free plugin users
• Users who are comfortable with GitHub releases and technical settings

NVIDIA Noise Removal – Best for RTX GPU Users

Product link: NVIDIA Broadcast

NVIDIA Noise Removal is not a normal VST plugin. But it is worth mentioning because many streamers use OBS with NVIDIA GPUs.

OBS documentation says NVIDIA Noise Removal appears inside the OBS Noise Suppression filter once the required NVIDIA Broadcast SDK redistributable is installed. NVIDIA also announced Broadcast features in OBS 28, including audio noise removal effects.

If you already have a compatible RTX GPU, this is worth trying before buying a paid plugin.

Recommended for:

• RTX GPU users
• Streamers who want a free AI option
• Keyboard noise and general background noise

Waves Clarity Vx – Best Paid AI Noise Reduction for Strong Cleanup

Product link: Waves Clarity Vx

Waves Clarity Vx is a popular AI noise reduction plugin for vocals and voice. It is designed to clean voice recordings quickly with a simple interface.

For streaming, the appeal is obvious:

• It is easy to understand
• It can reduce a lot of background noise
• It is stronger than many basic filters

The downside is the same as many AI denoisers. If you push it too hard, your voice can start to sound processed.

Use it gently first.

Recommended for:

• Noisy rooms
• Users who want a strong paid AI plugin
• People who prefer one main control instead of many technical settings

Supertone Clear – Best for Noise and Reverb Control

Product link: Supertone Clear

Supertone Clear is a voice-focused plugin for de-noise and de-reverb. The official page describes it as a de-noise and de-reverb audio plugin with simple controls for voice, ambience and voice reverb.

This makes it especially interesting if your problem is not only noise, but also room sound.

For example:

• Your room sounds echoey
• Your mic is too far away
• Your voice sounds like it is inside a small room
• You want to reduce both noise and ambience

It can be a strong option, but it is more of a professional voice cleanup tool than a simple OBS beginner filter.

Recommended for:

• Room reverb
• Voice ambience
• Streamers who want more control
• Users who also edit videos or podcasts

iZotope RX Voice De-noise – Best for Audio Repair and Constant Noise

Product link: iZotope RX Elements

iZotope RX is one of the most well-known audio repair suites. RX Voice De-noise is made for reducing noise from voice recordings and can be used in real time depending on the plugin and host setup.

For OBS, RX Voice De-noise is most useful when you are dealing with steady background noise.

It is less of a “just click one button and stream” tool, and more of a serious cleanup tool. If you also edit recordings, videos or podcasts, RX becomes more attractive.

Recommended for:

• Constant background noise
• Audio repair
• Video editors and podcasters
• Users who want more than a simple OBS filter

iZotope VEA – Best Voice Enhancer, Not Just Noise Suppression

Product link: iZotope VEA

iZotope VEA is more of a voice enhancer than a pure noise suppression plugin. It can help with voice clarity, tone and dynamics, while also offering noise reduction.

If your goal is only to remove keyboard noise, choose a denoiser first. If your goal is to make your whole microphone sound more polished, VEA may be worth considering.

Recommended for:

• Voice tone improvement
• Simple voice enhancement
• Podcast and video creators
• Users who want more than noise removal

Which Noise Suppression Plugin Should You Choose?

Here is the practical decision guide.

If You Have Fan Noise or Air Conditioner Noise

Start with OBS RNNoise or Speex.

If that is not enough, try:

• ReaFIR
• Bertom Denoiser Classic
• iZotope RX Voice De-noise
• NoiLess if you want a simple speech-focused AI option

Steady noise is often easier to reduce than keyboard clicks. You may not need an expensive AI plugin for this.

If You Want to Remove Keyboard Clicks in OBS

Keyboard noise is harder because it changes quickly and often overlaps with your voice.

Start with:

• Move the microphone closer to your mouth
• Move the keyboard farther from the microphone
• Use a dynamic microphone if possible
• Try OBS RNNoise or NVIDIA Noise Removal

If that is still not enough, try:

• NoiLess
• Waves Clarity Vx
• Supertone Clear

Do not expect any plugin to completely erase loud keyboard clicks while keeping your voice perfect. The goal is usually to make the noise less distracting.

If RNNoise Makes Your Voice Sound Muffled

Try these fixes:

• Lower your microphone gain
• Move the mic closer
• Use Speex lightly instead of RNNoise
• Try a different AI denoiser
• Use a trial version before buying a paid plugin

If you want a simple alternative for spoken streams, try NoiLess in Light mode first.

If You Have Room Echo

Noise suppression is not the same as echo removal.

First:

• Move the mic closer to your mouth
• Reduce room reflections
• Add soft materials around the room
• Avoid placing the mic far away on a desk

For plugins, consider:

• Supertone Clear
• iZotope RX

NoiLess is mainly for noise reduction in spoken streams. It is not a dedicated room reverb removal plugin.

If You Care About Latency

Latency matters when your voice needs to match your camera or gameplay.

Low-latency choices:

• OBS Noise Suppression
• ReaFIR
• Bertom Denoiser Classic

AI voice denoisers can add delay. NoiLess adds about 40 ms. That is small, but it can still matter for streaming.

If you use an AI VST plugin, record a short test and check whether your voice matches your video. If it does not, adjust the audio sync offset in OBS.

How to Use VST3 Noise Suppression Plugins in OBS

For VST3 plugins such as NoiLess or Bertom Denoiser Classic, the basic flow is:

1. Install the VST3 plugin
2. Install a VST3 host for OBS, such as atkAudio Plugin
3. Open OBS
4. Open your microphone filters
5. Add atkAudio Plugin Host
6. Open the plugin host settings
7. Scan for VST3 plugins
8. Load the noise suppression plugin
9. Record a short test before streaming

If the plugin does not show up, it is usually a VST format or plugin path issue.

Related guide:

How to Use VST3 Plugins in OBS Studio

How to Use VST3 Plugins in OBS Studio

Recommended Filter Order in OBS

For most spoken streams, a simple order is enough.

Try this:

1. Noise suppression
2. Expander or noise gate
3. EQ
4. Compressor
5. Limiter

Do not stack multiple strong noise suppression filters. For example, using RNNoise, NVIDIA Noise Removal and an AI VST all at once can easily make your voice sound unnatural.

If you use NoiLess or another AI denoiser, you usually do not need OBS RNNoise at the same time. Use one main denoiser, then adjust the rest of the voice chain around it.

Final Recommendations

If you want the safest path, use this order:

1. Try OBS Noise Suppression
2. Improve mic position and input gain
3. Try ReaFIR or Bertom Denoiser Classic for steady noise
4. Try NoiLess if you want a simple paid AI VST3 for spoken streams
5. Try Clarity Vx, Supertone Clear or RX if you need stronger paid tools

For most beginners, OBS RNNoise is the first answer.

For streamers who want a simple paid upgrade for spoken streams, NoiLess is the option I would look at next, especially if you want three simple modes instead of a complicated plugin interface.

For more advanced users, ReaFIR, Bertom Denoiser Classic, Clarity Vx, Supertone Clear and iZotope RX are all worth considering depending on the kind of noise you want to reduce.

The best noise suppression plugin is not the one that removes the most noise. It is the one that reduces the noise enough while keeping your voice natural.

FAQ

What is the best noise suppression plugin for OBS?

For most people, start with the built-in OBS Noise Suppression filter. If you want a simple paid VST3 plugin for spoken streams, try NoiLess. If you want free VST noise reduction, try ReaFIR or Bertom Denoiser Classic. If you need stronger paid AI cleanup, consider Waves Clarity Vx or Supertone Clear.

What is the best free noise suppression plugin for OBS?

ReaPlugs ReaFIR is a strong free VST2 option for constant fan noise or AC noise. Bertom Denoiser Classic is a strong free or pay-what-you-want VST3 option, but it needs a VST3 host in OBS.

Does OBS support VST3 plugins?

Not through the normal built-in VST filter. OBS supports many VST2.x plugins. For VST3 plugins, use a host such as atkAudio Plugin.

Is Noise Suppression for Voice better than OBS RNNoise?

It can be useful for advanced users who want a configurable RNNoise-based plugin. But for beginners, OBS RNNoise is easier. The Noise Suppression for Voice GitHub page includes technical settings and warnings, so read the documentation before using it.

Is NoiLess free?

NoiLess is a paid plugin, but a trial version is available. Use the trial first if you want to check how it sounds with your own microphone and room.

Can NoiLess remove keyboard noise?

NoiLess can reduce keyboard noise and other background sounds, especially in Standard or Strong mode. However, no plugin can perfectly remove loud keyboard clicks while keeping every part of your voice natural. Mic placement still matters.

Can I use NoiLess for singing?

NoiLess is designed mainly for spoken voice, such as chatting, gaming streams and tutorials. For singing, instruments or music mixing, test it carefully before relying on it.

Why does noise suppression make my voice sound robotic?

That usually means the suppression is too strong, your mic signal is too noisy, or the plugin is confusing part of your voice with noise. Try reducing the strength, moving the mic closer, lowering background noise in the room or using a different denoiser.

Should I use a noise gate or noise suppression?

Use noise suppression to reduce noise while you are speaking. Use a noise gate or expander to reduce mic noise when you are not speaking.

For many streams, using both lightly is better than using one filter too aggressively.