- You’re looking for high-quality sound effects
- But you can’t find a good library…
So you ended up here — where I’m going to help you with the 8 most popular sound effect libraries online.
We’ll cover each library’s offering, pricing, and top 3 features.
Related: How to add SFX to a video (with AI).
TOP 8: Sound Effect Libraries (Websites)
As of 2024, these are the top 3 online sound effect libraries: Freesound, Soundsnap, and Artlist.
- Obviously, that’s the short answer.
- Keep reading to find out why they’re in the top 1%.
1. Freesound
Freesound is a collaborative database of audio snippets, sound effects, and recordings.
It’s a community-driven platform where users can upload and download sounds, making it a treasure trove for unique audio effects.
- Why it’s a good choice: Extensive user-generated library with a variety of sounds across genres.
- Price range: Free to use with attribution; donations support the site.
- Top three features:
- User-driven content with tags for easy searching
- Advanced search options for specific sound attributes
- Community feedback and ratings for sound quality
2. Soundsnap
Soundsnap is a professional sound effects library tailored for creators and professionals in need of high-quality audio. It offers a subscription model for access to its extensive library of sounds.
- Why it’s a good choice: High-quality sounds curated for professional use, ideal for film and game creators.
- Price range:
- Free plan.
- Paid options starting at $135 for 6 months.
- Top three features:
- Regularly updated with new sounds
- Categorized and searchable by type and mood
- Ability to download in multiple formats
3. Artlist
Artlist provides a subscription-based model for music and sound effects, focusing on high-quality audio for filmmakers and content creators. Their library includes a vast array of sound effects suitable for various projects.
- Why it’s a good choice: Unlimited downloads with a single subscription, making it cost-effective for ongoing projects.
- Price range:
- No free plans.
- Starting at $10/month.
- Top three features:
- Royalty-free licensing for commercial use
- Curated collections for specific themes or moods
- Intuitive search and filtering options
You may want to read this guide explaining Artlist’s pricing.
4. AudioJungle
AudioJungle is part of the Envato Market and offers a massive collection of royalty-free sound effects and music tracks. Users can purchase individual sound files, making it flexible for different needs.
- Why it’s a good choice: Pay-per-sound model allows for specific purchases without a subscription commitment.
- Price range: Prices typically range from $50 to $75 per sound effect.
- Top three features:
- Wide variety of audio categories
- Clear licensing terms for commercial use
- User ratings and reviews for quality assessment
5. Soundly
Soundly is a cloud-based sound effects library that allows users to search and manage sounds easily. It offers a free version along with subscription options for more extensive access.
- Why it’s a good choice: Cloud-based access allows for seamless integration into editing software.
- Price range:
- Free version available.
- Subscriptions start at $14.99 per month.
- Top three features:
- Searchable sound library with instant playback
- Integration with popular editing software
- Collections of curated sounds for specific projects
6. Boom Library
Boom Library is known for its high-quality sound effects designed specifically for professional filmmakers and game developers. Their library focuses on unique and immersive soundscapes.
- Why it’s a good choice: High production value and specialized sound effects for immersive experiences.
- Price range:
- No free plan.
- Individual libraries typically range from $99 to $199.
- Top three features:
- Extensive field recordings and designed sounds
- High-quality audio formats available
- Comprehensive documentation for each library
7. Zapsplat
Zapsplat offers a large collection of free and premium sound effects, making it a versatile option for creators. It caters to both amateur and professional users with various licensing options.
- Why it’s a good choice: Offers a mix of free and premium sounds, catering to different budgets.
- Price range:
- Free access with attribution.
- Premium membership start at £5/month (or $7 USD).
- Top three features:
- Extensive library with thousands of sound effects
- Easy-to-use website and download process
- Regularly updated with new content
8. Pond5
Pond5 is a large media marketplace that includes sound effects, music, and stock footage. It provides a vast selection of audio options for various creative projects.
- Why it’s a good choice: Extensive library and flexible licensing options for different uses.
- Price range:
- Free use with user attribution.
- Pay-per-item with prices ranging from $2 to $100+ depending on the sound.
- Top three features:
- User-friendly interface with powerful search tools
- Option to buy credits for discounted purchases
- Diverse audio formats and styles available
FAQ: SFX Library
1. Where can I get sound effect files?
Answer: You can get sound effect files from websites like FreeSound or Zapsplat, which offer a wide range of free and paid sound effects for various projects.
2. What is the best sound effect website?
Answer: The best sound effect website is FreeSound, which offers a vast library of user-uploaded sound effects that are free to download and use, with various licensing options.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort
