8 Best Sound Effect Libraries

• 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).

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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

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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.

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Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort