The short version of VST vs AU: they are two competing audio plugin formats that do the same job in different ways. VST (Virtual Studio Technology) works on Windows and Mac across most DAWs, while AU (Audio Units) is Apple’s Mac-only format used by Logic Pro and GarageBand. Which one you install depends entirely on your DAW.
Quick answer
- VST — made by Steinberg, cross-platform (Windows and Mac), used by most DAWs.
- AU — made by Apple, Mac-only, required by Logic Pro and GarageBand.
- Sound quality — identical; the same plugin in VST or AU sounds the same.
- What to install — match the format to your DAW.
What VST plugins are
VST is the most widely supported plugin format. It was created by Steinberg and runs on both Windows and macOS. The current version is VST3, which replaced the older VST2. Nearly every DAW supports VST in some form — Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper and Bitwig all load VSTs. If you are on Windows, VST is effectively your only plugin standard.
What AU plugins are
AU (Audio Units) is Apple’s native plugin format, built into macOS. It only runs on Mac and is the format Logic Pro and GarageBand use. AU plugins are tightly integrated with the Mac audio system and tend to be well validated by the operating system. If you use Logic, you must install the AU version of any plugin you want.
VST vs AU: the real differences
| Feature | VST | AU |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Steinberg | Apple |
| Platforms | Windows + Mac | Mac only |
| Used by | Most DAWs | Logic Pro, GarageBand |
| Current version | VST3 | AUv2 / AUv3 |
| Sound | Identical for the same plugin | |
The key point in any VST vs AU comparison: the audio quality is the same. A given EQ or reverb sounds identical whether you load its VST or AU build. The format only affects which host can open it, not how it processes sound.
Which one should you install?
Match the format to your DAW:
- Logic Pro or GarageBand: install AU.
- Ableton, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, Bitwig: install VST (VST3 where available).
- Multiple DAWs on a Mac: install both AU and VST so every host can see the plugin.
Most plugin installers let you tick which formats to install, so you can simply select the ones your DAWs need. If you are still choosing a DAW, see our roundup of the best free DAWs for beginners, and once you have one, follow our walkthrough on how to install VST plugins.
A note on other formats
You may also see AAX (the Pro Tools format) and AUv3 (a sandboxed Audio Units variant that also runs on iOS). For most home producers, VST and AU are the only two that matter. Whatever format you use, the fundamentals of getting a clean signal apply equally — start with gain staging and browse more in the mixing and mastering hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a sound quality difference between VST and AU?
No. The same plugin in VST or AU form processes audio identically. The format only determines which DAW can load the plugin, not how it sounds.
Can I use VST plugins in Logic Pro?
No. Logic Pro only loads Audio Units (AU). Install the AU version of any plugin you want to use in Logic; VST files will not show up.
Should I install VST or AU?
Install whichever format your DAW supports. Logic and GarageBand need AU; almost everything else uses VST. If you run more than one DAW on a Mac, install both.
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