Local by design means privacy first. No cloud analysis, no AI learning, just your work staying yours.
All Plugins in One Place
Scan your entire computer for AAX, Audio Unit, VST, and VST3 plugins in a flash. Add custom folders to cover additional locations and identify every plugin with detailed information.
Smart Organization
Spot duplicate plugins and get a storage breakdown to see which ones take up the most space. Clean up what you no longer need and keep your plugin collection lean and organized.
License Key Vault
Store all your plugin license keys in one secure place so they are always within reach. Never scramble through old emails or documents again when you need to activate or reinstall a plugin.
System Profile Sharing
Export and share a full snapshot of your plugin setup before studio sessions or collaborations. Compare profiles side by side to spot differences and make sure every system is ready to go.
2026 Update
How we stack up
See how VST Manager compares to the most popular alternatives.
VST Manager
OwlPlug
Plugin Station
Auganizer
Pricing
One-Time Purchase
Buy once, own forever. No subscription required
$8.99
Free
$165+
$34.99
Plugin Format Support
AAX
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Audio Units (AU)
VST / VST3
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Core Features
Full Plugin Scan
Scans your entire Mac for installed plugins automatically
AU only
Custom Folder Scanning
Add custom locations beyond the default plugin directories
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Duplicate Detection
Finds plugins installed in multiple formats or locations
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Storage Breakdown
Shows how much disk space your plugins use by type
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License Key Vault
Stores and syncs plugin license keys via iCloud Keychain
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System Profile Sharing
Share or compare your plugin setup with others
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Rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know.
Which plugin formats does VST Manager support?
VST Manager scans for all major formats: AAX, Audio Units (AU), VST, and VST3. It covers plugins from any developer, not just a single brand.
How does the plugin scan work?
VST Manager scans the standard plugin directories on your Mac automatically. You can also add custom folders to cover any non-standard install locations.
What is the duplicate detection feature?
Some plugins get installed in multiple formats or locations over time. VST Manager flags these duplicates so you can decide which copies to keep and which to remove.
What is the license key vault?
The license key vault lets you store your plugin serial numbers securely inside the app. They sync across your Macs via iCloud Keychain, so you always have them when you need to reactivate.
Does it require an internet connection?
No. All scanning and organization happens fully offline on your Mac. iCloud Keychain sync for the license vault requires internet, but the rest of the app works without it.
Is this a subscription?
No. It's a one-time $8.99 purchase with no recurring fees and no locked features.