Stock up your samples folder and find new inspiration without opening your wallet.

There are millions of sample packs available online right now — from archives of old sample CDs from the 90s, right through to daily-updated sample pack platforms and artists releasing sounds on a Patreon page. This is awesome for creators wanting to manipulate royalty-free audio into a new track or just find inspiration for a new sound. But that’s a daunting number of samples to trawl through, right?

We’re gonna try and help you out.

Our list gives you a ton of sample pack recommendations, all of which are free to download and free to use. The only thing you’ll need is a bit of imagination and an internet connection. We reckon you have both of those. We’re obviously going to include the ones that we, MusicTech, have created for you, but we’re also throwing some more in so you have a strong variety.

This month’s best samples

Claps and Snares

Unless you’re hell-bent on only producing ambient tracks (which we fully condone), you’re probably going to want a clap and snare to complement the percussion in your track. But before you decide to clap into your MacBook’s built-in microphone, try out this free pack of 100 claps and snares. These one-shots will fit any style you’re after, from reverb-drenched synth-pop snares to tight EDM drums, and dark effected claps to disco-ready layers. Chop these up, throw them in your samplers, and just imagine the applause you’ll get for all that clap-work.

Dance Pianos

Channel your inner LP Giobbi and Calvin Harris with these dramatic and uplifting dance piano chords. These 60 loops all range from 2 to 4 bars and feature clean, anthemic piano progressions in a variety of key signatures. Each sample is set at 125bpm, too, so you can audition each one in your project to see which one best suits your track. Or, better yet, you could chop up the samples or convert them to MIDI and use the notes for your synth part, or modify the notes to make it more your style.

Odyssey Synth Vol. 1

Whether you’re looking for some sci-fi sounds or a deep analogue bass, the Odyssey Synth pack will be sure to expand your palette. Brimming with vintage synth-style samples, these 100 loops are ideal for adding an arpeggiated layer to a breakdown, beefing up your bass part, or giving you a fresh idea for a melody. They’re all 120bpm but are simple enough to warp to any tempo, and all have a little touch of delay or reverb for extra flavour.

BandLab MusicTech Sample Packs

MusicTech’s Free samples

Free sample packs by genre

More free loops and sample packs online

Check out more buyer’s guides on MusicTech.

[Editor’s note: MusicTech and BandLab are both part of the Caldecott Music Group.]