8 Best Limiter Plugins For Super Clean Masters (2025)

Limiter plugins are all about maximizing loudness while maintaining clarity and dynamic range. 

They can help you achieve professional mastering results, control peak levels, and prevent distortion (even when pushing your tracks to commercial loudness standards). 

Plus, modern limiter plugins give you everything you need for razor-sharp precision.

You can  fine-tune gain reduction, manage inter-sample peaks, and optimize your final output for streaming platforms, digital distribution, and high-resolution formats.

As producers, knowing all the best limiter plugins can seriously help you shape your sound and maximize loudness without crushing transients.

And preserve dynamics while pushing a mix to its peak potential, of course. 

That’s exactly why I’m breaking down the best ones, all including unique features and functions, like:

• True Peak Limiting for distortion-free mastering ✓
• Multiple modes for clean, punchy, or aggressive limiting ✓
• Lookahead control to anticipate peaks before they clip ✓
• Noise shaping and dithering for optimized final output ✓
• Advanced metering (LUFS, RMS, peak, K-System) for precise loudness monitoring ✓
• Oversampling (up to 16x or higher) to reduce aliasing ✓
• Intelligent release settings for smoother compression ✓
• Transient shaping controls to maintain punch and clarity ✓
• Stereo and mid/side processing for greater width control ✓
• Much more ✓

By knowing all the best limiter plugins in the game, you’ll never have to worry about unwanted distortion, excessive pumping or inconsistent dynamics ever again.

Or poor loudness balance too, which is the cherry on top.

This way, your tracks will always sound polished, powerful, and competitive — just like the professionals.

#1. FabFilter Pro-L 2

To kick things off let’s talk about FabFilter Pro-L 2, which is one of my personal favs.

It’s a high-end mastering limiter packed with deep customization, precision metering, and industry-leading transparency. 

There are 8 unique limiting algorithms, including Modern, Transparent, Aggressive, and Punchy, which lets you shape the final output to fit different genres/styles.

If you need maximum loudness without crushing transients, Punchy delivers enhanced attack preservation, while Aggressive pushes the track forward in a dense mix. 

Plus, the True Peak Limiting feature makes sure inter-sample peaks are handled on sight so you won’t have to worry about clipping.

Regardless of where it’s being played back (e.g., streaming platforms, FM radio, and Dolby Atmos systems) it will always sound on point.

What makes FabFilter Pro-L 2 a favorite among famous mastering engineers is its real-time spectrum analyzer and extensive metering options, including: 

• LUFS
• True Peak
• RMS
• K-System metering

Meaning, you’ll have complete loudness control all day. 

Plus, the adjustable lookahead feature (0 to 20ms) allows it to anticipate peaks before they occur 一 preventing distortion while maintaining clarity. 

You’ll also have precise control over how the limiter reacts to transients, with release times ranging from 10 ms to 2500 ms for smoother compression or rapid peak limiting.

Pro-L 2 also includes oversampling (up to 32x) to reduce aliasing and improve transparency for high-quality results even under extreme gain reduction. 

The dithering and noise shaping options make it easy to prepare a track for final export, minimizing distortion when converting to lower bit depths. 

Bottom line, whether you’re maximizing loudness or looking for MAX clarity in a dynamic mix, Pro-L 2 is one of the most powerful, best limiter plugins available today.

Standout Features/Functions

• Eight limiting algorithms, including Modern, Transparent, Aggressive, and Punchy, for maximum flexibility.
• True Peak Limiting prevents inter-sample peaks and ensures clean playback on all systems.
• Extensive metering options (LUFS, True Peak, RMS, K-System) for precise loudness control.
• Adjustable lookahead (0-20ms) for controlling transient response and avoiding distortion.
• Perfect for all types of music production.
• Attack and release controls (10ms – 2500ms) for detailed dynamic shaping.
• Oversampling (up to 32x) to reduce aliasing and enhance transparency.
• Dithering and noise shaping options to optimize the final output.
• One of the best limiter plugins for mastering with precision and clarity.

#2. Waves L2 Ultramaximizer

Waves L2 Ultramaximizer is one of the most widely recognized limiter plugins in the mastering world, trust me.

It’s all about brick-wall peak limiting with automatic release control (ARC) to maintain clarity with loudness maximization. 

Its simple two-knob interface (Threshold and Output Ceiling) makes it super easy to dial in the perfect balance between dynamic control and loudness. 

And the adaptive release algorithm prevents pumping and distortion by automatically adjusting release times based on the incoming audio signal.

This makes it one of the most transparent peak limiters available, that’s for sure.

One of my favorite features is its 24-bit dithering and noise shaping, which optimizes the final output for CD, streaming platforms, and other digital formats.

All while maintaining detail in quieter sections, so that’s great.

There’s also an attenuation meter which provides real-time feedback on gain reduction so you can monitor exactly how aggressively the limiter is working. 

With True Peak metering, L2 ensures that inter-sample peaks don’t cause distortion when converted to compressed formats like MP3 or AAC.

NOTE: Though it lacks modern multi-band control found in newer limiters, L2’s legendary brick-wall peak limiting makes it a go-to for engineers who need a fast, reliable, and transparent limiter that can push loudness while preserving dynamics.

All in all, if we’re talking about the best limiter plugins in the game, you certainly can’t leave the Ultramaximizer out of the convo.

Standout Features/Functions

• Brick-wall peak limiting with transparent loudness maximization.
• Automatic Release Control (ARC) for smooth, adaptive limiting.
• Threshold and Output Ceiling controls for quick, simple adjustments.
• 24-bit dithering and noise shaping for optimized final output.
• Attenuation meter for real-time gain reduction monitoring.
• True Peak metering to prevent inter-sample distortion.
• Perfect for all types of music production.
• One of the best limiter plugins for fast, reliable mastering.

#3. iZotope Ozone Maximizer

iZotope Ozone Maximizer is one of the most advanced limiter plugins available, featuring four Intelligent Release Control (IRC) algorithms:

IRC I 一 Provides a smooth, transparent limiting style with a natural sound. Perfect for general-purpose mastering where minimal coloration is desired. This mode ensures clean dynamics without introducing noticeable artifacts.

IRC II 一 Enhances transient clarity while maintaining loudness. It’s a great choice for dynamic material such as acoustic and orchestral tracks. Unlike traditional limiters, it preserves delicate details in softer passages while preventing harsh squashing in louder sections

IRC III 一 Intelligently adapts to the input signal with variable release times, delivering a balance between punch and loudness. 

IRC IV 一 Uses spectral shaping to prevent distortion and preserve mix integrity at higher loudness levels. This mode applies frequency-dependent limiting, reducing harshness in high-energy mixes while maintaining clarity across the spectrum.

Then there’s the True Peak Limiting function that makes sure inter-sample peaks are handled on sight.

Unlike standard limiters, it catches peaks that would otherwise slip past and cause distortion when converted to lossy formats like MP3 or AAC.

So, you won’t have to worry about any digital clipping when exporting for streaming platforms (which is a big part of what makes a plugin one of the best limiter plugins).

With today’s loudness normalization standards on platforms, this feature makes sure your track meets industry requirements without unexpected level shifts.

It also has a Transient Emphasis control that lets you fine-tune how the limiter reacts to percussive elements.

This way, your drums, kicks, and snare transients remain punchy even at high loudness levels, so that’s amazing as well.

iZotope also includes Lookahead adjustments (0-10ms), so you’ll also have the ability to anticipate peaks and react smoothly.

Another major advantage is its detailed metering suite, which includes LUFS, RMS, peak, and dynamic range meters.

So, you’ll have full control over perceived loudness and final output levels. 

If you’re unsure, these meters provide real-time feedback so you can dial in the perfect balance between perceived loudness and dynamic range without any guesswork.

Combined with oversampling (up to 8x), noise shaping, and dithering, iZotope Ozone Maximizer is incredibly flexible.

For producers/mastering engineers who need both maximum loudness and transparency in their mastering chain, you can’t really beat it.

Standout Features/Functions

• Four IRC algorithms (I, II, III, IV) for customized loudness control.
• IRC IV Spectral Shaping for distortion-free peak limiting.
• True Peak Limiting to prevent inter-sample clipping on streaming platforms.
• Transient Emphasis control to preserve drum and percussion transients.
• Lookahead adjustments (0-10ms) for smoother limiting.
• Advanced metering (LUFS, RMS, peak, and dynamic range) for precise final output.
• Has vintage limiter modules and is perfect for all types of music production.
• Oversampling (up to 8x), noise shaping, and dithering for mastering clarity.
• One of the best limiter plugins for modern mastering.

#4. Sonnox Oxford Limiter V2

Sonnox Oxford Limiter V2 is a highly transparent mastering limiter that stands out due to its ability to preserve transients while achieving maximum loudness. 

Unlike traditional peak limiters that can introduce unwanted pumping and distortion, Oxford Limiter V2’s Enhanced Transient Recovery (ETR) technology is a game-changer.

It makes sure that any sharp attack sounds (like kicks and snares, for instance) retain their natural punch.

Also, the Auto Comp Release function dynamically adjusts the release time based on the incoming signal 一 preventing artifacts and maintaining smooth dynamics.

Oxford Limiter V2 includes True Peak Limiting, which expertly handles inter-sample peaks and ensures that your final output translates well across streaming platforms. 

And its unique Input section with gain control and a pre-process section allows for additional fine-tuning before any limiting is applied. 

There’s also a Soft Knee function, which makes it possible to ease into limiting gradually (preserving the natural feel of a mix instead of applying abrupt compression).

My favorite feature though is the high-resolution metering, offering detailed LUFS, True Peak, and dynamic range monitoring for full control over your final output. 

Sonnox also includes a reconstruction meter, helping you detect and prevent unwanted clipping or aliasing before rendering. 

All in all, whether you’re working on aggressive limiting for loudness or maintaining clarity in super dynamic music, Oxford Limiter V2 delivers on all levels.

It’s one of the most precise, transparent, best limiter plugins in the industry.

Standout Features/Functions

• Enhanced Transient Recovery (ETR) technology to preserve attack and punch.
• Auto Comp Release function for smooth, adaptive limiting.
• True Peak Limiting to prevent inter-sample distortion.
• Input section with gain control and a pre-process section for additional fine-tuning.
• Soft Knee function for more natural dynamic control.
• High-resolution metering (LUFS, True Peak, and dynamic range) for final output precision.
• Perfect for all types of music production.
• Reconstruction meter to detect and prevent unwanted distortion.
• One of the best limiter plugins for transparent mastering.

#5. PSP Xenon

PSP Xenon is a high-resolution, full-band mastering limiter that combines: 

• Dual-stage limiting
• Transparent peak control
• Advanced dithering

With it, you can achieve maximum loudness while preserving dynamics all day.

Unlike many limiters that apply gain reduction in a single stage, Xenon’s dual-stage limiter switches things up a little bit.

First, it has a softer limiting stage before engaging a final peak limiter for smooth, distortion-free loudness enhancement. 

This unique approach results in cleaner gain reduction and better transient preservation, making it an excellent choice for dynamic and acoustic material.

One of Xenon’s most valuable features is its adaptive release control, which dynamically adjusts how the limiter reacts to different types of audio. 

This prevents over-compression artifacts and allows for a way more professional, natural-sounding master. 

The lookahead function (adjustable up to 30ms) also makes the limiter reacts proactively to peaks 一 reducing distortion while keeping the mix punchy. 

PSP Xenon also features independent left/right and mid/side processing.

It gives you the flexibility to control stereo imaging and balance in ways that most standard limiters simply don’t offer.

NOTE: For those working with digital distribution, Xenon includes professional dithering and noise shaping options for high-quality exports for CD, streaming platforms, and higher-resolution formats. 

Combined with detailed gain reduction metering, True Peak Limiting, and an intuitive interface, PSP Xenon remains one of the best limiter plugins around.

You’ll achieve loudness while maintaining clarity and dynamics every single time.

Standout Features of PSP Xenon

• Dual-stage limiter architecture for smoother, distortion-free loudness enhancement.
• Adaptive release control to prevent over-compression artifacts, similar to the TDR limiter.
• Lookahead function (up to 30ms) for anticipating peaks and reducing distortion.
• Independent left/right and mid/side processing for stereo image control.
• True Peak Limiting to eliminate inter-sample clipping.
• Perfect for all types of music production.
• Dithering and noise shaping options for high-quality final output.
• Detailed gain reduction metering for precise mastering adjustments.
• One of the best limiter plugins for transparent and dynamic mastering.

#6. Brainworx bx_True Peak Limiter

Brainworx bx_True Peak Limiter is an advanced mastering limiter designed specifically for high-resolution audio, ensuring that inter-sample peaks are controlled with precision. 

Unlike traditional peak limiters, it is built from the ground up to eliminate digital clipping and aliasing like an absolute boss.

With True Peak compliance, it accurately detects peaks that could cause distortion in compressed formats (like MP3 and AAC).

One of its standout features is the XL saturation control, which adds subtle harmonic excitement to the signal.

It helps to enhance perceived loudness without causing harshness. 

The Lookahead parameter (adjustable up to 20ms) allows for ultra-smooth peak limiting by predicting and controlling transients before they cause distortion. 

And the Auto Mode for attack and release settings intelligently adapts to the incoming audio for consistent dynamics and smooth gain reduction.

bx_True Peak Limiter also includes oversampling (up to 16x)…

It reduces aliasing for a cleaner, more natural sound. Its advanced metering system provides LUFS, RMS, True Peak, and K-System loudness monitoring.

Whether you’re working on stereo masters or high-resolution Dolby Atmos projects, Brainworx bx_True Peak Limiter delivers exceptional transparency and dynamics.

Standout Features/Functions

• True Peak compliance to prevent inter-sample clipping and distortion.
• XL saturation control for enhanced perceived loudness without harshness.
• Lookahead (adjustable up to 20ms) for smooth transient control.
• Auto Mode for attack and release settings to optimize dynamic response.
• Oversampling (up to 16x) for cleaner, high-resolution limiting.
• Perfect for all types of music production.
• Advanced metering (LUFS, RMS, True Peak, K-System) for final output precision.
• One of the best limiter plugins for mastering high-resolution and immersive formats.

#7. IK Multimedia Stealth Limiter

IK Multimedia Stealth Limiter is a high-transparency mastering limiter designed to maximize loudness while preserving the natural dynamics of a mix. 

It’s really an amazing choice because, unlike many other limiters that introduce noticeable artifacts when pushed, Stealth Limiter uses adaptive saturation.

As well as real-time gain analysis 一 allowing it to apply gain reduction without affecting the tonal balance or clarity of the track. 

This makes it ideal for mastering engineers who need to maintain dynamic range while achieving commercial loudness levels.

One of its most powerful features is its “Intelligent Release” technology and the True Peak detection algorithm to help eliminate inter-sample peaks.

Your tracks will always remain distortion-free when converted for streaming platforms. 

The Lookahead function (up to 10ms) ensures Stealth Limiter reacts proactively to transients to prevent any distortion and maintain punch.

NOTE: For greater control over dynamics, Stealth Limiter also includes four selectable limiting modes, ranging from ultra-clean peak limiting to more aggressive loudness enhancement. 

Plus, its high-resolution metering system provides detailed LUFS, RMS, and peak loudness monitoring, helping you fine-tune your final output for digital distribution. 

With its adaptive response, advanced limiting algorithms, and transparent sound, IK Multimedia Stealth Limiter is super powerful.

It pushes loudness without sacrificing dynamics, which is what you should always look for when it comes to the best limiter plugins.

Standout Features of IK Multimedia Stealth Limiter

• Adaptive saturation and real-time gain analysis for artifact-free loudness enhancement.
• “Intelligent Release” technology for smooth, automatic release adjustments.
• True Peak detection algorithm to eliminate inter-sample peaks.
• Lookahead (up to 10ms) for distortion-free peak control.
• Perfect for all types of music production.
• Four selectable limiting modes for flexible loudness shaping.
• High-resolution metering (LUFS, RMS, peak loudness monitoring) for mastering precision.
• One of the best limiter plugins for transparent and dynamic mastering.

#8. AOM Invisible Limiter

For the final limiter we have AOM Invisible Limiter. 

It’s a true peak limiter designed to push loudness levels while maintaining clarity, transparency, and dynamic integrity. 

The “Invisible Gain Reduction” technology makes it so you don’t have to worry about anything like:

• Pumping
• Distortion
• Unnatural compression artifacts

This gives you transparent peak limiting that keeps the mix sounding clean, making it one of the best limiter plugins in the game.

One of its standout features is the oversampling function (up to 16x), which significantly reduces aliasing for a cleaner, more natural final output. 

The Lookahead parameter (0-10ms) gives you precise control over how early the limiter detects peaks, helping to prevent unwanted distortion. 

There’s also really cool multiple modes, including Hard, Soft, and Transparent, so you can customize how aggressively the limiter shapes the final output. 

Whether you need to maintain clarity in an orchestral mix or push the perceived loudness of an EDM track, these modes provide flexibility to adapt to different genres.

AOM Invisible Limiter also includes True Peak Limiting to eliminate inter-sample peaks and the input section features only the most precise gain controls. 

The output section, on the other hand, provides detailed LUFS, RMS, and peak metering to help you optimize loudness levels while maintaining transparency. 

Then there’s the pre-process section which includes options for noise shaping and dithering (an excellent choice for preparing individual tracks for final distribution).

With gain reduction metering, precise controls, intuitive interface, and advanced transparency features, AOM Invisible Limiter is one of the best limiter plugins around. 

And don’t underestimate it because it’s the last on the list because it’s super official.

Standout Features/Functions

• “Invisible Gain Reduction” technology for transparent peak limiting.
• Not just a limiter, it’s a super limiter.
• Oversampling (up to 16x) to reduce aliasing and maintain clarity.
• Lookahead (0-10ms) for precision in transient detection and distortion control.
• Multiple modes (Hard, Soft, Transparent) for mastering flexibility.
• True Peak Limiting to prevent inter-sample peaks on streaming platforms.
• Input section with precise gain controls for fine-tuning loudness.
• Output section with LUFS, RMS, and peak metering for precise loudness monitoring.
• Perfect for all types of music production.
• Pre-process section with noise shaping and dithering for final distribution.
• One of the best limiter plugins for transparent mastering and loudness optimization.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it: the absolute best limiter plugins in the game. 

All of them are powerful, precise, and packed with features that can take your tracks to the next level in a major way.

Plus, they can help you seriously maximize loudness, maintain dynamic integrity, and achieve a polished, professional sound like a boss. 

They’re all super solid, so it really just boils down to your personal preference, workflow, and the type of music you’re working on.

And, as a special bonus, you’ve got to check out these mind-blowing Free Sample Packs that can completely change the game for you. 

There’s everything from bass, melodies, and drum loops to invaluable project files that show you exactly how to create a professional beat from start to finish. 

Regardless of genre or style, there’s definitely something for you. 

And the best part (besides them being free) is that they’re created by some of the best producers and sound designers in the game. 

And, yes, they’re all 100% royalty-free, so you can use them however you’d like — whether for commercial releases, beat placements, or personal projects.

Circling back, all of the best limiter plugins we talked about today are designed to give you maximum control over your final mix.

This way, you’ll hit the perfect loudness levels without distortion every time.

They can help you completely eliminate digital clipping, maintain punchy transients, and shape your dynamics with precision. 

Just remember to always monitor your loudness levels, fine-tune your limiter settings, and trust your ears over numbers. 

This way, you can create loud, clean, and impactful masters like a true professional.

Until next time…