In the fast-moving world of electronic music production, it’s easy to wonder: is Serum still relevant in 2025? With new synths constantly hitting the market, producers from beginners building their first studio recording home setup to seasoned engineers teaching at online music production schools are asking if it's time to move on.

After years of teaching with Serum and across our 1-on-1 music production lessons over at FSA, here’s our honest, experience-based breakdown.

Soundtoys Decapitator is one of the most loved saturation and analog distortion plugins in the gameBbut at over £100, it's not always accessible for beginners, bedroom producers, or anyone working with a tight budget. The good news? In 2025, there are a handful of free saturation plugins that pack serious punch and can deliver similar grit, warmth, and harmonic character.

Whether you're producing house, techno, hip-hop, or just want to add warmth and presence to your tracks, these free Decapitator alternatives are definitely worth a spot in your plugin folder.