How to Try or Demo Waves Plugins for Free

POSTED 5th OF Feb, 2026, Posted by Summer Magdaraog

How to Try or Demo Waves Plugins for Free How to Try or Demo Waves Plugins for Free

If you’re curious about Waves plugins but want to test them before committing, you’re in the right place. Waves offers a demo mode that lets you evaluate individual plugins, bundles, or even all plugins through Waves Creative Access without paying upfront. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to try Waves plugins safely and easily.


What Is Demo Mode?

Demo mode allows you to experience the full functionality of Waves plugins before purchase. While in demo mode, the plugins will periodically mute audio, which is Waves’ way of letting you explore the software without a license. Once you decide to buy, you can unlock the full version by activating your licenses.

This is ideal if you want to:

  • Test different plugins on your projects.
  • Compare features across bundles.
  • Ensure compatibility with your DAW before purchasing.

How to Install Waves Plugins in Demo Mode

All demo installations are done through Waves Central, Waves’ official plugin management software. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Download and Install Waves Central

• Go to the Waves Central download page and select your operating system (Mac or Windows).

• If you already have Waves Central installed, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Launch Waves Central

 Windows: Use the desktop shortcut or go to Start Menu > All Programs > Waves Central.

 Mac:Open Applications > Waves Central.

Step 3: Log In to Your Account

Use your Waves credentials to sign in. This ensures you have access to all available plugins and bundles.


How to Demo Individual Plugins or Bundles

Once you’re logged in, you can select specific plugins or bundles to evaluate:

  1. Click the Install Products page.
  2. Go to the All Products tab.
  3. Use the search bar to find the plugin(s) or bundle(s) you want to try.
  4. Select the plugin(s) or bundle(s).
  5. Click Install.

Your selected products will now be installed in demo mode, ready to use in your DAW. Remember, audio will mute periodically while using these plugins until you activate the license.


How to Demo Waves Creative Access (All Plugins)

If you want to explore every Waves plugin at once, Waves Creative Access is the way to go. Here’s how to demo it:

1. Navigate to the Waves Creative Access page in Waves Central.

2. Click Install Demo.

3. In the pop-up window, you can choose:

  • Whether to install sample libraries for Waves Instruments and Cosmos Sample Finder.
  • Whether to install SD or HD samples.

4. Click Install Demo to begin the installation.

Once installed, all Waves plugins will be available in your DAW in demo mode, ready for evaluation.


Tips for Using Waves Plugins in Demo Mode

 Periodic Muting: Audio will mute at regular intervals across all plugin instances. This is normal for demo mode.

 Activation: To unlock full functionality, simply activate the plugin licenses in Waves Central.


Try Before You Buy

Demo mode is a risk-free way to explore Waves plugins before subscribing to Waves Creative Access or purchasing a perpetual license. Whether you want to test one plugin or the entire suite, Waves Central makes it easy and straightforward.

Start your demo today, experiment with the sounds, and find the perfect plugin for your workflow.

Share: