Best Plugins 2025: I want the ultimate plugin list to end all plugin lists, regardless of price. What is the best-in-class (in your opinion) of each on this list?

Best VST Effect Plugins 2025: I want the ultimate plugin list to end all plugin lists, regardless of price. What is the best-in-class (in your opinion) of each on this list? I'd like this list to gain traction so people can come back to it for reference. Feel free to copy everything below and then give a brief reason why for each program if you'd like. Thank you in advance.

If this does well I'd like to do a separate post for VSTI instruments in the same style as this one, again for reference.

Dynamics & Gain Control

• Compressor
• Limiter
• Expander
• Gate
• De-Esser
• Transient Shaper
• Saturation / Clipper

Equalization & Filtering

• Parametric EQ
• Multi-band Compressor
• Filter
• Resonant Filter

Modulation Effects

• Chorus
• Flanger
• Phaser
• Tremolo
• Vibrato
• Auto-Pan

Time-Based Effects

• Reverb (algorithmic, convolution)
• Delay (mono, stereo, ping-pong, tape, multi-tap)
• Echo

Distortion & Harmonic FX

• Distortion
• Overdrive
• Fuzz
• Bitcrusher
• Tape Emulation
• Exciter / Enhancer

Spatial & Stereo Imaging

• Stereo Widener
• Stereo Imager
• Haas Effect
• Mid/Side Processor
• Middle Remover (Like Phantom Center)

Pitch & Time

• Pitch Shifter
• Harmonizer
• Vocoder
• Formant Shifter
• Autotuner
• Pitch Correction/Melodyne style programs

Specialty & Utility

• Amp Simulator / Cab IR Loader
• Noise Reduction / Restoration
• De-click / De-hum
• Analyzer / Metering
• Spectrum Analyzer
• Loudness Meter
• Utility Plugins (gain, mute, mono maker, phase inverter)
• A/B Reference Software (Metric AB type software)