Best AI Sound Effects Generators for 2026
In this article, I’m going to share a few of my favorite tools for creating AI sound effects in 2026.
While the world has been obsessing over AI images and video, the sound effects and music industry has been quietly evolving in the background.
It isn’t always as "flashy" as a viral AI video, which is why adoption has been a bit slower—but don’t let that fool you. AI sound is about to become a mainstream staple for every creator's toolkit.
Here are the top 3 AI SFX Generators that we tested:
Adobe’s AI SFX Generator
Kling’s AI SFX Generator
Elevenlabs AI SFX Generator
I’ve personally run each of these tools through over 20 rigorous tests, comparing them against industry-standard sound libraries to see how they actually hold up in a real edit.
As in typical Curious Refuge fashion, this breakdown is fast-paced and packed with the info you need to start leveraging these tools today.
I hope you enjoy!
AI SFX Tool #1: Adobe
Adobe’s entry into the SFX space actually surprised us. While some of their AI tools are massive time-savers, others can be hit or miss. However, when you consider the cost and sheer ease of use, this is a top-tier contender.
The Pros:
Insane Ease of Use: The interface is clean and intuitive. 1
Blazing Fast: You aren't waiting around for generations.
Audio Prompting: A unique way to find the perfect sound without typing a single word.
Suite Integration: If you’re already paying for Creative Cloud, it’s basically free to try.
The Cons:
The "Adobe Tax": If you aren't already a subscriber, Adobe is notorious for being pricey.
Cinematic Struggles: It can struggle with complex cinematic SFX like risers or hits.
The feature that really sets Adobe apart is Audio Prompting.
Whether you have a recording of footsteps that isn't quite high-quality enough, or you have a specific sound concept that you just can’t find the words for, you can use an existing sound to prompt the AI.
It's a game-changer for those "I'll know it when I hear it" moments.
AI SFX Tool #2: Kling
When we were researching the best tools for this list, we were incredibly surprised to find an AI SFX feature tucked inside Kling. And… it’s actually really good.
The Pros:
All-in-One Workflow: Generate your video and your audio in the same tab.
Affordable: It only costs a couple of credits per generation.
Great Variety: You get four distinct options with every single generation.
The Cons:
Audio Peaking: With louder sounds, we noticed some unnatural digital "peaking."
Complexity: Like Adobe, it still struggles with those hyper-stylized cinematic transitions.
Since so many creators are already utilizing Kling for AI video generation, having sound effects in the same platform is a massive win for your workflow.
In our opinion, this ties for the number one spot when you factor in convenience.
AI SFX Tool #3: ElevenLabs
ElevenLabs began its reign as the undisputed champion of AI voice generation. But as other models have come into the fold, we’ve noticed their gifting lies much more in voice than in music or SFX.
The Pros:
Familiarity: Most AI creators already have an account and know the layout.
Budget-Friendly: If you’re already subbed for voice, it’s a solid "extra" to have.
The Cons:
Unrealistic Cadence: Sounds often lack the natural rhythm required for Foley.
Speed: It’s currently lagging behind other tools in terms of generation time.
While their SFX tool is decent, the generation process felt a bit slow and inconvenient compared to the competition.
When we tested it with footsteps, the results were a bit "off"—there was no realistic cadence or pace to the walking, making it hard to use in a professional edit.
Learn AI Filmmaking… for Free!
We created this completely free Intro to AI Storytelling course that we would love for you to be a part of.
In the course, you get access to our Discord channel, where we host weekly office hours, insight into the state of the film industry, and practical tips geared toward helping you create beautiful films using the latest workflows.
Thank you so much for joining us for this audio journey. If there is a specific AI tutorial or technique you’d like us to cover in the future, please let us know below!
Best of luck on all your creative projects!
