Suspense sound effects
Create edge-of-your-seat moments with our suspense sound effects. Whether you're building tension in a film, podcast, or video game, these sounds are designed to amplify unease, anticipation, and drama. Explore everything from eerie drones to dramatic stingers — perfect for thrillers, horror, crime, and high-stakes content.
Selected sound effects to create suspense
Popular suspense sound effects
Risers
Build tension before the big reveal with slow-building risers that ramp up energy and suspense.
Heartbeat sounds
Simulate panic and pressure with realistic heartbeat sounds, great for close calls and emotional tension.
Stingers
Sharp, sudden sounds perfect for jump scares, dramatic twists, or scene transitions.
Time pressure
Ticking clocks and countdowns that build urgency and suspense in high-stakes scenes.
Breathing sounds
Enhance suspense with tense, realistic breathing sound effects. From shaky gasps to heavy breaths, these sounds add intimacy and anxiety to any scene.
Reaction & gasps
Heighten suspenseful moments with reaction sound effects like gasps, shudders, and surprised breaths. Perfect for jump scares, reveals, and tense scenes.
What are suspense sound effects
Suspense sound effects build tension and keep audiences on edge by adding unsettling and dramatic audio cues. They’re used to heighten mystery, danger, and anticipation in scenes.
Common examples of suspense sound effects include:
- Low drones and ominous hums to create unease
- Slow heartbeats to raise anxiety
- Creaking doors and footsteps for a sense of approaching danger
- Sudden sharp sounds or stingers to startle or highlight surprises
- Whispered voices or eerie echoes to build mystery
- Rising whooshes or escalating tones for building intensity
Music for suspense
Sound effects are only half the story—set the full tone with music that heightens suspense. From slow-building tension beds to dark, cinematic themes, explore our collection of suspense music designed to keep your audience on edge. Perfect for thrillers, horror, and dramatic storytelling.
Build suspense with the perfect sound
Looking for more than just suspense? Our extensive collection includes sound effects for everything from cinematic trailers and horror scenes to social content and storytelling. With over 200,000 sound effects and variations, it’s easy to find the right sound for any moment.