If you want a free solution today, look for SFZ players using the "Pocket Steel" or "VSCO-2 Steel" samples, or use Vital (free synth) with custom wavetables and very slow portamento per-voice. No perfect all-in-one free pedal steel VST exists yet.
: A long-standing freeware choice that includes a Steel Guitar patch. free pedal steel vst
offers a free "Steel Guitar" plugin. While it leans more toward a standard acoustic steel or lap steel sound, it can be manipulated with pitch-bend automation in your DAW to simulate pedal steel dips. Ink Audio - Ink Steel If you want a free solution today, look
If you have $0 to spend, you can build a pedal steel sound by combining free utility plugins: What is a good free Pedal Steel VST? offers a free "Steel Guitar" plugin
Best for: Sound design & lo-fi