If you edit videos to music in DaVinci Resolve, you know the pain: manually scrubbing through waveforms, tapping markers on beats, cutting clips one by one. Beat detection plugins automate this workflow, saving hours on every project.
But which plugin should you choose? In this guide, I'll compare every beat detection option available for DaVinci Resolve in 2026, including pricing, features, and what each one actually does.
The Options
There are currently 4 options for beat-synced editing in DaVinci Resolve:
- DaVinci Resolve built-in (free, limited)
- BeatEdit for DaVinci Resolve ($99)
- Beat Markers (€17.50 launch price)
- Pulse Edit Free (€39.99, regular €64.99)
1. DaVinci Resolve Built-in Beat Detection
DaVinci Resolve 18+ includes Analyze Audio Beat > Mark Beats. It shows visual beat indicators on the audio waveform.
Limitation: These are visual indicators only. They're not real markers — clips don't snap to them, and you can't use them for automated workflows. You still cut everything manually.
Best for: Quick visual reference when you don't want to install anything.
2. BeatEdit for DaVinci Resolve
BeatEdit by mamoworld is the most established beat detection plugin. It originated on Premiere Pro and was later ported to DaVinci Resolve.
What it does: Detects beats and places markers on the timeline. Offers controls for beat strength filtering and subdivision.
What it doesn't do: No auto-editing of clips to the beat. Markers only.
Best for: Editors who want reliable beat detection and are comfortable with manual cutting.
3. Beat Markers
Beat Markers is a lightweight beat detection tool built specifically for DaVinci Resolve. It detects beats using AI-powered analysis and places real, snappable Blue markers directly on the timeline.
- AI-powered BPM and beat detection
- Adjustable sensitivity slider
- Beat subdivisions support
- Real markers (not visual indicators)
- English and Italian interface
- 3 free trial uses, no credit card
Best for: Editors who want fast, accurate beat markers at an affordable price. The 3 free uses let you try before buying.
4. Pulse Edit Free
Pulse Edit Free is a complete auto-editing solution. It includes everything Beat Markers does, plus automatic clip placement and AI mood analysis. It works with all DaVinci Resolve versions, including Free, via OTIO export.
- Everything in Beat Markers
- Auto-edit clips from Media Pool to timeline
- 11 cut patterns including Energy Map
- AI mood matching (6 presets)
- Works with all DaVinci Resolve versions (Free and Studio)
Best for: Editors who want a complete auto-edit workflow — reels, music videos, wedding recaps, event content.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Resolve Built-in | BeatEdit | Beat Markers | Pulse Edit Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beat detection | Visual | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real timeline markers | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-edit clips to beats | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| AI mood matching | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | Free | ✗ | 3 uses | 3 uses |
| Price | Free | $99 | €17.50 | €39.99 (regular €64.99) |
| Subscription | No | No | No | No |
My Recommendation
If you just need beat markers
Beat Markers at €17.50 is the best value. It's cheaper than BeatEdit ($99), has a free trial (BeatEdit doesn't), and the AI beat detection is accurate. You get real, snappable markers on the timeline — not just visual indicators.
If you want a complete auto-edit workflow
Pulse Edit Free at €39.99 (regular €64.99) is the only option that auto-edits clips to beats with smart cut patterns and AI mood matching. Nothing else on the market does this for DaVinci Resolve — and it works with all DaVinci Resolve versions, including Free.
Both are one-time purchases with no subscription. Both include free trial uses so you can test before committing.
Try Beat Markers Free
3 free uses. Real markers on your DaVinci Resolve timeline. No credit card.
Download Free Trial