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 (a paid one-time license)
- Beat Markers — the standalone marker tool, now discontinued: what it did is included in Pulse Edit
- Pulse Edit (€13/month, cancel any time)
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 only need markers. Its features now live in Pulse Edit; the standalone app is no longer sold.
4. Pulse Edit
Pulse Edit 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
- 5 cut patterns (Every Beat, Beat + Upbeat, Half Time, Every Bar, Wedding) plus an Energy Map toggle)
- AI mood matching (6 presets)
- Chronological order for weddings (reads each clip's recording time; two synced cameras interleave automatically)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beat detection | Visual | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real timeline markers | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-edit clips to beats | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| AI mood matching | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Try before you commit | Free | ✗ | 3 uses | 14-day money-back |
| Price | Free | a paid one-time license | €13 / month (whole suite) | €13/month |
| Billing | — | One-time | One-time | Monthly, cancel any time |
My Recommendation
If you just need beat markers
Beat Markers is no longer sold on its own — what it did is part of Pulse Edit now, on the same €13/month licence as the rest of the suite. You still get real, snappable markers on the timeline, not just visual indicators, plus the auto-cut that Beat Markers never had. There are 3 free generations to try before you pay.
If you want a complete auto-edit workflow
Pulse Edit at €13/month (cancel any time) 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.
Beat Markers is no longer sold separately. Pulse Edit is €13/month with no lock-in — cancel yourself in one click, any time — and is backed by a 14-day money-back guarantee, with 3 free generations to try before you pay.
Download the legacy Beat Markers app (free, 3 uses)
3 free uses. Real markers on your DaVinci Resolve timeline. No credit card.
Download Free TrialBeat Markers is no longer sold separately — what it did is part of Pulse Edit. Get Pulse Edit.