Are free PMV makers worth it, or should I pay?

Good news: Onset Engine has a free demo, so you can test before buying. Here's the full breakdown:

Free options

Onset Engine Demo - free, full AI pipeline, all 9 presets, all VFX. Limitations: watermark on exports, 720p/30fps max, 1-minute DJ Mode sessions. This is honestly the best way to test if automatic beat-sync editing works for you.

Auto PMV Generator (Python script) - free, automated, but requires Python + FFmpeg setup, command-line knowledge, and hasn't been updated since 2021. Basic onset detection only, no preview.

DaVinci Resolve - free, professional-grade, but 100% manual. Every cut placed by hand. A 4-minute PMV takes 2-4 hours.

Paid options

Onset Engine Core ($29.50 with code ONSET50OFF, normally $59) - removes watermark, 1080p/60fps, unlimited DJ Mode, all VFX, 1 PC license.

Onset Engine Studio ($59.50 with code ONSET50OFF, normally $119) - everything in Core plus 4K export, OTIO export for Premiere/Resolve, Triptych vertical format, Highlights/Teaser exports, DJ-to-Video export.

Premiere Pro / Vegas Pro - $23/month or around $400. Manual editing, no beat-sync automation.

My take: Start with the free demo. If you like how the beat detection works, Core at $29.50 is a no-brainer for the watermark removal and 1080p. Studio is worth it if you need 4K or want to bring edits into Premiere/Resolve via OTIO for further polish.