BeatDrop Music Visualizer vs Synesthesia
BeatDrop Music Visualizer
github.comSynesthesia
synesthesia.liveSide by side
| Figure | BeatDrop Music Visualizer | Synesthesia |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Visualizer Software | 8.0 (#11) | 7.6 (#20) |
| Product | BeatDrop is a standalone music visualizer built around a custom MilkDrop2 engine. | Synesthesia is an audio-reactive visual instrument for creating live music visuals for projection, LED walls, and livestreams. |
| Support | The maker asks users to report bugs through GitHub Issues or contact them on Discord, X, or Instagram; donations are welcomed through Ko-fi. | The maker directs users to Discord, Facebook groups, and email for questions and support. |
Plans
Synesthesia
- Trial VersionFree
- Standard License$199, paid once
- Pro License$399, paid once
In their own words
BeatDrop Music Visualizer
BeatDrop Music Visualizer is a Windows desktop visualizer built around a custom MilkDrop2 engine. It responds to speaker or microphone audio, including sound from media players, and includes more than 10,000 presets alongside compatibility with MilkDrop.milk presets. Visual tools include custom waves and shapes, beat detection controls, transitions, shader caching, and drag-and-drop preset loading. Presets can react to mouse and keyboard input, while shaders can use FFT and waveform data as well as system time and date. It also supports synchronized LRC lyrics, a timestamp editor, and a local lyrics cache; matching lyrics are fetched from LRCLIB. Spout can route visuals to supported apps including OBS, Resolume, TouchDesigner, and Unity. On Windows 10 version 1809 or later, system media controls provide now-playing details, playback position, and seeking. The normal build supports Windows 8.1, 10, and 11; an OldOS build covers Vista through Windows 11. The free, open-source software costs nothing. Requirements include 2 GB RAM, a WASAPI-compatible sound card, and a compatible GPU.
Synesthesia
Synesthesia has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.