Head-to-head · Audio Visualizer Software
Fosfora vs Radiance
Fosfora leads on 0 checks, Radiance on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFosfora · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresFosfora · 4 of 4
Fosfora scores higher on our rubric for audio visualizer software: 9.4 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
Fosfora is the better fit for advanced cross-platform live visual production. Radiance is the better fit for open-source shader effects across desktops.
- Fosfora fits best
Advanced cross-platform live visual production
- Radiance fits best
Open-source shader effects across desktops
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Side by side
| Feature | Fosfora 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Radiance 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #1 in Audio Visualizer Software | #7 in Audio Visualizer Software |
| Best for | Advanced cross-platform live visual production | Open-source shader effects across desktops |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Fosfora 4/4 · Radiance 0/4 | ||
| Waveform visuals | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Spectrum visuals | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Video export | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Transparent export | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Max resolution | 8k | Not checked yet |
| Platform coverage | Desktop | Desktop |
| Max audio length | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Fosfora is a free, open-source desktop music visualizer and VJ engine for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It analyzes computer audio in real time and drives GPU-rendered shaders, particle simulations, and layered compositions. The software is… Read the review → |
Radiance is free, open-source video art software for VJs and live performers who need generated visuals across desktop operating systems. It connects shader effects with video clips, images, webcams, live streams, and YouTube videos, then… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Fosfora — where it wins
- Audio-reactive shaders, particles, waveforms, spectra, and spectrograms
- Up to eight compositing layers with blend modes and media inputs
- NDI, Spout, Syphon, virtual-camera output, and video recording
Where it doesn't
- Its extensive controls may require more setup than simpler visualizers
- WGSL shader editing is aimed at users comfortable with shader workflows
- It focuses on desktop live production rather than a lightweight mobile workflow
Radiance — where it wins
- 150+ preloaded GPU-accelerated shader effects
- Beat detection, multi-screen output, and projection mapping
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-only distribution excludes browser and mobile workflows
- Live WGSL editing favors users comfortable with shader code
- Its broad live-performance toolkit may exceed simple visualizer needs
- Fosfora9.4/10 · Free plan
A cross-platform VJ engine for layered, audio-reactive live visual production.
Visit FosforaFull verdict → - Radiance8.6/10 · Free plan
A capable open-source choice for shader-driven live visuals, beat detection, and projection mapping.
Visit RadianceFull verdict →
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- BeatVisualiser vs Radiance
- Magic Music Visuals vs Radiance
All audio visualizer software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update