Ghost Arcade vs Fluence

Ghost Arcade7.7Visit Fluence7.1Visit

Higher score Ghost Arcade #5 in Projection Mapping Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Ghost Arcade

vs

Fluence #9 in Projection Mapping Software 7.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Fluence

• Ghost Arcade fits best

  Open-source VJ and projection experiments

• Fluence fits best

  Free live performers and projection designers

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Side by side

Feature	Ghost Arcade 7.7/10 Visit ↗	Fluence 7.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.7	7.1
Ranking	#5 in Projection Mapping Software	#9 in Projection Mapping Software
Best for	Open-source VJ and projection experiments	Free live performers and projection designers
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	10 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Ghost Arcade 3/3 · Fluence 3/3
Edge blending	✓	✓
Live video input	✓	✓
3D mapping	✓	✓
Specs
Workflow	Hybrid	Hybrid
Projection outputs	Not published	Not published
Control protocols	Advanced	Advanced
Our review
Pros	Corner, mesh, mask, blend, and multi-display projection tools 200+ effects, GPU shader instruments, and dual-deck VJ playback Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux with MIDI, OSC, and Ableton Link	Free access to layered composition, mapping, blending, and live inputs Advanced control through MIDI, OSC, keyboard, API, and MCP Supports 3D models, multi-display output, automation, recording, and export
Cons	No paid tiers for teams seeking a planned commercial progression AGPL-3.0 licensing may not fit every proprietary distribution model Its broad feature set may be more than simple mapping projects need	Free use includes a periodic watermark Desktop software for Windows and macOS Its broad feature set may require careful configuration for live shows
Our verdict	Ghost Arcade is desktop software for projection mapping and live visual performance, aimed at VJs, projection artists, and developers exploring open-source visual workflows. It combines layers for video, images, text, 3D models, point… Read the review →	Fluence is a desktop visual performance studio for live VJing, projection mapping, and motion graphics. It suits performers and projection designers who need to combine prepared arrangements with real-time control. The workflow brings… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Ghost Arcade — where it wins

  • Corner, mesh, mask, blend, and multi-display projection tools
  • 200+ effects, GPU shader instruments, and dual-deck VJ playback
  • Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux with MIDI, OSC, and Ableton Link

  Where it doesn't

  • No paid tiers for teams seeking a planned commercial progression
  • AGPL-3.0 licensing may not fit every proprietary distribution model
  • Its broad feature set may be more than simple mapping projects need

• Fluence — where it wins

  • Free access to layered composition, mapping, blending, and live inputs
  • Advanced control through MIDI, OSC, keyboard, API, and MCP
  • Supports 3D models, multi-display output, automation, recording, and export

  Where it doesn't

  • Free use includes a periodic watermark
  • Desktop software for Windows and macOS
  • Its broad feature set may require careful configuration for live shows

• Ghost Arcade7.7/10 · Free plan

  A broad, free toolkit for projection mapping, live visuals, and VJ performance.

  Visit Ghost ArcadeFull verdict →
• Fluence7.1/10 · Free plan

  A broad free toolkit for live visuals, projection mapping, and multi-display performance.

  Visit FluenceFull verdict →