LightAct vs Fluence

LightAct7.4Visit Fluence7.1Visit

Higher score LightAct #7 in Projection Mapping Software 7.4/10 Free plan · paid from €1,770 Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit LightAct

vs

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

• LightAct fits best

  Windows teams needing study and projection mapping

• Fluence fits best

  Free live performers and projection designers

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Side by side

Feature	LightAct 7.4/10 Visit ↗	Fluence 7.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.4	7.1
Ranking	#7 in Projection Mapping Software	#9 in Projection Mapping Software
Best for	Windows teams needing study and projection mapping	Free live performers and projection designers
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows, macOS
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	13 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features LightAct 3/3 · Fluence 3/3
Edge blending	✓	✓
Live video input	✓	✓
3D mapping	✓	✓
Specs
Workflow	Hybrid	Hybrid
Projection outputs	2 outputs	Not published
Control protocols	Advanced	Advanced
Our review
Pros	Combines projection study, 2D mapping, 3D mapping, and calibration. Supports automatic blending, timecode, live inputs, and advanced control. Offers LightNet multi-server clustering and broad live-production integrations.	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	Runs only on Windows hardware with discrete Nvidia graphics. Easy Perpetual starts at €1,770 one-time. Several higher-tier license prices are not shown in the listed plans.	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	LightAct is media server software for live events and immersive fixed installations. It is designed for professional show operators, projection designers, and production teams working on large-scale video, lighting, and interactive… 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

• LightAct — where it wins

  • Combines projection study, 2D mapping, 3D mapping, and calibration.
  • Supports automatic blending, timecode, live inputs, and advanced control.
  • Offers LightNet multi-server clustering and broad live-production integrations.

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs only on Windows hardware with discrete Nvidia graphics.
  • Easy Perpetual starts at €1,770 one-time.
  • Several higher-tier license prices are not shown in the listed plans.

• 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

• LightAct7.4/10 · Free plan · paid from €1,770

  A Windows-focused media server with deep mapping, calibration, and live-control features.

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

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

  Visit FluenceFull verdict →