MadMapper vs Fluence

MadMapper8.2Visit Fluence7.1Visit

Higher score MadMapper #4 in Projection Mapping Software 8.2/10 Free plan · paid from €39/mo Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit MadMapper

vs

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

• MadMapper fits best

  Artists and installations needing affordable mapping

• Fluence fits best

  Free live performers and projection designers

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Side by side

Feature	MadMapper 8.2/10 Visit ↗	Fluence 7.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.2	7.1
Ranking	#4 in Projection Mapping Software	#9 in Projection Mapping Software
Best for	Artists and installations needing affordable 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, macOS	Windows, macOS
Support	Tickets, Community	Email, Docs
Integrations	11 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features MadMapper 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	Supports multiple projectors, 3D surfaces, masking, warping, and blending Connects with MIDI, OSC, Art-Net, DMX, sACN, NDI, and more Includes timelines, cues, generative materials, and live video inputs	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	The free edition adds watermarks and recurring DMX channel blackouts The Artist license applies to the current 6.xx version Desktop editions are limited to Windows and macOS	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	MadMapper is desktop software for projection mapping, LED mapping, and stage visuals. It is aimed at visual artists, scenographers, stage designers, VJs, installations, and live shows that need to shape video across physical or LED… 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

• MadMapper — where it wins

  • Supports multiple projectors, 3D surfaces, masking, warping, and blending
  • Connects with MIDI, OSC, Art-Net, DMX, sACN, NDI, and more
  • Includes timelines, cues, generative materials, and live video inputs

  Where it doesn't

  • The free edition adds watermarks and recurring DMX channel blackouts
  • The Artist license applies to the current 6.xx version
  • Desktop editions are limited to Windows and macOS

• 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

• MadMapper8.2/10 · Free plan · paid from €39/mo

  A capable desktop mapper with broad live-control support and flexible licensing.

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

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

  Visit FluenceFull verdict →