Synesthesia vs Radiance

Synesthesia8.9Visit Radiance8.6Visit

Higher score Synesthesia #4 in Audio Visualizer Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Synesthesia

vs

Radiance #7 in Audio Visualizer Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Radiance

• Synesthesia fits best

  High-end custom live visual scenes

• Radiance fits best

  Open-source shader effects across desktops

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Side by side

Feature	Synesthesia 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Radiance 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.6
Ranking	#4 in Audio Visualizer Software	#7 in Audio Visualizer Software
Best for	High-end custom live visual scenes	Open-source shader effects across desktops
Pricing model	Paid	Free
Starting price	$60/yr	Free plan
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	8 integrations	2 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business
Features Synesthesia 0/4 · Radiance 0/4
Waveform visuals	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Spectrum visuals	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Video export	—	Not checked yet
Transparent export	—	Not checked yet
Specs
Max resolution	4k	Not checked yet
Platform coverage	Desktop	Desktop
Max audio length	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Live shader coding with Shadertoy and ISF imports MIDI, OSC, Syphon, Spout and NDI support Projector, LED wall and livestream output workflows	150+ preloaded GPU-accelerated shader effects Beat detection, multi-screen output, and projection mapping Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons	Standard costs $199 one time Trial output includes a watermark No native video-file export	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
Our verdict	Synesthesia is desktop VJ software for DJs, VJs, musicians and creative coders who need real-time visuals that respond to music. It runs on macOS and Windows and supports media inputs including video, images, logos and webcams. The… 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

• Synesthesia — where it wins

  • Live shader coding with Shadertoy and ISF imports
  • MIDI, OSC, Syphon, Spout and NDI support
  • Projector, LED wall and livestream output workflows

  Where it doesn't

  • Standard costs $199 one time
  • Trial output includes a watermark
  • No native video-file export

• 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

• Synesthesia8.9/10 · Paid

  A deep live-visual toolkit for custom scenes, routing and performance control.

  Visit SynesthesiaFull verdict →
• Radiance8.6/10 · Free plan

  A capable open-source choice for shader-driven live visuals, beat detection, and projection mapping.

  Visit RadianceFull verdict →