Radiance
Radiance: A capable open-source choice for shader-driven live visuals, beat detection, and projection mapping. Ranked #7 of 35 in Audio Visualizer Software by our editors (8.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source shader effects across desktops.
At a glance
- Editor score8.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source shader effects across desktops
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Radiance
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 uses beat detection to synchronize visuals with incoming audio. Distribution covers Windows, macOS, and Linux, making Radiance suitable for performers and visual artists who want an open-source desktop tool rather than a browser-based service.
Its standout strength is the combination of breadth and control. Radiance includes over 150 preloaded effects, GPU-accelerated shader processing, and live WGSL shader editing. That gives users both a ready-made library and a path to modify or create shader-driven visuals. MPV and yt-dlp integrations support parts of its media and online-input workflow, while video clips, images, webcams, live streams, and YouTube videos provide several ways to feed content into a performance. This makes it a stronger fit for creative experimentation than for a narrowly defined audio-only visualizer.
Radiance also addresses venue and installation needs with multi-screen output and a projection-mapping editor. Those capabilities make it relevant to live shows, visual installations, and performances that extend beyond a single display. The trade-off is focus: live WGSL editing and projection mapping may be more involved than needed for someone seeking a small preset-based visualizer. Choose Radiance for open-source desktop visuals with shader customization, beat detection, and flexible output. Choose another type of tool if your priority is a browser or mobile workflow, or a simpler interface centered only on quick audio-reactive effects.
Your product? Our editors can test Radiance in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Radiance pricing
Radiance fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Waveform visuals | Not verified |
| Spectrum visuals | Not verified |
| Video export | Not verified |
| Transparent export | Not verified |
| Max resolution | Not verified |
| Platform coverage | Desktop |
| Max audio length | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: MPV, yt-dlp |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | radiance.video |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Radiance integrations
Radiance lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- MPV
- yt-dlp
Alternatives to Radiance
- FosforaA cross-platform VJ engine for layered, audio-reactive live visual production.9.4
- BeatVisualiserA flexible visualizer maker with a useful free tier and local browser rendering.9.2
- Magic Music VisualsA deep desktop visualizer for VJs and audiovisual creators who need real-time control.9.0
See all Radiance alternatives →
Radiance vs the competition
- Radiance vs Fosfora
- Radiance vs BeatVisualiser
- Radiance vs Magic Music Visuals
- Radiance vs Synesthesia
- Radiance vs SYQEL
- Radiance vs Le Biniou
Compare Radiance with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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