Side by side
entity vs SurfaBeam Pro
Both stand on projection mapping software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
Pick Entity if you need a local media server for layered show playback, projection mapping, and OSC control, and can build it from source on a supported Windows machine. Look elsewhere if audio playback or a shipped installer is essential, or if you need macOS or Linux now.
Visit entity Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1
SurfaBeam Pro combines surface mapping, layered media, and several casting options across mobile and desktop platforms. The permanent Free plan allows mapping but restricts project actions and marks output; Pro unlocks saving, loading, and exporting.
Visit SurfaBeam ProThe facts
| entity | SurfaBeam Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Personal (Windows direct installer): $39.99 a year |
| Plans published | 2 | 8 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | entitymedia.art | surfabeam.com |
| On projection mapping software | #7 of 24 | #11 of 24 |
entity: what it does well
- Free Community plan includes full media server features under GPLv3.
- Supports ProRes, HAP, and PNG sequences.
- Projection tools include calibration and soft-edge blending.
- Timeline supports clip, object-animation, and generative layers.
- Supports inbound and outbound OSC.
What to know first
- The current installation route requires building from source.
- Requires 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and a DirectX 12 GPU.
- Audio playback is unsupported, and source audio tracks are ignored.
- macOS and Linux ports have no ETA.
SurfaBeam Pro: what it does well
- Warp surface edges and mask areas.
- Layer transparent PNGs over video.
- Imports photos, videos, and GIFs.
- Camera tracking effects and 12 visualizer modes.
- Casting options include AirPlay and Chromecast.
What to know first
- Free output has a watermark and entry gate.
- Free does not allow saving, loading, or exporting.
- Supports one projector output.
- No DMX or timecode support.
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