Side by side

Fluence vs Ghost Arcade

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.

Fluence

Free plan MacWindows

Fluence combines live clip composition and performance controls with projection mapping and recording tools. Its free download includes the full feature set, but a periodic watermark remains until license activation.

Visit Fluence

Ghost Arcade

Free plan Open source APIiPhoneLinux+4

Ghost Arcade combines mapping, show simulation, and live VJ controls in a free desktop app, with a companion iPhone and iPad app. Check the platform and download requirements first, especially if you need Linux or AI shader generation.

Visit Ghost Arcade

The facts

	Fluence	Ghost Arcade
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Yes
Runs on	Mac, Windows	API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Ghost Arcade iPhone/iPad: $1.99, paid once
Plans published	1	4
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	fluencelive.com	ghostarcade.live
On projection mapping software	#5 of 24	#1 of 24

Fluence: what it does well

Includes 16 types of clips
Supports keyboard, MIDI, and OSC controls
Offers warping grids and edge blending
Exports in 12 codecs

What to know first

Free download adds a periodic watermark
Windows requires a Vulkan-capable graphics card
Mac support requires Apple Silicon and macOS 13 or later

Ghost Arcade: what it does well

Free desktop software with all features and no expiry
Includes 180+ effects and real-time GPU shader instruments
Offers projection and 3D stage simulators
Supports MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link, and NDI
iPhone and iPad app includes camera inputs and LiDAR scans

What to know first

Version 2.0.16 desktop download requires an email address
Linux is listed for the legacy build
AI shader generation requires your own API key
iPhone and iPad app costs $1.99, paid once

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