Side by side
netcode.io vs Photon Fusion
Both stand on game networking middleware. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Choose netcode.io if you need a UDP protocol for multiplayer client-server connections, with token-based authorization and packet security. Look elsewhere if matchmaking must be part of the protocol; it is not included.
Visit netcode.io
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4
Fusion offers multiple replication and topology choices for multiplayer game networking. Review engine availability and deployment requirements, as well as the plan limits and minimums, before choosing an approach.
Visit Photon FusionThe facts
| netcode.io | Photon Fusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | 500 CCU: $125 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | photonengine.com |
| On game networking middleware | #9 of 29 | #13 of 29 |
netcode.io: what it does well
- Encrypts and signs packets using libsodium.
- Protects against crafted packets, replay, and amplification attacks.
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6 connections.
- Lists implementations in seven languages and engine environments.
- Free under the BSD 3-Clause license.
What to know first
- Matchmaking is not included.
- Building requires CMake 3.16 or later.
- The project says versions 1.3.5 and earlier had a nonce-reuse issue.
Photon Fusion: what it does well
- Supports client-side prediction and snapshot interpolation
- Offers three network topologies
- Eventual consistency uses less bandwidth per object
- Free options include 100 CCU and development-only 20 CCU
What to know first
- Unreal is marked early access in current documentation
- Godot early access requires contacting Photon
- Dedicated servers need third-party orchestration at extra cost
- Premium Cloud has a $1,000 monthly minimum
Alternatives to netcode.io Alternatives to Photon Fusion The whole list