COMPARISON · UPDATED 2026-09-28
Browser-based audio-reactive visuals with no download — free for streamers.
Synesthesia is desktop visual software with a free watermarked trial and one-time licences from $199. Vortexia runs free in your browser as an OBS Browser Source.
Synesthesia Live is a beautiful generative-visual desktop tool popular with musicians and live performers. Vortexia is a browser-based audio-reactive engine built specifically for streaming workflows — paste one URL into OBS Browser Source and it works. Vortexia is free to start and has no install; Synesthesia has a free trial with no time limit that watermarks its output, and one-time licences of $199 (Standard) and $399 (Pro). For musicians performing live with custom visual sets Synesthesia is excellent. For streamers and DJs, Vortexia needs no install and no Syphon, Spout or NDI setup, and it reacts to Twitch, Kick and YouTube channel events.
| Feature | Vortexia | Synesthesia Live |
|---|---|---|
| Price to start | Free ($0) | Free trial (watermarked, no time limit); licences $199 / $399 one-time |
| Install | None — runs in any browser | Desktop download |
| Built for | Streamers & DJs | Musicians, live performers |
| Visual styles | 13 presets across 8 engines; 3 presets and 3 engines free, the rest from $4.99/mo | Scene library, plus custom scenes you write yourself |
| Getting it into OBS | Browser Source URL | Syphon / Spout on every plan; NDI on Pro |
| MIDI / OSC control | No — dashboard, shortcuts and Stream Deck trigger links | Yes, on every plan |
| Per-band reactivity (bass/mid/treble) | Built in — no install, runs in the browser | Yes — desktop app |
| Reacts to stream events (subs, bits, raids, hype trains) | Yes — each event drives its own distinct treatment | No — it has no connection to your Twitch or YouTube channel |
| Watermark removal | From $4.99/mo or $49.99/yr | A paid licence, from $199 one-time |
You are a musician performing live with custom visuals tailored to your set and you want a desktop-native experience with deep visual control.
You are a streamer or DJ who wants reactive visuals in OBS in 60 seconds, with a free tier that has no time limit.