Software comparison

QLab vs Resolume Arena

QLab is a show-control application, while Resolume Arena is a VJ application — they overlap in places but are often used together rather than as substitutes.

	QLab	Resolume Arena
Developer	Figure 53	Resolume
Country	United States	Netherlands
Category	Show control	VJ software
Platforms	macOS	Windows, macOS
Licence	Free to program; paid licences to run advanced features	Perpetual licence per major version
Skill level	Beginner → Pro	Beginner → Pro
First release	—	2002
Best for	Theatre sound and video playback with simple mapping.	Live visuals for concerts and clubs with mapping on stage sets.
Key features	Cue-based show control Video surfaces with corner-pin & mesh warp Audio playback & mixing MIDI / OSC / Network cues	Live VJ mixing & effects Advanced Output for projection mapping Edge blending DMX / Art-Net output SMPTE timecode Audio-reactive & BPM sync NDI, Syphon/Spout

Verdict

Only Resolume Arena runs on Windows.

Choose QLab for theatre sound and video playback with simple mapping.

Choose Resolume Arena for live visuals for concerts and clubs with mapping on stage sets.

Facts are curated and checked against vendor websites; licences and prices change — always confirm on the official sites before buying.

QLab alternatives · Resolume Arena alternatives · All software