Liveblocks vs Partykit: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Liveblocks and Partykit comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Liveblocks
Real-time collaboration infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Liveblocks is a toolkit for building real-time collaborative features
- • It provides presence, cursors, and synchronized state for multiplayer apps
Partykit
Real-time multiplayer infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • PartyKit is a platform for building real-time collaborative applications
- • It provides WebSocket infrastructure for multiplayer and sync features
| At a Glance |  Liveblocks |  Partykit |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Multiplayer Backend | Multiplayer Backend |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Liveblocks | Partykit |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Multiplayer BackendAPI Tools | Multiplayer BackendHosting & Deployment |
Understanding the Differences
Both Liveblocks and Partykit solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Liveblocks positions itself as "real-time collaboration infrastructure" while Partykitfocuses on "real-time multiplayer infrastructure". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Liveblocks
Liveblocks makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Partykit
Partykit is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Liveblocks lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Liveblocks
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Liveblocks handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Liveblocks
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Liveblocks
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Liveblocks, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Liveblocks higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Partykit more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Liveblocks Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Partykit If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Liveblocks (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Liveblocks scores higher in our analysis, but Partykit might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liveblocks or Partykit better?
Based on our analysis, Liveblocks scores higher with 86/100. Liveblocks isfreemium while Partykit is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Liveblocks to Partykit easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Liveblocks and Partykit offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Liveblocks is freemium with a free tier.Partykit is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.