Photon Engine vs Liveblocks: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Photon Engine and Liveblocks 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Photon Engine
Simplifies multiplayer game development with robust networking, communication, and scaling solutions.
Best for you if:
- • You need game engines features specifically
- • Provides high-performance networking engines for multiplayer games.
- • Offers secure voice and text chat with advanced features.
Liveblocks
Real-time collaboration infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Liveblocks is a toolkit for building real-time collaborative features
- • It provides presence, cursors, and synchronized state for multiplayer apps
| At a Glance |  Liveblocks | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Game Engines | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Photon Engine | Liveblocks |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Game EnginesMultiplayer Backend | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Photon Engine and Liveblocks Compare
Photon Engine
Simplifies multiplayer game development with robust networking, communication, and scaling solutions.
Free tier available
Liveblocks
Real-time collaboration infrastructure
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Photon Engine is a game engines tool. Liveblocks is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Photon Engine
Want the highest-rated option?
Liveblocks scores 86/100. Photon Engine is unrated.
Go with: Liveblocks
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Liveblocks
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Photon Engine is a game engines tool. Liveblocks is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Liveblocks
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Photon Engine
- Better fit for game engines
The Bottom Line
Liveblocks (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photon Engine or Liveblocks better?
Liveblocks scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Photon Engine and Liveblocks used for?
Photon Engine: Simplifies multiplayer game development with robust networking, communication, and scaling solutions.. Liveblocks: Real-time collaboration infrastructure.
What does Photon Engine cost vs Liveblocks?
Photon Engine is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Liveblocks is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.