Hydra

Free, open-source live-coding video synth that runs in the browser and renders with WebGL.

Open sourceCreative coding tools

Updated Nov 5, 2026 · AppBreakup editorial · Web

Visit Hydra See 7 alternatives

Is Hydra free?

Yes, free and open source

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To
TouchDesigner
Starting price: $600 Commercial licence
p5.js
Open source
Processing
Open source

Verified facts: 5 of 5
Alternatives ranked: 7
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Hydra

Hydra is a browser-based environment for live coding visuals, created by Olivia Jack and developed by a community of contributors. You type short JavaScript chains of sources, transforms and blends, modelled on patching an analog modular video synth, and the output updates on screen as you edit. It can take camera feeds, screen shares and videos as inputs, react to audio, mouse and MIDI, and stream video between browsers so several people can perform together. Performers use it for VJ sets and algorave visuals, and artists and teachers use it to explore feedback, fractals and shader-style pixel effects without setting up a toolchain. It also works as a library alongside p5.js, Three.js or Tone.js to add effects to a website. Hydra is free and open source under the AGPL, with documentation in several languages. It runs in any modern browser, including on phones.

Best for: Live-coding performers, VJs and creative coders who want instant browser-based generative visuals.

What works

Free and open source, nothing to install
Compact modular-synth style syntax gives results quickly
Audio-reactive, MIDI and camera input, plus browser-to-browser streaming
Can be embedded in websites or combined with p5.js and Three.js

Why people leave

Needs basic JavaScript comfort; there is no node or timeline editor
Visuals only; you need a separate tool for sound
Limited for 3D scenes compared with full creative-coding suites

Hydra vs TouchDesigner, p5.js and Processing

From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.

Attribute	Hydra	TouchDesigner	p5.js	Processing
Pricing	Open source	Free plan + paid	Open source	Open source
Verified price	—	$600 Commercial licence	—	—
Free plan	Free app	Yes	Free app	Free app
Open source	No	No	Yes	Yes
Self-hostable	No	No	No	No
Platforms	Web	Windows, macOS	Web	macOS, Windows, Linux

Top Hydra alternatives

See all 7

1To
TouchDesigner
Node-based visual tool for larger installations and pro VJ work, with deeper 3D support.
68.8
2
p5.js
Free JavaScript creative-coding library with a much bigger community and more drawing primitives.
64.8
3
Processing
Free code sketchbook that suits longer generative projects on the desktop.
61.8
4
Max (Cycling '74)
Visual patching for both audio and video (Jitter) in one environment.
59.4
5
three.js
JavaScript 3D library for building browser visuals in code when Hydra's 2D video-synth model feels limited.
55.9

Why people left Hydra

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Hydra: common questions

What is Hydra?

Hydra: Free, open-source live-coding video synth that runs in the browser and renders with WebGL. Best for live-coding performers, VJs and creative coders who want instant browser-based generative visuals. Available for Web.

Is Hydra free?

Yes. Hydra is free, open-source software.

Is Hydra open source?

No, Hydra is not open source. Open-source alternatives include p5.js, Processing and three.js.

What platforms does Hydra run on?

Hydra is available for Web.

What are the best alternatives to Hydra?

The highest-ranked Hydra alternatives right now are TouchDesigner, p5.js and Processing. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

Hydra vs TouchDesigner: what's the difference?

Hydra is free and open source; TouchDesigner is free with paid plans. Only Hydra runs on Web. Only TouchDesigner runs on Windows and macOS.

See all 7 Hydra alternatives

Hydra facts

5 of 5 verified

License: AGPL-3.0; Checked Nov 5, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0).”
Runs in browser: Yes; Checked Nov 8, 2026hydra.ojack.xyz(opens source in a new tab); “# Hydra is a live code-able video synth and coding environment that runs directly in the browser.”
Open source: Yes, free; Checked Nov 8, 2026hydra.ojack.xyz(opens source in a new tab); “It is free and open-source, and made for beginners and experts alike.”
Rendering: JavaScript compiled to WebGL; Checked Nov 8, 2026hydra.ojack.xyz(opens source in a new tab); “Hydra is written in JavaScript and compiles to WebGL under the hood.”
Creator: Olivia Jack; Checked Nov 8, 2026hydra.ojack.xyz(opens source in a new tab); “Hydra was created by olivia jack and is supported by a community of contributors.”