Comparison

SurfaBeam vs PicoMap

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SurfaBeam

Transform any surface into a dynamic display with this intuitive mobile projection mapping tool. Easily map videos, animations, and images onto real-world objects without complex desktop software. Ideal for creators, artists, and event planners seeking powerful visual effects on the go.

Highlights
  • Intuitive mobile projection mapping
  • Map videos, images, and animations
  • Advanced shape library & multi-surface mapping
  • Export maps for professional content creation
  • Precision grid warping with gesture controls
  • Real-time rendering and video sync
  • Multi-media support
Read full description

TRANSFORM REALITY WITH SURFABEAM: THE ULTIMATE PROJECTION MAPPING TOOL Turn your projector into a magic wand. SurfaBeam is the most intuitive projection mapping tool designed specifically for mobile creators, digital artists, and event planners. Whether you are a professional VJ, a creative designer, or just hosting an unforgettable house party, SurfaBeam lets you map videos, animations, and images onto any real-world surface—instantly. Forget complex desktop software, expensive media servers, and heavy hardware. SurfaBeam puts the power of a professional video mapping studio right in your pocket. Connect your device to any digital projector and start warping reality in seconds. This is Projection Mapping made easy, accessible, and powerful. EASY CONNECTION No computer needed! Connect your phone or tablet to any projector using: Wired (Recommended): Use a USB-C to HDMI or Lightning Digital AV Adapter for zero lag. Wireless: Supports AirPlay, Screen Mirroring. WORKFLOW IN 3 STEPS Notice: Advanced features listed below are available via In-App Purchase (Subscription or One-Time). Connect: Link your device to the projector. Map: Drag the on-screen grid to match your physical object (wall, box, or decor). Play: Pick a video or image and watch it warp instantly! KEY FEATURES & CAPABILITIES Advanced Shape Library & Multi-Surface Mapping New in this version! Your creativity is no longer limited to squares. Use our new Multiple Shapes tool to map complex geometries, irregular sculptures, and detailed architectural elements simultaneously. Export Maps for Professional Content Creation Bridge the gap between mobile mapping and desktop editing. Export your mapped layouts directly from SurfaBeam. Use these exports as templates in video editing software (like Adobe After Effects) to design custom content that fits your specific mapping setup perfectly. Precision Grid Warping with New Gesture Controls We have completely overhauled our touch interaction workflow. Fit your visuals perfectly to any shape with our Rebuilt Gesture System. Whether it represents a flat wall or a cylinder, our advanced mesh allows for detailed Keystone Correction and Corner Pinning. Includes a new in-app tutorial for beginners! Real-Time Rendering & Video Sync See your adjustments live! There is no rendering time. As you move the grid points, the projection updates instantly. Features a new Video Synchronization Button to ensure your loops and visuals play back smoothly without stuttering—perfect for live VJ performances. Multi-Media Support Project high-resolution videos, photos, logos, or custom graphics directly from your device's gallery. SurfaBeam handles high-quality playback for crisp, stunning visual effects with transparency control and layering. PERFECT FOR EVERY USE CASE Live Events & VJing: Elevate your DJ set. Use SurfaBeam as a mobile VJ tool to create stunning stage visuals and music visualizers that sync with the vibe , also similar to lazy lighting app. Holiday Digital Decoration: Halloween: Project singing pumpkins, spooky ghosts, or portals onto your windows. Christmas: Map animated snow and festive lights onto your tree or walls without physical wiring. Art Installations & Exhibitions: Project dynamic textures and motion graphics onto sculptures. Create immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences visible to the naked eye. Business & Branding Displays: Make your brand pop! Project your logo onto unique surfaces at trade shows or corporate lobbies. A projection-mapped logo grabs far more attention than a TV screen. SurfaBeam is more than just an app; it is a creative revolution. Privacy Policy: https://www.surfabeam.com/privacy Terms Of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula Quick Workflow Video: Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/NjB2owlqp-4?si=HZoRPMUXDV8W0w_p

About

PicoMap

Transform any surface into a dynamic display using your iPhone. Easily map videos and photos onto walls, stages, or objects without a computer. Offers advanced controls for precise adjustments and creative effects.

Highlights
  • Four-corner surface mapping
  • Import videos and photos
  • Multi-layer mixing
  • Customizable masks
  • Real-time FX controls
  • Audio-reactive and MIDI control
Features
Read full description

Turn walls, stages, and objects into moving light. PicoMap is projection mapping built for iPhone. Connect a projector, drag four corners, and play your own videos and photos — no computer, no complicated desktop software. HOW IT WORKS Connect your iPhone to a projector Drag the four corners to match your surface Drop in a video or photo and play KEY FEATURES Four-corner adjustment for precise surface mapping Import videos and photos from Photos or Files Build and mix up to four layers Rectangle, circle, triangle, diamond, and custom masks Opacity, soft-edge, and real-time FX controls Kaleidoscope, pixelate, chromatic, and strobe effects Audio-reactive and MIDI control Dual-channel live mixing Freeze, Blackout, Safe Scene, and master intensity Optional downloadable CC video library Portrait-first controls designed for iPhone Japanese and English interface MADE FOR Live shows, DJs, VJs, and stage performances Shops, exhibitions, and events Installations and video art Room lighting and creative experiments Anyone trying projection mapping for the first time All you need is an iPhone, a projector, and the right cable or adapter. External output and resolution depend on your device and display setup.

Screenshots

SurfaBeam4 screens
PicoMap4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: SurfaBeam at 4 against PicoMap's 2. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SurfaBeam sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and PicoMap sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SurfaBeam ships an update fortnightly, PicoMap monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
SurfaBeam versus PicoMap: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSurfaBeamPicoMap
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (18 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews78.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings18 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size520 MB99 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOsman Ahsan SheikhCode and DESIGN inc.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

SurfaBeam

Subscriptions3
  • SurfaBeam Pro – Monthly$6.991 Month
  • SurfaBeam Pro – Quarterly$19.993 Months
  • SurfaBeam Pro – Yearly$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro Access$99.99
1 purchases

PicoMap

One-time1
  • PicoMap Full Access$2.99

Questions

Is SurfaBeam free?
SurfaBeam is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PicoMap free?
PicoMap is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SurfaBeam or PicoMap have ads?
Neither SurfaBeam nor PicoMap shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SurfaBeam or PicoMap?
SurfaBeam ships an update fortnightly, and PicoMap monthly. Most recently, SurfaBeam was updated on October 19, 2026 and PicoMap on October 12, 2026.

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