Normcore vs Photon Fusion

Normcore is a networking solution for Unity multiplayer applications. It provides networked physics, persistent spaces, voice chat and XR support, with EasySync for synchronizing properties without code; that component can also be converted to a C# RealtimeComponent. Voice over IP and audio streaming can be added to a prefab using a Unity component. For Unity WebGL builds, it supports multiplayer and voice chat through WebRTC without code modifications. The service is aimed at desktop, console, mobile, VR, AR and WebGL projects, with game servers across cloud providers that select regions based on client latency. Normcore Private offers deployment on dedicated cloud servers or on-premises hardware, with support for custom server-side C# or C++ plugins. Its Public plan is free and includes 100 room hours and 120GB of bandwidth per month. Pro costs $49 a month and includes 10,000 room hours and 3TB of bandwidth. Unlimited costs $49 a month plus usage beyond 10,000 room hours and 3TB of bandwidth.

Photon Fusion is a state-transfer netcode SDK for multiplayer games made with Unity, Unreal, and Godot. Its tick-based simulation supports client-side prediction and snapshot interpolation, while lag compensation addresses the delay between a client firing and the server registering a possible hit. Developers can choose full-consistency replication or eventual-consistency replication, which uses less bandwidth per object. Available network topologies include dedicated server, client host, and shared authority. Engine availability has qualifications: the product page lists all three engines, while documentation marks Unreal as early access and says Godot early access is available by contacting Photon. Dedicated-server use is described as a headless Unity build and requires third-party server orchestration at additional cost. Free plans include a 100-CCU option and a development-only option for 20 concurrent users. A one-time 100-CCU plan costs 95.00 USD for 12 months; monthly plans include 125.00 USD for 500 CCU. Premium Cloud is billed at 0.50 USD per CCU per month, with a 1,000 USD monthly minimum. All plans include online documentation, samples, tutorials, video streams, and help with account, billing, and service-status issues.