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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

A-Frame vs Armory3D

A-Frame logo

A-Frame

AR/VR & Metaverse

Web framework for building VR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Game Development

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: A-Frame requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation; Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch
  • They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Armory3D covers Blender integration.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which A-Frame and Armory3D actually diverge.

Attributes where A-Frame and Armory3D differ
AttributeA-FrameArmory3D
Pricing modelopen-sourcefree
PlatformsWeb (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devicesWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseGame Development
Founded20152016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in A-Frame

  • Declarative HTML
  • Entity-component system
  • WebXR support
  • Cross-platform
  • Three.js
  • AR.js
  • Physics engines
  • Networking

Only in Armory3D

  • Blender integration
  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Audio system
  • Haxe scripting
  • Particle effects
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

A-Frame

  • Virtual reality web experiencesnot Armory3D
  • Augmented reality applicationsnot Armory3D
  • 3D web visualisationsnot Armory3D
  • Interactive 3D content for web browsersnot Armory3D

Armory3D

  • 3D game developmentnot A-Frame
  • Blender-based gamesnot A-Frame
  • Web gamesnot A-Frame

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

A-Frame

  • Requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation

Armory3D

  • Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch

Pricing, plan by plan

A-Frame

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the A-Frame review.

Armory3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Blender integration
    • 3D graphics

Which should you pick?

Choose A-Frame if

  • You need declarative html.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices.
  • You also want entity-component system.
A-Frame review

Choose Armory3D if

  • You need blender integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
  • You also want 3d graphics rendering.
Armory3D review

Questions people ask

Is A-Frame or Armory3D better?
Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and Armory3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, A-Frame or Armory3D?
A-Frame starts at Free and Armory3D at Free.
Does A-Frame or Armory3D run on more platforms?
A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
Can I use A-Frame for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is A-Frame best used for?
A-Frame is most often used for virtual reality web experiences, augmented reality applications, 3d web visualisations, interactive 3d content for web browsers. Of those, virtual reality web experiences and augmented reality applications are not what Armory3D is typically brought in for.
What can A-Frame do that Armory3D cannot?
A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system.
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