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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

A-Frame vs Construct 3

A-Frame logo

A-Frame

AR/VR & Metaverse

Web framework for building VR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Construct 3 logo

Construct 3

Game Development

Create games without coding. Powered by the Scirra engine.

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; Construct 3 the free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
  • They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Construct 3 covers Visual event system.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which A-Frame and Construct 3 actually diverge.

Attributes where A-Frame and Construct 3 differ
AttributeA-FrameConstruct 3
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWeb (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devicesWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseGame Development
Founded20152007

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 Construct 3

  • Visual event system
  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite editor
  • Particle effects
  • Sound effects
  • Web-based
  • HTML5 support

What people use each for

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

A-Frame

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

Construct 3

  • Building 2D browser games without writing codenot A-Frame
  • Publishing HTML5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one projectnot 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

Construct 3

  • The free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
  • Free projects are limited to 2 layers, 2 special effects, 1 timeline animation of up to 5 seconds and 1 web font
  • The free version can only publish to HTML5 and the Construct Arcade, so desktop, Android, iOS and Facebook Instant Games all need a paid plan
  • Licences are per seat and annual, at $129.99 for Personal, $168.99 for Startup Business and $468.99 for Business

Pricing, plan by plan

A-Frame

Free

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

Construct 3

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Web-based editor
    • HTML5 export
    • Asset library
  • Personal$99/year
    • All Free features
    • Offline editor
    • Advanced export

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 Construct 3 if

  • You need visual event system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want drag-and-drop editor.
Construct 3 review

Questions people ask

Is A-Frame or Construct 3 better?
Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and Construct 3 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, A-Frame or Construct 3?
A-Frame starts at Free and Construct 3 at Free.
Does A-Frame or Construct 3 run on more platforms?
A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. Construct 3 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
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 Construct 3 is typically brought in for.
What can A-Frame do that Construct 3 cannot?
A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop editor, Physics engine, Sprite editor.
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