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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

A-Frame vs Defold

A-Frame logo

A-Frame

AR/VR & Metaverse

Web framework for building VR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Defold logo

Defold

AR/VR & Metaverse

The game engine for the creators of King

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; Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where A-Frame and Defold differ
AttributeA-FrameDefold
Pricing modelopen-sourcefree
PlatformsWeb (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devicesWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseUnknown
Founded20152005

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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight

What people use each for

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

A-Frame

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

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot A-Frame
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot A-Frame
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on 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

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

Pricing, plan by plan

A-Frame

Free

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

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

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 Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold review

Questions people ask

Is A-Frame or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and Defold at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, A-Frame or Defold?
A-Frame starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does A-Frame or Defold run on more platforms?
A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. Defold 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 Defold is typically brought in for.
What can A-Frame do that Defold cannot?
A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects.
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