Software · head to head
A-Frame vs Gravity Sketch
The short version
- Each has a real cost: A-Frame requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation; Gravity Sketch free plan limited to 150MB cloud storage and 3 simultaneous users per room
- They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Gravity Sketch covers VR design.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which A-Frame and Gravity Sketch actually diverge.
| Attribute | A-Frame | Gravity Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | freemium |
| Platforms | Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices | VR (Meta Quest, Steam, Web) |
| Founded | 2015 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Gravity Sketch
- VR design
- Desktop app
- Surface modeling
- Collaboration
- Import/export
- Presentation mode
- Rhino
- Alias
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
A-Frame
- Virtual reality web experiencesnot Gravity Sketch
- Augmented reality applicationsnot Gravity Sketch
- 3D web visualisationsnot Gravity Sketch
- Interactive 3D content for web browsersnot Gravity Sketch
Gravity Sketch
- Spatial 3D design and conceptualisation in VRnot A-Frame
- Collaborative product design sessionsnot A-Frame
- Conceptual model generationnot A-Frame
- Engineering and design team collaboration in immersive environmentnot 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
Gravity Sketch
- Free plan limited to 150MB cloud storage and 3 simultaneous users per room
- File format support limited to OBJ and STL on free plan; other formats require paid plan
- Evaluation tools (surface contours, viewpoints, section tool) not available on free tier
- VR access requires Meta Quest, Steam, or web app; limited to specific platforms
- Data localisation only available on Enterprise plan
Pricing, plan by plan
A-Frame
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the A-Frame review.
Gravity Sketch
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Gravity Sketch review.
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.
Choose Gravity Sketch if
- You need vr design.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on VR (Meta Quest, Steam, Web).
- You also want desktop app.
Questions people ask
- Is A-Frame or Gravity Sketch better?
- Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and Gravity Sketch at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, A-Frame or Gravity Sketch?
- A-Frame starts at Free and Gravity Sketch at Free.
- Does A-Frame or Gravity Sketch run on more platforms?
- A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. Gravity Sketch runs on VR (Meta Quest, Steam, 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 Gravity Sketch is typically brought in for.
- What can A-Frame do that Gravity Sketch cannot?
- A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. Gravity Sketch covers VR design, Desktop app, Surface modeling, Collaboration.