Software · head to head
A-Frame vs Medium by Adobe
The short version
- Only A-Frame has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Medium by Adobe covers VR sculpting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which A-Frame and Medium by Adobe actually diverge.
| Attribute | A-Frame | Medium by Adobe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $9.99/month |
| Pricing model | open-source | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices | Vr, Quest |
| Founded | 2015 | 1982 |
Identical on both: 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 Medium by Adobe
- VR sculpting
- Layer system
- Stamps
- Move tool
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Substance
- FBX export
- Vr support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
A-Frame
- Virtual reality web experiencesnot Medium by Adobe
- Augmented reality applicationsnot Medium by Adobe
- 3D web visualisationsnot Medium by Adobe
- Interactive 3D content for web browsersnot Medium by Adobe
Medium by Adobe
- VR Gamingnot A-Frame
- AR Marketingnot A-Frame
- Virtual Trainingnot A-Frame
- 3D Visualizationnot A-Frame
- Immersive Experiencesnot 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
Medium by Adobe
Nothing recorded yet. See the Medium by Adobe review.
Pricing, plan by plan
A-Frame
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the A-Frame review.
Medium by Adobe
$9.99/month- Medium$9.99/month
- Full sculpting tools
- Export
- Adobe integration
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 Medium by Adobe if
- You need vr sculpting.
- You work on Vr, Quest.
- You also want layer system.
Questions people ask
- Is A-Frame or Medium by Adobe better?
- Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and Medium by Adobe at $9.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, A-Frame or Medium by Adobe?
- A-Frame has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for A-Frame and $9.99/month for Medium by Adobe.
- Does A-Frame or Medium by Adobe run on more platforms?
- A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. Medium by Adobe runs on Vr, Quest.
- Can I use A-Frame for free?
- Yes. A-Frame has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Medium by Adobe starts at $9.99/month.
- 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 Medium by Adobe is typically brought in for.
- What can A-Frame do that Medium by Adobe cannot?
- A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. Medium by Adobe covers VR sculpting, Layer system, Stamps, Move tool.