Software · head to head
A-Frame vs Mozilla Hubs
The short version
- Each has a real cost: A-Frame requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation; Mozilla Hubs the Internet Archive's capture of Mozilla Hubs' homepage on 31 December 2022 priced the Early Access Hub at $20 USD/month for unlimited spaces, 25 online guest capacity, and 2GB asset storage; the product's own support URL now redirects to a page titled 'end-support-mozilla-hubs', indicating the service has since been discontinued.
- They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Mozilla Hubs covers Browser-based VR.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which A-Frame and Mozilla Hubs actually diverge.
| Attribute | A-Frame | Mozilla Hubs |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | freemium |
| Platforms | Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices | Webvr, Web, Vr, Mobile |
| Founded | 2015 | 1998 |
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 Mozilla Hubs
- Browser-based VR
- Room creation
- Avatar system
- Spatial audio
- Spoke editor
- Custom assets
- Webhooks
- Vr support
Both cover
- Webvr support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
A-Frame
- Virtual reality web experiencesnot Mozilla Hubs
- Augmented reality applicationsnot Mozilla Hubs
- 3D web visualisationsnot Mozilla Hubs
- Interactive 3D content for web browsersnot Mozilla Hubs
Mozilla Hubs
- 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
Mozilla Hubs
- The Internet Archive's capture of Mozilla Hubs' homepage on 31 December 2022 priced the Early Access Hub at $20 USD/month for unlimited spaces, 25 online guest capacity, and 2GB asset storage; the product's own support URL now redirects to a page titled 'end-support-mozilla-hubs', indicating the service has since been discontinued.
Pricing, plan by plan
A-Frame
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the A-Frame review.
Mozilla Hubs
Free- FreeFree
- Public rooms
- Avatar customization
- Screen sharing
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 Mozilla Hubs if
- You need browser-based vr.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Webvr, Web, Vr, Mobile.
- You also want room creation.
Questions people ask
- Is A-Frame or Mozilla Hubs better?
- Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and Mozilla Hubs at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, A-Frame or Mozilla Hubs?
- A-Frame starts at Free and Mozilla Hubs at Free.
- Does A-Frame or Mozilla Hubs run on more platforms?
- A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. Mozilla Hubs runs on Webvr, Web, Vr, Mobile.
- 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 Mozilla Hubs is typically brought in for.
- What can A-Frame do that Mozilla Hubs cannot?
- A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. Mozilla Hubs covers Browser-based VR, Room creation, Avatar system, Spatial audio. Both handle Webvr support, Web support.