Softwr

AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

A-Frame vs ShapesXR

A-Frame logo

A-Frame

AR/VR & Metaverse

Web framework for building VR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ShapesXR logo

ShapesXR

AR/VR & Metaverse

Collaborative XR prototyping platform

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; ShapesXR the free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint
  • They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, ShapesXR covers XR prototyping.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where A-Frame and ShapesXR differ
AttributeA-FrameShapesXR
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWeb (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devicesVr, Ar, Quest, Web
Founded20152019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR/VR & Metaverse).

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 ShapesXR

  • XR prototyping
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Interactions
  • Asset library
  • Figma
  • Sketch
  • Adobe XD
  • Vr support

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

A-Frame

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

ShapesXR

  • Designing and prototyping spatial and XR interfaces in a headsetnot A-Frame
  • Reviewing 3D product designs in context with a distributed teamnot A-Frame
  • Bringing Figma designs into VR for spatial layoutnot 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

ShapesXR

  • The free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint
  • The free Starter plan caps imports at 20MB and the canvas at 100 square metres
  • The Figma plugin, playable Figma prototypes and 200MB imports require a paid plan
  • Roles, permissions, presentation tools and a shared team asset library require the Business plan
  • Single sign on, multi-factor authentication and premium support are Enterprise only
  • No prices are published for the Professional, Business or Enterprise plans; each is Get a quote
  • The Business trial is 14 days

Pricing, plan by plan

A-Frame

Free

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

ShapesXR

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 projects
    • Collaboration
    • Basic 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 ShapesXR if

  • You need xr prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Ar, Quest, Web.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
ShapesXR review

Questions people ask

Is A-Frame or ShapesXR better?
Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and ShapesXR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, A-Frame or ShapesXR?
A-Frame starts at Free and ShapesXR at Free.
Does A-Frame or ShapesXR run on more platforms?
A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. ShapesXR runs on Vr, Ar, Quest, 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 ShapesXR is typically brought in for.
What can A-Frame do that ShapesXR cannot?
A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. ShapesXR covers XR prototyping, Real-time collaboration, Interactions, Asset library. Both handle Web support.
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