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AR VR · head to head

A-Frame vs Tiled

A-Frame logo

A-Frame

AR VR

Web framework for building VR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tiled logo

Tiled

Game Development

Flexible level editor for 2D games

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: A-Frame no commercial support or SLA agreements documented; Tiled no official iOS or Android builds; desktop-only distribution
  • They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Tiled covers Tile layers.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where A-Frame and Tiled differ
AttributeA-FrameTiled
PlatformsWeb (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devicesWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryAR VRGame Development
Founded20152008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), 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 Tiled

  • Tile layers
  • Object layers
  • Terrain tool
  • Auto-mapping
  • Wang tiles
  • Custom properties
  • Scripting (JavaScript)
  • Multiple export formats

What people use each for

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

A-Frame

  • 3D and AR/VR web experiencesnot Tiled
  • WebVR applicationsnot Tiled
  • WebGPU implementationsnot Tiled
  • Hand-tracking interactive contentnot Tiled

Tiled

  • Tile-based maps for RPGs, platformers, and Breakout-style gamesnot A-Frame
  • Orthogonal, isometric, and hexagonal map layoutsnot A-Frame
  • Object layers (rectangles, ellipses, polygons, points) for collision boxes, spawn points, and triggersnot A-Frame
  • Large 'infinite' maps and multi-map world projectsnot A-Frame
  • Export to game engines via built-in/scripted exporters using the open TMX formatnot A-Frame

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

A-Frame

  • No commercial support or SLA agreements documented
  • No enterprise licensing options available
  • Documentation and community support are primary resources

Tiled

  • No official iOS or Android builds; desktop-only distribution
  • No official browser-based version of the editor itself, despite exporting to many engine formats
  • Building from source requires a Qt 6.2+ / C++ / Qbs toolchain
  • Multi-license codebase (GPL 2.0 application plus Apache 2.0 and BSD components), so redistributors must track which license applies per file

Pricing, plan by plan

A-Frame

Free

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

Tiled

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Free and open source level editor
    • GNU license free software
    • Download from itch.io or GitHub

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 Tiled if

  • You need tile layers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want object layers.
Tiled review

Questions people ask

Is A-Frame or Tiled better?
Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and Tiled at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, A-Frame or Tiled?
A-Frame starts at Free and Tiled at Free.
Does A-Frame or Tiled run on more platforms?
A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. Tiled runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 3d and ar/vr web experiences, webvr applications, webgpu implementations, hand-tracking interactive content. Of those, 3d and ar/vr web experiences and webvr applications are not what Tiled is typically brought in for.
What can A-Frame do that Tiled cannot?
A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. Tiled covers Tile layers, Object layers, Terrain tool, Auto-mapping.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

A-Frame: Is A-Frame free to use?

A-Frame is a free, open-source web framework for building 3D, AR, and VR experiences. There are no licensing costs or subscription fees associated with using A-Frame.

Source
Tiled: How much does Tiled cost?

Tiled is completely free. It is a free and open source level editor licensed under GNU free software principles.

Source
A-Frame: What platforms does A-Frame support?

A-Frame is cross-platform and works on VR headsets, mobile devices, and desktop computers. It supports WebVR, WebGPU, and hand tracking capabilities.

Source
Tiled: Where can I download Tiled?

Tiled can be downloaded at no cost from itch.io or from the project's GitHub repository. There is no cost barrier to downloading, installing, or using Tiled.

Source
A-Frame: What is the difference between A-Frame and traditional 3D development frameworks?

A-Frame uses HTML and Entity-Component architecture to simplify 3D creation. This makes building immersive experiences accessible to web developers without specialized 3D graphics expertise.

Source
Tiled: How is Tiled funded?

Tiled is funded through sponsorships from over 200 sponsors who donate approximately 3,600 USD per month. This currently funds the lead developer for 2 days per week of work.

Source
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