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Software · head to head

AltspaceVR vs Babylon.js

A

AltspaceVR

Software

Social VR platform for events and meetups

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

Software

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AltspaceVR shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com; Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain
  • They diverge on capability: AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AltspaceVR and Babylon.js actually diverge.

Attributes where AltspaceVR and Babylon.js differ
AttributeAltspaceVRBabylon.js
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsVr, Pc, QuestWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (1975).

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 AltspaceVR

  • Event hosting
  • World building
  • Avatar system
  • Spatial audio
  • Microsoft accounts
  • Streaming
  • Custom content
  • Vr support

Only in Babylon.js

  • WebGL/WebGPU rendering
  • Physics engines
  • GUI system
  • Node material editor
  • WebXR
  • glTF
  • Havok physics
  • Azure

What people use each for

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

AltspaceVR

  • VR Gamingnot Babylon.js
  • AR Marketingnot Babylon.js
  • Virtual Trainingnot Babylon.js
  • 3D Visualizationnot Babylon.js
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Babylon.js

Babylon.js

  • Web 3D rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiencesnot AltspaceVR
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot AltspaceVR

Where each one falls short

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

AltspaceVR

  • Shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
  • Microsoft acquired it in 2017 and the closure came alongside wider cuts, so there is no path back
  • Mesh is aimed at business use rather than the consumer social VR AltspaceVR offered

Babylon.js

  • JavaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain

Pricing, plan by plan

AltspaceVR

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Event hosting
    • World creation
    • Social features

Babylon.js

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Babylon.js review.

Which should you pick?

Choose AltspaceVR if

  • You need event hosting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
  • You also want world building.
AltspaceVR review

Choose Babylon.js if

  • You need webgl/webgpu rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
  • You also want physics engines.
Babylon.js review

Questions people ask

Is AltspaceVR or Babylon.js better?
Neither clearly leads. AltspaceVR starts at Free and Babylon.js at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AltspaceVR or Babylon.js?
AltspaceVR starts at Free and Babylon.js at Free.
Does AltspaceVR or Babylon.js run on more platforms?
AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest. Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
Can I use AltspaceVR for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is AltspaceVR best used for?
AltspaceVR is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization. Of those, vr gaming and ar marketing are not what Babylon.js is typically brought in for.
What can AltspaceVR do that Babylon.js cannot?
AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor.
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