Software · head to head
Babylon.js vs V-Ray
The short version
- Only Babylon.js has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain; V-Ray licences are subscription only with no perpetual option listed for any product
- They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, V-Ray covers Ray tracing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Babylon.js and V-Ray actually diverge.
| Attribute | Babylon.js | V-Ray |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $29/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native | Windows, MacOS, Linux |
| Founded | 1975 | 1997 |
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 Babylon.js
- WebGL/WebGPU rendering
- Physics engines
- GUI system
- Node material editor
- WebXR
- glTF
- Havok physics
- Azure
Only in V-Ray
- Ray tracing
- Global illumination
- GPU rendering
- CPU rendering
- Materials
- Lighting
- VR output
- Scene intelligence
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Babylon.js
- Web 3D rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiencesnot V-Ray
- Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot V-Ray
V-Ray
- Photorealistic rendering for architecture and product visualisationnot Babylon.js
- Real time and ray traced rendering inside CAD and 3D applicationsnot Babylon.js
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Babylon.js
- JavaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain
V-Ray
- Licences are subscription only with no perpetual option listed for any product
- Subscription terms renew automatically
- Cloud rendering runs on separately purchased credits, with the Pro tier at $25.30 a month for 1,000
- Enterprise pricing requires contacting sales
Pricing, plan by plan
Babylon.js
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Babylon.js review.
V-Ray
$29/month- V-Ray Solo$60/month
- 1 workstation
- 5 render nodes
- V-Ray Premium$80/month
- Multiple apps
- Cloud credits
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose V-Ray if
- You need ray tracing.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want global illumination.
Questions people ask
- Is Babylon.js or V-Ray better?
- Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js starts at Free and V-Ray at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Babylon.js or V-Ray?
- Babylon.js has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Babylon.js and $29/month for V-Ray.
- Does Babylon.js or V-Ray run on more platforms?
- Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. V-Ray runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Can I use Babylon.js for free?
- Yes. Babylon.js has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. V-Ray starts at $29/month.
- What is Babylon.js best used for?
- Babylon.js is most often used for web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences, cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support. Of those, web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences and cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support are not what V-Ray is typically brought in for.
- What can Babylon.js do that V-Ray cannot?
- Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. V-Ray covers Ray tracing, Global illumination, GPU rendering, CPU rendering.
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- V-Ray vs Corona Renderer
- V-Ray vs D5 Render
- V-Ray vs Twinmotion
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- V-Ray vs OpenSCAD
- V-Ray vs PrusaSlicer
- V-Ray vs Siemens NX
- V-Ray vs ZBrush
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