Softwr

AR VR · head to head

Babylon.js vs CryEngine

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

AR VR

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CryEngine logo

CryEngine

Game Development

Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain; CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Babylon.js and CryEngine differ
AttributeBabylon.jsCryEngine
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
CategoryAR VRGame Development
Founded19751999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 Babylon.js

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

Only in CryEngine

  • Advanced graphics
  • Physics engine
  • AI system
  • Animation tools
  • Flow Graph visual scripting
  • C++ and Lua support
  • Entity component system
  • Sandbox editor

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 CryEngine
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot CryEngine

CryEngine

  • Game engine for indie and professional game developmentnot Babylon.js
  • Real-time 3D rendering and visualizationnot Babylon.js
  • VR and immersive experience creationnot Babylon.js
  • Environmental and industrial simulationnot 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

CryEngine

  • A royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • Royalties are waived only on the first USD 5,000.00 of Gross Receipts per year per game
  • Royalties are calculated at source on gross receipts before any publisher or platform deductions, so a developer receiving 70% of USD 100,000 still owes USD 4,750
  • Military projects, gambling, simulation, science, architecture and serious games are excluded from the standard licence and are not covered as Games
  • The licence forbids combining CRYENGINE with code from other game engine providers
  • Supported platforms are limited to those Crytek announces at its sole discretion, listed in the agreement as Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
  • Support is only provided against payment of a separate Support Fee that Crytek may change at its sole discretion
  • Crytek may modify the licence agreement at any time, with the only remedy for disagreement being to stop using CRYENGINE

Pricing, plan by plan

Babylon.js

Free

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

CryEngine

Free
  • Free CRYENGINEFree
    • Free download and use in development
    • 5% royalty on revenue after shipping
    • First $5,000 annual revenue per project royalty-free

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.
Babylon.js review

Choose CryEngine if

  • You need advanced graphics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
  • You also want physics engine.
CryEngine review

Questions people ask

Is Babylon.js or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js starts at Free and CryEngine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Babylon.js or CryEngine?
Babylon.js starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does Babylon.js or CryEngine run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
Can I use Babylon.js for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that CryEngine cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Babylon.js: Is Babylon.js free to use?

Yes, Babylon.js is completely free. It is an open-source web rendering engine licensed under the Apache 2.0 license, which is permissive and does not restrict usage.

Source
CryEngine: Does CRYENGINE have a free version?

Yes, CRYENGINE is free to download and use for development. When you ship a project, a 5% royalty applies to revenue, but the first $5,000 annual revenue per project is royalty-free.

Source
Babylon.js: Can I use Babylon.js for commercial purposes?

Yes, the Apache 2.0 license permits free use for commercial purposes. You can use, modify, and distribute Babylon.js in commercial applications as long as you include a copy of the license and provide notice of significant changes.

Source
CryEngine: How much does CRYENGINE cost after launch?

CRYENGINE charges 5% royalty on revenue after your project ships. The first $5,000 in annual revenue per project is royalty-free; royalties apply only to revenue above that threshold.

Source
Babylon.js: Is there any paid support or commercial version of Babylon.js?

Babylon.js is open source with no paid tiers or commercial version. Community support is available through GitHub and documentation, but there are no official paid support contracts offered.

Source
CryEngine: What does CRYENGINE free tier include?

Free CRYENGINE access includes full source code, all engine features, and access to all supported platforms. No payment required for development; only per-revenue royalties apply after shipping.

Source
CryEngine: Does CRYENGINE offer custom enterprise licensing?

Yes, CRYENGINE offers custom-tailored enterprise licensing built around individual needs. Specific pricing is not disclosed and requires contacting the vendor.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Babylon.js

More on CryEngine

Keep looking

Other head to heads